fall 2015 parade of homes

Fall 2015FREE To The Public

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE FALL PARADE OF HOMESGOLD SPONSOR

James Connett - Insulation & Fireplaces • BCR RealtorsSILVER SPONSORS:

Cedar Bend Homes • Sunspace Texas • Tom Lyne Plumbing/Lyne Home Prod.

October 10th & 11th

Saturday 10 am - 5 pm • Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm

Look for theO� cial Parade of Homes Yard Sign

ParadeHome

OFFICIAL

2 | October 9, 2015 Parade of Homes T H E B RYA N - CO L L EG E STAT I O N E AG L E

Our Most recent Project now open at The Spring Creek Townhomes located 2 Blocks west of the NewSalt Grass Restaurant off of Arrington Rd in South College Station.

Please Visit our website to see the progress of our latest projectsand spec homes available.

“Making Your Vision Come True”J.R. Torres, President & Owner

979-220-2325 | [email protected]

Custom Homes, Inc.New Vision

Home Building & Remodeling

T H E B RYA N - CO L L EG E STAT I O N E AG L E Parade of Homes October 9, 2015 | 3

FOR EVERY STAGE OFYOUR LIFE!

AGGIE VALUESbcrbcs.com

REALTORS

The Best AgentsIn The Brazos Valley

Sales Team 979.694.8844 • Property Management/Leasing 979.694.2747 • HOAManagement 979.703.1819700 University Dr E., Ste 108 • College Station, TX 77840


Linda Brinkman

Advertising Manager

Crystal Dupre´

Publisher

Jim Bob McKown

Creative Services Manager

Shauna Lewis

Special Projects Editor

Geoff Moore

Realty Marketing

Aaron Beagle

Section Designer

Look for theO� cial Parade ofHomes Yard Sign

ParadeHome

OFFICIAL

Fall 2015

Table of Contents

Presidents Letter 6

2015 Fall Parade of Homes 8

Guide to Replacing Homes Siding 9

Look Good or Feel Good? 10

Inexpensive Ways to Boost a Home’s Curb Appeal 11

The Importance of Clean Gutters 12

Green, Cleaner 13

How to Handle Cramped Quarters 14

Index 15

Map 16/17

True Value of Home Improvements 18

Know What’s Below 19

Stay One Step Ahead of Mother Nature 21

5 Ways to Redefi ne Your Outdoor Space 23

Open House to Their Next House 25

Converting Garages 26

Factors to Consider Before Renting Out Your Home 27

Add Value to Your Home With These Renovations 28

The Problem with Hard Water 29

Weekend Renovation Projects 30

Tips to Finding the Right Contractor 31

Come meet your local 2015 Readers’ Choice Award Winners “Best Home Builder” & “Realtor”!

Join us Saturday October 10th 10-5 & Sunday October 11th 1-5 to discuss home building options! Bring in an ad from a newlyconstructed home you’ve visited & enter for a chance to win up to $500 in prizes!

Need to sell to build? Sign up for a free market analysis on your current home!

R i c h m o n H o m e s

From designing and building your new custom dream home to designing and renovating your existing home to look like new!

Best Home Builder2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

2015Best Realtor

2012, 2013, 2015

2015

Richard and Monica Palasota give each customerindividual service with unmatched quality and

professionalism. That’s the way our families have beendoing business in the local area for over 100 years.

Call 979-731-1134 or www.RichmonHomes.com750 William D Finch #210 College Station, Tx 77845

(Cap Rock Crossing/ Corner of William D Finch & Arrington Road)RICHARD PALASOTA MONICA PALASOTAPALASOTA


Earl Rudder Fwy

OldReliance R

d

Boonville Rd

MitchellElementary

School

MiramontCountry Club

James EarlRudder

High School

SamRayburnMiddleSchool

Bull inger C

reek

Dr.

RiverstoneDr.

Briarc

rest

Dr.

AllenAcademy

FM1179

Kroger

Target

Thornberry

Dr.Choose Your Lot.

Choose Your Builder.

Greenbrier residential community is planned for

over 400 homes on 200 acres in a prime location.

Homeowners seeking the comfort of a master

planned subdivision with wooded home sites will

also appreciate the greenbelts, walking/jogging

trails, parks, convenience to shopping and access

to schools, Rudder High, Sam Rayburn Middle

and Mitchell Elementary Schools are all within

cycling distance.

Situated betweenMiramont CountryClub Community and Austin’sColony, Greenbrier is just o�FM 1179 at�ornberry in Bryan.

Contact Steve Arden, Realtor979-229-7275 or [email protected] more information.


By John Magruder president,

Greater Brazos Valley Builders association

On behalf of the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association, I want to invite you to visit homes entered in the 2015 Fall Parade of Homes™. Whether you are in the market for a new home or just looking for ideas, the Parade of Homes™ is the place for you to discover exciting new trends in construction and home design. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the builder personally and to learn how they can build you the home of your dreams.

This year’s Fall Parade of Homes™ is sponsored by James

Connett – Insulation & Fireplaces, BCR Realtors, Cedar Bend Homes, Sunspace Texas, Tom Lyne Plumbing/Lyne Home Products, Atmos Energy, Brenham National Bank, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Hob Knob Interior Hardware, Pitman Custom Homes and the Oldham Goodwin Group Homes. The event will be open on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11. Hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Admission to the homes is free to the public. To view the homes, look for the map in the Parade of Homes™ special section in The Eagle on Friday, Oct. 9, or visit the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association website at www.gbvbuilders.org. A printed map will also be available at Parade of

Homes. Another exciting and

innovative addition to get you to the homes you want to see, as well as learn more about them, is that you will be able to pull up GBV Builders Association’s map by visiting www.gbvbuilders.org. Get access to the interactive map or text the keyword BCSHOMES to 313131. You can also follow the BLUE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS and find the official RED Parade of Homes™ sign, which will be located in the yard of each participating builder’s home.

Residential and commercial construction is evident as you travel in or around Bryan-College Station. This fall we are excited to have 32 homes on display from 22 local builders.

The GBV Builders Association members are committed to building homes and neighborhoods where you can enjoy the great quality of life that this area is known for. This year’s BCSHBA member participants include Blackstone Handcrafted Homes, Cedar Bend Homes, Chestnut Ridge Homes, David Weekley Homes, Flagship Custom Homes, Glenn Thomas Homes, Hall Homes, Heath Townsend Homes, JMV Custom Homes, Kinsmen Homes, Lero Homes, Magruder Homes, Mariott Homes, Oakwood Custom Homes, Omega Builders, Pitman Custom Homes, RNL Homebuilders, Raven Homes, Reece Homes, Stylecraft Builders and Weber Custom Homes.

You can meet these builders or their

representatives in 10 of the finest subdivisions in the area, including Austin’s Colony, Bird Pond Estates, Castlegate II, Creek Meadows, Estates at Creek Meadows, Greenbrier, Indian Lakes, Pebble Creek, Saddle Creek and Williams Creek.

These homes in a variety of size and price ranges, are north to south, and east to west.

With this type of variety to choose from, you are sure to find the right fit for you and your family.

Take advantage of the beautiful fall football season weather. We look forward to seeing you and hope you find your next home while touring the houses included in the Fall Parade of Homes™.

CheCk out new construction, home design trends at Parade of Homes


By JiMMy pitMan, ChairMan of fall

parade of hoMes™ CoMMittee,

greater Brazos Valley Builders

assoCiation

On behalf of the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association, I want to welcome you to the 2015 Fall Parade of Homes ™. On display the

weekend of Oct. 10 and 11 will be more than 30 homes built by some of our community’s finest home builders. This event is a great opportunity to come see the latest trends in new construction and interact with our local home builders.

Bryan, College Station and surrounding areas has seen incredible growth in the last five years. This growth has brought us new ideas and technologies that are being incorporated into our local

building community. We are also seeing new neighborhoods and new sections of current neighborhoods develop at a pace that we have not seen in recent years. This new development is also attracting restaurants and store fronts to open new locations throughout our community. All

of these factors working together are giving residents of Bryan, College Station and surrounding areas more options to choose from when deciding on where to live, work and play.

For the 2015 Fall Parade of Homes™, we are excited to once again offer a mobile app. This free app will help guide and direct you to all the participating homes in the parade throughout a variety of subdivisions. This can be downloaded through our website at www.gbvbuilders.

org. You can also text the keyword BCSHOMES to 313131 to get the online link.

As a representative of the home builders participating in the 2015 Fall Parade of Homes ™, we thank you for taking time to visit our homes over the weekend of Oct. 10 and 11. We

appreciate the opportunity to display our products and answer questions about the building process. Each home participating has a unique story to tell

and we look forward to sharing them with you.

2015 Fall Parade of Homes this weekend

LOCAL BANK.LOCAL BANKERS.LOCAL HOME LOANS.

Bryan/College Station

Local bank. Local bankers.www.banktbt.com

When it comes to understanding thiscommunity, no one comes close toour experienced team of bankers. Ifyou’re in the market for a new home,we’d like to be the �rst—and last—place you stop. Dana and Mark arecommitted to �nding the home loanthat best suits your needs.

Before you begin your search for anew home, call Dana or Mark aboutbecoming preapproved to make youroffer stronger.

You’re new home is just a local callaway. Call us today at 260-2100!

DANA O. ECKHARTVICE PRESIDENT

[email protected] ID#394255

Member FDIC

All loans subject to credit approval and collateral review. Rates, products, and programs subject to changewithout notice. Payments on loans with variable rates may increase after closing.

Eagle_PoH/Copyright©2015.AllRights

Reserved.10/15

MARK O. LIGHTSEYASSISTANT VICE [email protected]

MLO ID#642661

Originating Organization NMLS ID# 495002


Metro Creative Service

Few home improvements can transform a home more than the installation of new siding. Replacing siding can be a costly venture, but the right siding will maintain its appeal for years to come.

Updated siding can improve home’s energy value by enabling owners to save on heating and cooling costs. A new design and color also can improve a home’s property value and set it apart from neighboring properties. According to the Professional Builder’s Home Exteriors Survey, exterior design and materials used are a top priority for new home buyers.

Project costs depend on the size of the home as well as which siding material homeowners

choose. Considering new siding is a major renovation, it pays to get the job done right.

Choose a qualified ContraCtor

It is important for consumers to do their research when it comes to siding materials and contractors. A contractor who takes shortcuts or improperly installs the siding may void a manufacturer’s warranty. Always ask family members and friends for recommendations before choosing a contractor, and check out each prospective contractor’s work for yourself. Interview more than one contractor and compare both their costs and what they offer. Ask plenty of questions of the contractors, and avoid those who try hard-sell methods.

Questionable contractors may try strategies like a promise of a considerable discount if you ‘act now’ or scare tactics that your home is unsafe in its present condition.

Be sure the contractor carries general liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation insurance for their subcontractors. Ask for a license number as well and verify its accuracy.

seleCt a duraBle Material

Siding comes in all types of materials - from wood to plastic to fiber cement - but vinyl is among the most popular due to cost and availability. Research how well particular brands of siding stand up to conditions and which are the least likely to crack, warp or discolor. Find this information

from online reviews or through consumer advocacy groups. Also remember, vinyl and

other synthetic materials have improved and can now mimic the look of many other materials for a fraction of the cost.

CalCulate how MuCh you needBefore you price out

siding with contractors, estimate how much you will need for your house. Consumer Reports suggests multiplying the height times the width of each rectangular section of your house in feet, going by what you can measure from the ground, to determine their areas. Multiply the approximate height and width of gables and other triangular surfaces and divide each total by two. Then add all the totals. To allow for waste, don’t subtract for doors, windows or other areas that won’t be covered.

Finally, divide the total square footage by 100 to estimate how many squares of siding you will need. A square represents 100 square feet. Knowing how much you need can save you money.

Vinyl siding can

completely transform the look of a home and make it more energy efficient. Consumers who do their homework will get the best value for their investments.

guide to replacing home siding


(BPT) - Who remembers that old Saturday Night Live bit in which Billy Crystal, posing as Lorenzo Lamas, quips that “It’s better to look good than to feel good”? Home improvement can sometimes shake out that way. Some upgrades that look great don’t do a lot for a homeowner’s emotional or physical health. Others, however, can help your home look good and make its inhabitants feel great.

As you’re planning your spring and summer home projects, consider these five improvements that mean you don’t have to choose between looking good and feeling good.

1. add More natural light.

The health benefits of natural light are well documented, from improving our bodies’ ability to produce vitamin D to helping boost mood and fight seasonal affective disorder. Natural light also enhances virtually any decor, while helping reduce dependence on artificial light and lowering electricity bills.

Adding a skylight is one of the most impactful, cost-effective ways to increase natural light in virtually any room, even those without direct roof access. Energy Star qualified, solar-powered, fresh-air skylights, like those from Velux America, allow homeowners to reap the health and functional benefits of enhanced natural light and fresh air. Boost the energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal of no-leak venting skylights further by adding solar-powered

blinds in designer colors and patterns. Solar powered skylights and blinds are operated by a programmable remote control. Both products, plus the installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements. Visit www.veluxusa.com to learn more.

2. iMproVe your landsCaping.

Of course beautiful landscaping makes your home look great, but it can also improve your health in a number of ways. First, if you do your own yard work, you reap the benefit of outdoor exercise, which can help improve cardiovascular and muscle health.

What’s more, plants remove carbon dioxide and particulates from the air, acting as natural purifiers - so your lovely trees and flowers can also help improve your outdoor air quality. If you’re concerned about allergies, choose plants known for producing little or no airborne spores or pollens. Fortuitously, the plants that are the prettiest in your landscaping - those that produce big, showy blossoms - also produce the least amount of pollen, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Finally, don’t overlook the mood-boosting effects of looking at a lush, beautiful landscape. Multiple studies have shown that being surrounded by plants - or even just looking at a picture of a beautiful landscape - can help relieve stress and improve mental states.

3. repaint with eCo-friendly paints.Painting is one of

the easiest, most cost-effective ways to make a room look good. But some types of paints can release fumes such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, and such fumes have been linked to both short-term and long-term respiratory problems.

To make your room look good and improve how you feel, choose VOC-free paint types. Some manufacturers offer durable interior paints in designer colors that emit no VOCs and give off little or no odor throughout the painting process. You can even find eco-friendly paints that are made from natural ingredients such as plants and minerals. The truly eco-conscious will breathe easier knowing the paint they’ve chosen looks good and that it’s not harmful to their families or environment.

4. iMproVe Ventilation.

An EPA study showed that indoor air quality can be worse than the air outside your home. Poor air quality has been linked to a host of health issues, from respiratory problems to eye irritation, headaches and even depression. Improving the ventilation in your home can help everyone who lives there feel better - and you can do it with style.

Venting skylights are a great way to passively, cost-effectively improve indoor air quality, plus privacy, especially in baths. You can also enhance ventilation and air movement through

the use of ceiling fans and exhaust fans. Both types of ventilation enhancers are available in a variety of designs and styles to match virtually any decor.

5. renoVate your kitChen or

BathrooM.And the top home

improvement that’s good for your home’s beauty, your health and happiness and home value? Renovating an outdated kitchen or bathroom. The two rooms consistently score highest in terms of return on investment in Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report. It’s widely known that great kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, too - which can be a major stress-

reliever if you’ll be putting your home on the market this spring or summer. But updated kitchens and baths can be good for your health in a number of other ways.

High-tech enhancements like touchless faucets and germ-resistant surfaces on countertops and appliances can help thwart the spread of illness-causing

germs. Replacing old, deteriorating cabinets and flooring can help reduce mold, mildew and airborne irritants. Adding a water-filtration system at the sink or in a new refrigerator can help improve the taste and healthfulness of drinking water. Additionally, replacing traditional drywall with moisture-resistant gypsum panels can inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

look good or feel good? 5 home improvements that let you do both


MS - Curb appeal can go a long way toward making a home more attractive to its inhabitants as well as prospective buyers once the house is put on the market. Improving curb appeal is a goal for many homeowners, and while many projects aimed at making homes more aesthetically appealing can be costly, there are ways for cost-conscious homeowners to improve their properties without breaking the bank.

put your green thuMB to use.

A well-maintained landscape can dramatically improve a home’s curb appeal. Pay attention to the plants, shrubs and trees throughout your property, watering them during periods of little rainfall and trimming

them when necessary so your lawn does not look like an overgrown, neglected suburban jungle. Professional landscaping services can help you maintain your property, but even if your budget does not allow for such an expense, you can still make sure your landscape adds to your home’s appeal by keeping a watchful eye on the property and addressing any issues that arise. Maintain your lawn through the colder months of the year as well, making sure no one walks on the grass when frost has settled, as doing so can produce dead spots throughout the lawn.

redo your front door.

While their eyes may initially be drawn to a well-manicured lawn, prospective buyers will

eventually find their way to the front door. If your door is especially old, consider replacing it. If your budget does not allow for such an expense, you can still give your home’s front entrance an entirely new look by installing some inexpensive molding around the door before giving the door a fresh coat of paint. Molding around the front door can make an entrance more impressive, while a new coat of paint can make a home feel warmer and more vibrant.

plant flowers.Another inexpensive

way to make a home more appealing is to plant some colorful flowers around the property. Line walkways with flowers native to your region, as such plants will last longer than exotic

alternatives that may not be capable of adapting to the local climate. In addition to lining walkways, hang window boxes filled with colorful flowers or plants outside naked windows. Doing so can make windows seem larger and add some color to your home’s exterior.

Another creative way to make use of colorful flowers is to place a few planters at the foot of your driveway and painting the numbers of your address on he planters. This can be both effortless and nexpensive, but it can instantly make a home more inviting to prospective buyers.

spotlight Certain parts of your

property.Many homeowners

focus on improving the curb appeal of their

property during the daytime hours, but you can take steps to make a home more appealing at night as well. Solar spotlights placed around trees and other attractive features in your yard can shed light on those areas of your property you’re most proud of, even after the sun has gone down. Solar spotlights won’t add to your energy bill, as

they are powered by the sun, and they can make certain accents on your property stand out at night.

Improving curb appeal may sound like a significant undertaking, but there are many ways budget-conscious homeowners can make their home’s exterior more appealing without going broke.

inexpensiVe ways to boost a home’s curb appeal

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Every autumn, trees and shrubs take on their brilliant display of reds, oranges, purples, and yellows that mark the end of the growing season. Fall foliage may make for ideal photo backdrops and scenic days in the countryside, but closer to home leaves may be more of a hindrance than an aesthetic pleasure.

The hundreds of leaves that adorn the maples, oaks and other trees near homes will eventually fall as autumn turns into winter. Some will float down to lawns, while others will get lodged in gutters and downspouts, posing problems that can cause substantial and potentially costly problems for homeowners.

Homeowners know that gutter cleaning is

an important part of fall home maintenance, but they may not completely understand why. Gutter cleaning can be a messy and time-consuming project, making it a project many homeowners are apt to put off. Waiting to clean gutters can lead to considerable problems, so it’s best to tackle the job well in advance of the winter.

Gutters guide rainwater and runoff from the roof so it drains properly away from homes. When gutters are clogged with leaves, a number of problems can occur.

leaks:Water will take the

path of least resistance. When clogged gutters do not allow the water to drain away properly, water will find other

ways to the ground. It may work itself right into the walls and ceilings of the home. In addition to damaging walls and ceilings, moisture inside the home can promote mold growth. It also makes interior spaces more appealing to pests.

exCess weight:Gutters are meant

to hold the weight of traveling water and not much more. Gutters filled with leaves and other debris can quickly become heavy. This stresses the entire gutter system and can cause the gutters to fall off of the home entirely.

nesting areas:Clogged gutters can

serve as nesting areas for insects and birds. Mosquitoes and other insects lay eggs in pooling water. Gutters can

quickly become breeding spots for harmful pests. Furthermore, birds may nest in gutters, creating unsightly messes and more damage. Seeds that sprout in clogged gutters can grow unchecked.

iCe-daMMing:Left untreated, pooled

water and leaves in gutters can freeze over. Blocked water can back up and push against the roof, lifting shingles and destroying the roof in the process.

Foundation trouble: Clogged gutters also may contribute to flooded basements and cracked foundations. Leaking water will pool around the foundation, expanding when frozen and causing cracks in basement and crawlspace walls. It also can cause driveways and other cement areas around the

home to sag and crack. Gutter cleaning

should be scheduled in the spring and fall of each year. Homeowners can hire gutter-cleaning services to handle the job or do the job themselves. Rinse the gutters with

water from the hose afterward to ensure good run-off. Take the time to seal any leaks as well. This routine maintenance can save homeowners many headaches and prevent some very expensive repairs.

The importance of Clean gutters


(BPT) - If you’re considering a green home renovation, or building an eco-friendly house, you’ll likely put a lot of thought into heating and cooling, as well as kitchen appliances. But don’t overlook the value of greening your bathrooms, too. Environmentally-friendly bathrooms can conserve water and energy, while helping create a healthier home atmosphere by reducing the need for chemical cleaners.

The National Home Builders Association expects growth in the green building market to rise approximately 30 percent by 2016, as reported by real estate website Zillow. Bathroom renovations continue to be among the home projects with the highest return on investment, so greening yours can save

money while you’re living in your house, plus pay off when it’s time to sell.

As you’re choosing eco-conscious plumbing fixtures for the bathroom, keep a few key considerations in mind:

water ConserVation

Low-flow bathroom fixtures abound, and today’s models are significantly improved over earlier versions that conserved water at the expense of effectiveness and user experience. Look for WaterSense labeled products to help ensure your toilet, showerhead and faucet choices are water-saving, high performing styles.

Products like the VorMax high efficiency toilet from American Standard use less water, yet can provide a more

effective flush than standard toilets. The VorMax cleans two times better than comparable commodes, delivering the cleanest flush ever engineered, while using 20 percent less water per flush than typical toilet models.

Replacing standard showerheads with water and energy-efficient options can also help reduce water usage without sacrificing the user’s experience. From basic models to luxury choices, manufacturers offer a range of water-saving showerheads that produce powerful, fulfilling spray patterns suitable for any bathroom remodeling project. Installing water-efficient fixtures can help your family use 30 percent less water, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

energy effiCienCyWhile bathrooms

generally consume less electricity than other rooms in the house, it still pays to keep efficiency in mind when choosing bathroom lighting and ventilation fans. Look for light fixtures that are Energy Star-rated. Replace incandescent bulbs with more efficient LEDs or CFLs. Choose a ventilation fan that can remove humidity and odors from the room while still conserving energy.

While you’re upgrading your bathroom’s productivity, don’t forget that all those hot showers contribute to the bathroom’s overall energy footprint, too. If your water heater is an older, inefficient model, upgrading to a newer Energy Star-rated model

can significantly reduce energy bills. According to the EPA, water heaters are the second highest source of energy usage in the home.

greener CleaningChemical cleansers

have been linked to allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments, which could explain why 75 percent of respondents to the J.R. Watkins Cleaning Survey by Kelton said they believe it’s important to use natural products when cleaning around the home. It’s possible to choose bathroom materials that can help minimize the need for harsh chemical cleaners.

Fixtures that perform more efficiently can help you spend less time cleaning and reduce the use of chemicals to stay sparkling and sanitary.

Choosing a toilet with

an antimicrobial surface

that helps prevent the

growth of germs, mold

and stain can reduce the

need for overly powerful

cleaning products. And

opting for stain-resistant

bathroom tiles, grout

and countertops can help

deter mold and mildew

growth while allowing

you to clean less.

A greener bathroom

can easily be a cleaner,

high-performing and

healthier room for you

and your family to live

and grow, with simple

choices that can improve

the environment, inside

and out.

greener, Cleaner bathrooms save water, time and money


Apartment living has its advantages. Without a mortgage to pay, many apartment dwellers feel more free than homeowners who still have decades of payments left before they can pay off their homes. And when apartments need fixing, such responsibilities fall on the shoulders of the landlord instead of the tenants.

But apartment living has its downsides as well, most notably that apartments are often much less spacious than homes. Cramped quarters can make apartment living uncomfortable, but there are ways apartment dwellers can make even the most confined living spaces seem more roomy.

Clear the Clutter.The easiest and

perhaps most effective way to conquer cramped

living quarters is to remove clutter and work diligently to avoid its accumulation once it’s gone. Only buy new furnishings when you need them to replace existing items, and resist the urge to treat dressers, coffee tables and dining areas as storage areas for junk you won’t use or mail you have not opened.

purChase soMe Multi-purpose

furniture.Multi-purpose

furniture, such as storage ottomans or bedroom benches that include storage areas for bed linens or bath towels, can be an apartment dweller’s best friend. When buying a new bed frame, look for one that has built-in storage drawers so you have even more space to store bedding and other items.

Such pieces add both aesthetic appeal and serve practical purposes for apartment dwellers with limited closet space.

wall-Mount your teleVision.

While today’s televisions are nowhere near as bulky as their predecessors from decades past, many apartment dwellers still place their televisions atop bulky television stands. But you can create more space in your entertainment room by wall-mounting your television. Renters may be hesitant to mount their televisions for fear of losing a substantial chunk of their deposits, but the majority of today’s mounts won’t do much more harm to the walls than more traditional wall hangings.

Make use of your vertical space. Shelving units and bookcases can be great allies to

apartment dwellers because these items make use of an apartment’s vertical space. Many apartment dwellers underutilize their vertical space, but items that go up instead of out can create more room in an apartment and allow homeowners to keep items they may otherwise have to discard.

reConsider your work spaCe.

Men and women who work from home may find their work spaces take up considerable chunks of their apartments. But how many items in your work space do you still need? Many professionals no longer print documents, so if you still have space allotted for printers you might be able to redo such areas

without affecting your workday. In addition, large desks were once sought after because they made perfect homes for desktop computers. But if you now use a laptop or tablet when working from home, you likely don’t need as much desk space as you once did. Downsizing to a smaller

desk and work area can open up a substantial amount of space without affecting your ability to work from home.

Smaller living quarters are a disadvantage to apartment living, but you can take several steps to make your living spaces less cramped.

how to handle cramped quarters

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Chris tesCh • 979-574-1084

Brand new, just completed 3 bedroom, 2bath, 1500 Sq. Ft. brick home.

1203 BENNETT DR • CS$183,500

1:00-4:00

timWare • 979-324-4555

A nice stone and brick 2,396 sq. ft. homewith 4 bedrooms 2 full bathrooms in the

Castlegate subdivision.

2478 STONE CASTLE CT • CS$297,000

10:00-12:001:00-4:00

edWard allison • 979-422-8009

A nice stone and brick 2,396 sq. ft. homewith 4 bedrooms 2 full bathrooms in the

Castlegate subdivision.

2478 STONE CASTLE CT • CS$297,000

10:00-12:001:00-4:00

daKota steWart • 979-450-3893

Another beautiful New Build by KingHomes in the Greenbrier subdivision

features 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms.

4651 RIVER ROCK DR • BRYAN$399,900

1:00-4:00

Justin steWart • 979-676-7176

Gorgeous new construction in lovely PebbleCreek. This home sits on a beautiful lot &

features 4 bdrms all with private bathrooms.

1406 ROYAL ADELADE LP • CS$668,500

1:00- 4:00

sarah miller • 979-255-1904

Gorgeous Mariott home in lovely PebbleCreek. This home features 4 spacious

bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and 1 half bath.

828 PINEVALLEY DR • CS$459,900

1:00-4:00

sarah miller • 979-255-1904


Map # Builder Address Subdivision # Bed # Bath Sq. Ft.

1 JMV Custom Homes 3036 Archer Circle Austin's Colony 4 3 1/2 2471

2 Magruder Homes 3304 Lewisburg Greenbrier 4 3 2510

3 Hall Homes, LLC 3340 Fiddler's Green Greenbrier 4 3 2775

4 RNL Homebuilders 3502 Wakefield Drive Greenbrier 3 2 1/2 2107

5 FlagShip Custom Homes 5009 Trumpeter Swan Drive Bird Pond Estates 5 5 1/2 6498

6 Raven Homes 4720 Johnson Creek Loop Williams Creek 4 3 3100

7 Willis Custom Homes 2004 Campbell Court Williams Creek 4 3 1/2 3237

8 David Weekley Homes 1401 Mission Hills Court Pebble Creek 4 3 1/2 4379

9 Mariott Homes 5200 Sage Valley Court Pebble Creek 4 3 2720

10 Oakwood Custom Homes 4015 Muncaster Lane Castlegate II 4 2 1/2 2219

11 Omega Builders 2529 Warkworth Castlegate II 4 2 2010

12 Chestnut Ridge Homes 2522 Kimbolton Drive Castlegate II 3 3 2215

13 Kinsmen Homes 2613 Kimbolton Castlegate II 3 2 1960

14 Glenn Thomas Homes 2611 Cartington Castlegate II 4 3 1/2 2929

15 David Weekley Homes 4202 Norwich Castlegate II 4 3 1/2 + 4050

16 Heath Townsend Homes 4209 Norwich Drive Castlegate II 4 3 1/2 2732

17 Stylecraft Builders 4404 Odell Castlegate II 5 3 1/2 3407

18 Mariott Homes 2611 Goodrich Court Castlegate II 4 3 1/2 3359

19 Reece Homes 4400 Toddington Castlegate II 4 3 1/2 3008

20 Kinsmen Homes 4408 Norwich Drive Castlegate II 3 3 2480

21 Cedar Bend Homes 3555 Sagamore Drive Indian Lakes 5 4 3830

22 Mariott Homes 3577 Sagamore Drive Indian Lakes

23 Magruder Homes 15634 Shady Brook Lane Creek Meadows 3 2 1/2 2097

24 Pitman Custom Homes 15608 Shady Brook Lane Creek Meadows 3 2 1/2 2068

25 Magruder Homes 15735 Timber Creek Lane Estates at Creek Meadows 4 3 2416

26 Lero Homes, LLC 4002 Wild Creek Court Estates at Creek Meadows 4 3 2326

27 RNL Homebuilders 4104 Wild Creek Court Estates at Creek Meadows 4 3 1/2 2529

28 Weber Custom Homes 4119 Wild Creek Court Estates at Creek Meadows 4 3 2872

29 Kinsmen Homes 5200 Vintage Oaks Saddle Creek 4 3 1/2 3129

30 FlagShip Custom Homes 18141 Saddle Creek Drive Saddle Creek 4 4 1/2 2882

31 Blackstone Handcrafted Homes 5397 Majestic Oak Drive Saddle Creek 4 4 1/2 4800

32 Blackstone Handcrafted Homes 5252 Canvasback Drive Saddle Creek 4 3 3304

M a p i s o n pa g e 1 6 - 1 7


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(BPT) - As the U.S. housing industry continues to emerge from the Great Recession, signs are pointing toward positive recovery. In fact, a recent report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University states that the home improvement industry could see record spending in 2015. It’s news like this that may have you contemplating an update to your house. Even if you plan to stay in your home for years to come, it’s important to consider which home remodeling projects offer the potential for a positive return on investment.

“Research shows that more homeowners intend to remain in their homes after remodeling, however, resale value is still a major factor when planning renovations,” says Susan Selle, chief marketing officer of exterior building products manufacturer Ply Gem Industries.

Before spending a significant amount of

time and money on your next home improvement project, consider these tips.

fiVe hoMe iMproVeMents with

the highest roiThe 2015 Remodeling

Magazine Cost vs. Value report identifies these top five mid-range exterior home renovations as beneficial investments that allow homeowners to recoup a substantial percentage of their investment when they resell their homes:•Replacing the front door (steel 101.8 percent)•Adding manufactured stone veneer (92.2 percent)•Replacing the garage door (88.4 percent)•Replacing the siding (vinyl 80.7 percent)•Adding a deck (wood 80.5 percent)The cost-value ratio

compares resale value to construction cost. The higher the percentage, the more of the job costs you

are likely to recoup when selling your home.

“Homeowners want lasting value from their exterior renovation projects, so it’s important to select the best materials for the job upfront,” says Jerry Blais, senior vice president of marketing for Ply Gem Industries. “For example, when choosing siding for the home, vinyl siding provides overall better performance than wood, engineered wood and fiber cement and requires less maintenance both in the short and long term, allowing homeowners to complete their renovation and enjoy it, hassle-free, for years. In addition, vinyl siding provides the styles, textures and stylish colors homeowners want to create beautiful curb appeal.”

Budgeting for suCCess

Once you’ve decided which replacement and remodeling projects will offer the best ROI, develop a schedule and

a budget to ensure the home makeover remains financially sound. The budget defines the project’s scope, estimates overall costs, and helps to establish priorities. Generally, renovation costs should not exceed 30 percent of your home’s value and should be consistent with housing trends in your neighborhood.

What should the budget include? Websites like www.plygem.com offer comprehensive advice for creating a renovation budget and sticking to it. To start, consider these likely-to-occur expenses:•Contractorcosts. These include labor and may incorporate employee benefits, professional fees, permit and inspection charges and, of course,

profit. Get at least three contractor estimates to ensure your contractor is cost-effective and reputable.•DIYcosts. Should you forgo a contractor? Keep in mind you will need to rent or buy power tools and equipment and potentially learn new skills.•Hiddencosts. For example, bringing outdated electrical or plumbing installations to code, or removing lead paint.•Sitepreparationcosts. For exterior renovations, this may include tree trimming, clearing land, and renting a haul-away container.•Interimhousing costs. If you plan to relocate, you will need living expenses for the project’s duration.

•Materialcost. These include large expenses and small ones (ex. nails, trim) and could account for as much as half to 75 percent of the total cost. Factor in an extra 6-to-10 percent for waste for materials that are cut and fitted.

Bringing it hoMeIf you’re interested in

near-term resale value, it’s important to make sure that selling your home will at least recoup the cost of any completed projects. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, however, you’ll not only benefit from an improved resale value down the road, but you’re also more likely to appreciate the improved comfort and curb appeal in the meantime.

How to determine the true Value of home improvements

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(BPT) - With the snow melted and the ground thawed, many eager homeowners and landscape professionals across the country will roll up their sleeves and reach for their garden shovels to start projects that require digging this spring.

During the transition into “digging season,” Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the association dedicated to protecting underground utilities and the people who dig near them, reminds homeowners and professional diggers that calling 811 is the first step toward protecting you and your community from the risk of unintentionally damaging an underground line.

Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a free call to 811. Installing a mailbox or fence, building a deck and landscaping are all examples of digging projects that should only begin a few days after making a call to 811. Calling this number connects you to your local one-call utility notification center.

Nearly half of American homeowners say they do not plan to make a free call to 811 before digging, according to data collected by CGA in late February. Extrapolated to the full population of U.S. homeowners, approximately 38.6 million people will dig this year without first calling 811.

A utility line is damaged every six minutes in America because someone decided to dig without making a call to 811 to learn the approximate location of buried utilities in their area. Unintentionally striking one of these lines can result in inconvenient outages for entire neighborhoods, harm to yourself or your neighbors and repair costs.

As a result, CGA offers the following tips to make sure you complete your project safely and without any utility service interruptions, so you don’t become a statistic.

Here’s how the 811 process works:

1. One free, simple phone call to 811 makes

it easy for your local one-call center to notify all appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig. Call a few days prior to digging to ensure enough time for the approximate location of utility lines to be marked with flags or paint.

2. When you call 811, a representative from your local one-call center will ask for the location and description of your digging project.

3. Your local one-call center will notify affected utility companies, which will then send professional locators to the proposed dig site to mark the approximate location of your lines.

4. Only once all lines have been accurately marked, roll up those

sleeves and carefully dig around the marked areas.

There are nearly 20 million miles of underground utility lines in the United States that your family depends on for everyday needs including electric, gas, water and sewer, cable TV, high-speed Internet and landline telephone, which equals more than a football field’s length

of utilities for every person in the United States. With that much critical infrastructure underground, it’s important to know what’s below and call 811 before digging.

To find out more information about 811 or the one-call utility notification center in your area, visit www.call811.com.

know what’s Below: Call 811 before digging for landscaping and home improvement projects

ACTUALLY, WE DO OUR BESTTHINKING INSIDE THE BOX.


Rock-Crete Foam Insulators is one of the oldest foam insulation companies in the Brazos Valley. We have been in the foam insulation business fornearly 10 years. That may not seem like a lot, but in the beginning we were the pioneer! When the other guys were telling you fiberglass was theanswer, we were giving you an alternative that saves you up to 70% on your heating and cooling bills. Even the largest fiberglass manufacturersnow acknowledge that foam is the answer for a truly energy-e�cient home. They advertise Good, Better, Best! Best is the foam solution. Gladthey finally acknowledged we tell the truth. Owner, Greg Pruitt, has been in the building industry for 20 years.We now o�er Fiberglass, Cellulose and Foam Insulation.

On new houses we highly recommend Spray Foam Insulation, and for those of you who want a hybrid system, foam on the roof, and bibfiberglass on the walls, we o�er that also - giving you the choice of Good, Better and Best! At Rock-Crete, we have been in the building industryfor 20 years, and can guide you, your builder, and the HVAC contractor to the right solution on your air-conditioning needs. I would love to saythat all HVAC contractors have it right, but sadly at least half of them will accidently oversize your unit. With foam you do not want that.Oversizing the unit will always cause short cycling. We will gladly o�er an opinion that is backed up by over 2000 homes and very happy andcomfortable people. We even have engineers that you may consult.

Two story homes are great for small expensive lots, but every builder knows that the upstairs will be uncomfortable much of the time. Withfoam, we have solved that problem for both new and existing homes. If you’re hot or cold or your bills are high, we have the solution, and you arewelcome to call our customers for their testimonies.

Foam makes Radiant Barrier appear to be a cruel joke! Foam beats it hands down! Radiant Barrier drops temperatures approximately 15degrees; Foam drops temperatures approximately 55-65 degrees. Unlike Radiant Barrier, foam helps in the winter also!

Retrofit examples: 1. Claraday: large two-story home, took our advice on new A/C, and foamed the attic. It became more comfortable, and billsdropped over 65%. 2. Baggs Veterinary o�ce and personal home, along with the Winkler home and o�ce all report over 30% savings after theirplaces were sprayed with Rock-Crete Foam, and they no longer have hot two stories! 3. Fitzpatrick: we removed the old insulation and created asealed attic assembly with foam. He received a nearly 60% savings on his two-story home. Fitzpatrick commented, “The best part is, I actuallyhave the temp set 3 degrees cooler upstairs and 2 degrees cooler downstairs. Thank you for a great product and a great, professional team.”BTU is still o�ering 10-25% incentive for their customer’s when they upgrade their existing insulation!

New home examples: 1. Mason: 2635 sq.cft., two-story with a 3.5 ton unit with a separate monitored meter. Their bill is $42.22 per month for Heat and A/C. 2. Lincecum: 2700 sq.ft., MetalHome, (Barndominium) Their bill is never over $110.00! 3. Shultz: 1222 sq. ft. home, all electric with total bills from $46 to $69. 4. Rude: approx.4000 sq.ft. home with bills from $110 to $200.1-888-362-6466 or 1-888-Foam Home.


(BPT) - After one of the harshest winters in history for many areas of the country, it is likely that your property has suffered some damage or wear and tear. New products and solutions that resist moisture damage, help reduce maintenance, and stay one step ahead of the weather are just around the corner at home centers and local lumberyards.

keeping water outAlthough water

damage and flooding happens on a devastating scale after a large snow melt off, the experts at WAYNE Water Systems say flooding can happen anywhere and in any climate. Kent Koester, national director of retail sales, says sump pumps with back-up battery systems are an effective first line of defense to

prevent flash flooding from driving water into your home. New alert systems that call your landline or text you when water levels rise or power is lost can keep homeowners up to the minute on their basement status. “A quality back-up sump pump and new notification systems can provide peace of mind for any homeowner,” says Koester. “It’s a small price to pay to protect your home, pets and valuables.”

duraBle deCks with indoor Beauty

The assault of moisture and wintry weather can be wood’s worst enemy, so it is likely that wooden structures in the backyard have suffered. A great way to upgrade and enjoy years of low-maintenance without the hassles of wood,

is to choose a capped composite or capped PVC decking that resist stains and scratches and require less upkeep. “There are decking options with the game-changing aesthetics of dramatic surface textures and streaking effects that deliver the rich look of interior flooring to the outdoor deck,” says Carey Walley, vice president of marketing for TimberTech/AZEK. “Imagine having a deck that looks like tropical hardwoods or freshly stained lumber - without all of the work, but with all of the durable, lasting beauty.” Many decking options have comprehensive warranties and can be enhanced with lighting, hidden fasteners and premium railings.

Caulks Can proteCt your hoMe

Caulks and sealants can go a long way in protecting areas of the home that are vulnerable to moisture and water damage. They can seal out winter’s chill or the heat of summer, while saving on energy bills. And, caulks are a great way to keep water from entering the home according to the caulk experts at Red Devil , a 143-year-old family-owned company. “There are water-tight, greener formulations that seal around windows, doors, receptacles and rooflines to keep the home safe from water damage,” says Alan Crupper, vice president of marketing for Red Devil Inc. And, for today’s fine homes, Crupper adds for exterior aesthetics there are caulks that are specially formulated to accept paint, so an exact color

match is possible for sided or painted homes. “An example is the Create-A-Color caulk colorizing kit that allows any professional or DIYer to match the caulk to any interior or exterior color,” he says.

patio repairs hide nature’s wrathMoisture and freezing

temperatures can wreak havoc on concrete or brick, causing cracks, gaps and uneven surfaces. Imagine an outdoor patio repair that can be installed as easily as assembling children’s building blocks. There are now DIY- and eco-friendly options to cover cracked patios, concrete slabs, decks, balconies and even flat rooftops. Available in an array of colors, these pavers install quickly and easily with no special

masonry tools required. “As an example, these lightweight, recycled pavers fit into a grid system and can cover up many outdoor disaster areas after a rough winter,” says David Justice, product manager, AZEK Pavers. “They are greener options that allow any homeowner to easily create beautiful paver patterns over an existing surface at a significantly lower cost than replacing the entire patio or deck.”

Old Man Winter and Mother Nature may be an overwhelming power couple, but consumers can win the battle with new technologies and products designed for longevity, high performance and durability season after season.

Stay one step ahead of Mother nature with new outdoor solutions


(BPT) - Winter’s coldest days make you appreciate spring and summer, as well as the warm afternoons spent outdoors enjoying these seasons. And when the time comes, there’s no better place to relax than in your own backyard. If your space isn’t all it could be, though, this is the perfect time for a little outdoor upgrade.

Below are five projects you can tackle on your own to reinvent your backyard and turn it into the space you always knew it could be.

landsCape for the year.

Landscaping provides a focal point in your yard, but don’t just landscape with the warmer months in mind - include plants for each season. Showcase blooming flowers and hostas in the warmer months, and pair them with evergreen conifers for a look that’s inviting all year long.

one-of-a-kind planter Boxes. Showcase your most

beautiful blooms or delicious herbs in planter

boxes made from Western Red Cedar. Western Red Cedar is ideal for planter boxes because it is naturally rot, decay and insect resistant. Plus, building the box is easy. You can learn how to build planter boxes of your own at Realcedar.com.

sitting Beside the fire.

A fire pit is a great way to extend your backyard use into the evening hours, and giving the pit a professional look is easier than you think. Start by measuring the pit area and then build your wall of pavers. Surround the pit itself with gravel, additional pavers or another non-flammable substance, then add some comfy chairs and prepare to enjoy.

the all-in-one pergola.

Whether you’re looking for a little shade, a centerpiece for the yard or the perfect spot to entertain, a pergola delivers. Building the pergola out of a lighter wood like Western Red

Cedar will make the material easier to handle for any DIYer, and the appearance and smell of Western Red Cedar ensures your pergola will blend in naturally with the rest of your yard. You can find instructions for building your own pergola at Realcedar.com.

let there Be light. Enjoy your backyard

any time of day with just a little lighting. Solar-powered path lights are a low-maintenance way to showcase your new landscaping, and hanging track lighting can bring an evening glow to your pergola. Finally, don’t forget tiki torches. Adding a couple will give your backyard a rustic feel and keep the mosquitos away at the same time. What could be better than that?

Your backyard is what you make of it, so why not make it great? Any of these projects will noticeably enhance your backyard. For more amazing backyard projects, visit Realcedar.com.

5 ways to redefine your outdoor space


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(BPT) - What makes a person or a family decide a home is perfect for them? Is it all location, location, location? What about price, schools or the neighborhood? Or is it something else: a feeling they get when they walk in the door, a detail they notice or a scent in the air?

If you’re selling your home, your location, neighborhood and school district are predetermined. Yet there is plenty you can do yourself to make sure your open house has that wow factor and captivates would-be buyers. Here are five tips to get you started so that next family will determine your home is the perfect home.

get Clean.It sounds simple, but

it’s amazing how many homeowners don’t clean their homes before an open house. This is one case where lived-in isn’t going to cut it. The kitchen and bathrooms should be spotless, cracked tiles should be repaired and any plumbing issues should be addressed. Expect that people will try the sinks and flush the toilets. If you don’t feel you can get your home ready on your own, hire a professional cleaning service to do the job for you. The money you spend on the cleaners will be well worth it when your house sells quickly.

add a fresh sCent to the air.

Your home should be pleasing to the eye as well as pleasing to the nose. Realtors have recognized the benefits of great smells for years. You can keep your home smelling great throughout the showing - and without synthetic ingredients - by using pure essential oils

from Aura Cacia. Try this simple recipe to create a warm, comforting atmosphere that can help put potential property buyers at ease with these recipes:•1 cup coarse-grained, chunky sea salt•1 teaspoon jojoba or grapeseed oil (just enough to make the salts glisten)•25 drops vanilla precious essential oil•10 drops lavender essential oil•10 drops sweet orange essential oilMix salt and oils,

pour into a decorative dish or bowl and set out on a table. Placing the crystals in a warm sunny window or near a heat register will help diffuse the delicious aroma throughout the room. Stir in additional essential oils to boost the scent as needed.

More recipe ideas and open house tips can be found at www.auracacia.com.

tiMe for a MakeoVer.

If your home needs a more substantial makeover before it can sell, focus your energy and your money on the most important rooms in the home. Kitchens and master bedrooms sell homes, meaning that a granite countertop, new appliance or fresh coat of bedroom paint will give you a better chance to sell your home than other projects may allow.

Cut the Clutter.Even the cleanest

homes still feel messy if there’s lots of clutter. Before your open house, adopt a minimalist approach and keep your home as clutter-free as possible. Remember, you want buyers to see the beauty of your home,

not simply the items you keep in it.

start at the CurB.Poor curb appeal

can put buyers off to your home before they even step foot inside. Make sure your home’s outside is every bit as beautiful as the inside. Paint the exterior if you need to, plant flowers in the flower bed and mow the lawn. Buyers should never walk up to your front door already thinking it’s a fixer-upper.

An open house provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your home and help buyers fall in love with. And once they do, they’re sure to make your current home their future home.

5 ways to get buyers to see your open house as their next house


MS - Many people decide to upgrade from their apartments or condominiums out of a need for more space. But even after moving into a new home, homeowners may soon begin to outgrow the room they have.

Rather than looking for a new home, some homeowners consider expansion. Expanding a living space can be expensive, and a more affordable option may be converting existing basement or garage space into something more livable. Garages already are built on a foundation, have four walls and a roof overhead, so a garage-conversion project is merely a matter of turning this utilitarian area into a living space.

Before beginning the renovation, homeowners

should consider the benefits versus the cost of converting the garage. For those who are planning to grow old in a house, a garage conversion can be a worthy investment. But those who intend to sell their homes rather than retire in them may learn that a converted garage can affect home value and make it less desireable at resale. Compare your home to others in the area and see what your neighbors have done. If converted garages are the norm where you live, your own renovation may fit in with others.

Always apply for the proper permits and learn the zoning laws to see if a garage conversion is acceptable in your town or city. It’s best to go by the book so that work can be done in a proper

manner and be inspected for safety.

Many homeowners hope their garage-conversion projects will make their garages seem like a seamless part of the rest of the house. To do so, you will need to remove evidence the space was once a garage. Slab floor will need to be raised and insulated. Walls also will need to be insulated and finished to improve comfort and soundproofing. Many garages do not have windows, so for the garage to function as a renovated space, windows may need to be added.

One of the biggest transformations will come by way of modifying the garage door entry. Some homeowners prefer to leave the existing door so that the home still has the appearance of

a garage from the curb, while others remove the garage door and rebuild the exterior wall so that it has a window or another architectural element. An architect can help suggest design elements that will camouflage the original garage look and make the space seem like it was always part of the main

living area of the home.Landscaping work

also can minimize the appearance of an old garage. Rather than having the driveway end at the wall of a home, shrubbery, pavers and other techniques can blend the garage renovation into the rest of the yard design.

Transforming a garage into a living space can add several hundred square feet to a home. Hire a reputable contractor and follow the municipal guidelines for modifying the space to ensure the job is done right.

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MS - Renting out a home is a great way for homeowners to earn some extra income. Some homeowners rent their homes in an attempt to wait out a sagging housing market, while others see renting their homes as a long-term commitment to their financial futures.

Being a landlord has its advantages and disadvantages, and the decision to rent out a home is one that homeowners should not take lightly. The following are a handful of factors homeowners should consider as they

try to decide if renting out their homes is the right move for them.

tiMeBeing a landlord is a

24/7/365 commitment, as tenants will expect their landlords to be on call at all times. Tenants will call their landlords should plumbing fixtures suddenly burst in the middle of the night, and landlords must be available to answer such calls no matter how inconvenient they become. If you are not willing or able to devote the time necessary to

tend to tenant needs, then being a landlord may not be for you.

MaintenanCeWhereas homeowners

may be able to delay making certain repairs in the homes where they lay their heads, such a luxury is not afforded when they are renting out their other properties. Repairs and maintenance of rental properties cannot be put on the back burner while you save money to fix them. In addition, if even minor repairs typically pose a problem for you, you may soon discover

that hiring a handyman or discounting rent for live-in supers is cutting into your profits or making it difficult to pay bills. Before deciding to rent out your home, determine the potential costs of maintaining a second property and use that information to decide if renting the property is a sound financial investment or one that might put you in the red.

tenantsMany people who

have rented have a horror story or two about an absentee or indifferent landlord, but landlords also have their own such stories about nightmare tenants. When mulling whether or not to rent out your home, consider who your prospective

tenants will be and if your community will supply the steady stream of renters you will need to pay your mortgage and bills without jeopardizing your finances. The last things first-time or even experienced landlords want are tenants who cannot pay their rent and/or those who are disrespectful of their neighbors and their landlords, so it’s best to give ample consideration to your potential pool of renters before deciding to rent out your home.

helpMany landlords work

with local real estate agencies or property management firms who will do much of the legwork with regard to finding tenants and maintaining properties.

Research the cost of such help to determine if you can afford it and still make renting your home financially viable.

Attorney fees are another cost prospective landlords must consider. Landlord-tenant laws can be difficult to decipher for first-time landlords, so it helps to have an attorney who can help you decipher these laws and how they should govern your actions as a landlord. But attorneys are not inexpensive, and they must be worked into your budget as well.

Renting a home is a great way to earn extra income, but homeowners must consider a host of factors before putting their homes up for rent.

faCtors to Consider before renting out your home


MS - Homeowners choose renovation projects for a variety of reasons. Although many improvements are made to increase functionality and comfort of a home, several others are seen as worthwhile investments. These investments can add up to a higher resale value when the time comes to sell a home.

Certain projects have a history of providing a greater return on homeowners’ investments than others. The following renovation tips can add beauty to your home and generate great returns when you put the home up for sale.

inVest in your kitChen.

Kitchen remodels are a safe bet when it comes to putting money into improving a home.

Residents tend to spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, but a dated, poorly functioning kitchen can detract from the value of a home, even if the rest of the home is in good shape. It’s possible to recoup between 60 and 120 percent of your kitchen remodel investment, especially if the kitchen matches up well with the rest of your home. Homeowners should know that a deluxe renovation may not be necessary, as relatively moderate improvements can create a whole new look for a kitchen.

look to paint.One of the least

expensive improvement materials, but one that has a significant impact, is paint. Neutral, modern colors can easily liven up

any space. If you paint with low-VOC paint, you also can advertise an eco-friendly home, which is very desireable these days.

put in another BathrooM.

Multiple bathrooms are an attractive selling point, particularly in older homes that may not have been equipped with more than one bathroom. Finding extra space for a bathroom can be tricky, but consider closets, areas under stairs or even taking some space away from another room. Popular home-improvement television channel HGTV advises that half-bathrooms require at least 18 square feet of space, while full baths need 30 to 35 square feet for a stand-up shower or bathtub.

renoVate the hVaC systeM.

Aesthetic improvements aren’t the only ones that add value to a home. Many home buyers are eager to purchase a home that has a new heating and cooling system, as buyers understand that furnaces and air conditioning units are substantial investments that can last for years. Other improvements, such as adding attic insulation or replacing older windows and doors with more energy efficient options, also are smart bets.

add illuMination to rooMs.

A dark home is a dreary home. Adding light can mean including more overhead and accent lighting. Under-

cabinet task lighting is a nice touch. Inclusion of skylights and sun tubes can bring natural light into rooms that may not have south- or west-facing windows.

put a deCk addition outdoors.

Outdoor living spaces have become more desireable, especially as the ‘staycation’ has grown in popularity. Decks and patios can make backyards more appealing. The scope of your investment will depend on the size of the deck and design. Doing the work yourself can cut the cost of decks in half, but only if you have the specific tools or experience to tackle such a project.

iMproVe CurB appeal.

Adding attractive landscaping and freshening up the entryway to a home can add considerable value to your home, as buyers judge homes by their exteriors. Completely renovated interiors may never be seen if buyers pass up your home because of a less attractive exterior. Classy, subtle changes, like well-placed shrubbery and a green lawn, can work wonders. An inviting front door and well-lit entryway also add curb appeal to a home.

Before making improvements, homeowners should determine if a given project will provide a solid return on their investment.

add Value to your home with these renovations

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MS - Home ownership opens people’s eyes to many new experiences, even requiring homeowners to familiarize themselves with certain things they never encountered as renters. Homeowners become novice plumbers, electricians, horticulturists, and even chemists as they wade through the projects and repairs involved with owning a home.

Outside of high school chemistry class, you may never have given thought to water composition and how it changes. However, once you become a homeowner, you may have to pay special attention to the type of water bubbling out of your faucets. Hard water is a common concern, and it can affect appliances and other parts of the home.

what is hard water?

Hard water affects about 85 percent of the United States, according to the Water Quality Association. Although not harmful to human health, hard water can impact one’s daily life in other ways.

Hard water is formed when water moves through soil and rock. It dissolves very small amounts of minerals and holds them in a solution. Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals to turn water “hard.” The more magnesium and calcium water dissolves, the harder it becomes.

froM nuisanCe to daMaging

Hard water can not only be a minor headache, but also something more serious. Hard water can interfere with various cleaning

tasks and also personal grooming. Clothes washed in hard water may not be fully clean and may appear dingy. Hard water can cause a film on surfaces, such as bath tiles and tubs. Some people find that their hair and skin can appear dull and sticky due to hard water.

Hard water can have other effects, too. Over time, the water can deposit minerals on the inside of pipes, reducing water flow. If these deposits grow thick, you may have a plumbing issue on your hands. Furthermore, mineral deposits can harm appliances, such as water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers. Eventually, hard water may render these appliances ineffective, and they will need to be replaced.

treatMent optionsConsidering hard

water is such a common concern, a number of treatment options exist. The main types of water-softening systems use either a packaged water softener or a mechanical water-softening unit.

Packaged water softeners are chemicals that bond with the calcium and magnesium

ions in the water so that they cannot interfere with cleaning efficiency. These chemicals fall into two categories: precipitating and nonprecipitating. Precipitating softeners are borax and washing soda and can affect pH levels of water and make water cloudy. Nonprecipitating softeners use phosphates. Alkalinity won’t be increased, and usually there is no cloudiness or buildup. These products are typically added to laundry loads and the like and are not recommended for drinking water.

Mechanical water-softening systems are hooked up directly to the plumbing of the house. They are ion-exchange systems that will add salt to the water. Although it can be safe to drink, softened water may not be recommended for those who are on low-sodium diets.

Hard water is a problem many homeowners have to face. It can affect a home’s appliances’ performance and cleaning abilities. Water hardness can be managed, and it is best to consult with an expert water-softening system manufacturer about your options.

The problem with hard water

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MS - Some home renovation projects require the expertise of professionals, but there also are many ways for homeowners to improve their homes without hiring a pro or spending too much money. The following are a handful of DIY renovation projects homeowners can tackle in a typical weekend.

Closet ConVersion:Ample closet space

is a big plus for home buyers, but upon moving into a new home, many homeowners may find they don’t need as much closet space as they initially thought. Guest room walk-in closets, in particular, may prove to be underutilized resources. Such closets often come with built-in shelving, and therefore, they make ideal spaces to convert to mini home offices or study areas for

kids. Installing an extra shelf to serve as a desk area for remote working or homework stations won’t take up much of a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, and before you know it, you will have a fully functioning workspace.

aCCent wall:Accent walls can liven

up a room by breaking the color pattern of the walls in the room. Accent walls also can be used to divert attention on a particular design element in a room, such as a painting or an elaborate wall furnishing. Painting an accent wall won’t take very long, but such a project can give a room an entirely new look and feel.

driVeway:If weather permits,

repaving an asphalt driveway can be an

ideal weekend project, especially if an existing driveway has endured its fair share of wear and tear. Many driveways can be paved anew in a single day, but larger driveways or those that have endured an extraordinary amount of wear and tear may take a couple of days.

storage and shelVing:

Much like some homes come with an abundance of storage areas, others fall short of homeowners’ or apartment dwellers’ needs. If your home or apartment falls into the latter category, adding some shelving or finding some new furniture that can serve double duty as storage areas is a weekend project that can help clear up some space. Purchase some wood shelving from a local furniture retailer

to mimic the look of traditional built-ins or replace existing single-use furniture with newer items capable of serving multiple functions, including storage.

art:If the rooms and

hallways in your home are bare or in need of new looks but your budget is tight, try your hand at spicing things up by creating some of your own paintings. Parents can encourage kids to create their own colorful masterpieces. Frame the finished works and hang them on the wall and enjoy your inexpensive and homemade “art gallery.”

Weekend renoVation proJeCts

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Home improvement projects tend to be costly. Because of the considerable financial investment homeowners must make when improving their homes, it’s important to find a contractor you can trust and feel comfortable with.

The vast majority of professional contractors are trustworthy and willing to work with homeowners to help them design the homes of their dreams. But there are still some tips homeowners can keep in mind as they begin their search for a contractor.

work only with liCensed ContraCtors.

Licensed contractors have been verified as legitimate by your local governing body, removing much of the

fears homeowners have with regard to finding trustworthy contractors. Unlicensed contractors may not be insured or bonded, and their estimates may be lower than their licensed competitors’ because they do not contribute to unemployment. Licensed contractors often are subjected to criminal background checks as well, calming homeowners’ fears about inviting strangers into their homes.

ask for reCoMMendations.

Word-of-mouth is great when looking for contractors. Oftentimes, a contractor’s best friends are his past clients. Ask friends or neighbors for recommendations on local contractors, inquiring about prices as

well as each particular contractor’s demeanor and openness to suggestions. Contact your local Office of Consumer Affairs to check each contractor’s complaint history.

get written estiMates.

Before hiring a particular firm, get written estimates from several contractors. Some contractors will charge fees for the estimate, but they must inform you of those fees before the estimates are provided. Compare estimates so you can get a better grasp of how much your project will cost. While cost is important, try to avoid choosing a contractor based on cost alone, as a good rapport with a contractor who may be more expensive might

make spending a little more money worth it.

Make sure the ContraCt is

speCifiC.When you choose a

contractor, make sure the contract he or she provides is very specific, going into great detail about the specifics of the project. This contract should spell out the materials and equipment that will be used, as well as the final cost of the project, the payment schedules while the project is ongoing and the work schedule.

keep traCk of all paperwork and pay

By CheCk.Once you sign the

contract, create a folder where you can store all paperwork. Scan

each document so you can store them on your computer as well. When payments must be made, never pay in cash. Pay by check and do not pay for the entirety of the project upfront, opting instead to pay at predetermined intervals spelled out in

your contract.Nerves often come

into play when hiring a home contractor, but homeowners who take a careful approach to the hiring process will likely end up hiring a trustworthy contractor who does great work.

tips for finding the right contractor


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