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A special supplement to the Gallipolis Daily Tribune,Point Pleasant Register and The Daily Sentinel

Friday, September 24, 2010

“No matter where I serve myguests, it seems they like mykitchen best.”

This saying has adorned wallplaques in many people’s kitchens,and for most individuals the senti-ment is quite true. The kitchentends to be the gathering place forthe family. When thinking aboutrenovating the kitchen, it pays tohave entertaining in mind.

It is widely known that improve-ments to kitchens and bathroomsoften reap the greatest return oninvestment. When making changesto the kitchen, paying attention tothe trend of kitchen entertaining canmake the room even more valuable— should a homeowner choose tosell at a later point in time. Gearingrenovations around kitchen enter-taining also can make the spacedesireable for current homeowners.

Here are some renovation deci-sions to consider that can make thekitchen an ideal gathering spot forfamily and friends.

• Space: The best kitchens forentertaining are roomy and featurean open floor plan. For homeownerswho have limited space, the firstdecision may be to expand thekitchen by building an extension onthe home or taking down a wall.Many homeowners find that spa-cious eat-in-kitchens are preferableover a small kitchen and formal din-ing area. So if a dining room abutsthe kitchen, remove the wall to cre-ate a large kitchen space.

• Multiple islands: Instead of onelarge island, consider two islands.They are less cumbersome, makingit easier for guests to easily traversethe kitchen. One island can be setup with a prep sink and wine cooler,while the other can feature a coun-tertop-mounted induction stovetopfor convenience and safety. A fewtall stools around the back of oneisland can provide seating whileprepping, or for simple conversa-tion.

• Company cleanup: Think aboutlarge sinks that can accommodatetall pots and pans, such as a double-

basin apron sink. Drawer-style dish-washers can be installed so that del-icate china and glassware can bewashed separately from grimy pots.This segregated style means home-owners can save money by washingsmaller loads as needed.

• Gathering niche: A butler’spantry or another alcove equippedwith beverage center enables gueststo gather in an area away from themain cooking and preparationspace.

• Breakfast nook: Cozy banquetteseating nestled next to a picturewindow is a great spot for early-morning coffee or when overnightguests trickle down for a heartybreakfast. Decorative brick or stone— or even a fireplace next to thenook — completes the warm andfuzzy feel of the area.

• Large table: Homeowners whodo a lot of hosting can benefit froma table that seats many. Purchase alarge table or one that can beexpanded with a drop-in leaf.

• Hidden appliances: The kitchenshould be decorated according tohomeowners’ preferences. Keyappliances such as dishwashers,refrigerators and even ovens can bemasked with cabinet facing, so theyblend right into the rest of the cabi-netry. A larger refrigerator with fea-tures for entertaining, such as roomfor platters or bakery cakes, is idealfor the host and hostess. A separatebeverage drawer eliminates theneed to open the refrigerator repeat-edly, plus it’s at a great height forkids looking for juice boxes.

• Lighting: Homeowners shouldconsider many different lightingsources. Pendant lights over islandsilluminate these work stations.Recessed lighting under cabinetscan brighten countertop areas thattend to be dark. A chandelier orbold fixture over the table shows offthe amazing meal.

Because the kitchen is such agathering spot, renovations to thisroom should reflect how much foottraffic and use the kitchen gets.

• Friday, September 24, 2010 Fall Home Improvement 2010

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(MS) — Few industries have fared better over the last decade or so than thehome improvement industry. Much of that industry’s success can be credited tothe increasing popularity of do-it-yourself projects. What’s more, the economyhas made the DIY movement even more popular, as many homeowners are scal-ing back on work hired out to contractors for more financially friendly DIY pro-jects they can do themselves.

As popular as the DIY movement has become, however, every first timeDIYer can use a little advice for making the job go more smoothly.

“What’s important to keep in mind if you’re a first-time DIYer is knowingyour limitations,” says home expert Danny Lipford, host of the radio showHomefront. “Some projects have a larger margin of error than others. And aswith any DIY project, the key to success is having the right tools. It can reallymake or break your ability to do the job.”

Consider the following tips courtesy of Woodcraft.• Enlist the help of others: Few DIY projects are easy enough for first-timers

to pull off alone. Whenever possible, enlist the help of a friend or family mem-ber who may have a little more experience. And reciprocate the offer of help onhis or her own DIYproject.

If no one is available on a given day, there are ways to make solo projects lesstaxing. The Gorilla Gripper(R) from Woodcraft, for instance, makes movingheavy plywood or drywall much easier. Simply slip Gorilla Gripper over thecenter of the panel and lift. The leverage created by the weight of the panel andthe unique jaws of the Gorilla Gripper make it easy for one person to carry apanel.

• Go easy on the elbow grease: While DIY projects used to be back-breakingwork, today’s do-it-yourselfers can rest easy knowing that much of the blood,sweat and tears that traditionally went with a DIY project has been left by thewayside. That’s because technology has made things easier with respect to howmuch elbow grease is required of even the most difficult DIY project.

More traditional jobs like re-painting a room once required tedious work suchas scraping paint with a putty knife or getting scuffed up sanding walls.However, with the new Fein MultiMaster, the days of sanding tight spaces withpaper wrapped around your finger are a thing of the past. This all-in-one prod-uct — with its oscillating movement and user-friendly accessories — scrapes,saws, removes grout, shaves, sands, files, polishes, and cuts. The FeinMultiMaster is a versatile, high-precision specialty tool — perfect for all reno-vation and repair work.

• Make sure you “measure” up: “Measure twice, cut once” is an age-oldmaxim in woodworking. But measuring is hard without the right measuringtools. Calipers, trammel points and even the trusty old tape measure are thekinds of tools you need for accurate measurement. Calipers to help scribe andmeasure depth, and tape measure to find the perfect length.

With the Pinnacle 12” Combination Square 3-piece set, DIYers will gain avaluable asset that saves them time and the all-too-common heartache that manyDIYers must suffer through when a project is improperly measured. With a 12-inch blade, combination and center finder, you will hit the mark every time.

• The devil is in the details: Oftentimes, the most minute of details are whatplague first-time DIYers. Having never undertaken a home improvement projectbefore, many first-timers finish a project only to notice a scratch here or a knickthere.

Recognizing the likelihood of such an outcome, veteran DIYers often turn tosimple solutions such as Timbermate Wood Filler. Water-based and garage-friendly, Timbermate is easy to apply and clean up and never goes bad. What’smore, Timbermate doesn’t become permanent until a finish is applied, makingit the perfect choice for first-timers who might be nervous during their initialapplication.

To learn more about products that can make your first foray into DIYa suc-cess, visit www.woodcraft.com.

Crash Course for the First Time Do-It-Yourselfer

(MS) — The home of the futureis green — green for environ-mental friendliness and green forenergy efficiency. As a way toachieve tomorrow’s green home,today’s consumers are increas-ingly turning to one of America’smost traditional types of homeheating. It is hydronic heating,which is heating with hot wateras the heat t ransfer medium.With hydronic heating, hot wateris c i rcula ted f rom a centra l lylocated boi ler through base-boards, radiators, or extremelydurable tubing embedded inf loors , wal ls , ce i l ings , s ide-walks, and driveways.

Hydronic heating is the essenceof “green heating” because theheating appliances boast some ofthe h ighes t heat ing appl ianceeff ic iency ra t ings avai lable tohomeowners, both in terms offuel usage and heat distribution.I t i s h ighly eff ic ient becausewater absorbs heat f rom theflame so well and because hotwater retains and emits heat for along time, even after the boilershuts down. In addition, only oneburner is needed to provide bothhome heating and water heating,therefore there is only one car-bon footprint. Furthermore, i t iseasy to set up numerous heatingzones in a house, allowing thehomeowner to economically useheating energy only where andwhen it is needed. Even greatersavings can be achieved by usingtoday’s advanced energy eff i -c ient pumps to move waterthrough the home.

Other recent advances inhydronic heat ing technologyinclude condensing boilers thatmay be vented through the walland have modula t ing burners .Condensing boilers are up to 98percent eff ic ient and haveENERGYSTAR(R) ra t ings thatqualify for new energy-efficien-cy tax credits. These highly effi-cient systems al low for a taxcredit of 30 percent of the totalcost of the product plus installa-

tion, up to a $1,500 maximumcap per homeowner for a l limprovements made in 2009-2010, in addit ion to avai lablestate and local incentives.

Hydronic units are quiet and donot produce drafts, so they donot scatter dust, mites, or otherallergenic materials throughoutthe house . Because hydronichygienic heating is gentle, thor-ough, and even, there are no hotor cold spots in the room. Theseattributes can have the effect ofsaving energy when the systemdoesn’t have to “work overtime”to overcome these home defi-ciencies.

In addit ion to room heating,other hydronic appl ica t ionsinclude domestic hot water heat-ing, kick space heating, swim-ming pool and hot tub heating,and bathroom towel rack warm-ing. Many homes a lso usehydronic snow and ice meltingfor sidewalks and driveways, an

important safety factor that helpsprevent injuries from fal ls onsnow and ice. High velocity airconditioning may also be addedto hydronically heated homes asa separa te sys tem. Hydronicheating is ideal for a newly con-structed home or for an additionto an existing home.

Hydronic boilers can also sup-

ply the hot water source for thehome with the installation of anindirect water heater; thus onlyone boiler is needed to do bothjobs . These indi rec t waterheaters can be used as supple-menta l “green” heat for solarpanels and geothermal units.

The Hydronics Indust ryAlliance (HIA), a leading advo-cate for the advancement of thishighly efficient and environmen-tally gentle heating technology,is a coalition of 34 manufactur-ers who are members of theHydronics Industry Sect ion ofthe Air Condi t ioning, Heat ingand Refr igera t ion Ins t i tu te .Severa l HIA members haveLEED Certified Plants, and mostmembers manufacture ENER-GYSTAR rated appliances. TheHIA par t ic ipates widely a tnat ional Green Bui lder t radeshows and programs.

Homeowners looking fortomorrow’s extremely eff icientgreen heat ing in thei r homesright now can ask their heatingcontractor for all the facts abouthydronic heat ing, one ofAmerica’s fastest-growing formsof home heat ing comfort . Formore informat ion, v is i tMYHOMEHEATING.COM, orwrite to the Hydronics IndustryAlliance, 8225 Madrillon EstatesDrive, Vienna, VA 22182, or e-mai l to myhomeheat ing@veri -zon.net.


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Hydronic baseboard heating delivers soothing and gentle heat while adding asmart decorative touch to the room.

(MS) — If you’re among the manyhomeowners thinking of replacing yourhome’s windows to take advantage ofthe $1,500 federal tax credits for energyefficient upgrades, you may be wonder-ing where to start. Understanding whichwindows and patio doors may be bestfor your home can be difficult given thewide range of products -- from inexpen-sive vinyl windows with limited optionsto wood and aluminum-clad wood withcountless upgrades. There are manyavenues for learning about windowsand doors, and for purchasing your win-dows.

The Internet

The Internet is helpful for researchingwindows and doors and manufacturers,and gaining an understanding of win-dow and door construction and termi-nology.

“The Internet can help homeownerslearn about window and door manufac-turers and their products, and to developa short list of preferred manufacturers,”said Chris Schield of Weather ShieldWindows & Doors, which provides anoverview of the basics on windows anddoors at www.weathershield.com.“Homeowners should then get a first-hand account of a product’s perfor-mance, actual price and features from areputable window and door dealer,installed sales company, or a building orremodeling contractor.”

Manufacturers’ Web sites can alsohelp you search for the closest dealer.By searching Weather Shield’s dealerlocator, for example, you can identifynearby lumberyards, window and doordealers, and installed sales companiesor replacement contractors that sell thatbrand. Which dealer you choose willdepend on how much information youmay need, the complexity of the projectand if you plan to install the windowsyourself.

Installed Sales

Maybe you’ve already received adirect mail piece or a call from a com-pany selling packages of replacementwindows with installation. Installedsales companies cut down your researchtime by coming to you. Before buyingfrom an installed sales company, verifythe quality and performance of the win-dows and doors, and the company’s rep-utation.

“The federal tax credits have helpedincrease homeowner interest in windowreplacement, which has also increasedthe number of unlicensed, fly-by-nightcompanies wanting to capitalize on theopportunity,” Schield said.“Homeowners should verify referencesand credentials of any company beforesigning a contract or writing a check.”

Schield suggests buying from compa-nies that are members of the BetterBusiness Bureau, have a long historyand employ certified AmericanArchitectural ManufacturersAssociation installers. Calling past cus-tomers for a reference will also helpprepare you for the purchase.

Home Improvement Retailer

Home improvement retail stores dis-play a limited selection of window anddoor brands and styles, and sometimesinventory standard sizes in the most-requested styles. If you’d like particularoptions or a specialty shape, the salespeo-ple can place a special order with one ofthe manufacturers they sell. Keep in mind,if you’re perusing for the brand you sawon the Internet, it may not be carried at thestore down the street, as these stores oftencarry only a few brands.

These stores have the corner on con-venience. Many carry a large variety ofmillwork and other products, so you canpick up caulking and shims at the sametime. Many also can handle installationfor you or recommend a contractor toinstall your windows.

Lumberyards/Windowand Door Dealer

At a lumberyard or window and doordealer, you’ll generally find a more con-sultative sales approach. The salespeo-ple are well versed in product lines,home construction, remodeling andeven building codes, and can help youdetermine what will work best for yourproject. Larger dealers often haveextensive showrooms that give you anup-close look at many different productlines and design options in displaywalls, which provides context as to howa product looks installed.

“Window and door dealers can edu-cate homeowners on the latest productinnovations and can also be a source forinstallation or design consultation,”Schield said. “They can be especiallyhelpful in coordinating the details of

larger, more complicated replacementprojects.”

Choosing where to buy your windowsand doors is an important decision, butit doesn’t have to be a lengthy under-taking. By researching brands, prod-

ucts, styles and options online beforevisiting a retailer or showroom, you’llbe more comfortable talking with asalesperson and more likely to choosethe windows and doors best suited foryour home and your lifestyle.


Offer good for a limited time see store for details

$150.00 OFFPurchase of $1499 or more

$100.00 OFFPurchase of $999 or more

$50.00 OFF Purchase of $499 or more

Avenues Abound When Shopping for Windows and Doors

Many types of businesses sell windows and doors.The level of service, knowledge,and product selection and quality will vary between each. Buying from a memberof the Better Business Bureau in good standing, an established business and acompany that uses installers certified by the American Architectural ManufacturersAssociation will help ensure you’re satisfied with your investment.

(MS) — Homeowners are increas-ingly hands-on when it comes toimproving their homes. While it wasonce commonplace to call a contrac-tor to do household repairs and reno-vations, nowadays more and morehomeowners act as their own handy-man.

Though often more affordable andrewarding, it is also more risky forhomeowners to tackle projects them-selves. Accidents are more likely tooccur when a weekend warrior ratherthan a trained professional does thework. To help do-it-yourselfers worksafely, Woodcraft offers the followingtips.

Be Prepared

Even the most seasoned DIYers gethurt from time to time, but being pre-pared for an unexpected accident isthe key to avoiding a tragedy.

“A fully-stocked first aid kit is amust for every homeowner andDIYer,” says home expert DannyLipford who is host of the nationally-syndicated TV show, Today’sHomeowner, and radio show,Homefront.

“Always have it handy whereveryou’re working. You’ll be surprisedat how often you’ll need it. Plus, peri-odically check the kit and restockthose items that are getting low.”

It is also important to have acharged, portable or cellular phonewithin arm’s reach at all times. Whileit’s best to work with a partner, that’snot always possible. Earlier this year,a Connecticut man’s arm got stuckwhile he was mending a boiler.Trapped for two days, he eventuallycut off his arm to save himself.Access to a phone might have savedhis arm.

Select User-Friendly Products

Inexperienced amateurs oftenstruggle because they choose thewrong tools or risk injury by usingunfamiliar tools.

“The right tools make a job somuch easier,” Lipford adds. “Plus,

they’re safer to use because if you’reusing a tool not intended for the task,you increase your risk of injury. Ifyou don’t own the tool, consider rent-ing it, particularly if it’s relativelyexpensive and you plan to use itinfrequently.”

Choose easy-to-use products thatpromote safety, such as theYoungstown Glove Company’s AntiVibration Glove. The glove dampensshock and vibration, making it idealfor use with medium-to-large motor-ized tools, including chainsaws, weedeaters, edge trimmers, and more.With a unique wrist wrap designed toprovide support and relieve arm ten-sion, the glove ensures that home-owners won’t weaken during a pro-ject. What’s more, the extensive non-slip reinforcement on palm, fingersand thumb provides added grip toreduce the risk of injury, and the terrycloth thumb for wiping sweat and

debris keeps workers focused.The Kreg Deck Jig System offers an

easy, safe way to create a beautiful,functional deck surface free ofexposed fasteners and painful splin-ters. The jig’s easy grip handle pro-vides a secure hold and total control

over every joint as the jig creates anincredibly strong wood-to-wood bondusing precisely placed self-tappingscrews. Three separate drill guidesenable the deck builder to work like apro to install deck boards, even in thehardest-to-reach areas.

Finish Without A Mishap

Many home improvement accidentsoccur when it appears a project iscompleted.

As homeowners confidently stepback and admire their handiwork orresolve to clean up later, the risk ofan accident increases. To be safe, stepcarefully and immediately put yourwork area in order, making sure toolsare turned off.

For extra protection, use a SafeStartSystems SafetyGate(TM)Professional. It employs patentedsensor technology that recognizeswhen tools are accidentally left on.An illuminated yellow LED lightindicates when items are on but not inuse, and a protective “gate” stops theflow of electricity, keeping tools fromrestarting while homeowners areaway or otherwise occupied.Compatible with electric tools andhome appliances, the SafetyGate isideal for parents with young children.

For more information aboutWoodcraft, contact the store nearestyou, visit www.woodcraft.com or call(800) 535-4482.


Tips To Make Home Improvements Safer And Easier

Danny Lipford, television show host and home improvement expert, notes thatuser-friendly tools, such as the Kreg Deck Jig System, make home improvementprojects safer and easier.


Renovate the Home in Lead-Safe WayHomes that were built prior to 1978

may have the presence of lead.Homeowners thinking about homeimprovement renovations may want toconsider taking extra safety precautionsto prevent lead contamination.

Consumption of lead can result inmany health problems, affecting thenervous system and kidneys and possi-bly interfering with fertility and repro-duction. High doses of lead can causemental retardation, behavior problems,brain damage, and even death.

Older homes may contain a good dealof lead. Lead used to be added to paintto make the product last longer and floweasier. Water pipes used to be madefrom lead, as was the solder used toconnect the pipes. Lead may even be inthe soil surrounding the home.

Because of the dangers lead presents,many homeowners are interested inretrofitting their homes to remove tracesof old lead, or at least prevent futurecontamination. Homeowners who arejust doing minor renovations may actu-ally stir up lead and introduce it into theenvironment. That is why caution mustbe taken with older homes.

Whether one is hiring a contractor forrenovations or doing the work him- orherself, a lead-safe manner should befollowed.

• Cover entryways, venting, duct-work, flooring and other items in theroom with an impermeable covering toprevent the release of lead dust outsideof the work area.

• Use wet-scraping and wet-sandingmethods to minimize the amount of dustgenerated that could contain lead.

• Make sure tools, personnel andother equipment are cleaned beforeexiting the room so that dust is notspread.

• Use containers to securely storewaste and debris so it can safely beremoved from the house.

• Follow applicable laws for the prop-er disposal of lead-containing materials.

• Use HEPA-equipped vacuums toremove dust in a final clean-up of thework area. Wash down areas with waterand an all-purpose cleaner so that set-tled dust is removed.

• Be sure all workers are wearingappropriate safety equipment, such asventilators, masks, gloves and eyewearfor protection.

• Hire a lead professional to do testingin the home to make sure lead is notpresent. Consumers can buy a do-it-yourself kit to test for lead-based paintsin their homes. However, there may befalse test results. Therefore, hiring aprofessional tester is the best option.

• The Environmental ProtectionAgency requires that firms performingrenovation in pre-1978 buildings usecertified renovators for lead-safe work.Individuals can become certified reno-vators by taking an eight-hour trainingcourse from an EPA-approved trainingprovider.

What You Should Know AboutLead-Based Paint

Lead-based paint is particularly dan-gerous because older paint can chip anddeteriorate, causing lead dust in thehome. Children may eat lead paint

chips, and residents may inhale the dust.Actions should be taken to protect

homeowners from lead-based paints inolder homes.

• Painted items, such as doors, can bereplaced. If a lot of debris will be gen-erated, consult a professional.

• Covering up lead-based paint is ashort-term solution. Sealants or gypsumwallboard can cover the paint.

However, the old paint may continue tochip. Painting over the old paint maytemporarily lock in the lead, but oncethe new paint deteriorates, lead dustmay be released.

• Removal is the best option.Professionals experienced in lead paintremoval can do it safely. Homeownersshould not try to remove a large area oflead-based paint on their own.


Energy SavingsThat Won’t Expire

(MS) — Procrastinators, beware.The federal energy tax credit thatallows homeowners to qualify for upto $1,500 in tax credit savings whenreplacing old windows expires onDecember 31, 2010. However, theday-to-day savings you get fromreplacing older windows will last foryears to come.

“Adding energy-efficient replace-ment windows to a home immediate-ly helps lower everyday energy billsand increases a home’s long-termvalue and comfort,” says TomKraeutler, host of the national homeimprovement radio show, TheMoney Pit. “There simply is no bet-ter time to take advantage of thegovernment’s incentives to replaceyour worn-out windows.”

Kraeutler notes that fast-actinghomeowners can also receive up to$150 toward preparation of their2010 personal income tax returnwith H&R Block(R) when they pur-chase 12 or more qualifying energy-efficient Simonton windows beforethe end of 2010.

“Homeowners can reduce theirenergy bills, qualify for up to $1,500in federal energy tax credit with thecompany’s Energy Tax Credit (ETC)glass packages and get up to $150toward tax preparation fees whenmaking the decision to invest now inqualifying replacement windows,”says Kraeutler. “Those are threereally good reasons to get this pro-ject done now.”

When to Replace Windows

A former professional contractor,Kraeutler offers weekly advice tohomeowners nationwide on homeimprovement projects. Decidingwhen to replace windows is a keytopic covered on his show.

“Products in the home have a dis-tinct lifespan,” says Kraeutler.

“After 10 years, windows should bemonitored yearly to ensure their per-formance is holding up.

“When a window stops operatingcorrectly, then it’s time to invest innew windows. Vinyl windows anddoors specified with a LoE glasspackage are a viable ‘green’ optionoffering several distinct advantages.They include exceptional thermalperformance, durable recyclablevinyl, low maintenance, and aesthet-ic appeal -- all adding comfort, beau-ty and energy efficiency to a home.”

For a free replacement windowguidebook from The Money Pit,download http://www.myhomemy-moneypit.com/your-guide-to-replac-ing-the-windows-in-your-house.php.

The homeowners of this energy-effi-cient bay window gained a tax creditfrom the federal government, financialassistance with preparing their taxesand lower energy bills.

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