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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Most of the damage is cosmetic, not permanent

Melting snow, spring rain can

bring disaster ‘down below’

DIY driveway repair isn’t as tough as it’s

‘cracked up’ to be

LOTS OF SPRING

CLEANUP AHEAD

AVOID A FLOODED

BASEMENT

FIX THAT DRIVEWAY!

Dig into these projects for the most ‘bang

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REMODELING YOUR HOME

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2 Sunday, March 30, 2014 Spring Home Improvement www.tctimes.com

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www.tctimes.com Spring Home Improvement Sunday, March 30, 2014 3

uMost of the damage is cosmetic, not permanentBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 You don’t have to look very far to see the imprint that this winter’s ice storms, cold temperatures and snowfall has left in the tri-county area. Fallen branches, dangling tree limbs and browned edges on evergreens are just a few of the physical reminders of damage left behind from Winter 2014, but there’s good news underneath the snow. The bad news is that this harsh, brutal winter set records for cold temperatures and snowfall. “It’s definitely the hardest winter I can recall, between the snow and the cold,” said David Petts, owner of Branching Out Nursery and Landscaping in Fenton. He estimates that his nursery is about three weeks behind a “normal spring,” meaning that planting that would typically take place in late March, early April will be happening in late April this year. The good news is that Mother Nature “had things covered,” supplying plenty of insulating snow to protect plants from day after day of subzero temperatures. “The snow actually protected the plants underneath,” said Petts. “If we had had the subzero temperatures without the snow, some plants wouldn’t have survived.” Even this winter’s continuously cold temperatures have their silver lining. “It’s actually better for trees and plants to have had the sustained cold temperatures, than to have the extreme highs and lows of past years,” said Petts. “That’s especially true for fruit trees, and plants and trees that aren’t native to Michigan. Michigan native plants are hardy and used to the cold Michigan winters.” Homeowners who are looking outside their win-dows and seeing a lot of damage to trees needing to be cleaned up definitely have their work cut out for them. “The biggest problem is breakage,” said Petts. The really good news is that hardly any trees are dead, “other than the ones the deer ate,” said Petts. Because of this brutally cold winter, deer couldn’t dig into the ground to find grass or berries, so they started eating branches of evergreens or other plants. “That’s where most of the tree damage at our nursery has come from,

more than the ice or snow damage,” said Petts. “It’s a huge problem for us.” Other serious damage stems from the salt used for plowing, that will kill trees and bushes after getting into the soil. He cautions homeowners that the

biggest danger is the limbs that are broken, but haven’t fallen yet, “because you don’t know when they are going to fall.” He suggests that homeowners trim the branch back to where it meets another branch, so the tree can heal properly. “You might need to call in a pro-fessional to get in there,” he said, noting that there are a number of local tree services that do this kind of work, including Advanced Tree Service, Ferguson Lawn & Tree Service, Ronald’s Tree Service, to name a few.

Homeowners will also notice browning on the evergreens, but Petts said that most of this is cosmetic. “Usually the damage is just to the needles themselves, but the branches are still alive. Boxwoods and junipers will have about 3 inches or so that may need to be cut back in the spring.”

TRI-COUNTY TIMES | TIM JAGIELO

Ronald’s Tree Service foreman Chris Giesey (left) and groundsman Justin Conant remove limbs lopped from a tree to deliver to the wood chipper at the triangle park in Linden Wednesday. As the snow has mostly melted, crews and homeowners can get to work clearing brush.

‘Lots of spring cleanup ahead’

Most of the damage to plants and trees after this harsh winter is cosmetic, not permanent damage.”— David PettsBranching Out Nursery & Landscaping

Petts also said that homeowners might notice fewer blossoms on trees this year. The best news of all is that plants and trees are resilient and want to grow. They are probably more resilient than we are after this never-ending Michigan winter.

TRI-COUNTY TIMES | TIM JAGIELO

Ronald’s Tree Service groundsman Justin Conant cannot remove all the brush — some is still frozen to the ground.

uFor now, just remove debris, branches, twigs and road gravel from lawnsBy Sharon [email protected]; 810-433-6786 As the snow melts and our weather-beaten lawns emerge from the long and snowy winter, homeowners are most likely wondering what they can do to help their yards come back to life. Local lawn care expert, Duane Bartlett, of Bartlett Lawn & Snow Services, shares some timely tips for tri-county area residents. Right now, the only thing home-owners should be doing for their lawns, as long as the lawn is solid enough to walk on, is to remove any debris, such as tree branches, twigs, bark and anything else that has made your lawn home. “If it’s soft, you don’t want to be out there,” said Bartlett. “If it’s still frozen, it’s a good idea to get all that stuff off the lawn.” Snowplows are great for clearing paths for our cars, however, often-times as plows move snow out of our way, gravel beneath the snow is pushed into the lawns. Bartlett said

See LAWN CARE on 6

Lawn care expert offers tips

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uMelting snow, spring rain can bring disaster ‘down below’By Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Warmer temperatures are certainly a welcome relief, but melting snow and spring rain can cause a whole new set of problems, including a flooded basement. TV’s home repair expert Bob Vila offers seven tips for avoiding a flooded basement, with a few comments by local basement expert Rob Kesler of Bone Dry Waterproofing in Fenton. Kesler’s company provides structural repairs, using epoxy and urethane injec-tions, as well as interior drain tile sys-tems. “If your basement is finished, you may not be able to see what’s happening behind the walls,” said Kesler. “Your first clue for moisture may be a musty smell or any signs of water, especially between the wall and the floor.”1 — Check your gutters and down-spouts Keep gutters free of debris and posi-tion downspouts away from your home’s foundation. Your goal is to drain storm water at least 3 feet away, so some home-owners may have to run extensions or troughs.2 — Repair foundation cracks Inspect exterior foundation and your basement’s walls and floors. Use epoxy to fill any foundation cracks and apply

masonry sealer indoors, if necessary. Typically, in a poured wall, Kesler would use high pressure urethane grout injection. If it’s a cinder block wall, Bone Dry Waterproofing would either do a dig out from the outside or an interior drain tile system, re-routing the water underneath the floor. “It’s a very common problem,” he said.3 — Make sure your sump pump is working Kesler estimates that about 70 percent of area homes use a sump pump to re-move water from a water-collecting ba-sin in a basement. Homeowners should make sure their sump pump is operating free of debris, and be sure it’s connected to a power source. If possible, have a back-up to your sump pump, in case it decides to stop working.4 — Inspect your sewers and septic system Spring is a good time to have your sewer inspected or your septic tank cleaned. Prolonged heavy rainfall, clogged sewers and over-taxed septics are disasters waiting to happen.5 — Install window well covers Install window well covers over your window wells to keep out rain, leaves and pests that may clog the system.6 — Invest in a generator Remember that a sump pump only works if you have power. If your area experiences frequent storms and power outages, a generator may be a wise long-term investment.7 — Check your insurance coverage Review your property insurance coverage and understand what’s cov-ered. Typically, homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flooding or sewer backups. You may want to consider flood insur-ance, if it’s a frequent problem.

Thawing snow and rain on top of that makes it difficult for drains to handle that much moisture.Rob KeslerBone Dry Waterproofing

‘‘’’

Seven tips to AVOID A FLOODED BASEMENT

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uThese 10 tips will improve your home’s curb appeal and keep it well-maintainedBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Spring can’t come fast enough for most homeowners, who are just wait-ing for enough warmth to get outdoors to take care of some of the work that winter left behind. Here are a few chores around your house that you may want to tackle soon. Helpful tip: This is a good time of year to “buddy up” with your local hardware stores in Fenton, Linden and Holly.

• Apply a fresh coat of paint. If you notice your shutters, trim and siding are looking a few shades lighter than usual, it may be time to get the paint out, but wait until outdoor temperatures stay in the range of 50 degrees. If temperatures get much lower than that at night, the paint will not cure properly. You can buy special-ized paints that can be painted at temperatures of 35 degrees.

• Check your roof for possible dam-age. Get up on a ladder and check for miss-ing, cracked or broken shingles. Make a note of those areas that may need some seri-ous repairs.

• Clean out your gutters. Clean out collected leaves, rainwater and other debris to make sure they are functioning properly. Also, make sure gutters are directing water away from your house.

• Give your landscaping some much deserved attention. It’s easy to forget that you even have a yard underneath all the snow from this winter. Your yard will need some extra TLC. The fastest way is with a fresh layer of mulch. Be sure to fertilize and aerate your grass to ensure a fresh, green lawn this spring. Brad Caruso, of Taylor Hardware in Fenton is excited about the store’s new line of Jonathan Green Lawn Products, which promotes the health of your lawn, not just fast growth. “Their products are insect and

drought resistant and provide healthier growth,” said Caruso.

• Wash and re-stain your deck. Pressure washing your deck or patio will make all the difference this spring. Then add a new coat of stain to make it look extra fresh and clean. Check out deck products at local stores like The Stain Shop, and your hometown hard-ware stores.

• Check your driveway and walk-way for cracks. Spring is the best time to seal these cracks, before they become larger issues. You can repair and resur-face a driveway in a weekend, according to bhg.com, or call in an expert like JBI Concrete Lifting.

• Cut overgrown shrubs to improve the curb appeal of your house and create better ventilation. Call or visit any garden center that specializes

in trees and shrubs for replacements, to give your landscape new life this spring.

• Inspect siding and windows for any leaks or cracks. You can repair these as a DIY project, or call in a window or siding specialist.

• Service your heating and cooling system. Just as winter requires an effi-cient system working to keep your house warm, so do the warmer temperatures of spring and summer. You’ll want to know that your air conditioning system is in good working order, before you desperately need it.

• Get your tools ready for spring. Make sure that your lawnmower, leaf blower, pruners and rakes are ready for springtime clean up. Send your lawn-mower to a service mechanic for an early spring maintenance check. “We offer lawn mower tune ups on Toro and Echo brands,” said Caruso of Taylor Hardware. For large spring clean up jobs, visit Sloan’s Sales & Service in Linden to rent or buy large tools. Sears Hometown Store in Fenton also has an array of Craftsman tools and lawn equipment.

SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME FOR SPRING

We provide many spring clean-up services, from lawn mower tune-ups to screen repair.Brad CarusoTaylor Hardware in Fenton

‘‘’’

Proud homeowners spend much time caring for their landscaping. Using the proper tools will help make your lawn work easier.

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Your home’s exterior took the first beating of this year’s snow, ice and coldBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Spring has already sprung for many builders who are trying to repair the dam-age done from this year’s winter. “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Dave Randall, vice president of Bentley Home Improvement in Fenton. “We’ve been shoveling off roofs, heating the ice, trying to get ahead of the damage that results from too much ice and too little insulation.” Ice dams have been the biggest prob-lem this year, causing damage all the way from the roof to the first floor, when water travels through the roof and into the dry wall. “Ice is messing up roof flashings, and also penetrating un-der the shingles, coming inside and down the dry-wall,” said Randall. Now is the best time to begin preparing for next year by taking advantage of early spring roofing specials. “We don’t just put on a roof, we put on a quality integrity roof system that’s going to keep your home free of all these problems,” said Randall. “We can’t prevent ice dams completely, as they’re considered ‘an act of God,’ but we can prevent the damage they cause with proper insulation and properly installed

ice and water shield protection.” Exterior siding and gutter systems have also taken a beating this winter. “We’ve had considerably more damage

this year than usual,” said Dan Squires, manager of Siding World’s Fenton location. “We’ve already begun replacing a lot of gutters, siding, fascia, etc. As soon as we get a warmer day, people get outside and notice the damage. We’re

already busy with repair work.” Some owners are going the next step by replacing all their siding, once it’s been damaged. “Many homeowners are upgrad-ing to a heavier, thicker siding with a tighter inter-lock to withstand high winds and other damage,” said Squires.

WATCH FOR DAMAGE ON ROOF, SIDING

Hints for homeowners Spring is the best time to in-spect your roof for damage from the freeze/thaw cycle that occurs every winter. Either hire a contrac-tor or do-it-yourself if you feel safe on the roof.

• Look for buckled, curled or blis-tered shingles, which indicate your roof is at the end of its lifespan.

• Check for excess granule loss. Ceramic granules are embedded in the asphalt to protect the shingle from UV damage. Snow, ice and excessive cold can cause these granules to come loose, leaving the shingle vulnerable to further damage in warmer months.

• Watch out for loose roofing ma-terial — check around chimneys, vents, skylights or other elements that stick up from the roof, for loose flashing or deteriorated rubber seals. Check for water tightness where two roofing panels meet. They can be resealed with roofing cement.

• Look at your roof from a different perspective, by checking out the underside from the attic. A leak will show via stains on the wood, roof decking, wet insulation or rust where the nails have come through the decking.

A lot of repair work has already started.Dan SquiresSiding World in Fenton

‘‘’’

LAWN CAREContinued from Page 3now is the perfect time to gently rake that gravel back into the road or driveway. Bartlett said for now it’s best not to use any tractors on soft and wet lawns. This heavy equipment will make ruts and create additional work later on. “The ground is so saturated with water especially when we get into the 30s and 40s,” he said. Despite the unsightly appearance, the lawns will rebound. “It will all come back,” said Bartlett. The extra cleanup could cost homeowners more this spring if they hire it done, but those doing it themselves will just have to put more manual labor into the job. Bartlett said it’s too early for fertil-izing or dethatching, so the best bet is just to remove any debris as we an-ticipate warmer and sunnier weather.

As soon as weather permits, homeowners should remove all of the debris this winter has left on their lawn.

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uEasy ways to prepare your deck for summer funBy Amy [email protected]; 810-629-8282 When the weather finally decides to warm up a little, you’re probably go-ing to be ready to spend some time out-side on the deck, pos-sibly entertaining a few friends. Old Man Winter has spent the last five months beating up on your deck. Snow, freezing rain, ex-treme temperature changes — all of it can weaken and damage your deck. So before you fire up the old grill, here are a few ways you can maintain your deck in between routine maintenance:

Get rid of the snow and ice Just as you clear your sidewalks and driveway, do the same for your deck and patio. When snow and ice build-up on your deck for long periods of time, the weight and temperature changes cause warping and permanent damage.

Scrub in between the boards Don’t give dirt and other debris the chance to stick between the boards of your deck or outdoor patio. This type of stuff doesn’t allow water to drain properly, and as you can already guess, it causes long-term damage to the deck or patio.

ALL DECKED OUT

Lightly power washing a deck is a great way to remove an entire winter’s worth of grime.

Leave the chemicals alone! It may seem like bleach or other harsh chemicals would do a better job on the dirt, the fact is, they can strip wood of its finish and cause permanent damage and corrosion. Go old school — a good

stiff bristle brush, a little mild detergent and water, and a lot of elbow grease will do the trick. A l t e r n a t i v e l y, Steve James, owner of Linden’s The Stain Shop, says homeown-ers can use a power

washer, provided it’s done lightly, and with a fan tip that is 40-degrees or larger.

See DECK on 10

If the homeowner is too tired to tackle it after work, or just wants somebody else to do the work, we can do it all.Steve JamesOwner, The Stain Shop ’’‘‘

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By Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 This is the year when a little work can go a long way when it comes to making improvements on your home. Making just a few minor upgrades will not only improve its curb appeal and function, but it will also boost your home’s value when it’s time to sell. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2014 cost vs. value report, the value of

remodeling proj-ects is up across the board. The average cost re-couped on re-modeling proj-ects hit 66.1 per-cent nationally, up 5.5 percent over last year and the largest increase since 2005.

For local builder Scott Tarkleson of Fenton Lakes Building & Design, these numbers not only mean that more people will be investing in their homes this year, but that they will be more confident doing more extensive projects like master bath suites, major kitchen remodels, two-story additions, etc. “So many of the homes in the tri-county area are built with just a rudimentary tub or shower, toilet and sink,” said Tarkle-son. “You can really add value for fewer dollars and create a real selling point for your home.” Projects like replacing your front door, doing minor kitchen renovations (appli-ances, countertop, cabinetry hardware) or building a deck can make a big impact on your home’s value without breaking the bank. These small fixes can make your whole home appear more modern, updated and upscale.

See REMODELING on 14

You can really add value (with an updated new bath) and create a real selling point for your home.Scott TarklesonFenton Lakes Building & Design

‘‘’’

TOP 5 REMODELING JOBSTHAT WILL RECOUP THE COST:

• Replace your front door with steelThis is a very important safety and energy feature.Average cost: $1,162Average cost recouped: 96.6 percent• Add a wood deckA deck is a value-add just about every time. While composite decks are more popular than wood decks with buy-ers, their high cost recoups less of their value. A composite deck will cost more ($15,437) and recoups about 74.3 per-cent of its value. However, it will save the buyer more money over time because it doesn’t require the annual maintenance of a wood structure. Average cost: $9,539Average cost recouped: 87.4 percent• Minor kitchen updatesStart by updating your appliances, then focus on your cabinetry hardware. When a buyer sees a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, he or she assumes the house has been updated to current standards. Then, check with a granite dealer to find leftover pieces of granite cut from giant slabs, providing up to an 80 percent discount on this most popular countertop stone.Cost: $18,856Average cost recouped: 82.7 percent• Spruce up your garage doorThis project is most valuable when you have a luxury home with a prominent garage. Putting money into it to create an appealing architectural feature is a good investment. However, in a standard home, or one with a more “hidden” garage, spending money on a new garage door isn’t as worthwhile. Even a standard home will benefit from a garage door that has been freshly painted, adding a new dimension to the home’s exterior.Average cost: $1,534Average cost recouped: 83.7 percent• Make a statement in your bath.One simple suggestion will make a big statement in your bath — replace your vanity top with a stone, such as granite, to dramatically change its upscale ap-pearance. Replacing toilets and faucets don’t matter as much to buyers. If you can afford a major bathroom overhaul, Remodelers magazine reported that an upscale addition ranks above a mid-range addition, suggesting that the market is willing to pay for more square footage and higher-end appointments in the bathroom. Average cost: $16,128Average cost recouped: 72.5 percent

Dig into these projects for the most ‘bang for your buck’

REMODELING YOUR HOME in 2014?

uWhile the cost of some home improvement projects can be recouped in the value of the home, some costly reno-vations don’t add as much value.

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By Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 When tackling a do-it-yourself project, it might make your job easier to see a dem-onstration of how the job should be done. While printed step-by-step instructions may provide you with a “blueprint” of what needs to be accomplished, a visual demon-stration often makes it easier to complete a project you haven’t done before. In today’s busy, connected world, do-it-yourselfers have plenty of options for hands-on learning.ON-SITE WORKSHOPS A home remodeling center like The Home Depot can be a one-stop destina-tion for learning on-the-job renovation skills. With free Saturday and Sunday do-it-yourself seminars, you can learn many different skills, from outdoor know-how to interior details. For example, “Get your landscaping, and pests under control” will be presented on Saturday, April 12 and “Build a better fence” on Sunday, April 13. If you want to learn how to “Add architectural interest with molding,” you can do that on Saturday, April 19. It’s not just for the men in a household, either. There are also free Do-it-Herself workshops on the third Thursday of each month. While the topic on April 17 is more gardening oriented with “How to build a hanging garden,” women have also learned how to lay tile, install a mosaic backsplash, etc. through these monthly workshops. Kids from ages 5 to 12 can also get into the do-it-yourself spirit by making projects on the first Saturday of the month, from “Building a birdbath/birdfeeder” on Satur-day, April 12 to “Building a flower planter” for Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 3.YOUTUBE For those who are not familiar with You-Tube, this popular Website can offer visitors the chance to view just about any video they can imagine, and find easy-to-follow examples of how to successfully complete various projects. If you want to learn how to lay tile, there’s a YouTube video for that. If you want to find out how to build a bookshelf, you can learn how to do that on YouTube as well. Just Google YouTube and the subject you’re looking for, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn.VIDEOS Both The Home Depot and Lowes have a variety of videos to show viewers how

to do anything, from painting their home to installing major technical systems. These videos are categorized by topic, such as Outdoor Projects, to make it easy to locate just what you’re looking for. To find do-it-yourself videos, just visit either of these retailer’s Website and click on the “How-to” section. Both Home & Garden Television (HGTV) and DIY Network have a full line of remodeling project videos on their websites. TELEVISION SHOWS This Old House is America’s first home improvement show. Each season, the contractors renovate two different historic homes, one step at a time, featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in technology. Their goal is to demystify home improve-ment and provide ideas and information. Other popular remodeling networks are HGTV and DIY Network, each offering a full schedule of how-to programming, many done in a reality show setting.INTERNET The Internet is full of do-it-yourself ideas. Sometimes, just viewing ideas from pinterest.com, houzz.com, bhg.com, roomwithaview.com, homestyler.com, etc. can create even more remodeling ideas, decorating know-how, etc.

Many resources available today to improve on your skills

DECKContinued from Page 7 If you’re trying to get a new color on the deck, James said his store car-ries cleaners that are able to remove old stains. And when it comes to a new color, The Stain Shop has you covered there, too. “If you want a stain that will last, the key is choosing a stain that won’t peel — in other words, a stain that has penetrating oil products in it,” he said, adding that his store carries Armstrong stain products. James and staff are happy to coach the do-it-yourselfer through the clean-ing and staining process, but The Stain Shop can also handle the whole project for you. “If the homeowner is too tired to tackle it after work, or just wants some-body else to do the work, we can do it all,” James said. “We’ve been doing decks in the greater Fenton area for 17 years — we know what we’re doing.”

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By Amy [email protected]; 810-629-8282 After the long and brutal winter we’ve experienced, chances are your driveway — especially if it’s constructed from asphalt or concrete — is going to be a little worse for wear. The key to maintaining your driveway lies in proactivity — the sooner you catch and fix the cracks, the better chance your driveway has of lasting without the need for expensive resurfacing.

Getting started Before you begin, take a good, long look at your driveway and note cracks wider than an inch. Measure them to determine what type of material you will need to repair it. After removing weeds and grass from the cracks and cleaning your driveway with an environmentally safe detergent and rinsing, wait for it to dry, and then vacuum out the cracks and holes one more time before getting started on repairs.

Asphalt The best thing to use on asphalt drive-ways is a water-based acrylic filler/seal-ant. Expect to cover 300 to 500 square feet per five gallons of sealer, depending on the general condition of the driveway, and if it has been sealed before. For best results, truevalue.com rec-ommends using a filler or a sealer that fills cracks up to 1/8-inch wide, and that the filler contains a rubberized asphalt emulsion. For the smaller cracks less than 1/8-inch, use the crack filler that comes in pourable squeeze bottles. For cracks up to ½-inch wide, use the crack filler that is packaged in no-mess cartridges for a calking gun, or in pour-able squeeze bottles. Pull the caulking gun trigger steadily as you pull the tip along the crack. If you’re using the pour-able filler, fill the crack, then use a putty knife to smooth away the excess filler. After a couple days of drying, it’s time to seal it. Robert Ward, owner of D.O.W. As-phalt in Swartz Creek, said mid to late May is the best time to seal a driveway. “Usually the weather is warm — we don’t have as much rain, and the condi-tions are just about perfect for drying,” he said. Ward said homeowners should avoid “over sealing” their driveways. “Sealing

should be done every 2-3 years, really,” he said. “If you do it too often, the seal-ant will build up and begin to crack.” When done properly, Ward said sealing freshens up the look of the driveway and maintains its longevity.

Concrete Patching compound is the mate-rial that is generally used in concrete driveway repair. Apply a concrete bond-ing adhesive or “primer” to create the best bond pos-sible between the old surface and the patch-ing material. An old or cheap paint-brush works best — use it to work the liquid into the surface. Us i n g a putty knife or a trowel, apply a vinyl patching com-pound in multiple layers as directed, but only mix one layer at a time. Press it firmly into the hole to force the initial layer into all the nooks and crannies. Be sure to allow drying time between the layers.

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Sealing should be done every 2-3 years, really. It freshens up the look of the driveway, and will help to maintain its longevity.”— Robert WardOwner, D. O. W. Asphalt, Swartz Creek

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Tackle spring cleaning with the environment in mind Spring is a time of year when many people resolve to give their homes or apartments a thorough cleaning. Spring cleaning projects help people revitalize their homes for the warm months ahead, when windows are once again opened,

fresh air pervades homes and items that might have accumulated over a dark and dreary winter have become a distant memory. Many families have spring cleaning rituals that allow them to efficiently clean

Homeowners should periodically in-spect their appliances, including vacu-um cleaners, to ensure they are working at peak efficiency and not expending excess energy.

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their homes in a single weekend. But it’s just as important for spring cleaners to place as great an emphasis on the envi-ronment as they do on efficiency when cleaning a home. Eco-friendly spring cleaning practices produce less waste and rely on less chemicals to rejuvenate a home and get it ready for those seasons when huddling inside under the covers takes a backseat to lounging around the house as fresh air washes into the home. The following are a handful of ways to efficiently clean a home while also pro-tecting the environment. • Clear out the clutter. Clutter is an enemy to homeowners and the environ-ment alike. That’s because addressing clutter is often an inefficient process in which homeowners methodically go through items that have accumulated over the years, individually choosing which items to keep and which items to discard. Clutter can also prove harmful to the environment because rooms filled with clutter tend to collect dust, reducing air quality and leading to more indoor air pollution that can prove harmful to

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human health. • When sifting through clutter in a home, discard those items that have gone ignored for years, as they likely have little or no financial value and it’s safe to as-sume they serve no practical purpose as well. Once clutter has been cleared out, prevent more of it from accumulating by making a conscious effort to discard items once they no longer serve any practical purpose. This includes old newspapers and magazines, as well as any other items that are likely to sit in a pile or on a shelf for months on end. • Use cleaners only when windows are open. Many people get a head start on spring cleaning in late winter, when the weather might have started to warm up but has not yet warmed to the point when windows throughout the home can be opened. Though there’s nothing wrong with starting early, avoid using cleaning products on days when you can’t open the windows. Many clean-ing products contain ample or even just trace amounts of chemicals that can compromise indoor air quality and may exacerbate existing medical conditions like respiratory ailments. When using cleaning products, try to do so only when the windows are open and fresh air can enter the home. • Ensure appliances are working at peak efficiency. Spring cleaning is a great time to inspect appliances to make sure they are operating efficiently. Clean or replace filters on window air conditioning units. Dusty or dirty filters will force the air conditioner to work harder and use more energy to cool a room. In addition, dirty or dusty filters make units less ef-ficient, which means rooms won’t cool as quickly on those scorching summer afternoons. Appliances forced to work harder also cost more money, and those costs can be considerable. • When checking appliances, be sure to check the refrigerator as well. Refrigerators are plugged in all day long, and those that are not operating at peak efficiency can cost you a lot of money in the long run. Periodically clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator so it can operate more efficiently, saving energy and money. • Vacuum cleaners should also be inspected before each use to make sure reels are not covered in hair, which can make it nearly impossible for the machine to collect dirt and dust from the floors.


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REMODELINGContinued from Page 9

REMODELING PROJECTSTHAT DON’T MAKE THE GRADEMany of these projects require addi-tions that add function and space, but are also costly renovations.

• Home office remodelAverage cost: $28,000Average cost recouped: 48.9 percent

• Sunroom additionAverage cost: $73,546Average cost recouped: 51.7 percent

It’s the season for home im-provement projects, and week-end warriors will soon be visiting home supply retailers to buy everything from paint to plywood. There are many

advantages to making home improve-ments on your own, including the op-portunity to test your mettle at projects big and small. Many a novice DIYer has learned the ups and downs of home improve-ment through trial and error. But the following are a handful of lessons first-timers can heed before beginning their maiden voyages into the world of DIY home improvements. • Measure twice, cut once. Perhaps this is the best-known mantra of home improvement, yet many still ignore it. Whether you’re eager to get started or simply because you still cannot convert metric to standard formula, you must take the time to measure twice before cutting. Learning that you’re a hair too short later will prove frustrating and time-consuming and often necessitates a last-minute run to the store for more materials. Always measure multiple times before making cuts. • Enlist a helper. Having a partner helping with the work is the most ef-ficient way to tackle a project. This person can assist you with heavy lifting or moving things or by holding the lad-der or simply passing tools your way. He or she also can manage work while you make another run to the home cen-ter for more supplies. Having a helper around also provides companionship during tedious projects. • Lighten the load. You run the risk of injury, both to yourself and your

LEARNED THE HARD WAY

Double-checking measurements is one way to avoid potentially costly home improvement project mistakes.

Home improvement tips

belongings, if you attempt to move heavy items on your own. When mov-ing heavy items, take steps to lighten your load. For example, empty or re-move drawers from desks and dressers before moving them. Rely on sliding pads when moving furniture so items can be slid into place instead of lifted. Always ask a buddy to help move es-pecially heavy items.

• Upscale master suite additionAverage cost: $224,989Average cost recouped: 56 percent

• Upscale garage additionAverage cost: $82,311Average cost recouped: 58.4 percent

• Bath additionAverage cost: $38,186Average cost recouped: 60.1 percent

• Upscale bath additionAverage cost: $72,538Average cost recouped: 60.1 percent

Source: Bankrate.com

• Prime before painting. Painting can be a time-consuming task. In an effort to save time, some people will look for painting shortcuts, and these may include skipping the priming portion of painting. Priming helps to cover existing paint color and prevent bleed-through of stains or darker hues to the next coat of paint. Failure to use a primer could mean having to paint coat

after coat, which can become costly and take up a significant amount of time. Always rely on a priming product, or look for a paint that blends a primer within to achieve better coverage. And while you are ensuring a proper paint job, remember to use painter’s tape or an edging product to help keep paint off of moldings and trim. • Use the right tools. The right tools make work safer and easier. Think about how much faster you can cut through a tree trunk with a chainsaw rather than a handsaw. Improvising or using the wrong tools for the job can cost you time and increase your risk of injury. • Turn electricity off at the panel box. Be especially cautious when working with electricity, turning off the current. This means shutting down the power on the breaker box. A live wire can provide a minor shock or lead to serious injury. Take the extra time to ensure the power is off before working with any exposed wiring. • Expect the unexpected. Although many renovation projects go off without a hitch, you never know what you might uncover when you embark on repairs or remodels. Homeowners have come across all sorts of hidden problems when doing seemingly minor repairs. Removal of drywall may uncover insect damage in beams or indications of water infiltration. Some people take down old paneling, only to discover it was cov-ering heavily damaged walls beneath. One repair project can run into another when home improvements are being made. Always leave breathing room in your budget and schedule extra time for unforeseen tasks as well.

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Warm days full of sunshine give home-owners good reason to open windows and let fresh air into their homes. Not only can open windows boost mood and create an inviting living space, but open windows also can be good for the environment. • Open windows improve indoor air quality. Indoor air pollution has been described by the United States Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA) as a primary environmental health problem. Indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air. In addition, the American College of Allergists states that

50 percent of all illnesses are caused by pol-luted indoor air. Because many homes are built to be air-tight to conserve en-ergy and money, unhealthy levels of air pollut-ants can build up inside homes when windows remain closed.

These pollutants may include radon gas, cigarette smoke, chemical fumes from paints and solvents and leached chemicals from modern building and furnishing materials. Opening windows for extended periods of time allows fresh air to spread throughout the home. House-plants can also filter indoor air and make it healthier to breathe. • Open windows reduce energy consumption. A cool breeze entering a home through open windows can reduce the temperature inside of a home without having to turn on fans or air condition-ers. This not only helps individuals save money, but also it reduces reliance on electricity and fossil fuels. Opening several windows on opposite sides of the home can create a cross-breeze that will keep the home cool without the help of energy-guzzling appliances. Open attic vents can release hot air trapped inside the house as well. • Open windows reduce reliance on chemical air fresheners. Fresh air can quickly remove odors from a home. These can include old cooking smells, cigarette smoke, pet odors, or simply stale air. By opening windows, homeowners can clean the air in their homes naturally without covering it up with chemical air fresheners or other cleaners. The fresh air itself may simply smell good, or this pleasant aroma can be enhanced by blooming flowers or other natural scents from outdoors. • Open windows cut down on use of cleaning products. A home that never gets any fresh air can quickly succumb to allergens such as dust, dander and soot, necessitating the use of vacuums and other cleaning tools and products. But open windows can greatly reduce the buildup of such allergens, and therefore reduce reliance on appliances that guzzle energy or products that release harmful chemicals into the air.

Open windows allow fresh air to flow throughout a home, improving personal health and benefitting the environment at the same time.

How open windows benefit the environment

uIn addition to providing fresh smelling air, open windows can reduce energy con-sumption, lessen the need for artificial air fresheners and cut down on the number of allergens inside a home.

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NAPCO COMFORTPer sq.

$5995White

CUSTOM TRIMAVAILABLE

Any Shape-Any Color

per pc.

FOROVERHANGS

VINYL SOFFITWHITE

$920

12” wide x 12’ long

VINYL SIDING

Super Foam

Insulated

ALUMINUM

$6395White &

50 colors

VINYL DECKING & RAILING SYSTEM

HOURS: MON-FRI 7:30-5:00 • SAT 8-12 • SUN CLOSED

LIVONIA30625 W. Eight Mile Rd.

(½ mile West of Middlebelt)

248478-8984

DETROIT6450 Eight Mile Rd.

(3 miles East of I-75)

313891-2902

MADISON HTS30391 Stephenson Hwy.(Across from Costco

at 12½ mile)

248585-9050

WATERFORD5211 Williams Lake Rd.

(¼ mile south of Dixie Hwy.)

248674-1300

SAGINAW5393 N. Michigan Rd.

(¼ mile north of Tittabawassee)

989754-3440

SANFORD2252 N. Meridian Rd.

(½ mile south of US-10)

989687-7314

DISTRIBUTORS FOR

SIDINGWORLD.COMDISTRIBUTORS OF EVERYTHING EXTERIOR

BEAT THE SPRING PRICE INCREASES

SIDINGWORLD.com

improvementimprovement home springcloud.tctimes.com/ez_read/archive/2014/033014_springhome.pdfseven...

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