2015 home & garden tab

Home & Garden GUIDE 2015 03

OPERATE GARAGE DOORS SAFELY

07

DETERMINE THE BEST TIME TO REFINANCE A MORTGAGE

12

VEGGIE GARDEN TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

04

THE MANY BENEFITS OF HIRING A PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPER

09

FENCE ETIQUETTE PREVENTS DISPUTES

13

COMMON MISTAKES MADE ON HOME RENOVATION PROJECTS

06

HOW TO BUILD A DISASTER-RESILIENT HOUSE

11

DOS AND DON’TS OF KITCHEN REMODELS

14

THE POTENTIALLY HARMFUL EFFECTS OF MOLD IN YOUR HOME

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2015 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

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Operate garage doors safely A

garage door is an oft-overlooked part of a home. Some are rarely opened, while others are used on a daily basis. Though they might be overlooked, garage doors play a role in thousands of injuries every year.

Roughly 20,000 people each year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to garage doors, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian hospitals report that roughly 60 percent of all garage door injuries are cut fingers or hands.

The majority of injuries happen at a person’s own home.

Although children are more susceptible to garage door injuries, these injuries can happen to people of all ages. That is why it is wise for all members of the family to familiarize themselves with how to prevent garage door injuries.

obstacle on the ground when the door is closing.

Unsafe ride-along

Some children and teenagers think it is entertaining to ride on the garage door when it is automatically being opened. The kids let go before the door reaches the header of the garage. Unfortunately, many children are not as lucky and can become trapped between the

rounded-out edges on the track and a closed design that does not enable fingers to be trapped between rolling mechanisms and the garage door track.

Crushing concerns

Safety experts from many organizations, including CPSC, estimate the average garage door weighs more than 400 pounds. A door of that weight can break bones and crush adults and children alike. There are many reasons a door can fall, including lost tension, improper installation or a faulty track or springs. A garage door may become faulty if it was hit by an automobile and not mended correctly.

Many different manufacturers have created safety features that can be installed on garage doors to control the speed of descent and also automatically stop a garage door should it be involved in a free fall. There also are features that retract the door should it meet with an

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have numerous open holes in the construction that are tempting for little fingers. Cuts have occurred to both children and adults in and around tracks. Look for garage doors that have

garage door and the small space at the ceiling of the garage. Others may have hands or feet become stuck between the folding panel joints of the door, resulting in breaks or amputations.

Children should be advised never to ride on an opening garage door. Some automatic garage door opener manufacturers have begun developing safety systems that shut down the operation of the door if a sensor measures extra weight on the garage door.

Sharp edges

Tracks on standard garage doors are frequently made of sharp-edged metal and

Open joints in door

Most standard garage doors are made by fitting several panels together to create a solid door. This allows for the bending motion of the door when it is retracted. Gaps between these panels, called joints, can trap fingers or toes, resulting in anything from pinching to amputations. Shoppers may want to consider a door that guards against open joints with protective features that do not allow finger entry between joints.

downward before retracting back upward. * Test the auto-reversing feature of the garage door monthly by placing a roll of paper towels beneath the door. If the door does not reverse upon contact with the towels, have the door repaired or replaced. * Make sure that no snow or ice is blocking the door during cold weather. In addition, check for other obstructions that could make the door work incorrectly. * Do not let young children play in the garage unattended. Not only can a garage door be a hazard, but also carbon monoxide poisoning in the garage is another serious concern. * Regularly clean the working parts of the garage door to ensure safe operation. * Do not try to fix garage door problems on your own. Serious injuries can ensue when the torque on springs and other mechanisms are adjusted improperly on high-tension parts. Hire a professional to get the job done right. * Educate children and other family members of all the dangers associated with garage doors so they will know how to use them safely.

Other safety precautions

* Do not leave the garage door partially open. When it is reactivated, it first may travel

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The many benefits of hiring a professional landscaper

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he flowers are blooming, and the grass has begun to grow anew, making spring a great time for homeowners to once again turn their attention to landscaping. Those who aren’t looking forward to dusting off their lawnmowers and rethreading their string trimmers may want to hire professional landscapers to tend to their lawns and gardens.

A recent joint study by the National Gardening Association, Residential Lawn and Landscape Services and the Value of Landscaping found that homeowners

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Time saved and a professional job are just two of the reasons homeowners hire lawn care companies. spend roughly $45 billion per year on professional lawn and landscape services, as nearly 30 percent of all households across the United States use at least one type of lawn or landscape service. The rising use of lawn care services is indicative of homeowners’ appreciation of the

convenience and craftsmanship professional services can provide. While the impact professional landscapers can have on a property’s aesthetic appeal is considerable, homeowners also benefit from working with professional landscapers in various other ways.

2015 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

· Time savings: One of the biggest benefits of leaving lawn care to the professionals is the amount of time it will save for the average homeowner. Lawns generally need to be mowed once per week during the spring and summer seasons and, depending on the size of the property, that can take an hour or more. Add the time it takes to clean up clippings, mulch landscaping beds and edge the property, and homeowners can expect to devote a significant chunk of their weekends to caring for their lawns. Lawn services employ a few workers who make fast work

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of the job, leaving homeowners time to enjoy their weekends however they see fit. · Reduced risk for injury: Maintaining a landscape is hard work, and those unaccustomed to this type of activity may find themselves winded or at risk of injury. Improper use of lawn equipment also is a safety hazard.

Leaving the work to professionals can help homeowners avoid strained backs, lacerations, pulled muscles, sunburns, and any other dangers that can result when tackling landscaping projects. · Financial savings: On the surface, hiring a landscaping service may seem like a costly venture.

However, after crunching some numbers, many homeowners realize that doing the work themselves may cost more in the long run than hiring

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Spring is a great time for homeowners to decide if hiring professional landscaping services is in their best interests. a professional landscaping service.

Homeowners who decide to go it alone must purchase expensive equipment, and those lawn tools will require routine maintenance, which costs additional money. Inexperienced homeowners may incur extra fees to “fix” mistakes that occur during

the learning process. Each year, new seed, fertilizer, mulch, pesticides, and other supplies also must be purchased.

But professional lawn care services typically charge a set fee per month, and that fee covers the maintenance of both your property and the equipment needed to keep that property looking great. · Know-how: Many professional landscapers know how to address lawn care issues that may arise throughout the year. They will know how to deal with dry patches of lawn or poorly draining areas, and they also can make recommendations on plants that will thrive under certain conditions. · One-stop shopping: Certain landscaping services provide many different options for prospective customers. Basic lawn cuts may be

2015 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

one package, but there also may be services for seasonal seeding, weeding, leaf clean-up, and winterizing. · Consistent maintenance: Homeowners who frequently travel or spend much of their summers away from home often find that lawn care companies are a wise investment.

Established weekly schedules ensure the landscape always will look its best whether homeowners are home or out of town.

Spring is a great time for homeowners to decide if hiring professional landscaping services is in their best interests. The time and money saved, as well as impact professional landscapers can have on a property, makes landscaping services a great investment for many

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How to build a disaster-resilient house E xtreme weather events in every season now are thrashing, burning, flooding, and flattening many homes into rubble, and such storms are making many homeowners wonder what would happen to their homes if they were in the path of such destructive winds.

The frequency of severe storms is giving us one more reason to build with the strongest materials and the smartest technology available. Concrete walls, instead of wood, are a good start, but as it turns out, they are also far more energy efficient, healthier for residents, cost effective, and eco-friendly.

“If you ask for the house to be built with insulated concrete forms, known as ICFs, it will immediately withstand winds of up to 402 kilometers per hour,” says Todd

“If you ask for the house to be built with insulated concrete forms, known as ICFs, it will immediately withstand winds of up to 402 kilometers per hour,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura Blyth at Nudura, a leading name in building technology. “An ICF home is also top-rated for its insulation.”

Specifically, the walls are constructed with preassembled, interlocking units (similar to Lego), so they’re easily transported to

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any building site. Each form consists of two panels of thick foam (expanded polystyrene) connected with a Nudura patented web system. Guided by the architectural design and beauty aspects you request, the ICFs are stacked, steel reinforced, and filled with concrete until the entire building envelope is complete.

The material required for your walls is a decision to be made early in the process. If you opt for concrete, says Blyth, here’s what you’ll get: · In addition to hurricane and tornado impact resistance, the fire protection rate is as long as four hours. · Premium insulation will vastly reduce air infiltration (compared to wood walls), giving you an efficiency rating as high as R-50 due to the thermal mass of the concrete (compared to an average R20 in wood structures). That equates to reducing household energy bills by up to 70 percent. And if optional inserts are added to the ICF forms, this efficiency is improved even more. · Walls with a solid concrete core deliver even temperatures throughout the house by preventing thermal bridging. Outside cold easily travels through wood-framed walls, creating uncomfortable chilly spots. · Concrete will give you an effective sound barrier. ICF walls will dampen sound vibrations from outside noise, delivering remarkable peace and quiet inside. · The system is eco-responsible: concrete reduces the need for trees; the process uses recycled materials; the construction creates less waste than traditional methods; and the

occupants use fewer fossil fuels for a much smaller carbon footprint. · A stronger, safer, greener home - and one that is more durable, cost efficient, and requires less maintenance and repair - will steadily increase in resale value.

More information is available online at www. nudura.com

2015 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

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Determine the best time to refinance a mortgage

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efinancing a mortgage is advantageous to homeowners for a variety of reasons. The primary reasons people refinance their mortgages are to reduce their monthly payments or free up equity to use toward home improvements or other necessities. Lenders will frequently advertise that “now”is the time to refinance, but people may want to get all of the facts before making their decisions.

A low interest rate is not reason alone to refinance. Conventional wisdom has long suggested that borrowers wait to refinance until interest rates drop 2 percent below their current rate. While a low interest rate is important, there are several other factors to consider. * Closing costs: Refinancing a home is an expensive undertaking. While it can effectively shave $100 or more off your monthly payments, there is a financial outlay during the process, which includes closing costs. A person can expect to pay anywhere from 2 to 5 percent of the loan’s value in closing costs when refinancing. Lenders used to enable some to roll the cost of the closing into the mortgage, but stringent rules have changed the way many banks now do business.

If the finances are simply not there to cover the closing costs, refinancing may not be an option. *Credit rating: If your credit rating is better now than it was when you initially earned your home loan, then this might be a good time to refinance. Not only will a person benefit from a low market rate, the interest

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rate may be even lower because lenders look more fondly on you now than they did years ago. Lenders often base their assessments of borrower reliability and stability on those potential borrowers’ credit scores, so a strong credit score makes you look better in the eyes of lenders. Borrowers with poor credit ratings may not benefit from refinancing. *Income: Aperson’s debt-to-income ratio is another factor in determining mortgage

interest rates and approval. A positive change in income status as well as reduction in debt could make it a good time to refinance. * Adjustable rate mortgages: Many people opted for adjustable rate mortgages when buying homes years ago. Over time, their monthly payments may have increased considerably, making it nearly impossible to afford a home. Refinancing for a fixed-rate mortgage, regardless of the current interest

2015 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

rate, will likely ease some of your financial burden. *Home value: A higher home value means more equity in the home. This money can be used to pay down debt or for home improvements that further improve the value of the home and property. It is important to speak with a real estate professional to determine if home values have spiked in a particular neighborhood and to gain an accurate appraisal of the home. This will help determine if refinancing is frugal. * Interest rates: Lower interest rates often motivate homeowners to refinance, as a lower interest rate can save homeowners a substantial amount of money over the course of their loans. However, refinancing too soon (within 4 years of the original home loan) may put homeowners in a negative light. Lenders may see borrowers who refinance too soon or too frequently as risky borrowers who cannot successfully manage their money. * Prepayment penalties: Certain mortgages have prepayment penalties built in. Should a person pay off the mortgage too early, usually within two to five years, 2 to 4 percent of the home’s loan value must be paid out. Refinancing counts as paying off one loan and opening up another. Penalties could deter a person from refinancing too soon.

Determining the best time to refinance your home mortgage takes effort on the part of the borrower and information about market trends. By doing one’s homework and being aware of certain factors, a person can save money by refinancing a home loan.

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Secrets to keeping an organized shed D

espite other intentions, homeowners often turn their garages into storage centers for random, little-used items, leaving little to no room for the tools and even vehicles that actually belong in a garage. Such homeowners may turn to sheds to store their garage overflow and keep yard equipment at the ready, but storage sheds are not immune to clutter, and homeowners may find the very structure erected to keep them organized requires a bit of organization itself.

A well-organized shed can save homeowners time and energy, as it’s easy to abandon or delay a project if you can’t find that pair of work gloves you stashed. The first step to any organizing project is to take everything out of the shed and determine just what needs to go

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back in. Items that do not belong in the shed should be moved to their rightful locations or tossed in the trash if they’re no longer needed.

Make a pile of anything that will be kept, a separate one for donations and a third for garbage. Take inventory of what you have so you know whether you’re missing any items or you have something and do not need to purchase another.

Now that the entire shed is empty, you can assess just how much room you have. Utilizing vertical and overhead space effectively can free up areas on the floor for larger equipment.

Shelving, racks, pegboards and any other materials that enable you to hang or store items off the floor are good investments. Visit your nearby home improvement retailer to find items that can simplify your storage.You also may be

able to put scrap wood to use to make your own storage shelves or a work bench. Extra kitchen cabinets can be installed in the shed to organize additional items.

In order to remember where items go, label or sort them accordingly. Some people like to take organization a step further by tracing the outline of tools hung on the wall so they can be placed back in the same spot after use. This also serves as a visual reminder of which tools are missing and which ones need to be purchased.

Don’t forget to utilize shed doors as additional storage space. Hang frequently used tools, such as rakes and shovels, on the inside of the doors so they will always be easily accessible.

You also can repurpose storage solutions designed for other areas of the home. For

2015 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

example, magnetic knife holders can be mounted to a shed wall to keep paintbrushes organized. These holders also can be used to keep many small metal tools tidy. Metal funnels can hold twine and string. Thread through the narrow end of the funnel for a handy dispenser.

Keep dangerous substances off the floor and out of reach. Gasoline, chemical fertilizers and other potentially dangerous substances should be stored high up to keep pets and children safe.

Make sure the shed floor is sturdy and level.

This makes it easier to neatly store larger items.

Roll in the lawnmower, wheelbarrow and any other cumbersome items. Now that more things are mounted vertically, you should find that you have more area to move around.

Taking the time to clean and organize a shed can help make anyone more productive.

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Fence etiquette prevents disputes

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eople fortunate enough to own their own plots of land often choose to fence in their pieces of paradise. Fences serve many purposes: to designate property boundaries, keep pets or children contained in a safe environment, corral livestock, offer privacy or add aesthetic appeal.

Although installing a fence may seem like the right idea for you, going about it the wrong way may lead to problems among neighbors, particularly if you live where the houses are relatively close to one another. Some homeowners find fences become the final point of contention among disagreeable neighbors or create tension with a neighbor with whom you previously had a good relationship. Being courteous with fence plans is the way to avoid any animosity along the way.

There are certain things you must do and should do if you plan to erect a fence. Most people find neighbors appreciate being informed of any decisions you are thinking of making to the property that can affect their views or their adjoining property. Before drawing up fence plans with a contractor, talk to the neighbors on either side of your home and gauge their receptiveness to a fence. At this point, you may want to consider offering to make the fencing project a joint deal to save money should the neighbors decide to install a fence as well.

Contractors will often discount if they have several customers doing an installation at the same time. Property owners can save by splitting the costs of the shared walls of the fence where their property lines meet.

Explain your case for the fence. Most neighbors are receptive to the idea if they know the reasoning -- especially if the desire for a fence is not to keep them at bay. It’s hard to protest a fence that is a safety precaution for children. If your neighbor already has a fence, you must ask whether you can connect your fence panels into the support post on your shared side.

Once you notify your neighbors as a courtesy, there are certain steps to take that will prevent

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any legal disputes down the road. Even the most easy-going neighbor could grow aggravated if the fence is put up carelessly or ends up partially on his property. The best way to prevent this is to apply for a new, professional property survey and have property lines indicated with paint or wood markers.

Each town or city has different regulations with regard to fencing, so it is important to learn the ropes or hire a contractor who is familiar with the rules. It might be illegal to install fences directly on the property line. The law might require the fence be installed a few inches inward. There also may be rules about how high fences can be in the front of the home, sides and back. Corner lot properties may have added regulations depending on whether the fence could prove a visual obstruction to drivers.

If you live in a planned community, or one with a homeowners’ association, it is your job to find out the guidelines for any home improvements. The HOA may dictate the style, size and maintenance of the fence or may not allow a fence at all.

Once all the details are checked, you may have to apply for a fence permit. This way the construction of the fence and finished product will meet safety standards, and the area in which you live can provide consistent quality control.

If the fence is installed by code, there is little chance it will have to be torn down or changed in the near future. Also, doing it by the book means that a neighbor can be unhappy about a fence but not have legal recourse to ask you to remove it.

As an added form of courtesy, it is proper fence etiquette to put the “good” side of the fence facing the neighbors’ yards. That means the side of the fence that doesn’t show the support panels and posts. Remember, it is your fence so you are also responsible for all maintenance of the fence -- on all sides. Just because your neighbor also will be benefitting from your fence, doesn’t mean he will have to care for it.

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Recognizing termite damage

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ome ownership can be an unending series of adventures, especially for those homeowners who love good home improvement projects. Some projects are fun and improve the value of a home instantly, while others are undertaken to address a potentially serious issue.

Discovering that termites are taking up residence where you live can be disconcerting, but termites are a very common occurrence.

Understanding termites and recognizing the signs of termite damage early on can help homeowners reduce the havoc that such critters can wreak on their homes.

Termites are social insects that live together in colonies. These colonies eat nonstop, dining on wood and other cellulose plant matter.

They also eat materials made from plants, like fabric and paper. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage a year.

Studies show that queen termites can live up to decades under ideal climate conditions while workers and soldiers live approximately one to

two years.

While there are many varieties of termites, all are silent destroyers capable of chewing undetected through housing structures. To eradicate termites, homeowners must first identify the insects and then contact a termite management specialist to address the pest problem.

Spotting termites

Termites may not always be visible.

Subterranean termite homes are usually formed in soil, where the termites build elaborate tunnel systems that channel through to above-ground food sources. Drywood and dampwood termites may live within the wood they consume and be undetectable until the wood collapses or rots away. Homeowners often realize they have a termite problem when they witness swarming termites. At this point there already may be a mature colony at work damaging a home. Swarming, winged termites form in a mature, established colony. Winged termites emerge and fly off looking for mates.

Afterward they will locate a new breeding site and form another colony, potentially spreading infestations through multiple locations. Winged termites are attracted to light and can be seen by windows and doors in spring.

Other signs of termites include accumulation of soil or dirt at the base of wood structures

or the foundation of a home. There also may be fissures or cracks near wood surfaces.

Sometimes “frass� or termite droppings can be seen. They appear as rough, granulated sawdust.

Covered mud tubes, or channels of mud leading from the soil up the foundation of a home, are indicative of the presence of termites.

Even if termites are no longer present in these tubes, that does not mean the termites have moved on. They simply may have chosen a new path to your home.

Keeping termites away

Once termites have been identified, it is time to eliminate them. This means getting rid of water and food sources that are close to a home. * Repair leaky faucets and other water drips in and around the house. * Keep gutters and downspouts clean. * Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes. * Divert water away from the foundation. * Keep lumber, firewood or paper away

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2015 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

from the foundation of the home. * Clear away stumps and tree debris. * Prevent untreated wood from contacting the soil.

Treating termites

It is very difficult for homeowners to get rid of termites by themselves. Very often they require the work of professionals. A termite exterminator will conduct a visual inspection of a home and property and may do extensive testing involving expensive acoustic or infrared equipment to probe the soil beneath the house.

Depending on the species of termite, the exterminator will suggest various treatments.

These may include the application of pesticides and making areas around the home less hospitable to termites. Severely damaged wood may need to be removed and replaced.

Termites are problematic in many areas of the world. These insects often stay hidden and do serious damage that can cost homeowners a fortune. Treating termites promptly is essential.

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Dos and don’ts of kitchen remodels A

ccording to Remodeling magazine’s “2014 Cost vs.

Value Report,” a major kitchen remodeling project should enable homeowners to recoup 74.2 percent of their initial investments. Kitchen renovations have long been a safe way to improve the functionality and value of a home. But not every kitchen project is a guaranteed winner. Homeowners may inadvertently make changes that end up sticking out like a sore thumb rather than improving the space. Take a look at these kitchen remodeling dos and don’ts to guide your next undertaking.

DO consider the way your kitchen will look with the rest of the home. Keep architectural integrity in mind when designing the space. A farmhouse sink and country cabinets can look out of place in an ultra-modern home.

DON’T overlook the importance of a seasoned designer or architect. These pros will know the tricks to maximizing space and achieving the ideal layout of appliances and may be able to recommend local contractors and vendors.

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DO look beyond surface details to the structural integrity of the design. The kitchen should be functional, long-lasting and beautiful.

DON’T design just for today, but look to the future as well. Unless you are willing to spend $50,000 every five years, look for

A complete demolition and renovation is not always necessary to achieve the desired results. styles and materials that will last for the long haul. Older homeowners may want to make adjustments now that address

2015 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

potential mobility issues down the road.

DO work with what you have. A complete demolition and renovation is not always necessary to achieve the desired results. Only invest in major changes if something is not working (such as having to walk across the entire kitchen to access the stove) or is unsafe. Otherwise, minor upgrades may do the trick.

DON’T over-improve the space. A fully equipped commercial kitchen may be handy for a professional chef, but the average person may not need an industrial hood and indoor pizza oven. When you make excessive improvements, you may not be able to recoup as much of the money spent because your home will not be on par with the values of homes in the neighborhood.

DO make sure you can afford the project. Plan for some unexpected purchases and plan out the renovation according to your budget. Skimping on materials or design because of lack of money may leave you feeling dissatisfied afterward.

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Veggie garden tips for beginners

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lanting a vegetable garden can be a worthwhile endeavor for anyone who has an available patch of land. Gardens need not take up much space, and even apartment dwellers without yards can plant small gardens in containers they place on terraces or window boxes.

Although establishing a garden is easy enough, beginners may make a few mistakes along the way.

Those who already have paved the garden way before can offer novice gardeners some worthwhile tips.

One of the first decisions novice gardeners must make is which crops to grow. This will help determine how much land you will need and which supplies or soil amendments will be necessary.

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According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a common error for beginners is planting too much and more than anyone could ever consume, so it’s best to start small and be proud of that small garden.

Plants such as peppers, squash and tomatoes produce throughout the season, so you may not need many plants to provide for your needs. Less prolific plants may require a greater investment to produce a similar yield.

Locate your garden in an area that gets adequate sun. Many vegetables need between six and eight hours of sunlight per day.

Without enough light, they will not bear as much and could be susceptible to insect infestation.

Vegetables and fruit also need plenty of water because they’re

not very drought-tolerant, so keep gardens close to a water source.

Another good tip is to locate the garden near the house or barbecue grill. This way you can easily harvest fresh produce and use it when cooking.

Soil preparation is also key. Till the soil and remove debris like rocks, sticks and hard clumps of dirt. Work with organic material, such as manure or compost.

Apply mulch after planting to help maintain moisture levels in the soil.

Plant the tallest crops at the rear of your garden bed. Work forward with shorter crops. Try to leave a foot or more between planting rows.

It’s easy to get a garden started and enjoy fresh food for many months to come.

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Common mistakes made on home renovation projects

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ome improvement projects can turn a house into a home.

Homeowners plan scores of renovations to transform living spaces into rooms that reflect their personal tastes and comforts.

Homeowners going it alone may find things do not always go as planned. In fact, a Harris Interactive study found that 85 percent of homeowners say remodeling is a more stressful undertaking than buying a home.

But homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects can make the process go more smoothly by avoiding these common pitfalls.

Failing to understand the scope of the project Some homeowners don’t realize just how big a commitment they have made until they get their hands dirty. But understanding the scope of the project, including how much demolition and reconstruction is involved and how much time a project will take can

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help homeowners avoid some of the stress that comes with renovation projects. For example, a bathroom renovation may require the removal of drywall, reinforcement of flooring to accommodate a new bathtub or shower enclosure and the installation of new plumbing and wiring behind walls. So such a renovation is far more detailed than simply replacing faucets.

Not establishing a budget

Homeowners must develop a project budget to ensure their projects do not drain their finances. If your budget is so inflexible that you can’t afford the materials you prefer, you may want to postpone the project and save more money so you can eventually afford to do it right.

Without a budget in place, it is easy to overspend, and that can put you in financial peril down the line. Worrying about coming up with money to pay for materials and labor also can induce stress. Avoid the anxiety by setting a firm budget.

Making trendy or overpersonal improvements

Homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for the long run have more free reign when it comes to renovating their homes.

Such homeowners can create a billiards room or paint a room hot pink if they so prefer.

However, if the goal is to make improvements in order to sell a property, overly personal touches may make a property less appealing to prospective buyers. Trends come and go, and improvements can be expensive. If your ultimate goal is to sell your home, opt for renovations that will look beautiful through the ages and avoid bold choices that may only appeal to a select few buyers.

Forgetting to properly vet all workers

It is important to vet your contractor, but don’t forget to vet potential subcontractors as well. Failing to do so can prove a costly mistake. Contractors often look to subcontractors to perform certain parts of a

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job, and it is the responsibility of homeowners to vet these workers.

Expecting everything to go as planned

Optimism is great, but you also should be a realist. Knowing what potentially could go wrong puts you in a better position to handle any problems should they arise. The project might go off without a hitch, but plan for a few hiccups along the way.

Overestimating DIY abilities

Overzealous homeowners may see a renovation project in a magazine or on television and immediately think they can do the work themselves. Unless you have the tools and the skills necessary to do the work, tackling too much can be problematic. In the long run, leaving the work to a professional may save you money.

Home improvements can be stressful, but homeowners can lessen that stress by avoiding common renovation mistakes.

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The potentially harmful effects of mold in your home

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he presence of mold in a home is a sight few homeowners want to see. In addition to being unsightly, mold found in a home can be unhealthy.

While certain cleaners may prove effective at removing mold, homeowners who want to remove existing mold growths and prevent future growths may benefit from gaining a greater understanding of mold and why it grows inside homes.

What is mold?

Mold is a blanket term used to describe fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors.

Many species of mold exist, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that some estimates suggest there may be more than three hundred thousand different species of mold.

Common indoor molds include cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria, and aspergillus.

Which conditions promote mold growth?

Homeowners may notice that mold tends to grow in specific areas of their homes but not in others, and that’s because molds grow best in certain conditions. Warm, damp and humid conditions, such as those found in poorly ventilated bathrooms and basements, make ideal breeding grounds for mold.

What are the effects of mold exposure?

Molds are a natural and resilient part of the environment, but mold growth indoors should be addressed and avoided. Mold spores are tiny and invisible to the naked eye, and when these spores attach to wet surfaces, they begin to grow. Once these spores begin to grow, they

can then affect people in various ways. Roughly a decade ago, the Institute of Medicine found sufficient evidence to support a link between exposure to indoor mold and respiratory tract issues, such as coughing and wheezing in people who were otherwise healthy. The same report found that mold may trigger asthma symptoms among people with asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a disease in which the lungs are inflamed when a person breathes in certain dusts he or she is allergic to, in people susceptible to that condition.

Some people who do not have a preexisting condition can still be sensitive to molds. When exposed to mold, such people may experience symptoms like nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation.

How can exposure to mold be decreased at home?

Adequate ventilation is arguably homeowners’ best friend with regard to reducing mold exposure at home. Control humidity levels in areas of the home that tend

to be warm and humid, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Install an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathroom and a window in the bathroom if yours does not already have one.

The CDC recommends that humidity levels be no higher than 50 percent throughout the day, and an air conditioner and dehumidifier can help you keep indoor humidity levels in check, especially during the summer when humidity levels tend to be their highest of any time during the year.

When renovating your home, remove any existing carpeting from bathrooms and basements and toss out soaked carpets or upholstery as well. If painting will be part of your home renovation projects, add mold inhibitors to paints prior to application.

Mold that grows inside a home is unsightly and potentially unhealthy. But concerned homeowners can take several reactive and proactive steps to reduce existing mold growths and prevent them from returning in the future.

To secure your spot in next month’s Health & Fitness contact your sales rep or visit us online at kdhnews.com/special. This special section is available to readers in print and online the last Sunday of each month.

14 n MARCH 2015

2015 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

Daily Herald

Riding mowers can make lawn care more manageable

H

omeowners love extensive, lush, green lawns. But the elbow grease that goes into tending to the landscape is far less beloved. One task that routinely causes bouts of procrastination is mowing the lawn.

But riding mowers can change the way homeowners view mowing the lawn.

Traditionally, mowing the lawn has been a task largely handled by homeowners pushing walk-behind mowers. Whether these mowers were powered by gasoline, electricity or simply human power, they were the type of mower that was generally the most popular and most affordable.

Individuals had different features they could consider in their mowers, including horsepower and the size of the deck. There were also mowers that could bag or mulch.

Despite these features, homeowners with a particularly large back or front yard -- or both -- may have found lawn mowing to be tedious work. Those who have yards of almost an acre or more often find riding mowers to be an efficient method of mowing the lawn, and one that also does not require as much effort out in the sun.

Daily Herald

A riding mower’s cutting deck is in front, while a lawn or gardening tractor’s cutting deck is mid-mounted, which is how they differ. Lawn tractors also may be able to accept other landscaping attachments. A riding mower is more maneuverable than a tractor, particularly for landscapes that may have trees or planting beds.

Cost is the one thing that may deter some homeowners from a riding mower. While a walk-behind mower could cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars and up, riding mowers generally start at $1,000 and may be as much as $10,000, depending on the extra features, like cruise control and cup holders.

However, some find that what riding mowers lack in affordability, they make up for in convenience. Plus buying a riding mower may pay for itself in savings on landscaping services over the course of one to two seasons.

As with any lawn tool, it’s important to note that riding mowers are not toys and they should not be handled by children, nor should children be allowed to ride along while mowing.

2015 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

MARCH 2015 n 15

16 n MARCH 2015

2015 HOME & GARDEN GUIDE

Daily Herald