Home design lawn and garden 3 24 17

Home Design Lawn&Garden a blank slate media/litmor publications special section • march 24, 2017

36 HOME DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 24, 2017

Add curb appeal to your property

M

any people are familiar with the idea that a strong first impression can go a long way. While that idea is most often referenced in regard to personal interactions, it’s also applicable to real estate.

When selling a home, homeowners who emphasize curb appeal may find it far easier to sell their homes. Curb

projects, and the following are a handful of projects to improve a home’s curb appeal that run the gamut from simple to complex.

Clean up the yard. Cleaning up the yard is among the simpler yet most effective projects to improve a home’s curb appeal. When selling their homes, homeowners should clear the yard of any clutter, including kids’ toys, grass clippings or items that might be scattered throughout the yard. A cluttered yard suggests homeowners do not care much about their home’s appearance, and that may lead buyers to think that indifference extended to maintaining the home’s interior as well. Many buyers will ignore properties without any external aesthetic appeal, but cleaning up the yard does not require much effort or expense on the part of sellers.

Make the main entryway more inviting. Creating a more inviting entryway won’t be as simple as cleaning up the

appeal refers to the impression a home’s exterior makes on people seeing the home for the first time. In 2014, the online real estate database Zillow® surveyed real estate agents and found that curb appeal was one of the five most important factors when selling a home.

Projects that improve curb appeal can be vast undertakings or simpler

MARCH MEGA MADNESS SALE!!!

2” X 2” X 8’ Wide PVC STRUCTURAL DECK RAILING HEAVY DUTY METAL REINFORCED

$

7499*

DIAGONAL LATTICE OR SQUARE LATTICE TOP HEAVY DUTY METAL REINFORCED

$

+tax

6’ HIGH PVC DOUBLE SIDED SOLID PRIVACY WITH PICKET TOP HEAVY DUTY METAL REINFORCED

$

6’ HIGH DOUBLE SIDED PVC PRIVACY WITH LATTICE TOP

74

8999*

$

6999* +tax

HEAVY DUTY METAL REINFORCED

631-224-7905 Hours: Mon.- Sat. 7am-6pm. Closed Sunday

Materials In Stock

PVC ARBOR

STARTING AT

$

3 Solid Colors Available

46999*

+tax

All of Our PVC Fence is 100% Virgin Vinyl with Heavy Re-Inforced Aluminum on the Inside.

6’ HIGH DOG EAR

Don’t See What You Want?

We Can Custom Build And We Carry Fence Accessories In Stock

100% CEDAR

$

9699*

+tax

SELECT ALUMINUM & PVC GATES FROM

$

4999*

+tax

$

#1 6’ HIGH 3/4” SPRUCE STOCKADE

49

99*

+tax

4’, 5’, 6’, 8’ IN STOCK

2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Main Location 3310 Sunrise Hwy., East Islip

+tax

HEAVY DUTY

2 STYLES TO CHOOSE SCALLOPED OR STRAIGHT

+tax 3 STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM

SALE ITEMS END 4/1/17

WITH HEAVY DUTY METAL REINFORCED

+tax

living spaces. Outdoor living spaces also can set a property apart from others on the market. A recent study from the National Association of Realtors found that buyers would not hesitate to pay asking price for homes with outdoor living spaces.

When adding or upgrading outdoor living spaces, try to depersonalize the spaces as much as possible, as buyers want to picture themselves, and not the sellers, enjoying these areas. Include some comfortable furniture, adequate lighting and a dining area in your outdoor living space as well.

Curb appeal can add a lot to a home, while lack of such appeal can make a home difficult to sell. Homeowners who want to sell their properties for asking price or more should address curb appeal before putting their homes on the market.

OUR PVC IS 100% VIRGIN VINYL

6’ HIGH DOUBLE SIDED PVC PRIVACY $ 99*

4’ HIGH PVC DOUBLE SIDED SPACED PICKET

11499*

yard, but it can help create a strong first impression without breaking the bank. To begin, remove plants and furniture from the front porch or area surrounding the doorway, as such items can create a cluttered feel. If the front door is old, replace it. Custom doors may be expensive, but they might add the wow factor buyers are looking for. If a new door is beyond your means or just unnecessary, repaint the door, ideally in a color that complements the color of your home and the surrounding landscape.

Address pavement problems.

Paving problems are not necessarily an expensive fix, but the cost of repairing driveways and walkways can add up if it’s been awhile since these areas were refurbished.

Still, one of the first things buyers will notice when getting out of their cars is the ground they’re walking on, so patch and repair or even replace driveways and walkways that have fallen into disrepair.

Add or upgrade outdoor

6’ HIGH 100% CEDAR

10799*

$

+tax

T&G 100% CEDAR 6’ HIGH W/ LATTICE TOP DIAGONAL OR SQUARE

$

11999*

+tax

TIRED OF WHITE? THE BEST WOOD GRAIN PVC PRIVACY AVAILABLE BY

THE LEADING WOODGRAIN VINYL SUPPLIER

BIG JOB FENCE SPECIALIST *In Stock Materials Only. Gates, Posts & Installation Extra. Sale Items Cannot Be Combined W/Other Offers Or Prior Sales. Not Responsible for Typographical Errors.

East Location 110a Frowein Rd., C. Moriches

631-878-7778

Southeast Corner of Railroad & Frowein Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8am-5pm. Closed Sunday

SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Nassau

516-541-0412 COLOR PVC 3 COLOR OPTIONS

TAN, KHAKI, TAN & WHITE 6X8 PRIVACY FINANCING AVAILABLE SINCE 1985 A Rating

Nassau Lic. #302810000 Suff. Lic. #10789HI

CONTRACTORS & D.I.Y. WELCOME AT ALL LOCATIONS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.ABOVEALLFENCE.COM

266035-1

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 24, 2017 • HOME DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN

Make the most of your color with the very best paint.

Port Washington 59 Shore Rd

Located in the Home Goods Shopping Center

© 2017 The Sherwin-Williams Company

37

38 HOME DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 24, 2017

Stay safe when landscaping

Read manuals, wear protective equipment and be safe when doing lawn and garden work.

L

andscaping is typically viewed as a chore by homeowners, many of who enjoy doing some work on their lawns and gardens.

But only few homeowners may recognize the potential dangers of lawn maintenance.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 230,000 people per year are treated for various injuries resulting from lawn and garden tools. Common injuries include loss of fingers, lacerations, broken and dislocated bones, eye injuries, and burns. Many of these injuries are entirely preventable if homeowners prioritize safety when tending to their lawns and gardens.

Understand the equipment Homeowners should not assume they know how to use all of the tools necessary to maintain lush lawns and bountiful gardens. Familiarize yourself with the proper operation of manual and motorized equipment by reading the owner’s manual thoroughly, making special note of recommended safety guidelines.

Take some time to locate the power buttons and other parts by comparing them to illustrations in the guide. Once you feel comfortable handling the equipment, then you can begin to use it.

Wear appropriate protective gear Failure to wear protective gear can lead to injury. Personal protective equipment includes gloves, eye protection, ear protection, boots, and a hard hat if necessary. When working during visibility conditions or at night, wear a reflective vest.

Other protective items include a hat to shade your eyes from the sun’s rays. Sunscreen will protect the skin from UVA and UVB radiation. Long pants and sleeves can guard against flying debris.

Get approval before digging It’s difficult to know what is beneath the ground without having a property surveyed and marked. Digging without approval can result in damage to gas lines or water/sewer pipes. Always check with the utility company before digging trenches or holes.

Did you know?

Unplug or turn off all equipment When not in use, keep lawn equipment off. Do not try to repair or fix a snag or obstruction in equipment while it is on.

Don’t modify the equipment in any way, such as removing protective guards.

Watch your surroundings

Exercise caution with chemicals

Thousands of injuries occur to children and pets who get hurt around mowers. It’s best if children and pets remain indoors when homeowners are mowing or using other power equipment that may kick up debris. Children under the age of 12 may not have the strength or ability to operate lawn tools.

Also, never make a game of riding a child on a riding mower.

Nobody under the age of 16 should operate riding lawn mowers.

Follow manufacturers’ safety instructions when using pesticides or fertilizers. Avoid application on windy days or right before a rainstorm, as this can spread the product and damage the ecosystem. Keep people and pets away from treated areas.

Maintaining the yard is both a necessity and a hobby.

Homeowners who prioritize safety can greatly reduce their risk of injury.

H

iring a landscape architect may be a smart move for homeowners who are planning major overhauls of their properties.

“The Operational Outlook Handbook” defines a landscape architect as “a person who designs parks, outdoor spaces of campuses, recreational facilities, private homes, and other open areas.” Landscape architects typically must be licensed and many hold degrees in landscape architecture from accredited schools.

Architects who work on residential spaces often work with homeowners to design gardens, plantings, stormwater management, and pools.

Landscape architects design spaces to do more than merely look good. Designs also are about functionality and meeting the needs of the homeowner. Outdoor spaces are designed after considering what the homeowner wants to experience and how homeowners want to use a given space. Landscape architects often do not plant and maintain these spaces. Rather, architects collaborate with other landscaping professionals to produce the final results.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 24, 2017 • HOME DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN

FULL SERVICE GENERAL CONTRACTOR, BUILDER, REMODELER

WE TAKE PRIDE IN NEATNESS, RELIABILITY, COURTESY & QUALITY CALL NOW, SO WE CAN GET STARTED ON YOUR PROJECT TODAY!

,1*0 5#0615

1 ^

( ^

,QJPHUCPVQU"[CJQQ EQO

7KH EHVW FKRLFH IRU DQ\ UHVLGHQWLDO RU FRPPHUFLDO SURMHFWV

.WODGT 4QCF 4QUN[P 0;

39

40 HOME DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 24, 2017

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 24, 2017 • HOME DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN

41

42 HOME DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 24, 2017

Modifications to make bathrooms safer F This bathroom can be made safer with the addition of grab bars, a bath seat, non-slip flooring, and a transfer bench.

ew areas in a home can prove as perilous as bathrooms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says every year around 235,000 people over the age of 15 visit emergency rooms in the United States because of injuries suffered in bathrooms. The majority of

these injuries — many of which require hospitalization — result from falls.

Injuries sustained in bathrooms typically occur in and around bathtubs, usually when a person is getting in or out of the tub.

Falls occur when people slip on wet surfaces or get dizzy and lose consciousness within the tight confines of the bathroom.

Although bathroom injuries are mostly associated with the elderly, anyone is susceptible to such injuries. Debilitating diseases, instability from an accident or injury or even impaired vision can trigger a bathroom accident. Thankfully, some minor modifications can make bathrooms safer for everyone.

Grab bars Unsteady individuals may rely on towel bars or shower knobs to provide some balance when maneuvering around bathrooms. But such items were not designed to support a person’s weight and can be slippery, making grab bars the safer choice.

Look for bars with slip-resistant surfaces instead of chrome plating. Bolted-in bars that are fixed to the studs in a wall, provide more reliable support than bars that employ suction to stay connected to the wall.

Install the bars where they provide optimal leverage and stability, such as close to the shower and on each side of the toilet.

Chairs A bath/shower chair can make bathing safer. Pharmacies and medical supply retailers carry these sturdy, plastic chairs and stools which can fit inside of a shower or tub. They enable a person to rest his or her legs and sit while bathing. When remodeling a bathroom, have a seating area built into the design of the shower enclosure so that the addition looks seamless.

Transfer bench Many injuries occur when people are attempting to get in and out of the tub or shower, but a transfer bench can greatly reduce the risk of such injuries.

The bench is placed outside of the tub, and users just sit on the bench and then swing their legs over the ledge of the tub rather than stepping over while standing.

Walk-in showers Some homeowners are eliminating tubs from their homes altogether. A walk-in shower provides a barrier-free entry into the shower, making it safer for those who have difficulty stepping into and out of bathtubs.

Lever-style fixtures Knob temperature controls on faucets can be challenging to grasp for people with arthritis or poor grips. Lever-style fixtures are easier to maneuver and can help prevent scalding.

These levers also are easier for children to manage.

The National Kitchen and Bath Builders Association recommends installing pressure-balanced and temperature-controlled valves in the bath and shower.

Forgiving flooring Tile may be preferred around the bathroom, but it can be cold and slippery. Investigate other water-resistant flooring materials that may be softer underfoot and offer greater traction. Rubber flooring made from recycled tires is one option that is gaining ground for its practicality and sustainability.

Changes around the bathroom can alleviate many of the risks that contribute to the hundreds of thousands of injuries that occur in bathrooms every year.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 24, 2017 • HOME DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN

43

ADVERTORIAL

POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT ABOUT US: Mayfair Power Systems, Inc. was founded in February of 1961 by partners Paul Eberst and C. Gourley Gahn. The business was incorporated as Mayfair Marine Service and located on Woodcleft canal in Freeport, NY. It started out as a marine engine sales and service operation. Shortly thereafter, marine generator sales and service were added. In a few years, sales and service of standby, mobile and other types of generators were phased into the operation.

After 20 years, at the original location, a move was made to larger quarters in the Freeport industrial park. At this time, sales and service of generator sets became the only endeavor.

Once again, in 1998, there was a need for a larger facility and the move to the present location at

North Main Street was made.

SERVICES Mayfair Power Systems provides a variety of services for all your generating needs.

Whether it be installations or “POWER preventative planned WHEN maintenance, rentals or parts, Mayfair is your one stop source for every auxiliary power solution.

Since 1961, Mayfair Power Systems' trained service

technicians have been providing prompt reliable generator troubleshooting and repair.

We have expertise in servicing both gas and diesel powered generator sets in both YOU NEED IT” commercial and residential applications. We specialize in covering the counties of Nassau and Suffolk. Please contact our service department for an appointment or for information about our service rates.

Mayfair Power Systems, Inc.

RENTALS Mayfair Power Systems maintains a fleet of rental generator sets from 30 KW to 500KW and larger. We have all types of units available: weather housed, sound attenuated, skid mounted and trailer mounted.

We will supply voltage and connection configurations suitable for any requirement.

Rental rates can be daily, weekly or monthly. Delivery and pickup service are part of the package. Rental of connection cables is also part of our service.

Assistance is always available to help you select the proper size generator set to meet your needs.

Plan for your rental well ahead of time. Severe weather always puts emergency power in short supply.

Sales • Service • Parts • Maintenance 347 N. Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520 516-623-3007 / www.mayfairpower.com

Servicing Long Island Since 1961

“POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT”

10% off New Customers First Maintenance Call or First Service Call. (including any parts used) Mention this ad.

Mayfair Power Systems, Inc. Sales • Service • Parts • Maintenance 347 North Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520 516-623-3007 www.mayfairpower.com

Servicing Long Island Since 1961

44 HOME DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 24, 2017

Composite decking a smart choice D

ecks add character and functionality to a home, increasing outdoor entertaining space and oftentimes improving the resale value of a home. Homeowners have various options when choosing decking materials, but one such option, composite decking, is growing in popularity.

Post-winter garden prep L

awns and gardens can bear the brunt of winter weather and are often in need of tender loving care by the time spring arrives.

Preparing a garden for spring and summer involves assessing any damage that harsh weather might have caused. As temperatures climb, gardeners can heed the following post-winter garden preparation tips in an effort to ensure some successful gardening in the months ahead.

Assess the damage. Even if winter was mild, gardens might still have suffered some damage. Inspect garden beds and any fencing or barriers designed to keep wildlife from getting into the garden. Before planting anew, fix any damage that Mother Nature or local wildlife might have caused over the past several months.

Clear debris. Garden beds and surrounding landscapes that survived winter without being damaged might still be littered with debris. Remove fallen leaves, branches and even litter that blew about on windy winter days before planting season. Make sure to discard any debris effectively so it does not find its way back into the garden.

Turn the greenhouse into a clean house. Spring cleaning is not just for the interior of a home. Cleaning a greenhouse in advance of spring can help gardeners evict any overwintering

pests that can threaten plant life once spring gardening season arrives. A thorough cleaning, which should include cleaning the inside of greenhouse glass and washing flower pots and plant trays, also can prevent plant diseases from surviving into spring.

Check for pests. Speak with a local gardening professional to determine if there are any local pests to look out for and how to recognize and remove these pets from gardens. Pests may hibernate in the soil over the winter, and such unwelcome visitors can make it difficult for gardens to thrive come spring and summer.

Assess plant location. If plants, flowers or gardens have struggled in recent years or never grew especially vibrant, then gardeners may want to assess the location of their plant life before spring gardening season begins. Some plants may not be getting enough sunlight in certain locations on a property, while others might be overexposed to the sun during spring and summer. Moving plants that are not thriving prior to the start of spring gardening season may be just what gardens need to flourish in the coming weeks.

Spring gardening season is right around the corner, so now is an ideal time to prepare gardens for the warmer seasons ahead.

Decks used to primarily be made from pressure-treated lumber. While lumber remains a popular material, more and more homeowners are opting for composite decking products. As anyone who has pressure-washed, stained and sealed wood decks can attest, such spaces require lots of upkeep to look new year after year.

Composite decks require much less maintenance, making them highly attractive to homeowners who would rather spend time using their decks

instead of maintaining them.

Composite decking is any type of decking material that is formulated from different recycled materials. The majority of these materials include hard plastic and wood shavings of pulp. Unlike wood, which can fade, crack and rot, composite decking, which has been available for roughly a decade, does not degrade quickly and requires very little upkeep.

Available in a variety of wood colors to match outdoor decor, composite decks also can feature artificial wood grains to make them look similar to wood planks. Although composite decks are not completely impervious to the elements, with some occasional washing to impede mold growth and new technology that has improved stain-resistance, many of the pitfalls of other materials can be avoided with composite decks.

Composite decking fits in with ecofriendly lifestyles. The planks are made from recycled materials that would normally end up in landfills. Products from Trex, a popular composite decking manufacturer, are made from 1.5 million shopping bags and wood mill waste. As composite decks do not rot away and are long-lasting, they will not need to be replaced frequently, which is another eco-friendly benefit.

When comparing composite decking brands, look mainly at the colors, materials used in the composition and the fastening systems. Many are fastened with regular deck screws, offers This Old House. The newer systems have channels for hidden fastening, and the composite deck tiles snap into place.

Composite decks do have a few drawbacks. They can be expensive — nearly double the initial cost of wood decks. And although they don’t rot, composite planks can scratch. Without refinishing, damaged boards will need to be replaced. Harsh chemicals may fade color and damage the composite materials, so caution is needed.

Composite decking remains an indemand choice for outdoor spaces.

Low-maintenance and long-lasting, these decks have quickly become favorites among homeowners.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 24, 2017 • HOME DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN

45

LoveYou’re The Home In! OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, April 1, 10am-4pm

Visit Our Showroom - 49 E. Jericho Tpke., Mineola Refreshments, Giveaways & Savings

Call now for a FREE ESTIMATE

516.746.0460

www.WendelHomeCenter.com

49 E. Jericho Turnpike, Mineola

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-4

FINANCING AVAILABLE

LICENSED & INSURED Nass #H1807900000 • Suff. #25761-HI • NYC #1139433

SIDING | ROOFING | WINDOWS | DOORS | PORTICOS | AWNINGS | SUNROOMS | SCREEN ROOMS

46 HOME DESIGN, LAWN & GARDEN • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, March 24, 2017

MARBLE • GRANITE • TILE DESIGN • HANDMADE TILE CUSTOM MOSAICS GLASS TILE

10% Off Entire Order Not combinable with any other offer or discount.

Expires 5/31/17