Autumn the prime time to garden
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Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 2
Quiet home noise with soundproofing or isn’t. Certain offenders are driving up the noise levels in homes. New building materials that are lighter than those used in the past can make it easier for noise to travel be-
tween rooms. In addition, open floor plans make it easy for noise to travel from room to room, while handheld personal devices can make rooms
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Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 3
Autumn is a prime time to tend lawns and gardens Autumn is gardening season. That statement may not seem right to those who think of the spring as the peak time to care for lawns and gardens. However, autumn is an ideal time to get into the garden and ensure that flowers, trees and garden beds will over-winter successfully. A number of things make autumn a prime gardening season. The cooler days of fall enable gardeners to spend ample time outdoors without the threat of blazing heat. In addition, soil harbors a lot of residual warmth in autumn. Also, the colder temperatures haven’t yet arrived in autumn, nor have the leaves completely fallen, making fall a prime time
to assess what’s already in the landscape, what needs pruning back and where to address planting for next year. Gardening enthusiasts can focus their attention on these areas this fall. Pamper perennials As annuals and perennials start to fall back, mark the spots where perennials are located so they can be easily identified later on. This way, when planning spots for spring bulbs or other spring layouts for next year, perennials won’t be overlooked or covered over. Prune shrubs Look at shrubs and trees and cut out dead or
diseased wood. Clean up borders Weed and tidy up borders and lawn edging. Install pavers or rock wall Embrace the cooler temperatures to work on labor-intensive projects, such as putting in a garden bed, retaining wall or walkway. Remove spent summer veggies Take out vegetable garden plants that have already bloomed and borne fruit. Tidy up vegetable gardens and start to sow cooler weather plants, such as onions, garlic, beans, and sweet peas. Rake and compost Rake the leaves and gather grass clippings to add to the compost pile. Plant spring bulbs Get tulips and other spring bulbs ready for planting so they’ll burst with color next year. Dig up herbs
Relocate herbs like parsley or basil to indoor gardens. Otherwise, strip all leaves and freeze for storage during winter. Consider mums
Chr ysanthemum plants are perennials. While they look beautiful in pots, if planted, maintained and winterized, they can bloom every fall. Fertilize the lawn Fertilizing in autumn helps ensure grass will stay healthy throughout the winter. Add mulch and compost to the garden Replenish spent soil with mulch and compost so garden beds will be revitalized for spring planting.
Prune hedges Tidy up hedges, as they won’t be growing much more this year. Clean and store equipment Clean, sharpen and oil all equipment, storing lawn and garden tools properly so they are ready for spring and not lying out all winter. Autumn may not seem like gardening season, but there are plenty of lawn and garden tasks to tend to during this time of year. — Metro Creative
Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 4
Did you know? According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, adding square footage to a home can cost homeowners anywhere from $7,000 to $100,000. When adding square
footage to a home, homeowners may need to knock down an interior wall or walls, the cost of which can vary widely depending on the walls being knocked down. Load-bearing walls are
needed to support the home, and while such walls can be removed, homeowners may need to hire structural engineers at additional cost to orchestrate such removals.
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Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 5
Considering an energy audit? Get informed
Overconsumption of energy is a problem that plagues many homeowners. Wasting energy can hurt homeowners’ bottom lines and the planet. But many homeowners aren’t aware just how much energy their homes are consuming and even wasting. That’s why a home energy audit can be so important. A home energy audit or assessment investigates just how much energy a home consumes so homeowners can make their homes more energy efficient. Audits identify where energy is being wasted and can offer suggestions to fix the problem. The U.S. Department of Energy advises that the average U.S. household consumes around 90 million BTUs in a year. A BTU is a standardized measurement of energy; 1 BTU is roughly equal to the amount of energy required to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree. Of the energy used in homes, nearly 50 percent goes to heating and cooling. Water heating, appliances, electronics,
and lighting account for the remaining consumption. Consumers can save between 5 and 30 percent on home energy bills by getting a home energy audit and making the adjustments advised by auditors. There are two types of energy audits: professional and do-it-yourself. Professional auditors will go roomto-room to assess a home’s energy use. Typical testing includes thermographic scans and infrared cameras to determine air leakage and insulation; a blower door test, which depressurizes the home and simulates the effect of a 20 mph wind to find air leaks; and watt meter measurements to test energy usage by various devices throughout the house. Before an auditor comes to the house, homeowners can make a list of any problems or concerns they want to discuss with the auditor. The auditor also may interview the homeowner to learn about how the home normally runs and can analyze energy bills to
determine typical energy consumption. Windows, doors, HVAC systems, insulation, fireplaces, and lighting fixtures all may be assessed during a professional audit. Even though a professional audit is
usually the best way to determine where a home is losing energy, homeowners can conduct their own audits to detect and fix problems. Locating and sealing air leaks, addressing inadequate ventilation, checking that insulation levels and vapor barriers are at recommended levels, and inspecting HVAC systems should be part of any DIY audit. If a heating/cooling unit is more than 15 years old, the DOE suggests having it replaced with a newer, energy-efficient unit. An energy audit can identify areas around a home where improvements can be made to reduce energy consumption and waste. Upgrading to new appliances, replacing light bulbs, sealing drafts, improving insulation, and addressing moisture and water leaks can be good for the environment and help homeowners save money. — Metro Creative
Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 6
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Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 7
Simplify paving stone installation Paving stones can add beauty to walkways, driveways and backyard patios, providing that eye-catching finishing touch to a property while enhancing its curb appeal. Even though the installation of pavers can be a labor-intensive process, with the right tools and tips, this can be a do-it-yourself project for homeowners with renovation experience. Consider these tricks and how-to tips courtesy of The Home Depot, DIY Network and Unilock.
Get your supplies
To begin a paver project, homeowners will need to stock up on some supplies
they may not already have at home. Marking paint, mason line, wooden stakes, leveling sand, paver base, and more will be required. A manual tamper can be used. However, for larger areas, it can be worth the cost to rent a plate compactor.
Measure the area
The number of bags of sand, paver base and paving stones needed for the project depends on the size of the area. For example, according to the Home Depot, for 60 square feet, homeowners will need about 30 12 x 12-inch paver stones, 40 bags of paver base and 12 bags of paver lev-
eling sand. Spray or mark the area where the paving stones will be laid. Measure carefully so you can order exactly how many stones you will need. Have the materials delivered to reduce heavy lifting and trips to the store. Be sure to have all utility lines marked prior to excavation to avoid damage.
Prepare the base carefully
One of the most important aspects of paver installation involves preparing the base. If you cut corners in this process, the finished results can be sloppy, weeds can grow
through and/or stones may loosen. It’s essential to grade the area away from the house. That means that the highest point of the patio or walkway should be closest to the house and then the incline gradually flattens out as it moves away from the home. This allows proper water runoff. Mark the height on the stakes and adjust the mason line. Remember to slope the area away from your home with a drop-off of about one inch for every 8 feet. The base of many DIY applications should be between four and six inches deep. Work incrementally, raking and tamping until the base is firm. Lightly wetting the ma-
terial can help it solidify. Sand helps inhibit weed growth and anchor the pavers together. Plastic lining will not be practical.
Installation
Use edge restraints and a string line to keep the design straight. Do not hammer the pavers together. Paver sand will need to be swept over and settled between the stones to help set them in place. It helps to read tutorials and watch videos on paving stone installation prior to beginning the project. With practice, the installation will go more smoothly. — Metro Creative
Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 8
Questions to ask before embracing DIY Home improvement projects are as popular as ever. In its 2017 True Cost Survey, the home improvement site HomeAdvisor found that, between February 2016 and February 2017, homeowners spent an average of just over $5,000 on home projects. That marked a nearly $1,900 increase from the year prior, indicating that homeowners are increasingly opening their wallets to transform their homes.
In addition to spending money to improve their homes, many homeowners are spending their time on projects as well. While DIY projects can provide a sense of fulfillment and personal attachment to one’s home, prospective do-it-yourselfers should ask themselves some questions before picking up their hammers and getting to work. — Metro Creative
Do I have any physical limitations?
N
o matter how much home improvement television shows may simplify projects, prospective DIYers should know that such undertakings are typically very difficult and oftentimes physically demanding. Homeowners with existing health conditions or other physical limitations may not be capable of performing certain tasks or may need to take frequent breaks, which can delay projects.
M
Do I have the time?
any home improvement projects require a significant amount of time to complete. Homeowners whose time is already stretched thin with commitments to work and/or family may not be able to complete projects within a reasonable amount of time. That’s fine if working on a part of the home that won’t affect daily life, but can prove stressful or problematic if the project is in a room, such as a kitchen or bathroom, that residents of the home use each day. Novice DIYers should be especially honest with themselves about the time they have available to work on the project, as such homeowners are bound to experience a few time-consuming missteps along the way.
W
Can I afford it?
hile DIY might seem more affordable than hiring a contractor, that’s not necessarily true. Novice DIYers may need to buy or rent tools, costs that can add up. Contractors already have the tools necessary to begin and complete projects, so the cost savings of DIY might not be as significant as homeowners think. Before going the DIY route, homeowners should solicit estimates from contractors, comparing the estimates to how much a project will cost if homeowners do it themselves.
M
Can I go it alone?
any home improvement projects require more than one set of hands, and it’s risky and even foolish for first-time DIYers to assume they can begin a project and see it through to completion entirely on their own. Homeowners whose spouses, partners, friends, or relatives are willing to chip in may think that’s enough. However, the DIY skills of those who volunteer may be a mystery until the project begins. Novice DIYers should enlist the help of a friend or family member with home improvement experience. If no such person is available, it may be wise to hire a contractor instead. Home improvement projects may seem simple on television. But prospective do-it-yourselfers must make honest assessments of their skills, time and budgets before taking on a DIY project.
Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 9
Weekend renovation projects Some home renovation projects require the expertise of professionals, but there also are many ways for homeowners to improve their homes without hiring a pro or spending too much money. The following are a handful of DIY renovation projects homeowners can tackle in a typical weekend.
Closet conversion Ample closet space is a big plus for home buyers, but upon moving into a new home, many homeowners may find they don’t need as much closet space as they initially thought. Guest room walkin closets, in particular, may prove to be underutilized resources. Such closets often come with built-in shelving, and therefore, they make ideal spaces to convert to mini home offices or study areas for kids. Installing an extra shelf to serve as a desk area for remote working or homework stations won’t take up much of a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, and before you know it, you will have a fully functioning workspace.
Accent wall Accent walls can liven up a room by breaking the color pattern of the walls in
the room. Accent walls also can be used to divert attention on a particular design element in a room, such as a painting or an elaborate wall furnishing. Painting an accent wall won’t take very long, but such a project can give a room an entirely new look and feel.
Driveway If weather permits, repaving an asphalt driveway can be an ideal weekend project, especially if an existing driveway has endured its fair share of wear and tear. Many driveways can be paved anew in a single day, but larger driveways or those that have endured an extraordinary amount of wear and tear may take a couple of days.
Storage & shelving Much like some homes come with an abundance of storage areas, others fall short of homeowners’ or apartment dwellers’ needs. If your home or apartment falls into the latter category, adding some shelving or finding some new furniture that can serve double duty as storage areas is a weekend project that can help clear up some space. Purchase some wood shelving from a local furniture retailer to mimic the look of traditional built-ins or replace existing single-use furniture with newer items capable of serving multiple functions, including storage.
Art If the rooms and hallways in your home are bare or in need of new looks but your budget is tight, try your hand at spicing things up by creating some of your own paintings. Parents can encourage kids to create their own colorful masterpieces. Frame the finished works and hang them on the wall and enjoy your inexpensive and homemade “art gallery.” — Metro Creative
Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 10
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Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 11
Make fall clean-up eco-friendly Compost is a friend
Certain tasks become necessary once autumn arrives. Whereas spring and summer were spent tending gardens and maintaining a yard prime for entertaining, autumn is about preparing properties to survive the winter. Just as with other jobs around the house and yard, fall clean-up can be done in a manner that is respectful to the environment.
Spread a thin layer of compost on the lawn and in garden beds. Compost prevents weed growth, insulates and protects the soil and provides nutrients that will be needed once the spring busy season begins. By using compost, homeowners can reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and weed killers.
Leave plant stalks and leaves
Check for drafts and leaks
It is tempting to want to cut back perennials and other greenery so a property looks neat. But as flowers and plants dry and drop to the ground, they help insulate the roots from the cold. They also provide a natural habitat and serve as a winter food source for birds and small animals.
Fall is an ideal time to check windows and doors for cracks where water, air or insects can enter. Seal up holes and cracks, and ensure there are no drafty areas. Drafts can cause home heating and cooling systems to work harder, expending more energy than necessary.
Rake leaves sensibly Power blowers and mulchers make fast work of leaves, but at the expense of the environment. Gas-powered devices discharge fuel exhaust into the air, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, reap the benefits of peace and quiet as well as exercise from manual raking. While raking, do not feel the need to remove every leaf. A certain amount of organic matter can be beneficial to the soil and even insulate the lawn somewhat. A leftover leaf here or there also may provide protection for insects and small animals. For example, many native bees spend the winter in tunnels in the ground, cracks in mortar, holes in dead wood, or within hollow stems, and they need lawn and garden litter to survive.
Collect and harvest Be sure to gather any useable garden vegetables and fruits and prepare them for storage if they cannot be consumed in the next few days. Canning is a time-honored preservation method. Herbs and seeds can be dried and saved for use later on. Vacuum seal fresh basil and parsley.
Take inventory Look at which items in the yard have seen better days and prepare to recycle or reuse them in different ways. Faded plastic planters can be used as impromptu bird baths in a garden. An old tire can be mulched and turned into soft material to put around a playset. Inquire as to the proper way to recycle plastic lawn chairs that may be broken. Autumn yard work should be performed in as eco-friendly a fashion as possible. — Metro Creative
Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 12
Leaf peeping planning guide
Quiet Continued from Page 2
Millions of people each year look forward to the magnificent colors on display in autumn. Fall offers irreplaceable views, whether you’re atop a mountain ridge or thick in the folds of a forest. In addition, the crackle of leaves underfoot and the earthy smell of the soil tempts the senses even more. Some advance planning can help make fall foliage trips that much more enjoyable and awe-inspiring.
noisy. Homeowners who want more peace and quiet in their home can take the following steps. Add more drywall Homeowners may not be able to add walls of sturdy brick to block sounds, but they can add more drywall in noisy rooms. Consider adding more drywall to a library or reading nook. The home improvement resource HomeLogic notes that drywall can be used to isolate noisy rooms, such as those where kids practice playing musical instruments. Beef up dense materials Heavy curtains, fluffy furniture and thick carpets can make rooms quieter because they help absorb sound waves. Such items and materials also can help prevent echoes. Bare walls and floors will only make sounds bounce around. Seal holes and cracks
Peak viewing times Areas of the northern-most latitude will start to show color earlier than more southern areas. Generally speaking, the leaf-viewing season begins in late September and runs through early November for much of North America. Peak times for viewing depend on areas of travel and time of year. For large swaths of CanNoises from outside can sneak around gaps in windows, doors and siding. Making sure gaps are sealed will not only make a home more energy efficient, but also help block out some exterior noises. Fix squeaky floors Wood floors can shrink and expand,
leading to movement and the development of squeaky areas. By fixing squeaky floors, homeowners can reduce noise created when people walk through their homes. Soundproofing a home can be a relatively easy and effective DIY project. —Metro Creative
ada and the United States, plan trips for late-September to mid-October. The Weather Channel offers maps and charts at www.weather.com/ maps/fall-foliage for the peak times for many areas of the U.S. LEAF | 14
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Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 13
Potential indicators of roof trouble With regard to home repairs, homeowners may be able to delay some projects until the weather permits or they find room in their budgets. But other areas, including the roof, may demand immediate action. Few homeowners give the roofs of their homes much thought until a problem arises. But learning to recognize potential indicators of roof trouble can help homeowners prevent potentially drastic situations down the road. ight: Homeowners with attics in their homes can inspect the ceilings inside the attic for signs of holes or leaks. Light peering through the top of the house indicates a hole or leak, as does stains or streaks on the ceiling.
instead. Moss may come back even after brushing it off, so homeowners should keep an eye on areas of their roofs that get little sunlight. In addition, trapped moisture can be very harmful to a roof, so it may be wise to exercise caution and have roofs with mold or fungi growths inspected.
A
L
W
orn shingles: Shingles should lie flat against the roof, so any that appear to be buckling or turning up are damaged and in need of repair. A single damaged shingle does not require a full roof re-
placement, but inspect all the shingles nonetheless. Another indicator of shingle problems can be found when cleaning downspouts or gutters. If the gutters and downspouts contain lots of shingle granules, the roof may soon need to be replaced.
M
oss: Moss on a rooftop may give a home character, but that added character is costly. Shady areas of a roof can be susceptible to the
growth of moss and fungi because moisture can be trapped in such areas. If possible, remove moss or fungi from a roof with a stiff brush or hire a professional to do the job
ge: Another indicator of roof trouble may be the age of the roof. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, homeowners whose roofs have some years under their belt may want to consider replacing them. Asphalt shingle roofs typically have life expectancies of 20 to 25 years, while roofs installed over existing layers of shingles may need to be replaced after 20 years. Recognizing minor roof damage before it escalates into a larger problem can save homeowners substantial amounts of money. — Metro Creative
Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 14
Leaf Continued from Page 12 Pack the right gear While most people are not without a smartphone that can capture amazing high-resolution imagery, serious leaf photographers may want to take out their prized camera equipment for leaf-peeping excursions. Also bring along a map or a GPS-enabled device so you can explore back roads and areas off the
beaten path more readily. There are plenty of apps that can help with foliage-finding adventures, so a phone is a handy tool. When packing, also bring along hiking boots, comfortable layered clothing and any equipment you’d normally take for an afternoon in the great outdoors. Another idea is to hit the ATM machine prior to the visit. Many smaller towns and their local shops may not take
credit cards, so it’s best to have cash on hand for food and souvenirs. Extend the day Make leaf-peeping part of a larger series of events for the day. Scope out vineyards where you can sample local wines or plan trips around orchards, where you can come home with beautiful photos as well as fresh-picked apples and pumpkins. You may find a county fair or street festival while exploring. —Metro Creative
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Home and Garden, Fall 2018 – Page 15
Must-have kitchen remodel features Homeowners looking to renovate often see room for improvement in their kitchens and bathrooms. The National Association of Home Builder’s Remodeling Market Index Survey, which measures conditions in the remodeling market, indicates that, in 2015, the two most common remodeling jobs were bathroom remodels (81 percent) and kitchen remodels (79 percent). According to HGTV and Statistics Brain, a new kitchen remodel for a kitchen measuring 12 by 12 feet may cost homeowners anywhere from $17,000 to $37,000. Before investing so much into their remodeling projects, homeowners should think carefully about the features that will improve their time spent at home. When planning a kitchen renovation, homeowners may want to consider the following upgrades to make the room more enjoyable while improving its functionality. Oversized sink Although high-efficiency dishwashers are popular, deep sinks to soak soup pots or woks are still useful. Deep sinks may be preferable to double sinks, especially for homeowners who use lots of kitchen tools when preparing meals. Soft-closing hinges When replacing cabinets (or just the hardware), consider installing soft-closing hinges and slides on doors and drawers. These devices eliminate slamming and caught fingers, reducing noise and injuries in
the kitchen. Foot-pedal water operation When outfitting a sink, think about foot controls, which are popular in doctors’ offices and hospitals. Turning on the water with the tap of a foot can reduce the transfer of pathogens to faucets from hands during food preparation. These pedals also free up hands for other tasks. Bottom’s up People likely spend more time raiding the refrigerator than the freezer on any given day. Rather than having to bend down to seek out that favorite flavor of Greek yogurt, choose a model with the fridge on top and freezer on the bottom, especially if anyone in the household has mobility issues. When shopping for refrigerators, French-door style units may offer even more access, making it easy for homeowners to slide fruit trays, sheet cakes and other large items into the fridge. Extra lighting A kitchen should be a balance of form and function. A combination of overhead lighting, decorative lighting and task lighting can illuminate all areas of the space effectively. Appliance garages Architectural and design resource Houzz says that appliance garages are popular kitchen additions, too. Set at countertop level, these cabinets allow people to keep small appliances plugged in but tucked neatly behind closed doors.
Kitchen remodels are a sizable investment, and renovations can be customized to make the kitchen more hospitable for all in residence. — Metro Creative
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