fall home improvement 2011

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE WADENA PIONEER JOURNAL/INTERCOM SEPTEMbER 24, 2011

homeimprovementfall

You know you live in Minnesota when the National Weather Service issues a freeze warning while it is still technically summer. The change of seasons means a change in how to care for one’s lawn and garden.

As grass begins to turn brown, some people decide to stop mowing earlier than others. Kyle Schulz, Wadena County master gardener, said it is a matter of personal pref-erence.

“Some people like it neat, so they want it all mowed down. Other people would rather see a little green and have it a little ragged,” she said. “That’s a personal opinion. The longer the grass is, the more moisture it will continue to hold because it shades the soil, so not as much evaporates. That’s why, if you let it grow and do not mow it at this point, it does continue to green because there is a little bit of moisture there.”

It is not necessary to water the lawn in the fall.

“The lawn is shutting down for the year. The grass will come back. The grass is dying because it’s dry, but the roots will rejuvenate in the spring when there is moisture,” Schulz said.

Then, there is the matter of what to do with the fallen leaves left on the lawn.

“If they’re only about an inch or so thick – maybe an inch and a half – if you mow them with your lawn mower, they’re going to be chopped up enough so that after you are done, then they’re going to look almost

like the lawn has just been mowed. This is fine. You can just leave them there,” she said. “However, if after you have mowed, there are windrows or still piles of leaves on the lawn, they need to raked off because this will cause disease, mold and things like that to grow in the lawn over winter.”

Lawns can be fertilized, which should be done the first week of September and again right before freeze-up around October.

Schulz said that if people both fertilize and aerate their lawns, the cores pulled out from aeration can rest on top of the soil. When it rains, the fertilizer and cores from the soil dissolve and the cores act as a mulch on the lawn.

“The reason that you want to fertilize in fall is so that when it starts raining and it warms up, that grass can take off right away in the spring,” she said. “Grass does well in the spring, and it does well in the fall. When it gets really hot in the summer, grass kind of stands still – as much as it has grown this year. Grass is a cool season plant.”

For people who maintain flower gardens, there are steps to take care of perennials – the flowers that come back year after year.

“When it’s dry like this, you really should continue to water them,” Schulz said. “We’ve had lots of rain this summer, but you don’t want to have them go into the winter dry. You want as much moisture there for them as possible.”

Once the ground freeze happens, there is no moisture to absorb.

Schulz said that if the perennials are dis-eased, they should be cut off to about four inches above the ground, and the diseased

leaves should be disposed of – burned or thrown in the trash. Dusty mildew on the plant is a visible sign of disease.

“It should not be put in the compost pile,” Schulz said.

She said that the compost is normally supposed to be hot enough to kill any dis-eased plants – but in the fall, the temperature might not reach a high enough temperature to kill the diseases and weed seeds.

“As a result, they’re going to germinate, they’re going to grow, they’re going to pros-per in that compost pile,” she said.

For healthy perennials, the foliage can be left there all winter, Shulz said.

“I cut them down to about four to six inches after it has really frozen,” she said.

Putting mulch on the flowers protects them.

“The mulch can be straw; it can be leaves. I like to use bags of leaves that we rake up from the lawn,” she said.

Mulch should not be applied until the ground freezes, which is typically around the first week of November.

Winter interest plants like sedum, some decorative grasses and some daisies don’t need to be cut.

In August and September, perennials can be fertilized.

“You make a ring around each group of perennials,” Schulz said, adding that just a small amount of fertilizer should be used.

“When it is watered, or when it rains, it seeps down to the outside of the plant. There are roots out there from that plant, and they will absorb that,” she said. “You don’t want to spread the fertilizer directly on the peren-

nial plant, because it can burn the crown of that perennial.”

It is also possible to wait to fertilize in the same manner the next spring.

“The roots of those perennial plants are still growing, and they will continue to grow until it gets really, really cold out,” Schulz said.

Schulz said that for people wanting to have tulips for the spring, any spring bulb or garlic, they should be planted the last week of September and the first week in October.

Shutting down the lawnWadena County Master Gardener says watering not necessary

Rachelle Klemme [email protected]

Kyle Schulz, Wadena County Master Gardener

Fall Home Improvement September 24, 2011

(ARA) — Call the family and grab the toolbox. Do-it-yourself projects can become a family affair this fall.

According to a recent survey by economists at the University of California, there is a trend of par-ents looking for ways to spend even more time with their children. A DIY project offers the perfect activ-ity mix for spending happy, produc-tive, cost-effective time together to accomplish a common family goal.

DIY projects can be as reward-ing as the results: a brighter bath-room, an updated living room or a dramatic touch to any room in the house. The possibilities of easy home improvement projects are seemingly endless.

“Improving and updating your home doesn’t have to be a chore,” said Erinn Valencich, a Los An-geles-based interior designer and blogger for HGTV’s Design Hap-pens. “You don’t have to renovate to create a big impact; just a few small changes will do the trick

and you can get the whole family involved.”

One of the easiest ways to up-date a room is by refreshing the floor, says Valencich. “Floors set the tone of the room,” she said. “A floor adds so much to the look and feel of the room.”

Hard surfaces, including lami-nate, are once again dominating home flooring options. Laminate flooring is a popular option and the fastest growing flooring mate-rial around, according to HGTV, because of its practical benefits including durability, beauty and lasting wear.

While the thought of installing your own floors can be daunting, Valencich assured homeowners that the installation of laminate floors is fairly simple. In fact, according to flooring industry experts, new floors can be installed in a weekend.

“Laminate floors, like Quick-Step, can be installed directly on top of existing wood, tile or vinyl flooring and Quick-Step’s Uni-

clic design needs no glue, nails or staples during installation,” says Valencich. “Planks simply click together, for a lasting connection. Because of the ease of installation, older children can get involved with putting in new laminate floors.”

Following these easy tips from Flooring Trends.com will make your room look like a million bucks.

• To help reduce moisture, mold, mildew and a hollow sound when walked on, put down a quality un-derlayment first.

• Order 7 to10 percent more product than you think you’ll need to allow for cuts and custom fits.

• Order matching or coordinat-ing molding and trim. “This finish-ing touch will set you apart,” says Valencich.

• Acclimate your laminate floor products before installation. Put unopened cartons in the room they will be installed in for 72 to 96 hours. This is important if you live in a very dry or humid climate.

• Make sure the concrete or

wood subfloor is level before you start your installation.

Additional simple DIY projectsIn addition to installing a new

floor, there are other simple DIY projects that will add to the beauty and comfort of your home.

• Add attic insulation. If the insulation in your attic is not up to par, the house can lose almost 30 percent of its warm air. Prop-erly insulating an attic can save anywhere from 10 to 30 percent off your monthly heating bill, U.S. News & World Report’s My Money blog says. Batt insulation — rolled fiberglass insulation — can often be added for 70 cents to $1 per square foot.

• Lighten up your bathroom. The bathroom is a great place for a do-it-yourself project. Try adding can or recessed lighting. “Recessed lighting becomes part of the archi-tecture,” says Valencich.

• Replace that kitchen faucet. Update your kitchen faucet to re-

fresh your sink area, and younger children can help with the removal and replacement of the old faucet. Installing a new faucet can be an economical decision, too. “A new faucet can help lower your water and energy costs,” said Valencich.

• Go green. You don’t need to install solar panels or a wind farm to go green and save money. There are several small things you can do to help save the planet and your wallet, from sealing drafts and air ducts to installing a programmable thermostat. Caulk and spray foam are inexpensive and can be used to seal drafts, saving up to 20 percent on a monthly heating bill. Use a programmable thermostat to turn down the heat while you’re at work and to turn it back up right before you come home.

To make floor selection even easier, Valencich has curated her own collection of Quick-Step “De-signer’s Choice” floors, which can be viewed at quickstepstyle.com.

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September 24, 2011 Fall Home Improvement

(ARA) — That first chilly autumn morning is the perfect reminder that when winter arrives it can be sudden, often leaving homeowners unprepared for the plumbing problems associated with cold weather. The number of fro-zen pipe claims nearly tripled nationally from 2008 to 2009, to more than 26,000 claims. This hassle and extra expense is easily prevented with a couple hours worth of weekend chores or a quick call to your local plumber.

People in northernmost states should take preventive action to protect their plumbing systems by late October. Southerners should follow by late No-vember. Failure to prepare early might prove costly when pipes freeze, which is why the plumbing experts at Roto-Rooter recommend taking these win-terization precautions early, when time is on your side, instead of waiting until cold weather arrives.

These 10 tips that can save you a bundle are easily managed in between raking leaves and carving pumpkins.

• Disconnect outside water hoses. If left connected during freezing tem-peratures, water in hoses will freeze and expand causing connecting faucets and pipes to freeze and break.

• Inspect outside faucets. If dripping or leaking, make the necessary repairs or call a plumber before a freeze.

• If your home is equipped with in-terior shut-off valves leading to outside faucets, close them and drain water from the pipes.

• Cover outside faucets using an in-expensive faucet insulation kit.

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas. Apply heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables around exposed pipes.

• Make sure your furnace is set no lower than 55 degrees during the winter to prevent pipes from freezing. Note that when pipes freeze, water pressure builds causing cracks, whether the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can unleash 250 gallons of water in a single day.

• Your water heater works harder

during winter months. Drain corrosion-causing sediment from the tank, which reduces energy efficiency if it’s not re-moved.

• Set water heater thermostat to 120 degrees for optimum performance with-out risk of scalding.

• Clear any leaves and debris from roof gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage throughout the winter season.

• Inspect and clean sump pit. Remove any rocks and debris from pit then dump a bucket of water into the sump pit to test the pump. If it turns on and pumps water out then turns itself off, it is oper-ating properly.

Visit www.RotoRooter.com/plumb-ing-basics to view an instructional video on winter plumbing preparation and what to do in the event that a pipe does burst. Become a fan on Facebook to stay up-to-date on plumbing tips for every season.

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(ARA) — When winter approaches, do you stow the grill and cover the patio furni-ture, wishing there was some way you could continue to enjoy your outdoor living space all year? If so, you’re not alone.

More homeowners are seeking function and efficiency from their outdoor living spaces, according to a recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Demand is growing to make outdoor spaces unique and usable year-round. Experts say one of the first ways to create this personal year-round oasis, is by bringing the indoors outside.

“A great outdoor space serves as an exten-sion of your home,” said Dan Berger, expert landscape designer, HGTV.com contribu-tor and owner of LandPlan Landscaping in Pleasanton, Calif. “When planned properly, your backyard can provide you extra square footage of living space and serve as an invit-ing retreat throughout the year.”

Berger offered some design hints to help turn your backyard living space into a multi-functional, multi-season oasis:

Define your space with a base“You need to define your space based on

function,” Berger said. “Once outside you need to feel cozy, enclosed within your new space while oriented to other rooms within your house and yard.”

You can start with an existing porch, deck or patio, or build new ones, to establish boundaries for your space. Consider how you will use it — for living, dining or en-tertaining — and include features that will make the space easy and efficient for those intended uses.

Use natural materials that compliment the outdoors

Eco-chic — materials that are environ-mentally friendly and beautiful — remains a

hot outdoor living trend. “I always like to use natural materials as

they just make me feel more connected to nature and more relaxed,” said Berger.

Natural, organic, eco-friendly materials create a warm, inviting feel and are better for the environment.

Fortunately, some tried-and-true ma-terials like Western Red Cedar are spot-on with this trend. This versatile material holds a finish for an extended period of time or weathers beautifully naturally, making it a green choice for everything from decks to flower boxes and furniture. You can learn more about Western Red Cedar and locate a retailer or distributor in your area, by visit-ing www.wrcla.org.

Add dimensionPergolas, gazebos and trellises add height

and dimension to your outdoor environment, and can enhance the feeling of privacy whether in an outdoor kitchen or entertain-ment space. Consider building outdoor walls to help achieve that feeling of privacy, cozi-ness and orientation. Explore walls made of real wood, rock or fabric.

For extra detail and shade, drape a thin veil of papyrus or other vine over a pergola to create an intimate lounging area. Consider adding a tall plant in the corner or edge of the deck to balance the space and add height. During the holiday season, wrap tall plants with string lights to brighten the space. For more how to tips, visit “WRCLA’s Channel” on YouTube.

Simplify the installationChoose materials that are easy to install

over alternative, composite building prod-ucts.

Durable materials last longer by avoiding the damaging effects of mold and mildew, and can save you money long-term. They

are also lighter than man-made products, making it easier to design and cre-ate an ideal space. Instead of spending the last days of sum-mer fixing material that splits, breaks or crumbles, you’ll have more time to relax in your outdoor oasis.

Update seasonally

As the seasons change, so should the look of your outdoor accessories and furnishings. Berger recom-mended decorating your outdoor rooms as you would inside. Add holiday decorations in the winter and pictures to your walls in the spring. From summer barbecues to enjoying fall colors or even gathering around the fire pit after the big football game, select acces-sories and furnishings that will facilitate

year-round use.“The most important thing to remember

is to have fun,” Berger said. “Enjoy turning your plain backyard into the outdoor oasis of your dreams. Take your time and make choices that are right for you and your fam-ily, and you will enjoy the space for many years to come.”

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(ARA) — Whether you want to pre-pare your outdoor spaces for entertaining or you’re trying to make a great first im-pression on home buyers, now is the time to get the outside looking great. From fixing up the deck on the front porch to adding some colorful flowers to the land-scaping, there are plenty of elements to make your home look more inviting.

Start by determining your home’s best exterior features, and then assess some improvements that you can tackle on your own and get the biggest bang for your buck. Here are some simple ways to help boost your curb appeal:

Clean up clutterGetting rid of clutter and scrubbing

down grime should be the first steps in giving your home’s exterior a fresh new glow. Start by removing any unused items or dead plants from the yard. Clean out the gutters and consider power wash-ing the front of the house. It might not look dirty, but you’d be amazed at how

much dirt can accumulate and cause a dingy, dull appearance.

Spruce up landscapingTake pride in your front yard and

make sure to keep up with regular lawn maintenance. This could mean adding some new shrubs, plants or flowers to the house, but start by fixing up and trimming down all existing yard features. Consider lining walkways with an attractive fence or adding a splash of color with potted plants or bright flowers. A few garden fix-ups can go a long way to improve an outsider’s first impression of your home.

Add fresh features If it’s in the budget, hit up a local

home and garden store to find some simple products to enhance existing ele-ments. Maybe it’s a new mailbox, trendy yard decor, or even a shiny new fixture for the front door. You can also add a couple pieces of furniture to create a more welcoming atmosphere to the front

porch. Consider a visit to second-hand shops or garage sales; you never know when a fresh coat of paint can make one man’s trash another man’s treasure.

Prep your deckThe exterior of your home doesn’t

stop at the front yard — make sure it looks inviting all the way around. Start by prepping the deck and applying a new coat of wood stain to enhance and beau-tify, while protecting your investment for the future. The Flood brand of wood care products provides a complete line — from prepping and cleaning to stain-ing and sealing — to help you get the job done and make your deck the place to be.

There are plenty of projects that can make a huge difference to improve the look of your home without requiring you to spend a fortune on remodeling. Get a head start on a few of these weekend projects. Your home just might be the envy of all your neighbors this summer.

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(ARA) — Who wouldn’t like to save money on utility bills this winter? But have you ever considered some of the more com-mon energy-efficient home improvements — like insulating your hot water heater or replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents — and thought “dullsville”?

Sometimes the act of saving money just isn’t fun enough on its own. Fortunately, you can make home improvements that will trim your utility bills and boost your home’s appeal at the same time. Here are four fun home improvements that are surprisingly energy efficient as well:

1. Buy a new dishwasher — or clothes washer. Older appliances were not only built to be less energy efficient, they can lose what little efficiency they had as they age. If your appliances are more than 10 years old, they likely use more energy and water than newer models, especially new models that are En-ergy Star qualified.

Dishwashers purchased before 1994 use an additional 10 gallons or more of water per cycle than a new Energy Star qualified model, according to EnergyStar.gov. And

if you don’t have a dishwasher at all, don’t think of buying one as just a luxury. Energy Star says you’ll save 5,000 gallons of water and knock $40 per year off your utility bills if you give up washing dishes by hand — not to mention 230 hours of your time.

2. Beautify your bathroom — kitchens and baths sell homes, but they’re also the rooms where the most water gets used and wasted. Old fixtures and faucets are among the top water-wasting culprits in a home. You can conserve water by turning off the tap when you brush your teeth, but that water savings goes down the drain if the toilet runs

constantly when you leave the room.Replacing leaky fixtures can reap sig-

nificant water savings. Energy Star said a leaky faucet can waste gallons of water. Just one drip per second can waste up to 1,661 gallons of water in a year, according to EnergyStar.gov. You can also conserve water by installing a low-flow showerhead, which can save you as much as 5 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower. Many manufacturers now offer stylish, water-efficient faucets and showerheads.

3. Let the sun shine in — A venting skylight is a fun way to fill your home with nourishing natural light and passive ventila-tion, but did you know it’s also energy ef-ficient? Installing a venting skylight can help you lower your electric bill by reducing your dependency on artificial light and electric fans. Natural light has been tied to a host of health benefits, including improving mood. A skylight not only enhances the energy effi-ciency of your home, it adds decorating flair and could make you feel better about living there.

They’re also relatively low-cost when it

comes to “luxury” home improvements. You can get an Energy Star qualified “No Leak Skylight” from Velux for about $1,000 per unit for a remote-controlled electric venting model that closes automatically should it rain. Log on to www.veluxusa.com to find a local installer for a customized cost estimate.

4. Install a fireplace — Zone heating the areas of your home where you spend the most time can reduce your home heating bill by 20 to 40 percent, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. Installing an energy-efficient fireplace or a stove is a great, appealing way to zone heat the rooms you use the most.

What’s more, this type of heating can be “greener,” if you use renewable fuels like cord wood, pellets or other plant-derived materials in your high-efficiency stove or fireplace. As for the fun quotient, it’s hard to top a fireplace for a home improvement that adds warmth and appeal to a room.

Saving money can be doubly exciting, when you opt for energy-efficient home im-provements that also enhance enjoyment of your home.

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(ARA) — From humanity’s first steps on the moon to the rise of nanotechnology, baby boomers have witnessed significant changes in our world. And true to their forever-young mentality, boomers refuse to make sacrifices as they adapt their environ-ment to meet evolving needs as they age.

By 2030, the U.S. Administration on Aging predicts, the num-ber of Americans older than 65 will top 72 million. The concept of aging in place — adapting one’s home to better fit changing physical abilities — is more relevant than ever. Simple and pro-active updates in key areas, such as the kitchen and bath, can offer extra assistance to stay safe and independent at home.

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among those 65 and older, and most occur in the bathroom. If you or a loved one is thinking about staying at home as you age, consider these bathroom upgrades to improve safety and accessibility:

Update tubs and showersStepping over a bathtub wall can be a risk for anyone with

mobility issues. Although showers can eliminate the step-over risk, the threat of slipping and falling remains. For a generation who grew up taking baths, continuing to enjoy that comfort and experience is important. Much to consumers’ frustration, the in-stitutional nature of walk-in tubs required bathers to give up aes-thetics, sacrifice the comfort of a lounging position, and lose the indulgent experience of whirlpool jets and other hydrotherapy options.

The Kohler Elevance Rising Wall bath offers a safe and styl-ish solution. With the comfort of traditional bathing and security of a step-in tub, bathers enter when the wall is lowered and raise the wall with minimal effort (less than 5 pounds of force). The optional BubbleMassage offers a more relaxing soak, and built-in grab bars provide extra stability and support. After the bath, the tub drains in less than two minutes.

Showers and tubs of any type should be fitted with grab bars. Modern designs, such as the Kohler Belay hand rail, marry functionality and aesthetics to ensure homeowners don’t have to sacrifice style or safety.

Consider mobility issuesDecreased mobility is often a part of the aging process. Re-

placing a traditional 14- to 15-inch toilet with a taller 17- to 19-inch Comfort Height model can significantly improve ease of use. Just as grab bars are vital in the shower or tub, firmly anchored grab bars can provide additional support near the commode.

Those with arthritic hands may struggle with knobs on faucets and doors. Replacing knob-style faucet handles and round door-knobs with sleek lever-style handles can help ease use. Manufac-turers like Kohler offer a range of designs that reflect the latest design trends while making life easier.

While aging brings a change in ability for many people, trans-forming the bathroom into a relaxing, accommodating space makes it easier to age in place safely and gracefully.

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(ARA) — Disaster can happen quickly and without warning. Would you and your family be ready in the event of an earth-quake, fire, flood, hurricane or tornado?

“Planning makes a big difference in coping with disaster,” said Charles Valinotti, senior vice president of insurer QBE. “The better prepared you are, the better you can cope in the aftermath of an emergency.”

Fire and medical are the two most common emergencies, Valinotti said, so it’s important to teach children to call 9-1-1 or if you don’t live in a 9-1-1 service area, to post emergency num-bers by your home phone. Cellphones should contain up-to-date contact numbers so emergency personnel can get hold of family members if you’re unable to.

Here are other tips to help prepare you to deal with disaster:• Put together an emergency plan. Meet with your family

to discuss the various emergencies that could happen and what should be done in each case. Valinotti suggested developing an emergency communication plan if family members are separated during floods, storms or other disasters. If you have to evacuate your home, plan several escape routes in case roads are blocked or closed. Practice your plan and update it each year.

• Hold your own annual inspection. Each year, take a close look at your home to identify potential hazards that could cause injury or damage in a disaster or weather-related emergency.

“Anything that can fall, break, move or cause a fire is a hazard,” Valinotti said. He recommended securing your water heater and tall or heavy furniture, moving heavy

items to lower shelves, and installing locks on cabinet doors. • Be prepared year-round. Valinotti recommends keeping a disaster supplies kit — con-

taining at least a one-week supply of food and bottled water — in your home at all times, replacing it every six months. This kit should stay in a designated place for easy access in case you need to be confined to your home for an extended period. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept. Battery-operated radios, candles and flashlights should also be on hand if there’s a power outage. He recommends keeping an emer-gency supply kit in vehicles, as well, stocked with food, water, first aid supplies, flares and jumper cables. In addition, he says, “It’s a good idea to keep vehicles well maintained and full of gas in case a quick evacuation is needed.”

• Regularly review your insurance. Re-view your insurance policies and make sure you’re covered for replacement value — not

just market value — if your house is destroyed. It’s worth checking out flood insurance, even if your home is located in an area that’s low risk for flooding. Find out more at www.floodsmart.gov. And if disaster strikes, know how to get in touch with your insurance agent. “Many agents are using social media like Twitter and Facebook to connect with their customers,” Valinotti said. “Text messaging is a great tool in a crisis, so it’s important that your agent has your cellphone number.”

Make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected. Planning and practice can go a long way in protecting you and your family in a disaster.

Dealing with disaster: Are you ready?

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(ARA) — Kitchen remodel — two words that when strung togeth-er often evoke images of a gutted room, endless dust, a major invest-ment, not to mention overdosing on takeout while the cooking space is out of commission. Such expe-riences may be a part of a major kitchen renovation, but smart up-dates can create a big impact with less money, time, and drama. Just one or two significant changes paired with smaller enhancements can give your space a fresh look.

Have your dingy countertops and sink seen better days? This is an easy fix for the time- and bud-get-conscious. Modern countertop options abound, from timeless granite to the industrial allure of stainless steel, and durable stand-bys of cement or quartz.

Once you’ve committed to countertop replacement, shop

around for a new sink. Some coun-tertop merchants may offer you a new sink with your purchase. While freebies are appealing, ask yourself if the sink given gratis matches the vision for your space. Your sink should be in sync with your lifestyle, so keep the follow-ing points in mind:

The depth, shape and number of bowls should depend on how you work in your kitchen. If you hand wash bulky pots and pans, opt for the popular single-basin sink with deep dimensions. Multi-taskers will appreciate multiple bowls. Some newer styles offer three bowls - two standard-sized basins and a smaller third one to accom-modate a disposal.

Utilitarian as the sink may be, its design is a big contributor to the kitchen’s aesthetic, so weigh this factor carefully. Apron-front sinks,

also known as farmhouse sinks, can evoke a period-style look with their panel design. Until recently, installation required removing the countertop and building custom cabinetry below to accommo-date the new sink’s dimensions. The KOHLER Whitehaven self-trimming apron-front kitchen sink makes installation much easier. It’s available in two apron sizes: A conventional 9-inch apron model (requiring a custom base cabinet), and a 7-inch apron, an ideal retro-fit option for homeowners wanting the farmhouse look and the roomy 9-inch-deep basin without the cabinetry replacement.

Made of durable Kohler Enam-eled Cast Iron, the sink is available in 16 colors, including much-loved neutrals and bold designer hues. Visit www.kohler.com to learn more.

When it comes to updating your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a full renovation, toss out the old adage of doing “everything but the kitchen sink.” Start with the

sink and countertops, and you’ll achieve a whole new look for an affordable cost.

Countertops and sinks: Smart, affordable upgrades that remake your kitchen

(ARA) — Maintaining a healthy home is critical for your family’s wel-fare — especially now as the weather cools and you begin to spend more time indoors. Applying a few simple solutions now will ensure your in-door living environment is safe and healthy for seasons to come.

Reduce toxinsLess desirable weather may make

fall and winter seem like an ideal time to tackle your indoor painting proj-ects. However, you need to be mind-ful of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in many interior paints and finishes. VOCs are one of the biggest threats to indoor air quality; they include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have both short- and long-term health effects. For indoor jobs, select paint with low or no VOCs to keep your air fresher. Ad-ditionally, some houseplants such as ivy and gerbera daisies can help to naturally remove VOCs from your indoor air.

Clean your indoor airRagweed and pollen will trigger allergy symptoms for

millions of people this fall; however, the worst allergy trig-gers are often found inside the home. Installing a whole-home air filtration system can help to remove indoor aller-

gens including dust, mildew, pet dander and pollen from the air you breathe. For example, the AccuClean (TM) System by American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning removes up to 99.98 percent of the allergens from your filtered air, so even if it’s allergy season outdoors, your indoor air is crisp and clean.

Prevent moldDuring the cooler fall and winter months, people tend

to seal up their homes and spend more time inside, which traps moisture and humidity - both significant contributors to indoor mold growth. Maintain healthy indoor humidity levels by venting bathrooms and clothes dryers and using an exhaust fan while cooking. Install an air humidifier to pro-vide year-round control of your indoor moisture level, and keep your home at 50 percent humidity or lower to reduce the chance for mold growth.

Watch out for COProtect your indoor living environment from carbon mon-

oxide or CO by installing CO detectors or alarms throughout your home. This fall, make sure your home’s heating system, including items such as a furnace or heat pump, vents and chimney, are inspected and serviced by a professional con-tractor. And, if there is a fireplace in your home, open the damper before lighting a fire to help prevent the buildup of potentially poisonous gases inside of your home.

Keep a seasonal routineMost homeowners already know it’s important to test

their smoke alarms on a monthly basis, but how often do you change the alarm’s batteries? One way to keep track of alarm maintenance is to make battery changing a seasonal activity. For example, beginning this fall, replace the batter-ies in your smoke alarms (and CO detectors), every time you reset your clocks.

By taking these simple steps now, you’ll create a safer and healthier home, allowing your family to relax and enjoy all the delights the fall season has to offer - both outdoors and indoors.

Tips for keeping your home healthy


(ARA) — Conserving en-ergy at home can be as simple as swapping incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or unplugging the computer when it is not in use. However, a home built for en-ergy efficiency can have an even more significant impact on your family’s energy use.

Taking a look at your home from top to bottom and wall to wall can uncover ways to maximize energy efficiency. Ac-cording to the U.S. Department of Energy, 40 percent of global energy consumption and associ-ated greenhouse gas emissions come from the world’s homes and buildings. Although energy efficient upgrades and home ren-ovations can seem more costly upfront, the investment can help save money and energy in the long term.

Reduce air infiltrationBetween framing and routing for wiring

and plumbing, hundreds of seams, gaps, and holes exist in a typical home, which let air in and out. Forty percent of a home’s energy is lost due to this air infiltration, according to the Department of Energy. In fact, these gaps in an average-size home could fill nearly 200,000 basketballs with air every 24 hours.

A cost-effective way to address the issue is with proper air sealing and insulation. For example, Owens Corning EnergyComplete Air Sealing System seals the gaps in the home’s exterior walls before installing fiber-glass insulation for thermal protection. The system can reduce air infiltration by up to 70 percent in new homes and can lead to a savings of up to 33 percent in heating and cooling bills for some homeowners.

When considering home insulation, also

look for solutions that keep the environment in mind. “Every pound of glass fiber thermal insulation saves 12 times more energy each year than was originally used to produce it,” said Frank O’Brien-Bernini, chief sustain-ability officer for Owens Corning. “In fact, our new EcoTouch insulation uses a mini-mum of 30 percent post-consumer recycled content and 50 percent total recycled con-tent, as certified by Scientific Certification Systems.”

Revisit the roofRe-roof your home with ENERGY

STAR-rated shingles that use granule tech-nology to reflect the sun’s rays and help keep roofs cooler, resulting in more comfortable and energy-efficient living spaces. In some areas, these shingles may also qualify for tax credits. Owens Corning Duration Cool Shingles help save energy without sacrific-ing beauty. Additionally, a roofing system that includes proper ventilation helps keep

moisture and hot air away from the living space.

Eight out of 10 homes in the United States have asphalt shingle roofs, result-ing in millions of tons of po-tential waste that could end up in landfills each year as homes are re-roofed. Recy-cling a home’s old shingles is equivalent to recycling a year’s worth of household waste. Visit Owens Corning Roofing & Asphalt’s shingle recycling program to learn how to choose a contractor that will recycle your roof.

Close the window to air leakage

Eliminating drafts can save 5 to 30 percent of a

home’s annual energy costs, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Window frames are a common culprit for air seepage. Consider installing new, energy-ef-ficient windows or sealing existing windows

to address this issue. Strong and durable fiberglass composite

window frames are virtually maintenance-free over their long lifetimes, vastly reduc-ing the need for repair or replacement.

A complete solution from the floor to the roof

Whether you are making minor changes or undertaking major renovations at home, enhancing your home with sustainable meth-ods will not only contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of your family and community, but deliver long term savings.

“Homeowners should realize that they can enhance their home’s function and style, while simultaneously saving money and the planet,” O’Brien-Bernini says. “We share a common desire with our customers to pro-vide sustainable, innovative and quality so-lutions that improve homeowner’s lives and our environment.”

Check out Newsweek magazine’s annual Green Rankings for a list of companies com-mitted to sustainability through the products they provide, as well as through their opera-tions.

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(ARA) — What do those guys on the landscaping shows have that you don’t have? (Besides their own TV show, that is.) They have all the right tools to make their job easier, whether they’re building a deck, clear-ing brush to make way for a new patio or dig-ging a hole for a back-yard pond.

Fortunately, you don’t need the budget of a television land-scaping celebrity or the storage space of a production studio to get your hands on the perfect tools for your do-it-yourself project. Just rent a compact utility loader with a few attachments, use it to do the work faster and easier, and return it when you’re done.

Contractors have been using compact utility loaders — the landscaping equivalent of a Swiss army knife — for years. And thanks to renting, homeowners can use the same machine without having to buy one themselves. These multi-purpose units do the work of several different tools with a simple change of attachments, saving time and substantial effort compared to doing tasks by hand.

The Toro Dingo is one example of a com-pact utility loader that’s especially useful for residential applications, since it’s easy to use, reliable and compact enough to fit into tight spots.

Here are five ways you can use a com-pact utility loader and the right attachments to help ensure your outdoor projects have professional-looking results:

Digging holesMany outdoor projects involve digging a

hole, whether you’re building a deck or fence or preparing to install a fish pond. Set aside the shovel and post-hole digger, and use the loader’s auger attachment - available in widths from a 6-inch bit up to a 30-inch bit. These powerful tools significantly reduce digging time, allowing you to move quickly past this basic first step for many projects.

Leveling groundVirtually every outdoor building project

requires you to start out with level ground. A level surface will make gardening chores easier, ensure a good base beneath a patio or deck, and protect landscaping from erosion and run-off. But manually leveling uneven ground can be very labor-intensive. A loader with a leveler, tiller, utility blade or soil cul-tivator attachment greatly reduces time and labor, and allows you to achieve smoother, more even ground.

Digging/filling trenchesDigging or filling a trench is another

labor-intensive soil-moving chore that can be much easier with the right equipment. A loader with a trencher attachment can quickly create a trench, even in the hardest soil or clay. And once you’ve placed the ir-rigation pipe or other material, you can use the trench filler attachment to fill and close the trench.

Lifting and carrying materialNeed to move a load of stone, piles of

dirt or lots of lumber? Lifting and carrying heavy loads by hand is not only time-con-suming and difficult; it can be downright dangerous. For instance, it can lead to back strain — not to mention mashed fingers and toes if you accidentally drop what you’re carrying. Instead, consider renting a com-

pact utility loader with a bucket, adjustable forks, multi-purpose tool or grapple rake at-tached to do the heavy lifting for you.

Cleaning up debrisIf you have brush, small tree limbs or

rocks to clear away, a loader with a bucket or grapple rake attachment can make the job much easier. You’ll be able to carry more debris with every load — and with a lot less effort — than pushing a wheelbarrow. Need to remove a stump? A loader with a stump grinder attachment is another big time-saver.

Bottom line: If your project involves multiple tasks, renting a compact utility loader and the appropriate attachments can be a great alternative to renting multiple tools. You can find out more about the Dingo at www.Toro.com/dingo.

The professionals at your local rental store can help you identify the right tool to rent for your project. To find a rental store near you, visit www.rentalhq.com.

Outdoor projects don’t have to be back-breaking work. You just need the right tools for the job. A compact utility loader can help make your DIY project easier — and ensure those TV guys have nothing on you when it comes to creating a great outdoor environment.

Five ways to finish your outdoor projects like a pro

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(ARA) — Bringing your home from summer to fall is simpler than you think. It all begins with taking inventory of your home to determine which nonessen-tial items you can eliminate or switch and where you can add.

“Start with anything fabric,” said Maria Aguerri-Gomez, Academic Dean of The Art Institute of Michigan-Troy, a branch campus of The Art Institute of Michigan. “You can change your couch covers, pillows and your throw blankets, add a duvet to your bed, change your window treatment or bathroom towels; or simply add a table runner to bring fall into your home without breaking your budget.”

Take couch covers from creamy and off-

white tones to fall tones and colors. Choose earth tones such as reds and browns to bring depth and warmth. Navy blue can also be a great color to add in fall that can transition to winter. Not completely committed to bring-ing that much color into your living room? Change your pillows or throw blankets to develop an accented atmospheric change. Take a look at your window treatments

and consider a heavier fabric with possible prints.

“Paisley is coming back this fall.” Aguerri-Gomez said. “Use paisley prints on curtains or pillows, or venture out and buy a paisley arm chair that can nestle nicely into an unused corner in your bedroom or living room.”

Elizabeth Polish, an Interior Design Instructor at The Art Institute of New York City and owner of Elizabeth Polish Design, said bird prints are making their way into homes via lampshades and carpets this fall.

Keep the cold away by adding rugs. Overlapping rugs is a trend that can bring contrasting elements together, while unify-ing sections of a room. Aguerri-Gomez recommends taking a bamboo or wicker rug and overlapping it with a more classical rug. “It’s a great way to bring contrast, color and texture to the room.”

Aguerri-Gomez predicted that mustard will be a key color this fall. Add a mustard table runner and change up your dinnerware and placemats to bring your table from light and airy to warm and welcoming. Don’t want to part with the lemons and limes nestled

inside your glass vase as table decor? Try compromising and replace the citrus with artichokes and pomegranates for a fall final touch.

For those that like to have feng shui elements in their home, you’ll be happy to know that gold is making a comeback. Try mercury or gold canisters, vases and accents. In the past, gold and mercury were reserved for the holidays or special celebrations, but now you can bring them out earlier to bring that shiny pop the room will need.

The last touch to bringing your home from summer to fall is mood lighting. Polish recommends utilizing energy efficient LED lights and bulbs. Because you’ve most likely added thicker curtains to keep the cold out, make sure key areas are lit. Where you don’t need too much light, go for the dimming ef-fect.

“Change your lampshades if you can’t dim your lights. Make your living space as cozy as you can while saving energy at the same time,” Polish said.

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools visit www.artinstitutes.edu.

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