a supplement to the bethany republican-clipper...barking on home renova-tions. budgeting for hidden...

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A Supplement to the Bethany Republican-Clipper April 12, 2017 Vol. 87, No. 11 Page 6... CHOOSING CARPET Page 8... BOLD PAINT COLORS Page 14... BUILDING PERMITS Page 11... BETHANY BUILDING CENTER STORY

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Page 1: A Supplement to the Bethany Republican-Clipper...barking on home renova-tions. Budgeting for hidden costs, expecting delays and coping with the upheaval to daily schedules are par

A Supplement to the

Bethany Republican-Clipper

April 12, 2017Vol. 87, No. 11

Page 6...CHOOSING

CARPET

Page 8...BOLD PAINT

COLORS

Page 14...BUILDINGPERMITS

Page 11...BETHANY BUILDING

CENTER STORY

Page 2: A Supplement to the Bethany Republican-Clipper...barking on home renova-tions. Budgeting for hidden costs, expecting delays and coping with the upheaval to daily schedules are par

2.....Springtime Home & Garden Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017

Submitted photoAlicia Hendren built this very nice home near Bethany, Mo. in 2016.

Home improvement projects can be expensive. While the size and com-plexity of a project will affect how expensive the project is, homeowners can expect to shell out a pretty penny when they renovate or re-model areas of their home.

According to HomeAd-visor, an online resource for homeowners looking to connect with home im-provement, maintenance and repair professionals, the

average bathroom remod-eling project costs $9,348, while the average home addition costs slightly less than $41,000. But renova-tion-minded homeowners need not reconsider their commitment to remodeling, as there are various ways to cut the costs associated with home improvement projects.

One such way is for homeowners to pitch in and do some of the work them-selves. Calculating labor

costs can be difficult, as such costs can vary greatly de-pending on the project, the contractor and the amount of hired help that contractor intends to employ. However, some estimates suggest labor will account for anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of the overall cost of the proj-ect. So it’s no surprise that homeowners can save them-selves substantial amounts of money by doing some of the work themselves.

Pitch in around the home and save moneyHomeowners who in-

tend to do some of the labor themselves should discuss this plan with contractors during the vetting process. Before hiring a contractor, make sure homeowners’ ex-pected labor contributions are clearly defined in the contract.

While it’s best to leave the most complicated parts of a project to the profes-sionals, homeowners can pitch in during the follow-ing phases.

• Demolition: Demo-lition involves more than picking up a sledgehammer and swinging away. Some demolition projects are best left to the pros. For example, any projects that involve exposure to hazardous ma-terials are risky and there-fore best left to experienced laborers. However, many homeowners are capable of safely and effectively pulling cabinets from walls, remov-ing flooring or knocking down drywall. Homeowners unsure of how to approach demolition tasks can ask their contractors to demon-strate the proper technique so the demolition is done right and on time.

• Salvage: Removing debris and items that will no longer be needed once the renovation is complete is another way homeowners can pitch in. Homeowners remodeling their kitchens may be replacing their exist-ing stoves and refrigerators and hoping to donate these items. In such instances, driving the items to the do-nation site or arranging for them to be picked up rather than taken off the premises by the contractor or his em-ployees can cut labor costs, as it allows laborers to keep working toward the end goal rather than requiring them to leave the work site to drop unwanted items off.

• Cleanup: Homeowners also can save costs by clean-ing up after the contractors

at the end of each workday. Speak with the contractor about cleaning up the site each day, asking him or her what can be discarded and what must remain on-site.

Home improvements are costly. But homeowners who are capable of pitch-ing in can greatly reduce the overall cost of their next renovation project.

Metro photoHomeowners capable of pitching in on home renovation projects can save substantial amounts of money on labor costs.Kick O�

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Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017 Springtime Home & Garden.....3

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Submitted photoScott and Logan Polley built this structure outside of Bethany, Mo. in 2016.

Submitted photoRoger Ward placed this wooden structure at the west end in Beth-any, Mo. in 2016.

Submitted photoMichael and Dawn Winder of Gilman City, Mo. built this structure in 2016.

When attempting to cool their homes, many homeowners’ first instinct may be to adjust the air conditioning thermostat. But there are other, more energy-efficient methods to cooling a home.

According to the In-ternational Association of Certified Home Inspec-tors, as much as half of the energy used in homes goes toward heating and cooling. The following are a handful of ways to make heating and cooling a home more eco-friendly.

InsulateInsulation often is as-

sociated with warmth, and rightfully so, as it is used to protect a home from cold weather. However, insula-tion also is effective at cool-ing homes. Many insulation materials work by slowing down the way heat moves through materials and into spaces. Proper insulation can provide effective resistance to the flow of heat, mean-ing it can help block hot air from flowing into the interi-or of a home. Insulation will help reduce the amount of work a cooling system will have to do to cool a home thanks to the flow of heat.

Replace air filtersAir filters trap dust, de-

bris and other microscopic particles so they are not cir-culating in the air or clog-ging up vents. Over time, air filters can become so bogged down with dirt that air can-not move through a home very easily, forcing cool-ing systems to work harder. Simply replacing the filters can help cooling systems work more efficiently.

Adjust the thermostatProgrammable thermo-

stats allow homeowners to adjust their cooling systems for when they are home and when they are out. Air con-ditioners can be set at higher temperatures when resi-

Reduce energy costs while ensuring homes stay cooldents are at work or school, and then lowered before residents arrive home.

Try evaporative coolersSometimes called

“swamp coolers,” these de-vices can be effective in regions with low humid-ity. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that these coolers evaporate water into the air to provide a natural and energy-efficient means of cooling a home. When operating an evaporative cooler, windows are opened part way to allow warm in-door air to escape as it is replaced by cooled air. Un-like central air conditioning systems that recirculate the same air, evaporative cool-ers provide a steady stream of fresh air into the house. Plus, they consume only about one-quarter of the energy consumed by more traditional air conditioners.

Ceiling fansFans help to circulate

air throughout a home and create an effective draft. Ceiling fans are usually most effective at circulating air throughout a room. The larger the blades, the more air that can be offset by the

fan. Many fans operate qui-etly and effectively. In some locations, fans may be all that’s needed to cool a space. In others, fans may work in conjunction with air condi-tioners to enable homeown-

ers to raise the thermostat by about 4 F.

Keeping a home cool and saving money in the process is possible by mak-ing a few tweaks to the cool-ing system.

Page 4: A Supplement to the Bethany Republican-Clipper...barking on home renova-tions. Budgeting for hidden costs, expecting delays and coping with the upheaval to daily schedules are par

4.....Springtime Home & Garden Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017

Submitted photoMike Littrell built this small cabin on West 190th Avenue, Bethany, Mo. in 2016.

Submitted photoMichael T and Brenda Lafolette of Fayette, Mo. built this small home in Harrison County, Mo. in 2016.

According to projections released in 2015 by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, a grow-ing number of people in the United States planned to renovate their homes in 2016. The report estimated that spending on remodeling and repairs in 2016 would climb 8.6 percent to $310 billion, a figure that is close to the peak reached in 2006.

While it is still too soon to tabulate all of the figures

from 2016, a quick glance at the data indicates renova-tions have increased across the country. And one only need travel through commu-nities to see a greater num-ber of contractors and home-owners working on homes.

Tackling any renovation project is an exercise in pa-tience. Renovations can im-pede on daily activities and cause a certain level of up-heaval in homeowners’ lives. Homeowners planning ren-

ovations also may find that they must have some wiggle room when it comes to both their budgets and their ex-pectations. Remodeling, par-ticularly with regard to older homes, may unveil unfore-seen issues that only arise in the face of the renovation.

So what can homeown-ers expect during a renova-tion? The following are a few issues that might arise during home improvement projects.

Expect the unexpected when renovating a home• Dirt and noise: Home-

owners can count on dust, debris and noise through-out the renovation process. Dust appears when walls come down or go up, and construction teams typically erect temporary walls or tarps to contain the debris. Air filtering systems also can limit dust particles. Noise is unavoidable. If it becomes troublesome, arrange to be outside of the home when the bulk of the construction is taking place.

• Delays or schedule changes: Even the best con-tractors cannot control every aspect of the job. They rely on subcontractors and vendors to do portions of the work. Materials may not always arrive on time, or they may fall short of homeowners’ expectations. This can push back the project schedule. Homeowners should hope for everything to be done on time, but it can be less stress-ful if homeowners anticipate delays and be a pleasant sur-prise if there are no delays.

• Hidden issues: Con-tractors may uncover all sorts of issues that need to be ad-dressed before a project can progress. Examples include the presence of asbestos (common in older homes), plumbing problems, incor-rectly wired electrical sys-tems, and leaks or moisture issues. These problems also can impact the cost of the project, so set aside some money in the budget for un-foreseen expenses. Chances are you are going to need some extra money to handle a few surprises during the project.

It’s important to expect the unexpected when em-barking on home renova-tions. Budgeting for hidden costs, expecting delays and coping with the upheaval to daily schedules are par for the remodeling course. However, the end result is often well worth the time and effort.

Metro photoHomeowners often discover hidden problems when delv-ing into renovations. Budgeting for remediation can help remove some of the stress of unexpected delays and con-cerns.of everyday life.

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Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017 Springtime Home & Garden.....5

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Because spring is such a popular time to sell a home, homeowners who want to put their homes on the mar-ket should use winter as an opportunity to prepare their homes for the prying eyes of prospective buyers. The fol-lowing tips can help home-owners during the pre-sell-ing preparation process.

1. Address the exterior of the home.

Winter can be harsh on a home’s exterior, so as win-ter winds down, homeown-ers who want to sell their homes should make an ef-fort to address anything that might negatively affect their homes’ curb appeal. A study

of homes in Greenville, S.C., from researchers at Clemson University found that the value of homes with landscapes that were up-graded from “good” to “ex-cellent” increased by 6 to 7 percent. If it’s in the budget, hire professional landscap-ers to fix any problematic landscaping or address any issues that arose during the winter.

2. Conquer interior clut-ter.

Clutter has a way of ac-cumulating over the winter, when people tend to spend more time indoors than they do throughout the rest of the year. Homeowners who

want to put their homes on the market in spring won’t have the luxury of wait-ing until spring to do their “spring” cleaning, so start clearing any clutter out in winter, even resolving to make an effort to prevent its accumulation through-out winter. Just like buyers are impressed by curb ap-peal, they are turned off by clutter. Buyers, like apprais-ers, see cluttered homes as less valuable. In addition, a home full of clutter might give buyers the impression, true or not, that the home was not well maintained.

3. Eliminate odors. A home’s inhabitants

grow accustomed to odors that might be circulating throughout the house. Pet odor, for instance, might not be as strong to a home’s residents as it is to guests and prospective buyers. Because windows tend to stay closed throughout the winter, interior odors can be even stronger come late-winter than they are during the rest of the year. A thor-ough cleaning of the house, including vacuuming and removal of any pet hair that accumulated over the winter, can help to remove odor. In the weeks leading up to the open house, bathe pets more frequently, using a sham-

3 property owner’s tips to prepare to sell your home

poo that promotes healthy skin so pet dander is not as prevalent. Open windows when the weather allows so more fresh air comes into the home.

Spring is a popular and

potentially lucrative time to sell a home, and home-owners who spend winter preparing their homes for the market may reap even greater rewards.

Metro photoEliminating pet odors, including those associated with pets, can help homeowners prepare their homes for prospective buyers.

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6.....Springtime Home & Garden Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017

Submitted photoMax Daniel Wise of Bethany, Mo. built this gambrel roofed home in 2016.

Submitted photoMatthew Graham built this nice ranch style home on West State Highway YY near Eagleville, Mo. in 2016.

Carpeting insulates rooms in the summer and winter, adding that extra level of protection against the elements. Carpeting also absorbs sound in a home. Many appreciate the warmth and cozy feeling of carpet, especially when step-ping out of bed. Carpeting also can increase the level of safety at home. Accord-ing to the Carpet and Rug Institute, carpeting makes areas of play safer and may also reduce the severity of an injury in the event of a fall.

Today, there are many different types of carpeting available. Selecting the right carpeting for a room comes

down to identifying the level of traffic in a particular room, the attributes home-owners would like the carpet to have and any other needs that fit with their lifestyles. The following guidelines can make carpet shopping a bit easier.

Type of carpetingThere are many different

types of carpeting, some of which are best suited to cer-tain situations. For example, plush and saxony carpets are better in low-traffic ar-eas. These carpets may show footprints and also vacuum tracks and dirt, but they’re higher on the comfort spectrum than other types

As unenjoyable as it can be, doing laundry is a necessity. Fresh clothing not only looks and smells good, it is essential to per-sonal hygiene. One way to make the process of doing laundry go more smoothly is to consider moving the location of the laundry area. Before moving their laundry rooms, homeowners should take steps to safeguard their

homes, and that may in-volve finding the ideal loca-tion for the new room. Find space for an upstairs laundry room and then consult with an engineer to be sure that the plan is feasible. An en-gineer and an architect can assess if a home is structur-ally sound enough to handle the weight and vibration of an upstairs laundry.

One of the biggest con-

cerns with regard to mov-ing a laundry room upstairs is the fear of flooding or leaks. There are certain steps to take to minimize these risks. Experts advise install-ing an easily accessible wa-ter shut-off valve. Turn off the valve when the washer is not in use. Also, steel-braided washer hoses are more sturdy than standard hoses and are less likely to

burst. Homeowners also can place the washer in a drain pan, which will catch over-flowing water and drain it through a pipe. Some areas may require a floor drain as an alternative.

Before moving their laundry rooms, homeown-ers should consult with con-tractors to ensure things go smoothly.

Dos and don’ts for second-floor laundry rooms

Factors to consider when choosing carpet

of carpet. Berber, which is more flat and dense, helps mask stains and tracks. It is

durable in high-traffic areas. Textured carpets like frieze are cut from fibers of dif-

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ferent heights, so they mask stains and are also softer on the feet than berber.

PaddingPadding can impact the

way carpeting feels and how long it lasts. It isn’t always necessary to purchase the most expensive or thickest padding. However, it is wise to pick a pad that matches the type of carpeting you’re selecting and one that aligns with how you plan to use the room.

InstallationSelect a reliable carpet

retailer and installer for your business. Competent installers will lay the carpet-ing in the correct manner so that it will look beautiful and maintain its durability for the life of the product. Take time when shopping for carpeting, which is a substantial investment that can last for many years if the right material is chosen and installed correctly.

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Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017 Springtime Home & Garden.....7

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Submitted photoLarry and Joy Ragan built the home on West 174th Street near Eagleville, Mo. in 2016.

Submitted photoJoshua and Gena Gilpatrick built this earth contact home near Ridgeway, Mo. in 2016.

Submitted photoJohn and Christa Drimmel built this large home off North 22nd Street, Bethany, Mo. in 2016.

Compost is organic ma-terial that helps plants grow when added to soil. Ben-efitting the planet in myri-ad ways, compost enriches the soil by helping it retain moisture. The EPA notes that composting also reduces the need for chemical fertil-izers while also suppressing plant diseases and pests. In addition, when homeowners compost, they inadvertently reduce methane emissions from landfills, thereby lower-ing their carbon footprints.

Homeowners who do not know how to compost can consider the following tips as they start compost piles on their properties.

• Choose an accessible spot on your property. When looking for a spot on your

property for your compost bin, choose a location that’s easily accessible. The less ac-cessible the bin is, the less likely you are to stick with composting over the long-term.

• Add the appropriate materials. Animal waste, cooked foods, diseased plants, and fresh weeds from perennial plants should not be added to a compost pile. Examples of green waste in-clude grass clippings, weeds from annual plants and plant trimmings. Brown materi-als include dead leaves and shredded cardboard. Chop or shred large pieces before adding them to the pile.

• Give the pile structure. Layering materials can give compost piles better struc-

How to keep animals out of your gardenture.

• Turn and aerate the pile. Using a garden fork, periodi-cally turn the compost pile. This aerates the heap and provides oxygen that can ac-celerate the decomposition of the pile. Piles that are not periodically turned and aer-ated may grow malodorous, which can be unpleasant for homeowners who hope to add materials to their piles on a regular basis.

• Recognize when the material is ready. The EPA notes that compost is ready to use when materials at the bottom of a pile are dark and rich in color.

More information about composting can be found at www.epa.gov. Many garden-ers understand the frustra-tion that stems from seeing a garden destroyed by wildlife. While protecting wildlife is a cause that’s near and dear to many gardening enthu-siasts, even the most ardent wildlife supporter does not want to see his or her garden trampled, eaten or adversely affected by animals.

Safeguarding gardens from local wildlife can re-quire some trial and error. Animals may find ways to circumvent gardeners’ ini-tial efforts to protect their gardens, but the following methods might just do the trick the first time around.

• Erect physical barri-ers around gardens. Barriers may not be gardeners’ first choices, as some people feel barriers such as wire cages or mesh coverings make it more difficult to tend to gardens and rob gardens of some of their aesthetic appeal. Make sure barriers extend to the ground so animals cannot ac-cess gardens by entering be-neath the barricades.

• Fight intruders with odor. Stray cats may mistake gardens for litter boxes and enter them to relieve them-selves. Peels from oranges and lemons or coffee grounds can be placed in the garden and can emit odors strong enough to deter cats.

• Install motion detect-ing lights around gardens. Motion detection technol-ogy might be enough to de-ter nocturnal wildlife from trampling or eating gardens. A similar approach can be taken using noise instead of lights. Much like light, noise can be enough to deter ani-mals.

• Consider raised garden beds. When small critters, such as moles, are the main problem, then raised garden beds with wood or plastic bottoms and sides can be enough to safeguard gar-dens. • Erect fencing around the yard. Though fencing is expensive, fencing in a backyard or side yard where gardens are located can deter wildlife big and small from trampling or eating gardens.

Wildlife is worth pro-tecting, but gardeners must also take steps to protect their gardens from animals looking for something to eat.

Metro photoContainer gardens can deter pests from trampling and eating plants.

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8.....Springtime Home & Garden Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017

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Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a space. Paint colors can dramatically change the mood and the design of a home. And depending on a homeowner’s goals, paint can make a statement or blend into the background.

Many people are now looking to bold colors to make spaces stand out. But choosing a paint color can

be challenging. Homeown-ers looking to update walls and complement decor may want to look at some of the more impactful colors that Pantone indicates will be popular for the 2017 sea-son. Primrose Yellow, Lapis Blue, Flame, Pink Yarrow, and Greenery are some of the more eye-catching se-lections. Once colors are se-lected, consider these guide-lines for using bolder colors

in room designs.• Decide how big an

impact you want to make. Are you looking for color overload or just a small fo-cal point of vivid color? Re-member, using bold color doesn’t mean every wall must be lathered in that hue. Instead, select one wall to serve as an accent point and use that spot as your bold color display. Otherwise, rely on bold colors to dress

up otherwise mundane ar-eas, such as the back wall of a cupboard or moldings and trim.

• Try bold in a small space. Many people are surprised at how well bold colors work in small spaces. Powder rooms can be an ideal spot to experiment with paint colors. Try deep colors that can make the area seem intimate and even exotic. Dark, bold hues can

Create drama with bold paint colors

be toned down by different accents, such as neutral col-ored fixtures and towels.

• Go bold in the kitchen. Incorporate a splash of color in the kitchen without going overboard. Try an appliance or design fixture in a bright shade. Or paint the inside of the cabinets in your fa-vorite color and install glass inserts in the cabinet doors so that everyone gets a peek of the color beyond. A neutral kitchen also can be brightened up with the use of silverware, dishes, pots and pans, and other kitchen items featured in bold hues.

• Stick to boldness on interchangeable items. Those who like to experi-ment with color may find that they like to switch out the colors now and again. Instead of having to repaint every few months, use deco-rative items in bright shades to make swapping out color that much easier. For exam-ple, replace area rugs, throw pillows and draperies. Paint over terra cotta flower pots when the mood strikes.

• Establish balance. Rely on neutral furniture, rugs, moldings and baseboards if you decide to take bold col-ors up a notch. This will help create a sense of balance in the room.

Painting is a fun way to experiment with color. Many homeowners are not hesitant to use bold shades of color when they learn the right techniques.

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10.....Springtime Home & Garden Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017

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Submitted photoBeverly Runyan placed this manufactured home on West 220th Street near Martinsville, Mo. in 2016.

Submitted photoCody and Mercedes Thompson built this home on East State Highway O near Cainsville, Mo. in 2016.

The DIY movement has inspired many homeown-ers to tackle home repair and remodeling projects on their own. DIY projects can be rewarding, and many homeowners who have em-braced the DIY movement have discovered talents they never before knew they had.

But no matter how sim-ple popular home renova-tion television shows make remodeling projects appear, homeowners should know that such undertakings are far more difficult than they appear on television. Homeowners who overesti-mate their abilities and the time they have to complete projects can cost them-selves substantial amounts of money. In fact, there are a variety of reasons home-owners might want to work with professional contrac-tors when tackling home improvement projects.

ExperienceA trial and error ap-

proach can work with vari-ous projects and problems. But applying such an ap-proach to home improve-ment projects is risky and potentially dangerous, not to mention costly. Experienced professional contractors with strong track records (seek recommendations from friends or neighbors) won’t have to go through trial and error and are there-fore more likely than DIYers

Nearly everyone has ex-perienced a sticking door that just will not close properly. This problem may become more noticeable when temperatures rise and humidity contributes to the swelling of wood doors and frames.

According to The Fam-ily Handyman, a home im-provement resource, the standard remedy for allevi-ating a sticking door is to remove the door and pare down the edges that are rubbing so that the door will once again swing freely. While this can solve the problem, it can be a hassle, as it requires refinishing the pared-down edge and re-hanging the door. Try these shortcuts first before creat-ing more work than might be necessary.

· Identify the problem area and rub it with a dry bar of soap. This should re-duce friction and allow the door to close more easily.

· Remove humidity with a dehumidifier or by run-

ning an air conditioning unit.

· Check for loose hinges or sagging around the hinge. Tighten the fasteners to sure up the door and create better alignment.

· Spray the hinges with lubricant if you suspect sticking is originating be-cause of squeaky hinges.

· Look for obstructions at the bottom of the door. Is the door dragging on car-peting or being caught on something on the floor? It may be a matter of simply clearing away the obstruc-tion.

The benefits of hiring professional contractorsHow to fix that sticking doorto complete a project on time and on budget.

InspirationOne oft-overlooked

benefit of working with professional contrac-tors is the likelihood that they can draw up ideas for projects that homeowners might otherwise never have thought up on their own. Homeowners without spe-cific ideas in mind can ask contractors to come up with various scenarios before committing to a particular one. Veteran contractors can draw on years of experience to create designs that DI-Yers might be incapable of coming up with and/or in-capable of seeing through to completion.

CostConventional wisdom

suggests it’s less expensive to do something yourself than to hire someone else to do it for you, but that’s not necessarily true of home improvement projects. La-bor costs typically account for a substantial amount of professionally contracted projects, but homeowners can cut those costs by vol-unteering to do some of the simpler tasks themselves. In addition, contractors of-ten purchase materials at a much lower cost than indi-vidual homeowners because contractors buy in bulk. So while labor costs might be lower on DIY projects, the cost of materials can offset those savings.

Resale valueMany homeowners

renovate their homes with eyes on improving the re-sale value of those homes. But if homeowners want to showcase a newly remod-eled kitchen when selling their homes, they should be prepared for prospective buyers to ask who worked on the project. Fearing po-tential problems down the road, some buyers might be

put off by homes that were remodeled by DIYers and not professional contractors.

Renovating a home on your own can be a reward-ing project for homeown-ers. But it’s important that

homeowners recognize the many benefits of working with professional contrac-tors before making any fi-nal decisions with regard to who will tackle their next project.

Submitted photoJerry and Neita Clark are the proud owners of this home located on W State Highway ZZ in New Hampton, Mo.

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Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017 Springtime Home & Garden.....11

Bethany Republican-ClipperPony Express202 N. 16th StreetBethany, MO 64424PH: 660.425.6325FAX: 660.425.3441EMAIL: [email protected]

Advertise your event with us!We’ll cover it.

Your event becomes recorded history.Newspapers are kept forever and they are the permananet record of the county.

Submitted photoTyrell and Beth Sturdevant built this home outside city limits of Bethany, Mo. in 2016.

Submitted photoSteve and Linda Glenn built this home on West 205th Ave, Beth-any, Mo. in 2016.

The Bethany Building Center, which is celebrat-ing its 30th anniversary, has been transitioning in re-cent years into a full service home improvement beyond a traditional lumberyard. When Lowell and Mar-lene Littrell purchased the old North Missouri Lumber yard on West Main Street in 1987, the business served local contractors with tra-ditional building products. That hasn’t changed over the years, Lowell said. But Lowell and his son Mike, who joined the busi-ness several years ago, have expanded the display area to include such products as Anderson windows, patio deck material, Onyx acces-sories, Koch cabinets, deco-rative stone and high end material like Valspar paint. Bethany Building re-cently was chosen as one of a select building supply centers designated for An-derson Window’s Circle of Excellence. Bethany Building ex-panded its floor space to over 10,000 square feet sev-eral years ago when it pur-chased the adjoining DLR Farm Repairs. Now there is more than enough area to display the new products. “We sell high qual-ity products that will last,” Lowell said. The lumberyard has ex-panded its showroom three times over the years. Bethany Building is able to offer a personal touch to

homebuilders through their new 3D blueprints that can prepare customized build-ing plans. The lumberyard also offers such services as computer color matching for paint. “We draw house and building plans for a 3D vi-sion of the project,” Mike said. Lowell began working in a hardware store in his hometown in Iowa when he was in the seventh grade. He came to Bethany when the late Lester Hessemyer offered him a job as a sales-man for Wyeth hardware supply. He went out on his own when he and Marlene completed the purchase of North Missouri Lumber in February of 1987. Mike joined his father in 2003. While the business has changed somewhat over the years, Bethany Build-ing continues to maintain a close connection with the home builders. “We really support the local carpenters,” Low-ell said. “We encourage all people to use them on their jobs.” The lumberyard is a morning gathering place for carpenters, handymen and do-it-yourselfers who exchange gossip and talk about some of their projects. Mike Littrell said the lumberyard’s trade territory has expanded in recent years serving contractors from Savannah to Stewartsville to Princeton.

Bethany Building Center constantly expanding its product lines, services

Mike said Bethany Building can match the large building centers on price if given a chance, and many times even offers products under the cost in the big city. The store has seen a lot of new home starts in the rural areas where adequate rural water lines are avail-able. Many of the business’ new customers come from out of the area who are look-ing to build new homes in

the countryside. “We have seen more of an influx of people moving in from the metropolitan ar-eas,” Lowell said. But that raises the is-sue of a lack of building sites within the city limits of Bethany where the Littrells would like to see new resi-dential developments. “The biggest thing that we are lacking are building sites within the city,” Lowell said.

Republican-Clipper photoMike and Lowell Littrell

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12.....Springtime Home & Garden Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017

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Tools often gravitate to other rooms of the house or become misplaced. When they’re brought out for use, tools may not be returned to the toolbox or shed, taking up residence in drawers or closets or just being left out in the open.

Improper storage of tools also may create safety risks for the persons doing the renovation and other members of the household. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that hundreds of thousands of injuries treated at emer-gency rooms are related to power tools and workshop equipment. While the ma-jority of these injuries occur while using the tools, im-proper tool storage can still cause injury.

By taking care of tools and keeping them orderly, homeowners can lengthen the life expectancy of their tools and reduce the likeli-hood of tool-related injury.

• Read the manufactur-ers’ instructions. In addition to providing operational guidance, owner’s manuals or product packaging may give insight on tool care and storage. Following the di-rections regarding cleaning and storage can prolong the life of tools.

• Keep original cases and labels. Many tools come in hard cases to protect the tools and reduce users’ in-jury risk. Paints, varnishes, stripping agents, and other chemicals should be stored in their original containers with labels intact.

• Get a cabinet that can be locked. Shop for a secure cabinet that can be locked so more dangerous items, such as sharp blades, saws and chemicals, can be safely stored. This helps keep these items out of the curious hands of children, as well as away from pets who may sniff around at new smells.

• Store tools vertically.

Avoid tripping over large tools, including shovels or rakes, by storing these items on the walls of garages or storage sheds. Small tools can be placed on shelves or hung on pegboards or mag-netic boards on the wall over workbenches.

• Keep items dry. Ad-dress any moisture issues or leaks so that tools do not suffer water damage. Never operate power tools if cords are running through water.

• Buy sturdy containers. If your space is limited but

you still want to organize your tools, rely on sturdy, clear containers. Tools can be placed inside and eas-ily transported from project area to project area. Clear containers enable you to see inside and know which tools are being stored within.

Ensuring tools are stored away properly means they’ll be easy to find when they’re needed again, and they’ll be kept in a manner that pro-motes the safe use and lon-gevity of the tools.

Storing tools properly reduces injury risk

Submitted photoDanny and Nancy Johns built this authentic log cabin on East 280th Avenue near Bethany, Mo. in 2016.

Submitted photoDallas and Deborah Deathrage built this small hideaway on East 320th Avenue near Ridgeway, Mo. in 2016.

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Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017 Springtime Home & Garden.....13

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Submitted photoJason and Andrea Orndorff built the home on Burrows Avenue in Cainsville, Mo. in 2016.

Submitted photoHarold and Joyce Smith purchased the South Harrison carpentry house located at 1690 Daily Road, Bethany, Mo. in 2016.

Bathroom and kitchen makeovers are some of the most coveted and profitable improvements that can be made to a home. Installing new cabinetry, countertops and appliances can trans-form the look of a kitchen, but homeowners also must consider the functionality of design when renovating.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association sug-gests applying the kitchen “work triangle,” which is a concept used to create ef-ficient kitchen layouts. The triangle comprises imaginary straight lines drawn from the cooking appliance, sink and refrigerator. These are where much of the work in the kitchen takes place. The general idea is that when the work triangle is positioned accordingly — with the three components in close proximity to one another — the kitchen is easier and more efficient to use. Home-owners will be able to move freely among these elements when they are placed at ap-propriate distances, reducing wasted steps.

• No major traffic pat-terns should cross through the triangle.

• The sum of the work triangle’s three sides should not exceed 26 feet.

• Avoid cutting through an island or a peninsula.

• If the kitchen has only one sink, it should be placed between or across from the cooking surface, preparation area or refrigerator.

The work triangle is a suggestion, not a law of de-sign. As kitchens evolve and more people use them simul-taneously, designers may take certain liberties — even hav-ing multiple triangles at play. Homeowners should also design their kitchens so they function best for their own individual lifestyles.

Stairs are a necessity in many homes. While stairs serve a practical purpose, they also have the potential to be dangerous.

According to the Na-tional Safety Council, more than one million injuries re-sult each year from stairway falls. Staircase and stairway accidents constitute the second leading cause of ac-cidental injury, second only to motor vehicle accidents. Each year, there are 12,000 stairway accident deaths. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation states that a large portion of Canadians who visit hos-pitals after a fall on or from stairs or steps in their homes are seniors (men and women age 65 years or older).

However, many stairway falls can be prevented with some simple planning.

· Install sturdy handrails. A common contributor to stairway falls is a failure to use handrails. Sturdy hand-rails can decrease fall rates. Even if a person slips, he or she may be able to prevent the fall by grabbing on to the handrails and regaining some of his or her balance.

· Rely on highlighters or friction strips. According

to a study titled “Safety on stairs: Influence of a tread edge highlighter and its po-sition,” by Richard J. Foster, fall risk may be reduced by using a highlighter posi-tioned flush with the tread edge. This helps make stairs more visible, particularly for those with impaired

vision.· Improve lighting on

staircases. Failure to see steps may contribute to falls as well. Staircases should be well lit so that residents and guests know where to step. Subtle foot-level lighting can be installed to make it easier for people who fre-quently use steps at night.

· Use slip-resistant ma-terials. Slip-resistant sur-face material acceptable for normal floors should work on stair treads. Loose rugs should not be placed at the top or bottom of the landing. Outdoors, rough finishes are recommended, particularly on stairs that are subject to getting wet.

· Improve step geometry. If slips and falls frequently occur on a particular stair-case, consider the relation-ship between the rise and the run, advises the Cana-dian Centre for Occupa-

How to create an effective workflow in the kitchen

Prevent stairway injuries

tional Health and Safety. The National Building Code of Canada says that, within a staircase, treads should have a uniform run and tread depth that does not vary more than 0.5 to 1 cm. Steep steps with high risers and/or short treads can increase the risk of falls.

· Clear away clutter. One easy way to prevent falls is to keep stairs free of clutter. This means removing shoes, toys and other belongings that may be left on stairs or landings.

Many falls on stairs can be prevented by being mind-ful of certain risk factors.

Metro photoStairs can be dangerous unless preventative measures are tak-en to increase safety.

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14.....Springtime Home & Garden Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017

I am your American Family Agent!

Give AgentAMY CHANDLERa call at: (660) 425-4605

Better yet...stop by anytimeWeekdays: 9 AM- 5 PM2305 Miller St Suite ABethany, MO  64424

Farm, Life, Auto, Home, Business

Submitted photoGregory and Denise O’Dell of Kansas city, Mo., built this structure in Harrison County, Mo. in 2016.

Submitted photoFrank and Janet Dunkel built this home in 2016, on West 205th Avenue near Eagleville, Mo.

Although it’s virtually impossible to count them, insects are the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. Nine hundred thou-sand different kinds of in-sects are known to exist. At any given time, it is estimat-ed that there are around 10 quintillion individual insects living.

Gardeners grow frus-trated when seeing their gardens infested with in-sects. In an effort to restore their gardens, homeowners might be tempted to eradi-cate any bug that moves in their yards. But gardeners would be wise to first learn which insects are hurting their gardens and which can actually help gardens in the long run.

HarmfulCertain insects can be

dangerous to animals and plants. The following are a handful of insects that can threaten the vitality of gar-dens.

Aphids: These insects suck on the juice needed to sustain plants, particularly when they congregate.

Bald-faced hornet: Hor-nets tend to be an aggres-sive species that can sting repeatedly. Should you find a nest near an entertaining space or garden, it can cause trouble.

Carpenter ants: These ants will burrow into wood causing damage. They may compromise any wooden structure in and around a home.

Locusts: Various species of locust can damage plants and crops due to their vora-cious appetites.

Treehoppers: These small, green insects mimic the look of leaves, and their appetites can affect crops and gardens.

Red pavement ant: As they feed on all manner of human food, these ants can quickly overtake areas with their staggering numbers and deliver painful bites.

The correct way to begin a home remodeling project is to obtain the necessary permits for the job. Many municipalities request indi-viduals obtain permits for a range of work on homes or other structures, such as of-fice buildings. Permits are generally required for all new construction as well as specific modifications that will affect structural, plumb-ing, mechanical, and electri-cal systems. It’s important to check with the local build-ing office prior to beginning work to see which permits you will need before the project can begin. Permits are necessary whether a homeowner is doing the work or hiring an outside contractor.

Due to the cost and time involved with securing permits, some homeowners skip this step so they can begin a project promptly. However, this can end up being a costly mistake. Per-mits might seem like a nui-sance, but they actually pro-tect homeowners in various

Helpful and harmful insectsGrasshoppers: Certain

grasshoppers, like the red-legged grasshopper, can decimate food crops and transfer parasites to birds when eaten as prey.

Caterpillars: Many cat-erpillars, the precursor to adult moths, will feed con-stantly on leaves, stems and other parts of plants. The to-bacco hornworm moth cat-erpillar can damage potato and tomato plants.

HelpfulPlants depend on insects

to transfer pollen as they forage, and many insects are quite beneficial to have around. While some polli-nate, others are predators of other pests.

Antlion: A foe of ants, they’ll help eat and control ant populations and polli-nate flowers. They pose no threat to humans, either.

Big dipper firefly: These colorful insects feast on earthworms, slugs and snails during the larval stage. Fire-flies add drama to evening gardens with their twinkling lights.

Garden spiders: Al-though some spiders can be

venomous, many are quite handy to have around the garden. They’ll help control pest populations that can damage plants and crops.

Dragonflies: These arial artists that zip around the yard are consuming smaller insects that would otherwise pester plants and humans.

Blue-winged wasp: This wasp attacks the larvae of Japanese beetles, helping to control beetle populations.

Bees and butterflies: Butterflies and bees are some of the best pollinators out there, and each can add whimsy to gardens.

How building permits protect homeowners

ways.Permits ensure safe work-

manshipPermits provide a blue-

print by which contrac-tors and do-it-yourselfers must complete renovations. Shortcuts often trans-late into subpar work that may lead to malfunction and injury in the long run. Safeguarding against poor workmanship means home-owners can feel confident in the work being done.

Permits reduce the likelihood of costly mis-

takesAs inspectors go through

their checklists, they may notice things that were done incorrectly and will offer ad-

vice about how to mend the problem before it becomes a larger headache. Repairs that are not structurally sound may pose problems or deteriorate more quickly than structures that are con-structed correctly.

Permits protect against fines

Sometimes work goes as planned even for homeown-ers who did not obtain the necessary permits. However, years later, when other work needs to be done, inspectors may discover homeowners never secured proper per-mits and inspections years earlier, leading to fines.

Furthermore, if work is done without a permit and an accident occurs, any damages or injuries may not be covered by a homeown-er’s insurance policy.

Permits are an important part of the home improve-ment process. Homeowners should not skirt the respon-sibility because the permit and inspection process is in place to provide protection to occupants.

Metro photoObtain the proper permits before beginning construction.

Metro photoButterflies and other helpful in-sects, such as bees, pollinate flowers and can keep danger-ous pests at bay in the garden.

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Bethany Republican-Clipper • April 12, 2017 Springtime Home & Garden.....15

SandersElectric

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Submitted photoEli and Lovina Gingerich built this home in 2016, on West 160th Avenue near Bethany, Mo.

Submitted photoDonald and Darla Brown placed this manufactured home on East 240th Street near Ridgeway, Mo., in 2016.

Submitted photoDelbert Chaney built this structure on East State Highway CC near Gilman City, Mo. in 2016.

Submitted photoCharles and Nancy Meissen built this large home on West 209th Avenue near Bethany, Mo. in 2016.

The invisible systems in a home often are taken for granted. When such sys-tems are working as expect-ed, daily life moves along smoothly. However, when a system goes awry, it can negatively impact routines and may create a dangerous home environment. This is especially true when some-thing goes wrong with a home’s electrical system.

Faulty wiring is a lead-ing cause of residential fires. Many homeowners, particu-larly those who live in older homes, might be living in properties that have outdat-ed electrical systems. The ex-perts at Lowes ProServices state that having old wiring and/or insufficient amper-age in a house can endanger residents. It also may dam-age appliances and make it difficult to sell a property in the future.

It can be difficult to gauge exactly when to over-haul an electrical system. Unless circuits routinely trip or lights often dim, home-owners may put off the work. But degrading wires or overextended circuitry can pose a fire risk, so it is best to address electrical sys-tems promptly.

Home inspections may uncover electrical problems. Some homeowners may dis-cover potential trouble while making renovations that re-quire opening up walls or tearing them down, expos-ing the wires. Still other homeowners learn about electrical systems when they’re adding new, large appliances or other gadgets that consume more power than existing items. These devices may continually cause power outages in the house, such as tripping the circuit breaker or popping a fuse.

When it comes time to update the electrical system, it is always best to work with licensed and bonded electri-cians who have the expertise to work with electrical wir-

Is it time to update your home’s electrical system?ing without getting injured. This is not a do-it-yourself type of job since it requires specialized training.

Electricians likely will recommend upgrading the electrical panel to bring more power from the util-ity poles into the home. This can include replacing the existing meter and circuit breaker box to allow it to handle more power or re-placing items that are obso-lete or dangerous.

Many older homes are only capable of handling a minimum number of amps, utilizing just a few circuits. But nowadays, when home-owners have far more elec-tronics in their homes than they once did, increased demand on electricity can overload a circuit (all of the outlets linked on one wire). Tripping a circuit breaker is a safety measure to pre-vent the wire from becom-ing overheated and causing a fire. However, in some old systems, the circuit breaker will not trip, and this can be problematic.

Rewiring a home is an-other step. Wire insulation can deteriorate over time, and new wires may be need-ed. This can be messy and time-consuming, but it’s a small price to pay for safety. When rewiring an electri-cian also may suggest new

outlets. Many home build-ing codes now require out-lets with ground fault inter-ruptors, or GFIs, in kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms exposed to moisture. Some older homes may not even have three-pronged outlets, so this will necessitate an

update as well.Electrical systems are

the heart of a home, deliver-ing power where it is need-ed. It is essential to keep such systems up-to-date so they can handle the power demands of every

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Locally Owned & Operated!

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