Building, Home and Garden

Friday, April 5, 2013

2 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, April 5, 2013

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By ANGIE HICKSCreators.com

Having a contract that clearly spells out the details of the job is crucial for both the homeowner and contractor doing the work for any major home improvement project.

“It’s protection for both the consumer and the con-tractor,” said Becky Watson, co-owner of Agape Home Services. “If you don’t have a contract, either party can be unprotected.”

A solid contract will spell out the goals, responsibilities, payment terms and penalties if the contract details are not met. Contracts should include the job description, start and completion dates, payment terms, licensing, insurance and permit requirements, details on material and labor costs, change order proce-dures, penalties for missed completion dates and a ter-mination clause, which spells out reasons the homeowner

or the contractor can end the job without penalty.

“The more information that is in the contract, the more the homeowner under-stands what’s to be expected of them and what’s to be expected of the contractors,” said G. Paternostro, owner of GianFranco Contracting Service. “It’s a clear outline stating the scope of work, the materials to be used, the amount of manpower, the number of days. It’s just giv-ing a general idea of what the homeowner should expect from hiring that particular

contractor. There’s no gray area. Everybody knows their responsibility.”

A contract can offer a hom-eowner protection if fully read and understood, but it also can contain clauses that could lock unsuspecting homeown-ers in to an agreement they didn’t plan for. According to a nationwide Angie’s List poll, nearly one-third of the respon-dents admitted they don’t read contracts thoroughly.

Walker said her company requires customers to initial each page, showing they’ve read it, and encourages them to ask questions if there are provisions they don’t under-stand. Homeowners are not at the mercy of the contractor when it comes to what is or isn’t included in the contract. Both parties should discuss and agree upon the terms before beginning any project.

“The more details in the contract the better,” Walker said. “If there’s any doubt or anything they don’t under-

stand in their contract, I think it’s really important they be able to call their contractor and go over it with them.”

Here are 10 rules for a home improvement contract:

1) Job description. It spells out the project and who is responsible for what.

2) Start and completion dates. They set dates to give a framework of time the proj-ect should take and outline how and when contractors can access your home. Be prepared to amend comple-tion for good cause, but don’t accept unreasonable, unneces-sary delays.

3) Payment terms. Tie payment dates to job comple-tion. Most contractors will ask for at least 30 percent down. Some state laws estab-lish down payment limits, so determine your state require-ments. Hold back at least 10 percent until the job is com-pleted to your satisfaction.

4) Local authorization. Specify that your contractor

is responsible for securing necessary regulatory permits for your project. Walk away from a contractor who can’t or won’t approach local licensing or permitting agencies.

5) Penalties for missed completion dates. Give your-self options to deduct or delay payment if completion dates are missed to encourage the contractor to meet your time frame. Be specific about amounts, and clearly define terms.

6) Procedure for work orders/changes to initial agreement. Outline a process to follow for project changes or additions. Large-scale projects often uncover hid-den problems that must be addressed before work can continue, so change orders are not uncommon; but a well-defined project should not have several of them. Be wary if your contractor routinely seeks changes.

10 rules for a home improvement contract Building, Home & Garden

PRO TIP“The more information

that is in the contract, the more the homeowner under-stands what’s to be expected of them and what’s to be expected of the contractors,” said G. Paternostro, owner of GianFranco Contracting Service.

Please see CONTRACT, Page 3

3Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, April 5, 2013

7) Detailed outline of costs and materials. Require an itemized list of materials, labor and any other costs you will incur. Spell out whether you want specific materials, brands, colors, etc.

8) Proof of licensure, insurance and bonding. Ask for proof of licensure if appli-cable, worker’s compensation insurance, liability insurance and bonding to protect you from liability for property or job-related injuries.

9) Termination clause. Spell out reasons you or the contractor can leave the job without penalty (e.g., failure to pay the contractor, no reasonable explanation for delay, poor work quality or failure to adequately com-municate).

10) Other protection. Ask the contractor to provide a lien release, which protects you from liability should the contractor fail to pay his or her subcontractors who worked on your project.

Building, Home & Garden

CONTRACTContinued from Page 2

Choosing the appropriate fence to installBy MARK J. DONOVAN

Creators.com

So you’re thinking about installing a fence in your backyard. There are several fence types to choose from today. When choosing a fence to install, you need to con-sider what the main reason is for the fence. For example, is it for enclosing a pool, or is it for privacy? Is it for aes-thetics or for simply keeping the children or pets confined to an area in the backyard? By first understanding the purpose of the fence, you can then choose the most appro-priate style fence for your situation.

Aluminum fencesIf you want a rugged high-

quality fence, an aluminum fence is your ticket. Alumi-num fences are attractive, are highly corrosion-resistant and are functional.

Creators.com photo

When choosing a fence to install, you need to consider the main reason for the fence.Please see FENCES, Page 4

4 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, April 5, 2013 12408194-4-5-13B

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By ANICA WONGCreators.com

There were many things Erin Lang Norris and her husband were looking for-ward to when they moved out of an apartment and into their own house in south central Wisconsin. Top on that list was having a yard for building big fires to enjoy during the summer and win-ter months. The property they purchased didn’t have a fire pit, so Lang Norris had to take things into her own hands, literally.

“I don’t know how many bottles of ibuprofen I went through,” she said, noting that building the 5-foot-wide fire pit was a feat of will and physical strength.

Lang Norris couldn’t afford a landscape designer,

so she went to the first place most people do to get more information on any do-it-yourself project: the Internet. She was disappointed at the

lack of concise and helpful material and instead decided to give it a go herself.

They won’t rust and are virtually maintenance-free. Because of how the paint color is applied to aluminum fenc-ing, there is never a concern of chipping or peeling paint.

Aluminum fences are ideal for enclosing pools and for keeping in pets. They come in numerous styles and designs, so there is a fence type for even the most finicky of fence shop-pers. They are a bit pricey, so plan to dish out a little more money than other fence types.

Wrought-iron fencesThese days, new wrought-

iron fences often are used to enclose pools. They’re also more commonly found encom-passing yards of high-end residential property. Besides providing a classic and sophis-ticated look, wrought-iron fences are considered heavy-duty fences. Consequently, they are ideal for security reasons. The only real down-

side with wrought-iron fences, other than the fact that they are expensive, is that they can rust in time.

Vinyl fences Vinyl fences are the most

commonly installed fences today. They can provide both security and privacy, and they come in various sizes, styles and colors. They often are used for enclosing pools, patios and backyards. One of the main attributes of vinyl fenc-ing is that it is maintenance-free. It will not weather, rust or fade, though it can crack if hit hard, particularly if it is hit hard in colder weather. Vinyl fencing is the most economical of fencing materials, relative to the other two fence types listed in this article.

Before buying and install-ing a new fence, first make sure you know its main pur-pose. After you’ve come to a conclusion on its purpose, you can then better choose the appropriate fence to install.

FENCES: Other optionsContinued from Page 3 Fire pits

Enjoying the outdoors with a little warmth

Creators.com photo courtesy of Glass Photography

Whether building your own or bringing in a professional to build one, a fire pit allows you to relax and enjoy your outdoor space.

Please see FIRE PITS, Page 5


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The first step was mapping out the space for her fire pit. It ended up having a 5-foot diameter, a typical size, said Tim Lindgren, president of Lindgren Landscape & Irri-gation. However, you need a lot more space than that to accommodate the structure.

“You’ll have the fire pit itself — 5-foot outside diam-eter — and then you have three feet of seating all around it. All of a sudden you have an 11-foot space to fit a round fire pit,” Lindgren said. This size was perfect for Lang Norris’ 2-acre plot; the fire pit didn’t get lost in the area but also wasn’t overwhelming.

Lang Norris’ biggest chal-lenge, she said, was deciding what kind of stone she should use. She wanted something durable enough for high temperatures, which can foster brush fires, and cold Wisconsin winters. After pric-ing options at the local stone yard, she picked sandstone and then layered the inside

of the pit with firebrick she picked up at the hardware store.

Lindgren suggests that any fire pit be made with masonry blocks veneered with bricks, fake stones or real stones on the outside. This gives the pit the strong structure it needs to withstand the heat of a fire and leaves an aesthetically pleasing view for the hom-eowner.

Once the size is sketched out and the stone bought, the heavy lifting and digging begins; this is where the pain-killers come in handy. How deep you dig your foundation will depend on the type of soil in which you are digging. Lindgren, based in Colorado, has to accommodate expan-sive soils that tend to shift structures. The foundation is the area of the ground that

the stone cylinder will sit on. After this area is dug out, cement is poured in and rebar stuck into the cement to add stability and strength.

Lang Norris spent many hours chiseling pieces of stone to fit into the puzzle of the expansive fire pit walls. She carefully placed each piece exactly where she wanted it, which oftentimes required her to shift the stones from one space to another, trying to get all of the pieces just right. She then built a top cap of thicker stones that went all the way around the cylinder, giving the structure a nice finished look.

While Lang Norris’ fire pit is wood-burning, Lindgren gets many requests for gas fire pits. In these cases, his company would install a valve that runs through the exteri-or of the wall, into the bottom of the pit and capped by a burner system. Lava rocks or glass would cover the burner system but allow the flames to come up.

“The pros to doing a wood-burning fire pit is a real flame, the smell and crackling

of a campfire,” Lindgren said. A gas pit is easy to manage and maintain. Lindgren even installed a fire pit that the owner can light using an iPad app.

Lindgren suggests hom-eowners check the local fire codes before they start mak-ing decisions on the type of fire pit they want. Some areas don’t allow burning firewood in city limits, and if there is a gas line involved, permits must be in hand. Messing around with a gas line is no simple undertaking, Lindgren said.

All in all, Lang Norris spent about $450 on her fire pit while Lindgren’s company, which primarily caters to high-end residential locations, charges between $3,500 and $4,500 for a fire pit. Both options are viable and in the end, people are going to gather around it the finished project.

“In Colorado, we are trying to take advantage of the out-door living. What can we put outside that will prolong our season?” Lindgren said. Lang Norris knows just the thing.

Creators.com photo courtesy of Erin Lang Norris

Building your own fire pit can require a large space, heavy lifting and a lot of painkillers.

FIRE PITSContinued from Page 4

6 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, April 5, 2013 Building, Home & Garden

By MARK J. DONOVANCreators.com

Sealing your driveway is an important part in main-taining an asphalt driveway and extending the life of it.

Sealing prevents water from working its way into surface cracks and under-neath the asphalt. Once water gets underneath an asphalt driveway, it can quickly begin to undermine the integrity of it. The water can cause erosion, which eventually will lead to sink-holes in the asphalt.

In addition, during winter months, melting snow and ice water can work its way into the asphalt driveway cracks during the day and then freeze underneath the driveway when the tempera-tures drop. This situation leads to heaving, settling and eventual crumbling of the driveway. Sealing your driveway also prevents weeds growth and protects it from

oil spills. It also protects the asphalt from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which break down the binding material in the asphalt.

Though you can pay someone hundreds of dol-lars to seal your driveway, you can easily seal your own driveway for a fraction of the cost with as little as a half-day’s worth of work. That said, a newly poured asphalt driveway needs three to six months to fully cure before sealing it. This allows time for the hydrocarbon oils in the asphalt to evaporate and

the asphalt to fully harden. Before sealing your drive-

way, make sure to repair any cracks or holes in it by using either a cold patch or an asphalt driveway crack sealer. Asphalt driveway crack fillers are made from a synthetic rubber and come in either a tube that you apply with a caulking gun or in jugs where you simply pour the filler into the crack or hole.

Once you’ve applied the crack filler, allow several weeks for it to fully cure before sealing your driveway.

To actually seal your own driveway, you’ll need 5-gallon containers of coal tar driveway sealer. I rec-ommend buying coal tar driveway sealer over asphalt based sealers because of the fact that coal tar driveway sealer does a better job of protecting the asphalt from oil and gasoline spills.

The amount of driveway sealer containers required will depend upon the size of your driveway and the amount of square area each container covers. Typically, a 5-gallon container will cover 350 to 400 square feet. Calculate the area of your driveway and then divide it by the amount of area each container can cover. This will determine how many containers of driveway seal you’ll need.

Apply the driveway sealer to your asphalt driveway on a warm day so it spreads eas-ily. To spread the driveway sealer, use a long-handle

squeegee or broom that is specifically made for sealing driveways. Before pouring the driveway sealer onto your driveway, make sure to thoroughly stir each con-tainer well. Make sure when applying the driveway sealer that you do not put it on too thick. Otherwise, it might take much longer to cure, and it would be susceptible to peeling.

After sealing your drive-way, make sure not to walk or drive on it for a few days. Typically, a driveway sealer needs a couple of warm dry days before driving a vehicle on it. If the weather is less than perfect, you may need several more days to allow it to properly dry and harden.

Finally, keep in mind that sealing a driveway is not a once-in-a-lifetime event. To ensure a long asphalt drive-way life, you should plan on sealing your driveway every two to four years.

Sealing your own driveway to keep it niceMake sure when applying the driveway

sealer that you do not put it on too thick. Otherwise, it might take much longer to cure, and it would be susceptible to peeling.

7Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, April 5, 2013 Building, Home & Garden


BUILDING THIS SUMMER?

CAUTION

WHERE?

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT– GET A ZONING PERMIT

Weʼve noticed an increase in the number of people who have difficulty selling their properties. These properties may have public health and safety problems and do not meet local zoning standards. Financial institutions are reluctant to loan to potential buyers of these properties.

By obtaining a Borough zoning permit before construction, you can help ensure your development is marketable in the future. The Borough Planning Department issues zoning permits for projects both inside and outside city limits.

ITʼS FREE! There is no charge for a zoning permit. Usually we can have your zoning permit completed and back to you within 24 hours.

The Planning Department is located on the second floor of the Borough Administrative Building, 809 Pioneer Road. If you have any questions, please

call us at 459-1260.

http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/communityplanning

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By SHARON NAYLORCreators.com

Kids’ rooms are often a chaos of clothing, colors and craft items. Parents strive to keep some sense of order in their little ones’ rooms, often experiencing aggravation when youngsters don’t follow cleanup directions.

One way to reduce the struggle, and give kids an organized, clean living space where they can play in peace, is to create a new organizing plan for the room’s biggest opportunity for order: the closet.

Robert Guerin, owner of the professional closet design company Hang It Up Closets, said “when a child grows up in an organized, neat room, good skills are developed for later in life.”

As kids learn their new organizing system, they’re also learning their colors, matching items and thinking

about item function — les-sons that might help them in school and stick with them to create a foundation of order in their adult lives.

Right now, their belong-ings will find easily accessed storage spots and bins in that closet, getting all of the clutter off the floor, desks and dressers. Kids also will get pride of accomplishment when they clean their rooms more easily — and enjoy the perk of praise from you.

A key to organizing kids’ closets is formulating a plan that can be easily and inex-pensively adjusted as they grow.

“There’s a big differ-ence between baby hangers, kids’ toys and a teenager’s more grown-up collections,” Guerin said. You need “clos-ets designed to grow and adjust for your child’s changing needs.”

Tidy children’s rooms: 5 organization tipsCreators.com photo courtesy of Hang It Up Closets

A key to orga-nizing kids’ closets is formulating a plan that can be easily and inexpensively adjusted as they grow. “There’s a big differ-ence between baby hangers, kids’ toys and a teenager’s more grown-up collections,” said Robert Guerin, owner of the profes-sional closet design com-pany Hang It Up Closets.

Please see TIDY, Page 9


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At the start, decide whether you want to hire a professional closet organizer to construct the ideal layout of bars for hanging clothes, floor-to-ceil-ing cubbies and higher shelv-ing features. An expert knows exactly how to take a small closet and maximize the stor-age space within, using per-fectly measured shelves, bins and other features. When two or more children are sharing one closet, the expert can cre-ate sectors for each.

Or you might wish to tackle your closet organizing plan on your own, using these five top suggestions:

1) Start by pulling every-thing out. Have four bins nearby, marked “Current,” “Donate,” “Hand-Me-Downs” and “Trash.”

“Current” is for clothing, shoes, accessories, toys and other items the child uses now. “Donate” is for items to be donated to a charity. “Hand-

Me-Downs” is for outgrown items that can be offered to siblings or friends’ children. Of course, trash is for ripped, stained and otherwise unwear-able items, broken toys, and other discardables. If items can be recycled, have a bin for those, as well.

With an entirely empty space before you, and items in their bins, thoroughly clean the closet walls, ceilings and floor, and consider painting the closet interior. Kids can help choose their desired color, and stencils and wall clings can add a fun, decorative flair to parts of the wall visible beneath hanging clothes or on the side walls.

2) Install double bars for kids’ clothes, set low enough for your child to be able to hang his or her own clothing. Since kids’ clothing is short and thin, hang one rod higher and further back in the closet, with the second rod lower and toward the front. Kids can then hang up their clothes with more space between each item, for easier viewing — or your older child can claim the

back bar, while your smaller child gets the front bar. Spring tension rods can be used for narrow closets, so you don’t need to drill holes and screw in the bars. As kids age, the tension bars can be raised to the heights needed.

Make hanging up cloth-ing easier and more fun for kids by investing in colorful plastic hangers. As a rainy day project, kids can affix small stickers of their choice to the center point of the hanger just below the hook. This gives kids ownership of their hanger collection, which may inspire better use of them.

3) Set colorful fabric bins on the closet floor, such as bright pinks or apple greens, with pictures on the front for pre-readers or large letter identification labels for older kids. These labels identify what’s to be placed in these lidless bins. Laundry is more easily deposited, especially when you teach kids to stand a few feet away and score “bas-kets” with their dirty socks and shirts. Another bin might be for stuffed animals, giving

beloved teddy bear collections a cozy home “where they can all be together.” When storage bins have lids, kids are less likely to take the extra step of pulling out the bin, opening a snap top and closing it again. The open-top of a fabric bin inspires more use.

4) Plan tall enough shelves in built-ins. Meryl Starr, profes-sional organizer and author of “The Organizing Workbook,” suggests shelving heights that allow for a 6- to 12-inch pile of folded clothes to still have room on top for airier storage that cuts down on any mold or mildew. When cubbies or shelves have room on top, it’s easier for kids to retrieve the shirt they want without the entire pile of shirts falling to the floor (and staying there).

5) Use hang-ing organizers for smaller items. A

hanging fabric shoe rack can be used for shoes and also for kids’ little purses and dress-up items like tiaras. A hanging travel organizer intended for toiletries can hold jewelry, craft items, small toys and other tiny things.

When organizing bins and items are colorful and inviting, offering easy access, kids will use them. On those days when kids are resistant to stowing the teddy bears in their bin, it’s easy for you to deposit them there and call it a day.

TIDYContinued from Page 8


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BY SHARON NAYLORCreators.com

An easy and inexpensive way to trans-form a room is to install new and stylish shelving features. You don’t need to build a bookcase that extends the entire length of a wall. That kind of big, heavy feature lessens the floor space of your room and can make the space look smaller. What is trendy for interior design right now is the addition of individual shelf pieces and ledges measuring 2 feet, 3 feet or 4 feet in length. A single attractive shelving piece gives framed artwork a chic place to rest and a small grouping of collectibles a tasteful home.

Here are the top trends in shelf and ledge features this year, any of which would serve you well in an easy, get-it-done-in-no-time home decor project:

» Ultra-narrow shelving. A ledge that extends just 2 inches to 4 inches from the wall maintains the open and airy space of a room, especially if it’s a small room. The new class of ultra-narrow shelving features a groove or a front lip that keeps frames, artwork and smaller items secure-ly in place. Consider installing a narrow single shelf the entire length of the wall,

set high to run above the windows, for the purpose of displaying artwork and col-lectibles the full length of the room. When painted the same color as the wall, the shelf becomes an “invisible” architectural detail that eliminates the “stuck to the wall” effect of a contrasting color.

» Rustic wood ledges. Rustic is in this season, adding a more natural look and feel to a room. Unique woods such as bayur are found in Pottery Barn col-lections and others, and they offer that telltale aged look of rustic charm. One top trend for rustic shelves and ledges is displaying not just one piece, but two or three in different sizes, such as a 4-footer on the bottom, a 3-footer above that and a 2-footer above that. The stacked effect maintains rustic comfort while providing a unique visual flair that’s far more en vogue now than a trio of matching shelf lengths.

» Rattan. For an island-style effect, choose a wood shelf that gives the effect of woven rattan. Pottery Barn features an extra-thick mango wood shelf with a chunkier appearance, giving the look and feel of a fireplace mantle because it is

The top trends in shelving and ledges

Creators.com photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

New shelving trends include rustic, marble and multi-piece shelves and ledges.Please see SHELVES, Page 11


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BEWAREBEWAREBEWARE There are numerous areas throughout the Borough identified as flood hazard areas. People building in these areas without proper guidance are risking their investment. Every year many people in our community spend hundreds or thousands of extra dollars for required flood insurance. These extra expenses can be avoided.

CHECK THE FLOOD POTENTIAL It may seem that your property is unlikely to flood. But just because it hasnʼt flooded the last 10 years doesnʼt mean it wonʼt flood next year. Before building, check to see if your property is in a flood hazard area. The Borough Planning Department has a copy of the Federal Insurance Rate Maps that identify the areas susceptible to flooding. Knowing the flood potential of your property could save you thousands of dollars in the future.

ITʼS FREE! It costs you nothing to check the flood potential. If your lot is in a flood hazard area you are required to obtain a floodplain permit. Damages will be minimized if a flood occurs, and any required flood insurance payments will be minimized. There is no Borough charge for the floodplain permit.

WHERE? The Planning Department is located on the second floor of the Borough Administrative Building, 809 Pioneer Road. If you have any questions, please call us at 459-1260.

BUILDING THIS SUMMER?

http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/communityplanning/floodplain

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six inches high, as opposed to those 4-inch-high display shelves.

» Marble top. A white marble embedded with natural crystalline sparkles and col-ored veining provides a Euro-pean elegance for a bathroom, kitchen or white-decor living room. With a decorative black metal brace beneath, the effect is opulent, yet still soft enough for modern decor.

» Beveled-edge shelves. The slight angles of a beveled edge add a more formal look to a shelving piece and may coordinate with other furni-ture pieces in the room. A style to check out is Pottery Barn’s corbel decorative shelf with beveled edges, cutout corners and curved supports that, with its classic profile, adds to the architecture of a space. Pottery Barn style consultants (whom you can contact via www.potterybarn.com for your own personal decor consultations, and even send them photos of

your room) say, “Use them in rows or with staggered shelves to showcase frames, books and keepsakes.”

» Moulded-base shelves. Shelving pieces with decorative moulding on the bottom can coordinate with the design of moulding encircling the tops of your walls, for a polished look.

» A-frame bookcases with matching shelves above. Bed Bath & Beyond showcases a four-shelf A-frame bookcase in a trendy espresso color made from solid hardwood and veneer for a contemporary, geometric pattern. Matching small ledges above or posi-tioned on either side extend the wood shelving effect in an eye-pleasing upward direc-tion to continue the display of similar items, such as books, collectibles and artwork.

» Gallery-style display. The popular home decor site Casa Sugar listed the gallery wall as one of the top design trends for this year, encouraging the artistic collection of different colors and sizes of framed art arranged randomly on a wall. Narrow-edged shelving pieces or ledges can be used to create

this same effect, and it may be your choice to display match-ing frame colors and styles — in different sizes for visual effect — to show off your kids’ artwork and other prints or creations.

» Mix shelving units with shelves and ledges. Individual shelf and ledge pieces can be hung between two built-in bookcases, such as above a bed and situated in the middle, or small ledges could be hung next to a bookshelf to make use of staircase space and oth-er awkward empty wall areas.

» Eco-friendly woods. Since green living is a top trend in interior design, choose eco-friendly bamboo, or borrow from prized designers who use reclaimed wood such as rail-road ties and pine lengths to customize inventive shelves.

» Natural colors. The top hues of shelving pieces include mahogany, cherry wood, espresso and lighter shades such as natural, white and silver. Brights may be used in children’s rooms, nurseries and now even in kitchens for a pop of color in an all-white or tan space.

SHELVESContinued from Page 10

By PAT LOGANCreators.com

Dear Pat: I was at a recent home show, and I saw a beautiful concrete fireplace surround. Is this something I could install on a new fireplace I am having added to my living room, and is it good? — Debbie G.

Dear Debbie: A concrete surround can be installed on any fireplace. Concrete is one of the best materials to use for a fireplace surround. It is very durable, attractive and nonflammable. The design flexibility is virtually unlim-ited because it is poured into a handmade mold that can be any shape you desire.

People often think of concrete as the dull gray stuff used for sidewalks and

driveways, but nothing could be further from the truth. Today concrete often is used for kitchen countertops and other indoor surfaces in a home where durability is a consideration.

Concrete is made basically of cement, aggregate (stones, gravel, sand, etc.) and water. By using a relatively fine aggregate, instead of gravel, which is commonly used for outdoor sidewalks, the fin-ished concrete surface can be smooth and uniform.

Concrete also can be col-ored. The colorant is com-bined with the water when all of the concrete compo-nents are mixed together. By using this method, the color goes through the concrete.

Sprucing up the fireplace

Install a concrete fireplace surround

Please see FIREPLACE, Page 12

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If its surface does get marred or damaged in some way, it will be less apparent.

Installing a concrete fire-place surround is not usually a do-it-yourself job, but if you design a simple one, give it a try. The materials are inexpen-sive, so if you end up having to call for professional help, you will not have spent much.

Installing a concrete sur-round sounds as though it takes a lot of strength to handle and install the heavy materials. But a concrete sur-round is made in several small-er sections that are mounted separately against the wall around the fireplace opening. By installing it in several sec-tions, each section can be made with a different colorant for a unique appearance.

The first step in making a concrete surround is to design it and make a full-scale tem-plate. A simple rectangular shape that is all on the same plane gives it a contemporary

look. A mantel, made from a smoothly finished wood beam, can be placed between the upper two sections.

Once you have the template completed, place it against the fireplace to make sure it fits perfectly. The concrete used for the surround will be only about 3 inches thick. Note on the back of the template any pro-trusions from the wall that will interfere with the placement of the concrete sections.

The final forms, into which the concrete is poured, can be made from 3/4-inch-thick melamine. Melamine is strong enough to hold its shape when filled with concrete, and it has a very smooth surface.

Use a dry concrete mixture to fill the molds. For larger pieces, install reinforcing steel rods or mesh in the mold so the concrete is forced through it. If you use mesh, make sure the holes are larger than the aggre-gate in the concrete. Steel ties, which attach the sections to the wall, should also be placed along the edge. Allow the con-crete to set up for several days before attempting to hang the sections on the wall.

FIREPLACEContinued from Page 11

BY JOSEPH PUBILLONESCreators.com

Nothing embodies a sense of luxury more than nicely appointed bathrooms and powder rooms. This is one of the best improvements that can be done to any home, townhouse or condominium, as it adds both perceived and actual value.

Since the times of ancient Rome, baths have been a great place for cleanliness and also for establishing a connection among body, mind and spirit. Baths were a refuge for one to go and think clearly and even, in some cultures, to negotiate the finer points of a business deal. In our world today, bath-rooms are more private but, nonetheless, just as important.

Today’s bathrooms are not just functional rooms of the house but also an extension of one’s living space, and they are no longer clinical in design. Designs for these spaces have gone in many directions, often including saunas, hot tubs, massage tables and even exercise areas. Gone are many of the materi-als one used to expect in bathrooms: ceramic

Bathroom redux: Add value and comfort to your home

Creators.com

A new bathroom adds both perceived and actual value to your home.Please see BATHROOM, Page 13

13Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, April 5, 2013 13408768 4-5-13B

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tile, traditional fixtures, tones of mint green, cherry pink and sky blue (unless you are involved in a historical resto-ration). These materials have been replaced with warmer tiles, slates and marbles in a variety of incredible colors. Some have textures; others are laser-cut for intricate designs. Stones are mixed with glass and mirrors, and tiles and fixtures that glow in the dark are available.

Some of the newer bath-rooms rival the size of their en suite bedrooms. Larger spaces are in favor over the typi-cal 5-by-7-foot bathrooms of yesteryear. Most homeowners are even willing to eliminate a spare room so that the square footage can be used for their new bathroom. Lounging areas are de rigueur, and this means space for a chaise or a pair of club chairs and an otto-man.

Fixtures such as toilets, lavs and tubs are available

in traditional styles to fit in with most conventional architectural styles. But some are also available in sleek versions that look as if they have been designed by aero-nautical engineers. Materials for fixtures have evolved to include the traditional porce-lains and enameled irons, as well as newer materials, such as resins and polyesters, that can easily be molded into any shape while having the same sheen as earlier models.

Custom cabinetmakers can make bathroom furniture in any style to fit your decor and lifestyle. The one caveat is to use materials that are not affected by direct contact with water or humidity. Today’s styles range from floating wall-mounted cabinetry to furniture-like pieces that com-pletely conceal the fixtures.

The whirlpool tub was the must-have 10 or 20 years ago. Today high-end plumb-ing fixtures are all the rage. Most whirlpool tubs are being removed for lack of use and are being replaced with larger showers — sometimes large enough for two.

BATHROOMContinued from Page 12

By SHARON NAYLORCreators.com

Your shower is your oasis. It may be where you begin your day, waking up with the scents of your shampoo and body cleanser, but it’s also where you go after a tough workout or a day of gruel-ing yardwork to soothe your muscles and get squeaky-clean again. It’s where you might sing and scrub, so make your shower a place of pure relaxation and reju-venation with a few easy refurbishing projects that don’t take a pricey remodel-ing project. The goal is to create a de-stressing place, not create stress with the hassle, noise and a mess of contractors, nor the scary codes and budget-killing plumbing upgrades to be sure your pipes and water heater can handle multiple shower stream jets and the addition of a steam bath.

Here are a few easy addi-tions to spruce up your show-er into a place you love to be.

Showerhead A new showerhead is easy

to install, using manufac-turer instructions and the installation videos found on some manufacturer websites. You can change your old-fashioned spray showerhead into an indulgent waterfall showerhead, and with a twist of the wide circular disk, choose from gentle rainfall-type spray to a more massag-ing shiatsu-style stream.

Shower curtain rodYou may have experienced

the airy, roomier shower in a luxury hotel, with an arched curtain rod moving that cur-tain liner further away from your body so that you can move freely without bumping into that liner. It’s an easy installation project requiring just a screwdriver in most

cases.

ChromatherapyIt sounds space-age, but

some top shower supply companies now offer show-erheads that project relaxing colors of light, such as pur-ple, blue or green in a relax-ing pattern meant to stimu-late the de-stressing sensors of the brain. HGTV recently showcased this holistic fea-ture via the Ondine Electric Light Shower, or ELS, which “pours light and water” from each of its large number of nozzles, “in a combination of fiber optics and halogen lights.” Also in the holistic realm — and pricey — is the “healing power of crystals via Ondine’s Krystal ELS, boasting Swarovski crystals around the perimeter.” If you don’t have the budget for crystals in your showerhead, think about colored light options in your overhead shower light fixture.

Wake up your oasis


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15Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, April 5, 2013 Building, Home & Garden

Fit Energy Efficiency and Air Quality into Your Remodeling Plans!

A large portion of the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) was designated a “nonattainment” area for PM 2.5 by the EPA because on several days each year there is more fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) in the air than is healthy to breathe. Excessive levels of PM 2.5 are produced through the inefficient combustion of fuels, such as wood, coal, home heating fuel, gas, and diesel. Here are some tips to help you save energy and money, and to help improve air quality in our community.

• Weatherize your home to reduce heating costs and emissions by using less fuel.

• Upgrade older heating appliances. If you burn wood or coal, check out the FNSB Air Quality Improvement Program. Anyone that owns property in the Borough that heats with wood or coal may be eligible. Participants in the replacement program are

reimbursed for expenses related to upgrading older, non-EPA certified devices to more efficient appliances. Participants are eligible for reimbursements of up to $3,000, depending on the type of device they put in. Contact FNSB Air Quality for more information.

• P erfor m regular maintenance on your heating appliance for maximum efficiency and safest use.

• Split, Stack, Store and Save! If heating with wood, split it at least once, stack to allow for good air flow, and store for at least six warm months to get wood that has moisture content of 20% or less . Burning dry wood saves you money because you need less of it to heat your home.

• Plug in your vehicle when its 20 above or colder for at least one hour before starting the engine. This can reduce emissions, including fine particulates and

carbon monoxide, by up to 70% and minimizes vehicle wear and tear. Electric timers are inexpensive and can be set to turn on automatically an hour or two before the time you usually leave the house to further minimize the amount of energy used.

• Idle vehicles for less than 10 minutes to avoid wasting gas and polluting the air. A vehicle in motion warms up faster and more completely.

• Ride the bus or carpool to reduce the amount of gas you use and to save money on vehicle maintenance costs. There are currently 9 bus routes offered by MACS Transit, including one route to the Eielson and Salcha areas and another around Van Horn Road.

By taking simple steps to save energy, you save money and you help keep our air clean and healthy to breathe!

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