A Blank Slate Media Special Section June 4, 2021
26 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 4, 2021
Affordable features
to consider when revamping your kitchen
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itchens are popular gathering spots in many homes. That popularity is reflected in various ways, including how many homeowners choose to remodel their kitchens. A 2019 report from the home renovation and design resource Houzz found that kitchens were the most popular room to renovate in 2018. Homeowners considering kitchen remodels should know that the Houzz report also indicated that spending on kitchen remodels increased by 27 percent in 2018. Homeowners concerned by the cost of remodeling a kitchen should know that there are ways to give kitchens a whole new feel without breaking the bank.
Appliances Consumer Reports notes that luxury home buyers expect highend features, including professional ranges and built-in
refrigerators that match the surrounding cabinetry. However, many mainstream brands offer “faux pro” features that can equal more expensive alternatives. Consumer Reports even notes that many budget-friendly faux pro appliances outperformed their high-end counterparts in terms of reliability.
Countertops Countertops tend to capture the eye’s attention when walking into a kitchen. Outdated and/or damaged countertops grab that attention for all the wrong reasons, while updated countertops made from today’s most popular materials provide that wow factor homeowners seek. If granite is a must-have, Consumer Reports notes that homeowners can save substantial amounts of money by choosing granite from remnants at the stone yard. If marble is your ideal countertop, save money by
choosing a domestic product as opposed to one imported from overseas.
Cabinets Custom-built cabinets may be a dream, but they tend to be a very expensive one. Such cabinets are designed to adhere to the dimensions of the kitchen, and Consumer Reports notes that they can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If that estimate would bust your budget, examine the current layout of the existing cabinets. If the layout is fine but the cabinets need work, you can give them a whole new look by refinishing them. If the cabinets must go, stock units or semi-custom cabinets can provide a new look without busting the budget. Kitchen remodels can be expensive. But there are many affordable ways to revamp a kitchen.
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 4, 2021
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28 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 4, 2021
Swimming pool landscaping ideas
Exterior lighting can add ambience to a property
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ackyard pools provide a way to cool off and enjoy a taste of luxury without having to travel. Backyard pools provided even more convenience and a welcome respite in 2020, as many public pools were closed in response to social distancing restrictions put in place during the pandemic. After installing pools, many homeowners realize that touching up the landscaping around the pool can provide the finishing touch to their backyard retreats. Not all landscaping is the same, and homeowners should choose plants that look beautiful, are tolerant to pool splash-out and won’t outgrow the area. The home and garden resource The Spruce notes that a plant that is attractive at two feet tall can grow rapidly and drop leaves or other debris into the pool. When selecting options for pool landscaping, there are some considerations to keep in mind: • Choose plants that will provide privacy.
• Know which kind of climate a plant needs prior to purchasing it. Tropical plants may be fitting poolside, but will they endure when the season is over? • Design according to the theme of the home, as plants should complement the existing style. Modern foliage may not blend well with a home styled after a traditional English cottage.
• Decide whether you can accept spreading or trailing plants that can cascade over retaining walls and other infrastructure. • Look at trees that won’t drop too many leaves, flowers or fruit into the water. • Think about having layers of plants to soften the landscape, which can make a small pool seem bigger and more luxurious, indicates the landscaping company Earth Development, Inc. • Don’t overlook the possibility of a lawn abutting pavers or concrete surrounding a pool, as it can soften the edges and keep spaces open and inviting. • Incorporate herbs or fragrant plants, which can transform a pool day into a spa experience. Consider low maintenance lavender as an option. Pool landscaping must marry a variety of different features and plant requirements. As a result, a professional consultation may be the route to take. Landscape architects will have the know-how to select plant varieties that will be tolerant, beautiful and fulfill homeowners’ wishes. Backyard pools can make a backyard retreat that much more enjoyable. Landscaping offers the softness and beauty that adds a finishing touch to poolside retreats.
he value of the right lighting in a home is undeniable. Lighting can instantly transform a room and create the ambiance homeowners are looking to establish. Though it might be mostly seen as a way to create mood inside a home, lighting also can do much for lawns and gardens. Backyards have come a long way over the last several decades. Once reserved as play areas for children and stomping grounds for the family dog, backyards have become oases for homeowners and their families. Outdoor living areas are wildly popular, and no such area is complete without exterior lighting. In fact, a recent report from the National Association of Home Builders found that 85 percent of home buyers want exterior lighting, making it the second most desired outdoor feature (patios topped that list). Exterior lighting can have a dramatic effect on landscaping, and estimates from the online financial resource Kiplinger.com suggest such lighting is inexpensive, with installation averaging roughly $67 per fixture. When installing exterior lighting around their landscapes, homeowners can keep various tips in mind to create a relaxing, aweinspiring mood on their properties at night. Consider uplights. Uplights are installed in the ground and direct light up at a tree, focusing on its trunk or canopy. This creates a dramatic effect that makes it
possible to enjoy majestic trees at night just like you might when spending time in the yard during the day. Focus on trees. Many homeowners already have exterior lighting lining their walkways and patios, but focusing on trees can create an entirely different look. Though it’s possible to install exterior tree lighting on your own, landscaping professionals with lighting experience know which fixtures will pair most effectively with the trees around your property and how to arrange them for maximum effect. Opt for warm light. Warm white light creates an inviting feel around the property. The exterior lighting experts at Utah Lights acknowledge that choice of lighting is up to homeowners but also note that, in situations with lower levels of ambient light, such as in exterior lights around a property, people typically prefer warmer light. That’s because warm light tends to be easier on the eyes and directs attention to the features of the landscape, which is many homeowners’ goal when installing exterior lighting in their yards. Utilize a timer. Modern exterior lighting timers make it easier than ever to control the lights outside a home. Many such timers even adjust for the changing seasons and the shifting hours of daylight. That means homeowners shouldn’t have to tinker with the timer once it’s set. Exterior lighting can add significant appeal to a property without breaking the bank.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 4, 2021
Choose grass that suits your climate and region
BEAT the HEAT THIS SUMMER!
It’s Time To Call Jack Gayson! • Change your filter and service your system. • Call to schedule service now because we are not comfortable le until you are!
Warm-season grasses Bahia: This is a tough turfgrass especially suited for heat and humidity. It has a rougher texture than other grasses.
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ush lawns feel great underfoot, add curb appeal to a home and are the crowning touches on complete landscapes. Establishing a vibrant lawn requires research, including determining which type of turf is the best fit for a property. The lawn experts at Pennington say that homeowners can set up their lawns for success by choosing turfgrasses that thrive in their region. According to the Home Depot, the two main types of grass for turf are warm-season grass and coolseason grass. Warm-season grasses grow best in hot weather. Most will go dormant and turn brown in cool temperatures. Warm-season grasses should be planted in late spring for the best chances of thriving. Cool-season grasses are better for northern climates, where the mercury will eventually drop. They are characterized by rapid growth in the spring and fall. Some may turn brown during periods of high summer heat. In certain instances, a mix of warmand cool-season grasses may be needed. That’s particularly so in the “transition zone” of the United States, according to Lowes. The transition zone runs from roughly Delaware to North Carolina on the east coast and central California to Arizona on the west coast. However, lawns in the transition zone typically fare best with cool-season grasses, indicates Lowes. Here’s a closer look at various types of grasses, courtesy of Pennington, Lowes and The Home Depot.
Bermuda: This produces a very drought-tolerant lawn and is great for high-traffic areas. It requires a lot of sunlight to grow. Buffalo: This grass is low maintenance and tough. It has low water needs and a fine texture. Full sun exposure will produce a vibrant lawn. Centipede: Popular throughout the southern United States, this slowgrowing grass is ideal for homeowners who desire a low maintenance lawn. It has a coarse texture and is best in areas of low foot traffic.
Cool-season grasses Fescue: Fescue comes in many varieties and is good in areas with mild winters and warm summers. It has high drought-resistance and can endure medium foot traffic. Kentucky bluegrass: Finely textured with a deep, evergreen color, this grass thrives in growing conditions marked by good soil, regular sunlight and routine watering. Perennial ryegrass: This flourishes in full sun, but tolerates light shade. It forms a lush, finely textured, deep green lawn. During periods of drought, it will need additional watering or go dormant. Homeowners can increase their chances of establishing beautiful lawns by selecting the right type of grasses for their climate and landscape.
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30 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 4, 2021
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Tips for waterproofing a basement or crawl space
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ater can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Few things have the potential to damage a home as much as water. From leaks to flooding to moisture problems like mold, water can wreak havoc on a home.
Basements or crawl spaces are areas of a home where water can do the most damage. Basements and crawl spaces tend to be the lowest-lying spots in a home, and therefore prime spots for water to enter. Water problems in these areas can contribute to the demise of the structural integrity of the foundation. According to Olshan, a foundation solutions company, water can enter homes in numerous ways. Many building materials, including concrete, that seem solid at first glance actually are quite porous. As ground water collects around these materials, the weight of the accumulated water, called hydrostatic pressure, can weaken the materials, causing cracks where water can seep through. Water also can enter subterranean spaces through basement windows and gaps between footings and concrete slabs, or push up through foundation floors when homes are in areas with high water tables. Remedying water issues in a home generally breaks down into two methodologies: exterior waterproofing and interior waterproofing. Depending on the cause and severity of the water issue, one or the other, or even both, may be recommended.
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Exterior waterproofing aims to keep water away from and out of the home. The home improvement information resource DoItYourself.com says that exterior waterproofing generally includes the
application of a waterproofing agent to the concrete foundation. In addition, exterior waterproofing also could include excavation so a drainage system can be installed around the entire footing of the home. Regrading a property and properly relocating gutters and downspouts can help with many water issues.
Interior waterproofing When water in a basement or crawl space needs to be remediated indoors, a system to collect, drain and remove water may be necessary. This can include sump pumps, drains, gravity discharge systems, and more. Moisture barriers, which can include special paints or products applied to the foundation walls and floor, also can help keep water from entering the space.
Moisture solutions Keeping water out is only one part of the equation. Homeowners also need to manage moisture, like excessive humidity. A marriage of HVAC and waterproofing techniques may be necessary to improve air flow and remove humidity in the air. While many homeowners have attempted to address water issues on their own, many times it is a job best left to the professionals. Because water penetration can have multifaceted causes, a professional can best assess the situation and create solutions that fit with homeowners’ budgets and needs. The review and advice site Angie’s List suggests finding at least three waterproofing companies that offer both interior and exterior waterproofing services that can provide the best ideas for fixing the issue.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 4, 2021
31
Improve storage at home
Invest in storage beds Storage beds typically feature cubbies or drawers within a platform-style bed frame. It’s a practical home storage solution, and does not require any building.
Think vertically
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omes are getting bigger, but it seems like people are still lamenting a lack of storage space.
National Public Radio says the average American home has nearly tripled in size during the last 50 years. Despite that, 10 percent of Americans still need to rent off-site storage, according to a report in The New York Times Magazine. Self-storage facilities are one of the fastest-growing commercial real estate segments, and the Self Storage Association says there are more than 50,000 storage facilities in the U.S. alone. The commercial real estate company CBRE, Ltd., says there are roughly 3,000 selfstorage facilities across Canada, and 65 to 85 percent of self-storage tenants are residential users. Improving storage at home can be a cost-effective alternative to renting storage space. With these easy tips, homeowners can maximize space immediately.
Utilize track storage systems Closets may be plentiful, but if not efficiently utilized, space may still seem lacking. Track closet storage systems often make greater use of closet space than traditional shelf and hanging rod systems. Customizing closets using track systems or other modifications can improve utility of all closets in the house.
Maximize spaces by looking up and down for storage possibilities. Items that are not used frequently, such as seasonal decorations or travel suitcases, can be stored in high spaces. Shelving on walls can go as high as necessary and be put to use in awkward wall areas, such as in corners or under eaves.
Invest in storage benches/ottomans A stopping area inside the front door replete with a storage bench can house shoes, umbrellas, hats, backpacks, and other items, keeping them tidy and out of sight. In living rooms, look for chests or ottomans that are decorative and functional. Store throw blankets or board games inside.
Recess drawers or shelves Gain more storage by recessing a chest of drawers into what is called the “knee wall” of homes that have sloped ceilings in attics and upstairs bedrooms. Utilize these short walls in an efficient manner by sinking drawers or shelves into them, without taking up floor space.
Did you know? W hen planning summer landscapes, homeowners should always group plants with similar water needs together. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, grouping plants with similar water needs together helps to conserve water, which can be an especially useful strategy if or when drought restrictions go into effect in summer. Homeowners also can embrace additional strategies to landscape with
water conservation in mind. For example, aerating soil helps to improve water flow to plants’ roots and reduces water runoff, helping to ensure that plants get all of the water they need while reducing the likelihood that homeowners will have to use excessive amounts of water to keep plants healthy. In addition, using low-water-using types of grass can help homeowners who live in areas prone to drought conserve water while still maintaining lush, green lawns.
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Rafter shelving While in the attic (or a garage), add hanging shelves to rafters or exposed beams to create off-thefloor storage as well. These are just a few of the handy ways to improve the interior storage space in a home.
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32 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, June 4, 2021
7
things to consider when
buying a shed
1. Check your local building codes first. Before you accumulate building materials or order a shed, be sure to know the ins and outs of shed codes. The codes may impact the shed’s placement, construction, the materials used, size, and numerous other factors. It’s much easier to amend plans beforehand than to face the hassle and expense after learning you did things incorrectly.
2. Choose placement wisely. Spend several days assessing the yard and thinking about the uses for the shed. If you plan to store pool floats and chemicals inside of the shed, it should be located close enough to the pool to be convenient. Look at the lay of the land. If there is a soggy patch of land that can turn swampy under the shed’s foundation, that is a poor location choice. If you need access to electricity, placing it far away from the house could necessitate running expensive wiring.
3. Consider the design. Just because a shed is for storage doesn’t mean aesthetics should be overlooked. Choose a shed style that complements your home. You may also want to match certain architectural features, like arched doorways or dormers. Design also may relate to practicality. For instance, storing a riding mower inside may necessitate dual doors that open widely.
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ackyard sheds can be useful assets. Sheds can create storage space in the garage, basement or other areas of the house that have become gathering spots for gear typically used outdoors. Sheds are ideal for housing mowers, tools and even pool-care equipment. But they can be put to other uses as well, such as being key spots to engage in hobbies or even as a child’s clubhouse.
Various factors should be considered before building or buying a shed. A storage shed can be a significant investment. Once placed, sheds may remain in their dedicated spots for years to come. That means careful thought should go into the planning process.
4. Invest in quality materials. Spending a little more and using quality materials can ensure it lasts long enough to be costeffective. The right materials will be resistant to splitting, cracking, decay, and insect damage. 5. Prepare the site well. A proper foundation for the shed is almost as important as the shed itself. You cannot just drop the shed on the lawn and leave it, as the shed can sink or structural issues may arise if it is placed on a weak base. 6. Blend into the environment. Surround the shed with shrubs or plants so that it blends into the yard and complements the space.
7. Deck out the interior. Use every storage tool at your disposal to maximize floor, wall and even rafter space for storage. Plan where items will be kept and customize the storage options around those locations. Sheds can be an asset and improve storage capability in the backyard.