hen you decide to remodel or updatea kitchen, the most permanentchange you make will be the cabinets.Accessories such as wallpaper, paintand trim can be changed fairly easily

and economically, but once you decide to purchase newcabinets you have committed to a major change in thelook and design of your kitchen.

Initially it might seem easier to buy semi-custom cabi-nets - those featured in catalogs or at the big-box homestores. Because they are already designed and manufac-tured, it might seem at the outset to be an economicalway to make a major change in the look and design ofyour kitchen. However, be aware that purchasing pre-built cabinets can often result in unexpected problems.Often the ready-made cabinets result in a waste of spacearound appliances that can’t be moved. Sometimes thecabinets don’t look like the picture in the catalog andthis can result in decorating challenges. Unless themeasurements are precise, there can be headaches at the

time of installation. One of our readers recently remod-eled her kitchen but after it was finished, she realizedthat the door on one of her cabinets hit the ceiling fanwhen she opened it.

Most important to consider, however, is the timing ofthe installation. The order isn’t placed with the manu-facturer until a contractor measures the space. There isoften a 4-8 week waiting period from the time you placeyour order, and this can be very inconvenient if you arein the middle of construction.

In the long run, deciding to purchase custom cabinetscould save you money, headaches, time and mostimportantly, the aggravation of having to live with cabi-nets that don’t quite “measure up.”

For information call Steve Tillman, Colonial CustomCabinets 912.330.8585.

IT ALL HINGES ONTHE CABINETS

By Steve Tillman, Colonial Custom Cabinets

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54 • Fall 2008 • Savannah’s Home Improvement Guide

COLONIALCU S T O MCABINETS

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hen the holidays begin approaching, I find thatmany of my client’s enjoy creating a warm andfestive atmosphere in their homes. It’s not tooearly to start thinking of how to enhance yourholiday décor. For inspiration, here are ten

“must haves” to inspire your creativity!

1. Let There Be Light! Soft glowing light is complementaryto you and your guests. Once you’ve turned the lights downlow, bring out the candles by the boxful. From tall andtapered to short and stout, candles set a celebratory tone. Ifone pair of candles on your fireplace mantle is good, then acollection is even better. For the most dramatic impact,group candles just as you would any other collectible, anddisplay them on a silver platter. Is your family one that doesThanksgiving in a big way? Choose candles in today’s richharvest hues. For your Christmas holiday, simply change to

traditional red and green, or wow them with the beautifulmetallics that are now available.

2. Haul Out The Holly! Today, fresh is in! When choosingplants to help add holiday cheer, think beyond the traditionalmums and poinsettias. Fill metallic vases with bouquets offall leaves and berries. For Christmas use fresh flowers andholly. Or choose beautifully shaped topiaries covered withpepper berries placed in baskets depicting the season. Don’tforget to drape that chandelier or stair railing with pine gar-land or holly. Change your window treatment tie-backs byadding holly, berries, or even a sprig or two of evergreen.

3. Precious Metals. Silver is still the metal of choice – andyou can incorporate it in a number of ways, including can-dlesticks, picture frames, and decorative boxes. Don’t hesitateto mix things up a bit. In formal rooms, combine your silver

56 • Fall 2008 • Savannah’s Home Improvement Guide

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Home For The HolidaysBy Kathy Sliz, Interiors by Decorating Den

pieces with gold or polished brassaccessories. Or take a more casu-al approach by blending pewter,copper and brass.

4. A Feast for the Eye. Naturally,the dining room should providean attractive and delicious atmos-phere for your special holidaymeals. A well set, decorativetable is a must. Go the extra mileby purchasing holiday tablelinens in theme with the season.Then create a beautiful center-piece for the crowning touch. AtThanksgiving time, a beautifullydesigned bowl filled with nature’sbounty of squash, gourds, andminiature pumpkins. Or seededand feathered balls. AtChristmas time, this same bowlcan be filled with glass balls, goldand silver leafed fruit, and evenfoods that reflect the shades ofthe season, like artichokes andpomegranates. Live at the beach?Throw in a few beautiful shells.Surprise your guests withwrapped gifts on their saladplates. For a cohesive feeling,incorporate an element of yourroom’s design on the table. Ifyour room features a mirroredwall, use mirrored chargesbeneath each plate.

5. Ornamental Accents.Ornaments are not just made tobe placed on your holiday treeanymore. Display some on thecoffee table is an oversized bowlor clear glass urn. You can useround glass balls as place cards,and write each guest’s name oneach and set them around thedining table. There are nowornaments that depict all seasons.Place some ornaments in unex-pected places-like windowsills,hanging from armoire handles,and in bathrooms. Hang one ona lamp along with a beautiful andfestive tassel and cord.

6. Be My Guest. Is your guestroom ready for holiday guests? Isthere a luggage stand and/or spacein the closet? Are there plenty ofpillows? Is the bedside table bigenough to accommodate a lamp,reading materials, and a carafe ofwater? Don’t forget the littleextras such as fresh fruit, potpour-ri, and a basket of toiletries.Create that special welcomingtouch using holiday inspiredaccent pillows on the bed, or drapea holiday throw over a chair. Andbe sure to include a few holidaytouches like greenery or a smallgift.

7. The Wonder of Wreaths.Whether you prefer wreaths madeof natural materials or some of thelovely permanent florals on themarket today, wreaths are anabsolute must for any holidayhome. In addition to their tradi-tional place on the front door orover the mantle, smaller wreathscan be used as curtain tiebacks ornapkin rings.

8. Festive Fruits and Vegetables.Visit the produce aisle of your gro-cery store for unique holiday deco-rations. For example, display wal-nuts and gourds in a decorativebasket or bowl for Thanksgiving,then spray paint them silver or goldand display them in the same bas-ket or bowl for Christmas. Or filla large crystal bowl or vase with redand green apples or artichokes andpomegranates.

9. Set Your Own Style. Make yourtree an integral part of your deco-rating scheme and a reflection ofyour personality. Are antique toysa personal passion? Then decoratethe tree with miniature woodenversions. Are you a dedicatedbeachcomber? Attach some of yourfavorite shells to the tree with sim-ple grosgrain ribbon.

Fall 2008 • Savannah’s Home Improvement Guide • 57

58 • Fall 2008 • Savannah’s Home Improvement Guide

10. Wrap It Up With Ribbon. Ribbon can be used for muchmore than wrapping presents. Use French wire ribbons, in avariety of widths, to tie bows on your trees. Or instead of agarland or greenery, wrap your banister with ribbon. You canalso hang holiday cards from a mantle or shelf using narrowribbons in holiday colors. Add a holiday bow to yourplanters. Tie a holiday colored bow to 3 old books, and dis-play them on your coffee table. Wrap toss pillows like a holi-day present with beautifully colored holiday ribbon.

Above all else, when decorating for the holidays make sure toput your own family’s personality into everything you do.Preparing to welcome family and guests to your home is a lotof fun….it’s also a great excuse to complete that long-overduedecorating project!

Finally, put on your favorite holiday music, sit back, relax,and enjoy the beauty you’ve created in your Home for theHolidays!

For more information, contact Kathy Sliz at Interiors byDecorating Den 912.236.2194.

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912.234.0435

ELECTRICAL SAFETYBy Savannah’s Home Improvcement Guide Staff

eing safe when using electricalappliances, extension cords, lightbulbs and other equipment is

easy, and safety tips should be included inhousehold rules, homeschool fire safety anddaily behavior expectations for all membersof the family. It only takes one mistake tospark an electrical fire, but simple preven-tion measures can be effective solutions.

APPLIANCES

Appliances are an integral part of everyhousehold, from a simple electric clock tothe microwave oven to decorative holidaylights. These safety tips can help keep allappliances operating safely:

• Unplug unused appliances and stowcords safely out of reach of pets, youngchildren or hazardous situations.

• Appliances that generate heat, such asclocks, televisions and computer monitors,should be given several inches of clearanceall around for good air circulation andcooling. Do not drape clothes, toys orother items over warm appliances.

• Always follow appliance instructions care-fully, and do not attempt amateur repairsor upgrades.

• Keep all electrical appliances away fromwater such as sinks, bathtubs, pools oroverhead vents that may drip.

• Do not operate any electrical appliancewith wet hands or while standing in water.

• Keep clothes, curtains, toys and otherpotentially combustible materials at leastthree feet away from radiators, spaceheaters, heating vents and other heatsources.

CORDS

Every electrical appliance has a cord, andmany homes use extension cords to

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increase the range of electrical outlets.These safety tips can help keep cords ingood condition for safe operation.

• Check cords regularly for frays, cracks orkinks, including power tool cords, holidaylights and extension cords.

• Cords are not be jump ropes, clotheslines or leashes, and should never be usedfor anything other than their intended pur-pose.

• Cords should be firmly plugged into out-lets – if the cord is loose and can pull outeasily, choose a different, more snug outlet.

• Do not staple or nail cords in position atany time; if the cord does not remainwhere desired, use tape or twist ties tosecure it.

• Cords should not be placed beneath rugswhere they can become a trip hazard orwhere frays will not be noticeable.Furthermore, covering a cord will preventit from keeping as cool as possible.

• Do not make modifications to a cord’splug at any time – do not clip off the thirdprong or attempt to file down a widerprong to fit in a different outlet.

• Extension cords are a temporary solutiononly and their use should be minimizedwhenever possible.

• Use the proper weight and length ofextension cord for the appropriate task,and be sure the cord is rated for indoor oroutdoor use, whichever is required.

• When unplugging a cord, pull on thecord at the outlet rather than tug on thecord itself.

OUTLETS

Every cord has to plug into an appropriateelectrical outlet, but these tempting nichesare inviting to unwelcome objects that cancause shorts and fires. Use these electricalsafety tips at home to keep outlets safe.

• Block unused outlets by changing to asolid cover plate or using childproof caps.

• Do not overload outlets with multipleadaptors or power strips; relocate cordsinstead.

• Never put any object other than theappropriate size plug into an outlet.

• Install ground fault circuit interrupteroutlets in potentially hazardous areas suchas near pools, crawlspaces, kitchens, bath-rooms and unfinished basements.

• Keep all outlets properly covered withsecure plates that cover all wiring.

LIGHT BULBS

Light bulbs are the single most common

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Fall 2008 • Savannah’s Home Improvement Guide • 61

electrical fixture in homes, and proper lightbulb safety can keep them from becoming acommon electrical hazard.

• Use bulbs that have the correct wattagerequirements for each fixture — using ahigher wattage bulb can cause the fixture tooverheat.

• Consider switching to more efficient com-pact fluorescent bulbs that provide the samelevel of light at a lower wattage level.

• Always screw bulbs in tightly; a loose bulbcan cause sparks or shorts.

• Be sure to unplug or turn off a fixturecompletely before changing light bulbs.

OUTDOORS

It is important to also practice electricalsafety when outside, since many electricalhazards can be found near homes and notjust inside their walls.

• Keep trees pruned and away from powerlines overhead as well as where the power

lines approach the house.

• Do not fly kites, model aircraft or balloonsnear power lines.

• When using a ladder, carefully inspect thesurrounding area to be sure it is free frompower lines.

• Do not swim or play in water during anelectrical storm, even if it is not raining.

• Do not approach a downed power line tosee if it is live – it may give no signs thatcan be easily observed, but it is just as dead-ly. Contact the authorities immediatelyabout downed lines.

Electrical Fire Safety Tips

When an electrical short or spark does hap-pen, it is vital to understand what to do toprevent or put out an electrical fire to keepthe damage and devastation from spreading.

• Call 911 or other appropriate emergencyservices immediately in case of electricalinjury or fire.

• Never touch anyone who is being shocked;the shock can spread through body contact.

• Know where fuse boxes and circuit break-ers are located as well as how to properlyoperate them.

• Never attempt electrical repairs or rewiringwithout proper certification and experience.

• Do not put water on an electrical fire; usea dry fire extinguisher or baking sodainstead.

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ANIMAL FACTS& CONTROL

BATSBy Critter Control

INTRODUCTION

Before you get too upset about the bats in your house, open your mindto the following facts: bats are the only flying mammal in the world,and bats are very beneficial in that they can eat over 500 flying insectsper hour all night long. Over 40 species of bats live in North America -and there’s not a vampire among them!

Bats need a safe place to roost in the daytime and much of their naturalhabitat is dwindling. While they do get into occupied dwellings, there isa safe, effective, and responsible way to deal with the problem.

HAZARDS

Like other mammals, a very small percentage of bats contract rabies (fig-ures issued by health departments may show a higherpercentage since sick bats are easier to catch thanhealthy bats). Exposure to the rabies virus is remote ifcontact with bats is avoided and pets are properlyvaccinated.

Histoplasmosis is an airborne fungus disease that cangrow in pigeon and bat droppings (guano), but usu-ally the guano must have contact with moist soil,which is normally not present in a dry attic environ-ment.

Human inhalation is usually the result of stirring updust that contains contaminated fungus spores, there-fore it is not recommended to clean up guano unless there is a seriousodor or health problem. Guano should only be cleaned up by trainedpersonnel with the proper safety equipment.

Bats are host to ectoparasites such as bat bugs (a close relative of the bedbug). Fortunately ectoparasites associated with bats are usually host spe-cific, and rarely bite pets or humans. Ectoparasites can be controlled bythe insecticide treatment to the roost after the bats are evicted.

DAMAGE

Humans object to the bat’s noise (squeaking, scratching, crawling inattics and walls), stains, and odors caused by urine and droppings. Mostbat complaints occur in July and August when bats enter houses viaoverhangs, eaves, unscreened vents, end construction gaps.

Bats can squeeze thru holes 3/8” wide (a dime sized hole). They occa-

sionally enter the house through chimneys, open windows, and many actually get lost and enter the building interior after migrating through the structure to seek a preferred temperature zone.

BIOLOGY AND HABITS OF HOUSE BATS

Bats are nocturnal (active at night) and have a 6 - 12” wingspan. Theyare insectivores (eat insects), and some species eat up to half their bodyweights each in flying insects. Bats usually breed in fall or winter.Pregnant females congregate in maternity colonies until birth occursbetween April and July. There are usually 1-2 young that begin flying at3 - 5 weeks of age.

Large colonies are usually found in caves and mines,while bats that live in trees are solitary. These batsare normally found in structures, although a fewspecies of bats will enter buildings to roost.

Little brown bats commonly invade structure in thespring and summer, while big brown bats use build-ings year-round for raising young and hibernation.Mexican free-tailed bats and pallid bats occasionallyenter structures and are found primarily in theSouthwest U.S.

CONTROL

Individual bats that get into the living space of a house can often be letout by opening the doors and/or windows.

Exclusion is the number one priority in bat management. Throughexclusion of all holes larger than 1/4” is needed at all potential openings,especially in the top half of the building, and control should be left up toprofessionals. Contact the professional at your local Critter Controloffice for further information.

Check to see if the local Critter Control office offers installation of bathouses to keep the bats around after they are evicted from inside thestructure.

For more information or assistance please call Critter Control at912.898.5992.

62 • Fall 2008 • Savannah’s Home Improvement Guide

stablish good two-way communicationwith the remodeler.It’s essential to have

good communication for asmooth remodeling project.Does the remodeler listen?Does he or she answer ques-tions clearly and candidly?Can you reach him when youneed to? Does he returnphone calls promptly? Doeshe let you know when prob-lems arise and work with youon solving them?

Make sure you have compati-bility and “fit” with the con-tractor. You’ll spend a lot oftime with your remodeler soit’s important to have a goodrapport and trust in him.

Set a clear and mutual understanding about the schedule.You and your remodeler should agree on the schedule upfront to avoid conflict and problems later in the project.Request a written proposal. Often times, two people remem-ber the same conversation differently. Get the proposal inwriting and work with the remodeler to ensure it reflectsyour wishes.Determine a clear and mutual understanding on the miscel-laneous details. There are a lot of little details that need tobe settled before work starts. What times of day will they beworking? How will he access the property? How will cleanupbe handled? How will they protect your property?

Remember to be flexible. Remodeling is an interruption ofyour normal life. Remember to be flexible during the projectso that you can handle the unexpected and go with the flow.Create a clear and mutual understanding of how ChangeOrders will be handled.With remodeling there is always thechance you may want to change materials or other projectdetails during the job. Agree with your remodeler on howthese changes will be handled before the start of work. Alsounderstand that changes could affect the schedule and thebudget, so it’s important you have all changes in writing.

Agree on a well-written contract that covers all the bases.The contract should include these elements: a timetable forthe project, price and payment schedule, detailed specifica-tions for all products and materials, insurance information,permit information, procedures for handling change orders,lien releases, provisions for conflict resolution, notice of yourright under the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling OffRule (your right to cancel the contract within three days if itwas signed someplace other than the remodeler’s place ofbusiness), and details on the important issues (such as accessto your home, care of the home, cleanup and trash removal).

Ask for a written Lien Waiver from the remodeler upon com-pletion of the work. If the remodeler hires subcontractors forportions of the work it is their responsibility to see themcompensated. In order to ensure this has been done and toprotect yourself, ask for a written lien waiver when the workis finished. This document will verify everyone has been paid.

Establish a project plan, covering all phases and dependenciesin the work. Plan your big picture goals with the remodelerand talk out your needs. Hire a remodeler who will plan itout with you, listen to concerns, and answer questions.

10 Tips For A Smooth RemodelFollow these 10 tips when you embark on an exciting home remodeling project.

By Patty Rietkovich, Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah

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Fall 2008 • Savannah’s Home Improvement Guide • 63