HOMES AND DESIGN MAY 2020

HOME IMPROVEMENT

~ Published by Rock Valley Publishing LLC

M ay 2020

~ Published by Rock Valley Publishing LLC

Homes & Design

Page 2

HOMES & DESIGN

MAY 2020

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You may not think about it often, but wild birds use your lawn as a rest stop and place to call home. As you spruce up your lawn and garden for the season, there are simple steps you can take to protect them and help them thrive.

According to Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert, makers of bird-friendly products for homes, the following changes are easy to implement in order to create a safe harbor for wild birds: PLANT NATIVE SPECIES Planting native species on your property is one of the most impactful ways you can improve your local environment, as well as make your lawn and garden a healthy habitat for wild birds and other fauna.

Native plant species provide birds with food and places to rest and nest. Birds in turn, spread pollen and seeds, while acting as a natural pesticide. Speaking of which, gardening organically will also go a long way to protecting the health and safety of feeding birds.

Good deeds start at home. This season, do your part to help migrating bird populations reach their destinations safely.

MAKE WINDOWS VISIBLE Up to 1 billion birds die annually from striking windows in US, according to the American Bird Conservancy.

The good news is that it’s relatively easy and affordable to prevent your home from being part of the problem.

Special window decals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight, a wavelength of light noticeable to birds, have been proven to substantially reduce the likelihood of bird strikes.

Giving the appearance of slightly frosted translucent glass but glowing like a stoplight for birds, those from WindowAlert feature a range of decorative patterns.

To boost protection for birds, you can also apply a hightech liquid called WindowAlert UV Liquid in between decals. More information, as well as useful application tips, can be found by visiting windowalert.com.

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Custom home-buying tips MAY 2020

HOMES & DESIGN

Page 3

for first timers

ven considering being able to design your own custom home is an exciting prospect.

Whether you’re ready to take the plunge or just exploring your options, here are tips to keep in mind.

Know what you’re signing up for.

Building a custom home is a significant undertaking and a major life decision. It’s a big commitment in terms of time, money and energy. While this shouldn’t scare you away from your dream home, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the kids or busy caring for an ailing parent, it may be best to start this later.

Hire the right professionals. You may be a DIY pro, but this isn’t a project you want to take on yourself, even partly.

Key professionals you’ll need to work with include an architect, plumber, electrician and more. Consider also working with a designer who can help with the interiors to make sure the space is as functional as it is beautiful.

Do your research to find quality pros — this isn’t the time to skimp on labor.

Think about furniture layout early. While it may seem a bit premature to start decorating your living room before the foundation is laid, knowing how you’ll want to use and lay out each room can help you during the building and design process.

For example, you can save time and money down the line when you know from the get-go you’ll want a window seat and two large couches to face the fireplace.

Know where to save and spend. Costs can quickly add up, so it’s important for you to decide early on what matters most to you, and what’s worth investing in. You can always upgrade your flooring or cabinetry, but you can never change the foundation.

Build your home to last longer and perform better with innovative building materials like insulated custom forms from Nudura. This alternative to wood framing can withstand fire and high winds and provides superior insulation, leading to significant savings on your energy bills year after year.

Prepare for the unexpected. Building a new home is a process, and you can minimize stress by embracing that it will be unpredictable and can change throughout the journey. Plan for things like weather delays and higher costs. The unexpected can also lead to positive changes in your plans. For example, you might come across a new flooring material that’s more eco-friendly, or a smart home automation system might hit the market and you’ll want to integrate it into the design. Be flexible.

Find more information about building your new home with insulated concrete forms at nudura.com.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Choosing to build a custom home is a big commitment, requiring more time, money and energy than purchasing. Examine your lifestyle and if you have the resources to devote to the venture.

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Homes & Design Home Improvement

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HOMES & DESIGN

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for a bathroom remodel What began as a utilitarian space for personal sanitation has, in modern times, transformed into one of the most coveted rooms in the house. Bathrooms have become a place to relax and unwind, and new bathrooms are on the tops of many homeowners’ wish lists.

Bathrooms can be as lavish as budgets allow. Wish lists can include everything from luxurious soaking tubs to rainfall showerheads to chaise lounges to televisions or home entertainment systems contained in the space. Those contemplating their own bathroom renovations may draw inspiration from the following features.

Hot water recirculation system

Few things can be as disappointing as desiring a hot bath or shower only to find that the hot water tank has been drained. The home remodeling company Normandy Remodeling says that water recirculation systems provide on-demand hot water. In such systems, hot water may continuously run through the pipes or there may be a pump underneath a sink.

Either way, one needn’t wait for the water

This provides a spa experience at home.

to warm up any longer.

Double undermount sinks

Bathroom time is at a premium, especially when people must prepare and leave the house together. Rather than jockeying for position around a single sink, dual sinks enable more breathing room and time efficiency. Undermount sinks are easy to clean because there is no lip around where the sink meets the vanity, preventing the accumulation of grime and gunk.

Glass-free shower

Soap scum and water deposits can form on shower doors, even for homeowners who are diligent with cleaning. A sizable shower prevents water spray and affords the ability to forgo glass doors or curtains, thereby cutting down on cleaning and making the room feel more modern.

Multihead shower

When redoing the shower, account for various shower heads so that the water can cascade across the body more completely.

Touchless faucets and soap dispensers

These aren’t just for public bathrooms anymore. Touchless faucets and dispensers are more sanitary and convenient.

Separate toilet room

A shared bath almost necessitates this type of set-up.

The toilet is housed inside its own small space and closed away from the rest of the bathroom. It’s more private and convenient this way.

Heated flooring

You need not worry about stepping out of a warm shower onto a cold floor when heated flooring is part of the equation.

This option is available in various flooring materials as well.

Remodeling a bathroom boils down to certain coveted features that can really set a space apart.

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Home interior updates you can make to create a

MAY 2020

HOMES & DESIGN

Wow Factor

Page 7

Whether you want to customize and enhance your living spaces for your own enjoyment or you need to prepare to stand out in a buyer’s market, creating that wow factor is easy to achieve, if you know where to focus your attention.

You’re likely already familiar with the importance of exterior curb appeal. According to experienced realtors, it’s just as important to continue that concept after walking through the front door.

“As the saying goes, ‘you only have one opportunity to make a first impression,’” says realtor Vincent A. Stanson, a Realtor associate with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. “When that front door opens, homeowners have the chance to impress their guests with a stunning stairway system, stand-out mouldings and decorative interior accents.”

To get you started, here are easy ideas to give your spaces that wow factor you see and admire in ads and architectural magazines:

CEILING-TO-FLOOR TRANSFORMATION Totally transform a room top to bottom with decorative mouldings and millwork, starting with the ceiling. Add warmth with wood beams in a horizontal or criss-cross pattern, or simply accent the ceiling with stand-out crown mouldings.

Working your way down, frame windows with straight trim and rosettes in the corners. Throughout the room, add chair mouldings, mantels and floating shelves.

Remember, mouldings don’t need to be plain, especially if you want to make an impact. So, replace any humdrum casing, crown, chair and base mouldings with elements that pop, such as those that feature leaves, grapes, vines or criss-cross ribbon patterns.

Consider the decorative millwork accents available from Ornamental Moulding and Millwork, which are easy to install. Their newest offerings dovetail nicely with the latest trends, and their commitment to craftsmanship mean high-quality products that last. The inspiration galleries available on its site can be a good tool for those seeking ideas for creatively enhancing their own rooms.

To learn more, visit Ornamental.com.

STEP UP STAIRWAYS Often a focal point of a home interior, a stairway system is a crucial area where homeowners can step up their game, and doing so doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

“There’s a definite trend underway of people mixing metals and woods on stair systems and throughout the home,” says Kelly Miller, director of market development for L.J. Smith Stair Systems. “Rather than completely take down an existing wood stair system, many people are turning to the easy IronPro DIY project of replacing wood balusters with iron balusters.

Then they’re leaving the wood hand rails and newel posts for a stylish, upgraded look.”

Defined by unique designs and durability, L.J. Smith products – including wooden and ornamental iron balusters, stainless steel cable and tube infills, metal panels, newel posts, handrails and accessories, can help you transform your stairs.

Check out the “Stair Designer” tool to determine the best look for your home, as well as installation details and additional tips at ljsmith.com.

(STATEPOINT)

When taking your home interiors from ordinary to extraordinary, it’s all in the details.

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HOMES & DESIGN

MAY 2020

BRINGING THE INDOORS OUT

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2020 outdoor living trends This year’s outdoor living trends are all about enjoying your backyard alfresco - but with the comfort and ease you expect from your indoor spaces. Today’s outdoor spaces are transforming into an extension of the home. The current outdoor design also takes into account the look and feel of your entire home.

Connecting with nature: Biophilic design Biophilic design is achieved when natural elements are incorporated into the space, helping people feel connected to the natural environment. It creates a calm, tranquil space and reduces stress. Biophilia makes sense for indoor urban environments needing to bring the outdoors in, but how does it work when you’re already outside? Biophilic design for outdoor spaces means integrating natural elements with constructed elements to create a harmonious space. A plant wall or raised garden bed can integrate greenery and pops of color with the built elements of your outdoor space. It also means using natural materials, like wood and stone, to complement the surrounding environment.

You can also use materials such as Belgard’s permeable pavers, which allow water to drain through the surface, replenishing the soil and aquifers beneath your path, walkway or driveway.

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More than just a grill Today’s homeowners want much more than a grill in the backyard. With aspirations to cook and entertain guests outdoors with everything the best outdoor kitchen can offer, the possibilities are endless – from grills to cooktops and ovens or even a wine cooler and an outdoor bar.

Homeowners also have many options when it comes to the design and price point of their outdoor kitchen. Some may lean toward a grill island, adding prep and storage space to their grilling station, while others might create a full-on outdoor kitchen with a grill, smoker, refrigerator, sink, seating area and more.

Either way, homeowners can get a feel for exactly what their space will look like before breaking ground through Belgard’s design resources. The Belgard Design Studio takes a simple sketch, some dimensions and a couple of photos and turns it, using design software, into 3D animations and virtual reality experiences to give homeowners a sense of the finished product.

Multifunctional spaces Whether your home is in an urban area with limited green space, or you want to optimize your outdoor living, get creative: • Add vertical planters; • Hang hammocks for lounging; • Create built-in seating; and • Build raised garden beds.

Entertaining both night and day Regardless of the time of day – or year – you and your family can relax comfortably in your outdoor sanctuary, thanks to modern technology and the latest outdoor installations: • LED lighting is installed in a variety of ways. You can install strips of light and/or spotlights, even using multiple colors, to add flair at night; • In the harsh sunlight, large umbrellas and movable shade walls or screens can keep your space cool and comfortable; • For cooler climates, an outdoor fireplace provides heat and light for cozy evenings in the yard.

For more information on how you can upgrade your outdoor space, visit Belgard. com.

(BPT)

MAY 2020

HOMES & DESIGN

Page 9

Top 5

This one has been popular for a long time, but green design has evolved to be about much more than energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs. Now, it’s all about making sure everything in your home reduces your carbon footprint and minimizes any impact on the environment.

To try the trend yourself, think big and get creative – install solar panels on your roof, choose building materials that don’t require deforestation and upcycle old furniture for decorative elements instead of buying new.

DISASTER RESILIENCY

Climate change affects us in so many negative ways, and one of the top concerns is the increase in natural disasters. From wildfires that last for months to major floods that affect entire cities, we now need to prepare for the worst when building our homes.

Switching to disaster-resilient materials is an important first step. Many builders now prefer to use stronger, more energyefficient materials like insulated concrete forms instead of more traditional materials like wood. For example, Nudura ICFs can withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour (equivalent to an F4 tornado) and offer a fire protection rating of up to four hours.

OUTDOOR LIVING

Many of us are now choosing to forgo getting a cottage or summer home and recreate the experience in our own backyards. This trend helps you make the most of your existing space and take full

HOME AUTOMATION

This is another longstanding trend that shows no signs of slowing down. It has also evolved to encompass more of the home to make life even more comfortable and convenient.

From an oven that can be turned on remotely to preheat, to skylights that can open and close automatically to create the perfect ambient temperature, there are more ways than ever to integrate smart home technology into your living space.

You can start small with voice assistant and smart light bulbs and work your way up to a total smart home system that includes home security, temperature controls and all your electronic devices.

CUSTOMIZATION

You don’t have to settle for what mass manufacturers decide to build, or what works for everyone else. Creating a home that’s as unique as you are is the latest trend, with custom-built storage and personalized architectural features to make your space stand out.

You can even go as far as building a custom home that’s suited to your family.

Older home demolitions and purchasing land-only properties is becoming more common, allowing you to work with an architect to create exactly what you want with a new build.

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(METRO CREATIVE)

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You can design a full living space outside, complete with an outdoor television and comfy couches, as well as a kitchen and refrigerator for entertaining.

Consider adding a fireplace or firepit to keep warm during cool summer nights and enjoy the outdoors through spring, fall and even winter if you’re brave.

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These days, home trends are about more than good design and aesthetics – they’re about creating spaces that reflect our values and are more comfortable and enjoyable to live in. From net-zero and net-positive construction to tiny minimalist homes, trends are all about your family’s lifestyle.

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How to begin building a

CREDIT HISTORY Credit scores play a significant role in the lives of millions of adults across the globe. A strong credit history can help people secure more borrower-friendly terms on home and auto loans, potentially saving them thousands of dollars.

Credit scores are not typically on the minds of young adults who are years away from purchasing their first homes.

However, young adulthood is a great time to begin building a strong credit history.

By laying a strong foundation now, young adults can reap significant rewards when they try to finance major purchases, such as cars and homes, down the road.

Open a credit account It’s important to begin building credit histories once you’re eligible, as young people with no credit histories may find it hard to get loans or even apartments of their own. Cosigners can help, but loans secured with cosigners won’t do much to improve young people’s credit scores.

Borrowers want loan applicants who have shown they can pay their own bills, and length of credit history is one of many variables that are used to determine

borrowers’ credit scores. A long history that documents a young person’s track record of paying bills on time is to his or her advantage.

Many credit card companies issue credit to applicants as young as 18, so young people should not hesitate to begin exploring their options. The online financial resource NerdWallet notes that young people with no credit history may need to apply for secured credit cards.

Unlike more traditional cards, secured cards are backed by upfront cash deposits.

However, secured cardholders must still make payments on time and will still incur interest charges if they don’t.

These cards can be a great way for young people to begin showing lenders their creditworthiness.

Apply for an installment loan Installment loans are another great way for young people to build their credit histories. According to the credit reporting agency Experian, auto loans are among the easiest types of loans to obtain.

Young borrowers may need cosigners, though some lenders may not require

that. Young people who want to buy new vehicles can avoid leaning on their parents to facilitate their purchases and instead take out an auto loan that requires monthly payments.

A track record of making installment loan payments on time and in full is a great way for young people to prove their creditworthiness and improve their credit scores.

Ask your landlord to help Young people who rent and pay their rent on time might finally be able to benefit from that. In the past, the only way rent payments were included on credit reports was if tenants were delinquent with their rent payments and subject to lawsuits or were reported to collection agencies.

However, Experian recently started to include positive rental payment information in their credit reports. Young people with histories of making rent payments on time can ask their landlords to report their positive payment histories to the credit bureaus.

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Local Owner,

Scott Williamson

America’s Largest Home Improvement Company • Locally Owned & Operated • Professional & Insured Crews • True Lifetime Warranties, Guaranteed Forever!

• Serving Northern Illinois for nearly 15 years

FIRST PLACE Rockford Register Star

ALSAC • Danny Thomas, Founder

Se Habla Espanol

Call Today For Your FREE ESTIMATE

Finding cures. Saving children.

815-395-1333 or Toll Free 866-449-1333 6010 Forest Hills Rd. • Rockford, IL

www.windowworldrockford.com Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm; Sat 9 am-Noon *SEE OUR WEBSITE OR A TEAM MEMBER FOR DETAILS

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