Upstate Real Estate & Home Services - March 2019

Real Estate UPSTATE

& HOME SERVICES

How to choose the perfect paint for your walls Page 6

Update your bedroom with new curtains and bedding Page 11 VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 3 | MARCH 2019

Five fun and affordable ways to revitalize your home Page 18

Real Estate UPSTATE

& HOME SERVICES A Publication of The Daily Star

102 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820 607-432-1000 • www.thedailystar.com PUBLISHER Fred Scheller fscheller@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7214

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Valerie Secor vsecor@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7235

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tracy Bender

Spring cleaning: three key items to deep clean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 How to choose the perfect paint for your walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tips for choosing exterior siding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Let there be light!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Update your bedroom with new curtains and bedding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1

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| UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services | March 2019

Operation clean air: five ways to get rid of indoor air pollution. . . . . . . . .

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How to get rid of clutter and organize your home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Create a safe haven with a fence.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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The ABCs of paving.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Five fun and affordable ways to revitalize your home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Valuable renovations Each year, Remodeling magazine publishes its “Cost vs. Value” report to give homeowners a greater understanding of how much popular home projects will cost across the nation, as well as which renovations will offer the greatest return on investment. According to their research, these projects improved in value between 2017 and 2018 and can be smart choices for homeowners looking to add popular features to their properties. Below are the popular projects and the average cost of the renovations. n n n n n

Midrange bathroom addition: $44,717 Midrange bathroom remodel: $19,134 Midrange deck addition (wood): $10,950 Midrange entry door replacement (steel): $1,471 Upscale garage door replacement: $3,470

n n n n n

Midrange manufactured stone veneer: $8,221 Midrange minor kitchen remodel: $21,198 Midrange siding replacement: $15,072 Midrange universal design bathroom: $16,393 Upscale window replacement (vinyl): $15,955

OUR MISSION

Our mission is excellence. Our years of experience, coupled with our dedicated team of skilled and supportive professionals, allow us to achieve this excellence every day of the year. Our residents deserve nothing less

Chestnut Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center is a beautiful modern 80 bed sub-acute rehabilitation and nursing facility nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains along the banks of the Susquehanna River. Centrally located between Binghamton and Albany. Chestnut Park’s picturesque grounds make it the perfect setting to rest or recuperate while receiving superior care and services. With its home like atmosphere, and unwavering commitment to each resident and family member. Chestnut Park prides itself on consistently delivering the greatest level of customer satisfaction.

Partnering with residents and their families, our goal is to listen and respect the wishes of each resident and allow them to make decisions regarding their treatment, health care, food preferences and leisure time. We work together as one large supportive team and our residents are the most important member.

SPECIALTY PROGRAMS POST-SURGICAL ORTHOPEDIC CARE | HIP REPLACEMENT RECOVERY | JOINT REPLACEMENT RECOVERY AMPUTEE RECOVERY & TRAINING PROGRAM SUBACUTE HEALTHCARE SERVICES EXTERNAL FIXATION | TRACHEOSTOMY CARE | IV ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY RESPIRATORY MANAGEMENT WOUND-CARE & WOUND-VAC | COMFORT CARE & PALLIATIVE CARE | STROKE RECOVERY SHORT AND LONG TERM REHABILITATION CARDIAC THERAPY | SPEECH THERAPY | PHYSICAL THERAPY RECREATIONAL THERAPY | OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY | MOBILITY ASSISTANCE | PAIN MANAGEMENT PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE | OSTOMY CARE | OXYGEN THERAPY ADDITIONAL GUEST SERVICES CONCIERGE | WANDER SYSTEM | FREE PHONE AND CABLE TV | BEAUTICIAN & BARBER SERVICES | PHYSICIAN PRIVATE & SEMI-PRIVATE ROOMS | THERAPEUTIC RECREATION

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR ACCEPTED INSURANCES! 330 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820

607.432.8500

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

ChestnutParkRehab.com

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March 2019 | 3

Spring cleaning: three key items to deep clean

Cleaning your home this spring? Don’t neglect these three things.

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1. Curtains

2. Carpets

If your curtains are made of a lightweight, washable material, all you have to do is run them through the washing machine. For heavier fabrics, or those that need to be hand washed, a steam cleaner with an upholstery attachment will do the job while your curtains are still hanging.

Whether they’re starting to smell, they’re stained or you just plain can’t remember the last time you washed them, don’t put off cleaning your carpets.

The best and easiest way is to hire a professional carpet cleaner. They’ll have the right equipment and products to make your carpet look as good as new.

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March 2019

3. Oven Your oven’s self-cleaning function fills your kitchen with smoke, and chemical oven cleaning products are enough to make anyone woozy. Here’s a more natural way to

make your oven shine like new: remove the racks from the oven, make a paste of baking soda and water and spread it on all of your oven’s surfaces except the heating elements. Let the solution sit for 12 hours (wash the oven racks while

you wait) and then scrape off. Wipe with vinegar and water a few times until it sparkles.

Once your curtains, carpet and oven are clean, make their upkeep a part of your regular routine to avoid needing to deep clean every spring.

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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March 2019 | 5

How to choose the

perfect paint

for your walls

A

re you thinking of giving your walls a fresh coat of paint this spring? Having a hard time deciding what colors to choose? Here are some tips for selecting the perfect shades.

Decide on the room’s entire look before selecting your paint.

This will allow you to really pull the room together with color.

Once you’ve settled on the design of a room and chosen the furniture and accessories, take inspiration from a color featured in a favorite area rug or throw.

This will ensure your room looks pulled together.

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March 2019

If you’re painting rooms that open into each other, make the transition seamless by choosing colors that are two or three shades apart on the same paint chip.

Choose a neutral paint for rooms where something else is the focal point. Bold hues work best in rooms where everything else is understated.

A tiny paint chip isn’t enough to let you know if the color will work in a given room.

Instead, buy a sample and paint a small area so you can see the color during different times of the day.

No matter your style, following these tips will help you find the perfect new color for your walls.

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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March 2019 | 7

The exterior siding you choose makes for a home that reflects your personality.

Tips for choosing exterior siding E xterior siding is one of the most crucial choices you’ll ever make regarding the appearance of your home. Indeed, whether it’s for a new construction or to renovate, siding allows you to express your personal style and totally change the look of your home. Here’s an overview of the different materials worth considering.

Vinyl. Very popular because of its ease of installation and low cost, vinyl is

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lightweight and has the advantage of regaining its shape after an impact. However, dark colors tend to fade in the sun.

Aluminum. This metal is less impact-resistant than vinyl—bumps and scratches remain visible on its surface—but it’s much less sensitive to temperature variations and high winds.

Brick. Although it’s expensive, brick makes a great wall covering that can last

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March 2019

for centuries with little or no maintenance. Timeless and elegant, it adds instant style to your home. In addition, brick has excellent soundproofing properties.

Engineered wood. Made primarily from recycled materials, this material mimics wood grain while requiring very little maintenance. It doesn’t contract or expand with the weather and is available in a wide variety of colors.

Natural wood. This material makes a great siding, although it requires a lot of maintenance work; you’ll have to be particularly careful about mildew and pests. But the effort is worth it; wood is shock-resistant, insulating, soundproofing and best of all, it looks fantastic.

Regardless of the type of siding you choose, be sure to find out how to maintain it properly so your investment lasts as long as possible.

Regardless of the type of siding you choose, be sure to find out how to maintain it properly so your investment lasts as long as possible.

Registered Mortgage Broker NMLS # 271856 (iNdividuaL) NMLS # 17294 (coMpaNy) 20 cheStNut Street #1 cooperStowN, Ny 13326 toLL Free (800) 547-7948 (607) 547-5007 oFFice (607)547-2362 Fax email: matt@leatherstockinggroup.com | web: www.leatherstockingmortgage.com All Loans Arranged Through 3rd Party Lenders Registered Mortgage Broker - New York State Department of Financial Services

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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March 2019 | 9

With some wellplanned lighting you can enjoy your yard at night as well as during the day.

Let there be

light!

Y

our patio and yard sparkle in the summer sun, but what about when it’s dark?

Well-planned lighting is essential for the enjoyment and appreciation of any outdoor space.

For safety Outdoor lighting is still important, even after everyone has gone to bed.

One of the best ways to protect your property against intruders is to have a clear view of your yard at

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all times. A motion-detector spotlight is a great option and only uses electricity when required.

That way, you can sleep with peace of mind without wasting energy.

For practicality When it comes time to plan the lighting for outdoor areas, think about how you use these places once the sun goes down.

This will enable you to choose the best location for

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March 2019

the one or two main lights that will illuminate your evening activities. The key is to ensure good visibility for your activities without spoiling the magic of the evening with too much bright light.

For the look Adding extra lights can bring new life to your outdoor decor. Be creative: garlands of lanterns add sparkle to deck railings, and a bundle of little

Christmas-type lights in an empty Mason jar or wine bottle create a striking table centerpiece. It’s easy to create a magical atmosphere for your evenings under the stars with a little imagination and some objects you already have on hand.

One last tip: Make sure you always buy lighting products specifically designed for outdoor use in order to avoid damage or electrocution.

Update your bedroom with new curtains and bedding Does your bedroom need an upgrade? Change the look of the room with new curtains and sheets.

Here’s how to choose the perfect new linens for your room.

Curtains When selecting curtains, think about the look you want in the room and then find a fabric that corresponds. Linen and cotton blends are more casual and cheerful, while silk and velvet are refined and regal.

Next, think about the color and pattern you’d like. You can match your curtains to the color of the wall and use pattern and texture to make them stand out. Alternatively, you could hang a multi-colored pattern and make them a focal point.

Bedding You don’t need to match your bedding to your curtain, but they should coordinate. You can pull a color from the pattern on your curtains or use a contrasting colors.

If you’d like to use different patterns for your curtains and bedding, stay in the same color palette.

When buying your sheets, invest in high-quality, natural fabrics.

Egyptian cotton is classic and comfortable, while silk feels luxurious and has the added bonus of being gentle on your hair and skin.

By changing the linens in your bedroom, you’ll wake up feeling like you’re somewhere new.

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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Operation clean air: five ways to get rid of indoor air pollution

S

pring cleaning may make you think of washing windows and laundering curtains, but what about the air inside your home? In some residences, the air indoors can be more polluted than the air outside. And unfortunately, dust and dirt can make respiratory issues like asthma worse. Here are five strategies to help you breathe easier.

1. Keep your floors clean: make sure people take their shoes off at the door and to vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

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This way you’ll reduce allergens and harmful chemicals that can get into your home.

2. Don’t let it get too humid: excess humidity attracts mold, dust mites and other allergens. Use a dehumidifier or an air conditioner to keep humidity levels low.

3. Get some houseplants: not only do plants help filter the air in your home, they can also boost your mood. Peace lilies and rubber plants make great air purifiers and are easy to take care of.

March 2019

4. Have your ducts cleaned: think of air ducts as the lungs of your home; all the air from your heating and cooling systems flow through them. If you can’t remember the last time you had them professionally cleaned, now’s the time.

5. Change your filters: your air conditioner, furnace, dryer and range hood all have filters that should be changed regularly to keep them working efficiently and the air in your home clean.

This spring, breath easier by adding the above five items to your spring cleaning to-do list.

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March 2019 | 13

How to get rid of clutter and organize your home A tidy and organized home can feel like a refuge at the end of the day. If your home has become cluttered and disorganized, take the time to declutter and sort it out.

Going room by room, the first step is to get rid of anything you don’t need. It may seem overwhelming at first, but removing unwanted and unneeded things will be liberating. You may even find yourself throwing out more than you originally planned.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start by getting rid of items that don’t get used and articles you have multiples of. Donate things that others can find a use for and throw out anything too damaged or heavily used to be donated.

Keep in mind that the amount of things in a home needs to correspond to the amount of storage available.

People who live in small apartments will end up keeping fewer things than those who live in single-family homes.

Once you remove the excess items from your home, organize everything else using storage containers, baskets and boxes. Articles that don’t have a home will probably end up being piled on your table or kitchen counter. Designate a place for everything in your home and make it a point to put belongings away as soon as you’re done with them.

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March 2019

Create a safe haven with a fence W

hether it’s for safety, privacy or simply for the look, fencing your yard can add instant curb appeal to your home. A fence keeps children and pets inside the enclosure while safeguarding the house and yard. It also adds an interesting visual element to your property.

Before building Do plenty of research. Contact local authorities to find out about current regulations and to ensure that there are no telephone cables or gas

lines where you want to dig.

You should also check your certificate of location to be absolutely sure of where your property boundary is located.

Choose the material If your fence is meant to be functional and the look doesn’t really matter to you, a chain-link fence remains the cheapest option on the market. Aluminum and ornamental iron fences won’t rust, are virtually maintenance free and come in a wide variety of styles. PVC fences are very popular and give plenty of

low-cost privacy, but their plastic look could put off those more concerned with esthetics.

While any of the above options are viable choices, wood still remains the best fencing material. It requires regular maintenance, but the effort is well worthwhile. Its timeless appearance and the endless ways it can be cus-

tomized appeal to just about everyone.

Once you’ve decided which sort of fence you want, you can either build it yourself or entrust the job to a professional fence installer. Afterwards, why not embellish your new fence with greenery or some flowers? Let your imagination run wild, as well as your green thumb!

Add curb appeal and safety to your home with a fence that will never go out of style.

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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The

ABCsof

paving

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March 2019

F

rom the driveway to the area around the backyard pool, different types of paving abound. For an overview of the most decorative to the supremely functional, read on to discover what sort of paving is best for your project.

Asphalt. Asphalt, the traditional material for driveways, has proven its worth as far as durability is concerned. It continues to be popular because of its relatively low cost, and if you think it only comes in black, think again.

Concrete. This material has a modern look and is extremely versatile; you can cut it into slabs and customize the surface. Concrete can also bear heavier loads than asphalt, although its porousness means it needs to have a coat of sealer applied from time to time.

Slate. This ultra-trendy stone is waterproof and frost resistant, in addition to having a highly sought-after look. Like concrete, it requires regular maintenance with a sealer.

Limestone. Popular for pool surrounds because of its anti-slip properties, these large-hewn stones are also a frequent choice for decorative steps and paths.

Travertine. Theres no doubt that travertine is durable. After all, Rome’s ancient coliseum was almost entirely built with this stone. It’s an elegant choice that keeps its color well over the years.

Brick. In addition to being the best environmental choice, brick offers a timeless look and requires little maintenance.

Sandstone. Like limestone, sandstone is slip resistant. It’s very durable and economical and is available in a wide range of styles.

Don’t hesitate to consult a specialist before coming to a decision. After all, your investment could last for decades if you do it right.

Choosing the right paving materials can add instant character to your yard.

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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March 2019 | 17

Five

fun and affordable ways to revitalize your home

D

oes your home need an update? If a full renovation isn’t in the cards this spring, here are five fun and inexpensive makeover tips for reinvigorating your home.

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March 2019

1. New accessories Inexpensive upgrades such as new throw pillows on the couch, a fresh tablecloth in the dining room or a chic frame for a painting or photo will help revitalize your home.

2. Rearrange your furniture Sometimes changing the layout of a room is all you need to do to make it come alive again. Move your bed to the other side of the room or switch the living room furniture around.

3. Update your bathroom Replacing accessories like the soap dish, shower curtain and hand towels can make your bathroom feel brand new.

4. Switch up your lighting A lamp for your bedroom or a new fixture in the dining room will shed new light on a room that’s lost its sparkle.

5. DIY upgrades If you want new cabinets in your kitchen, try painting the ones you have for a cost-effective alternative. Consider a DIY approach to other desired upgrades for your home.

These simple and affordable changes can make you fall in love with your home all over again. So which ones will you undertake this spring?

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