spring home & garden
2014
Investing in the value of your home with comfort and style ideas.
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Spring 2014
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home & garden A custom built shed will add value to your home
I
f you are looking into purchasing an outdoor storage shed for your home, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices on the market today. Perhaps you’ve seen the ready made sheds at your local home and garden store, but have you considered a custom built shed? In this article we will discuss differences between these two options to help you make an informed decision. The first thing you should consider when buying an outdoor storage shed is what items you are going to put into the shed and how large of a unit this will
require. If you only have a few items for storage such as your lawn mower or other small outdoor equipment, a ready made shed might do the trick. But if you have a lot of things that you are
looking to store, a custom shed might be a better choice. Ready made sheds come only in standard dimensions. A custom storage building is made to your own specifications; the more storage you need,
the bigger the size and dimension of the shed. As custom sheds are “made from scratch,” you will see that your new shed is a much higher quality product than any readymade version. Instead of a mass-produced product, your custom shed is built to order by those who are experienced in the finest workmanship. A custom shed is not only built to your specifications, but can be built on site at your home, taking into consideration your landscape and the layout of your yard. Unlike a ready made shed, a custom shed has many unique add
on features. A custom built shed can be made to completely match the exterior and esthetics of your home, in turn increasing its value. Not only can your shed have matching siding and matching shingles, but it can also have gutters, a feature that helps to maintain the life of your shed. Custom outdoor sheds come in numerous styles with many unique options such as windows, porches, and double doors….great for lawnmowers or quads. They can even be finished on the inside to be used as a pool cabana, office or hobby space, or a child’s
playhouse. When you think about all of the benefits of a custom made shed, it’s easy to see why you would not want to purchase any other kind. With everything they offer, custom built sheds really are more costeffective and way more useful than the ready made type. Not only will you be getting a shed that meets your own personal specifications, but its quality construction also means it will stay strong and in beautiful condition for many years to come. Submitted by Central Builders Home Hardware
Nine ways to improve curb appeal
H
omeowners who want their homes to make strong first impressions must prioritize curb appeal. Homes with strong curb appeal sell well and can impart a welcoming feel to all visitors. Improving curb appeal need not be expensive, and the following are a handful of ways to improve the
appearance of your home. 1. Install a bold-looking door in a vibrant color or one with a custom design. This helps the home stand out from other properties in the neighborhood. 2. Edge the driveway to create a distinct border between the driveway and the lawn or other landscaping features. This helps homes appear neat
and well kept. 3. Use outdoor lighting to make a home more inviting. Outdoor lighting also makes properties safer to traverse at night. 4. Clean a home’s exterior to remove mildew or discolorations from the siding, driveway, patio, and other outdoor elements. 5. Improve landscapes with fresh plants and seasonal color. Homeowners without the time to plant can consider container gardens, which don’t take much time to assemble but still add appeal to a home’s exterior. 6. Prune planting beds and add new mulch to restore color. 7. Add shutters and accent trim to a home’s exterior to improve on the beauty of the house. 8. Install new fencing or give a fresh coat of paint or stain to an existing fence 9. Replace concrete paths with tile or stone walkways to make entryways more impressive and inviting.
Your Cariboo Shed Destination
CENTRAL BUILDERS HOME HARDWARE 250-392-4232 250A South 6th Avenue
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home & garden T
Today’s curtains and draperies
oday, as windows swoop to the ceilings—and
even to into the ceilings of many a home—fabric at the windows is an important
statement. Decisions about draperies in the home fall into distinct categories:
Curtains serve a variety of purposes in the modern home. In addition to adding to a home’s decor and style, insulated curtains can help trap heat or cool air inside, reducing overall home energy use and costs, with positive environmental and economic results. Curtains also add privacy, a plus for people who live in apartments or neighborhoods. And because curtains filter daytime light, too, they can help reduce fading and damage caused by sunlight over time in rooms with strong sun exposure.
Tuesday to Friday Walk-ins Welcome
Appointments available to meet your schedule
Privacy(which also includes protection);physical and visual touch; light control; sound control; and colour. Put these categories in order of preference; it will make a difference. For example, if you wish for privacy at night but have your heart set on a sheer to only diffuse the light during the day, you may need to add another treatment, such as a cellular shade, or soft shading to take care of both needs. Do not discount the emotion that fabric can bring into a home: the mood of an interior can be affected by the colours chosen (sunny versus somber), how light or heavy a fabric is,
how casual or elegant, how romantic or businesslike. There are many ways to keep your fabrics looking their best at the window. Always have your treatments lined, unless you specifically want light to filter through. Lining gives your drapery bulk, protection, and stability—and quite honestly, most unlined drapery look cheap. Here are some recommendations: Interfacing: Fabrics used to offer support and give shape to the primary fabric. Interlining: An insulation of sorts to pad, stiffen, and protect the decorative fabric, as well as
Part of your family for many years to come.
provide insulation between the outside and the inside of the home. Interlining is sandwiched in between the decorative fabric and the lining that faces to the street side of the window. Interlining is not seen but provides a great deal of protection and oomph to the drapery. Lining: A layer attached to the backside of the decorative fabric or interlining to protect drapery fabric from sunrays and potential water damage from leaky windows. All these considerations will definitely make your windows be “the best dressed in town.” Submitted by E.L. Fabricating
Carpet • Vinyl Laminate Hardwood Window Fashion Benjamin Moore Paint Cork • Ceramic Area Rugs
Custom Draperies and Beddings On-Site Drapery Cleaning and More Drop in and receive your copy of “The Art of Window Dressing” brochure!
9:00 am - 1:00 pm Showroom 250-398-6181 Workroom 250-392-4601 113B Yorston Street
535 Oliver Street, Williams Lake, Telephone 250-398-7172
unitedfloors.ca
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home & garden A beautiful way to moderate the sun’s rays
S
olar shades are the perfect answer when you want to maintain your view to the outside while managing the heat and glare from the sun. Solar shades reduce heat transmittance to keep interiors cool and comfortable. They also minimize glare on TV screens and computer monitors, and block UV rays to protect furnishings, carpets and artwork from fading. Solar fabrics are available in a variety of colours and textures to enhance not only your comfort, but also your style. Choose your openness factor: openness factor
describes the amount of light allowed through the shade. A low openness factor increases UV blockage and privacy. A high openness factor offers a better view to the outside but less privacy, especially for lighted interiors at night. Add a secondary treatment for increased privacy with solar shades with high openness. Fabrics are available in
3%
openness levels of 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 10% and 14%. For example: 3% openness blocks a very high percentage of UV rays while providing a good view to the outside. 10% openness blocks a fair percentage of UV rays while providing an excellent view to the outside. Submitted by Hopkins Design Studio
5%
10%
The basics of cleaning windows Washing windows can be quite an undertaking, particularly in those homes with many windows on multiple levels. However, there are several timesaving tips available that can cut the work considerably. * Save window washing for a cloudy day. Otherwise, the warmth and sunlight may dry the cleaning solution too quickly and you will be left with streaks on your windows. * Vacuum windowsills and tracks first to remove a good deal of dust and debris. This will reduce the
amount of dirt you smear onto the windows while cleaning them. * Use a combination of a sponge soaked in cleaning solution and a squeegee to get really clean windows. The squeegee helps to prevent streaks and cut down on the time it takes the windows to dry, all the while helping the windows to sparkle. * Window screens may be the culprit behind dingy windows. Hose down the screens with water to clean them, using a mild cleaning solution if water is
ineffective. * Working with a partner can make the task go much more quickly. One person can clean the exteriors of the windows while the other does the interiors. * A mild dishwashing liquid diluted in water can cut through dirt and grime. For stubborn dirt, wash windows with diluted ammonia or vinegar. * Use a glass-cleaning tool to clean hard-to-reach windows. A telescoping cleaning tool and pad can make it safer to reach windows that are high up.
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hopkins design studio Cell: 250-855-8258 | 262A Third Avenue S., Williams Lake www.hdsflooring.com | HopkinsDesignStudio@yahoo.ca
office@sprucelee.com • 250-392-3621 • 2075 N. Lakeside www.sprucelee.com
SERVING THE CARIBOO SINCE 1972
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home & garden Choosing Kitchen Cabinets
Custom Cabinets vs Flat Pack/Stock Cabinetry
K
itchen cabinets are the most visible and used part of any home. So, before you decide on new kitchen cabinets, do your homework first. If you see something you like in a magazine or in someone else’s kitchen or show room, keep a file of pictures, designs and features you like. Next thing to do is to talk to certified kitchen designers. Choose a designer you are
comfortable with because you will be spending a lot of time together planning your dream kitchen. It’s a good idea to let the designer know about your lifestyle as they can make suggestions to enhance your space to suit your needs. There are usually three categories of cabinetry, which include flat pack- put together cabinetry, stock/catalogue cabinets as well as custom/ built to size cabinetry. It’s
important to know the differences, the advantages and disadvantages of each before you begin shopping. Custom cabinetry is made to fit your space and your taste. Each cabinet is made to your specifications, one at a time when your order is placed. Unlike stock and flat pack cabinetry, nothing is pre made or warehoused. The biggest benefit of custom cabinetry is that it is uniquely yours. The space is designed and built
specifically for your home. Stock cabinets are mass produced, pre-assembled and warehoused prior to purchase. They are essentially off the shelf and made in limited number of designs and finishes. Sizes are generally restricted to a range of standard industry sizes, beginning at 9” and increasing in size by 3” increments. So, if your dimensions fall outside the 3” increments, there will be gaps. Filler strips are used to close the gaps. The more fillers needed, the more wasted space you will have. Flat pack cabinetry
follows the same industry size format and uses fillers or trim to close the gaps. There are no standard sizes or filler pieces in custom cabinetry. Cabinet height, width and depth can be adjusted to fit corners or unusual spaces. Instead of using fillers to fill the gaps or dead spaces, custom cabinetry can turn that space into a unique storage solution or display area. The advantage of ordering flat pack cabinetry is usually they cost less and are quicker to have shipped out. The disadvantage would be that they need
to be put together. Time and space to build those types of cabinets should be factored in when looking at the cost. Another thing to consider is stock cabinets may come pre-assembled, but the freight to have them shipped will cost you more. Purchasing a new kitchen is a huge investment in your home. Take time to decide what your wants and needs are. Then pick cabinetry to suit your lifestyle, so you can enjoy your new kitchen for many years to come. Submitted By Allcraft Kitchens
Locally Manufactured Cabinets built specifically for your home
Get Decked out for the Spring • Kitchens • Vanities • Closets Create the outdoor living room you’ve always imagined with a custom deck designed to your specifications. We guarantee quality craftsmanship using the very finest materials.
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www.allcraftkitchens.com • info@allcraftkitchens.com
250-392-4039 • 910A S. Mackenzie Ave. • Fax: 250-392-4208
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home & garden
Sealing a driveway can extend its life
I
nstalling an asphalt or a concrete driveway can be an expensive undertaking. To preserve the fresh, new look of the driveway, have the driveway sealed and then routinely seal it to keep it looking pristine. A good sealant can keep a driveway looking new longer and also can rejuvenate the appearance of an older driveway. Sealant can be compared to car wax. It provides an outer coating that will repel stains, stop UV rays from fading the driveway and help to protect against cracks and driveway degradation. Over time, asphalt driveways will begin
to fade in color and the stone and rocks used in the asphalt mix will appear more prominent. By sealing the driveway, a homeowner can maintain its original dark color. Another reason to seal a driveway is to reduce the chance of freeze-thaw damage. This type of damage results when water penetrates the surface of the driveway and then expands as it freezes. The expansion can cause cracks and fissures, as well as compromise the soil underneath the driveway, making it sink or become unstable. Sealed driveways help to keep water beading on the surface of the driveway, rather than being
Driveway sealants preserve the look of the driveway and can make the surface durable and impervious to stains. absorbed into the driveway material. When water no longer beads on the driveway, this is often an indicator that the driveway needs to be resealed. There are some
guidelines to follow when sealing driveways. When starting, sealant should not be applied immediately after the driveway is poured. Concrete needs to cure for a period of up to
one month before sealant should be applied. Fresh asphalt contains oils that eventually evaporate. The oils are what makes fresh asphalt pliable and soft. Once these oils evaporate, the asphalt gets harder and more durable. Sealers can prevent evaporation and may make the asphalt permanently soft. After the initial base application of sealant, the driveway should only be sealed every two to three years, depending on its condition. Sealants are just coatings, and adding too many layers can cause the sealant coatings to crack and peel away. Sealing a driveway
is a labour-intensive process that’s best left to professionals. These professionals have the knowledge of technique and the right tools to get an even, thin coating of sealant. Remember, a driveway should not be walked or driven on for a minimum of 24 hours after sealant is applied. Weather conditions also can influence the amount of time it takes for the driveway to cure. Having the driveway sealed prolongs its durability and appearance. It also can make the driveway less prone to staining and cracking, making this project a sound investment.
How to repair and replace window screens
W
indow screens can let fresh air into a home while preventing insects and outdoor critters from making their way inside. But screens are far less effective at keeping critters out of a home when they’re damaged. Addressing such damage is typically an easy do-ityourself project, one that begins with gathering the right materials, including: * new screening, either synthetic or aluminum * a rubber spline * a screen rolling tool * a razor knife or sharp scissor * measuring tape * masking tape * a screwdriver or an awl Once those materials have been gathered, the process of replacing or repairing damaged screens is rather simple. 1. Measure the area of the window to determine how much replacement screening you will need. Remember to leave extra room in your measurements so you have slack to make the new screen fit taut. The measurement will also help you determine how much spline you will need. 2. Remove the screen
from the window frame. Some windows do not have removable screen frames, and you will have to work on the screen in its upright position. 3. Use the screwdriver or awl to pry the edge of the existing spline that holds the screening material in the frame. Pull out the old spline and remove the damaged screening. 4. Measure the new screening from a replacement roll. Lay the screening down on the frame, ensuring there is overhang on all sides. If necessary, use masking tape to temporarily secure the screening to the frame while freeing up your hands. This also works if you must replace screening vertically and cannot remove the window frame and make repairs on a flat surface. 5. Take a new piece of rubber spline and push it into the edge of the screen frame, securing a corner of the new screening to the frame. Continue to press the spline around the perimeter of the screen frame firmly into the groove with the screen rolling tool, which looks like a small pizza cutter. This effectively secures the screen into the frame. 6. Continue around the
edge of the frame, pulling the new screening taut as you go. This helps to keep it free of wrinkles. 7. Once you have inserted the spline all the way around, cut it off from the spline spool and push in the edge. 8. Use a razor knife or sharp scissor to cut off the excess screening, being careful not to dislodge it from behind the spline when cutting. 9. Replace the screen in the window. In the case of small tears in a screen, a complete replacement may not be necessary. Home improvement stores sell screen patch kits. Some work by cutting out a piece of patch that is attached to an adhesive backing and sticking it over the hole. Other patches are small, woven wires that can be threaded through the hole in the screen. A really small hole can be mended with a drop of clear-drying glue. The same method of screen replacement can be used to replace screens on screened-in porches, aluminum doors or sliding patio doors. Just be sure to purchase replacement screening that will fit the dimensions.
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Windsor Plywood’s
EARLY SPRING YARD SALE!
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These landscape timbers are perfect for raised flower beds or used as edging. Pressure treated for a long lasting life!
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910 E. MAcKEnzIE AvE. SOUTH Phone: 398-7118 TOLL FREE: 1-800-661-6887
Mon - Fri: 7:30 - 5:30 • Sat: 8:30 - 5:30 Sundays: 10:00 - 4:00
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home & garden How to create a rainwater harvesting system
R
a i n w a t e r collection is a way to conserve water that can be adopted by both private homeowners and businesses. Harvesting water during peak times of precipitation ensures water will be on hand during drought or when water restrictions are implemented. Making use of rainwater reduces reliance on underground wells or municipal water systems. Harvesting rainwater also can help prevent flooding and soil erosion. The average homeowner can collect thousands of gallons of rainwater each year. To learn just how much water can be harvested, as well as how many natural resources can be produced from that rain, visit www. save-the-rain.com, where you can calculate your rain collection potential by geographic location and average rainfall. Afterward, homeowners may be inclined to establish their own rainwater harvesting systems. Here is how to get started. * Determine your roofing material. Potable water can be harvested from homes with sheet metal or slate roofing. Clay or adobe tiles also may be acceptable. Asphalt, wood shingles
and tar roofs may leach toxic chemicals into the water, making it unsafe for drinking. This rainwater may only be collected to use for irrigation methods or washing cars and outdoor items. * Check gutter materials. Some gutters are made with lead soldering components. A commercial lead swab test can help you determine if there is lead present in your gutters. At a later time you can choose to replace the gutters if you desire a potable supply of water. * Invest in a collection tank or barrel. A number of manufacturers offer prefabricated rain collection systems complete with collection barrels. Otherwise, you can use your own barrel or tank to house the collected water. Ensure it is large enough to handle the volume of water collected. * Purchase and install leaf guards. If your home is surrounded by many trees, you probably accumulate leaf and tree debris in your home gutters and downspouts. Leaf guards will help keep the gutters clear and increase water flow through the water collection system. * Create a water collection area. A portion
of the gutter system should be removed so that it connects to the collection barrel or tank. As the rain falls, it will run down the roof and into the gutters before it streams into the downspouts. The downspout connected to the tank will deposit the water directly inside. Filters can be installed to help block the flow of debris. * Outfit the tank for overflow and water usage. A spigot and hose connection makes it easy to use the collected water for outdoor purposes. Many rainwater collection systems are designed with an overflow safeguard that will prevent the water from backing up through the system. It will divert the rainwater back out of the downspout when the barrel or tank is full. A rainwater collection system harnesses a natural source of water to be used for gardens and other outdoor purposes. This water doesn’t contain chlorine or other additives, making it relatively clean and safe to use. Homeowners should check to see if a permit is necessary to install a rainwater collection system and then begin gathering water for various uses.
Find a home to call your own! Getting Pre-Approved for a mortgage is something every potential homebuyer should do before going shopping for a new home. A Pre-Approval will give you the confidence of knowing that financing is available and it can put you in a very positive negotiation position against other homebuyers who aren’t pre-approved!
Call Amber Stuart
to get pre-approved! Licensed Mortgage Advisor
Cell: 250-303-0585 Email: amberstuart@dominionlending.ca Web: www.mortgage-sense.ca DLC Western Lending Source | Independently Owned & Operated
Rather than have rainwater flow out of downspouts to the ground, homeowners can collect that rainwater in barrels to use it as a sustainable source of water.
Bliss loves pets as much as you do. That’s because nobody can match our range of odour-reducing and stain-resistant treatments and fibers we offer.
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home & garden F
What is home automation?
or some it can be as simple as remote or automatic control of a few lights. For others, security may be the central application. As a very basic definition, we tend to refer to home automation as anything that gives you remote or automatic control of things around the home. What can I control? Lighting: Dim light fixtures you could never dim before, and control them from anywhere. You can set them up for a scene such as a party where you push one button and the whole house lights up. If you have a fire alarm go off in the middle of the night it automatically turns on lights so you can see. Security: Have your home call you if there is an alert situation. You can remote
arm or disarm and unlock a door from anywhere to let a service person in to do work for you. You can remotely view a camera from your computer or smartphone to see if your kids arrived home on time. Home Theater: Just imagine having one remote and when you push a button it turns on your tv, cable box, and surround sound sytem for you. Thermostats: Remote controlled thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature on your way home from work. They can also turn down the temperature when you arm your security system and they can trigger an alert if the temperature gets too low, preventing pipes from freezing. Home automation is a convenience for the home owner, offering multiple
The popularity of home automation has been increasing greatly in recent years due to much higher affordability and simplicity though smartphone and tablet connectivity. possiblities and makes life easier. Submitted by Sean Kelly, Edwards Security
Did you know? Many homeowners prefer the look and durability of real hardwood flooring. It can be exciting to install new flooring, and you may be anxious to start transforming a room. But before diving right in, it’s necessary to acclimate wood flooring to a home. Otherwise, you may end up with buckled
wood or other problems. Hardwood flooring needs to sit in the room where it will be installed for anywhere between five and 10 days or in adherence to the manufacturer recommendations. This gives the new flooring time to adjust to the humidity level and temperature of
Comfortable. Beautiful. Practical. Reinvent your bathroom with all the right elements of style. From fixtures and plumbing to accessories, find everything you need to create a distinctive and relaxing retreat. We have the quality, selection and expert service to make sure all of your home improvement projects go exactly as planned.
the home. Natural wood shrinks and expands due to temperature fluctuations, which is why it is essential to match the conditions in the home before working with the flooring. The boards can be acclimated in the boxes (with the ends opened) or outside of the boxes.
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home & garden T
Home projects perfect for spring
he rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that
arose during the winter. While some homes make it through winter unscathed, the harsh weather of the year’s coldest season can add several tasks to homeowners’ springtime to-do lists.
While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no DIY experience. The following are a handful of
projects tailor-made for spring. Inspect the gutters Gutters tend to bear the brunt of harsh winter weather, and come spring gutters are in need of inspection if not repair. Winter winds, snow and heavy rainfall can compromise the effectiveness of gutters, which can easily accumulate debris and detach from homes during winter storms. In addition, gutters sometimes develop leaks over the winter months. As a result, homeowners should conduct a careful inspection of their gutters come the spring, being sure to look for leaks
while clearing the gutters of debris and reattaching gutters that might have become detached from the home on windy winter days and nights. When reattaching loose gutters, make sure the downspouts are draining away from the foundation, as gutters that are not draining properly can cause damage to that foundation and possibly lead to flooding. Take stock of roof shingles Much like its gutters and downspouts, a home’s roof can suffer significant damage over the course of a typical winter. Shingles may be lost to harsh winter winds and storms, so homeowners
should examine the roof to determine if any shingles were lost (lost shingles might even be lying around the property) or suffered damage that’s considerable enough to require replacement. Summer can be especially brutal on shingles, especially those that suffered significant damage during the winter. If left unchecked or unaddressed, problems with damaged shingles can quickly escalate into larger issues when spring rains and summer sun inevitably arrive, so homeowners should prioritize fixing or replacing damaged shingles as quickly as possible. See CHECK Page 11
It’s time to get comfortable York systems are designed and built to provide maximum quality, comfort and efficiency for your home.
Each spring, homeowners should inspect their gutters to ensure the gutters are still attached to their homes and free of debris.
From Carpentry to Landscaping Spring is around the corner... now is the perfect time to complete those home renovations and yard landscaping you have been dreaming about and turn your ideas into reality!!!
Newcombe Construction Ltd. Residential & Commercial Renovations & Construction
• Fully Licensed & Insured Journeyman Carpenter with 20+ years experience • Interior/Exterior • Landscaping • Decks • Porches • Patios • Fences TION • Sunrooms • Greenhouses • Shops CONSTRUC ING LANDSCAP • Sheds • Out Buildings • Renovations
Mike Fraser
President/ General Contractor
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newcombeconstruction@telus.net newcombeconstruction.com
Whether you are looking to upgrade your heating/cooling system or doing an electrical renovation, give us a call. Heating • Air Conditioning • Electrical 985D North Mackenzie Ave.
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S p s r a u h n g g n i r p S Large selection of Garden Seeds • Spring Bulbs Potting Soil bags and bales Garden Gifts • Garden Tools Spring Blend Fertilizers Lawn Seed Residential & Garden Fencing
and so much more!
Beaver Valley Feeds (1990) Ltd. 250-392-6282
1050 S. Mackenzie Avenue
spring
www.wltribune.com
Spring 2014
Page 11
home & garden
Let’s talk about home insurance
(Singing the tune of “The Birds and the Bees” by Dean Martin) Let me tell you ‘bout the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees, the moon up above, and the thing called “Insurance”? huh? (sound of a record screeching!) Yes, let’s talk about Insurance. Spring is just around the corner and with the warmer weather fast approaching, it’s not only the time to spend enjoying the great outdoors, it’s a wonderful time to do some minor/major home renovations. Here are the important
updates to your home that insurance companies are looking for. Firstly, you may be asking yourself what business is this of the insurance company anyway? Well, if you have coverage with an insurance company, you have now transferred the risk from yourself, the homeowner, to the insurance company. This means in the event of a loss, the insurance company is now the one paying out your loss. The policy holder is responsible for the policy deductible. It’s only right that the companies
have some say on how to mitigate losses that may be in their control. The roof of a home is a good place to start. You will want to make sure your roof system is working for you. Once a roof starts showing signs of aging, this is a good time to consider some upkeep or replacement. Making sure gutters are clear and down spouts are running at least 6 feet from the home is also a great preventative measure with water losses. Having your older furnace inspected annually is also a great preventative measure for
Check for freeze damage From Page 10 Frozen temperatures can be hard on humans and homes alike, but unlike humans who can stay inside when temperatures dip below freezing, homes are forced to withstand the elements throughout the winter. External hose faucets are often susceptible to freeze damage. To inspect such faucets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or finger over the opening of the faucet. If your thumb or finger can completely stop the flow of water, the pipe where the water is coming
from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced. Examine the lawn for low spots Once a lawn has thawed out, homeowners can patrol their properties looking for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home’s foundation. Such spots increase the likelihood of flooding. Flooding near a home’s foundation increases the risk of potentially costly damage, while low spots on the lawn that go ignored can make great breeding grounds
for insects, including mosquitoes, when the weather warms up. When low spots are detected, fill them in with compacted soil. Compacted soil can prevent spring rains from flooding a yard or damaging a home’s foundation. Assessing potential property damage is a rite of passage for homeowners in the spring. Though some damage is significant, oftentimes even novice DIYers can work their homes and properties back into shape in time to enjoy spring and summer.
Come see our HOME INSURANCE SPECIALISTS
a potential loss. Now that we are heading out of the heating season, this a great time to call upon a heating professional to make sure your furnace is working to its maximum capability and won’t let you down when the weather starts getting colder. Water losses are the most prevalent in the industry at this time. Ranging from freezing pipes to malfunctioning appliances, water losses, on average cost the companies between $10,000 - $50,000 per occurrence. So this may bring to light why, on renewal
review, your broker is asking so many questions. There are several companies that are offering discounts to your home insurance for installing water mitigation systems. Please contact your broker to get more information. When installing new finishings to your home, it is good practice to let your insurance broker know. This may include a new deck, upgrading the materials in your kitchen, installing upgraded flooring, adding new buildings to the property etc. With all the things that
can cause a loss to your home, keep in mind that the insurance company does not fix or replace the reason for the loss. They will only fix or replace the resulting damage of the loss. Insurance can sometimes be a complex purchase on choosing the right carrier for you and your home. Always remember..... Your Best Insurance is an Insurance Broker. Happy Spring and Summer My Friends..... Until Next Season.... Submitted by Johnston Meier Insurance Agencies Group
Start Spring with a new kitchen!
% 0 4 o t p u e v a S GERMAN ENGINEERED • CANADIAN BUILT
Cori
Laura
Peggy
Chrissy
ns.com
Kitchens that work, so you don’t have to.
)
Agencies Group 250-398-9033 • 1-888-696-1855 • williamslake@jmins.com
Unit D-280 N. 3rd Ave. (corner of 3rd & Cameron)
955D S. Mackenzie Ave 250-392-3425
Page 12
Spring 2014
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