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E xterior renovations can enhance the appearance of a property and make it more enjoyable for homeowners. Certain renovations have the potential to add value to a home, while others may do the opposite. Learning which one have the largest return on investment can help homeowners select features that will have the most positive impact. Curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, first impressions of a property have a strong influence on buyers. Landscaping and external features can do much to influence such impressions. . • Lawn care program: Investing in a lawn care program that consists of fertilizer and weed control application and can be transferred over to a subsequent home owner is an attractive feature. NAR says such a care program can recover $1,000 in value of the $330 average cost, or a 303 percent ROI. • Low-maintenance lifestyle: When choosing materials for projects, those that offer low- maintenance benefits can be preferential. These include low- maintenance patio materials, composite decking, vinyl fencing, and inorganic mulched beds. • Fire pit: A fire pit can be used for much of the year. In the spring and summer, the firepit is a great place to congregate to roast marshmallows or sip wine and gaze into the fire. In the fall, the fire pit can make for a cozy retreat. A fire pit that has a gas burner is low-maintenance, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals says that most can recoup about $4,000 of their $6,000 average price tag. • Softscaping: Hardscaping refers to structures like outdoor kitchens or decks. Softscaping involves the living elements of the landscape. Hiring a landscape designer to install trees, shrubs, natural edging, and rock elements can do wonders toward improving the look and value of a home. • Pool or water feature: In certain markets, particularly hot climates, a pool or another water feature is a must-have. However, in other areas where outdoor time is limited, a pool or water feature can actually lower the value of a home. Speaking with a real estate professional can give homeowners an idea of how a pool will fare in a given neighborhood. Outdoor improvements can improve the marketability of a home, as well as enhance its appearance and function. Time For a New Floor??? Cayouette Flooring 210 Park St, Rockland, ME 04841 | 800-750-2461 or (207) 594-2413 Sales Installation Free Estimates Mon - Fri 9-5 PM Sat 9-4 PM Come to Cayouette Flooring for a Variety of Choices Wood · Ceramic Vinyl · Carpet Looking to build or buy a new home? Ready to refinance? At First National Bank, we can start working with you at any phase of your home ownership process. By taking the time to really listen to your needs, our knowledgeable, efficient mortgage staff can make your home ownership dream a reality. National Bank A Division of The First Bancorp • 800.564.3195 • TheFirst.com • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender Haskell’s Water Treatment Water filter systems for your well water that will remove: Iron · Manganese · Hard Water · Acidic Water · Bacteria & E-coli · Sulfur · Uranium · Radon · Arsenic Registered Radon Water Testing and Mitigation Constant Pressure Systems Pumps & Pressure Tanks 1-800-244-4947 Route 90, Rockland www.haskellwater.com Improve storage H omes are getting bigger, but it seems like people are still lamenting a lack of 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. 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 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. Rafter shelving While in the attic (or a garage), add hanging shelves to rafters or exposed beams to create off-the-floor storage as well. These are just a few of the handy ways to improve the interior storage space in a home. Outdoor projects that add value Home & Garden April is Spring Month Turn your new house into a home P eople relocate for various reasons. After moving into a new house, it can take some effort to turn that house into a true home and feel comfortable in your new environs. These steps can help that process along. • Create at least one complete and serene space. Focus on setting up the bedroom so you can retreat at the end of the day. Invest in new furniture or get new bedding to give the room this comforting feeling. • Create an organizational plan. It can be tempting to want to throw everything in closets and unpack quickly, but give yourself time to fully analyze where you want to store items, where you may need to paint or reconfigure spaces, as well as any home improvements you want to make before taking out all of your stuff. When you fully unpack, you can immediately enjoy your hard work. • Hang artwork. Hang a few select pieces of artwork or family photos shortly after moving in. Surround yourself with things that make you feel good. • Bring mementos. Your first home may bring about warm feelings. While you can’t recreate it entirely, you can use a piece of furniture or a few family heirlooms to make your new space feel homey. • Rely on familiar scents. Break in the new space with familiar aromas, whether it’s preferential air fresheners, scented candles or baking your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. Moving into a new home can be exciting. Certain touches can help make the new space feel more like home. Free Estimates 24 HR Emergency Service 277 Swan Lake Ave., Belfast 338-4207 Cooling + Heating Heat Pumps Forced Hot Water Forced Hot Air Radiant Heat Propane or Oil Systems LAKESIDE BURNER SERVICE CALL US FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT IDEAS! 338-4265 BOWEN DAVID OIL BURNER SERVICE the growth they produced last year. Develop an eye for “broccoli” Little buds on old wood hydrangeas are called “broccoli.” For all old wood hydrangeas, with the exception of dead, diseased or damaged wood, hold off cutting until the little buds called “broccoli,” form. It’s only when those buds emerge that you will know which stems to discard. However, to a plant back because it has outgrown its allotted space — go ahead and prune. Just be aware that blooming may not occur. A point to remember is that some people never cut their old wood hydrangeas and the plants do just fine. Keep in mind there’s no guarantee of flowers from old wood hydrangeas if a plant has lost its buds to weather or whatever. Many areas had a rapid and deep freeze in November before the hydrangeas had a chance to harden off. There is a prevalent fear that cold spell killed the buds that were already formed. Nevertheless, even without flowers, the bush will green up handsomely. Reblooming hydrangeas Here’s the saving grace. With a big leaf or mountain hydrangea that reblooms (not possible on oakleaf and climbing), expect to get flowers from that plant even if the terminal buds were destroyed. Rebloomers have the amazing genetics to produce flowers on new stems they will generate in the current season as well as along the stems of last year’s growth. Reblooming hydrangeas will bloom twice in one year Give these hydrangeas the proper cultural conditions to do that. The right amount of fertilizer (applied now), moisture, and light (part sun) will keep them happy. Then they can concentrate on mid- season flower production. Some work now will reap big blooming benefits in the months to come. Lynette L. Walther is the GardenComm Gold medal winner for writing and a five-time recipient of the GardenComm Silver Medal of Achievement and the National Garden Bureau’s Exemplary Journalism Award. Her gardens are in Camden. WALTHER, from page A6
