Issuu

SPRING Home & Garden

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

We’re Here to Help You!

START

continued from page 8

What’s Your Goal?

Are you adding an extra bedroom this summer? Building a barn? Laying down a new hardwood floor? No matter what type of project you’re starting, it’s critical that you build a plan and stick with it. One of the easiest ways to break your budget is to add smaller projects on top of your original one. By adding more work, you’re adding to the cost of materials and labor if you’re using a home services

pRUNING

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continued from page 6 vine and wisteria, should be pruned in early spring. Springflowering shrubs such as lilacs and rhododendrons need to be pruned as soon as their earlyspring blooms have faded. This will help ensure a good bloom next year. According to TheSpruce.com, Blackeyed Susan, gayfeather, purple coneflower and globe thistle seed heads are great food for birds, so leave them be until early spring, while coral bells, delphiniums, hostas, turtleheads and mums need the protection of their foliage during winter. Don’t cut them back until spring.

RECALLS

continued from page 5

In Case of Recall

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If you own a recalled product, the company that produced the product may offer repair, replacement or a refund. You may not need your receipt, so it’s important to always look into rectifying the situation. If you do receive a replacement product or refund, you will likely be required to destroy and dispose of the faulty product safely to keep it off the market.

April 2021 professional. Work with your contractors to set realistic expectations before breaking ground on your project. This will help you earmark a specific amount to keep any extra spending to a minimum. It will also help keep you and your contractors on the same page from a timing standpoint.

Making Big Changes?

Revamping your home’s structure in any substantial way requires more design and engineering work. This means it will likely cost more money and

Pruning Tools

It’s important to keep your pruning tools sharp. While a plant can easily recover form a clean cut, a botched cut can weaken the plant and make the plant susceptible to disease. Sharpen shears and clippers, and oil moving parts to keep them working smoothly.

How to Prune

Some plants need more aggressive pruning than others. Consult the O ld Far mers Almanac or your local extension service for particulars on how much to prune a particular shrub or plant. In general, when pruning a tree, begin with removing any dead or dying branches, as

Sell Smart

take more time, according to NARI. Before committing to a major project that will alter the structure of your home, ask yourself the following questions: • Can I afford such a large project? • How old is my home? • Will the changes add to the overall value of the home? • D o I have the r ight contractors picked out for the multiple phases of the project? Once you understand what type of cost, contractors and timeline you’re looking at, you can feel more confident in moving forward with your project.

well as any “suckers” — sprouts emerging from the base of the trunk. Make clean cuts flush to the branch, with no part of the growth remaining. Also remove “watersprouts,” which are small, straight vertical shoots growing on the main branches. Thin out the tree by removing branches that grow downward, toward the center of the tree or that cross paths with another branch, as well as any limbs along the trunk that are bigger in diameter than the trunk. Then focus on evening out the branches and removing competing branches. Finally, prune the tree from the outermost growth to give it a pleasing shape, and promote the growth of shorter, thicker branches.

Guide to Selling Safer Products” If you’re planning a rummage at https://bit.ly/3rFFdnj. sale or selling goods through the classifieds or an online Shop Smart marketplace, do your part to help To protect your family from keep dangerous products out of unsafe products before you the marketplace by checking the guy, visit SaferProducts.gov, CPSC website for recalls. Selling where reports of harm caused recalled products is illegal, not by products are cataloged in a just for retailers but for individual searchable database. sellers. If you find a product is On the website, you can recalled, immediately destroy search by brand and model and dispose of it to help keep number and read reports made others safe. Many baby cribs by consumers about their with drop sides, as well as most experience with products from cribs manufactured before June air purifiers to dishwashers to 2011, have been recalled and thermostats to lawn equipment should not be resold. Check out and more. the CPSC’s publication “Resellers

April 2021

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

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Plant SummerBlooming Bulbs

Spring is the time to plant summer-blooming bulbs, such as dahlias, gladiolas, lilies, calladiums and elephant ears. Bulbs should be stored in a cool, dry place until all danger of frost has passed. Then it’s time to plant. 390 W. Derrynane St. Le Center, MN 56057

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When to Plant

Exactly when you plant will depend on what planting zone you live in. According to GardenDesign.com, in colder climates such as USDA Zones 4 to 7, summer-flowering bulbs d should be planted in mid to late spring (May to June), and in Zones 8 to 10, in early to midn spring (late March to May).

How to Plant

m The best res ource for knowing how deep to plant your tbulbs is the packaging they came in. In general, dig a hole that’s 2-3 times as deep as the bulb is

tall. The pointy side of the bulb should face up. The roots should face down. Give the bulbs a good watering. Continue watering whenever the soil is dry. Keep in mind that over-watering can cause the bulb to rot.

Mind your Soil

Most bulbs need rich soil, so mix some compost into your soil for the best results, especially if your soil is heavy clay or has poor drainage. Loamy or slightly sandy soil is ideal.

Prevent Weeds

The best way to prevent

weeds is to add 2-3 inches of mulch on top of your flowerbeds. Bulbs can easily grow up through the mulch. Weeds will have a harder time. Weed barrier fabric is not idea to use when planting bulbs, because it can prevent moisture from reaching the roots of the developing bulb. If you must use weed barrier fabric, cut slits in the fabric at the site of each bulb.

Plant for Visual Effect

Consider when your flowers will bloom to provide blooms all season long. Different plants

bloom at different times during the season. Others, such as such as seedum, daylilies, hosta or bleeding heart, will bloom repeatedly until late fall or provide consistent, rich foliage. Mix up your plantings so that your flowerbeds provide visual interest all season long. Consult Longfield Gardens’ Bloom Time Chart for Spring and Summer Bulbs at bit. ly/2KTQuQm to help you plan your flowerbeds.

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

April 2021

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Ideas for Repurposing a Shed

A backyard shed is handy for storing outdoor items, such as gardening tools, bicycles, lawnmowers and more. There’s a trend, however, of repurposing backyard sheds into more usable living or storage spaces. If your shed needs new life or you’re looking for more space, consider these remodels. You can do a basic update on a budget, or go all out and turn the shed into a brand new space.

A Standard Remodel

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Update a gardening shed with a fresh coat of paint and new fixtures, such as a custom handmade potting bench complete with a wash basin, customized storage for gardening tools and gear and window boxes with flowers.

Man Cave or She Shed

If you can afford to put more money into the project, why not turn the shed into a space all your own? Convert the shed to a man cave or she-shed. Add a TV, sofa and mini fridge for an entertaining space. Add custom storage and a craft table to make a crafting space. Have a hobby? Wire the shed to run a pottery wheel, woodworking tools or more. Or make it a peaceful yoga space.

A Guest House

If you could use a space for guests, consider converting the shed into a bull-blown guest house. You’ll likely need

to add insulation and heating/ cooling, electricity and furniture to convert the space to a living area. You could also add a TV and internet access. If your budget allows, you could even add plumbing.

A Home Office

The COVID-19 pandemic sent many people scrambling to find space in their homes for a home office. With internet access, soundproofing, insulation and HVAC, your shed could become your new workfrom-home space.

Add a Shed

If you don’t currently have a shed, consider adding one. You

can buy pre-made sheds or build your own, or consider a prefab model that can be customized for the intended use. No matter what you do, check into local ordinances regarding sheds. Sheds above a certain size may need to be permitted and inspected. If you live in a neighborhood w i t h a h o m e o w n e r ’s association sheds may not be permitted or may need to be approved by the HOA board and meet certain design standards.

April 2021

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

PAGE 13

Finding a Local Contract Once you know the scope of your project, it’s time to find the person who can make your dreams come true. A quality professional contractor can build, renovate or add to your properties. Finding the right contractor can be an overwhelming task. There are the contracts, the timelines and all of the decisions that go along with taking on a home project. Read on for some tips designed to help you find a great local contractor.

type of professional you need to hire for the job. According to the Federal Trade Commission, general contractors manage all aspects of a project, including obtaining building permits, scheduling inspections, the actual work and hiring, and overseeing and paying subcontractors. Specialty contractors perform particular services, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters or roofers. Architects design homes’ additions or major renovations, but don’t do the building work. And design contractors can

Determine Your Project

Contractors can specialize, while handymen and women may be focused on smaller projects. The size and scope of your project will determine what

Ask Around

Check with friends and neighbors to see who they have used and would recommend for your project. Ask your prospective contractors for photos or videos of their work. Any good contractor should be able to back up their work

CONTRACT continued on page 18

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

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April 2021

How to Review a Contract

When you’ve found a contractor you like, the next step is to enter into a formal agreement. This contract will spell out what exactly is required of the contractor, as well as payment schedules and other details critical to the project.

The key to a great home improvement contract is both sides being crystal clear on the contents. Once there is a mutual understanding and acceptance, it’s time to start the work.

What’s In a Contract?

The home services website Angie’s List recommends these 10 items to be included in any home improvement agreement you enter into: 1. Job description that spells out the project. 2. Start and completion dates that give a reasonable project timeline. 3. Payment terms that tie payment draws to job completion milestones. 4. Local authorization that specifies that your contractor is responsible for securing necessary regulatory permits.

5. Penalties for missed completion dates. 6. Procedure for work orders/ changes to initial agreement. 7. Detailed outline of costs and materials. 8 . P ro o f o f l i c e n su re, insurance and bonding. 9. Termination clause that describes how a homeowner or contractor can leave the deal without penalty. 10. Other protection, which can include a lien release that protects you from liability should the contractor fail to pay their workers.

Defining Payment Terms

There is no steadfast rule to how much your contractor may charge as a down payment. Research your state laws to determine if there’s a limit, and aim to start the project with as low a down payment as possible.

This will incentivize your contractor to start and finish your project in an expeditedt $ fashion. B a

Always Write It Out

Even if your state doesn’t require a written contract, request one from your contractor. This ensures your project and thei contractor’s work are definedc and the work is measurable. c F o l l o w t h e l i s t o fb aforementioned contract items,b and keep key timelines in minds to ensure project efficiency. Try tof be home when possible to maked sure you can keep an eye on thes progress of your contractor ands set up regular meetings to drivep a productivity.

The more involved you can be as a homeowner, the fewerw surprises you’ll find when thep Th project comes to a close. i

April 2021

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

Perk Up for Pollinators

PAGE 15

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Bees and other pollinators — bats, butterflies, beetles, wasps and birds, among others — play a critical role in nature and in our food production system. According to the USDA, more than 100 different crops worth $18 billion rely on pollinators. But some pollinator populations are in rapid decline.

Colony Collapse Disorder

The Western honey bee, in particular, is vulnerable to colony’s collapse disorder, a condition that causes worker bees to disappear, leaving behind only the queen and some nursemaid bees to care for babies. The USDA says the disorder is likely the cause of stressors in the environment, such as pests, disease, pollutants, nutritional deficits and cloak of habitat. Because the problem was recognized, honey bee populations are recovering. There’s still work to do, however, in bringing bee and other

pollinator populations back.

Ways You Can Help

One thing everyone can do is to choose landscaping and gardening projects that include native species that flower at different times of year to provide a steady food source for pollinator populations. Bees and other pollinators prefer clumps of flowers in different colors and shapes. If you live in an area that hosts a monarch migration, plant milkweed in your yard to provide food for caterpillars. In addition to good groceries, you can also provide nesting sites. Butterflies like the monarch prefer specific plants for hosting their larvae, like the milkweed, while hummingbirds like trees and shrubs. Bees like to build nests in the ground on in wood or dry plant stems. Provide nesting sites for bees by leaving ground nesting sites that are

well-drained and face south so they get the most sun. Dead or hollow stumps and plant stems also make great bee habitat, or you can buy artificial nesting sites that are attractive additions to your garden.

Bee Better Program

Bee Better Certification is a program funded through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. It certifies the use of pollinator-friendly conservation practices on farms. Manufacturers that qualify can use the Bee Better certification logo on product packaging, g i v i n g consumers an option to support farms that support bees.

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

April 2021

Building a Water Feature Adding a water feature to your yard or patio adds a cooling, relaxing element to your environment. It can serve as a focal point of your outdoor living space and also as a pleasant scene setter for outdoor parties or even just a relaxing evening with a book. Here’s how to build your own water feature with steps from the DIY Network.

Pick a Spot

Choose a flat spot in your yard and remove any existing plants, rocks and debris. Dig out the shape of your new pond. For a natural shape, make your pond with rounded edges that aren’t perfectly symmetrical.

Sand It and Layer It

Once you’ve got the pool dug, add a layer of fill sand that’s about an inch or two thick. This will act as a cushion for your pond linger and keep it from tearing on rocks or other debris in the soil. Build up the sand around the edges to be a little bit higher and taper it off around the sides. Next, lay down the pond liner to keep the pond clean. Choose a tick liner that’s unlikely to tear but still flexible enough to mold © adobe stock

to the shape of your pond. Don’t be afraid to use more than one piece so it doesn’t leak. Your liner should completely cover the pond with excess liner on all sides, up and over the border you made with sand. Put rocks down to pin the liner in place and then cut it to size.

Rock It

Wash off your rocks with a hose before placing them in and around your pond.

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The pond liner should be covered with small to mediumsized stones, with larger rocks around the edges for contrast. Roll them into place if you can and don’t be afraid to flip them around to find the best look for your space.

Put Down Roots

Plants around the edges of your pond will soften the look of the stone and bring in some color. Choose native plants that

Places to go. Things to do.

are friendly to pollinators and use a range of colors and sizes. Install drip irrigation to keep your plants healthy and watered.

Finish It Up

A d d a s t o re - b o u g h t fountain and water. Fill the pond up with water per your pump’s instructions and keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t empty out in hotter months.

April 2021

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

PAGE 17

Plants to Repel Mosquitoes

While you should welcome some insects to your gardens — remember those pollinators? — there are other pests that are less welcome. Among those are the scourge of the summer months, the mosquito.

What are Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes cause the most deaths of any other animal taxonomy per year, killing more than 700,000 people annually. Mosquitoes feed on the blood of host animals, including humans, and transfer pathogens from host to host. Diseases such as malaria, Chikungunya, West Nile virus, dengue fever and others are spread from mosquito bites. In humans, mosquitoes appear to prefer people with type O blood,

heavy breathers and pregnant women. Most mosquitoes feed during dawn or dusk and rest during the heat of the day.

Repelling Mosquitoes

There are a host of mosquito repellents on the market. Candles, bracelets, sprays, zappers, they all work, usually with some chemical help. But there’s also a natural way to go. Many plants will help keep mosquitoes from invading your space. Here’s a list of plants with mosquito-repellent properties to help keep your garden pestfree this summer.

• Lavender and marigolds. These flowering plants emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. You can grow both of these in pots and they give you gorgeous blooms to boot. • Citronella. You may be familiar with the citronella candles, but those things get their distinctive smell from the citronella plant. It and other lemon-scented plants repel mosquitoes. • Rosemary, basil and sage. These kitchen herbs also keep mosquitoes and other pests away from your home. Both do well in containers or in the ground. • Bee balm. This pollinatorfriendly plant also keeps

mosquitoes away. Crush the leaves to release the repellent oils. • Allium. These bulbs are the family that brings you garlic and onions. They release a strong smell that mosquitoes don’t like.

What Else Can You Do?

While making the environment inhospitable to mosquitoes is a great way to keep them away, you also need

to make sure you aren’t doing them any favors. Eliminate standing water as much as possible and treat pools and ponds to keep mosquitoes from laying their eggs there.

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

RENOVATE

Another way to increase the value of your home is to continued from page 7 focus on the outside. Consider involves installing drywall, hiring a company to handle the flooring, and paint but can maintenance of your exterior. recoup up to 70% of the cost, To mow the lawn, prune shrubs, according to HomeAdvisor. apply mulch and plant about 60

CONTRACT

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perennials or annuals over about 2,800 square feet costs about $3,000 but can net a 100% return on investment, according to the National Association of Realtors.

state requires contractors to be comes in substantially lower licensed, ensure the contractor’s than others should be looked license is current. at closely. Why the variance? Will the materials come be high Get Several Quotes quality? Is professional able to Cost is important to any give you an itemized list of how project but it shouldn’t be your their bid breaks down? These are the types of things only defining factor. Low bids to consider when hiring anyone are great, but an estimate that for a job around your home.

April 2021

Power Washing Basics

Summer weather means spending more time outside. And while you’re out there, you may notice that the winter months took a harsh toll on your exterior surfaces.

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Fortunately, power washing can get most of your surfaces sparking again. Keep reading for more tips on how to choose a power washer and use it safely.

Types of Pressure Washers

Pressure washers take lowpressure water from your garden hose and push it out through a nozzle at high pressure. Pressure washers can be powered by electricity or gas. Electric pressure washers usually cost less and run quieter than gaspowered models, but the trade off is that they’re less portable (you’ll need to have power wherever you use it) and usually less powerful than gas-powered washers. Gas pressure washers are good for larger jobs such as decks, patios, sidewalks and siding. You can get gas washers

with an electric start to make it easier to start up. With gas washers, you’ll need to be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the oil and gas for the machine. You may even have to vary fuel types depending on your climate.

Nozzles

A pressure washer will usually come with a variety of nozzles to do a variety of jobs. These may include: 0 degree nozzles: the most powerful, concentrated nozzle setting. 15 degree nozzles: used for heavy-duty cleaning. 25 degree nozzles: used for general cleaning. 40 degree nozzles: Used for vehicles, patio furniture, boats and easily damaged surfaces. 65 degrees: A low-pressure nozzle used to apply soap and other cleaning agents.

Always read the instruction manual that comes with your pressure washer and make sure you know how to how to quickly turn it off and release the pressure. For safety’s sake, stand on a stable surface while you’re pressure washing. Wear eye and ear protection and never leave a spray gun unattended. Never point the spray gun at people, animals or plants and keep the spray away from electricity.

Maintenance

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance of your machine. In general, you may need to regularly maintain the washer’s pump and, for gas motors, you’ll also need to tend to the air filter, oil and spark plug.

April 2021

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

Questions to Ask If this is your first home improvement project for which you are hiring outside help, there are many questions you should be prepared to ask.

Any time you plan to bring someone into your home, you should do your research b e f o re h a n d t o e n s u re a successful project. Depending on the size of the project, experts recommend you securing at least three quotes from prospective home services professionals before moving forward. This may not be realistic, especially if you’re facing some sort of plumbing or electrical issue that requires quick, emergency service. e Here are some questions you should ask any contractor ebefore they start, according to ,the Federal Trade Commission. e

hire a contractor with experience that relates to what you need. For example, you wouldn’t hire a local plumber to install a pool, even if he or she tells you they could probably handle it. Be smart about who you are sourcing for your project and look for ways to ensure a warranty with their services. Can you share references? Get names, addresses and phone numbers for recent customers ser ved by the contractor. Be ready to ask these customers about their costs, timeline and overall satisfaction of the job completed.

What similar projects have you completed recently?

What permits will be needed?

PAGE 19

You want to make sure you

Any good local contractor will be familiar with the permitting process and laws in your community.

Subcontractors may need permits and licenses as well, so do your research ahead of time to see if your state requires them.

What insurance coverage do you have?

Ask for copies of insurance certificates. According to the FTC, contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation and property damage coverage. If not, you could be liable for injuries and damages that happen during the project.

What is the timeline for completion?

It’s best to set realistic expectations from the beginning when it comes to a target completion date. Leaving this open ended can lead to frustration and confusion once the project gets under

way. Be open with your home services professional and ask for continuous updates. This will help keep the project on track and on time.

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Index

PAGE 2

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

Spring Cleaning Checklist.........................3 Ideas for Repurposing a Shed.................12 Shopping for Solar....................................4 Finding a Local Contract.........................13 Stay in the know on recalls.......................5 How to Review a Contract.......................14 Spring Pruning Basics...............................6 Perk Up for Pollinators............................15 A Great Time to Renovate.........................7 Building a Water Feature.........................16 How to Start a Project Right.....................8 Plants to Repel Mosquitoes....................17 Protect your Siding Warranty...................9 Power Washing Basics.............................18 Plant Summer-Blooming Bulbs..............11 Questions to Ask......................................19

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April 2021

Spring Home & Garden REGIONAL PRESIDENT: STEVE FISHER REGIONAL GENERAL MANAGER: CHAD HJELLMING REGIONAL MANAGING editor: SUZANNE ROOK Regional Director of Sales: TOM KELLING

advertising: Jordan Andreas, Amber Casterton, Kathleen Davies, Victoria Davis, Jennifer Flowers, Crystal Hobart, Britney Marr, Tim Mart, Mark Nelson, Deanna Walters All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. This publication is ©2021 by APG SoMinn and no content can be reproduced without permission. Spring Home & Garden is delivered to all subscribers of Owatonna People’s Press, Faribault Daily News, Northfield News, Kenyon Leader and Waseca County News at no cost.

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PAGE 20

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

PAGE 3

Spring Cleaning Checklist Spring cleaning is a chance for a fresh start. After a long winter spent cooped up at home, spring is a natural time to declutter, clean and organize your home. Here is a checklist of spring cleaning jobs to remember. You can go it alone, or consider hiring a local cleaning service to help you really make your home shine. MarthaStewart.com recommends replenishing your cleaning supplies before you get started. That way you’ll have all the tools you need for the job. • Basic cleaning. Sweep, mop, vacuum, clean toilets, the

works. This is the time to tackle deep-cleaning jobs you’ve been putting off. Sanitize the hardto-reach area behind the toilet. Scrub off caked-on soap scum and grime on the bathroom faucet. Really get in there and finish the job. • Once-in-a-while jobs. This is the time to clean the oven, open all the windows and clean the tracks, glass and screens. Degrease the kitchen cabinet doors and hinges. Give the refrigerator a deep clean, including the door seals and glass. Defrost the freezer, if needed. Deep clean the kitchen sink disposal. Polish any silver. Dust the blinds and wash or vacuum the curtains. Shampoo

cleaning continued on page 9

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

April 2021

Shopping for Solar

IT’S TIME for your Air Conditioning System Tune-up Things like clogged filters, dirty coils and unlubricated fan motors can reduce your system’s efficiency up to 25%. Plus a trained technician can spot trouble-before you’re left out in the heat. Here are some of the services our technician will perform during a system check.

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A solar array is installed in America every two minutes, according to community solar advocates Solstice.

With solar getting more affordable, more homeowners are jumping on board, having solar panels installed on their homes. Given the newness of solar energy, however, knowing what to look for while shopping for solar panels can be tricky. T h e U. S. D e p a r t m e n t of Energy offers a primer for homeowners called “ Ho m e o w n e r ’s G u i d e t o Going Solar.” The website (bit. ly/3rIT1xk) covers the basics of how solar energy works, how to determine if your home is

suitable for a solar installation, and the financial and safety considerations involved.

Home Suitability

Many factors are considered in determining whether your home is suitable for solar panels. In general, you will need to own your home and have a newer roof with a south-facing slope that isn’t obscured by excessive shade. Each individual solar company will have its own requirements.

Financial Matters

You can buy solar panels outright, finance them with a loan, or lease panels. With a loan or lease, your monthly payments could be lower than your monthly electricity bill, but you will be locked into a longterm contract. Another option is a power purchase agreement, through which a consumer agrees to purchase power produced by panels installed

on his home at a set price. Purchasing panels could allow you to qualify for the Solar Investment Tax Credit, a 30% federal tax credit available through 2022. Lease and PPA agreements do not qualify for the credit. Also ask about net metering. This arrangement allows you to receive credit on your electric bill for power that your system feeds back into the grid. Shop around with various solar installers and compare their financing options. Compare the up-front and monthly costs, as well as tax benefits.

Safety

If you’re worried about whether solar is safe for your home, rest assured the industry is well regulated

SOLAR

continued on page 9

April 2021

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

PAGE 5

Stay in the know on recalls In December 2020, a U.S. ceiling fan manufacturer recalled nearly 200,000 fans due to a risk of the fan blades detaching during use, causing injury and property damage. It’s important to keep tabs on recalled products that might be laying around your house with the potential to do harm.

You might think you have nothing to worry about, but in December 2020 alone, the CPSC issued recalls of dozens of household items, including the following: all-terrain vehicles, home energy storage batteries, gas camping stoves, portable baby sleepers, tents, flashlights, pole saws, bicycles, cell phone chargers, multi-cookers and more. The risks include burns, fire hazards, fall risks, suffocation and more. To stay in the know, regularly visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall website at www.cpsc.gov/Recalls. You can also sign up for e-mails about recalls in specific categories of products.

RECALLS

continued on page 10

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PAGE 6

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

April 2021

Spring Pruning Basics Many perennial plants need a spring pruning. Their foliage may provide protection during the winter, but by spring, it’s time to prune in order to encourage new growth. This means pruning is an essential part of your spring gardening plans. Here are some pruning basics to get you started.

When to Prune

According to the Old Farmers Almanac, the timing of pruning a tree or shrub depends mostly on when it blooms and whether it blooms on old or new growth. In general, plants that flower after midsummer should be pruned in the spring, while those that bloom in winter, spring and early summer should be pruned soon

after flowering. Burger Farm and Garden Center reminds gardeners that while an ill-timed pruning may lead to fewer flowers and fruits, it is rarely fatal to the plant.

What to Prune

Fruit trees such as apple, cherr y, peach and plum, and vines such as trumpet

pRUNING

continued on page 10

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

A Great Time to Renovate

Have you noticed your neighbors adding pools, outdoor entertainment areas and extra square footage? If so, you’re not alone.

Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies estimates that Americans’ total spend on home remodeling projects will rise from $332 billion in the third quarter of 2020 to $337 billion in the second half of 2021. Check out these statistics from a 2020 CNBC report: • Houzz, an online home remodeling platform, reported a 58% annual increase in project leads for home professionals in June. • Poolcorp, an international distributor of swimming pool supplies, parts and outdoor living products, saw a 54% increase in the summer of 2020.

• Kitchen and bath remodels jumped 40% in June 2020 compared to June 2019. • Home extensions and additions jumped 52% in 2020. • Security and privacy also saw much greater demand with interest in fence installation and repairs up 166%. Stimulus payments are driving many of these decisions to renovate, as is the increased equity in homes. Home prices continue to gain, despite the economic downturn, as demand for housing is hitting new levels.

Why Now?

Even as vaccinations continue to roll out and travel is experiencing an uptick, it’s not too late to take advantage of some of the incentives related to renovating your space. In fact, you may have saved some money by waiting for lumber and materials production to return back to normal after many industries related to the construction industry saw major shortages during the pandemic’s earliest

days. This could be a good time to take advantage of lower costs while also being able to add value back into your home, should you ultimately decide to sell.

What to Renovate

Outside of the traditional bathroom and kitchen remodels, many Americans are feeling the need for extra square footage. More parents are working from home than ever before. More kids are working on school projects remotely. And while that may change as we return to some sort of normalcy, there is good reason to believe that more space will remain a top need for families moving forward. Finishing a basement could be a great answer to a space shortage in your home. This project will run you $18,400 on average, but can cost up to $34,000, depending on your square footage. The project

RENOVATE continued on page 18

PAGE 7

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SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

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How to Start a Project Right

There are many important things to consider when looking to improve your home. Many questions may be rolling around in your head as you consider taking on a home renovation project. Some of these questions may be related to cost. Others may be focused on quality and return on your investment. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, you need to have a good idea of what you’re looking

for, how much you have to spend and what kind of timeline you’re considering. The beginning of a project is the most critical component to make sure you’re clear on. The good news? A helpful local home services professional

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April 2021

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

Protect your Siding Warranty Your home’s siding protects the structure of your home, but what protects your siding? The warranty. Whether you’re shopping for new siding or interested in maintaining the value of your current siding, it’s important to understand how siding warranties work. That way you’ll know what will be covered and what will not, and you can maintain your siding accordingly. Labor or materials. Your siding manufacturer will likely provide a warranty on the siding itself. The installer might warranty the installation job, to be sure it’s installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Your installer should be able to explain the warranty options for both. In general, warranties that last longer or provide more protection will be more expensive. Consider how much the protection is worth to you. Would you have room in your budget to replace siding in a situation in which the materials

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and labor would not be covered? It might be worth spending a little more upfront to prevent major expenses later. Coverage limits. What’s covered by the warranty will also vary among manufacturer, product grade and material. A war ranty may include protection from insects, hale, rot, delamination, excessive fading, peeling, cracking, rusting, corroding and more. Warranties will differ based on the material. Wood siding is much more susceptible to damage from things like water and insects, whereas composite siding is much more durable, with the ability to resist severe weather and repel insects. Term. The term of the loan is another important consideration. Many manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty. If the warranty covers only a set period, such as 50 years, check whether

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the warranty is pro-rated. This means that the older the siding is at the time of a claim, the less the manufacturer will pay. If you are remodeling a home to sell or intend to sell in the near future, consider whether the warranty can be transferred to new owners. This feature could increase the value of the home. Be sure to let the new owners know how to take advantage of the transfer. There is usually a time limit in which the transfer must be completed, such as 30 or 45 days after the sale of the home. Some features of the warranty may not transfer, and the term may be reduced after the transfer.

PAGE 9

cleaning

continued from page 3

rugs. Clean washing machine seals. Dust and wipe down baseboards and crown molding. Clean and sanitize remote controls. Check or replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Replace air filters. Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans. Vacuum refrigerator coils. Flip mattresses. Wash comforters and other large bedding, or take them to the cleaners. Reseal grout. Polish or wax wooden furniture. Wax flooring. • Seasonal maintenance. Clean gutters. Clean and repair © adobe stock outdoor furniture. Pressure wash Routine maintenance. the deck or patio. Clean any The siding manufacturer will likely require that you keep the siding maintained to a certain standard. For example, you may continued from page 4

debris from the roof. Consider having your air conditioning unit cleaned and serviced. • Declutter. Spring is a great time to go through adults’ and kids’ closets to see which clothes no longer fit or have holes/ stains. Make a donation pile and organize the remaining clothes in drawers and closets. Do the same with toys and books. Toss any food that’s been hanging around in the refrigerator a bit too long. Inventory the deep freeze so you can use up foods that have been lurking there.

SOLAR

be required to use a soft-bristled brush as opposed to a pressurewasher. The manufacturer will offer recommended products to clean the siding and warn against using strong chemical cleaners. Damage caused by issues such as mold left on the surface of the siding may not be covered. The warranty may also prohibit you from painting, varnishing or otherwise refinishing your siding.

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to protect homeowners. Solar panels must meet international inspection and testing standards, according to the Department of Energy, and installers must meet qualifications and install panels to meet local building, fire and electrical codes. Your system should be thoroughly inspected by a certified electrician before it goes online.

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