Homes and Design Spring 2023

Bartelt Enterprises paving the way in southern Wisconsin

Bartelt Enterprises, Inc. is a full service asphalt paving and maintenance company based out of Albany, Wis. We are a family business, owned and operated by Tim Bartelt.

We strive to maintain a high standard of quality in our workmanship, to build on trust and establish a long standing relationship with our customers, to take pride in knowing our desire is to be the leaders in our industry.

Our company provides prompt, courteous service and offers highquality work at competitive prices. We service residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and municipal clients.

Our company is fully insured, and we provide free written estimates and consultations.

Our maintenance division (crack filling and seal coating) has over 45 years’ experience in the industry.

Our paving division is in its 21st year of operation. Bartelt Enterprises, Inc. currenlty employs over 40 people.

Our centralized location allows us to serve clients throughout the Dane Cty, Green Cty, Lafayette Cty, Rock Cty, along with the surrounding counties/ communities. We work diligently to ensure your needs are met and that you’re pleased with the results.

When you decide to look into asphalt paving or maintenance, we would appreciate the opportunity to provide you with a free, no obligation, written estimate. We stand behind our work and provide you with an industry leading warranty on materials and workmanship.

AC McCartney: Serving the community for three generations

A.C. McCartney first opened in 1950 in Durand, Ill. by Allen McCartney.

He built the business on the fundamentals of customer service. Al’s motto was “Take care of the customer and you will be successful.” This mindset has continued for 3 generations and allowed ACM to expand and be successful.

Partnering with our customers has allowed ACM to expand to 5 locations in Illinois: Durand, Wataga, Carthage, Mt Sterling, and Fulton.

Our dedicated and experienced sales team is always available to help you with your machinery needs. Our goal is

to partner with you and your operation to help you grow and be profitable. We will make sure you are equipped with the right equipment for the job at hand.

Our work is not done when the check has been signed. After the sale, we will assist you in any way to make sure you are satisfied and the product is working properly. Our trained sales staff can also assist you with your financing needs and provide you with options that best suit your portfolio.

Our parts department is here to help you with all of your parts needs. Our parts specialists have years of experience and are committed to having your parts

on hand. We work hard to track the parts needs of our customers and we stock a huge selection of parts at all of our locations. Our goal is to minimize downtime and keep your machine up and running when you need it most.

Our service department is here to maximize your uptime and give you the peace of mind and quality of service you deserve. At ACM we know the huge demands that are put on your equipment. We offer annual preventative maintenance specials to help save you time and money. Keep your investment field ready with A.C. McCartney Equipment.

Addie Water The service is our name - The quality is in our product

Residentially, Addie Water serves homes and businesses in the Rock, Dane, and Walworth, Wis. area, and serve our wholesale customers all over the U.S.

Since 1978, customers have relied on Addie Water Systems with revolutionary water treatment services. We offer better water treatment services at competitive prices! We provide various water conditioning products, including reverse osmosis drinking systems, iron removal systems, water softeners, water heaters, and a variety of different water filtration systems.

Let us help you choose the ideal system to meet your requirements and provide clean, enduring, and well-conditioned water.

The most frequent water issues we deal with and resolve include:

Discoloration, Odors, Pollutants and Particulates, Staining of Fixtures, Calcium Accumulation and Hard Water.

water system

the need to stock up on bottled water or inefficient filters. Any time you turn on the tap, expect only high-quality, nourishing water for your family, whether filling a glass to drink from, filling a pot for cooking, or cleaning your home.

These systems filter your water to remove undesired pollutants using an efficient and cost-effective method. Your water will be noticeably healthier, taste better, smell better, and look better.

After 44+ years in business with Addie Water Systems, better water is easily accessible, reasonably priced, and backed by family-driven hometown support that big water treatment dealers cannot provide.

Addie Water Systems keeps your water clean! Water Filtration Systems, Acid Neutralizer Systems, Carbon Filter Systems, Chlorinator Systems, Commercial Water Heaters, Residential Water Heaters, Distillers, Iron Filters, UV

Excellence has been Bomar Heating & Cooling’s hallmark since 1974

BoMar Heating & Cooling is a customer focused family owned heating and air-conditioning company that was originally started in 1974. The company was started by Bob and Margaret Rowland and the business name is a combination of their first names. Located in Freeport, Ill, we employ highly trained people whose goal is to make our company the best service company in Northwest Illinois.

Our company specializes in designing, engineering, and installing complete comfort systems for owners of existing homes and buildings just like yours. We take special pride in the craftsmen we train and employ--a fact you’ll notice immediately in the attitude and integrity they bring to your job site.

Our entire company works hard to

make your experience with us hasslefree and enjoyable. Should we make a mistake, we will do everything in our power to correct it to your satisfaction.

From the professionalism of our comfort consultants, to the dedication of our field personnel, we are dedicated to delivering you the best. We take our responsibility very seriously when you place your trust in us. We pledge to always tell you up front what your cost will be to complete your job correctly.

We make it a point to go over any details or limitations of the proposed system that will affect your enjoyment of the end result. You are told exactly what to expect up front. We back this philosophy with our exclusive written guarantee when choosing BoMar Heating & Cooling to contract your job:

“If at any time during the first year of installation, you are not 100 percent satisfied with the performance of the equipment, our service or even our people, we will, within 30 days of your request, remove the system and cheerfully refund the entire amount of the contract.”

Compare our guarantee with the limitations, fine print and exclusions other companies tend to use to back their work today. Others will typically guarantee only the functionality of the equipment-not your satisfaction with the process or that the finished job lives up to your expectations.

This is why BoMar Heating & Cooling continues growing with more satisfied customers each and every year. Give us a call for your service needs and see what you’ve been missing.

Window World: Rockford’s trusted source for quality windows, doors, siding

Family owned & operated

Locally owned and operated by Scott Williamson, Window World of Rockford first opened in May of 2005. Since then, we have proudly installed over 75,000 windows in the Rockford area, along with more than 20,000 siding, patio door, entry door, and gutter products.

From our family to yours, we are proud to serve the community, providing exceptional value, expertise, and service to Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties.

Products & service you can trust

The Window World of Rockford team is honored to have brought ENERGY STAR

Certified windows backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, with their quality and energy efficiency, to our neighbors throughout the area. Every day, our goal is to go above and beyond, ensuring customers have a positive experience and are elated with their final product.

Giving back

Along with high quality and exceptional service, corporate responsibility is integral to Window World of Rockford’s operations. As a locally owned business, we recognize our success is truly dependent on the community, and we’re committed to demonstrating our appreciation by giving back through acts of service.

Among recent philanthropic undertakings are a generous contribution to the All Veterans’ Memorial Park, allowing it to erect a Gulf War Memorial

In addition, the team helped create

a special room for a young local girl through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and participated in “A Night In a Box,” which required sleeping outside to raise money to combat homelessness. With dedication to giving back exemplified by our leadership, company-wide belief in philanthropy has become our norm.

Scott Williamson and family are proud to serve the community, providing exceptional value, expertise, and service to Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties.

Our products

We provide the Rockford area with industry-leading replacement windows, doors and siding, offering a variety of premium options you need to bring your exact vision to life. Explore our extensive selection of replacement products today.

The Stateline Solar story

Stateline Solar was founded by Ethan Fiene in July of 2017, but it started long before that. Ethan has had a passion for construction from a young age, which eventually tied to his passion for renewable energy.

He has always wanted to be a business owner and the ability to bring clean, renewable energy to his home community. At 23 years old, he began his endeavor and formed Stateline Solar.

Now, with over 350 satisfied solar customers in the Illinois/Wisconsin/Iowa state-line area, Stateline Solar has become the local expert on everything solar.

From agricultural, commercial, and residential projects, Stateline Solar brings quality installation to the table.

Stateline Solar was awarded Start-Up of the Year in 2019 by the Greater Freeport Partnership.

Solar Energy Service

Contact business to request an appointment.

Residential Solar

Transforming your home to solar energy is an easy and financially beneficial move. With rising utility cost and constant electrical usage, solar energy offers a continuous source of affordable renewable electricity. Switching over to solar energy will reduce fluctuating electric bills and

combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces our collective dependence on fossil fuels. Home solar PV systems can be installed on residential roofs, sheds, or ground mounted.

Commercial Solar Solar energy is a smart business choice with constant electrical needs and mass consumption. Stateline Solar aims to support neighboring businesses in adopting green energy, lower operating cost, and utilizing large roof area. Let Stateline Solar be Your Green Solution!

Agricultural Solar

Coming from the Midwest and agriculture a major component of our lifestyle, Stateline Solar seeks to ensure that our farmers can get the most from their land. To harvest the land and the sun would truly be max utilization of resources.

Solar energy is a long-term opportunity that future generations can benefit from as well as current. To reduce our carbon footprint and additionally ensure our future has renewable energy is a gift that continuously is giving.

Stateline Solar will customize any solar array to optimize our client’s existing roof, shed, or available land.

Generac Battery Back-Up Systems

Battery back-up systems are essential for off-the-grid solar energy systems. Stateline Solar is a certified Generac dealer and installer.

Generac Generators

Price varies · 30 mins

Stateline Solar is a certified installer, dealer, and servicer of Generac generators. These can be purchased with or without the purchase of a solar energy system.

Energy Monitoring Service

$400 · 30 mins

Stateline Solar offers an energy consumption monitoring system that can be purchased with or without solar. This allows a home or business owner to monitor their energy consumption in real time, allowing for energy consumption habit change.

Solar lighting

Stateline Solar offers solar lighting services. Anything from promotional sign lighting to accent lighting around buildings, solar lighting offers a green, efficient way to brighten any business.

Stateline Solar is located at 310 W. Main St., Lena, Ill. Call 815-580-3011 for more information.

granite wall, donation of a house full of windows to the mother of a soldier killed in Iraq, and participation in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition through a gift of a house full of windows to a family battling leukemia and recovering from a house fire.

Tips for budget-friendly home decor

Home interiors can be spruced up in a number of ways. Ideas run the gamut from relatively inexpensive changes in paint color to more extensive (and expensive) remodels that may include demolition and reconstruction.

Investing in new home decor is another way to breathe new life into spaces, and this approach that falls somewhere in the middle in regard to cost.

Material and product costs remain high across the board, so individuals interested in changing the furniture and other design elements in their homes might be seeking ways to do so in the most affordable way possible. In such instances, homeowners can try these budget-friendly ways to overhaul their home decor.

• Create the illusion of more space. Light, bright and white are key attributes to remember when selecting design elements for rooms where you want to create the illusion of more square footage.

Painting the walls in very light colors, increasing natural and artificial light, including using well-placed mirrors to reflect light, and decorating with lightcolored fabrics can help a space seem more roomy.

• Replace the accessories. Replacing curtains, area rugs, throw pillows, and chair cushions is an easy way to change a room without a big investment. Consider updating some wall art and tying color schemes together with all of the newly introduced elements.

• Splurge on statement pieces that will be used frequently. These may include chandeliers, unique rugs or an eye-catching piece of furniture.

• Shop ‘discount’ stores for furniture and accents. Traditional design centers

can be great places to find plenty of high-quality merchandise. However, don’t overlook local discount or closeout centers that may have items at very reasonable costs. Stores like Home Goods, At Home and Big Lots routinely get new merchandise that changes with the season, helping homeowners to refresh their spaces

without having to dig deep into their pockets.

Shop the high-end stores for inspiration, then try to find “dupes” in the discount stores that will mimic the looks for less.

• Cut out the clutter. Modern homes are lean and clean. A home’s interior instantly looks more high-end and appealing when

the clutter is removed. Consider keeping main living areas free from too many knickknacks and other accents. If you want to display a special collection, set aside a room specifically for such items.

There are many budget-friendly ways to make interior spaces more inviting.

Small renovations that can make a big impact

Home renovations provide a host of benefits. Such projects can increase resale value and improve on the safety, aesthetics and functionality of a home.

Some homeowners may employ the mantra “go big or go home” when they embark on home improvements, thinking that only the largest renovations produce noticeable change. But that’s not the case. Various smaller renovations can provide a lot of bang for homeowners’ bucks as well.

• Countertops (and hardware): A complete kitchen overhaul may stretch some homeowners’ budgets. However, changing an older countertop for a new material can provide the facelift a kitchen needs. And while changing the cabinets may be homeowners’ ultimate goal, swapping hardware in dated finishes for newer handles and pulls can provide low-cost appeal.

• Paint: Painting a space is an inexpensive improvement that adds maximum impact. Paint can transform dark and drab rooms into bright and airy oases. Paint also can be used to create an accent wall or cozy nooks. Homeowners also can showcase their personalities with their choice of paint colors.

• Lighting: Homeowners should not underestimate what a change in lighting can do. When rooms or exterior spaces are illuminated, they take on entirely new looks. It’s worth it to invest in new lighting,

whether it’s a dramatic hanging light over the dining room table or task lighting in dim spaces.

• Weatherproofing: Improving windows, doors, weatherstripping, and insulation in a home can offer visual appeal and help homeowners save money. The initial investment may be significant, but those costs will pay off in energy savings. According to One Main Financial, space heating is the largest energy expense the average American homeowner has, accounting for around 45 percent of all energy costs.

• Mudroom: Turn an entryway into a more functional space with the addition of cabinets, benches or custom-designed storage options that perfectly fit the area. Cubbies and cabinets can corral shoes, umbrellas, hats, bags, and much more.

• Accent updates: Any space, whether it’s inside or outside a home, can get a fresh look with new decorative accents. Invest in new throw pillows and even slipcovers for living room sofas. Use new tile or paint the brick on a fireplace in a den, then update the mantel with decorative displays. Purchase wall art that can bring different colors into a room. Change the cushions on deck furniture and buy color-coordinated planters.

These subtle changes will not cost as much as full-scale renovations, but they can still help homeowners transform their homes.

Rooms featuring neutral colors and minimal clutter tend to appear large and modern.

METRO CREATIVE PHOTO Homes & Design

Footville Rock & Lime: Your source for limestone, decorative stone

When you need limestone or other natural materials, the very best place to get them is straight from the quarry in Wisconsin. When you choose Footville Rock & Lime Corporation, that’s exactly what you’ll get: superior quality materials, provided by an honest company.

Whether you need agricultural lime for your soil treatment or are improving your residential landscape with quality stone materials, we’re here to help. We’ll even help you spread your rock to make sure it’s applied perfectly. Our full offering of products includes crushed limestone products, agricultural limestone, decorative stones, mulch, sand, dirt, driveway gravel and more.

Why choose Footville Rock & Lime Corporation for limestone and decorative stone in Wisconsin? Simple: we work to deliver the highest quality products at the best prices, and we always treat our customers with the integrity and respect they deserve.

We work with you to figure out your exact needs, and we pass along the savings of mining directly from our quarry, meaning you’re going to get exactly what you need at a price you can afford. Take a look at just a few more of the reasons we have so many satisfied customers and why our customers recommend us anytime there’s a need for limestone, landscaping materials or decorative stone in Wisconsin: We’re a family owned and operated business.

We have a wide range of quality products available to customers.

We’re pleased to supply residential, commercial and agricultural customers alike.

We’re happy to spread rock and limestone for you upon delivery.

Our business has been around since 1974!

Footville Rock & Lime Corporation is located at 14249 W. Domer Road, Brodhead, Wis. 53520. Call 608-876-6608 for more information.

Let the outside in with all-season rooms

Many homeowners express interest in creating fewer barriers between the interior and exterior of their homes. Some may have backyards built for entertaining and want to facilitate the transition between the inside of the residence and the outside when guests arrive. In other instances, homes may back to a nature preserve that homeowners want to enjoy more readily. Whatever the reason for bringing the outside in, all-season rooms can serve as a welcoming bridge between indoor and outdoor spaces.

What is an all-season room?

Also known as a four-season room, all-season rooms are specially engineered spaces that provide a connection to the outdoors no matter the season. They are like sunrooms, but climate-controlled so that they will be comfortable throughout winter, spring, summer, and fall.

What is the difference between a threeseason room and an all-season room?

The biggest difference between these two spaces is the level of usage and the capacity of the room to be heated and cooled. Individuals who reside in climates with moderate year-round temperatures may get by with a three-season room. However, those who experience all four seasons may need a more insulated space to make the room usable throughout the year.

Features of all-season rooms

One of the more notable features of an all-season room is an abundance of windows, which allow plenty of natural light to shine in. All-season rooms also

can feature creature comforts like a reading nook, outdoor kitchen spaces and televisions. Retractable screens can be installed when privacy or shade is desired.

Maintaining a comfortable temperature

All-season rooms can be built with adequate thermal insulation and energysaving features. Insulation will be installed in the walls and roof, and homeowners may have a choice of window ratings for efficiency. Some all-season rooms are specially equipped with HVAC systems that may or may not be tied in to the home’s general heating and cooling system. Some people use portable heaters or air conditioners to control the temperature in all-season rooms. It’s best to speak with an all-season room contractor to identify heating and cooling needs.

How much does an all-season room cost?

Prices vary by region and are contingent on the features homeowners desire. According to the outdoor resource Garden Center Care, a three-season room can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000 to build. A four-season room can cost $20,000 to $80,000 to add. If there is an existing threeseason room, it may be more affordable to upgrade the space into an all-season room, but an architect and contractor should inspect the space to determine the scope of the project.

All-season rooms can be an ideal addition to a property, providing extra space for entertaining or lounging and a connection to the outdoors.

The role of nature in home design in the years ahead

Outdoor living spaces were prioritized during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when public gatherings were greatly limited and individuals were urged to stay home as much as possible. Such demands have had a ripple effect on various industries, including home design.

According to a survey conducted by the New Home Trends Institute in collaboration with Pro Builder, 58 percent of the more than 300 residential architects, designers and designminded builders who participated said connection to the outdoors/nature will be an important influence on their design choices in the years to come.

In addition, 45 percent of respondents indicated increased attention will be afforded to outdoor entertaining spaces.

So what might the outdoor spaces of homes built in the not-so-distant future look like? Respondents to the survey anticipated a growing demand for various built-in outdoor features, including:

• Firepits or fireplaces

• Outdoor kitchens

• Gazebos or pergolas

• Pools

• Spas or hot tubs

Though trends and consumer demands are ever-shifting, architects and designers are anticipating that future homeowners will want more developed outdoor living spaces and greater access to nature, which is something current homeowners can keep in mind when renovating their properties.

Whatever the reason for bringing the outside in, all-season rooms can serve as a welcoming bridge between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Residential architects, designers and design-minded builders who participated said connection to the outdoors/nature will be an important influence on their design choices in the years to come.

Top Notch Building Supply has serviced northern Illinois for more than 30 years

Our sales staff has an average of 25 years of industry experience. We work closely with home owners and contractors alike to get the project done right. Top Notch handles a full line of highly reputable products that will provide lasting quality and beauty to your home.

With brands like KraftMaid Cabinets, Andersen Windows, Trex Decking, Certainteed roofing and siding, Mohawk flooring, and Cambria Quartz our products are well known in the industry.

Our location just off US-20 between Rockford and Freeport, gives us easy accessibility to virtually anywhere in the region.

Curt and Linda Knapp co-founded Top Notch in 1987. In their 29 years of leadership it grew from a $600,000 home center to a $4,500,000 building material dealer with land development, finance, and installed sales divisions.

Curt stepped away from the business over 10 years ago and Linda retired at the end of 2017. We proudly carry on the tradition they set forth of supplying quality products and expertise in the home building/improvement industry and providing quality jobs in the area.

John Behn

John works with our contractor and custom builder clients to help them grow and prosper their respective businesses. He is on the road nearly every day interacting

with clients to make sure jobs are running smoothly and profitably.

John also works with homeowners for all sized projects. He is thorough and accurate and helps the staff around him to be the same. John’s servant attitude draws clients to him because he is willing to be a superb teammate in order to help them grow their business. John’s 30+ years of industry experience provide a wealth of knowledge that can be used to help solve challenges of every kind. Call John for help with your project.

Paul Shippy

Paul has nearly 25 years of experience in the building materials industry. Paul started as a counter salesman, has outside sales experience and has moved through purchasing, expense control and is now Chief Operating Officer at Top Notch.

As such Paul is responsible for overseeing all phases of the operations and for day to day operations training for all personnel. Contact Paul to consult about challenges you have with business, either yours or ours.

Adam Viel

Adam is our cabinet and floor covering

leader. Adam’s 15+ years of experience, patient demeanor, and attention to detail make him a perfect fit for this work. Adam works hard with each customer to coordinate style, color, and efficiency so that each new owner and their respective contractor receive the result they desire on the interior appointments of their new or newly remodeled home. Adam also does a fair amount of plan design on kitchen, bath or addition and retrofit projects. Contact Adam for help with your kitchen, bath, or flooring project.

Scott Moore

Scott is our inside sales leader. Scott’s 25+ years of experience in building and building materials have prepared him well to lead our inside sales force. Scott is our window, door, and trim expert and will help you choose just the right product for your needs. Scott’s patience is appreciated by all who deal with him as they make important decisions regarding their home. Contact Scott for help with your project of any size.

Neil Suess

Neil is our warehouse foreman and driver. He is a very loyal and conscientious

person who inspects your product as it comes off our vendor’s truck. He is careful and concerned with each and every delivery. Neil also does most of the truck maintenance on our vehicles.

Tom Grant

Tom joined the Top Notch team in the spring of 2019 with over 30 years of experience in the cabinet and countertop industry. Tom can use his design experience to help you get the most out of your space. Stop in and see Tom for your cabinet and floor covering needs. Dale Remmers.

Dale Remmers

Dale came to Top Notch in 2015. Dale has a background in carpentry and is very knowledgeable in the field. Dale helps Scott to maintain the sales floor and assists customers as they visit our store. He is versed in pricing windows, doors, and most forms of millwork. If you need a special order hardware item Dale can help you out. He works at the hub of communication in the store to help get orders out in a timely manner.

Quick, easy ways to give your kitchen a new look

Kitchens are often described as the busiest rooms in a home. Kitchens are where meals are prepared and tend to be goto gathering spots on holiday get-togethers and during other events when homeowners host family and friends.

With so much time spent in the kitchen, it’s easy to see how homeowners might grow a little bored by these rooms. The cost of a kitchen remodel won’t be cheap, as the home improvement resource Angi.com notes that the typical cost of such a project in the United States is between $13,000 and $38,000. Angi.com estimates even indicate that a high-end remodel could cost homeowners as much as $61,000. That’s beyond many homeowners’ budgets. But the good news is that there are many quick and easy, not to mention less expensive, ways to give a kitchen a new look.

• Repaint and restyle the cabinets. Cabinet space is an undeniably precious commodity in a kitchen, especially as more and more homeowners embrace their inner chef and cook more complicated meals at home.

After all, the more expansive a home chef’s culinary repertoire, the more space that person needs to store all the tools of the cooking trade.

A full cabinet replacement is unnecessary if the cabinets are still functional and not overcrowded, so repainting them can be a great way to give the kitchen a new look while keeping costs reasonable. During the painting project, homeowners can install new cabinet knobs and/or drawer pulls to freshen up the style of the cabinets even further.

• Install under-cabinet lighting. Another inexpensive way to give a kitchen a new look is to install under-cabinet lighting. Under-cabinet lighting serves both an aesthetic and practical purpose.

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, under-cabinet lighting can make a kitchen feel more warm and keep the kitchen illuminated when meals aren’t being

prepared and homeowners don’t want to have their overhead lights on but still want to be able to navigate the kitchen safely. During meal prep, under-cabinet lighting can illuminate counters so it’s easier to chop, peel and perform other prep tasks.

• Replace existing backsplash. Replacing backsplash is another simple, inexpensive and effective way to give a kitchen a new feel. Homeowners can opt for something neutral that won’t upset their existing decor or go with a more bold backsplash that

immediately draws the attention of anyone who enters the room. This simple job can be done by the average do-it-yourselfer and the cost of new backsplash won’t break the bank.

• Replace existing seating. Whether you have an island countertop with bar stools or a breakfast nook with cushioned seats, replacing the seating is a budget-friendly job that can create a new look when entering the room. Countertop bar stools come in many styles, so giving this area of

Shedding some light on home solar

Consumers shopping around for home improvement projects may be leaning toward overhauls that can reduce energy consumption and save them money in the long run. This is a driving factor behind a growing number of homeowners investigating solar energy for their residences.

How does solar power work?

Solar power harnesses the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity that can be used in homes. Many people are familiar with photovoltaics (PV), which are the panels that absorb sunlight and create an electric field across their layers. Another solar technology, known as concentrating solar power, is primarily used in large power plants and is not appropriate for residential use, according to Energy.gov.

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, hundreds of thousands of solar panels have been put in use across the United States since 2008 .

Costs associated with solar

The upfront expense of solar panels is significant, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $14,000 for initial installation. However, comparatively speaking, homeowners can spend $1,500 or more per year on electricity, so solar panels will pay for

themselves over time. Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on energy needs and how many panels will be required to service the system.

How much electricity can I expect?

The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice says that the amount of power generated from a solar energy system depends on a few factors:

1. The average number of hours of direct, unshaded sunlight your roof gets each year;

2. The pitch (angle), age and condition of your roof, and the compass direction it faces;

3. The size and strength of your system; and

4. Environmental factors such as snow, dust or shade that may cover the system.

Save even more money

Consumers can contact their utility companies to find out if they provide homeowners who produce solar power with “net metering.”

This program pays the homeowner money or gives credit for excess power the system produces and returns to the electric grid. Individuals also may be eligible for energy tax credits or other benefits.

Homeowners may find it worthwhile to explore solar energy, particularly if they consume a high amount of electricity.

the kitchen a new feel can be as simple as shifting from classic, high-back stools to more modern swivel stools with a chrome base.

For the breakfast nook, replacing a light-colored bench cushion with a bolder alternative can instantly transform the look of the space.

Kitchen remodels can break the bank. But there’s a host of budget-friendly ways for cost-conscious homeowners to revitalize these popular spaces in their homes.

Installing uplighting beneath kitchen cabinets

Solar power harnesses the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity that can be used in homes.

Six strategies to get more organized

When the new year arrives, many people focus on changes that can be implemented in the months of come. This time of year is a popular one to make resolutions to clean and organize homes and offices. There are plenty of things that can use a little organizational attention. There’s no ideal way to get organized. Whatever works is a good approach, but the following are six strategies to help individuals clear the clutter.

1. Utilize to-do lists

People tend to be less productive when they’re storing all of their tasks in their brains. The first step to getting organized is to remove those plans from the head and put them down on paper or in some other tracking tool. A digital to-do list manager, for example, enables you to see all of your tasks, deadlines and due dates in one place so you can get things done more efficiently. Carry around a notepad or use the digital notes app on a phone to jot down thoughts and needs as they come up.

2. Corral your “smalls”

Smalls are keys, phones, chargers, wallets, headphones, and other accessories. When these items are grouped together, they’re easier to find so you can stay on track. Invest in an attractive organizer and install it by the front door or another high-traffic area. You’ll cut down on trying to find those smaller items when running errands.

3. Conquer clutter regularly

It’s easy to be put off by cleaning and organizing when clutter has gotten out of control. Instead, by cleaning up items on

a daily or weekly basis, it’s much easier to keep ahead of clutter. Treat it like a daily job, including sorting mail and tossing unnecessary items; emptying waste pails; dusting the desk; deleting emails; and putting items back where they belong.

4. Categorize emails

Utilize the folder creation option from popular email providers to sort your messages. Drop messages that need attention into categories of your choosing, such as school, health and receipts. Then you’ll know which folder to go into when searching for what you need, eliminating the time-consuming task of scrolling through a full inbox.

5. Give one; toss one

When bringing new items into the home, follow the procedure of giving away or throwing out one item for each new item that is received or purchased. This can help to tame clutter.

6. Mise en place your life

“Mise en place” is French for “put in place.” It is used in the kitchen to refer to preparing and setting out all ingredients needed in a recipe. The same concept can be used elsewhere.

Lay out clothing on the dresser for the next day at work or school. Prep the foyer of a home with items you need, like an umbrella, shoes and paperwork. Organize backpacks so they’re ready for the school day. Establish a to-go bag at work for items that need to be brought home.

Getting organized can be as simple as taking small steps that have lasting impact.

The many styles of front doors

A grand entryway simply wouldn’t be complete without an impressive front door. A front door can dazzle guests and create a homeowner’s desired vibe before anyone even steps inside, which only underscores how important the choice of door style can be.

When shopping around for a new front door for their homes, homeowners can consider the many popular styles as they seek to choose one that fits an existing scheme or use a new front door as a springboard to a redesigned home interior.

• Farmhouse: Farmhouse doors are not all one and the same. Traditional farmhouse doors provide a rustic look that’s become popular in home decor over the last decade or so.

Modern farmhouse doors are a little less rustic because they incorporate more contemporary elements into their design. Each option is ideal for homeowners who aspire to create a farmhouse vibe in their home interiors and exteriors.

• Modern: Modern front doors tend to boast a bold look and many are made up of large glass panels. Some homeowners prefer modern front doors because the glass in them allows lots of natural light into their home’s interior. The added light in the entryway appeals to homeowners who want to brighten up these spaces, which tend to be dark in

homes with more traditional doors.

• Traditional: Traditional front doors may be the most recognizable to today’s homeowners. Often solid wood but sometimes enhanced with glass, traditional doors may feature subtle, yet ornate designs. Traditional front doors might feel out of place in modern or rustic homes, so they’re generally best suited to homes with owners that prefer more traditional decor inside their homes.

• Custom: It’s important that homeowners recognize they need not pigeonhole themselves into a particular design style for their front doors. Custom front doors may be costly, but many door manufacturers or contractors customize front doors.

Custom doors may suit homeowners’ with unique ideas about decor, and some can even mimic other popular styles while still featuring subtle differences.

For example, homeowners can request an arched double door that, while unique, features many of the same qualities that characterize traditional doors, including ornate designs.

A front door can greatly influence the first impression people get of a home. That makes it worth homeowners’ time and effort to explore the many different front door styles now available.

When shopping around for a new front door for their homes, homeowners can consider the many popular styles.