Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel

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Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel
Spring
News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette            SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                    Wednesday, March 27, 2019 1

home            Spring 2019 | Special Supplement to

                                                      Cook up a
                                                      renovation
                                                      plan
                                                      Must-haves for an
                                                      amazing kitchen
                                                      remodel

  &                   Benefits to being connected
                      Why it’s smart to have a
                      smart home
                                                                                 Emerging deck trends
                                                                                 Expand outdoor
                                                                                 entertaining options
Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel
2 Wednesday, March 27, 2019                                               SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                                     News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette

Rethink your kitchen layout                                                                     Communal zones
                                                                                                Unlike the days of yore when the
                                                                                                kitchen was utilitarian, today’s home
                                                                                                                                            prep and dining. A large family table in
                                                                                                                                            the center of the room brings people
                                                                                                                                            into the kitchen to get more involved
                                                                                                                                            with food, according to San Francisco
                                                                                                floor plans make kitchens a focal point
                                                                                                of a home. Food preparation also is         designer David Kensington.
                                                                                                no longer a solitary task. Thanks to        Counter culture
                                                                                                larger kitchen footprints and multiple
                                                                                                zones set up for meal creation, a           Taking a page out of a favorite corner
                                                                                                greater number of people can hang           diner or bar, kitchens are increasingly
                                                                                                out in the kitchen and help with            outfitted with a large island flanked
                                                                                                meals. You’ll find multiple sinks, large    by chic counter stools, according to
                                                                                                islands and more counter space are          the design pros at Domino. Family
                                                                                                key components of modern kitchen            members can pull up a stool and grab
                                                                                                layouts.                                    a quick snack. It’s also a great place
                                                                                                                                            for friends to engage in conversation
                                                                                                Dining nooks                                while a host or hostess prepares
                                                                                                Kitchen designs are bringing back           cocktails and appetizers for an
                                                                                                banquette seating in a cozy nook. This      evening soirée.
                                                                                                design is a practical use of space,
                                                                                                and can fit in large and small kitchens     Work zone
                                                                                                alike. It also can give a kitchen a         Many families like to have an area
                                                                                                high-end look, as built-in banquettes       of the kitchen set up as a tech zone
                                                                                                can highlight a bay window or               where kids can do their homework
                                                                                                seem custom-made for the space.             and even parents can do some work,
                                                                                                Banquette seating can fit a number          such as paying bills. Setting aside an

   K
                                                                                                of people comfortably and provides          area of counter space as a small desk
          itchens are the most popular rooms in many homes. Even though                         a sensible and casual dining spot           area can be a great idea. Such areas
           The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the average person spends just            solution.                                   also help parents keep a watchful eye
           68 minutes each weekday consuming food, and around 37 minutes preparing              Family table                                on children while they’re surfing the
   meals, the kitchen is not just a spot for food. It also is a gathering place for conversa-                                               internet.
   tion, homework and family time.                                                              The trend experts at Southern Living
                                                                                                magazine indicate that formal dining        Kitchens are the hub of the
   In recognition that so much time is spent in this heart of the home, many people are         and living rooms are now used               household, and modern design
   embracing some of the more popular trends concerning kitchen layouts to maximize             infrequently. As a result, kitchens         trends cater to a growing need for a
   the comfort and efficiency of these rooms.                                                   have evolved to accommodate meal            multipurpose space.

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Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel
News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette                           SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                                              Wednesday, March 27, 2019 3

Must-haves for an
amazing kitchen remodel

K
      itchen remodels are among the            that investment.                            with a contractor to include storage      can fail to illuminate dark corners and
      most popular home renovation               When investing in a kitchen project,      solutions built into cabinetry and the    spots on the counters.
      projects, whether they consist           it is important to incorporate items that   pantry. Slide-out shelving, nooks for a   • Convenient warming drawer: This
of swapping out cabinet hardware or            are coveted.                                paper towel roll and custom-designed      appliance provides backup to the
doing major demolition.                                                                    areas to store stand mixers and other     oven. It’s a slide-out drawer that can
                                               • Deep, double sinks: Having a              necessities can make kitchens more
  Due to the sheer amount of time                                                                                                    keep prepared foods out of the way
                                               double sink enables you to soak             functional.                               and warm until they are ready to be
families spend in the kitchen,                 dishes in one side and then wash
not to mention the number of                                                               • Outdoor access: If possible, design     served. This is particularly handy for
                                               on the other. It also makes it easy to                                                holidays and other entertaining.
tasks performed in this space, it              wash and prep produce for meals.            a kitchen so it is easy to access the
is easy to see why Remodeling                                                              backyard via sliding doors. This can      • Beverage station: Designate one
magazine consistently ranks kitchen            • Kitchen island and bar stools:            make outdoor entertaining or even         area of the kitchen to beverages, such
renovations as projects that will              Even though many meals are enjoyed          coffee on the deck much easier.           as coffee and tea. Or make the area
enable homeowners to recoup a                  around the table, there’s something                                                   an informal bar. This can limit traffic in
                                                                                           • Under-cabinet lighting: Fixtures
high percentage of their investments.          to be said for the convenience of a         installed under cabinets provide both     the kitchen to a single area.
In the magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs.               kitchen island and some well-placed         ambient lighting and task lighting.
                                               bar stools for quick breakfasts or                                                      Kitchen remodels are exciting to
Value” report, midrange major                                                              Such lighting makes it easier to see      envision, and several choices can
kitchen remodels costing an average            snacks.                                     what you’re working on as well, as        make these high-traffic spaces even
of $63,829 recouped 59 percent of              • Smart kitchen storage: Work               even well-placed overhead lighting        more coveted.

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Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel
4 Wednesday, March 27, 2019                            SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                         News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette

                              The Pros and Cons of an
               Open Floor Plan

                        Open floorplans are high on many buyers’ wish lists.
                   When you remove walls, however, you also get a sweeping view
                     of the space — as well as a clear shot of the dirty dishes
By Nancy Mattia                                 open-concept floor plan.                         have a better flow. People can pass through
CTW Features
                                                                    Pros                         without interfering with anyone else in the
 A casual, multifunctional space sounds like    1. The space will look bigger.                   space.”
an enticing concept. With no walls separating     With no walls to stop the flow of square       2. It saves you money.
the kitchen from the living and dining rooms,   footage, it’ll look like you’ve upgraded to a     Taking out a non-load-bearing wall or two is
a space will look more expansive and inviting   larger home. “By opening up a space, you         more affordable than building an addition, if
because it’s not chopped up into smaller        have more light filled areas and visually much   your intention is to gain more space. With an
areas. But there are downsides as well.         more room,” says Sharon Flatley, a Dallas        open floor plan, you’ll use formerly little-used
 Before you start demolishing the walls, know   interior designer (flatleydesign.com).“The       space, like the dining room, since it’s much
the positives and negatives of having an        space will be more open for entertaining and     more accessible now.
Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel
News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette                   SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                                                 Wednesday, March 27, 2019 5

3. An open concept encourages                          would naturally force anyone to tidy up on                If the kids are whooping it up in the family
togetherness.                                          a regular daily basis to avoid living in a               room area while you’re trying to read,
  “People feel more connected while in one             messy environment.” Are you ready for that?              someone’s going to get cranky and it won’t be
large open space,” says Flatley. “There’s room         2. Knocking down a load-bearing wall                     the kids.
for the family to watch TV while the primary           doesn’t come cheap.                                      4. Aromatic food smells won’t be contained
cook becomes part of the group even though              “You may need to consult with a structural              to the kitchen.
he or she is preparing dinner in the kitchen.”         engineer or architect,” says Flatley. The cost            The scent of the garlic chicken dish you
                        Cons                           of removing walls often dictates whether or              prepared for dinner may still be permeating
                                                       not it’s feasible for to pursue an open concept.         the entire first floor by the time you go to
1. You can’t hide dirty dishes or clutter.
                                                       “Removing beams in the ceiling or in the attic           bed. What was enticing hours ago is now just
 Every backpack dumped on the floor, every
                                                       space can be costly as well but it’s doable.”            smelly.
cereal bowl used at breakfast will be in
                                                       3. No walls, no privacy.
clear view, says Flatley. “An open concept                                                                                                           © CTW Features

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Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel
6 Wednesday, March 27, 2019                             SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                          News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette

                                      5 New Home
                              Trends for 2019

By Erik J. Martin                    Having an abundance of real         floral patterns inspired by nature    the interesting shape and style.”
CTW Features                        plants can help achieve this.        being prominent in 2019. And          Just be sure your curved sofa has
 Whether you are looking for         “Bringing the outdoors into your    more homeowners are choosing          a lot of empty space around it to
a new home that is on-trend or      home is not only an esthetic         natural over manmade materials,       show off its shape as much as
thinking of ways to turn a fixer-   choice, but real plants also         like hardwood floors.”                possible.
                                    provide the benefit of filtering
upper into your dream residence,                                         2. Curved sofas                       3. Feminine and free
                                    harmful chemicals out of your
consider these 5 trends for 2019:                                          Rounded-back sofas “add to the       Boston-based HGTV design
                                    home,” notes Lee Crowder,
1. The healthy living look          design gallery and model home        eclectic feel that’s becoming so      expert Taniya Nayak says
 Many designers have observed       branding manager with Taylor         popular,” says Cohen. “They’re        this movement is all about
a shift toward more eco-friendly    Morrison and Darling Homes in        perfect for a more formal living      embracing a pastel palette with
and green elements indoors.         Dallas. “We’re also seeing tons of   room because they’re all about        hues like blue, cream and pale
Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel
News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette             SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                                     Wednesday, March 27, 2019 7

blue to fashion a romantic/glam look.             Deep tones like Ecological (Behr # S380-6)       only a few decorative trinkets or antiques
 “An easy way to realize this is to create        and Amber Autumn (#S290-5) “engage the           alongside clean-lined furniture,” says Karen
a striped, pastel accent wall and alternate       senses and enhance the personal appeal of        Gray Plaisted, an interior designer with Design
different paint finishes — like eggshell          any room, especially those for entertaining      Solutions KGP in Warwick, New York. “The
and satin – in the same color to capture a        like a living or dining room,” says Woelfel.     antiques give the room character, but the
soothing, soft, ethereal feel and create more     Cohen adds that jewel tones work best
                                                                                                   cleaner look employs muted colors that reflect
depth,” says Nayak, who adds that this trend      “when multiple items or finishes in the room
                                                                                                   the simpler lifestyle people prefer today.”
best applies to bedrooms and the living           have a richness so that the whole room feels
room.                                             balanced.”                                       Whatever trend you choose to follow, be
                                                                                                   careful not to overdo it. “Whether you swap
4. Jewel tones                                    5. The clean farmhouse look
                                                                                                   out accessories or merely add a fresh coat of
 Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and         While farmhouse esthetics have been
                                                                                                   paint, small updates to a space can make you
creative services with Behr Paint in Santa        popular for a while, the difference in 2019 is
                                                                                                   fall in love with it all over again,” Nayak says.
Ana, California, says jewel hues cast with an     the suggested use of less tchotchkes. “This
earthy richness will be all the rage in 2019.     produces a cleaner look that incorporates                                       © CTW Features

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Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel
8 Wednesday, March 27, 2019                                        SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                                                                                                                                            News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette

Benefits of
freestanding tubs                                                                                     Sit down to a relaxing cup
                                                                                                      of get it all done.
F
      ew home design elements             freestanding tub will rise considerably
      provide the instant wow factor of   if new plumbing and piping are
      freestanding tubs. Freestanding     necessary.
tubs have an air of luxury that can                                                                   It has a work ethic based on performance and durability.
                                            Before purchasing a freestanding                          If you’re a farmer who needs to plow through job lists and
help current homeowners relax, and        tub, homeowners should seek
impress buyers when homes go on                                                                       get the work done right, the M7 is your tractor. Visit us today.
                                          estimates regarding installation,                           We’ll put on the coffee and give you the time you deserve.
the market.
                                          making sure to get them in writing.
  Freestanding tubs are typically made    Contractors will determine if structural
of cast iron or porcelain. The home       reinforcement is necessary and
improvement website HomeAdvisor           include such costs in their estimates.
notes that cast iron is durable and       In addition, make sure to ask
solid and retains heat well, which is     contractors to investigate piping and
great for those who want to spend         plumbing so no surprises pop up after      are accessible from all sides, making              that much more enjoyable.
more than a little time relaxing in a     the tub has been purchased and work        it easy to reach all those nooks and
freestanding tub. However, because                                                                                                      • Warmth: Even freestanding tubs
                                          has begun.                                 crannies where grime can build up.                 made of materials other than cast
cast iron is so heavy, installing a
cast iron tub may require structural        If estimates from contractors            • Return on investment: In its 2018                iron offer great heat retention. Stone
reinforcement of the flooring, which      aren’t budget busting, homeowners          “Cost vs. Value” report, Remodeling                resin bathtubs, for example, provide
will add to the overall cost of the       can consider these benefits of             magazine noted that upscale                        excellent insulation on cold nights.
project.                                  freestanding tubs before making their      bathroom remodels recouped 56.2                    That’s ideal for people who want
  According to HomeAdvisor, the
                                          final decisions.
                                          • Cleaning: Because they’re detached
                                                                                     percent of their cost at resale. That
                                                                                     was a better return on investment
                                                                                                                                        to unwind in the tub without having
                                                                                                                                        to exit early because the water has
                                                                                                                                                                                       Sit down to a relaxing cup
average cost to install a tub varies                                                 than an upscale kitchen remodel (53.5 become cold.
widely depending on the type of tub,
the materials its made of and other
                                          from other bathroom fixtures and not
                                          flush against the wall, freestanding
                                                                                     percent) and an upscale master suite                                                              of get it all done.
                                                                                     addition (48.3 percent). The thought                 Freestanding tubs can transform
factors, including plumbing and piping.   tubs tend to be easier to clean than       of a sizable return on investment
                                                                                                               It has a workcan         regular
                                                                                                                              ethic based         bathrooms
                                                                                                                                           on performance        into luxurious
                                                                                                                                                          and durability.
For example, the cost to install a        built-in bathtubs. Freestanding tubs       makeSitrelaxing
                                                                                             down to    a freestanding
                                                                                                     in a  relaxing
                                                                                                               If you’recup
                                                                                                                           tub          oases.
                                                                                                                         a farmer who needs to plow through job lists and
                                                                                                               get the work done right, the M7 is your tractor. Visit us today.
                                                                                           of get it all done. We’ll put on the coffee and give you the time you deserve.
                                                                                           Sit down to a relaxing cup
                                                                                           It has a work ethic based on performance and durability.

                                                                                           of get it all done.
                                                                                           If you’re a farmer who needs to plow through job lists and
                                                                                           get the work done right, the M7 is your tractor. Visit us today.
                                                                                           We’ll put on the coffee and give you the time you deserve.
                                                                                               © Kubota Tractor Corporation 2019. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties,
                                                                                           It has a work ethic based on performance and durability.
                                                                                               express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local
                                                                                           If you’re a farmer who needs to plow through job lists and
                                                                                           get the work done right, the M7 is your tractor. Visit us today.
                                                                                               Kubota dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer.
                                                                                           We’ll put on the coffee and give you the time you deserve.

                                                                                           Sit down to a relaxing cup
                                                                                                           Sit down to a relaxing cup
                                                                                           of get it all done.

            In Stock For Your Early Planting Needs:                                                     to of get  it all
                                                                                                                      cupdone.
                                                                                           It has a work ethic based on performance and durability.

                                                                                               Sit
                                                                                                Sitdown
                                                                                                    down   a to
                                                                                                             relaxing
                                                                                                                a relaxing   cup
                                                                                           If you’re a farmer who needs to plow through job lists and
                                                                                           get the work done right, the M7 is your tractor. Visit us today.
                                                                                           We’ll put on the coffee and give you the time you deserve.

     • Pansies, Violas - In Bloom         • Strawberry Plants - 9 Varieties
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                                                                                                      of get it all done.
                                                                                                geta farmer
                                                                                                       it allwho
                                                                                                                has a work ethic based on performance and durability.
                                                                                            Sit down to a relaxing
                                                                                                                 done.
                                                                                                                          If you’recup
                                                                                                                          get  the
                                                                                                                                     a farmer who needs to plow through job lists and
                                                                                        © Kubota Tractor Corporation 2019. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties,
                                                                                            It has a work ethic based on performance  and done
                                                                                                                                    work  durability.
                                                                                                                                                   right, the M7 is your tractor. Visit us today.
                                                                                        express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local
                                                                                        Kubota dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer.
                                                                                            If you’re              needs to plow through job lists and
                                                                                                                          We’ll put on the coffee and give you the time you deserve.
                                                                                               get the work done right, the M7 is your tractor. Visit us today.
     • Cabbage, Broccoli,                   + Red                                                It has
                                                                                               We’ll      athe
                                                                                                     put on work   ethic
                                                                                                               coffee      based
                                                                                                                      and give      ontime
                                                                                                                               you the   performance
                                                                                                                                             you deserve. and
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Terre Haute, IN
                                                                                                                                                                                                          durability.
                                                                                            It has
                                                                                        © Kubota  TractoraCorporation
                                                                                                             work2019.     ethic       based
                                                                                                                                 This material         on performance
                                                                                                                                               is for descriptive                          andalldurability.
                                                                                                                                                                  purposes only. Kubota disclaims    representations and warranties,
                                                                                        express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local
       Cauliflower, etc                   • Garden Seeds - Wider                            If dealer.
                                                                                        Kubota  you’re For the a  farmer
                                                                                                               complete     disclaimer,who      needs to plow
                                                                                                                                       go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers

                                                                                                      If you’re a farmer who needs to plow through job lists and
                                                                                            get the work done right, the M7 is your tractor. Visit us today.
                                                                                                                                                                            andthrough            job lists and
                                                                                                                                                                                 see the posted disclaimer.

                                                                                            We’ll put on the coffee and give you the time you deserve.
     • Asparagus Crowns - Jersey            Selection than Ever                                       get the work  300
                                                                                                                      done W       Margaret
                                                                                                                                right,         the M7 is             Dr. your    | (812)
                                                                                                                                                                                       tractor.234.2627   Visit us today.
       knight, Purple Passion             • 3 New Triple Sweet, sweet                                 We’ll putTerre
                                                                                                                 on Haute,
                                                                                                                     the coffee           and         give you the time you deserve.
                                                                                                                             © Kubota Tractor Corporation 2019. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties,
                                                                                                                           INexpress or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local
     • Seed Potatoes - 12 Varieties         corn varieties                                                       300 W Margaret Dr. | (812)Kubota
                                                                                                                                            234.2627
                                                                                                                                                  dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                 Georgetown, OH
                                                                                        © Kubota Tractor Corporation 2019. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties,
                                                                                        express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local

     • Candy Onion Plants and             • Market Growers, ask for                     Kubota dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer.
                                                                                                                                   Georgetown,    OH
                                                                                                                                    Terre Haute, IN
       others - 7 Varieties                 quantity pricing.                                                    3009762 US 68 |Dr.
                                                                                                                     W Margaret  (937)  378.4880
                                                                                                                                    | (812) 234.2627

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                                                                                                                                   Georgetown,
                                                                                                                                                                          9762 US 68 | (937) 378.4880
                                                                                                               3025 Progress
                                                                                                                  9762 US 68Way  | (937)
                                                                                                                             | (937)     382.0941
                                                                                                                                     378.4880

                                                                                      www.Bane-Welker.com Terre
                                                                                                             SEEHaute,
                                                                                                                US TODAY!IN
                                                                                                               3025 Progress
                                                                                                                300 W        Way
                                                                                                                      Margaret
                                                                                                                                    Wilmington, OH
                                                                                                                               Dr. || (937) 382.0941
                                                                                                                                      (812) 234.2627                                                Wilmington, OH
                          Take 50 East to Barrett Mill Rd ,                           www.Bane-Welker.com
                                                                                                                                   Georgetown,    OH
                                                                                                                                      SEE US TODAY!
                                                                                                                                                    3025 Progress Way Terre
                                                                                                                                                                       | (937) 382.0941
                                                                                                                                                                            Haute, IN
                                                                                                                         9762 US 68 | (937) 378.4880
                                                                                        © Kubota Tractor Corporation 2019. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties,

        Turn Right then right on Cynthiana Road 3/4 miles. Watch for signs.                                                                                                                                                  300 W Margaret Dr. | (812) 234.2627
                                                                                        express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local
                                                                                        Kubota dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer.
                                                                                                                                     Wilmington, OH
                     14415 Cynthiana Rd. • Hillsboro, Ohio                                                     3025 Progress Way | (937) 382.0941
                Spring Hours: M-F 8am to 8pm • Sat 8am to 5pm                          www.Bane-Welker.com                                                                                                                      SEE USGeorgetown,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       TODAY!     OH
                               Closed Good Friday !
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9762 US 68 | (937) 378.4880
                                                                                      www.Bane-Welker.com             SEE US TODAY!
                                                                                        © Kubota Tractor Corporation 2019. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties,
                                                                                       OH-70112562
                                                                                          express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local
                                                                                          Kubota dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer.
                                                                                                                                              Terre Haute, IN
                                                                                                                     300 W Margaret Dr. | (812)
                                                                                                                                             ©234.2627
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wilmington, OH
                                                                                                                                                Kubota Tractor Corporation 2019. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranti
Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel
News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette                          SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                                     Wednesday, March 27, 2019 9

Save time and money with
material alternatives
H
       ome renovations are big                 tile, concrete, and wood block when
       business. The home renovation           looking for cost-efficient countertop
       resource Home Advisor states            materials.
that the national average cost of
remodeling multiple rooms in a home
was $41,784 in 2018.                           Shower kits
  While homeowners cannot change               Bathroom renovations can increase
the size of rooms to save money, they          the overall value of a home. But some
can manipulate the materials used to           homeowners do not have the time or
keep expenses down. Many products              money to do a complete bathroom
on the market today are designed               remodel. Replacing an old vanity
to replicate the look of more costly           with a newer one and replacing an
materials without the higher price             outdated tub/shower combination can
tags. User-friendly DIY products also          improve the functionality of a space
can help corral costs by cutting down          without breaking the bank. Shower
on labor expenses.                             kits and stalls enable homeowners to
                                               renovate bathrooms with less hassle
                                               than creating a tile- or stone-based
Resilient flooring                             shower enclosure. Kit pieces drop
Resilient flooring is manufacturered           in place and may only require minor
to mimic the look of hardwood, tile,           plumbing work. Certain kits can be
stone, and other materials. According          installed directly over dated showers
to Armstrong Flooring, specialized             for a quick remodel turnaround.
manufacturing processes and
coatings create a product that resists
stains, dents, moisture, and scratches.        Cabinet refacing
Most resilient products are made up of         Homeowners who want to keep
several layers to create stability and         the layout of a kitchen intact but
absorb sound. These products tend to           simply update its look can turn to
be less expensive than the materials           cabinet refacing. The Kitchen Magic
they replicate.                                renovation company says refacing
                                               or resurfacing uses quality wood or
                                               laminate veneer to change the color
Laminate countertops                           and appearance of the exterior of
Much like resilient flooring, laminate         cabinets without having to remove the
countertops are inexpensive,                   existing cabinet frames. New doors,
low-maintenance and durable                    drawers and hardware will complete
alternatives to stone and solid-surface        the transformation at a fraction of
countertops. They come in many                 the cost of a new cabinet build. Low-
different styles that can look like            cost materials can keep renovation
granite or marble. Homeowners also             budgets in check and still produce
can consider solid surface materials,          beautiful results.
                                                                                                      Did you know?
                                                                                       Investing in a home renovation project not only requires money,
                                                                                       but also time and patience. While contractors, architects and designers
                                                                                       can estimate how long a project may take, it is impossible to anticipate
                                                                                       all of the scenarios that can affect that estimated timeline. Information
                                                                                       from the real estate firm Keller Williams indicates an average kitchen
                                                                                       remodel involving installation of new countertops, cabinets,
                                                                                       appliances, and floors can take three to six months. But if ductwork,
                                                                                       plumbing or wiring must be addressed, the job may take longer. A
                                                                                       midline bathroom remodel may take two to three months. Adding
                                                                                       a room to a house can take a month or two. The home improvement
                                                                                       resource Renovation Junkies offers similar estimates, with the
                                                                                       average home renovation taking between four and eight months.
                                                                                       Homeowners need to consider time when planning their home projects.
Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel
10 Wednesday, March 27, 2019                                           SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                                 News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette

                                                                    Reasons to hire an interior designer
                                                                        H
                                                                                ow many times have          money in the long run. A           and not be influenced by
                                                                                you sat on the sofa         good designer will choose the      items that have sentimental
                                                                                pouring over a home         right amount of high-quality       attachment. He or she can
                                                                        magazine wishing your               elements that will be durable      help decide if anything should
                                                                        rooms could be ripped from          and timeless. This means less      be repurposed or removed.
                                                                        its pages? Some people are          money will ultimately be spent     Plus, an interior designer can
                                                                        gifted with a natural talent to     on replacing cheap materials       help homeowners stay on
                                                                        impart a space with perfectly       or redesigning rooms that          budget.
                                                                        balanced colors and schemes         have gone out of style.              Designers also can serve
                                                                        that fit with one’s lifestyle and      According to the design         as liaisons for clients who
                                                                        design preferences. Others          experts at Homepolish,             have difficulty communicating
                                                                        are not as equipped. But that       utilizing a designer to            with builders and architects.
                                                                        doesn’t mean design has to          transform a space can              Designers are trained to think
                                                                        suffer. An interior designer        create rooms that are more         about things that homeowners
                                                                        with knowledge and resources        in tune and balanced with          tend to overlook, such as
                                                                        who’s in your corner can            homeowners’ needs —                placement of lighting, outlets
                                                                        make all the difference.            helping to improve mood and        and room flow. He or she also
                                                                          Many people are hesitant          functionality. That can extend     likely has contacts within the
                                                                        to bring in professional            to other areas of a person’s       industry that can be utilized,
                                                                        designers because of cost.          life and well-being. Putting the   saving even more time and
                                                                        But contrary to popular belief,     task of designing a home’s         money.
                                                                        working with an interior            interior in someone else’s           A good designer can be
                                                                        decorator is not something          hands frees up time to focus       worth the investment. The end
                                                                        reserved for the rich and           on other projects as well.         results will be an interior that
                                                                        famous. Designers actually             Designers can look at a         homeowners will be proud to
                                                                        can save homeowners                 space with a careful eye           call home.
                                                      OH-70111893

       Houston’s
     H.V.A.C.R., Inc.
  Heating, Air Conditioning
      & Refrigeration
   “We’re Always There
    When You Need Us”
      Owner: Mike Houston
      1002 W. Main Street
     Wilmington, Ohio 45177
     1-800-998-HEAT • Office (937) 382-6413
 Fax (937) 382-5877 • Emergency (937) 383-5713
           email: hhvacr@localnet.com
                           State of Ohio License # 13678
News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette                           SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                                                            Wednesday, March 27, 2019 11

  12 ways to maximize vertical space
W
          ho hasn’t, at one point in             5. Canvas bags hung on a towel
          their lives, lamented a lack         bar on a wall can keep dirty clothes
          of space and organization            wrangled until it’s time to wash them.
at home? A lifetime’s worth of items           This also eliminates clothes hampers
have to be kept somewhere, and                 on the floor.
without the right organizational                 6. Add a second rod or shelving to
strategy, clutter can quickly take over.       the inside of closets to create more
  The home improvement site Home               space for clothing and other items.
Therapy says that, when square                   7. Take kitchen cabinets all the
footage is limited, tapping vertical           way to the ceiling. Store lesser used
walls is the fastest way to maximize           items on the uppermost shelves and
and multiply the space available.              the items you use each on the most
Hooks, rods, shelving, built-ins …             accessible shelves.
the sky is the limit when it comes to
finding additional storage and adding            8. Install a shelf over the entryway
a bit of personality to tight quarters.        to a room to utilize this seldom-used
Even homes that may have adequate              space. Shelves also can be custom
space can benefit from vertical                cut and placed in oddly shaped areas,
solutions.                                     such as in attic rooms under the
                                               eaves or on slanted walls.
  Here are some ideas to put vertical
and other less-utilized areas to work            9. Dowels or curtain rods and some
for you.                                       fabric can be used to fabricate slings
                                               to hold books or magazines.
  1. Hang wire or plastic file organizers
on the inside of kitchen cabinets to             10. Invest in some magnetic boards
easily store cookie sheets, trays and          that can hold keys or notes by the
cutting boards.                                front door or store knives on a kitchen
                                               wall.
  2. Save on counter or cabinet space
with hanging spice racks. These can              11. Install two towel bars parallel
be hung directly on walls or on the            to one another on the wall of a
inside of cabinet doors.
  3. Stack all the stuff you can,
                                               bathroom. These can hold extra toilet
                                               tissue or rolled hand towels.
                                                                                               2019 Tire Amnesty Event
including washers and dryers, beds               12. Use rope plant hangers to store
                                               potatoes or onions near prep areas.
                                                                                                              DATE: Saturday, April 27, 2019
(with storage drawers underneath)
and even stacking nesting tables.              The same plant hangers can wrangle
                                               stuffed animals and small toys in kids’
                                                                                           R                  TIME: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
  4. Choose furniture that is tall rather                                                  U
than wide. This can mean swapping
                                               rooms.
                                                                                           L                   LOCATION: Clinton County
                                                 Utilizing vertical areas in a home is a
out a dresser in a bedroom for an
armoire or vertical chest of drawers.          great way to increase storage capacity      E                        Engineer’s Office
                                               and keep rooms more organized.              S
                                                                                                              1326 Fife Avenue in Wilmington
                                                                                           &                 behind J. W. Denver Williams Park
                                                                                           C     • You must be a resident of Clinton County.
                                                                                           O       (Proof of residency will be required.)
                                                                                           N     • There will be a strict limit of no more than eight (8) tires
                                                                                           D
                                                                                           I       per vehicle. (Repeat customers will not be accepted.)
                                                                                           T     • Only passenger/light truck tires up to 17” (rim size)
                                                                                           I       will be accepted.
                                                                                           O     • Rims must be removed from all tires.
                                                                                           N     • This event is for residential use only.
                                                                                           S       (No businesses permitted.)
                                                                                           This Tire Amnesty Event is open to Clinton County Residents ONLY and is                    Funded by

                                                                                           subject to change without notice. Proper identification may be required.
                                                                                           For more information, please contact the Clinton Co. Solid Waste Mgmt. District at
                                                                                           382-6177 or visit our website at www.co.clinton.oh.us/recycling for a registration form.        OH-70112221
12 Wednesday, March 27, 2019                                       SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                              News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette

Establish the ideal
		 home gaming set-up
T
      he majority of modern     will be needed for console          with backlighting and textured
      households are not        gaming. Something at least          rubber feet to keep the
      home to at least one      60 inches with Ultra High           keyboard securely planted will
gamer. The Entertainment        Definition and 4K capabilities      enable gamers to play in a
Software Association, in a      is ideal. The high resolution       darkened room.
survey of 4,000 American        enables crystal clear               • Ergonomic chair: Gaming
households, discovered that     graphics and vividness. Most        chairs come in different
64 percent of households        televisions now come with           varieties. Some are like office
own a device they use to play   several HDMI ports, enabling        chairs that can serve double
video games, with an average    people to easily connect            duty at a desk, whether one is
of two gamers in each game-     gaming consoles and other           working on a school project or
playing home. Gaming is so      peripherals to them.                blasting through a first-person
popular that The NPD Group      • Gaming headphones: The            shooter’s tactical field. Other
says total consumer spending    right headphones enable clear       gaming chairs run the gamut
on the video game industry in   surround sound and include          of wired rockers that build
2017 equaled $36 billion.       a retractable directional           sound and motion within, and      a quality set of speakers or a    sound systems.
Avid gamers understand          microphone to participate in        top it off with comfortable       soundbar can make sensory         • Console: Gamers must
that having a dedicated and     social, multiplayer games.          arm rests. Above all, gamers      immersion even more intense.      decide if they prefer a PC-
well-equipped setup can         Wireless headphones are             should seek chairs with           Soundbars or surround sound       based system or freestanding
really improve the gaming       essential so that wires will not    ergonomic features for            speaker systems will give         consoles such as those
experience. Here are some       impede the action.                  comfort and to avoid fatigue      ears a rest from headphones.      sold by Nintendo, Sony and
items worth considering for                                         during long hours of play.        Soundbars are a compact and       Microsoft.
                                • The right keyboard: PC                                              often wireless way to improve
the ultimate gaming area.       gamers largely rely on              • Speakers or soundbar: If a                                        Gaming is as popular as ever,
                                                                                                      television sound and are
• Large-sized screen: A         keyboards and a mouse to            gaming room is doubling as        usually less expensive and        and a well-curated gaming
dedicated television screen     control the action. A keyboard      a home theater, investing in      easier to install than surround   setup can enhance the action.

                                                                    When Quality &
                                                            Service Matter,Visit us
                                                    South Central Ohio’s Kitchen,
                                                     Bath and Flooring Specialists
                                                                                                       Providing Quality Products & Service
 • Locally owned for 3 generations                                                                                  Since 1958
   Experience for all of you kitchen, bath or flooring needs
 • Mohawk’s carpet cleaning system                                                                              1620 N. Bridge St.
   We can help maintain & keep your floors looking great for years                                             Chillicothe, OH 45601
 • Shiloh “All Wood” Cabinets
   Featuring gazes at no up-charge on selected styles
 • Inset Doors and Drawers
                                                                                                            (740) 773-2258
                                                                              Hours: Mon. 8am - 8pm • Tues. thru Fri. 8am - 5:30pm
   Available at Standard Overlay Pricing                                                     Sat. 8am - 12 Noon
 • Customized Service Specialists                                                         www.ricksparknsave.com                                                       OH-70112967

   We will come to your home to measure and help design the kitchen of your dreams
Tax
                  Taxreform
                      reform
News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette                           SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                                         Wednesday, March 27, 2019 13

E
                 questions?
Valuable renovations
                  questions?
       ach 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
                                                                                                         OBTP#B13696 ©2018 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

                                                                            Taxhas
                                                                         Block has
                                                                                  reform
                                                                                   answers.
and 2018 and can be smart choices for homeowners looking to add popular features to

                                                                          Block     answers.
their properties. Below are the popular projects and the average cost of the renovations.

• Midrange bathroom addition: $44,717                                            Did you know?
                                                                                       questions?
                                                                                            937-382-4055
• Midrange bathroom remodel: $19,134                                                    Investing in a home renovation project not only requires money, but
                                                                                            WILMINGTON, OH 45177
• Midrange deck addition (wood): $10,950                                                also time and patience. While contractors, architects and designers can
                                                                                        estimate how long a project may take, it is impossible to anticipate all of the
                                                                                            76 N SOUTH ST
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                                                                                        estate firm Keller Williams indicates an average kitchen remodel involv-
                                                                                       COME BY, CALL, OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY.

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                                                                                         thistake  three to
                                                                                                 year.     If six months. But if ductwork, plumbing or wiring must be
                                                                         you're confused       about
                                                                                        addressed,         what
                                                                                                      the job  may take longer. A midline bathroom remodel may
• Midrange minor kitchen remodel: $21,198
                                                                         theyou're   confused       about       whatAdding a room to a house can take a month
                                                                                        take  two  to  three  months.
                                                                              changes    mean
                                                                                        or two. The for   you,
                                                                                                       home   improvement resource Renovation Junkies offers similar
• Midrange siding replacement: $15,072

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                                                                    OBTP#B13696        ©2018 HRB Tax Group, Inc.
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14 Wednesday, March 27, 2019                                   SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                              News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette

Why it’s smart to
have a smart
home
D
        evices are everywhere. According to a
        recent visual networking index forecast     • Investment:
        from Cisco, by 2021, there will be four     Whether you’re a
networked devices and connections per person        developer or a single-
across the globe. Those figures are even greater    family homeowner, real
in North America, where Cisco estimates each        estate is an investment.
person will have 13 networked devices and           Making a home as appealing to
connections by 2021.                                prospective buyers as possible is
  With all those devices, it’s no surprise that a   a great way to get a better return on
greater number of people are embracing the          your real estate investment. The CNET/
smart home movement. Those who have yet             Coldwell Banker survey found that 81 percent
to jump on the bandwagon can benefit from           of buyers would be more likely to buy a home
learning more about smart homes and why it’s        if smart home products were already installed.
intelligent to have a smart home.                   That can make the market for your home more
                                                    competitive, ultimately earning you more money
                                                    at resale.
What is a smart home?
                                                      Smart homes are both the present and the
According to SmartHomeUSA.com, the term             future. Homeowners who want to make their
“smart home” is commonly used to define             homes more livable today and more marketable
residences in which appliances, lighting, heating   tomorrow should consider investing in smart
and cooling units, televisions, computers,          home products.
entertainment systems, and security systems
are capable of communicating with one another.
Each of these components can be controlled
remotely, typically via a smartphone.

Why is it smart to                                                                        Items to get you
have a smart home?
  The benefits of a smart home are numerous,                                                started on creating
                                                                                            your smart home
and will likely only multiply as people utilize
more devices.
• Time: A recent joint survey from CNET

                                                                                                     T
and Coldwell Banker found that 57
percent of Americans say that smart                                                                          echnology has changed the way people live in the
home technology saves them an                                                                                21st century. Once ubiquitous, land lines anchored
average of 30 minutes per day. That’s                                                                        to kitchen walls have now given way to smartphones
an especially beneficial advantage for                                                                that can be taken anywhere. Bulky television sets that
busy parents and/or professionals who                                                                  required at least two people to move have been replaced
find it difficult to juggle all of their daily                                                         with high-definition offerings so light and thin they can be
responsibilities.                                                                                       mounted on living room walls.
• Money: Another benefit to smart                                                                         It’s no great surprise that technology also is changing
homes is their cost savings. Because                                                                    the physical places we call home. Smart homes are
devices can be controlled remotely,                                                                     a rapidly growing trend. In a typical smart home,
smart home owners can adjust the                                                                      devices such as the thermostat, television and even the
temperatures on their heating and                                                                    refrigerator can be controlled remotely through the internet.
cooling units while away from home. That                                                             Converting an existing home into a smart home can
means they can arrive home each night                                                              seem intimidating, especially for people who don’t consider
to a comfortable home without having to                                                          themselves tech savvy. But today’s user-friendly technology
run their HVAC systems all day while no one                                                    makes it relatively easy for anyone to turn his or her home into a
was home. In fact, the CNET/Coldwell Banker                                                 smarter one.
survey found 45 percent of Americans say that
smart home products save them an average of                                                Before you get started, recognize that there are certain must-have
$98.30 each month.                                                                      items to turn a home into a smart home.upgrades to join the smart
                                                                                        home revolution.
News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette                            SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                                                  Wednesday, March 27, 2019 15

                                                                                       Time to replace
                                                  Smart homes may seem futuristic.
                                                                                                  old wiring?
                                                  But chances are strong your                                                      Homeowners may make allowances
                                                  home only needs some simple,                                                      for inadequate electrical systems,
                                                  inexpensive upgrades to join the
                                                  smart home revolution.                                                              such as running extension cords
                                                                                                                                       or using multiplug connectors to
                                                                                                                                       increase their wiring capacity.
                                                                                                                                     However, they may not be diligently
                                                                                                                                   keeping on top of upgrades needed
                                                                                                                                   to stay safe. Confirming that a
                                                                                                                                   home’s electrical system is safe is a
          Hub                                                                                                                      necessary part of home maintenance.
          The hub refers to software or hardware that connects all of your                                                           For those who haven’t already
          devices and gets them to work together. Think of the various                                                             done so, schedule an inspection
          devices you have and then think of their manufacturers. Chances                                                          with a licensed electrician to go over
          are strong you have devices manufactured by various companies,                                                           the home’s wiring. He or she can

                                                                                       O
          and enabling those to work together might seem impossible.
          A hub does that work for you. And because they can be connected                     ld homes can be charming             determine if any areas pose a safety
          to your smartphone, hubs also make it possible to control devices                   and contain architectural            risk and/or do not conform to local
          while you’re away from home.                                                        elements not often seen in           code requirements and the National
                                                                                       many modern housing developments.           Electrical Code. Failure to meet code
                                                                                       But what older homes may have               can lead to difficulty obtaining permits
                                                                                       in design appeal, they may lack in          to make other home renovations, or
                                                                                       updated features.                           difficulty selling a home later on.
                                                                                         While cosmetic changes are not
                                                                                                                                     The electrician can also go over
                                                                                       necessarily difficult, one area of
          WiFi router                                                                  concern in historic homes — and
                                                                                                                                   improvements that can improve
          Some people rent their routers from their internet/cable providers,                                                      safety and function. Additional
                                                                                       sometimes even in houses built 40
          while others buy their own routers. Regardless of which category                                                         outlets, including GFCI outlets in
                                                                                       or 50 years ago — is archaic wiring.
          you fall into, you’re going to need a good WiFi router to get your                                                       kitchens and bathrooms, may be part
          smart home up and running. Determine which type of WiFi your                 Wiring provides power to every room
                                                                                       of the home. In today’s electronics-        of the plan, as well as rewiring a fuse
          home currently has and then find a router that’s compatible with
          that WiFi. Request a list of routers that are compatible with your           driven society, electricity that works is   box or circuit panel to allow for better
          WiFi from your service provider, as not all routers will necessarily         an essential component of daily life.       flow of power around the house.
          work with your internet connection. If possible, upgrade to the                                                          Frayed wiring or underinsulated
          fastest WiFi your internet provider offers, as that will make your            Over time, wiring can be                   wiring also may need to be replaced.
          smart home that much more enjoyable and frustration-free.                    compromised through simple aging,
                                                                                       pest infiltration, weather, or other         Owners of old homes should
                                                                                       conditions. Deteriorated wiring can         recognize possible electrical system
                                                                                       present a shock hazard and also a           dangers that require attention. Plus,
                                                                                       serious fire hazard, warn the home          considering electrical codes change
                                                                                       renovation experts at The Spruce.           quite frequently, it is always in a
                                                                                                                                   homeowner’s best interest to work
          Devices                                                                        Furthermore, the home
                                                                                                                                   with a qualified electrician to keep
          You won’t necessarily need to upgrade your devices to get a                  improvement site This Old House
          smart home. In fact, if you control or can control any device in
                                                                                                                                   wiring inspected and up to date.
                                                                                       advises that the amperage of old
          your home with a smartphone, you are already on your way to                  wiring may not be able to meet the
          having a smart home. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat
          that’s compatible with your smartphone might be a great idea if              needs of the devices used in homes          L & S Roofing & Construction
          your current thermostat is old and not internet-compatible. With             — overpowering the circuits. This can                        PAY LESS With L&S
          a programmable thermostat, you can control the temperature in                cause breaker blowouts and other                   Specializing in Roofing, Siding, Decks, Windows, Pole Barns,
                                                                                                                                   Concrete,Electrical Service Changes, Drywall, Metal Roofing, Gravel Hauling
          your home remotely. That ensures the home is a comfortable                   problems, such as overheated wires
          temperature when you arrive home and allows you to turn off                                                                    Blowout Special Prices on Metal
                                                                                       that may spark and cause fires from              Roofing & Dimensional Shingles !!
          costly heating and cooling units when no one is home.
                                                                                       within the wall.                            Senior Citizens Discount • Always Low Price & Free Estimates
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                                                                                        Wiring often falls into the “out                           Fully Insured * Licensed * Bonded
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16 Wednesday, March 27, 2019                                       SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019               News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette

Outdoor improvements                                                                                                             a fire pit

that boost home value                                                                                                           realizes a
                                                                                                                               78 percent

W
                                                                                                                                return on
           hether home improvement           outdoor space that can be used                                                    investment
           projects are design to            for entertaining, dining and more.
           improve the interior              Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost
or exterior of a house, focusing             vs. Value” report indicates that an
on renovations that make the                 $11,000 deck can add about $9,000
most financial sense can benefit             in resale value to the home, recouping
homeowners in the long run. The              around 82 percent of the project’s
right renovations can be assets if and       costs.
when homeowners decide to sell their         • Door update: Improve curb appeal
homes.                                       with a new, high-end front door and
 So how does one get started? First          garage doors. If that’s too expensive,
and foremost, speak to a local real          a good cleaning and new coat of paint
estate agent who is knowledgeable            can make an old door look brand
about trends in the community. While         new. These easy fixes can improve a
a swimming pool may be something             home’s look instantly.
coveted in one area, it may impede           • New landscaping: The National
sales in another. It also helps to study     Association of Realtors says an
generalized trends and data from             outdoor makeover that includes well-
various home improvement industry            thought out landscaping can net 105
analysts to guide upcoming projects.         percent ROI. Installing a walkway,
  The following outdoor projects are         adding stone planters, mulching, and
just a few renovations that tend to add      planting shrubs are ideas to consider.
value.                                       Many different outdoor projects can                                     $11,000 deck can add about
• Fire pit: A fire pit is a great place to   add value to a home.                                                    $9,000 in resale value to the
gather most months of the year. Bob                                                                                              home
Vila and CBS news report that a fire
pit realizes a 78 percent return on
investment, or ROI.
• Outdoor kitchen: Many buyers
are looking to utilize their yards as
an extension of interior living areas.
Cooking, dining and even watching
TV outdoors is increasingly popular.
Outdoor living areas can be custom
designed and built. In addition,
prefabricated modular units that
require a much smaller commitment of
time and money are available.
• Patio: Homeowners who do not
already have a patio will find that
adding one can increase a home’s
value. Patios help a home look neat,
add useable space and may help a
home to sell quickly. The experts at                                                           well-thought out
Space Wise, a division of Extra Space                                                        landscaping can net
Storage, say that refinishing, repairing                                                       105 percent ROI
and building a new patio offers strong
ROI.
• Deck: Deck can be as valuable
as patios. A deck is another
News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette                      SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                   Wednesday, March 27, 2019 17

Quick and simple ways to
make a front door pop
V
       isitors’ impressions of a home are often dic-     to the driveway.
       tated by the home’s entryway. Must as one         • Contain plants. Landscaping around the entry-
       may judge a book by its cover, the same can       way should be neat and well-tended. Overgrown
be said about the impression that a front door and       plants or shrubbery may give off an air of neglect.
entryway can create, regardless of how accurate          Container plants and carefully curated shrubs can
that impression is.                                      create a neat and inviting aura.
  Making certain changes to an entryway can go a         • Highlight the address. Make sure the home can
long way toward improving curb appeal. Entryways         be found easily with bold and decorative house
also can set the scene for a home’s interior.            numbers. Consider two different address signs: one
Whether one chooses to be classic or bold, mod-          illuminated and easily viewed from the curb, and an-
ern or traditional, there are various ways to quickly    other closer to the front door.
transform a home’s entryway.                             • Utilize high-end materials. The relatively small
• Bold front door color: Color can dramatically          area of real estate by the front door enables home-
enhance an entryway. Painting an existing door           owners to splurge on more opulent materials that
or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the      can really add a feeling of luxury. These can include
trick. The DIY Network says certain colors stand out     colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden
as favorites. These include turquoise, yellow, red,      doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures.
indigo, orange, and black. The door color should         • Add architectural details. Find out which ar-
complement the other shades of the home, such as         chitectural elements will meld with the style of the
those on siding and trim.                                home and then incorporate them. Moldings, col-
• Custom walkway: Guide guests right to the              umns, shutters, and trim are areas to consider.
front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway.           The entryway to a home garners a lot of attention.
Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may          Homeowners can enhance their spaces with entry-
fit the bill. This walkway can extend to the street or   ways that really make a statement.
18 Wednesday, March 27, 2019                                                  SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 2019                                                    News Journal | Record-Herald | Times Gazette

Emerging                                                                                                                                                          Deck trends continue to
                                                                                                                                                                  improve on the form and
                                                                                                                                                                  function of outdoor living

deck trends                                                                                                                                                       spaces.

C
        ustom-built decks can expand usable outdoor
        entertaining spaces. Decks can surround
        pools and create outdoor patio areas that
make it easy to establish multitiered living spaces,
improving the functionality of outdoor areas.
  Certain deck trends have emerged as industry
experts’ top picks for the upcoming remodeling and
renovation season. For those thinking of revamping
an existing deck, or building an entirely new one,
these trends are on point.
• Established perimeters: “Picture framing” is not
a new trend, but one that has taken greater hold
in recent years. The term refers to aesthetically
appealing designs that conceal the ends of deck
boards for a clean finish. Some designs feature
contrasting material colors on the ends for even
more impact. This helps create refined perimeters
for a polished look.
• Roof-top decking: Urban areas also can benefit
from decking to create usable outdoor spaces.
In fact, many new condominium and townhouse
communities are incorporating roof-top decks into
their designs, particularly in communities with
water views or other impressive vistas. HGTV
experts suggest roof-top decks feature light-colored
materials and fixtures to help keep the area cool
even in direct sunlight.
• Distressed hardwood: Builder and Developer,
a management resource for professional                                table or outdoor furniture. But it also can consist                         of to wrap columns in stone or glass tiles for more
homebuilders, says that the trend for using                           of wooden walkways or a low-laying patio to                                 impact. And a vast array of decking colors now
distressed hardwoods at home has migrated                             accentuate the yard.                                                        enables fun interpretations for outdoor areas.
outside. Some decking manufacturers have recently                     • Mixed materials: Homeowners may be inspired                               • Fire pit conversation area: Many decks can
introduced low-maintenance composite deck boards                      by commercial eateries, breweries and urban                                 incorporate water or fire elements for visual
that mimic the look and feel of distressed, rustic                                                                                                appeal. Gas-fueled fire elements can expand the
hardwood flooring. This weathered appearance                          markets in their exterior design choices. Decks                             functionality of decks beyond the warm seasons, or
gives the look of age without the upkeep of real                      featuring composite materials and aluminum railings                         make enjoying them practical on nights when the
aged wood.                                                            blend sophistication, urban appeal and comfort.                             temperature plummets.
• Wooden walkways: Decking can be the more                            • Personal touches: Homeowners can customize                                  Decks are reimagined in many different ways with
traditional design people envision with a patio                       their decks with personal touches. It’s not unheard                         continually evolving trends.

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