WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
1B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Pansies are a hardy plant that grow strong root systems to get them through the cold months.
Winterberries make a great winter plant with their delicate nature and cherry red color.
Flowers and plants that will last through winter By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@ thecoastlandtimes.com
Looking to keep your garden full of color this winter season? Here’s your guide to which plants and flowers thrive during the cold months. Pansies are a must, according to the staff of Nature’s Harmony in Manns Harbor. Pansies are hardy plants, despite
their name. If they are planted in the fall when warmth and sunlight are still abundant, pansies grow deep roots and set enough buds to last through the winter until spring. They come in a variety of colors and make great flowers to put in pots or plant right in the ground. Another pretty f lower that pops up throughout the colder months
is winter jasmine. Like the name implies, winter jasmine thrives in the wintertime. It is one of the earliest f lowering plants to bloom, according to “Gardening Know How.” If you are looking to bring some sunshine to the darker days, winter jasmine is the perfect addition to a garden due to its vibrant yellow hue and dainty petals. In mild-winter climates
like we have here on the Outer Banks, calendulas are a good choice for a winter garden. While bringing bright orange coloring to any green backdrop, calendula also benefits soil, deters pests and is an edible herb. “Gardening Know How” suggests planting this flower as you would cool-loving crops, such as spinach. The seeds of calendulas germinate
fast, so planting these beauties in the late fall will lead to winter buds. Lily of the Valley will bring a winter-wonderland feel to your garden. It is an extremely tough plant that can be planted in virtually any soil or climate. This flower does best in partial shade conditions and is also poisonous to deer and other animals, deterring them from taking bites out of
your garden. The last winter plant that is around all Christmas season long is winterberry. Winterberries are a great addition to your winter garden with their delicate nature and cherry red color. Usually used in winter decor, winterberries are an iconic cold weather plant that will hold up well when harsher weather hits.
Fall Home Improvement 2B
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019 THE COASTLAND TIMES
Adding just the right touch of fall
By Danielle Puleo
danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com
Trimming your lawn before it gets too cold will help it thrive when the warmer days come.
Prepping lawns for fall
By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com
Matt Garza has been working in the lawncare industry for a long time. He started Popo & Son
Lawn Care with his father Art Garza in 2014. Now working full-time and running the business with his wife Lauren, Matt knows a thing or two about how to prepare your lawn for the upcoming winter months.
“Pre-emergent herbicides are really important,” Garza said. Pre-emergent herbicides are targeted at pre-germinated weeds to halt the growing process. “It really helps to prevent those winter weeds,” he said, which we sometimes forget about. Trimming your lawn before it gets too cold will help it thrive when the warmer days come again. Exposing grass growth to colder temperatures may harm a lawn later on. It is also a good idea to mulch areas that need protection, Garza added. If you are looking to start a flower garden in the spring, pansies are a great flower to plant in the winter. This will give seeds time to germinate and start to sprout in the springtime. Don’t be afraid to make use of what is already around your yard before the cold comes as well: pine straw, mums and bales of hay are perfect for fall. “Make sure to clean off sand debris from your yard before the winter hits,” Garza said. Also, make sure trees around your property are not rubbing together and all greenery is off the woodwork.
Looking to add some fall flare to your beach house? Maybe a nice winter touch to the lighting, countertops and kitchen table for the holidays? Here are some simple tips and tricks from interior designer T.J. Nichols to spruce up your home as we head into fall: A warm sentiment at the front door can instantly turn your home into a cozy spot to hang out on darker days. Consider adding a fall wreath, bough, or seasonal welcome mat to your front porch. To save money, reusing and repurposing items around the house can be just as effective at decorating for fall as buying décor. Old mason jars, bowls, ribbons, rope and cutting boards make great items to repurpose for fall. Gather all those unused items, group them together and spread them throughout your home for a harvest feel. Quick change-ups can be the easiest way to give your home a fall makeover. “One reason to decorate your home in neutral-colored basics is so that you can basically transform your rooms nearly at whim when and if the mood to do so strikes,” said Nichols. Change-ups might include new toss pillows, throw blankets or area rugs. Don’t be afraid to bring in nature!
Leaves, branches, walnuts and stumps can all be used to give that wintery look to your living room. Nichols thinks even leafy twigs in a simple vase from the dollar store can change the whole appearance of a room in your home. White pumpkins are trending this year, along with baby pumpkin combos. Texturing a home can help a lot when it comes to decorating for fall. “Think natural: Sea grass, rope, wood, baskets, iron, brass, paper, stone, corks, bamboo, cotton, silk, flannel and glass,” Nichols suggested. To really spruce things up, consider lighting and scents. Lanterns and candles are perfect for the fall weather. Up-lights behind house plants and trees create wall shadows, which work great for Halloween. Scents such as orange, vanilla, clove and almond bring a woodsy aroma to the home. Decorating for the fall as well as other holidays does not have to cost a fortune, Nichols assured: “Invest wisely on things you can both store and re-use long-term. Definitely watch for sales and coupons!” Most importantly, remember that with fall comes the start of the holiday season. “Enjoy your family, friends and neighbors’ company,” Nichols said. Everyone can be involved when it comes to decorating for the fall.
Old mason jars, bowls, ribbons, rope and cutting boards make great items to repurpose for fall.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
Fall Home Improvement 3B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Tips and tricks to buy, sell and fix By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com
Rob Lanz, a Virginia resident and long-time lover of the Outer Banks, has spent a long time fixing up houses in the area. Through the years, he has learned the dos and don’ts of the flipping process and how to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to buying and selling a fixer-upper. If you are looking to buy a house and put some time into fixing it up so it is ready to sell again, be sure to stick to the following: have time to set aside, search for the best deals and stay on budget. “Prior to making an offer, decide on time and money needed,” Lanz recommended. If you are a handy person, you may need to set aside more time on the property than if you were to sub out the work. Also, studying the rental market for comparable housing is a great thing to do before making a purchase. “Typically, there are professional, skilled workers to work alongside you or fulfill a need independently,” Lanz said. Finding the best deals is easy if you know where to look. Lanz suggested researching the housing market and sales from the previous year. “Keep up with the market on your own or sign on with a Realtor for email updates with listings,” he said. You can hear about properties from others in the community, “for sale” signs and looking on websites and social media. While looking for a property, Lanz found it is best to consider the value of a home with respect to water view and positioning of the house on the lot compared to neighboring homes. Lanz said the most important thing to do while finding and then flipping a home is to stay on budget. “Get estimates as soon as possible and be ready to
go on closing day,” he said. Lanz recommended always rounding up by a minimum of 10% for DIY projects and when paying a contractor. Prioritize projects by the ones needed to be done first as opposed to last minute touch-ups. Check out clearance racks and estate sales for materials and furniture to help save money. When asked why Lanz wanted to start buying and selling homes, he said, “It is a solid investment with little risk compared to the stock market.” It can also become a steady income with the right tools and knowledge. “Positive cash flow, building a savings account with equity are also pluses to getting involved in real estate,” he added. Here in the Outer Banks, Lanz knows the rental market is strong for both vacation and long-term housing. Lanz is currently working on an old boathouse in Wanchese. He purchased the property in June and remodeling is estimated to take until the end of 2020. Lanz has worked with Realtor Wende Pritchard for years and heard about the property from her. After meeting with two local contractors for informal inspections and paying for a termite inspection, Lanz was able to start remodeling the house. It will take approximately eight months for the units to be fully livable. The house was well-built in 1895, but the upkeep and repairs were neglected for a long time. Currently, Lanz is working on remodeling the floors, electrical wiring, bathrooms, parking areas and some subfloor replacement in some areas. With some time set aside, finances in order and a basic knowledge of the real estate market, Lanz said anyone is able to get involved in fixing up a home.
Ron & Barbie Wright
COURTESY ROB LANZ
The boathouse Lanz is currently working on remodeling was built in 1895.
COURTESY ROB LANZ
The old boathouse in Wanchese will take approximately eight months to fix up before it is livable.
COURTESY ROB LANZ
Major renovations are needed due to a lack of upkeep.
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Fall Home Improvement 4B
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019 THE COASTLAND TIMES
Fall decor
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A warm sentiment at the front door can instantly turn your home into a cozy spot to hang out on darker days.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
Fall Home Improvement 5B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Bringing the beach to the bath
By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@ thecoastlandtimes.com
Steve and Michelle Spoonire recently moved into their new home in Elizabeth City. Despite being an hour from the beach, they wanted to bring a little bit of the ocean to their home. With the help of Swimme & Son Building Contractors, Inc., their dreams became reality. Michelle had heard about Swimme & Son through one of their neighbors. She and Steve were both tired of looking at dreary white walls and plain linoleum flooring in their bathroom. They decided to reach out to Swimme & Son for a bathroom renovation. “We love the beach theme,” Michelle said. Her vision was to create a space where they could relax and feel like they were truly at the beach. To make this possible, the crew had to start from scratch. They took the bathroom down to the studs and built it up from there. Everything from the floor to the bathtub to the spigots on the sink was replaced. Steve and Michelle went to Floor and Décor to pick out the furnishings and material for their “beachy” bathroom. “I knew what I wanted,” Michelle said. Every little piece of the bathroom was her design, down to the tiny signs and décor on the bathtub. IKEA and the Dollar Tree were her stores of choice for picking out the décor. The Spoonires stuck with a blue and white color scheme for their ocean-inspired bathroom. Michelle added some white candles in glass containers, little starfish and small succulents.
The renovations took a total of four weeks. “The crew was top-notch,” Michelle recalled. Since she works from home, Michelle was there for most of the renovation process. She said the crew cleaned and vacuumed at the end of every day, put down drop cloths to prevent any spills and were even great with their dogs. The finished product consisted an open concept-style bathroom with a tile-framed bathtub, large glass shower, vanity and a small closet. “This is my happy place,” Michelle said while looking at her new bathroom. Steve and Michelle said the entire staff of Swimme & Son was very accommodating and at the end of the day, they really transformed the space. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” Michelle claimed. “I had this vision in my head and when they finished, it was exactly what I wanted.” Theresa Swimme from Swimme & Son saw the renovation photos from before and after and said, “You wouldn’t recognize the ‘before’ as the same room!”
DANIELLE PULEO PHOTO
Thanks to Swimme & Son, Michelle and Steve Spoonire received their modern, beachy dream bathroom.
DANIELLE PULEO PHOTO
Michelle Spoonire found some finishing touches to her beachy bathroom at the dollar store, like the ones pictured here.
DANIELLE PULEO PHOTO
To give a modern feel to the bathroom, a glassed-in shower was added.
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Fall Home Improvement
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
6B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
DANIELLE PULEO PHOTO
Steve Spoonire saw similar sinks the these at a nice restaurant one night and Swimme & Son installed them without hesitation.
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DANIELLE PULEO PHOTO
Michelle Spoonire wanted colors that reminded her of the ocean like blues and whites and grays.
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Fall Home Improvement
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019 THE COASTLAND TIMES
Home maintenance checklist
Owning and caring for a home is without a doubt one big responsibility.
Very much like a routine health physical, following a home maintenance schedule should be an important step for the proper upkeep and well-being of a home. Keeping up with regular home maintenance tasks not only help avoid future headaches but help save money. Basic monthly home improvements: • Check indoor and outdoor air vents to ensure they are not blocked. • Check your water softener and add salt if needed. • Clean faucet aerators and shower heads to remove any accumulated mineral deposits. • Clean the kitchen sink garbage disposal. • Clean range hood filters with a degreaser. • Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups. • Inspect electrical cords for wear. • Inspect tub and sink drains for hair and other debris. • Inspect your fire extinguisher(s). Ensure that the gauge shows adequate pressure and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear. • Test all GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets monthly. Press the test button and use a voltage tester to make sure the power goes off. • Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers. • Test your garage door opener monthly to ensure that it reverses when
it hits an obstruction or when its sensor beam is interrupted. • Vacuum heat registers and heat vents. Each fall:
• Buy winter gear, sidewalk salt, good shovels, etc. • Check for any leaks in windows or doors. • Check for frayed cords and wires. • Check water heater for leaks. • Clean the carpets. • Clean window and door screens. • Drain and store hoses; drain in-ground sprinkler systems. • Drain and winterize exterior plumbing. • Flush hoses and store them. • Flush hot water heater and remove sediment to prolong the life of the heater and helps with efficiency. • Get chimney cleaned, if you have one. Some folks say to do this in the spring, some say fall. Either way, just make sure it’s done once per year. • Get heating system ready for winter. • Have fireplace professionally inspected. • Have furnace serviced/inspected at least every other year, preferably annually. • Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks. • Inspect roofing for missing, loose or damaged shingles and leaks. Power wash windows and siding. • Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the
basement. • Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture. • Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway. • Rake leaves and aerate the lawn. • Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. • Repair or replace siding. • Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. • Test sump pump. • Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint. • Tune up major home appliances before the holidays. • Turn off and flush outdoor water faucets. • Vacuum lint from dryer vent. • Winterize air conditioning systems. Remove and store window units and cover the outside unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting and secure with bungee cords. • Winterize sprinkler systems if you have one. • Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages. Each winter:
• Check all locks and deadbolts on your doors and windows. If it doesn’t work right, replace it. • Check basement for leaks during thaws. • Check caulking around showers and bathtubs; repair as needed. • Check your emergency flashlight. Do the batteries work? If not, replace them or consider upgrading to a non-battery powered,
Fall soil sampling The fall season is the perfect time to sample soil in gardens, lawns and farms to prepare for next year’s growing season. Results from fall soil samples allow ample time to apply amendments, such as fertilizer and lime, to improve soil fertility for next year’s growing season. Most of the year, residents of North Carolina can have their soil tested free by the Agronomic
Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Raleigh. However, during the peak season (December 1 until March 31), for soil testing, there is a $4 charge per sample. At North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Currituck County, you can obtain soil sample boxes and forms needed for the soil sampling process free of charge. For assistance with taking
the samples, check out the YouTube video at go.ncsu. edu/howtosoilsamples. When you bring back the samples prior to the peak season fee period you will avoid the lab fee. The extension office in Currituck County will assist with preparing forms and packaging samples to send to the lab free of charge. Agriculture experts on the staff will help interpret the test results.
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manual wind-up model. • Check your water heater for signs of leakage or rust. • Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers and dishwashers. • Clean the air conditioner grill and register. • C le a n y ou r coffeemaker. • Clean your kitchen exhaust hood. Clean or replace the filter. • Conduct a garage door safety check. • Cover your air conditioning unit. • Deep clean and inspect the basement. • Have the fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned annually. • Inspect the roof, gutters and downspouts for damage after storms. • Inspect window and door caulking and weather stripping yearly.
• Inspect your furnace. Any signs of rust or scale? Any weird noises? If so, book a professional inspection. • Look for worn extension cords. Replace them. • Once a year, vacuum the refrigerator coils underneath the appliance. • Pick a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet (GFCI) and test it. • Polish your natural wood front door. If painted, surface wash it. • Regularly check for ice dams and icicles. Don’t let icicles grow. • Replace the batteries in smoke detectors yearly. And remember, even recent hard-wired smoke detectors have backup batteries that must be replaced. • Replace your furnace filters seasonally. • Self-clean the oven.
7B
• Tighten any handles, knobs, racks, etc. Go through the house and inspect anything that could have a loose screw. • Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill. • Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays. • Vacuum the clothes dryer’s exhaust duct at least once a year. If the duct is plastic, replace it (it’s a fire hazard). Rigid sheet metal ducting is best. • Vacuum the condenser coils at the back of your fridge annually. While this list is certainly covers a lot, it is not intended as a complete list of all the things you can do for your home. What do you do to keep your home in tip-top shape depends on your individual needs.