Professional Documents
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2015
Finance
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Secrets to
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organized shed
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pool
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A special supplement of
Credit cards: Credit cards are an option when improvements are not expensive. Individuals with excellent credit ratings may qualify for cards with a no-interest introductory periods of several months or more. These cards can be a good way
to pay off moderate improvements in a short amount of time.
Many homeowners recognize that improving and maintaining a property makes a home more livable for its inhabitants and more attractive to prospective buyers when the
time comes to put up a For Sale sign in the front yard.
But a well-maintained home also provides additional
benefits. According to the United States Department
of Housing and Urban Development, home improvements not only raise the values of individual homes, but
they tend to raise neighborhood standards as well. Home
improvements can create jobs and help local communities
flourish economically.
Maintaining a home can be a costly undertaking. Home
improvement projects can be expensive whether homeowners hire professionals or tackle renovation projects on their
own. The following are a handful of options homeowners can
consider as they look for ways to finance renovation projects.
even
after
the
funds
have been repaid.
by the lender. During this time, homeowners can withdraw
money as it is needed up to the value of the line of credit.
We
P
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, inadequate ventilation in a home can increase indoor
air pollution levels. Those pollutant levels rise in a poorly
ventilated home because not enough outdoor air is making its way into a home to dilute emissions from indoor
sources of pollution. In addition, in a poorly ventilated
home, indoor air pollutants are not being carried out of
the home, leaving the pollutants to linger and potentially
putting the health of the homes residents at risk. Though
it might seem counterintuitive to allow outdoor air into a
home during winter, when such air tends to be at its coldest, such outdoor air can protect a homes inhabitants
from the immediate effects of indoor air pollution, which
include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, as well as
headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Long-term effects of prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution can include respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer. But homeowners
who want to increase outdoor air infiltration in their homes
do not have to open the windows even when temperatures
dip. A simple inspection of mechanical ventilation systems, such as bathroom and kitchen fans and air handling
systems that employ fans and ducts to remove indoor air
and distribute filtered and conditioned outdoor air throughout a home, may be all thats necessary to ensure indoor
air stays healthy during the winter. If such systems are in
need of repair, homeowners should ensure those repairs
are made prior to the arrival of winter. FH149471
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April 8 & 9, 2015 Unified Newspaper Group Spring Home & Garden - 3
Ceiling fans can help cool a home more efficiently when fan blades spin in the right direction for the season.
Solid wood: Wood counter tops create a warm, homey interior. Butcher block
counters are less expensive than granite
and do not necessarily need to be ordered
from a speciality retailer. But wood can
stain and dent and can even burn when
hot kitchenware is placed atop it. Regular application of oil can help homeowners maintain the appearance of their wood
counters for years to come.
Marble: Marble tends to be less
expensive than granite without sacrificing
aesthetic appeal. However, marble is softer and more porous than granite, so it can
stain and be etched. Diligence in wiping
away spills, routine sealing and a gentle
touch is necessary for those who choose
marble counter tops.
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Granite has long been a popular counter top material for homeowners looking
to combine functionality with aesthetic
appeal in their kitchens. But granite is no
small investment, and homeowners looking to refurbish their kitchens should know
there are a multitude of counter top materials available to those working on a budget or those who simply want to give their
kitchens a different look.
4 - Spring Home & Garden Unified Newspaper Group April 8 & 9, 2015
Put a deck addition outdoors. Outdoor living spaces have become more
desirable, especially as the staycation
has grown in popularity. Decks and patios
can make backyards more appealing. The
scope of your investment will depend on
the size of the deck and design. Doing the
work yourself can cut the cost of decks in
Look to paint. One of the least expen- half, but only if you have the specific tools
sive improvement materials, but one that or experience to tackle such a project.
has a significant impact, is paint. Neutral,
Improve curb appeal. Adding attractive
modern colors can easily liven up any
space. If you paint with low-VOC paint, landscaping and freshening up the entryway
you also can advertise an eco-friendly to a home can add considerable value to your
home, as buyers judge homes by their extehome, which is very desirable these days.
riors. Completely renovated interiors may
Put in another bathroom. Multiple never be seen if buyers pass up your home
bathrooms are an attractive selling point, because of a less attractive exterior. Classy,
particularly in older homes that may not subtle changes, like well-placed shrubbery
have been equipped with more than one and a green lawn, can work wonders. An
bathroom. Finding extra space for a bath- inviting front door and well-lit entryway also
room can be tricky, but consider closets, add curb appeal to a home.
areas under stairs or even taking some
Before making improvements, homespace away from another room. Popular
home-improvement television channel owners should determine if a given project
HGTV advises that half-bathrooms require will provide a solid return on their investat least 18 square feet of space, while full ment. SH152894
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April 8 & 9, 2015 Unified Newspaper Group Spring Home & Garden - 5
Making trendy or
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Forgetting to properly
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6 - Spring Home & Garden Unified Newspaper Group April 8 & 9, 2015
your own with patio pavers and fire bricks to line the interior of the fire pit. Outdoor fireplaces require more work,
and you want to hire a mason to ensure proper installation.
Enjoyable yard additions: While plants and seating may take center stage, some people still want to have
fun in their yards. Theres an increased demand for yard
designs and dcor that can put the fun in backyard living.
Bocce courts, ring- or horseshoe-toss setups, as well as
bean bag-toss boards, can be incorporated into landscape
designs, giving you yet another reason to spend a few
hours in the great outdoors, where you can experience a
few healthy laughs in the process.
Gardening and spending time outdoors are great hobbies and may even boost your mood. Homeowners can
explore the popular trends in garden dcor and natural
elements that they can enjoy inside and outside of their
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April 8 & 9, 2015 Unified Newspaper Group Spring Home & Garden - 7
Try to provide more than one feeder and bird bath to prevent overcrowding. Crowding can contribute to the spread of disease.
Do not situate feeders and bird baths under perches where they can be soiled by
droppings.
If you notice birds look sick or are not acting strangely, halt feeding and bathing
to prevent healthy birds from becoming ill. Wait a week before resuming feeding and
notify wildlife officials if you find dead or sick birds around your property.
Locate feeders and baths at least 30 feet away from windows so birds do not get confused by reflections and collide with the glass.
Store seed in a dry container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent mold from forming
and moisture from getting in.
Creating a thriving habitat for bird watching is easier than one might think. But once
birds begin visiting a yard, homeowners must diligently maintain clean feeders and bird
baths to ensure the birds stay as healthy as possible. Any questions about wild-bird care
can be directed to a local Audubon Society chapter or by visiting a pet store or bird
hobby center. GT154046
The Humane Society of the United States advises cleaning hanging feeders once
every two weeks or more often if theyre heavily used. Ground-feeding designs should
be cleaned every two days. Feeders can be immersed in a very-diluted solution of bleach
to water (nine parts water to one part bleach). Let soak for a few minutes, and then scrub
the feeder with a stiff brush or scouring pad before rinsing. Allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling it with seed.
Bird baths should be emptied of water each day. Brush or wipe the bath clean, then
rinse and refill with fresh water. Do not leave standing water overnight; otherwise bird
baths can easily become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other parasites.
Frequently collect discarded seed hulls and clean bird droppings from beneath feeders. If the area around the feeder has become especially soiled, relocate the feeder elsewhere and clean its initial location.
Follow proper instructions with regard to seed and other bird food. For example,
reduce the amount of suet offered in hot weather. Heat can cause suet to spoil, and sticky
suet can become stuck in birds feathers and make it hard for them to keep clean.
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Even people who dont own pets may have pet dander in their homes. Pet dander is the
tiny, sometimes microscopic skin shed by cats, dogs and other warm-blooded animals, such
as rodents and birds. Pet dander can be carried into homes on peoples clothing, which is how
even homes and offices without pets likely have pet dander in them. Though dander is natural, its also an allergy trigger for many people. But pet allergies are not entirely a result of
pet dander, as the American Lung Association notes that allergens come from sources other
than pets skin. For example, the ALA notes that urine and feces from cats, dogs and other
pets can cause allergic reactions in some people. Dust from dried feces can suspend in the air
and eventually be inhaled by people with allergies, triggering a reaction. Pet allergens can
maintain their strength for several months by sticking to clothing, walls and other surfaces.
Pet owners with pet allergies can still keep their pets, but they must be prepared to make extra
efforts to comfortably coexist with their pets. Removing wall-to-wall carpet, keeping pets
off of furniture and keeping a home clean and free of clutter are some ways for pet owners to
reduce the symptoms of their pet allergies. Wearing a mask while vacuuming also can reduce
the severity of allergy attacks, as vacuums stir up dander and other allergens. PE154088
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The right tools for the job can be the difference between an interminable landscaping project and one that goes smoothly and
efficiently. Aspiring landscapers probably
have a few shovels and rakes hanging in
their garages and sheds for basic landscaping work. But while such tools are effective for certain projects, when it comes to
churning soil for garden beds or digging
holes for outdoor structures, additional
tools come in handy. It may be well worth
a trip to a nearby home center to purchase
or rent one of these tools ideal for breaking
ground.
Rototiller
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April 8 & 9, 2015 Unified Newspaper Group Spring Home & Garden - 9
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 space to move around.
Taking the time to clean and organize a shed can help
make anyone more productive. GT154043
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10 - Spring Home & Garden Unified Newspaper Group April 8 & 9, 2015
Preventing grub infestation typically requires homeowners to keep watchful eyes on their lawns. Pay particular
attention to areas that begin to brown, especially areas that
are turning brown in spite of adequate watering. An early
indicator of a grub infestation is small grubs around the
roots of grass. In such instances, applying insecticide may
be enough to prevent a small grub problem from spreading.
Insecticides also can be an effective preventative measure for homeowners looking to avoid grub infestations.
Grubs are insects that live in the soil, where they feed Speak with a local landscaping professional for recomon grass and roots. Many grubs are the larva of Japanese mendations about which insecticide to apply and how best
beetles, and those beetles typically lay their eggs in sun- to apply it.
drenched areas of lawns in midsummer.
What can I do
about grub damage?
Attempting to treat grubs in the spring may be ineffective, as grubs are large and no longer feeding in spring.
So homeowners dealing with grub infestations should
address the situation before they retire their green thumbs
for the winter. Remove debris from grub infestations with
a rake before watering the affected areas. Watering can
help some damaged roots recover, but areas that have
been especially damaged may need to be reseeded.
Grub infestations can be a nuisance to homeowners who
put lots of time and effort into their lawns. But homeownApplying an appropriate insecticide is one way homeowners can
ers can take steps to treat such infestations and prevent prevent grub infestations.
them from returning the following summer. GT154050
Liability
A professional tree service will possess the correct liability and workers compensation insurance. This protects
homeowners against litigation should someone be injured
while tree work is being done.
Homeowners who damage neighboring properties when
cutting down a tree may find that they are not covered by
Professional tree contractors recognize and understand their homeowners insurance policies. This can be a costthe hazards associated with tree and limb removal. Many ly mistake thats easily avoided by simply hiring a fully
operate in accordance with national or local guidelines to insured tree removal service.
maintain proper clearance of power lines and structures.
Trimming trees close to electrical lines puts a person
at risk of being electrocuted. Professionals know how to
The right tools can mean the difference between a job
protect themselves and prevent power outages, which can
done correctly and one that results in disaster. Profesresult when limbs come into contact with power lines.
Professional tree services will use machinery appropri- sional arborists and tree services have acquired the trainate for the task. Cherrypickers and cranes may lift workers ing, tools and techniques to perform the job safely. This
to the correct height to work on trees, while do-it-your- includes using the right tools to tackle the job. Ropes, pulselfers who rely on climbing trees or using ladders are at leys, cranes, stump grinders, and other heavy machinery
are just a few of the tools tree services have at their disrisk of injury.
posal that the average homeowner does not.
Trimming or removing trees can be an unpredictable
and potentially dangerous endeavor. Such work is best left
Many tree services understand the proper way to prune to professionals. GT154044
trees to minimize stress and damage to the tree itself.
Avoid injury
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April 8 & 9, 2015 Unified Newspaper Group Spring Home & Garden - 11
Safety first
Although the goal may be to soften the lines of the pool and/or create sight barriers
that will provide some measure of privacy for swimmers, homeowners must put safety above all else. Before any decorative touches are added, it is important to surround
a pool with a slip-resistant surface and fencing (many communities require fences be
erected around pools). Consult with a landscaping contractor, who should be knowledgeable about safety codes, or speak to the permit-issuing department at town hall.
There should be a list of requirements to ensure pool placement as well as any surrounding touches are legal and within code.
Nonslip surfaces
Concrete, brick and pavers and decking are popular materials used to surround a pool.
Installers can make recommendations on materials and finishes, but one suggestion is to
choose a rough finish. Pool water can make surfaces slippery. Concrete that is stamped
or scarred provides extra traction than a smooth surface. The same can be said for brick
patios and pavers. Avoid smooth stones or pavers with shiny surfaces, as these may only
increase the risk of falls.
Homeowners who have chosen wood or composite decking to surround a pool should
talk to their contractor about nonslip protective coatings. Such coatings typically are
acrylic-based liquids applied like a paint or sealer. Some composite decks may be crafted with texture or a built-in coating to reduce slipping. In addition, use nonstick mats on
decks and patios to provide a little extra footing where people enter and exit the pool.
Homeowners have many options with regard to landscaping the areas surrounding their pools.
Finishing touches
pool will need to be sun- and drought-tolerant. Succulents, such as aloe and jade, may
work, as can the perennial shrub yucca. Moderately growing grasses will offer a privacy
barrier.
Keep trees and flowering plants far enough away from the pools edge so they do not
contribute to debris that falls into the pool, which can complicate maintenance. Also,
flowering plants may attract insects and other wildlife that may interfere with your
enjoyment of the pool. Its better to create a friendly environment for wildlife further
away from the pool.
Homeowners who need some advice planning the landscaping around their pools can
rely on the expertise of landscape architects as well as employees at lawn and garden
centers. Pool companies may work with landscapers and offer recommendations to people unaccustomed to working around pools. GT154052
Plants can provide the finishing touches for a poolside landscape. Homeowners should
keep in mind that pools are not often shaded from the sun, so plants placed around the
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12 - Spring Home & Garden Unified Newspaper Group April 8 & 9, 2015
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