The Times_Spring Home Improvement_030719

Spring it on!

SPECIAL SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT EDITION Thursday, March 7, 2019

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Spring Home Improvement

Thursday, March 7, 2019

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Quick and simple ways to make a front door pop Metro Creative Services

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Purchasing a new mattress can lead to better sleep. This is a bedroom renovation worth pursuing.

How mattresses affect your quality of sleep Metro Creative Services People make many renovations around their homes to improve their quality of life. When attention turns to the bedroom, some changes can greatly affect quality of sleep.

The temperature of the bedroom, its configuration and lighting can impact a person’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. However, the item that may bear the most influence is the mattress.

The Better Sleep Council says whether one wakes up feeling rested and healthy depends largely on the age of a mattress and its condition.

A good mattress should alleviate pressure on joints while providing bodily support. It should not be a contributor to aches and pains. Mattresses that are seven years or older may need to be replaced.

A century or two ago, mattresses were constructed of whatever people had on hand — from feathers to pine needles to straw.

That’s all changed today.

But even though there are many options, it’s key for people to discover which

material is right for them.

Innerspring Innerspring (also called coil) mattresses have been around for some time.

These metal springs provide internal support.

The number of coils, types of coils and distribution pattern throughout the mattress impacts how well the bed will conform to the body.

These mattresses may be best for back or stomach sleepers due to their level of support.

Keep in mind that innerspring mattresses may have limited durability and may start to sag after just a few years.

Memory foam Memory foam mattresses are relatively recent additions to the market.

According to the mattress shopping resource The Sleep Judge, memory foam mattresses may eventually replace innerspring mattresses.

Famous for its ability to contour to the shape of the user’s body, memory foam envelops a person and absorbs energy.

This means there’s less

motion transfer.

That’s a big plus when sleeping with a partner who moves around in bed.

Memory foam provides a high level of pressure point relief and promotes proper spine alignment.

Gel foam Gel foam mattresses bounce back to their original form when pressure is released.

Hollow columns in the mattress allow for increased air flow that improves this pressure release and enables people to sleep coolly and comfortably.

Sometimes gel is paired with memory foam for a hybrid mattress.

Latex Latex mattresses are coveted due to their durability and comfort. Latex also conforms to the body, but more generally than memory foam, so it bounces back quickly.

One of the biggest draws to latex mattresses is how natural they are. Latex is made from natural rubber.

Cost can be prohibitive, however, as latex mattresses tend to be expensive.

Visitors’ impressions of a home are often dictated by the home’s entryway.

Must as one may judge a book by its cover, the same can be said about the impression that a front door and entryway can create, regardless of how accurate that impression is.

Making certain changes to an entryway can go a long way toward improving curb appeal.

Entryways also can set the scene for a home’s interior.

Whether one chooses to be classic or bold, modern or traditional, there are various ways to quickly transform a home’s entryway. u BOLD FRONT DOOR COLOR: Color can dramatically enhance an entryway. Painting an existing door or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the trick.

The DIY Network says certain colors stand out as favorites. These include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, orange, and black.

The door color should complement the other shades of the home, such as those on siding and trim. u CUSTOM WALKWAY: Guide guests right to the front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway.

Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may fit the bill. This walkway can extend to the street or to the driveway. u CONTAIN PLANTS. Landscaping around the entryway should be neat and well-tended. Overgrown plants or shrubbery

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The entryway to a home garners a lot of attention. Homeowners can enhance their spaces with entryways that really make a statement. may give off an air of neglect. Container plants and carefully curated shrubs can create a neat and inviting aura. u HIGHLIGHT THE ADDRESS. Make sure the home can be found easily with bold and decorative house numbers. Consider two different address signs: one illuminated and easily viewed from the curb, and another closer to the front door. u UTILIZE HIGH-END MATERIALS. The relatively small area of real estate by the front door enables homeowners to splurge on more opulent materials that can really add a feeling of luxury.

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These can include colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures. u ADD ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS. Find out which architectural elements will meld with the style of the home and then incorporate them. Moldings, columns, shutters, and trim are areas to consider.

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Painting can give a home a facelift, and oftentimes it is smart to turn the work over to professionals to ensure the job is done just right.

When it’s a good idea to hire a painting pro Metro Creative Services Few things can revitalize a home more readily than a fresh coat of paint.

Thanks in part to the affordability of paint and its ease of application, painting is something that even novice DIYers can typically handle.

According to the marketing advice guru Brandon Gaille, it is estimated that residential interior paint only lasts around three years before it needs to be updated. Exterior paint can fade, chip and peel due to various environmental factors. As a result, many homes can likely use a fresh coat of paint in at least one room.

As DIY-friendly as painting can be, when attempting to paint the interior or exterior of their homes, homeowners may learn that some painting projects are best left to the profession-

als. Painting requires skill, patience and a knowledge of how various paints — including finishes for particular applications — will hold up.

Novice painters may do more harm than good by dripping paint on expensive carpeting or floors or fail to recognize the nuances that indicate a spot-on painting job.

Professional painters have spent hours upon hours learning the ropes of what works — and what does not. Painters often understand that painstaking preparatory work is crucial to getting pristine finished results. Walls and ceilings must be properly repaired and prepared even before a base coat is applied.

Professional painters also have an eye for details. And because professional painters make a business out of doing interior and exterior surfaces, they understand

which techniques can improve efficiency. That means a professional job can typically be completed much more quickly than a DIY project.

Even though some people think they’ll save money by painting their own homes, that’s not necessarily true.

Professionals already have all the equipment necessary, unlike novices who may need to make repeated and potentially costly trips to the hardware store for supplies. Plus, if mistakes happen, DIYers have to spend additional time and money fixing them.

Safety can be a large motivator for turning painting over to a pro.

Navigating exterior areas or tall interior ceilings can be challenging and may require scaffolding or tall ladders DIYers do not have.

Risk of falls or other injuries increase with lack of experience.

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The biggest deck trends for this year LEFT: Deck trends continue to improve on the form and function of outdoor living spaces.

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Many people now opt to stay in their homes and improve their properties rather than move out.

Stay put — or move on?

Metro Creative Services Many home improvement television series showcase people deciding whether to improve upon their current homes to make them into the houses of their dreams or to put “for sale” signs in their lawns and move on to something new.

The question of whether to move or stay put depends on various factors.

Such factors may include emotional attachment to a home, the current economic climate and the cost of real estate. Current data points to a greater propensity for people to invest and improve upon their current properties rather than trading up for something new.

According to information collected by John Burns Real Estate Consulting, the percentage of homeowners moving up to their next home is the lowest in 25 years. Many are opting to make starter homes permanent by expanding them and repairing homes for the long haul.

The National Association of Realtors said that, between 1987 and 2008, home buyers stayed in their homes an average of six years before selling. Since 2010, however, NAR says the average expected length of time people will stay in their homes before selling is now 15 years.

Part of what’s fueling this permanency is that many home buyers were able to acquire rock-bottom mortgage interest rates shortly after the 2008 recession. As a result, they’re not inclined to walk away from those rates, even if doing so means getting more house. Also, a low inventory of available houses has stymied repeat buying for many people.

Those factors and others have led many homeowners to invest in renovations instead. The experts at Bankrate say realistic budgeting and comparing renovation project costs against mortgages and interests rates can further help individuals decide whether to remain in their current homes or move out.

Very often a smarter layout and more efficient floor plan can make meaningful differences in spaces. Renovations and redesigns can make sense and often are less expensive and disruptive than moving.

Custom-built decks can expand usable outdoor entertaining spaces. Decks can surround pools and create outdoor patio areas that make it easy to establish multitiered living spaces, improving the functionality of outdoor areas.

Certain deck trends have emerged as industry experts’ top picks for the upcoming remodeling and renovation season.

For those thinking of revamping an existing deck, or building an entirely new one, these trends are on point. u ESTABLISHED PERIMETERS: “Picture framing” is not a new trend, but one that has taken greater hold in recent years. The term refers to aesthetically appealing designs that conceal the ends of deck boards for a clean finish.

Some designs feature contrasting material colors on the ends for even more impact. This helps create refined perimeters for a polished look. u ROOF-TOP DECKING: Urban areas also can benefit from decking to create usable outdoor spaces.

In fact, many new condo-

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Addinga newdeckor renovating anoldone canexpand yourliving space — and the value of yourhome.

minium and townhouse communities are incorporating roof-top decks into their designs, particularly in communities with water views or other impressive

vistas. HGTV experts suggest roof-top decks feature light-colored materials and fixtures to help keep the area cool even in direct sunlight.

u DISTRESSED HARDWOOD: Builder and Developer, a management resource for professional homebuilders, says that the trend for using distressed hardwoods at

home has migrated outside.

Some decking manufacturers have recently introduced low-maintenance composite deck boards that mimic the look and feel of distressed, rustic hardwood flooring. This weathered appearance gives the look of age without the upkeep of real aged wood. u WOODEN WALKWAYS: Decking can be the more traditional design people envision with a patio table or outdoor furniture. But it also can consist of wooden walkways or a low-laying patio to accentuate the yard. u MIXED MATERIALS: Homeowners may be inspired by commercial eateries, breweries and urban markets in their exterior design choices.

Decks featuring composite materials and aluminum railings blend sophistication, urban appeal and comfort. u PERSONAL TOUCHES: Homeowners can customize their decks with personal touches. It’s not unheard of to wrap columns in stone or glass tiles for more impact.

And a vast array of decking colors now enables fun interpretations for outdoor areas. u FIRE PIT CONVERSATION AREA: Many decks can incorporate water or fire elements for visual appeal.

Gas-fueled fire elements can expand the functionality of decks beyond the warm seasons, or make enjoying them practical on nights when the temperature plummets.

Is it time to replace the old wiring?

Metro Creative Services Old homes can be charming and contain architectural elements not often seen in many modern housing developments. But what older homes may have in design appeal, they may lack in updated features.

While cosmetic changes are not necessarily difficult, one area of concern in historic homes — and sometimes even in houses built 40 or 50 years ago — is archaic wiring.

Wiring provides power to every room of the home.

In today’s electronics-driven society, electricity that works is an essential component of daily life.

Over time, wiring can be compromised through simple aging, pest infiltration, weather, or other conditions. Deteriorated wiring can present a shock hazard and also a serious fire hazard, warn the home renovation experts at The Spruce. Furthermore, the home improvement site This Old House advises that the amperage of old wiring may not be able to meet the needs of the devices used in homes — overpowering the circuits. This can cause breaker blowouts and other

top of upgrades needed to stay safe. Confirming that a home’s electrical system is safe is a necessary part of home maintenance.

For those who haven’t already done so, schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician to go over the home’s wiring.

He or she can determine if any areas pose a safety risk and/or do not conform to local code requirements and the National Electrical Code. Failure to meet code can lead to difficulty obtaining permits to make other home renovations, Metro Creative Graphics or difficulty selling a home Owners of old homes should later on.

The electrician can also recognize possible electrical go over improvements that system dangers that require can improve safety and attention. function. Additional outlets, including GFCI outlets in problems, such as overheatkitchens and bathrooms, ed wires that may spark may be part of the plan, as and cause fires from within well as rewiring a fuse box the wall. or circuit panel to allow for Wiring often falls into better flow of power around the “out of sight, out of the house. Frayed wiring or mind” category. Homeownunderinsulated wiring also ers may make allowances may need to be replaced. for inadequate electrical Plus, considering elecsystems, such as running trical codes change quite extension cords or using frequently, it is always in a multiplug connectors to homeowner’s best interest increase their wiring cato work with a qualified pacity. However, they may electrician to keep wiring not be diligently keeping on inspected and up to date.

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Outdoor improvement projects that will boost the value of your home The experts at Space Wise, a division of Extra Space Storage, say that refinishing, repairing and building a new patio offers strong ROI.

Metro Creative Services Whether home improvement projects are design to improve the interior or exterior of a house, focusing on renovations that make the most financial sense can benefit homeowners in the long run.

The right renovations can be assets if and when homeowners decide to sell their homes.

So how does one get started? First and foremost, speak to a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about trends in the community.

While a swimming pool may be something coveted in one area, it may impede sales in another.

It also helps to study generalized trends and data from various home improvement industry analysts to guide upcoming projects.

The following outdoor projects are just a few renovations that tend to add value.

DECK Deck can be as valuable as patios. A deck is another outdoor space that can be used for entertaining, dining and more.

Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report indicates that an $11,000 deck can add about $9,000 in resale value to the home, recouping around 82 percent of the project’s costs.

DOOR UPDATE Improve curb appeal with a new, high-end front door and garage doors. If that’s too expensive, a good cleaning and new coat of paint can make an old door look brand new.

These easy fixes can improve a home’s look instantly.

FIRE PIT A fire pit is a great place to gather most months of the year. Bob Vila and CBS news report that a fire pit realizes a 78 percent return on investment, or ROI.

NEW LANDSCAPING Many different outdoor projects can add value to a home.

OUTDOOR KITCHEN

is increasingly popular.

Outdoor living areas can be custom designed and built. In addition, prefabricated modular units that require a much smaller

Many buyers are looking to utilize their yards as an extension of interior living areas. Cooking, dining and even watching TV outdoors

commitment of time and money are available.

PATIO Homeowners who do not al-

The National Association of ReMetro Creative Graphics altors says an outdoor makeover that includes well-thought out landscaping can net 105 percent ready have a patio will find that ROI. adding one can increase a home’s Installing a walkway, adding value. Patios help a home look stone planters, mulching, and neat, add useable space and may planting shrubs are ideas to help a home to sell quickly. consider.

Small kitchen improvements maximize functionality Metro Creative Services

6 options for funding your next home improvement project Metro Creative Services Before starting a home improvement project, either on one’s own or with the assistance of a professional contractor, homeowners must first consider the costs involved.

According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, more than one-third of homeowners do not understand what hiring a professional will cost, and then cannot successfully budget and secure financing once they have set their sights on a renovation project.

HomeAdvisor says that some of the more popular projects, such as remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or building a deck, can cost, on average, $19,920, $9,274 and $6,919, respectively.

Homeowners may find that the more expensive renovations require them to secure some type of financing. Those who have never before sought such financing may want to consider these options.

Cash-out refinancing: With cash-out refinancing, a person will begin the mortgage process anew with the intention of paying off the current mortgage balance, and then taking out additional funds for other purposes. Cashout refinancing is a way to tap into a home’s existing equity for use on improvements or other expenses, such as college tuition.

Home equity line of credit: The financial experts at Bankrate indicate that a HELOC works like a credit card, with the house as collateral.

There is a credit limit, and borrowers can spend up to that limit. The interest rate may or may not be fixed.

However, the interest may

be tax-deductible if the financing is used to improve, buy or build a home.

Home equity loan: Individuals also can borrow against equity in their homes with a fixed interest rate through a home equity loan. Most lenders will calculate 80 percent of the home value and subtract a homeowner’s mortgage balance to figure out how much can be borrowed, according to the financial advisory site The Simple Dollar.

Personal loan: Homeowners can shop around at various financial institutions for competitive personal loans to be used for home improvement purposes.

Funds may be approved within one business day, which can be ideal for those who want to begin their improvements soon.

Personal line of credit: A personal line of credit allows borrowers to borrow only the money needed at the time, and offers a variable interest rate that is generally lower than fixed loan rates. Again, like a credit card, PLOC gives a person a maximum borrowing amount and is ideal for ongoing purchases.

Credit cards: In a pinch, credit cards can be used to finance improvements, but they do come with the cost of very high interest rates if the balance is not paid in full by the time the bill comes due. However, for funding smaller projects and maximizing rewards points through home improvement retailers or specific credit card company promotions, credit cards can be a way to earn various perks in addition to the benefit of improving a home.

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...Popularprojects, suchasremodelinga kitchenorbathroom orbuildingadeck, cancost$19,920, $9,274and$6,919, respectively.

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Reconfigure and revamp cabinetry Homeowners whose kitchens are small often lament their lack of storage. Redesigning the layout of cabinets, and possibly adding some more cabinetry, may take care of certain storage issues.

The experts at Merit Kitchens suggest utilizing corner space with LeMans units, lazy susans and other gadgets to make access to these areas easier.

Going vertical with wall cabinets that extend to the ceiling also can add more storage, as can roll-in work carts.

Work with the walls Small kitchens require clever usage of vertical space. Vertical storage units, hooks, shelving, and more can move items out of drawers and off of counters. Consider an under-the-cabinet toaster oven and microwave to create more counter space.

Use scaled-down appliances Shop with size in mind when looking at new appliances if you have a small kitchen. Compact versions won’t take up as much space as larger alternatives. Homeowners should

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Small kitchens can be culinary havens with the right improvements to maximize the space. consider the ultimate function of the kitchen and then think about which appliances will serve them well.

Homeowners with small kitchens may not need a large stand mixer or an oversized commercial stove.

Add some glass

ciousness or what designers call “negative space.”

Glass also can be reflective, visually expanding the space.

Going vertical withwallcabinets thatextendtothe ceilingalsocan addmorestorage, ascanroll-inwork carts.

The DIY Network recommends incorporating glass to improve the perception of space in small kitchens.

Glass lets you see through the objects, thereby enhancing the feeling of spa-

Embrace high-end materials

It costs less to renovate small spaces than bigger areas, so homeowners may be able to afford high-end materials that really add personality to a kitchen.

Flooring, counter materials and quality fixtures can really set small kitchens apart.

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Homeowners looking to finance their next improvements should speak to a financial advisor and shop around for the best types of funding for them.

Many homeowners wish for expansive kitchens.

Modernized kitchens that include sought after features and showcase the latest trends go a long way to improving the overall value of a home.

As desirable as such kitchens may be, some homes simply don’t have enough space for a centerfold-worthy kitchen featuring an island, wine refrigerator and walk-in pantry. However, homeowners with small kitchens can still improve the form and function of their existing spaces.

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Lighting is key component to curb appeal Metro Creativ e Services

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Flooding is no joke. Homeowners can safeguard their homes with some protective steps.

Protect your home from flooding Metro Creative Services Flooding is a natural disaster that often strikes with little, if any, warning. The environmental awareness site Natural Rivers states that floods are the most common natural hazard in North America in terms of number of lives lost and property damage.

Floods can occur day or night and any time of the year. Flooding can also occur in all different terrains.

In September 2018, many of the inland towns of North Carolina were flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, displacing millions.

The following month saw severe flooding in central and southern Texas that prompted Governor Greg Abbott to declare a state of disaster in 18 counties.

Accuweather reported in the summer of 2018 that historic flooding closed famed Hershey Park, shuttering attractions for a few days.

Flooding can cause considerable distress, uproot families and damage structures. But even people who live in flood zones can take

steps to be flood-safe. u Purchase flood insurance.

Many people and properties are not covered for flooding under standard homeowners insurance policies. As a result, it is essential to purchase separate flood insurance. The home improvement and information site HouseLogic says that flood insurance may be required by mortgage companies for those financing homes in flood plains. u Have a “go bag” ready.

This is a great idea in preparation for any type of emergency situation.

Go bags can include a few changes of clothes, important documents and phone numbers, essential toiletries, extra cash, and non-perishable foods.

You may want to stock go bags with flashlights, batteries and waterproof shoes as well. Evacuate if a flood is predicted to be severe. u Know your flood level.

Check flood maps at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website (FEMA.gov) or your local building department. This will help you know just how high the water might rise

in certain scenarios so you can plan accordingly. u Safeguard key home systems. Protect sockets, switches, breakers, and wiring in a home by placing them at least one foot above the expected flood level in your area, offers the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. Move the furnace, water heater and any other key appliances so they sit above the property’s flood level. u Vent the water. Foundation vents, sump pumps, drains, and more can help keep water from accumulating in or around the foundation of a home. u Consider a grading change. The grading or slope of ground can be adjusted to direct water away from your home. If your street is prone to standing water after ordinary rainstorms, talk to your county planning or environmental services department about potential modifications. u Prepare for the worst.

Home piers or columns can lift the lowest floor of a home above flood level. It’s an expensive undertaking but can be worth it in highflood areas.

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Curb appeal can affect prospective buyers’ perception of a home. When addressing curb appeal, homeowners may be inclined to focus on features that are easily seen from the street during the day.

But what can a homeowner do to improve on his or her home’s nighttime aesthetic?

Outdoor lighting is one aspect of curb appeal that is often overlooked, advises the home improvement experts at The Spruce.

Homeowners may fail to recognize the importance of how proper illumination can provide their homes with a warm glow and make it look beautiful after the sun has set. For example, think of how cozy and inviting neighborhoods appear during the holiday season when homes are strung with twinkling lights. Homeowners can replicate that look all year long with lighting elements.

Lighting for evening hours also helps maintain a safe environment for people who are visiting the property. Illuminating walkways and doorways provides a clearly visible and safe path to and from the home.

The following are a few ways to improve outdoor lighting. u Focus on architectural features. Outdoor lighting can focus on the external features of the home’s architectural style. Use light to draw attention to interesting gables, dramatic roof lines, dormers, or curved entryways. u Play up landscaping.

Stylish lighting can highlight trees, shrubs, pathways, gardens, and all of the elements of softscapes and hardscapes on a property. The lighting experts at Vernon Daniel Associates say that soft lighting

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A home properly lit up at night helps increase its curb appeal. can make homes feel warm and cozy. Uplighting trees or other elements can add a dramatic effect. u Light up all doors. Make sure that doors, both entry and garage, are properly lit for ease of entry and egress from the home.

Safety.com, a home and personal security resource, says a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States. Installing motion-activated lights or lights on timers can deter break-ins. Consider using home automation to control porch lights and other outdoor lights

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12 ways to maximize vertical space in your home Metro Creative Services Who hasn’t, at one point in their lives, lamented a lack of space and organization at home?

A lifetime’s worth of items have to be kept somewhere, and without the right organizational strategy, clutter can quickly take over.

The home improvement site Home Therapy says that, when square footage is limited, tapping vertical walls is the fastest way to maximize and multiply the space available.

Hooks, rods, shelving, built-ins … the sky is the limit when it comes to finding additional storage and adding a bit of personality to tight quarters.

Even homes that may have adequate space can benefit from vertical solutions.

Here are some ideas to put vertical and other less-utilized areas to work for you.

Hang wire or plastic file organizers on the inside of kitchen cabinets to easily store cookie sheets, trays and cutting boards.

Save on counter or cabinet space with hanging spice racks. These can be hung directly on walls or on the inside of cabinet doors.

Stack all the stuff you can, including washers and dryers, beds (with storage

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eliminates clothes hampers on the floor.

Add a second rod or shelving to the inside of closets to create more space for clothing and other items.

Take kitchen cabinets all the way to the ceiling. Store lesser used items on the uppermost shelves and the items you use each on the most accessible shelves.

Install a shelf over the entryway to a room to utilize this seldom-used space.

Shelves also can be custom cut and placed in oddly shaped areas, such as in attic rooms under the eaves or on slanted walls.

Dowels or curtain rods and some fabric can be used to fabricate slings to hold books or magazines.

Invest in some magnetic boards that can hold keys or notes by the front door or store knives on a kitchen wall.

Install two towel bars parallel to one another on the wall of a bathroom.

These can hold extra toilet tissue Metro Creative Graphics or rolled hand towels.

Use rope plant hangers to store potatoes or onions near prep areas. The Canvas bags hung on a same plant hangers can wrangle towel bar on a wall can stuffed animals and small toys in keep dirty clothes wrangled until kids’ rooms. it’s time to wash them. This also

11.

Shelving can corral items and keep rooms more organized. drawers underneath) and even stacking nesting tables.

Choose furniture that is tall rather than wide.

4.

This can mean swapping out a dresser in a bedroom for an armoire or vertical chest of drawers.

5.

12.

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Heating & Air Conditioning Systems & Repair

Call today to discuss your needs and arrange for a free estimate.

Metro Creative Graphics

How professional tree services can help protect your property Metro Creative Services Cold weather can take its toll on a property, especially in regions of the world where winters are harsh.

Most parts of the landscape are vulnerable to damage from winter storms, but trees may be especially susceptible. By the end of winter, many homeowners wonder if their trees would benefit from some professional TLC. Tree services provide a host of services.

While fall is a popular time to remove trees from a property, doing so in spring is not unheard of, especially if trees were affected by winter storms and now pose a threat to a home and the people who live inside it.

Homeowners considering tree services can explore the following ways that some professional arbor attention can protect them and their homes. u Tree services can help protect a home’s foundation.

Old trees that stretch well into the sky can be captivating, but they also can pose a threat to a home’s foundation.

Such trees may have especially large root zones that may extend beneath walkways and even a home.

In the latter instance, foundations may crack as roots try to stake their claim to the ground beneath a home.

According to the home improvement resource

HomeAdvisor, homeowners pay an average of just over $4,000 to repair foundation issues, though major problems can cost considerably more than that. A professional tree service can remove aging trees that might be beautiful and awe-inspiring but still pose a threat to a home and the areas surrounding it. u Tree services can improve visibility. Trees that have aged a bit since their last trimming might affect the view of a property from inside a home.

Overgrown branches can compromise residents’ ability to see and experience the natural beauty just outside their windows.

The average homeowner may be able to trim short trees on his or her own, but if views from the second floor of a home or higher have been compromised, it’s much safer to call a professional tree service. Such services have the right tools and experienced personnel necessary to safely trim high branches on tall trees. u Tree services can help prevent future damage. Even if trees made it through a recent winter unscathed, that’s no guarantee next winter or even the coming seasons of spring, summer and fall won’t ultimately prove their undoing.

Travelers Insurance notes that weather-related roof damage, including damage resulting from falling limbs

Evenifatreemade itthrougharecent winterunscathed, that’snoguarantee thecomingseasons won’tprovetheir undoing.

and branches weighed down by snow during the winter months, accounted for more than half of all Travelers property loss claims between 2009 and 2016.

According to BNC Insurance and Risk Advisors, homeowners may be liable if a tree they knew posed a threat falls onto a passerby or a neighbor’s property and causes damage or injury. Having all trees properly trimmed each year, but especially those that can fall on your home and your neighbors’ homes, may prevent future damage and legal issues.

SM-CL1636360

901 W. Bluff Street, Marseilles, IL 61341 • 815.795.4500

SM-CL1636661

BAXTER SHED SALES Stop by to see our on site displays.

We offer many sizes and styles to choose from for your backyard storage.

We are onsite to help you customize your storage shed to fit your needs.

321 E. Dayton Ed. • OTTAWA • Next to Rental Pros Authorized Dealer for Marten Portable Buildings SM-CL1636633

Tree services can ensure trees maintain their awe-inspiring beauty and help homeowners protect their homes and their belongings.

CONTACT:

Brandon Baxter

815-712-7158

Jim Baxter

815-433-6061