Home Improvement September 2012

SEPTEMBER

2012

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The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

Simple ways to give your bathroom a new look and feel According to the “Remodeling” magazine’s 2011-12 “Cost vs.

Value Report,” which compares the average cost for 35 popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale, homeowners can expect to spend upward of $52,000 on an upscale bathroom remodel.

That makes a bathroom remodel one of the more expensive home improvement projects a homeowner can undertake. For many homeowners, that costly price tag is simply too much money to commit, especially in an economy where money is still hard to come by.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways homeowners can give their bathrooms a new look and feel without breaking the bank.

• Install a new shower. One of the best ways to give a bathroom a new look is to replace the traditional tub and showerhead with a bigger, more airy shower. Such showers are typically found in modern hotels that boast luxury amenities. Instead of the tub and slide glass, choose a hinged door with heavier glass, replacing the bathtub entirely.

• Add windows and a skylight.

Many bathrooms, particularly those in older homes, sorely lack adequate lighting. Adding some extra windows and a skylight can give a bathroom an entirely new look, even if you don’t replace any of the existing features or fixtures. Sunlight can make a bathroom more inviting, giving the room the feeling of a sanctuary that many of today’s homeowners prefer.

• Add some entertainment.

Just like they offer larger showers with more room to breathe, many luxury hotels now ensure

Replacing old bathroom tiles with newer ones is an easy and inexpensive way to give a bathroom a new look and feel.

guests can be entertained even while they’re in the bathroom.

Such hotels often feature small flatscreen televisions that sit behind the bathroom’s mirror. Guests don’t even see the television until it’s turned on.

Homeowners can bring this lap of luxury into their own homes.

This is especially valuable to homeowners whose bathrooms currently feature soaking tubs where they can escape the daily grind with a hot bath and now even watch a little television while they soak.

• Replace old tiles. Many homeowners cite their bathroom’s tiles as the feature they would most like to change. Old linoleum tiles give many bathrooms a dated look that few of today’s homeowners find appealing. Glass tiles are growing in popularity, but those old linoleum or glazed tiles can be swapped out with porcelain or stone tiles to give the room an entirely new look without spending excessively.

• Replace the toilet. Another easy way to give a bathroom a new look is to replace the toilet.

Older toilets may be eyesores and many are not very eco-friendly, either. A new toilet can give the bathroom a sleek, modern look, and since many of today’s luxury models are low-flow, you’ll also save money on your monthly water bill while doing something good for the environment.

Renovating a bathroom is a top priority for many homeowners.

But if a full-scale remodel is not within your budget, there are still plenty of inexpensive ways to give your bathroom a new look and feel.

The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

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The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

How to create the perfect outdoor retreat Backyards have always been places where families can get away without actually going away. Outdoor areas connect people with their favorite natural treasures while providing a place to relax. Whether it’s adding an outdoor kitchen and replacing your old picnic table with a truly impressive dining set, or outfitting your patio with a desk space so you can bring your work outside, you can expand your living area by focusing on what’s outside the home.

Realizing the value of spending time outside in a comfortable and attractive setting — and that money spent on an outdoor space can go even further as opposed to a new addition to your home — many homeowners are choosing to focus on improving their outdoor spaces.

According to a recent survey by HGTV and Casual Living magazine, 87 percent of the roughly 5,000 Americans interviewed said an outdoor room in their homes was “important or very important,” and more than half had one. Derek Stearns, a craftsman with Derek & Dean, Inc. and co-host of DIY Network’s “Indoors Out,” believes this interest is as much sentimental as it is value-driven.

“An outdoor space is really all about relationships — it’s about creating memories with your family and nature,” Stearns says.

Stearns and Kerry Burt, a Dallasbased landscape architect and winner of HGTV’s Landscapers’ Challenge, offer a little inspiration to create your perfect outdoor retreat: Plan with a purpose Before you determine the layout, consider how you will use the space to create memories. Do you like to cook and entertain friends? Are you seeking a private escape to spend more time with family? Or do you desire a backyard office space? Stearns recommends focusing on your wish list without budget constraints.

“Stress comes from thinking you have to edit your plans, so start with

the top item on your wish list,” Stearns says. “You can edit later within the budget.”

Use this focus to establish a focal point — an organic garden or gorgeous view — and create a plan to design around it. To maintain the flow from indoors out, use natural materials for deck or patio space that complement the outdoors.Try durable woods, like Western red cedar, that instantly brings an exceptional aroma and beauty to outdoor living spaces.

Add backyard flavor Heat up your backyard retreat by adding a kitchen to create tasty family dinners outside, a popular request for Burt. Depending on the size of your space, a kitchen may include a variety of appliances and offer seating options ranging from vintage tables to sofas.

“With the economy people want to spend money on something they can use over and over, a purchase aside from a vacation,” says Burt.

Create privacy and shade To create the most comfortable space on hot summer days, Burt recommends pergolas and arbors to provide shade. The structures will also create privacy for quiet conversations and can easily offer pops of color

when decorated with bright flowers.

As more homeowners are looking for low-maintenance products, build with natural materials that are easy to use and can stand the test of time.

Materials like Western red cedar contain natural preservatives that resist moisture, decay and insect damage, and can save you money over time.

You can instantly warm up the space with these materials by adding a stain for rich tones.

Bring indoors out Add the finishing touches to your outdoor retreat by truly bringing the indoors outside. Stearns recom-

mends bringing indoor rugs outside and adding a clock in the kitchen to give the space a more intimate feel.

For a simple touch, buy three different size pots in the same style and plant a mix of flowers in each.

“What’s really hot right now is outdoor lighting — not just wrapping lights around trees — but hanging a chandelier over a dining table,” suggests Stearns.

“Having a well-maintained outdoor living space and garden shows confidence to potential buyers,” explains Burt. “It shows the homeowners care.”

The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

PAGE 5

Seven inexpensive ways to update a home now Oftentimes, buying a home opens up a bottomless pit of opportunities for projects and improvements.

While some homeowners engage in different repairs and fix-ups out of necessity, many others like to freshen-up their spaces out of personal preference instead of need. But even the most well-intentioned projects can be waylaid if budgets are tight.

What many homeowners may not realize is that there are many ways to make updates and changes to a home that do not require a major overhaul or a large price tag. The following are seven projects that won’t break the bank.

1. Move around furniture.You may be able to change the look of a room without spending any money.

Interior designers know how to arrange furniture for maximum appeal, but the average homeowner can do it, too. Find a focal point in the room and angle the furniture

toward it. Don’t make the focal point the television, however. Try changing the placement of chairs and sofas. Simply moving a curio cabinet from one corner to another may also make a difference.

2. Add lighting. Lighting at different levels in the room can create a vibrant impact. Many homeowners mistakenly put in a couple of table lamps and think that will be adequate. However, properly illuminating a room means varying the lighting to create different moods at different times. Plus, more light can make a room feel more welcoming.

3. Add new pillows or drapes.

Changing a few aspects of a room can give it an entirely new look. If you want to add a splash of color but don’t know what to do, think about incorporating some new throw pillows or change the curtains. An accessory here and there in a bright color also can incorporate a new

hue without it being overwhelming.

4. Change knobs or small accents.

Give a room a new look by focusing on the small details. Switch out cabinet knobs for something updated and modern. Take inventory of wall outlets and light switches and think about selecting new ones that coordinate with your home decor.

5. Use plants. Empty corners or spots you’re not certain how to fill may benefit from a plant. Plants are inexpensive ways to add instant color and visual appeal to a room.

Plus, having live plants can help improve indoor air by filtering out contaminants. A home with plants also feels more cozy.

6. Hang new wall art. It may be time to look at your photos and artwork and make a few adjustments.

Finding new prints to hang could instantly change a room’s ambience.

And you needn’t spend a lot of money on professional photogra-

phy, either. Grab your camera and take a few close-up shots of flowers or take in a landscape scenery.

Many of today’s home printers can produce professional-quality prints in minutes.

7. Try a new coat of paint. After you’ve exhausted other avenues, choosing a new paint color may be the new look you desire. Painting is one of the least expensive yet most dramatic methods of changing a home’s interior. With dozens of hues to choose from, and new apps that enable you to take snapshots of things in nature or in your life and match them up to a paint color, you will have scores of opportunities to explore fresh new colors for your home.

When you get inspired to make improvements to the home but fear how much it may take out of your wallet, consider inexpensive tricks that can induce a big “wow” factor.

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The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

Vintage vibe: What’s old is cool in homes’ retro features

By Lynn Underwood

Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

Jon Hunt was intrigued by the avocado-green squares peeking out from under the peeling vinyl floor in his 1960s kitchen.

“Go for it,” encouraged his wife, Trixi. So he pulled back the vinyl and revealed what Trixi called “a midcentury treasure.” Under the vanilla vinyl, which was installed in 2004, was the original green

brick-patterned floor that looked straight out of an Armstrong ad, circa 1963.

It took the Hunts about two months to peel up the vinyl, section by section, and scrape off the glue. This discovery turned into a mission to bring their kitchen back to its authentic midcentury glory — with avocado the guiding hue.

“We got so excited,” said Trixi.

“The kitchen went from ‘greige’

to a world of color. It was beautiful.” The couple installed a retro NuTone food center in the Formica countertop, which was uncovered beneath gray tile. The finishing touch is a 1968 avocadogreen Frigidaire refrigerator they found on Craigslist.

The Hunts are passionate about “loving the house you’re in,” said Jon. “People rip out and replace everything. So much of this era has been underappreciated. But

now the TV show ‘Mad Men’ is making it trendy.”

Trixi and Jon have posted details of their projects at Retro Renovation ((www.retrorenovation.com), a website offering vintage resources, tips and ideas to help retro enthusiasts preserve their home’s midcentury modern aesthetic.

“There’s plenty about these Please see Retro page 7

Joel Koyama/Minneapolis Star Tribune/MCT Setchell-Carlson 1950s TV with antenna pictured in Jon and Trixi Hunt’s restored 1960s Robbinsdale, Minnesota kitchen

The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

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Retro

Continued from page 6 houses to love. They have character and style,” said Retro Renovation founder Pam Kueber, referring to the postwar homebuilding boom. “A whole new generation of old and young homeowners are moving into ranch houses, split-levels and Cape Cods. They appreciate the innate charms of these homes.”

The Hunts have continued the retro revival in their modest Robbinsdale bungalow by also restoring its pink bathroom and furnishing their living room with vintage finds.This fall, they plan to remodel the basement rec room.

“People say our kitchen reminds them of their grandma’s house, with the same sink and the same floor,” said Trixi.“We consider that a compliment.”

Joel Koyama/Minneapolis Star Tribune/MCT Retro Renovators Jon and Trixi Hunt, seen on July 13, 2012, restored their 1960s avocado green kitchen, filling it with midcentury decor such as a Chromcraft dining set and milk glass swag pendant light. The couple from Robbinsdale, Minnesota, are passionate about “loving the house you’re in,” said Jon.

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The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

How to improve your home’s curb appeal Men and women who have tried to sell a home are likely familiar with the phrase “curb appeal.”

Curb appeal is similar to getting ready for a big date, only you’re not dressing yourself up to make a strong first impression.

Instead, improving curb appeal involves dressing your home up in the hopes it makes a strong first impression on prospective buyers, many of whom will have a strong opinion about the property before they even get out of their cars to have a look around.

A home with strong curb appeal can entice buyers who are likely to believe that a home with a well-maintained exterior is likely to have an equally impressive interior. Homeowners who want the process of selling their home to go smoothly can improve the property’s curb appeal in a number of ways, many of which don’t necessitate a substantial home improvement budget.

• Clean up. The most effective way to improve curb appeal is to clean up the property. Many homeowners are savvy enough to remove toys and other items from the yard before showing a home, but cleaning up goes beyond removing clutter from the property. Make sure all hedges are trimmed and remove weeds, sticks and other debris from any flower beds. Lay mulch in the flower beds and garden, as mulch prevents weed growth while helping the soil retain moisture, resulting in more attractive gardens to catch a buyer’s eye.

• Get an “edge” on other sellers. Edging is another easy and effective way to improve curb appeal. Edge driveways, sidewalks and other walkways around the

property, removing or trimming anything that is hanging over the driveway or walkways. If the boundary between your driveway and lawn is not distinct, consider installing edging materials such as stone or bricks. The edging can be level with the driveway or elevated, but keep in mind that elevated driveway edging can protect the lawn, preventing kids from riding their bicycles onto the lawn or cars from driving onto it. Adding edging is not a very difficult do-it-yourself project.

• Take to the trees. Many homeowners grow accustomed to overgrown trees around their property and may not notice that low-hanging, unsightly branches are hiding the home from view.

Buyers want to see the house, so take to the trees and trim any branches that hang too low or obscure your home.

• Clean the gutters. Leaves and sticks hanging from the gutters are a red flag to buyers, who tend to associate clogged gutters with roof damage. Clean the gutters thoroughly before putting your home up for sale and keep them clean throughout the selling process. If your property includes lots of trees, install guards to keep twigs and leaves out of the gutters.

• Make the home accessible through the front door. Many homeowners enter their home through a side door or through their garage. If you fall into this category, keep in mind that prospective buyers will be entering through the front door, so make this area accessible. Clear any clutter, such as overgrown hedges, away from the front door, and consider upgrading the door handle to a more modern feature. In addi-

Ensuring a home’s primary entryway is welcoming and well-groomed is one way homeowners can improve curb appeal.

tion, make sure the lock on the front door doesn’t stick, forcing the realtor and buyers to immediately struggle before entering the home. You want buyers and their real estate agents to get in and out of the home as smoothly as possible.

• Make sure all plants, including flowers, are living. Dehydrated or dead plants and flowers are eyesores, and they will give buyers

the impression that you didn’t pay much attention to your property.

Make sure all plants are alive and thriving and replace those that aren’t. You can replant new flowers or plants or just use potted plants instead. When purchasing new plants, choose low-maintenance varieties that appeal to buyers who want good vibrant plants but might not want to put in much work into the garden.

The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

PAGE 9

How to select the right carpeting for your home Although many people may tout the benefits of hardwood flooring over carpeting, there are plenty of individuals who like to have the soft and luxurious feeling of carpeting underfoot. Selecting the right carpeting for a particular room and purpose can be a bit daunting because of the abundance of available colors and materials.

According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, carpeting is an added safety measure that makes play areas safer, potentially lessening the severity of an injury in the event of a fall. This is why carpeting is often preferred in children’s rooms and play areas.

There are other advantages to carpeting as well. It can help insulate rooms both in the summer and winter. It can be easier on feet than a hard floor, and few materials absorb sound better than carpet.

Choosing the right carpeting for

a room comes down to identifying the kind of foot traffic you expect in your home and which carpeting options most suit your needs. Here are some tips to get started.

• Don’t overlook padding. Padding can make the difference in the way carpeting feels and how long it lasts.

The thickest or most expensive padding isn’t necessarily the best or the best-suited for your home. However, it is wise to pick a pad that matches the type of carpeting you’re selecting. You may be able to go with a thinner pad in low-traffic rooms and under dense carpeting like berber.

In high-traffic rooms, choose thicker, more durable padding. Padding prevents carpet backing and fibers from coming apart over a duration of time, so if you’re spending a lot on the carpet, it pays to invest in a padding that will last the duration of the carpet as well.

• Recognize the type of carpeting that best suits your needs. There are many different types of carpeting, and they won’t all be the perfect match for your home. For example, plush and saxony carpets are better in low-traffic areas. These carpets may show footprints and also vacuum tracks and dirt. Berber, meanwhile, is more flat and dense, making it highly effective at masking stains and tracks. Textured carpets like frieze are cut from fibers of different heights, so they mask stains and are also softer on the feet than berbers. An entryway or a den may be better off carpeted in a dense carpeting, while a bedroom may be fine and luxurious with plush carpeting. Carpeting may come in stain-resistant varieties or low-maintenance options. These are Please see Carpet page 15

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The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

Make the most of small bathrooms

Renovating bathrooms is commonly at the top of home improvement to-do lists. Though some rooms around the house may remain timeless, bathrooms, like kitchens, show their age (and era) much more easily, which could be why homeowners are always on the lookout for new ideas.

Although many people may dream about creating a spa-type oasis in their homes, not everyone is lucky enough to have a large bathroom, much less a large budget for a full-scale renovation.

Small bathrooms are common, particularly in older homes, but they needn’t force homeowners to compromise on style when renovating.

Small bathrooms may be a halfbath on a main home level or even a full bath, depending on the home. By thinking creatively, homeowners can maximize their spaces and redo bathrooms in ways that bring out their best assets.

• When space is at a premium, it’s best to look for fixtures and items that fit with the scale of the bathroom. Although you may want a large vanity and cabinet in which to hide all of your toiletries, this simply may not be practical — taking up most of the bathroom real estate. Instead, look for elegant pedestal sinks that have a much smaller profile.

They’ll also help you control the clutter in the bathroom because there won’t be anywhere to hide it.

• Use optical illusions to make the bathroom appear more roomy.

For example, lay tile diagonally to create the impression of space. A large mirror will reflect the room back and make it appear much

larger than it really is.

• Select lighter hues in paint colors and accessories. Dark paints and fixtures could make the room feel cramped. Dark colors are generally used to make spaces feel more cozy. In a small bathroom, it may make the space feel claustrophobic. Instead, think light and bright and the room will instantly feel more airy.

• Minimize wall hangings and keep fixtures smaller. Filling the walls with knickknacks may contribute to clutter and make the space appear closed in. Use decorative items sparingly.

• If possible, store towels in a closet outside of the bathroom.

This way you won’t have to devote space inside the bathroom to a closet, leaving more room for other things.

• While some people like the thought of a separate bath and shower, in smaller bathrooms this may not be possible.

Instead, look for a combined shower and bath, or select a walk-in shower with a much smaller profile.

• Windows are often welcome in bathrooms because of the ventilation they provide, but they could be a hindrance in smaller bathrooms because they take up prime wall space. Cover a window in a shower stall to free up space. Just be sure to install a venting fan to reduce moisture in the bathroom.

• Maximize wall space if you need storage. Find cabinets that will fit beneath windows or be able to fit in thin areas between sinks and toilets. Over the toilet is prime area for cabinetry.

• Consider a frameless shower. This is a partitioned area of the bathroom that’s set aside for

A frameless shower can take up less space in a small bathroom.

the shower and is typically only cordoned off by a thin wall or piece of glass. Or a shower with no walls at all is the ultimate in space-saving. The entire bathroom floor is decked out in tile, and a portion is sloped toward a shower drain.

• Think about installing a skylight if you prefer natural light, but there is no room for a traditional window.

Thinking creatively can help turn a cramped bathroom into a space-saving and well-designed room homeowners desire.

The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

How to close your pool for the season

After a summer’s worth of memories and fun in the sun, pool owners know it’s time to close their pool for the coming fall and winter seasons.

As the leaves begin to change color and the air starts to grow a little more crisp, homeowners turn their attention to winterizing their pools. The goal is to begin the work early on so that you’re not facing the hassle of leaves all over the ground or in the pool. Many times, closing the pool requires a team effort, so enlist the help of a spouse, friend or family member before beginning the process.

The first thing that is essential to winterizing the pool is having all of your equipment ready.

Depending on the type of pool you have, this equipment can vary.

But have all tools, winterizing

chemicals and water plugs at the ready. Although inground pools and above-ground ones have similar winterizing steps, there are a few differences between the two and it is important to be aware of the differences.

Thoroughly vacuum the bottom of the pool and clean the walls.

You want to remove as much organic material, such as algae and dead insects, as possible prior to covering the pool so that there is a higher propensity the water will be crystal clear next spring or summer when you reopen the pool.

Once the pool has been vacuumed and cleaned, backwash the filter to remove any excess residue. Remove plugs or open drain ports on the filter and let all of the water flow out of the filter. Give the filter components, including

skimmer baskets, a good rinse with water and allow them to dry.

Next, disconnect the pool’s pump and filter. Everything should be totally drained of any water.With an above-ground pool, remove intake and output hoses and drain. For inground pools, use an air compressor or a shop vacuum to blow out any residual water from the return pipes, and then promptly plug up the ports.

Some people prefer to plugup the skimmer return as well and leave the water level of the pool as is. However, it is also possible to drain the pool water level below the skimmer level.

Put duct tape or use some other blockage method on all exposed pipes or openings to the pools to prevent anything from getting inside — this includes any insects and rodents looking for places to

set up winter camp.

While some people keep their filters disconnected and outdoors for the winter, the pump should be moved into a garage or shed.

Do so with the filter if you have room in order to better safeguard the equipment.

Homeowners should also test the pool water chemistry and adjust the pH, calcium hardness and total alkalinity according to recommended levels. Then prepare to add the desired mix of chemicals to the pool to sanitize it for the season. Most people use a combination of algaecide and chlorine as their winterizing chemicals. However, if the chlorine level is high enough, algaecide may not be necessary.

Raise the chlorine to shock Please see Pool page 15

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The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

Economy changing menu of features in new homes There is no denying the profound impact that the recession has had on the real estate industry. For the last several years, the real estate market went from booming to one characterized by homes sitting on the market for months on end. New home sales also have been conservative, and builders are cutting back on some offerings that were once commonplace.

The National Association for Realtors says that, despite floundering sales, there are fewer foreclosed homes available now than in recent years. Distressed homes — foreclosures and short sales sold at deep discounts — accounted for 25 percent of homes sales in May of 2012. That figure is down from 28 percent in April and 31 percent in May of 2011.

While home sales have increased, money is still tight in the building industry and among home buyers. As such, instead of over-the-top features in homes that were once becoming the norm, builders are now focusing on more value-conscious designs and offerings. The list of add-ons also has been reduced.

So what can buyers expect to live without when buying a newly constructed home? Here are a few of the common features that are falling by the wayside.

• Sunrooms: Although the “bring-the-outside-in” movement was once strong, builders are now focusing on home features that immediately add value and attract the eye of buyers.

Therefore, they’re putting their resources into linen closets and laundry rooms while de-emphasizing sunrooms.

• Extended ceiling heights:

Tall ceilings in family rooms are being eschewed in favor of smaller, more intimate spaces.

It can take a lot of energy to heat rooms with 15-foot ceilings. As a result, grandiose family rooms and two-story foyers are less attractive to buyers focused on saving money. Homeowners want spaces that are easier to heat and cool.

• Luxury bathrooms: Many private residence luxury bathrooms rival those found at popular 4-star hotels. But luxury bathrooms are being phased out in favor of less expensive, more practical options.

• Outdoor kitchens: Although entertaining at home is one way

to keep budgets in check, some homeowners have realized they don’t need a complete backyard kitchen with a pizza oven and brick fireplace in order to host guests. According to a survey from the National Association of Home Builders, outdoor kitchens are the second least-likely feature to be included in homes built in 2012.

• Media rooms: Individuals certainly love their gadgets, but many of these gadgets have become smaller and more portable. That reduces the need for giant home theaters and gaming spaces.

While certain features are disappearing, there are others that are growing more and more popular. Dual sinks in kitchens, walkin closets, extra storage areas, and hidden charging stations for devices are likely to show up more and more in new home designs.

The design of new homes is changing to be more budgetfriendly and also represent the changing priorities of home buyers. As a result, today’s newly designed homes will likely look much different from homes built just a few years ago.

The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

PAGE 13

Why fall is the time to tackle invasive plant problems The crisp days of fall are here, but a long dry summer has left many homeowners looking out on lawns and gardens overtaken with invasive weeds and vines. A yard full of these noxious plants is sure to make it difficult to enjoy the cooler outdoor temperatures.

In 2012, the nation faced one of the hottest summers on record in the last 60 years. With more than two-thirds of the country experiencing severe to extreme drought, conditions were ideal for pesky weeds to flourish.

Weeds like dandelions, crabgrass and clover easily tolerate hot temperatures and dry soil, overtaking lawns and gardens and lingering throughout the cooler fall months. Ivy and other aggressive vines thrive in the summer heat, climbing and covering bushes and trees and ultimately killing

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the plants underneath with their shade.

Left untreated, invasive plants can quickly become health and safety hazards. Kudzu can grow up to a foot per day, causing tree limbs to break under its weight, damaging homes and outdoor living spaces. Common grass weeds like nettles and thistles sting and prick the skin, and contact with dangerous plants like poison oak, ivy and sumac cause moderate to severe allergic reactions in almost all people.

“Fall herbicide treatments are the most effective way to eliminate unattractive and potentially harmful plants from lawns and gardens so that those spaces can be enjoyed throughout the cool fall months,” says Aaron Hobbs, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment),

a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products.

“This is the best time of year to eliminate invasive plants,” Hobbs adds. “Weeds move the products of photosynthesis like water, glucose and oxygen to their roots for winter food storage in the fall, enabling the roots to soak up herbicides as well.” Two to three treatments are usually all that is needed to completely destroy these types of plants.

Effective herbicide options exist for every type of weed and vine.

The Environmental Protection Agency rigorously tests herbicides for potential human health and environmental impact before they can be registered and sold for use. As with all pesticides, users should always read labels and use

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The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

Three ways to give energy savings the green light in your home “Red means stop, green means go.” We learn that axiom as children.When it comes to home energy costs, however, going green can help homeowners put a stop to runaway utility bills. And maximizing your home’s use of natural light — call it “green lighting” — is a great way to boost your home’s energy efficiency.

Here are three ways you can put Mother Nature to work, and use natural light to lower your energy costs:

idealistic, but impractical dream.

Solar technology is more useful, accessible and cost-effective than ever. Solar water heating systems are becoming mainstream, and offer homeowners a great, green way to trim energy costs. What’s more, the cost of installing these systems has been steadily declining as the technology advances, and you may find adding one makes you eligible for tax credits or incentives from your local, state or the federal governments.

Minimize use of artificial lighting

Make home a healthier place

Every year, ill health costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars, experts say, and your own health woes can have a significant impact on your pocketbook. The health benefits of natural light are welldocumented, from reducing the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and promoting the body’s production of Vitamin D, to improving mood and even learning ability.

Simply opening blinds and curtains to admit more natural light can directly affect the mood inside your home — not to mention the mental state of the people living in it. Take your green lighting efforts to a higher level by adding venting skylights, and you can also help improve the air quality inside your home. While skylights admit ample natural light, their natural chimney effect works with your windows to bring in and circulate much more healthful fresh air. They also passively vent fumes and dampness that can lead to mold and mildew.

By incorporating natural light and passive ventilation into their home decor and improvements, homeowners can put the brakes Reduce hot water costs Long gone are the days when on rising utility costs — and give solar powering your home was an the green light to energy savings.

Anyone who’s ever paid an electrical bill knows that the simple act of turning on a light can directly impact your monthly expenses.

Homeowners looking for a longterm way to power down their lighting costs may consider Energy Star-qualified skylights a good investment. While skylights’ cosmetic appeal can’t be argued, their value goes far beyond good looks.

By admitting natural light into your home, skylights can help reduce use of artificial light sources — and help you save on electricity costs. Pair powered venting skylights that come with automatic rain sensors with efficiencyenhancing accessories like designer blinds (available in a varied palette of colors and patterns), and you can improve energy efficiency as much as 37 percent, according to skylight manufacturer Velux America. And, with tubular products like Sun Tunnel skylights, you can even bring natural light into ground-floor rooms or spots where a traditional skylight may not work, such as a first-floor powder room, hallways, or walk-in closets.

Low profile rooftop solar collectors are unobtrusive and utilize the sun’s energy to heat water. These systems qualify for tax credits and other incentives.

Energy Star-qualified venting skylights, with decor-enhancing blinds, are cost-effective and attractive home upgrades that provide healthful natural light and passive ventilation.

The Times Home Improvement Advertising Supplement | Sunday, September 23, 2012

Carpet Continued from page 9 generally best in homes with pets and children. However, you may be able to save money by opting out of special treatments to resist stains and simply invest in a steam vacuum, instead.

• Choose color wisely. Choosing a color comes down to preference and how much the room will be used. Although light, neutral colors are often preferred because they work well in just about any room, lighter colored carpets will show stains much more easily than other carpet colors. Textured, multi-colored carpets are preferable to hide stains and can look just as elegant as solid-colored carpeting. Much in the way paint colors are chosen, carpeting colors come down to personal preference. Drama may be created

with bold colors that draw the eye to the carpet. However, for those who want the carpet to fade into the background instead of upstaging decor, neutral colors are better.

• Hire a good installer. There are many beautiful carpets available, but unless you choose a reliable installer and store, you may end up paying more or receiving subpar service.

Poll friends and family members for recommendations to help you narrow down options. Then be sure to have stores price out materials separate from installation so you can make more accurate comparisons.

Also, you don’t necessarily need to use an installer provided by the carpet store. You can shop around to find a separate installer or even do the work yourself.

Carpeting can make a fine addition to your home and make it feel more comfortable and inviting.

Remember to take your time when selecting carpeting, as your decision will have long-lasting effects.

PAGE 15

Pool

Continued from page 11 level — much higher than the recommended level for when the pool is running. Thoroughly mix granulated chemicals to prevent them from settling on the liner and causing stains.

The cover should be placed on the pool and properly secured.

This is where an extra body comes in handy so that the cover can be maneuvered easily. In above ground pools, an inflated pillow is often used to alleviate ice expansion and prevent the walls of the pool from splitting.

It is not to keep rainwater from accumulating on the top of the cover.

Store all of the pool equipment for the winter season, and during the cold weather, periodically

check the cover, air pillow and water tubes for any damage.

Although closing a pool is not terribly difficult, it can be for those who have never owned a pool in the past. When in doubt, it is best to consult with a pool service.