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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Learn about home improvements that are eligible for tax breaks or rebates

Proper fence etiquette

can prevent disputes

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Things to know before building a deck

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2 • February 22, 2012 Home & Garden

Inside this edition

Page 4Home improvements eligible for tax breaks, rebates.

Page 5Restoring your property following a long winter.

Page 7Easy ways to make your home look cleaner in a snap.

Page 10How to floodproof your home.

Page 11Adding a half bathroom? Things to consider.

Page 12Window guards can save children’s live.

Page 13Create an outdoor retreat in your own backyard.

Page 14Five signs your roof might be wearing down.

Page 15What to consider in outdoor furniture.

Page 16Shop off-season for major home improvements.

Page 18Fence etiquette can help avoid disputes with neighbors.

Page 8Things to know before building a deck.

If you are redecorating, remodeling, or building a new home, or just want to see what is new in home improvement, Home Show is a great place to get started!

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Home & Garden February 22, 2012 • 3

Homeowners often look to make improvements to their homes to improve aesthetics, save money or make their homes more energy effi cient.

What many may not know is that certain home improvements may qualify them for manufacturer or energy supplier rebates and even federal tax credits that can help a person save even more.

Not all products are eligible each year, so it’s benefi cial to know what tax incentives are out there re-garding home retrofi ts. Here are some programs to keep in mind.

In Canada, the ecoEnergy Retrofi t — Homes program has been extended until March 31, 2012.

Owners of most homes, including four-season recre-ational properties and low-rise multi-unit residential buildings of three stories or less with at least 50 percent residential space, might be eligible, according to Natural Resources Canada.

Applicants can receive a federal grant for up to $5,000. Owners of multiple dwellings can receive up to $1,000,000.

Eligible home improve-ments include heating and cooling systems, ventilation systems, hot water equip-ment, insulation, air sealing, windows/doors/skylights, and water conservation products.

U.S. residents who made home improvements in 2011 may be eligible for tax credits when fi ling a 2011 tax return.

Installation and replace-

ment of biomass stoves, HVAC systems, insulation, metal and asphalt roofs, nonsolar water heaters and windows/doors can earn a person up to 10 percent of the cost, up to $500, or a specifi c amount from $50 to $300.

Improvements are re-quired to have been done to an existing home and prin-cipal residence by December 31, 2011.

Federal tax credits for 2012 include geothermal heat pumps.

These are similar to ordinary heat pumps, but

use the ground instead of outside air to provide heat-ing, air conditioning and, in most cases, hot water.

Use of small residential wind turbines and solar energy systems, includ-ing solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels, are also eligible. These tax credits offer 30 percent of the cost of the renovation with no upper limit.

Homeowners looking to

make improvements can go online or consult with a tax professional to determine which improvements may be eligible for tax credits or incentives.

With the energy saved and the credit, it could add up to considerable savings on the new product.

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Home improvements eligible for tax breaksMetro Editorial

Installation of insulation and other energy-saving products could make you eligible for a tax rebate.

Engery.govGo online to

determine any ad-ditional rebate and savings programs

that may be offered in your state.

One of the best things about the dawn of spring and the return of warmer weath-er is the chance to get out of the house and get some fresh air. For homeowners, this is the perfect opportunity to assess any damage the previ-ous months did to yards and develop a restoration plan.

■ Don’t jump the gun. The fi rst warm day of spring might seem like a great time get out in the yard and get your hands dirty. But it’s best to wait until the grass has completely dried out before getting to work. Raking on wet grass increases the risk of tearing it out, which can cause bald spots and the growth of weeds. In addition, stepping on the grass while the ground is still wet can compact the soil, which can slow drainage and block the lawn’s roots from breathing.

Patience should prevail with regard to mowing the lawn as well. A lawn’s roots will not start to grow until the average everyday temper-ature routinely reaches 40 F, so mowing too early is both unnecessary and potentially harmful to the lawn. When the temperatures regularly reach 50 F, then homeown-ers will likely start to see their lawns growing.

■ Remove debris that’s piled up. Debris has a ten-dency to infest a yard over the course of the winter months. Fallen branches, stones and even trash can accumulate in a yard, putting those who spend time in the yard at risk of injury once the warm weather returns. For instance, bits of twigs and

pebbles that are blown across the yard during a windy winter can be embedded in the yard, making the yard less of a haven and more of a hazard. Once the grass is dry enough to walk on, walk around the property and re-move any debris that’s piled up over the last few months.

■ Employ a pre-emergent weed killer. Homeowners who routinely spend their summers agonizing over weeds throughout the yard should consider applying a pre-emergent weed killer around the beginning of spring. It’s important to do so around the end of March or early April, when the weeds have not yet had a chance to grow. When applying, follow the dosage instructions provided by the product’s manufacturer. Such instructions often rec-ommend a second applica-tion right before summer begins.

■ Remove thatch. Once the grass has dried, you can begin to remove thatch that’s built up over the winter. Thatch is potentially very harmful to soil, blocking sunlight, air and moisture the soil needs to ensure a lawn looks lush and healthy. Thatch removal does not necessarily need to be an an-nual task. If thatch buildup is insignifi cant, then it can be done every other year. Just use a dethatching rake to make the job much easier.

■ Aerate, particularly if the yard is a heavy traffi c area once the warm weather ar-rives. If your yard transforms into a child’s wonderland upon the arrival of spring

and summer, you might want to revive the soil by aerating. When the yard gets heavy usage, it’s easy for soil to become compacted, which makes it hard for air and wa-ter to reach the lawn’s roots. That can eventually make for a less-than-appealing lawn. So if your yard is the place to be come the warmer months, aerate in the spring to loosen the soil and make it easier for the lawn to withstand the months ahead.

No matter how harsh the winter months might have been, spring is a great time for homeowners to restore the property around their homes.

‘12


Restoring your property following a long winter

Metro Editorial

Mowing the lawn too early in the spring is both unneces-sary and potentially harmful to the lawn.


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It’s the season for spring cleaning, and homeown-ers no doubt have a slew of projects on tap. Clothes will be sorted and donated and unnecessary items thrown in the trash.

Sometimes, however, there’s little time for a thor-ough cleaning, so a quick ti-dying up is done when guests are coming to visit. There are many ways to tackle the clutter and get a home presentable in no time at all. When you’re short on time, consider these ways to give living spaces the appearance of cleanliness.

Kitchen

■ Assess the kitchen sink and move all the dishes

awaiting washing into the dishwasher. Wipe down the inside of the sink with a disinfecting wipe or a clean sponge.

■ Wipe down the counter-tops quickly with a wipe or sponge. Wet a paper towel or rag and attack any errant spots on the stove and fl oor, which will become sticky and attract more dirt.

■ Fold or hang dish towels in a way that camoufl ages any stains.

■ Place a small pan of water on the stove with some nutmeg and cinnamon and bring to a simmer. This will disguise any smells lingering from last night’s dinner.

■ Take down magnets and notes stuck to the refrigera-

Easy way to clean up in a snapMetro Editorial

Please see CLEANUP | 9Dimming lights in the home can set a relaxing mood and hide any other things you may have missed while cleaning.

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A deck makes a great addition to many homes, but hom-eowners should learn as much as possible about decks and what goes into building them before making any decking decisions.

Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau Housing Survey indicate that homeowners annually spend billions of dollars improving outdoor living areas.

One of the most popular ways to do just that is to add a deck to a home. Decks are benefi cial in many ways. Grillmasters love decks because they make the perfect place to set up a grill and a table and cook for family and friends. Those who simply love being outdoors fi nd decks the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun or idle away the eve-ning hours.

But homeowners who want to build a deck should know a few things before that process begins.

■ Permits are necessary. Unless the deck is going to be especially small, you will likely need a permit to build it. Before buying any materials or consulting any contractors,

make certain you know which permits you need and how to get them. If the proper permits are not secured before the project be-gins, you might have to tear down the whole project and start all over again.

■ Decks don’t have to go on the back of the house. If the back of your house sits in the blazing sun all day, then it’s probably best to build the deck elsewhere, and that’s perfectly alright. So long as the property and permits allow, decks can be built on the side of a home as well, and putting a deck on the side might be more comfortable.

■ Decks don’t have to be made of wood. It’s easy to assume all decks are made of plain wood. However, decks can be made out of a wide variety of materials, natural or syn-thetic. Pressure treated wood is perhaps the most popular material for decking because

Things to keep in mind before building a deck

Metro Editorial

Please see DECK | 9

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tor and temporarily place them in a zipper-seal bag.

■ Use a static-charged sweeper sheet to grab any hairs, dust or pet fur from the fl oor.

Living Room

■ Go to the sofa and turn the pillows to the side that is not often facing outward. Consider this the “company side” that may not have any stains or mars in the fabric. Fluff the pillows to clear out dust.

■ Use a handheld vacuum to clean up any crumbs or dirt on tables or in the sofa cushions.

■ Wipe down coffee tables with a damp cloth to clear away dust and fi ngerprints.

■ Wet the fi ngertips of rubber gloves and glide your hand over upholstery to rid furniture of pet hair.

■ Keep a basket handy to neatly store newspaper, magazines or books.

■ Gather and remove the most obvious clutter and relocate it elsewhere less noticeable.

■ Dim the lights and light candles. It’s harder to spot

dirt in a dim room.

Bathroom

■ A premoistened wipe can quickly clean the sink and counters from dried-on con-tact solution or toothpaste.

■ The same wipe can be used to rid the mirror of er-rant spots of splatter.

■ Use the same cloth to wipe down the toilet seat and the rim underneath. Use the toilet brush to scrub inside the bowl to remove any rings.

■ Put new hand towels on racks or on the counter.

■ Glide a lint roller over the bath mat to remove hair and fuzz.

Bedroom

■ If the children’s rooms are messes, close the doors and make those rooms off-limits.

■ Make your bed and fl uff the pillows.

■ Take dirty clothes to the hamper and put away anything left out. If desper-ate, pile it into the closet to attend to later.

■ Neaten the night stands next to the bed, removing personal effects or storing it in the drawers.

CLEANUP: Dim lights to hide dirtCONTINUED FROM 7

it’s not very expensive. But manmade materials that are a mixture of recycled plastic and wood bits or sawdust are also popular because they require no mainte-nance. But homeowners should know that manmade materials can get hot in the sun, which will require those enjoying the deck to wear shoes.

■ Expect to do some dig-ging. If you’re going to build your own deck, expect to do some serious digging. Local building codes will dictate how deep you will need to dig for the pier footings, which support the deck’s weight. Just how deep you’ll dig depends on your cli-mate’s specifi c frost line, but it’s safe to assume you’ll get a workout in when digging.

■ The deck can have multiple levels. Though many people associate decks with one level, it’s possible to have a multi-level deck if you simply don’t have enough room to build a deck that will be big enough to meet all of your needs. A multi-level deck can break up those long fl ights of stairs while ensuring you will always have somewhere to go to escape the sun on a hot day.

■ You will want to protect the deck. Decks are a costly investment, and you will want to protect that invest-ment. If you’re building a wood deck, keep in mind the sun will beat down on the deck for most of the year. You can protect the deck by painting it. Paint provides sunscreen for the deck, stopping the sun from

breaking down the material. Once you’ve fi nished paint-ing, apply sealant, whether it’s oil- or water-based.

■ Don’t forget fasten-ers. Fasteners will hide the screws for aesthetic ap-peal. But not all woods and fasteners are the right fi t, as certain woods are only compatible with certain fasteners. Find out which fasteners make the right fi t ahead of time. Because fas-teners conceal the screws, they also make it possible to go barefoot on the deck.

DECK: Protect your deck by painting, sealing the woodCONTINUED FROM 8

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No home is perfect. While the notion of a dream house is nice, every home eventu-ally experiences a problem or two. Many are bound to occur sooner or later, but there are a few that diligent homeowners can prevent.

One of those problems is fl ooding. Any home with fl oor drains or plumbing fi xtures below street level can fl ood, and this can be due to inclement weather, such as heavy rainstorms, local sewer system backup, or ground-water swelling. Flooding can even occur in the spring when melting occurs as the air temperature increases. While homeowners won’t be able to control the weather, they can take steps to fl ood-proof their home.

■ Do some preventive landscaping. If the ground around the home’s founda-tion slopes toward the house, make some grading changes so that the ground slopes away from the home.

■ Insulate the heating ducts. Some home heating ducts are under the base-ment fl oor. In such homes, homeowners should make sure these ducts are properly insulated and watertight.

■ Make sure the vents all lead outside the home. The weather can cause moisture issues, but some moisture problems can come from inside the home as well. Clothes dryers and bath-rooms are both internal moisture sources, and these sources should always be vented outside the home.

■ Clean gutters and down-spouts. Gutters and down-

spouts should be cleaned to ensure water is effectively being diverted away from the home. Clean gutters and downspouts in the spring after a long winter, and do so again in the fall to keep fallen leaves from blocking the fl ow of water. Downspouts should extend four feet from the outside wall of the house.

■ Inspect the home at least once a year. Before buying a home, buyers often hire a professional inspector to ensure the home is safe and sound. But the inspections should not stop once buyers sign on the dotted line. To prevent fl ooding, homeown-ers should inspect their home’s foundation for cracks once a year. If the home has a chimney and fi replace, check for cracks there as well. If any cracks are discov-ered, consult a professional immediately.

■ Clean out basement drains. Basement drains should be cleaned annually from the house to the street. If the drains are still slow af-ter cleaning, then clean them more than once a year.

■ When leaving the home for an extended period of time, turn the water valve off. Homeowners worried about fl ooding can calm those fears when going on vacation or another long trip by turn the water valve off at the source. This ensures that, should a line break while no one is home, water will not pump into the house.

Floodproofi ng a home can save homeowners from potentially costly repairs and unsightly damage to a home’s interior.

How to floodproof your propertyMetro Editorial

Cleaning gutters and downspouts is one way to prevent homes from flooding.


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When it comes to renovating a home, homeowners expect to spend money. No home renovation or home improvement project is free, but some are less costly than others.

The addition of a half-bathroom is a popular project among homeown-ers, and it won’t necessarily break the bank. If converting existing fl oor space into a half-bathroom, such a renovation can cost as little as a few thousand dollars, making the addi-tion of a powder room one of the few home improvement projects where the value added to the home exceeds the cost of the renovation. Before deciding to add a half-bathroom, it helps to consider some of the pros and cons of the project.

Pros

■ Convenience: A half-bathroom is often added on the home’s main fl oor or in the basement or attic. This

makes it more convenient for guests to use the restroom during a dinner party or when coming over to watch the big game in a basement home-theater area.

■ Problem-free: Half-bathrooms are smaller because they don’t have a shower or bathtub. That means com-mon bathroom problems like mold and mildew are not as big a concern as they are for full bathrooms.

■ More choices: Because mold and mildew aren’t likely to present a problem in a half-bathroom, hom-eowners have more options at their disposal when choosing fl oors and countertops.

Cons

■ Space: As their name implies, half-bathrooms are much smaller than full bathrooms. As a result, they tend to feel cramped.

■ Value: Though an inexpensive half-bathroom addition might recoup

its value and then some at resale, the project won’t add as much resale value to a home as a full bathroom addition might.

■ Loss of storage: If storage around the house is sparse, homeowners might be better off keeping the area designated for the half-bathroom as a storage closet instead of a bathroom.

Once the pros and cons have been weighed, homeowners who want to go forward with the project should then check with their local mu-nicipality to ensure the codes and requirements won’t restrict their project. Size or window restrictions might curtail the project or limit what homeowners can do, which might change their minds on the project altogether.

The addition of a half-bathroom often makes practical and fi nancial sense. But before making any addi-tion, homeowners must weight the pros and cons to make the best deci-sion possible.

Adding a half-bathroom, things to considerMetro Editorial

The addition of a half-bathroom is a project that often makes practical and financial sense.


The weather is warming and that means windows are being opened to let in fresh air and warm breezes. The advantages to open windows are many. But one particular disadvantage is the safety hazard open windows pres-ent to young children.

More than 5,000 Ameri-can children are injured each year after falling out of windows, says the Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Two-thirds of these children are toddlers, and a quarter of all injured are hurt seriously enough to require hospi-tal admittance. Montreal Children’s Hospital says they treat roughly 10 children a year who have fallen from a window. Due to toddlers’

high center of gravity (a head that is particularly heavy), most topple over and land head-fi rst, which can have devastating effects.

Falls from windows can cause serious injuries and even death. However, the accidents are largely prevent-able. Many recall the tragic 1991 incident when musician Eric Clapton’s son, Conor, fell to his death from an apartment 49 stories up in a Manhattan highrise.

Conor, age 4, allegedly darted past a housekeeper who had left the window open after cleaning and fell out of the window. The song “Tears in Heaven” was sub-sequently written by Clapton for his son.

Children are often insa-tiable in their curiosity and desire to see what is hap-

pening in the world around them. Goings-on outdoors can be fascinating, and it is not farfetched to see children leaning up against windows and screens to get a better view of outdoors. A window screen can easily dislodge and provides no barrier from a fall.

Parents and guardians of young children should add window protection to the list of safety gear they use to childproof a home. There are many varieties of window guards that attach to windows and provide a measure of security against falls. Some of these safety devices are bars or grills that install into place but can be easily removed by an adult in the event the window needs to be used as an emergency evacuation point. Window

gates can be used on larger, swing-out windows to form a barrier for children. There are also locks and latches that restrict how much a win-dow can be opened.

Some areas of the country have made it law to have window guards on sec-ond story windows where children under age 10 are in residence, particularly high-rise apartment buildings. Even falls from ground-fl oor windows can cause injuries. It’s important to check with a landlord or with a municipal offi ce about the require-ments with regard to window guards.

In addition to installing window guards, there are other safety steps that help prevent window-related falls.

■ Keep furniture away from windows.

■ Keep beds away from windows, especially in a child’s bedroom.

■ Routinely inspect the hardware and construction of the window to ensure it is secure. Periodically check the fi t of a window guard to make sure it is properly installed.

Windows can be a safety hazard for young children. But window guards can pre-vent falls.

Window guards can save children’s livesMetro Editorial

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This year, transform your outdoor area into a family retreat with an “out-of-the-box” vision, careful planning and the appropriate tools. First, gather your family together for a brainstorming session and target what you want to do in your outdoor haven.

Next, make a to-do list of the projects required to make your vision a reality.

Finally, round up the tools and supplies you need and get to work! To help you, Woodcraft offers a few sug-gestions to make your work easier.

Advice from Tommy Mac

Tommy MacDonald, host of “Rough Cut -- Woodwork-ing with Tommy Mac” on public television, has a few tips for your outdoor adven-ture.

“Before you saw a board or drive a screw, make sure you have all the tools, supplies and plans you need rounded up and ready for the project at hand,” says MacDonald. “Stopping and starting to hunt a tool or make a trip to buy materials wastes time and energy better spent on building. Don’t forget the safety gear and fi rst aid kit and work with a partner on the big projects whenever possible.”

Gathering Places

Decks, patios and porches, both open and enclosed, invite people to gather for a meal, share conversation or play games.

To start your building projects, use the Bosch 12” Dual Bevel Miter Saw for your crosscutting chores. The

saw’s patented Axial-Glide System expands horizontal cutting capacity to 14” and affords a compact work space that saves up to 12”.

Make quick work of build-ing a deck or porch fl oor with the Kreg Deck Jig that creates a strong wood-to-wood bond with self-tapping screws that are hidden for a smooth, splinter-free surface. Compatible with composite deck boards, ACQ treated lumber, and native softwoods such as redwood, cedar and pressure-treated pine, the jig comes with Kreg Coarse Protec-Kote (anti-corrosion) deck screws that are sold separately and can also be used as simple face screws for a variety of out-door projects.

Add a Pinnacle Three-Piece Combination Square

(blade, square head and center fi nder), a Woodcraft 6’ tape measure and a selection of HIGHPOINT stainless steel exterior grade screws to your tool lineup for general measuring, marking and joinery.

Comfortable furniture

Whether you’re on the deck or on the lawn, comfort-able furniture will enhance your outdoor living experi-ence. Woodcraft offers a wide selection of outdoor furniture plans, including Adirondack chairs, swings, garden benches, rockers, picnic tables and benches, arbors and much more.

For your furniture projects, use the Rockwell BladeRun-ner, a portable, multipurpose

precision cutter that uses any T-shank jigsaw blades to make straight, curved or controlled cuts, allowing you to use both hands to guide the material (wood, metal, ceramic tile, aluminum or plastic). The BladeRun-ner can be wall mounted, but easily detaches for use at your worksite and has a dust port for attachment to a shop vacuum for continuous cleanup.

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Replacing a roof is a costly venture few homeowners look forward to. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2010-11 “Cost vs. Value” report, the national average cost of a roof replacement is nearly $22,000, a costly en-deavor considering the tenu-ous nature of the economy. What’s more, homeowners who choose more upscale roofi ng materials can expect to spend almost $40,000 on their roofs.

Such costs make it no small wonder that many ho-meowners fear the dreaded diagnosis that their home needs a new roof. While there’s little homeowners can do to reduce the cost of a roof replacement, there are warn-ing signs homeowners can look for that might indicate a roof replacement is on the horizon. Recognition of these signs can help homeowners be more fi nancially prepared should the day come when the roof needs to be replaced.

1. The presence of algae:

If the roof has lots of dark streaks and stains clinging to it, that is likely algae, which can grow on the roof for quite awhile. Algae does not necessarily do any damage to a roof, but it does do some damage to a home’s physical appearance, as algae on the roof is not very pleasing to the eye. Algae is most often found on the roofs of homes located in climates that have warm, humid summers. If algae is a problem on your roof, spray washing with a mixture of water and bleach can effectively remove it.

2. Buckling shingles: Like algae, buckling shingles are another unsightly problem on a roof. But buckling shin-gles are more than just an eyesore, they actually might indicate signifi cant prob-lems. When shingles buckle, that’s typically because hot air from the attic is forcing the shingles away from the home. Buckling shingles also indicate that the roof is

5 signs your roof might be wearing

Should a roof exhibit any signs of decay, homeowners should address those issues immedi-ately to avoid further damage.

Metro Editorial

Please see ROOF | 15


poorly ventilated, which can take years off the roof’s life expectancy while driving up home cooling costs along the way.

3. Granule loss: Granule loss is typically a byproduct of normal shingle wear and tear that results from inclem-ent weather, such as hail. Older roofs might experience granule loss, but granule loss can also occur on a new roof if a defective roofi ng product was used. Any granule loss, even if slight, should be ad-dressed, as the side effects of granule loss include a weak-ened roof and leaking. If granule loss is not addressed, the consequences could be severe the next time a storm occurs.

4. Mold: Unlike the warn-ing signs already discussed, mold is not visible on the

outside of the home. Instead, homeowners should look in the attic of a home to see if there is any mold growth. If there is, the roof is likely leaking, and the health risks of mold growth in a home are substantial. Mold is not necessarily easy to detect, so a professional inspec-tion might be in order if mold growth is suspected. If a professional determines mold is, in fact, present, then the mold will need to be removed and all options, including a roof replacement, must be considered to keep mold from coming back.

5. Roof rot: Perhaps the most discouraging sign a homeowner can see is roof

rot. Roof rot appears when a roof is in considerable decay and, if not addressed, its consequences can stretch far beyond the roof, damag-ing other parts of the home thanks in large part to water getting through the roof. If roof rot is either not noticed or just ignored, it won’t take long for water to get through the roof and blaze a destruc-tive path through the rest of the home.

Homeowners might fear a full roof replacement because of the cost associated with such a project. But if ignored, problems with a roof could eventually prove far more costly than the price of re-placing the roof.

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Outdoor entertaining areas have always been popular among homeown-ers. The ability to enter-tain friends and family or simply relax by yourself is something homeowners cherish, particularly during the warm weather seasons. Finding the right furniture to match your outdoor area, be it a deck, patio or pool-side lounging area, is es-sential to making the most of this special area of the home. When shopping for outdoor furniture, consider the following.

■ Weight: Unlike fur-niture inside the home, outdoor furniture will be moved around quite fre-quently, such as to protect it from inclement weather or changing seasons. As a result, the weight of the furniture bears importance. While you don’t want furni-ture that’s too lightweight and will blow away any time a strong gust of wind comes along, it’s a good idea to choose furniture that isn’t too heavy. This makes it easier to move should a storm suddenly appear and it won’t require the entire household to help move the furniture into and out of the garage when inclement weather arrives.

■ Comfort: The whole idea behind an outdoor entertaining area is to have a relaxing place to spend time outside. So be sure to choose furniture that’s comfortable and can handle the elements. Metal furni-ture, for example, might be durable, but such furniture can also get very hot if out in the sun.

■ Versatility: Many ho-

meowners enjoy changing their home’s interior decor from time to time, and it can be just as enjoyable to do the same to a home’s exterior decor.

That said, look for furni-ture that can be accented with a variety of accessories, so you can change the look easily.

■ Protection: Protecting exterior furniture from the elements should be a prior-ity. Figure out if protective covering is available or if it will need to be custom made. The latter alternative can be quite expensive, so you might want to consider more generic furniture that comes with standard pro-tective coverings to make it more affordable.

What to consider in outdoor furniture

Metro Editorial

ROOF: Mold, roof rot are signs roof may need replacingCONTINUED FROM 14

27396

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When the weather is ripe for a dip in the pool or turning on the A/C, it might behoove savings-minded homeowners to think about a furnace replacement.

An often overlooked side-effect of the recession is that many people cannot afford to move and have decided to stick with the home they have and make desired improve-ments. Thanks to off-season discounts, some months of the year may be better than others for renovations.

The home improvement industry is not much different than any other. When de-mand is high, prices are generally at their peak. When demand is low, prices are low-ered to entice shoppers to buy.

Right now, many homeowners may be thinking of certain improvements, such as the installation of a pool or deck, or even re-placing an air conditioning system in advance of the warm weather. But it could be fi nan-cially savvy to wait until the warm weather is

gone to do so.Many pool companies and stores discount

their inventory considerably after September. That’s because this time of year in most of the country is when the weather starts to change and people are less likely to think about a dip in the pool. With the arrival of the new school year, many others are focusing less on pool fun and more on carpools and sporting events. Furthermore, in an effort to capital-ize on both the summer and winter seasons, many pool stores double as Christmas tree and accessory outlets come the colder months. That means they’ll need to clear out their showrooms and stock areas of pools prior to delivery of Christmas merchandise. You may land a considerable discount on

Shop off-season for major improvements

Metro Editorial

Please see IMPROVEMENTS | 17

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the pool package. Furthermore, if you have room in a garage or shed to store the pool equipment and as-sembled materials, you can wait until the next season to hire an installer to set up the pool when you desire.

As you are thinking about turning down the thermostat and enjoy-ing a blast of cool air-conditioning, it might be wise to think about the performance of your furnace, too. While HVAC professionals and home improvement chains could be charg-ing top dollar for a new air condition-ing system, they may offer discounts on furnaces because they’re simply not in demand this time of year. If you fi nd an affordable furnace, store the furnace until the time is right to have it installed.

The holiday season tends to be a slow time for home-improvement contractors simply because most ho-meowners are thinking more about

shopping and entertaining than knock-down, tear-out jobs. Waiting until the end of the year for some major renovations could be advanta-geous.

The spring and summer are prime times for outdoor entertaining, so the addition of decks or elaborate landscaping may come at an elevated price. However, once autumn ar-rives, the same services may be much cheaper, depending on the job and if

the contractor can secure materials at a discounted price. If you can hold off on that new deck or patio until after September, it may be in your best interest.

However, if a winter installation is in your design, you may fi nd yourself actually paying more in labor costs if inclement weather delays the instal-lation.

Here are some other ways to save off-season.

■ Explore wintertime reductions on air conditioning systems.

■ New appliance models released could mean year-end reductions on that model year.

■ Purchase bulk topsoil and other landscaping materials in the winter when this industry is slow.

■ Many pests enter a dormancy during the winter, so exterminators may discount for termite reduction during the winter and early spring.

■ Fireplace installation or chimney masonry work could be discounted during the summer months.

■ Spring season is an ideal time for roofi ng projects, although some contractors will work in the winter, too. Roofi ng companies are often tied up during the summer months and may ask for premium charges.

Keep in mind that summer is a prime time for any and all improve-ments. Beat the prices and the wait time by shopping off-season for your renovations.

IMPROVEMENTS: Waiting until year’s end for some major renovations could be advantageousCONTINUED FROM 16

The spring and summer are prime times for outdoor entertaining, so the addition of decks or elaborate landscaping may

come at an elevated price. However, once autumn arrives, the same services may be much cheaper, depending on the job and if the contractor can secure materials at a

discounted price.

thOUROURYEARYEAR


People fortunate enough to own their own plots of land often choose to fence in their pieces of paradise. Fences serve many purposes: to designate property boundaries, keep pets or children contained in a safe environment, corral livestock, offer privacy or add aesthetic appeal.

Although installing a fence may seem like the right idea for you, going about it the wrong way may lead to problems among neighbors, particu-larly if you live where the houses are relatively close to one another. Some homeowners fi nd fences become the fi nal point of contention among disagreeable neighbors or create ten-sion with a neighbor with whom you previously had a good relationship. Being courteous with fence plans is the way to avoid any animosity along the way.

There are certain things you must

do and should do if you plan to erect a fence. Most people fi nd neighbors appreciate being informed of any decisions you are thinking of making to the property that can affect their views or their adjoining property. Before drawing up fence plans with a contractor, talk to the neighbors on either side of your home and gauge their receptiveness to a fence. At this point, you may want to consider of-fering to make the fencing project a joint deal to save money should the neighbors decide to install a fence as well. Contractors will often discount if they have several customers doing an installation at the same time. Property owners can save by split-ting the costs of the shared walls of the fence where their property lines meet.

Explain your case for the fence. Most neighbors are receptive to the idea if they know the reasoning --

especially if the desire for a fence is not to keep them at bay. It’s hard to protest a fence that is a safety pre-caution for children. If your neighbor already has a fence, you must ask whether you can connect your fence panels into the support post on your shared side.

Once you notify your neighbors as a courtesy, there are certain steps to take that will prevent any legal disputes down the road. Even the most easy-going neighbor could grow aggravated if the fence is put up carelessly or ends up partially on his property. The best way to prevent this is to apply for a new, profession-al property survey and have property lines indicated with paint or wood markers.

Each town or city has different regulations with regard to fencing, so it is important to learn the ropes or hire a contractor who is familiar

with the rules. It might be illegal to install fences directly on the property line. The law might require the fence be installed a few inches inward. There also may be rules about how high fences can be in the front of the home, sides and back. Corner lot properties may have added regula-tions depending on whether the fence could prove a visual obstruc-tion to drivers.

If you live in a planned commu-nity, or one with a homeowners’ association, it is your job to fi nd out the guidelines for any home improve-ments. The HOA may dictate the style, size and maintenance of the fence or may not allow a fence at all.

Once all the details are checked, you may have to apply for a fence permit. This way the construction of the fence and fi nished product will

Fence etiquette can prevent disputesMetro Editorial

Please see FENCE | 19

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meet safety standards, and the area in which you live can provide con-sistent quality control. If the fence is installed by code, there is little chance it will have to be torn down or changed in the near future. Also, doing it by the book means that a neighbor can be unhappy about a fence but not have legal recourse to ask you to remove it.

As an added form of courtesy, it is proper fence etiquette to put the “good” side of the fence facing the neighbors’ yards. That means the side of the fence that doesn’t show the support panels and posts. Remember, it is your fence so you are also responsible for all mainte-nance of the fence -- on all sides. Just because your neighbor also will be benefi tting from your fence, doesn’t mean he will have to care for it.

FENCE: Homeowner is responsible for any required maintenance

CONTINUED FROM 18

Taking courteous and planned steps before installing a fence can prevent problems later.

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Melissa WynnMurray

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Sonya RamboBardwell

(270) 628-5418NMLSJD #664691

Shea WeaksMayfield

(270) 247-5665NMLSJD# 664694


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