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Homes & Design
HOME IMPROVEMENT September 2020
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MULTIGENERATIONAL LIVING TRENDING
DIY and home improvements for the expanding family
The American household is evolving. Traditional family households with parents and children up to 18 have transformed into a mix of various generations. The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the growth of multigenerational households, including adults with boomerang children
living at home after college, or aging parents living with them rather than at assisted living facilities. While each household has its personal reasons for opting for a multigenerational structure, it’s a trend growing across cultures. One in five Americans live in a multigenerational household, according to the Pew Research Center, which defines multigenerational living as a home that includes two or more adult generations, or including grandparents and grandchildren younger than 25. As quarantine and socialdistancing impacts continue, the number of families choosing multigenerational living is poised to grow.
As the pandemic has shifted the way a home functions in multiple ways, more people are putting time into homeimprovement projects that help a home function well for everyone who lives there. This is particularly important for people transitioning to multigenerational households. Consider three steps to help improve multigenerational living:
Expand living space
When someone moves in, it’s amazing how what used to feel like ample space can suddenly seem very cramped. Space becomes a premium and with lack of
adequate space to read, watch TV or simply sit to rest, home stress levels can rise fast. That’s why you may want to consider ways to add common spaces, or transform the space you do have to accommodate more people. Finishing a basement is a smart option if you have financial means. You might also finish attic spaces or add a shed with seating and electricity. Stylish room partitions or curtains can provide privacy and the feeling of a room if you don’t have money to invest in a larger home-
See TRENDING, Page 4
Thinking strategically and making a few smart improvements, you can update your home so that it is comfortable for many people for many years to come. STOCK PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
Homes & Design Fall Home Improvement September 2020 Published by Rock Valley Publishing LLC 1102 Ann St. Delavan, WI 53115 262-728-3411
Homes & Design Fall Home Improvement
For advertising opportunities, call (262) 725-7701, ext. 134, or email vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com EDITOR IN CHIEF: Edward Nadolski SPECIAL SECTIONS: Tracy Ouellette & Mel Bradley CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Vicki Vanderwerff PAGE DESIGNER: Jen DeGroot
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HOMES & DESIGN
FALL 2020
• Trending
(Continued from page 3)
improvement project. Finally, consider refreshing outdoor spaces with seating spots grouped throughout the yard to expand the property’s livable space and encourage people to enjoy the outdoors.
Add a bathroom without costly demo
kids to use. Unfortunately, the slope of the land would not allow her to build a conventional bathroom with below-floor drainage. She researched alternatives and found the Saniaccess 2: a 1/2-horsepower macerator pump system used to install a half-bathroom (toilet and sink) up to 15 feet below the sewer line. Learn more at www.saniflo.com.
When the number of people increases in a home, the bathroom becomes a hot commodity. Whether it’s to put a bathroom closer to an aging parent’s bedroom or simply add a powder room in a nontraditional location to expand resources, consider affordable options such as macerating toilets and drain pumps from Saniflo. The above-floor plumbing options allow you to add a bathroom where no conventional, below-floor plumbing exists, so there’s no need to bust through concrete floors and compromise a home’s integrity. This was the case for designer and home-décor blogger Kristine Abram who dreamed of adding a bathroom in the basement of her Ohio farmhouse-style home for her
Add and enhance entryways
With more people coming and going, entryways can become chaotic places in a home. If possible, consider refining the entry points to accommodate increased traffic and contain clutter. You may want to add benches and cubbies for each person’s personal items to help contain messes and prevent tripping hazards. Proper lighting, stable hooks and grab bars are also useful additions to accommodate multigenerational living. Although you have a main entryway, you might also have other points of entry such as from the garage, the side or back of the home. Consider refreshing different entryways for different residents. (BPT)
Above-floor plumbing options allow homeowners to add a bathroom where no conventional, below-floor plumbing exists. STOCK PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
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WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE
Page 5
your garden for winter Gardens provide an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, many gardening enthusiasts typically cannot wait for the spring thaw so they can spend the next several months tending to their plants under the warm sun. But a gardener’s work is never truly done, and the work to make gardens stun in the spring actually begins during the preceding fall. Preparing gardens for winter is an important step that can help homeowners ensure their gardens return to full strength in the spring. The tasks necessary to prepare gardens for winter may depend on what homeowners are planting, but the following are some general maintenance suggestions that can keep gardens safe this winter.
Remove weeds and debris `Weeds and debris are unsightly and detrimental to plant life in spring, but they also can be harmful in the winter. Weeds and debris left to linger in gardens through the winter provide overwintering spots for insects and can contribute to disease. So it’s imperative that weeds and debris are removed before the ground hardens in winter. Don’t wait until the ground hardens, as that can make it hard to remove the roots of weeds, adversely affecting the garden as a result.
Prepare the soil The Farmer’s Almanac advises homeowners to gently till the soil in their gardens so they can expose any insects before they settle in for the winter. Once garden soil is exposed, add a layer of compost, leaves, aged manure, and, if necessary, lime, gently tilling it into the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the only accurate way to determine if lawn or garden soil needs lime is to test it. Lime makes soil less acidic and reduces soil pH. Low soil pH makes it hard for certain plants to grow, but acidic soil is ideal when growing blueberries. Test the soil for lime and amend it depending on what you hope to grow in the spring so it’s ready to thrive when winter ends.
Remove dead or diseased plants Dead or diseased plants should not be left in the garden through the winter. These plants can attract insects and are vulnerable to disease, which can make it hard for the garden to thrive in the spring.
Protect fruit trees If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that mouse guards made of fine mesh hardware cloth can effectively protect fruit trees from hungry mice and voles over the winter. (METRO CREATIVE)
A gardener’s work is never done, and the work to create beautiful spring gardens begins in the fall. STOCK PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
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HOMES & DESIGN
FALL 2020
Simple ways to improve a kitchen pantry People have been spending more time at home in 2020 than in years past, and certain projects around the house have become a priority. One home improvement idea that serves the double benefit of creating organization and making cooking at home more efficient is to reimagine the kitchen pantry. A pantry is a room or closet where food, beverages and linens or dishes are stored. Pantries can be highly useful spaces that provide ancillary storage in kitchens. Many modern homes are equipped with pantries, but older homes may require some modification to create more useful pantries. Whether starting from scratch or modifying an existing pantry, these tips can help projects go more smoothly. Maximize vertical storage Utilizing vertical areas can help increase storage capacity. Build in extra nooks by investing in undershelf storage baskets. These baskets can instantly create designated areas for different types of ingredients. Homeowners also can look for ways to use the inside of cabinet doors or add extra shelves on walls or in eaves. Consider your needs Figure out which items you would like to store in the pantry and then shop for corresponding storage systems. For example, storage solutions may feature
wine bottle racks, baskets for potatoes and other produce, shelving for small appliances, and even pull out racks for baking pans or cutting boards. Use clear storage Put ingredients in clear, airtight containers of similar dimensions so that you can easily find items you need. Transfer bulky items, like cereals and baking supplies, to storage containers for uniformity. Store bulk items elsewhere Bulk shopping can be cost-efficient, but bulk items can quickly eat up real estate in the pantry. Designate another area for non-perishable bulk products, like paper goods or canned items, such as in a garage or utility room. Pull out drawers are convenient Pull-out drawers can reduce the need to seek and reach for items. These drawers conveniently roll out so items in the back can be accessed without disturbing foods in the front. Drawers can be custom built for any pantry space. Make it accessible Think about who will be taking items from the pantry. Put children’s snacks on the bottom pantry shelf where they can reach them, and then organize other shelves for adults in the home.
A pantry remodel can add valuable storage space and make one of the busiest rooms in the house operate more efficiently.
(METRO CREATIVE)
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On the garden path
Gardening expert offers fall lawn care tips
For safer, more comfortable living spaces, prioritize home improvement projects that fight insect invasions. GETTY IMAGES Fall Home Improvement
Five home improvements you can make to keep pests at bay What might seem like one little pest sighting can be a much more extensive invasion than you realize. For starters, a single roach can lay up to 50 eggs at one time! However, you can get a better handle on the situation with these five simple home improvements and preparation tips: • Start outdoors: Standing water can quickly become a mosquito breeding ground. Note whether your yard has any areas where water is prone to collect. If so, you may need to aerate your lawn. Not only will this improve soil drainage, it has the added benefit of helping grass grow. While you are outside, take the opportunity to clear gutters of leaves and other debris and ensure drains are similarly unobstructed. • Seal cracks: Reduce opportunities for bugs to enter your home by eliminating cracks around doorways and windows. Install door seals, apply weatherstripping and caulk gaps. This is another home improvement with multiple benefits. Beyond pest control, you’ll also be improving your home’s energy efficiency. • Install and repair screens: Fresh air is amazing, however, not when it is accompanied by bugs. Make sure your windows and doors have screens so you can enjoy that pleasant cross-breeze without the pestilence. Inspect existing
screens carefully for holes and tears and repair and replace as-needed. • Organize your kitchen. An organized kitchen will ultimately be less inviting to bugs. Assess your food storage solutions to determine whether items are properly sealed. If containers have cracks or have warped lids, it’s time to replace them. Likewise, be sure your trashcan features a securely fitting lid (newer models with sensors can free up hands and feet and simplify waste disposal). While you are at it, sweep, wipe down surfaces and start with a clean slate. • Blast bugs: No matter what measures you take; the reality is that some bugs will still find their way inside your house. Be prepared to combat insect invasions by keeping an effective bug killer spray on hand that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. For example, both Zevo Ant, Roach and Fly Insect Killer Spray and Zevo Crawling Insect Killer employ BioSelective Technology to blast bugs. The active essential oils in these sprays target nerve receptors vital to insects, not people or pets. Easy to use, just spray on pests, then wipe up the dead bugs, as well as any excess product. Zevo is available online or in-store at Target and Home Depots nationwide. To order or learn more, visit zevoinsect.com. (STATEPOINT)
As summer transitions into fall, it is time to help lawns recover from summer stress. Let the weather and the condition of your lawn help you develop a plan suited to your landscape. Continue mowing actively growing lawns. Mow high, leaving cool season grasses like bluegrass and fescues at least 2 ½ preferably 3 ½ inches tall after cutting. Warm season grasses like bermudagrass, carpetgrass, centipedegrass and zoysia should be grown at 1 to 2 inches tall, while St. Augustine should a bit higher at 2 to 3 inches for best results. By Taller grass is better able to compete with weeds, is more MELINDA drought tolerant and less susceptible to insects and disease. MYERS Mow often, removing no more than one third the total Columnist height. Leave short clippings on the lawn. They will quickly break down, adding organic matter, moisture and nutrients to the soil. Run your mower over long clippings to reduce their size and speed decomposition. As the tree leaves begin to fall just mow them into small pieces and leave them on the lawn. As long as you can see the grass blades through the shredded leaves your lawn will be fine. And just like the clippings, they add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Fertilize lawns in early September and high maintenance northern lawns again around Halloween, but always before the ground freezes. Make sure the last fertilizer application to warm season grasses is at least one month prior to the average first killing frost. A healthy lawn is the best defense against weeds. Even with proper care these unwanted plants can bully their way into your lawn. Try digging, root and all, to remove small populations of weeds. Think of it as a workout or way to reduce stress. If you decide to use a weed killer, try spot treating weeds or problem areas to minimize the amount of chemical used. Select the least toxic or an organic product whenever possible. Whether using traditional or environmentally friendly products read and follow label directions carefully. All these products are plant killers and can cause damage to other plants if not applied properly. Fall, when the cool season grasses are actively growing, is also the best time to core aerate or dethatch lawns suffering from thatch build up or compacted soil. Overseed thin lawns after core aeration or dethatching. You’ll have better results once the thatch layer is removed or openings exist for the grass seeds to contact the soil and sprout. Those growing warm season grasses should wait until the lawn greens up in spring or is actively growing in early summer. Avoid doing this when the weather is hot and dry. Begin implementing some of these strategies and soon you’ll be on your way to a healthier, better looking lawn for the coming growing season. Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books.
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FALL 2020
Tips for fueling up for outdoor fall chores Along with the fall season comes a range of outdoor chores for homeowners nationwide, from clearing trees and branches after wicked weather strikes to gathering autumn leaves. Here are a few things to consider as you go about fueling your chainsaws, leaf blowers and other lawn care equipment:
PROPER FUEL STORAGE If you have messy or bulky fuel containers, it’s time for an update. Proper fuel storage can make the task of fueling equipment safer, cleaner and ultimately more efficient and affordable. For starters, be sure to purchase only fuel containers approved by federal or state authorities that have a flame mitigation device (FMD) and a child safety feature. Then, consider ease of use. The best containers not only exceed recognized safety standards, they help you avoid messy, costly spills. To that end, look for a user-controlled flow valve, such as those featured on Scepter SmartControl containers. Available in 1-, 2- and 5-gallon sizes for gasoline, diesel and kerosene, these rugged storage containers which are made of five layers of safe high-density polyethylene for long-time use, feature an innovative, hassle-free spout controlled and operated by squeezing. And, because they are stored with the spout on, hands stay clean. For usage and safety tips, check out the videos and resources available at www.scepter.com.
PROPER FUEL While you’re updating your fuel containers, be sure to restock your fuel too. Keep in mind that fuel sitting unused for many months should be safely discarded, as gas components can deteriorate over time. Changing gasoline out with the seasons keeps it fresh. Having plenty of fuel on hand is not only a key element to powering through yard work and chores, but an important part of extreme weather preparedness. During power outages and in the aftermath of storms, you’ll be able to fuel generators, chainsaws and other gaspowered equipment without worrying about your supply. So don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast to stock up on this essential.
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STATEPOINT PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
FALL 2020
Signs your gutters are in need of repair Fall is a great time to tackle projects around the house. The weather each fall allows homeowners to make improvements to their homes’ exteriors without worrying about extreme heat or cold, while interior projects like painting are made easier because homeowners can open the windows to allow for proper ventilation. Fall also marks a great time to prepare for upcoming projects that can make winter work that much easier. For example, fall is a great time to take stock of your gutters so you can address any issues before leaves begin to fall or the first snowstorm touches down. Compromised gutters can contribute to water issues in basements and adversely affect a home’s foundation if not addressed immediately, so it behooves homeowners to learn the signs that gutters are in need of repair or replacement. Gutters hanging off the home Gutters were once installed predominantly with spikes. However, many industry professionals now install gutters with hanger brackets. Why the change? Spikes loosen over time, leading to the gutters hanging off the home. That can contribute to serious issues if left untreated. Gutters hanging off the home need not necessarily be replaced, but rather secured to the home, ideally with hanger brackets instead of spikes. Brackets hook into the front of the gutter and are then screwed into the fascia of a home. A professional who specializes in gutter repair can perform this task relatively quickly, and it’s an inexpensive yet highly effective solution.
See GUTTERS, Page 14
Page 11
Safe and effective ways to clean up
LEAVES
Removing leaves from the yard is a task that homeowners must perform each fall. Thousands upon thousands of leaves can drop from a single tree. Multiply that by the number of trees on a property, and it’s no surprise the task of leaf cleanup can seem so daunting. Furthermore, not all leaves are shed at the same time, so several cleanup sessions may be necessary before the last leaf is banished from the yard. Just like removing snow, leaf cleanup can be a taxing job if done by hand. For people unaccustomed to exercise, cleaning up leaves can turn into quite a workout. According to the Discovery Health Calorie Counter, raking leaves for one hour can burn nearly 292 calories. Shoulders and arms will feel the burn. Raking leaves is considered moderate physical activity, similar to brisk walking. Those who find themselves straining or out of breath should take a break, and these tips also make the job safer and easier. • Wear layers when cleaning up leaves. It may be cool at first, but it’s easy to work up a sweat after raking for awhile. Layers can be peeled off so as not to get overheated or risk hypothermia from sweating in chilly
temps. • Pay attention to your posture while raking. James Weinstein, chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Dartmouth Medical School, recommends forming a wide base with the feet and holding the rake slightly toward the end of the handle with one hand three-quarters of the way down the handle from the other. Do not twist the spine; move your entire body. Avoid overuse of muscles on one side of the body by switching sides periodically. • Do not try to rake or blow leaves on windy days. Wind will only make the task that much more difficult, which could lead to overworking oneself. • Avoid overfilling bags. For those who plan to mulch and bag leaves, remember that compressed leaves can get heavy pretty quickly. Do not over-fill bags, as they can be hard to move or bring to a recycling center. Using a leaf blower to push leaves into piles will reduce the strenuousness of the task, but leaf blowers can be heavy and noisy and gas-powered blowers can produce a considerable amount of exhaust.
(METRO CREATIVE)
Gutter separation
Gutters that are no longer fastened together can leak and contribute to issues that affect the home’s foundation, siding and appearance. Clogs and the accumulation of debris can cause gutters to separate because they are not designed to hold too much weight. Replacement of separated gutters may or may not be necessary depending on how big the problem is and the condition of the existing gutters. If replacement is not necessary, separated gutters may be remedied by securing the joints, another relatively simple and inexpensive fix.
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Raking leaves can be quite a chore. It is important that homeowners take steps to prevent injury while cleaning up leaves in their yards. STOCK PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
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FALL 2020
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HOME DEPOT lists musthave tools for homeowners FALL 2020
HOMES & DESIGN
Page 13
For a first-time homeowner, there are many purchases and upgrades to consider when it comes to spending your money on improving and maintaining your house. One of the first things you should do as a new homeowner is to get a well-stocked tool kit. Purchasing good, essential tools early on is a smart investment that will help save time and money in the future. This guide will walk you through the basic must-have tools for homeowners, from hand tools to power tools and other essentials, to keep a smooth-running home. Aside from safety gear, let’s take a look at the must-have tools for DIY you need to have at home.
Measuring tape
Whether you’re planning to replace an installed appliance such as a wall oven or looking to upgrade an entire room, a tape measure is right at the top of list of tools. Pick up an easy-locking model to start. Skinnier tape measures may fall out of place, and fatter ones can be overkill. As time goes on, you may want to add a smaller, pocket-size model to take with you on shopping trips.
Hammers
Find a hammer that has a comfortable grip. Vibration-dampening coatings on the grip can also come in handy. Since you’ll probably utilize your hammer for the occasional demolition in addition to pounding nails, choose a model with a straight or “rip” claw in lieu of a curved claw. Make sure the head of the hammer is smooth (as opposed to dimpled or checkered) to avoid surface damage and nail slippage. While a standard hammer or claw hammer is synonymous with a home toolbox, a sledge hammer may not be thought of as essential; however, it is a tool to keep in your toolshed. Strong enough to break concrete and rocks, sledge hammers can help with any interior or exterior wall projects or blacksmith projects.
Screwdrivers
One of the best tools to own, a goodquality screwdriver set should include a variety of flat head and Phillips head sizes, the two basic styles that will be used most often. Magnetic heads come in handy, but be sure to have a pouch or Ziploc bag on hand to keep up with them if your set doesn’t include storage. Some people prefer to use screwdriver bits with their cordless electric drills to make things push-button simple, but it’s important to keep a couple of simple metal screwdrivers in your collection. The most common sizes you will use are 1/8-inch tip flat-head, 3/16-inch tip flat-head 0 Phillipshead and 2 Phillips-head. You may also opt for an electric screwdriver to finish home projects quicker.
Pliers
Pliers are essential for holding tiny objects firmly when you need to manipulate them. With enough torque applied, they can pull, pinch or bend metal into shape as well. Make sure you get a good set including long-nose pliers,
Many overlook the necessity of having a tool box to organize their tools. Without this central repository, even the best tools end up scattered inside random drawers, garage shelves, basements or other parts unknown. HOME DEPOT PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
combination pliers and locking pliers to cover your needs.
Wrenches
At the very least, you’ll need a few adjustable wrenches in different sizes. They can manipulate hex nuts and bolts, which is invaluable when it comes to home repair and assembly. Combination wrenches will cover the gaps they can’t reach. As you grow more comfortable with your wrenches, expand to a ratchet and socket set to make bolt manipulation quicker. Also worth having on hand is an allen wrench or hex key set. Handheld and ideal for driving screws and bolts with hexagonshaped sockets, you will often use these to put together furniture and other everyday home decor items.
Level
flashlights cost a bit more, their run time and fast charging will pay off in the long run. It’s also important to consider having a few different size flashlights on hand, in various rooms, in case of emergencies.
Utility knife
A high-quality utility knife does everything from opening heavily taped bags and boxes to cutting away carpet edges to scraping away resin or paint that may keep a window stuck.
Nails and screws
Having a good assortment of nails and screws on-hand will help you tackle any number of household projects, from hanging pictures to finishing flooring jobs. You can often find them prepackaged in sets.
Wire cutters
These hand-sized tools are must-haves for tasks varying from installing new kitchen cabinets to simply hanging a new picture frame. While there are several types of levels available, low-tech analog models with a floating bubble are quite accurate and inexpensive.
For projects like craft projects and electrical repairs, wire cutters, or wire strippers, are essential. From lightweight styles to stripper and cutter combinations, this tool is meant to cut aluminum, copper, brass, iron and steel when needed. For comfort, look for a pair that features a cushioned grip.
Flashlights
Stud finder
While smartphone camera “flashlights” work in a pinch, you need a dedicated LED flashlight on hand that doesn’t depend on whether you remembered to plug up your phone. If your lights go out unexpectedly or you need powerful light that helps you probe around when you hear noises in the middle of the night, a trusty LED flashlight cannot be beat. Most batteries will run on alkaline or rechargeable batteries. While rechargeable
This handheld tool finds any nails or screws placed in the wall, making it easier to get the project right the first time when hanging shelves, pictures and more. Easy to use, stud finders are available in affordable magnetic options or more professionally used models that use technology to scan the wall.
Carpenter’s square
Used in woodworking, metal and
masonry projects, a carpenter’s square, or combination square, is made up of a metal ruler and interchangeable heads to help measure right angles. This handy device can also check depth, measure level and plumb as well as measure the center of a circle.
Sander
When it comes to power tools, sanders are a key part of many painting projects, so investing in a good handheld sander will help you save time and create smoother surfaces for sealing and painting. While you shouldn’t use handheld sanders for larger jobs, like flooring projects, a handheld style will help you smooth fences, furniture and complete smaller household tasks. There are also variety of power tools accessories for items like sanders, drills and saws that you may consider investing in for future projects.
Cordless drill and drill bits
One of the more common power tools every homeowner should have, the cordless drill will likely be one of the most used tools in your collection. The convenience of wireless electric power makes quick work of lots of small projects. Invest in both a good-quality drill and good-quality drill bit sets. Your drill can come in handy in a huge range of applications beyond making holes and driving nails, making it one of the best tools to own. Your drill is limited only by the drill bits you have on hand, so it’s essential to invest in a few good sets. You’ll want to make sure you have a good assortment of metal drill bits, wood drill
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• Home Depot
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bits, and universal drill bits to cover indoor and outdoor projects.
Toolbox
Many overlook the necessity of having a tool box to organize their tools. Without this central repository, even the best tools end up scattered inside random drawers, garage shelves, basements or other parts unknown. Start with a relatively modest and inexpensive tool box, then buy larger, sturdier ones as your tool collection grows. You can also use tool bags with lots of pockets and compartments to keep things in order. Consider storing other essentials such as glues, solvents, painter’s tape, putty knife and a painter’s key in your toolbox.
Clamps
Ideal for holding work in place, clamps or vises can be used for woodworking projects such as building furniture or electrical projects like welding. Available in screw clamp, angle, bar, locking and more, clamps are relatively affordable and a great idea for the at-home carpenter.
Wrecking bar
Able to demo most materials, including wood, glass and metal, a wrecking bar, also called a utility or pry bar, does the job of a hammer, pry bar and nail puller. Efficient and cost-effective, this tools can pry up boards, nails, moulding and more quickly.
Plunger
While the most common use of a plunger is to fix a clogged toilet, they are also essential to have on hand in case of
any home flooding, like a basement or bathroom issue. Often an overlooked item when it comes time to stock up your tool box or garage, plungers are a must-have for any homeowner.
Extension cord
A convenient and safe way to power electric devices, extension cords are ideal for jobs that require distance. With a plug on one end and a socket on the other end, extension cords are available in a variety of lengths and sizes. Always take care when using extension cords and be sure to select that right option based on job size, wire gauge and length. There is a difference between indoor and outdoor extension cords, and one size is not fits all. Outdoor extension cords will have more insulation and protection to withstand the elements. They will also have a different plug, usually three-prong, to fit into outdoor outlets. If you are planning to use an extension cord for outdoor projects, always purchase an outdoor cord. Indoor cords are typically used for computer equipment, lamps, etc. and don’t require extra insulation. Tip: Never combine a three-prong cord with two-prong cord, as it can be dangerous. While this list of tools isn’t all you should consider keeping in your tool shed or garage, these basics will help you take care of most everyday home repairs. Whether you’re hanging shelves or fixing squeaky floorboards, keeping must-have tools, and tool sets that feature popular hand tools, in your toolbox will help you complete projects faster and easier.
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Basement flooding
Not all signs of deteriorating gutters are outside a home. Many a homeowner has been flummoxed by flooding in their basements, and such flooding can be caused by aging, ineffective gutters. That’s because deteriorating gutters sometimes allow water to leak near the foundation of a home, contributing to basement flooding.
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*Special accurate as of 8/24/20. To obtain the 3.25% APR and interest rate loan must be a 10 year term, with an LTV less than or equal to 80%, credit scores of 720 or higher and must also meet the 0.25% discount for the first mortgage being with German American State Bank or Northwest Bank of Rockford. To obtain the 3.50% APR and interest rate loan must be a 15 year term and all previously stated terms apply. Loan payment example: for a $25,000 loan, with a term of 120 months and an APR and interest rate of 3.25%, monthly payments would be approximately $244.32. Loan payment example: for a $25,000 loan, with a term of 120 months and an APR and interest rate of 3.50%, monthly payments would be approximately $178.75. Must be owner-occupied. Minimum loan amount of $25,000. $199 closing cost fee applies. Property insurance and flood insurance, if applicable, are required. Consult your tax advisor for details on tax deductibility of interest paid on loans secured by your home. Offer is subject to normal credit qualifications. Rate and terms are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Contact a bank service representative for more information.
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