spring home improvement 2014

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WWW.GRAPEVINENEWSPAPER.COM | the grapevine { H1 } Setting the Stage for Outdoor Fun The arrival of warmer weather renews homeowners’ vigor for various home improvement projects, and many have grand plans for interior and exterior ren- ovations as they prep their living spaces for comfort, beauty and entertaining opportunities. While there are many wor- thy projects to pursue, adding outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer and more attractive in the evening hours. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), with a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night. Adding outdoor lighting is easier and less expen- sive than many homeowners may know, allowing them to transform an existing patio, deck or pool area into an enjoyable nighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners on the patio or barbecues with neighbors become even more memorable when out- door lighting is added or improved. But homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips, courtesy of ALA. Improve navigation. Lighting is typically layered into a room or outdoor space in three ways—overhead, task and ambient. Even outdoors, where there are no typical boundaries and borders, those three layers are necessary. Outdoor over- head lighting should improve visibility on steps, paths and walking surfaces, espe- cially where there’s a bend or an intersec- tion. Task lighting can be used around cooking or gardening areas. Ambient light will cast a comforting glow around any outdoor space. Enhance security. To improve visi- bility and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim lights away from the door to improve visi- bility. Lanterns on either side of the door can give a home a warm, welcoming appearance and improve the safety of entryways. Create outdoor rooms. Outdoor lighting at the borders of a space is a great way to create barriers, both vertical- ly and horizontally. Lights in a tree create something akin to a chandelier hung in the middle of the sky, and even accent lights in the general area of the edge of a patio, deck or porch will shine across the space and provide enough of a comfort level for people to understand where things are. Reduce glare. Outdoor lighting that casts a glare can be blinding, as can light that’s too bright. Lighting along paths should be cast downward, with fixtures that are hooded. A variety of lighting options will create layers, allowing you to add or subtract as necessary. Exterior- safe dimmers also can provide flexible control over the level of light, as can mov- able fixtures added to a patio or porch. Add decorative elements. Just as arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting con- tribute to a well-designed landscape. Lighting should play up decorative fea- tures of a yard and add the ambience that homeowners desire. Step lights make pas- sage safe while also highlighting molding or trim details. An outdoor chandelier can make for a wonderful accent during din- nertime on the deck or under a pergola. Patio lights provide atmosphere as well as illumination for cooking outside. Enhance views from inside. Outdoor lighting can make the view from inside pleasant and enjoyable. Use a vari- ety of lights, including spotlights on trees, lights dotted along pathways and accent lights on unique landscape features, to create an idyllic landscape visible from inside the home. Outdoor lighting enhances functionali- ty of yards and landscapes while making such areas safer for homeowners and their guests once the sun has gone down. Before You Get Started: Garage and Workshop Smarts Completing home improvement proj- ects on your own can be both rewarding and financially responsible. A growing number of homeowners are dabbling in do-it-yourself projects, recognizing both the personal and financial rewards of such undertakings. As more and more homeowners perform their own renova- tions and other improvement projects, many are outfitting their homes with state-of-the-art workshops and trans- forming garages into a do-it-yourselfer’s paradise. Safety is vital in any workshop. During a typical home renovation, homeowners Outdoor lighting can play up the more decorative features of a yard, including flower beds and decks or stone patios. SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE Continued on next page Herb & Joe Morgan Complete Lawn Care Fully Insured to Protect You Since 1976! Call For Free Estimates SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

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Page 1: Spring Home Improvement 2014

WWW.GRAPEVIN

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grapevine{H1}

Setting the Stage forOutdoor FunThe arrival of warmer weather renews

homeowners’ vigor for various homeimprovement projects, and many havegrand plans for interior and exterior ren-ovations as they prep their living spacesfor comfort, beauty and entertainingopportunities. While there are many wor-thy projects to pursue, adding outdoorlighting to a home can help increase itsvalue and make the home safer and moreattractive in the evening hours.According to the American Lighting

Association (ALA), with a few updates tooutside lighting, families can make evenbetter use of their homes at night. Addingoutdoor lighting is easier and less expen-sive than many homeowners may know,allowing them to transform an existingpatio, deck or pool area into an enjoyablenighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners onthe patio or barbecues with neighborsbecome even more memorable when out-door lighting is added or improved. Buthomeowners who want to install orupgrade their outdoor lighting shouldconsider the following tips, courtesy ofALA.• Improve navigation. Lighting is

typically layered into a room or outdoorspace in three ways—overhead, task and

ambient. Even outdoors, where there areno typical boundaries and borders, thosethree layers are necessary. Outdoor over-head lighting should improve visibility onsteps, paths and walking surfaces, espe-cially where there’s a bend or an intersec-tion. Task lighting can be used aroundcooking or gardening areas. Ambient lightwill cast a comforting glow around anyoutdoor space.

• Enhance security. To improve visi-bility and security, combine a motiondetector with a sconce to illuminate darkcorners or entryways. Be sure to aimlights away from the door to improve visi-bility. Lanterns on either side of the doorcan give a home a warm, welcomingappearance and improve the safety ofentryways.• Create outdoor rooms. Outdoor

lighting at the borders of a space is agreat way to create barriers, both vertical-ly and horizontally. Lights in a tree createsomething akin to a chandelier hung inthe middle of the sky, and even accentlights in the general area of the edge of apatio, deck or porch will shine across the

space and provide enough of a comfortlevel for people to understand wherethings are.• Reduce glare. Outdoor lighting that

casts a glare can be blinding, as can lightthat’s too bright. Lighting along pathsshould be cast downward, with fixturesthat are hooded. A variety of lightingoptions will create layers, allowing you toadd or subtract as necessary. Exterior-

safe dimmers also can provide flexiblecontrol over the level of light, as can mov-able fixtures added to a patio or porch.• Add decorative elements. Just as

arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoorelements help to enhance the style of anoutdoor space, so, too, can lighting con-tribute to a well-designed landscape.Lighting should play up decorative fea-tures of a yard and add the ambience thathomeowners desire. Step lights make pas-sage safe while also highlighting moldingor trim details. An outdoor chandelier canmake for a wonderful accent during din-nertime on the deck or under a pergola.Patio lights provide atmosphere as well asillumination for cooking outside.• Enhance views from inside.

Outdoor lighting can make the view frominside pleasant and enjoyable. Use a vari-ety of lights, including spotlights on trees,lights dotted along pathways and accentlights on unique landscape features, tocreate an idyllic landscape visible frominside the home.Outdoor lighting enhances functionali-

ty of yards and landscapes while makingsuch areas safer for homeowners andtheir guests once the sun has gone down.

Before You Get Started:Garage and WorkshopSmartsCompleting home improvement proj-

ects on your own can be both rewardingand financially responsible. A growingnumber of homeowners are dabbling indo-it-yourself projects, recognizing boththe personal and financial rewards ofsuch undertakings. As more and morehomeowners perform their own renova-tions and other improvement projects,many are outfitting their homes withstate-of-the-art workshops and trans-forming garages into a do-it-yourselfer’sparadise.Safety is vital in any workshop. During

a typical home renovation, homeowners

Outdoor lighting can play up the more decorative features of a yard, including flowerbeds and decks or stone patios.

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

Continued on next page

Herb & Joe Morgan

Complete Lawn CareFully Insuredto Protect You

Since 1976!Call For Free Estimates

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

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will use all sorts of dangerous tools andchemicals, and even the simplest mishapcan result in a serious injury. Followingsafety rules can reduce the risk of injury.

Know your tools: Before novice do-it-yourselfers begin working with powertools, they should familiarize themselveswith their owners’ manuals and the oper-ating instructions. Some home-improve-ment retailers offer classes in varioushome renovation projects and may beable to teach tool usage. Do-it-yourselfersshould consult professionals with regardto proper tool use and safety. Do not use

tools for purposes other than what thetool was intended to do. If machineguards are provided, they should be usedand never removed.

Wear safety gear: Eye, ear andbreathing protection are key in any work-shop environment. Dust and chemicalgases may be present when working withcertain products, and debris can bekicked up and enter the eyes, causing irri-tation or even blindness. Loud powertools can damage sensitive ears, especiallywhen used in a contained room. Alwayswear goggles, sound-muffling earphonesand dust masks when working.

Assess physical well-being: Do-it-yourselfers should never work withmachinery if they are feeling sick orfatigued or while taking medication thatcan affect concentration or alertness. Allit takes is a moment of distraction tocause an injury.Never surprise anyone who is working

with power tools and keep unnecessarypeople out of the workshop, where they

might chat and distract others from thetasks at hand.

Factor in ergonomics: Failure towork in comfortable conditions can resultin repetition injuries or muscle strain.Make the workshop as comfortable aspossible. Ensure the work table is at theright height. Use a rubber mat on thefloor to reduce standing fatigue. Have astool or chair available for taking breaks.

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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDESPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

Home is where your heart is, and spring is a good time to start checking off all thoseupdates and renovations you’ve been dreaming about.

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Keep a clean shop: Power cordsstrewn around the workshop present atripping hazard. They also make it possi-ble to drag sharp or heavy tools off oftables and workbenches if the cords arepulled or tripped over. A neat workshop isa safer workshop. Pay attention to wheretools are kept and keep cords manageable.

Dress appropriately: Loose clothingand hair can become tangled or lodged inequipment. Do not wear jewelry. Dress

comfortably but appropriately for theworkshop, being sure to wear sturdyshoes.

Lock it up: Children and pets are curi-ous and may wander into a workshop toexplore. They can become seriously ill orinjured by the bevy of chemicals and toolsused for common projects. Some itemsare flammable and sharp and shouldalways be out of reach. Locking cabinetsand drawers can keep tools inaccessible.

Also warn youngsters against entering theworkshop unattended.As more people engage in do-it-your-

self projects, homeowners should reac-quaint themselves with safety procedures.

Pool Chemistry Basics

Pool water chemistry is something thatbaffles many homeowners caring for theirbackyard pools. It is vital to keep an ade-

quate level of certain chemicals to createpristine, safe swimming water.One of the most important tools to have

is a pool/spa test kit. Sometimes pool pack-ages will come with a basic test kit thatmeasures for chlorine and pH only. Thisisn’t really adequate for most people’sneeds. Understanding the different facetsof pool water chemistry will help illustratewhy.There are roughly six factors that come

into play with pool water chemistry.1. Free chlorine (FC): Swimmer protec-

tion is provided by a sanitizer, generally achlorine-based product. Free chlorineresidual is the measure of the active, avail-able chlorine sanitizer in the pool that isstill able to clean the pool. Without FC, thepool will harbor bacteria and algae andturn swampy.2. Combined chlorine (CC): When chlo-

rine combines with contaminants in thepool, like ammonia and organic materials,it essentially gets used up and becomesinactive. This is called combined chlorine.This type of chlorine is useless at thispoint and can contribute to that chlorinesmell many people associate with toomuch chlorine in the pool. Rather, theopposite is the case. There is too muchused-up chlorine and not enough FC. IfCCis too high, it will be necessary to

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superchlorinate, or "shock" the pool, to ridthe water of CC.3. Total chlorine (TC): This is the meas-

ure of the FCand CC in a pool. In perfectconditions where CC is zero, TC tests canbe used in place of FC tests. However,most home pools have occasional issues ofalgae blooms or other problems, renderinga TC test inadequate for measuring truechlorine levels.4. Cyanuric Acid (CYA): Cyanuric acid

is a product that helps buffer chlorinefrom the effects of the sun. Essentially youcan think of CYAas sunscreen for chlorine.Without CYA, also known as stabilizer, in

pool water -- and the right level of it pres-ent -- chlorine will burn off very quickly inthe water. In full sunlight, it’s possible forchlorine to evaporate as fast as it is putinto the pool without CYA.5. pH: This is the measure of whether

the water is acidic or alkaline. Generallyfor swimming comfort, the pH of the poolshould be kept between 7.2 and 7.6. Thisway there is no erosion of metal parts ordiscoloration of pool walls from water thatis improperly balanced. Other chemicals inthe pool also work more in harmony whenwater pH is right.6. Total Alkalinity (TA): TA helps buffer

the pool water against big swings in pH lev-els, making the pool water more consistent.

Shortcuts to a Lush LawnThere are one million acres of lawn

across the country. Many homeownersaspire to having a lush, green lawn as theshowcase of their properties. The frontlawn can make a statement and indicate topassersby the property owners’ personali-ties and design preferences.Lawn care takes some dedication and

hard work, but there are certain ways tocut down on the amount of effort requiredto maintain a landscape. By employing afew different shortcuts, you can have ahealthy, lush lawn without spending all ofyour free time cutting the grass or pruningthe trees.• Stop weeds at the start.Weeding is

one of the most time-consuming parts ofmaintaining a lawn. Weeds can proliferatethroughout the lawn if not addressed in atimely manner. Once weeds take root theycan become a nuisance, so it’s best to treatweeds before they even have a chance tosprout. Apply a preemergent weed controlproduct as soon as possible in the springand then reapply it about three monthslater to ensure weeds are eradicated. Thatequates to much less tedious lawn mainte-nance during the season.• Plant a urine-resistant grass.

Having a dog and maintaining a lush lawnhas always been a particular conundrumfor homeowners. Dog urine is high innitrogen. While nitrogen, when applied inthe correct ratio, can be a lawn-growthstimulant, in the large concentration thatoccurs in pet urine, it causes the grass todry up and burn, resulting in bare spots.Replanting with urine-resistant grassescan help cut down on the level of damageto the lawn from your own pet or petsthat happen to make potty stops on yourproperty. The grasses most resistant tourine tend to be perennial ryegrasses andfescues.•Wake up and water.Watering in the

early mornings saves time and energy inthe long run by fostering a tougher, moredrought-resistant lawn. If you water earlyin the day, less water will be lost to evapo-ration. Limit watering to a few times perweek, and less if you have had adequaterain. Avoid watering at night, which can{

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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDESPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

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expose the lawn to bacteria and attractinsects.•Mowwhen the lawn is dry. It’s not

adviseable to mow the lawn when it iswet. Slippery conditions can not onlymake it more dangerous to push a mower,but also slow down the time it can take totackle the chore. The mower blades canbecome clogged and coated with wet grassclippings, necessitating stopping and start-ing the task. Another thing to consider islawn diseases spread more readilythrough wet clippings. Stick to mowingwhen the lawn is completely dry.• Let clippings fly.Mulching mowers,

or those that just distribute clippings onthe lawn as you go, can be healthier forthe grass. They will serve as fertilizer andredistribute nutrients to the lawn as theybreakdown into the soil. According to“The Organic Lawn Care Manual,” leavingclippings on the lawn will fulfill about 25percent of fertilizer requirements. Plus,you save time bagging up clippings.•Mow less often. Raise the mower’s

blade so that the grass is longer inbetween cuttings. The taller grass willshade the soil and block weeds from ger-minating. It also helps improve soil’smoisture retention.• Don’t cut corners. Adjusting a land-

scape design to have arches and curvescan reduce the time it takes to mow andedge a property. Hard corners in a land-scape will require more time to keepstraight and pristine.Caring for a lawn can take less time

and effort than you think.

Reduce Home ProjectWasteThe home improvement industry has

grown considerably over the last severaldecades, as homeowners increasinglytook steps to turn their homes into per-sonal oases. But such projects often pro-duce substantial amounts of waste, neg-atively impacting the environment as aresult.According to the United States

Environmental Protection Agency, anestimated 170 million tons of buildingconstruction, renovation and demoli-tion-derived wastes were generated in2003, a year when the housing marketwas thriving and homeowners were notshying away from costly home improve-

ment projects. With the housing marketonce again on the rebound, the homeimprovement industry figures to benefitonce again. There are steps eco-con-scious homeowners can take to reducewaste while improving their homes.* Save salvageable materials. Some

materials simply must be discardedwhen making improvements to a home.But many more materials can be sal-vaged. When making renovations to ahome, separate materials like lumber,hardware, fixtures, and even appliancesthat can be salvaged from those materi-als that must be discarded. Many com-munities are home to organizations thatcollect salvageable materials, and these

materials can be reused by fellow home-owners or other organizations down theroad.* Speak to contractors about recy-

cling. Contractors working on a hometypically know which materials can berecycled in a given area. When dis-cussing prospective projects with con-tractors, homeowners can mention theirwillingness to recycle materials. Woodis a versatile material that can be turnedinto reclaimed or composite wood prod-ucts, including decks or other itemsused around the home. Old wood beingremoved from a home may even work asmulch, which homeowners can spreadaround their yards to add aesthetic

appeal and protect plants on hot sum-mer days. Even asphalt and concrete canbe recycled into new products, andhomeowners should discuss their wish-es to recycle as many materials as possi-ble.* Choose recycled content building

materials. Another way to reduce homeimprovement project waste is to makeuse of other homeowners' discardedmaterials. Recycled content buildingmaterials are products that includematerials recycled from previous proj-ects. These once-sparse materials arenow commonplace, and labels ofteninclude the percentages of postcon-

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sumer and recovered materials used ineach product. Materials such as drywall,insulation, kitchen countertops, glasstiles, carpeting and carpet padding mayinclude recycled content, and the grow-ing popularity of such products hasmade them relatively simple for home-owners to find. When working withcontractors, homeowners shouldemphasize their desire to use materialsmade from recycled content. Such mate-rials are both pleasing to the eye and theenvironment.* Embrace adaptability when design-

ing a new home. Rarely do homeowners

design their homes with renovations inmind. When building a dream home,homeowners do not consider the likeli-hood that they will one day move out oreven outgrow the home. Estimates varyconsiderably with regard to how longthe average homeowner stays in hishome, with some suggesting as little asseven years. While data collected fromthe United States Census Bureau withinthe last decade suggests that roughlyhalf of all homeowners had lived intheir homes for at least 10 years.Homeowners building new homes

should expect to one day move, andensuring their new homes are easilyadaptable is both financially sound andeco-friendly. When a home is built withadaptability in mind, prospective buyerswon't have to make costly overhauls. Inaddition, homes built to facilitate futurerenovations won't produce the sameamount of waste as homes that are lesseasily adapted.Many homeowners embrace home

improvement projects as opportunitiesto turn their homes into private sanctu-aries. But those who do so with theenvironment in mind can significantlyreduce waste and still end up living inluxury.

Attic VentilationBenefits the RoofHomeowners are often interested in

projects to improve the aesthetic appeal oftheir homes, particularly those that mayincrease the curb appeal of their proper-ties. But some projects, including improv-ing attic ventilation, can benefit a homeeven when they aren’t especially eye-catching.Attic venting preserves the life of a roof

while improving the energy efficiency of ahome. Although it may seem counterpro-ductive to let air into the attic when youare sealing drafts elsewhere in the home,there is rhyme and reason to venting anattic throughout the year.

What is attic ventilation? Attic venti-lation is a system of air intake and exhaustthat creates a flow of air through the attic.

Continued from previous page

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDESPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

South Jersey Landscape Supplyhas been in business for more than11 years now, serving the Vineland,Millville and Bridgeton area. Theyare a family-owned and -operatedbusiness that loves giving cus-tomers one-on-one service with asmile. They take pride in being ableto give high-quality products at themost affordable prices. They inviteyou to stop in and see what theyhave to spice up your piece of theearth. Contact them with any ques-tions: www.sjlandscapesupply.comor 856-563-1500.

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In the summertime, air flowing throughthe attic will cool temperatures within theattic, preventing damage to the undersideof roofing shingles and preventing ambientheat from traveling inside of a home. In thewinter, air flow helps to keep the attic cooland dry. This prevents moisture that canlead to mold and rot issues from building

up inside of the attic. Attic ventilation alsoprevents warm indoor temperatures andrising heat from warming up roofs duringthe winter, creating the freeze-thaw pat-tern that results in ice dams.

Improving attic air flow:Many atticsalready contain passive ventilation in theform of vents or ventilation strips builtinto the edge of the roof. Other vents mayappear in gables or eaves. Some homeown-ers prefer the addition of an attic fan towork in concert with existing venting. Thespring season is an ideal time to have anattic fan installed because the weather istemperate, making it easier to work up inthe attic.According to Natural Light Energy

Systems, attic temperatures can exceed 160F on hot summer days. Proper attic venti-lation can reduce thosetemperatures by up to 40 F, prolonging

the life of the roof. Attic ventilation alsoreduces the load on heating and coolingsystems. No matter how much insulation isin an attic, some transfer of attic air willoccur between the home and the attic, andthat transfer makes heating and air condi-tioning systems run longer and harder tocompensate.Homeowners who notice their HVAC

systems running endlessly to keep thehome comfortable can benefit fromimproved attic ventilation, as can thosehomeowners whose attics feature moisture

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damage in the way of rusty nails or moldywood framing. An attic fan is often aneffective remedy to these issues.

Attic fan 101: The installation of anattic fan is best left to a professional, as itrequires running wiring to the fan and itmay necessitate cutting into the roof forventing. Many fans work with a thermostatand will turn on when the air temperaturein the attic reaches a certain temperature.The fan will circulate the air, helping tokeep the attic cooler and dryer. Also, thefan can help expel fumes from cooking orappliances from the home.Canada Go Green notes that attic fans

can reduce energy bills considerably bymaking HVAC systems work more effi-ciently. Keeping attics cool and dry mayalso reduce how frequently HVAC systemsneed to be turned on or at which tempera-tures thermostats in the home are set.Improving attic ventilation may not add

much to a home’s curb appeal, but such aproject can save homeowners money andprovide year-round benefits.

Make a Plan for GarageOrganizationSpring cleaning plans are on the minds

of many once the weather warms up.

Many homeowners feel a sense of renewalin the spring, when the desire to cleanhouse and get organized becomes apriority.Garages are often targets for homeown-

ers hoping to reduce clutter elsewhere.Once a space reserved for cars, garages areno longer strictly for vehicles, usedinstead to store items that simply do notfit inside the home or a backyard shed.Organizing the garage is typically a week-end or several-day project. Here’s how toturn a garage from a cluttered mess into aspace suited for storing items of all shapesand sizes.• Enlist a helper. Organizing a garage

is a significant undertaking that is besttackled with two or more people. Enlista helper to make the project lessintimidating.• Decide what is important to keep.

Start the organization process by clearingout the garage and taking inventory ofwhat you have. Items that have not beenused for several years can likely be tossed.Make a pile of what will be kept and thenput the rest at the curb or donate usefulitems to charity.• Give thought to where you want to

store particular items. Tools and itemsthat are used more often should be storedwithin reach or where easily visible, whileitems that are not used as frequently canbe stored higher up. Think about how youoperate in the garage. Recycling bins canbe stored closer to the door into the home,

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while bicycles and skates can be nearer tothe garage door for easy access.• Group like items together.

Categorize items that will be kept. Gardentools, camping gear, sporting equipment,and automotive supplies should be catego-rized and stored in their own areas of thegarage, determining if certain items can bestored inside the home to free up garagespace. Grouping items together will makethem easier to locate in the garage.•Move boxed items into clear stor-

age containers. It’s much easier to seewhat you have when it is stored in clearcontainers. Some containers are interlock-ing or stackable, making it much moreconvenient to store items vertically andfree up more floor space.• Invest in vertical storage systems.

Moving items from the floor and putting

them on shelving or behind cabinets canmake the garage more organized. Hooksand bins also can be used. Employ a pegboard full of hooks for oft-used tools orother items you need at the ready.• Leave space for hobby and work

areas. Garages are where many improve-ment projects begin or where hobbies,such as woodworking or crafting, takeplace. Leave space for these tasks andhobbies.• Give the space a fresh coat of paint.

Some garages are dingy and dark. Brightpaint on the walls and floor can open upthe space and, when combined with morelighting, can make it lighter and brighter.Garage organization is a common

spring cleaning project. But it shouldn’t bereserved for this season alone. Periodicchecks of the garage and straightening upcan keep a garage clean and organizedthroughout the entire year and make year-ly spring cleaning much more manageable.

How to Cut Costs onHome ImprovementProjectsOver the last several decades, more and

more homeowners have embraced thenotion that homes need not all be alike,and that an individual’s home can cater tohis or her personal tastes and needs. Thetrend of modeling a home after one’s owntastes has extended beyond choosing furni-

ture or other replaceable elements tostructural changes and full-scale renova-tions, thus upping the financial ante forhomeowners who want to turn theirhomes into places more in tune with theirown personalities.When it comes to improving their

homes, many homeowners associate cut-ting costs with cutting corners, which canput residents’ safety at risk. But there areways for homeowners to save money onhome improvement projects while stillensuring their homes are safe and sound.•Work with recycled materials.

Homeowners about to undertake small-scale do-it-yourself projects can often savemoney by using recycled materials. Manyhomeowners do not go the DIY routewhen making larger renovations, but thosethat do also can save money by using recy-cled materials. However, homeownersshould know that many contractors do notwork with recycled materials in an effortto avoid liability should something go awryduring the project or after it is completed.But DIYers can benefit from using recycledmaterials, which can be purchased at vari-ous locations. For example, Habitat forHumanity, a nonprofit organization devotedto building homes for the less fortunate,operates its own ReStores, which are non-profit home improvement stores that sellrecycled building materials at a steep dis-count. ReStore locations can be found by

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visiting www.habitat.org.• Get your hands dirty. Labor costs on

home improvement projects are consider-able, but homeowners can cut these costsby doing some of the labor themselves.Even those men and women with little orno DIY experience can still chip in andsave some money. Homeowners about toembark on a rebuilding project can chip inand do some of the demolition on theirown. For example, when replacing side-walks, homeowners can simply break upand remove the existing sidewalk on theirown rather than paying their contractorsto do such work for them. It’s best forhomeowners to leave interior labor to theprofessionals, as they are more knowledge-able about how to find load-bearing wallsand plumbing fixtures than the averageweekend warrior homeowner.Homeowners who mistakenly take out fix-tures inside their homes in an attempt tocut down on labor costs might find suchmiscues are far more costly than simplypaying for the labor from the get-go.

• Remember how flattering imitationcan be. As the old adage goes, “Imitation isthe sincerest form of flattery.”Homeowners working on tight budgetscan opt for imitation materials that appearand feel just like more costly authenticmaterials. When opting for imitation mate-rials, homeowners should know that theyor their representatives cannot falsely rep-resent the materials as authentic whenselling the home, no matter how muchmaterials look and feel like the real thing.• Schedule projects during the off-

season. Like many professionals, contrac-tors have busy seasons and seasons thattend to be slow. These seasons can changedepending on geography, but homeownerscan save money by postponing projectsuntil the slow season, when contractorsare more likely to offer discounts in anattempt to stay busy and continue to gen-erate income. Savings will vary dependingon a variety of factors, but it’s not unlikelythat patient homeowners willing to waituntil the offseason to renovate their homescan save as much as 5 percent on the over-all cost of the project.

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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDESPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

Swansons Sell to Smith Brothers Ace HardwareSwanson Hardware Supply, a 56-old Vineland staple recently has been

sold to Vineland Ace Hardware. Founded in 1956 by Walter and BobSwanson, Swanson’s has been serving the Vineland and tri-state areas withgeneral and industrial hardware, equipment and supplies. According toRussell Swanson, “We couldn’t be more pleased to have found such a won-derful transition for our family’s business. Our core values and commitmentsto community are well aligned. We have considered it a privilege that ourbusiness has been a part of our community for so long, and are grateful toour many employees and customers over the many years.”

Vineland Ace Hardware is part of the Smith Brothers Ace Hardware familyof stores. Smith Brothers has been in business since 1936 with six other Acelocations in South Jersey. The acquisition of Swanson’s East Avenue locationwill be their seventh Ace Hardware branded location. The Smith family cur-rently operates Vineland Ace Hardware at Lincoln and Dante avenues, whichwill remain open, as well as their new East Avenue location. “As a family, weare excited about the opportunity to acquire Swanson Hardware Supply,”states Joe Smith, III. “We are very excited to continue the tradition of servingour customers, community and team members. We could not think of a betteropportunity and family to work with.”

Swanson Hardware will be liquidating inventory and power equipment untilMonday, April 14. The Smith family will close for a few weeks to re-merchan-dise the entire store and is planning a soft opening for Memorial Day Weekend.

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• Try not to customize. Though thedriving force behind many home improve-ment projects is to create a dream homethat caters to homeowners’ individualneeds, going overboard with customizingis expensive. Larger-than-normal dimen-sions may seem like a great idea, but unlessthey’re absolutely necessary, they’re bestavoided by budget-conscious homeowners.Building supplies are sold at certaindimensions because those dimensions arethe most common. Altering these dimen-sions unnecessarily is only driving up thecost of the project, so it’s best to stick withstock sizes when money is tight.Home improvement projects are often

expensive undertakings. But such endeav-ors need not break the bank.

How to Repair andReplace Window ScreensWindow screens can let fresh air into a

home while preventing insects and outdoorcritters frommaking their way inside. Butscreens are far less effective at keeping crit-ters out of a home when they’re damaged.Addressing such damage is typically an

easy do-it-yourself project, one thatbegins with gathering the right materials,including:• new screening, either synthetic oraluminum

• a rubber spline• a screen rolling tool• a razor knife or sharp scissor

Continued on next page

Window screens are not effective at keeping insects out of a home when they’redamaged, but the process of replacing or repairing a screen is rather simple.

Orlandini Tile Advises:Know Your Stone

The use of natural stones in thehome has become increasingly morepopular in the past several years. Thetimeless elegance, beauty and varietyof these stones are the reason morehomeowners are turning to them. Whilethere are many varieties of stones, themost popular are travertines, lime-stones, marbles and granites.

Travertines and limestones can beused in kitchens, foyers and bathareas. Polished marble will wearbecause it is a softer stone and is notrecommended in higher traffic areas.Like any stone, they are porous andshould be sealed after installation.Granite is a very hard stone that isused for foyers, walls, counters andcommercial applications. Because ofgranite’s resistance to acids, it is afavorite for use on kitchen counters.

With proper care and maintenance,these stones will hold their beauty for

years to come. As stated, naturalstones should be sealed and there aretwo basic sealers—impregnating seal-ers and enhancers. Impregnatingsealers form an invisible barrier that isresistant to stains and moisture andwill not alter the look of the stone.Enhancing sealers are used mostly ontumbled stones. They are designed toenhance and rejuvenate the appearanceof stone while protecting from stains.

While sealing provides protection,maintaining the stone is also veryimportant. Therefore, when selecting acleaner, make sure it does not have anacidic base. This is a recipe for disas-ter. Stone cleaners should be a pHneutral cleaner. This is a nontoxiccleaner that will not harm the stoneand is safe enough to use every day.

For more information about careand maintenance of any natural stonego to www.miraclesealants.com or callor visit Orlandini Tile Supplies at 1257Harding Highway in Richland — (856)697-2421.

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• measuring tape• masking tape• a screwdriver or an awlOnce those materials have been gath-

ered, the process of replacing or repairingdamaged screens is rather simple.1. Measure the area of the window to

determine how much replacement screen-ing you will need. Remember to leave extraroom in your measurements so you haveslack to make the new screen fit taut. Themeasurement will also help you determinehow much spline you will need.2. Remove the screen from the window

frame. Some windows do not have remov-able screen frames, and you will have towork on the screen in its upright position.3. Use the screwdriver or awl to pry the

edge of the existing spline that holds thescreening material in the frame. Pull outthe old spline and remove the damagedscreening.4. Measure the new screening from a

replacement roll. Lay the screening downon the frame, ensuring there is overhangon all sides. If necessary, use masking tapeto temporarily secure the screening to theframe while freeing up your hands. Thisalso works if you must replace screeningvertically and cannot remove the windowframe and make repairs on a flat surface.5. Take a new piece of rubber spline and

push it into the edge of the screen frame,

securing a corner of the new screening tothe frame. Continue to press the splinearound the perimeter of the screen framefirmly into the groove with the screenrolling tool, which looks like a small pizzacutter. This effectively secures the screeninto the frame.6. Continue around the edge of the

established 1971

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1. Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The 2.49% 12-month introductory rate is for the � rst twelve monthly billing cycles after closing and requires an automatic deduction from a Susquehanna Bank personal checking or savings account, a minimum line amount of $100,000 and a maximum LTV of 70% to qualify. This o� er is for new Home Equity FlexLines of Credit only. After the introductory rate period expires, the disclosed regular variable rate will be based on an index (The Wall Street Journal Prime rate as of the 15th day of the preceding month), currently 3.25% APR as of 04/01/14, subject to a 3.25% APR minimum, and may vary monthly. Disclosed rate requires a credit score greater than or equal to 700 and includes a .25% discount for automatic deduction from a Susquehanna Bank personal checking or savings account. Standard underwriting criteria apply. Other rates and terms available. The maximum APR is 18% [Maryland 24%, New Jersey 16%]. This o� er and the disclosed rates are e� ective beginning 04/01/14 and may change without notice. Lines are for personal, family and household purposes. Property insurance is required. Property must be located in the Susquehanna Bank service area.

*Title Insurance is not included in the Lender paid closing costs for loans over $250,000. For properties located in the state of Maryland, if the line is terminated within the � rst 30 months, all Lender paid closing costs estimated between $717.00 and $1,852.00 (estimate for a $100,000 line, varies by county) must be reimbursed to the Lender.

Doing what counts™. | susquehanna.net | Member FDIC

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Continued from previous page

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDESPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

Double-checking measurements is one wayto avoid potentially costly home improve-ment project mistakes.

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frame, pulling the new screening taut as yougo. This helps to keep it free of wrinkles.7. Once you have inserted the spline all

the way around, cut it off from the splinespool and push in the edge.8. Use a razor knife or sharp scissor to

cut off the excess screening, being carefulnot to dislodge it from behind the splinewhen cutting.9. Replace the screen in the window.In the case of small tears in a screen, a

complete replacement may not be neces-sary. Home improvement stores sell screenpatch kits. Some work by cutting out a

piece of patch that is attached to an adhe-sive backing and sticking it over the hole.Other patches are small, woven wires thatcan be threaded through the hole in thescreen. A really small hole can be mendedwith a drop of clear-drying glue.The same method of screen replace-

ment can be used to replace screens onscreened-in porches, aluminum doors orsliding patio doors. Just be sure to pur-chase replacement screening that will fitthe dimensions.

Continued on next page

CABINETRY TRENDSFOR KITCHEN & BATH

“Homeowners are looking forsafer choices that won’t quickly goout of style and which fit withintheir budgetary constraints,” saidJohn Troxell, design director forWood-Mode—one of the country’sleading manufacturers of fine cus-tom cabinetry for the home andoffice. “In response, we’re seeing,for example, the increased use oflighter and more neutral finishes,including gray as a preferred cabi-netry color.”

A neutral tone, gray harmonizeswith virtually any hue and corre-sponds particularly well with stain-less steel appliances and metallic-tinged surfaces. Wood-Mode recent-ly introduced a mid-range gray vin-tage finish, that’s engineered tocomplement practically any kitchenor bath—whether it’s a traditional orcontemporary design. Additionally,there are new gray laminate prod-ucts used on select cabinet exteriorsurfaces. These both received ravereviews from the designers who sawthe new finish and laminate for thefirst time at The Kitchen & BathIndustry Show this year.

“The reproduction quality of the

wood grain image on this laminateis quite amazing and spot-onauthentic,” said Troxell. “And theadvantages of laminate are plentiful.It provides a surface that’s easy tomaintain, offers clean lines, andserves as an affordable alternativeto more expensive finishes.”

Another style in vogue is anincreased push toward furniture-quality cabinetry. “Many cabinetstoday are meant to resemble finefurniture by incorporating detailssuch as decorative molding, carvedaccents and multi-layered finishesand glazes that add upscale charmand sophistication,” Troxell said.

“There [is] a stronger emphasison improvements and refinementsversus innovative brand-new tech-nology,” he added. “And that’s afunction of market demand.Homeowners want to invest inproven, tried-and-true choices intheir kitchens and baths that aregoing to yield lasting functionalityand enjoyment.”

For more ideas on popularkitchen trends and designs, whichwill stand the test of time, call MikeKelly’s Kitchens at 856-455-8160.For more information on Wood-Mode and Brookhaven Cabinetry,visit www.wood-mode.com.

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Time to Sell? Nine Waysto Improve Curb AppealHomeowners who want their homes to

make strong first impressions must prior-itize curb appeal. Homes with strong curbappeal sell well and can impart a welcom-ing feel to all visitors. Improving curbappeal need not be expensive, and the fol-lowing are a handful of ways to improvethe appearance of your home.1. Install a bold-looking door in a

vibrant color or one with a custom design.This helps the home stand out from other

properties in the neighborhood.2. Edge the driveway to create a dis-

tinct border between the driveway andthe lawn or other landscaping features.This helps homes appear neat and wellkept.3. Use outdoor lighting to make a home

more inviting. Outdoor lighting alsomakes properties safer to traverse atnight.4. Clean a home’s exterior to remove

mildew or discolorations from the siding,driveway, patio, and other outdoor ele-ments.5. Improve landscapes with fresh

plants and seasonal color. Homeowners

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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDESPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

LARSON® STORM DOORAnniversary Sale!

WINDOWS $12900Any Size Up to 101UI

PLOWMAN’S 118 E. Vine St. • Millville856-327-2841 • plowmanswindows.com

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$30SAVINGSwith the purchase of a LARSON® Storm Door • April 1 – May 15, 2014Choose from select models and save $30 duringthe LARSON® Anniversary Sale.• $15 LARSON Mail-in Rebate• PLUS $15 Off From Plowman’s(Retail sales only • Custom sizes excluded) Advice from Ace Plumbing:

Take Advantage of Energy Savings and RebatesBy John Sperratore, Contributing Writer

Although New Jersey is not known as a State leading the way in energy sav-ings, there are still many incentives available for both residential and commer-cial property dwellers. Initiatives ranging from changing lightbulbs to replacingwater heaters and heating equipment can pay off big dividends. Simply replac-ing one standard 60 watt incandescent bulb with a 13 watt “CFL”, short forcompact fluorescent lamp, can save an average of $13 per year per bulb, that’sapproximately 25 percent of the energy used for the same light emission. TheCFL bulbs also have a life expectancy of 10,000 hours compared to 1200hours for their incandescent counterpart.

The latest lamp technology, “LED,” an acronym for Light Emitting Diode,uses only one sixth of the energy of incandescent and has a extended lifeexpectancy of 50,000 hours, while emitting no heat. Heat emission of light-bulbs is also important because it causes air conditioning systems to workharder. Replacing lightbulbs at home or at the office is a simple and inexpen-sive way for anyone to start the energy saving process. You can contact yourlocal electrical supply house for the many lighting options available for bothresidential and commercial applications.

New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program offers incentives for those interested inreplacing water heaters with high efficiency gas and the new heat pump mod-els that bear the Energy Star designation. Rebates up to $500 are available forqualified hi-efficiency tankless and tank style water heaters. In addition to high-er operating efficiencies, with a tankless water heater you also benefit fromenergy savings, because unlike a traditional tank-type water heater that keepsthe entire tank hot around the clock, a tankless unit only operates when thereis a demand for hot water.

In addition to water heaters, there are also rebates available for qualifiedhigh efficiency gas- or oil-fired boilers and furnaces of up to $300. Anyoneinterested should consult their contractor, local plumbing or heating supplyhouse or see www.njcleanenergy.com for more information.

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without the time to plant can considercontainer gardens, which don’t take muchtime to assemble but still add appeal to ahome’s exterior.6. Prune planting beds and add new

mulch to restore color.7. Add shutters and accent trim to a

home’s exterior to improve on the beautyof the house.8. Install new fencing or give a fresh

coat of paint or stain to an existing fence.9. Replace concrete paths with tile or

stone walkways to make entryways moreimpressive and inviting. I

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Comodidad y ahorros

Cuando se trata de ahorros,no puede vencer gas natural.

Considere esto...Si has pagado más de $1,16 dólares por galón de aceite, cambiar a gas natural le ahorrará dinero.¡Mejora tu hogar con un ahorro de hasta un 70% en costos de energía†!

¡Llámenos hoy! 1-877-777-8550Solicitar en línea en southjerseygas.com/apply

* Según lo divulgado por el cliente real de SJG. Testimonial en el archivo.† Ahorro varía dependiendo de la fuente de combustible y tipo/e� ciencia de los equipos.

Patti ha ahorrado $1,918.96 el año pasado*†

con gas natural.

Turk's Pressure CleanBeautifies Home Exteriors

Ronald Turchi started Turk'sPressure Clean back in the spring of1985. It has always been a familybusiness that started out “with asong and a prayer” and a lot of hardwork to make the company what itis today. The company strives toprovide customers with quality, hon-est and dependable service.

“There are many people today inthe business compared to when Istarted,” says Turchi. “I am sorry tosay most homeowners do not knowwhat to expect because there aremany people out there who go out,buy a machine, and go around anddo more harm than good.” Turchiadds that most do not carry insur-ance or have the knowledge to prop-erly clean a person’s home.“Powerwashing is an unregulatedindustry and that is why I stress topeople not to hire people who postsigns on telephone poles—I callthese type of people ‘splash anddash’ individuals. When you hirethese types of people, you will notbe happy and if something goeswrong then you have a problem.”

Turk’s Pressure Clean is a legiti-mate business, registered with theState of New Jersey, and they pridethemselves on customer satisfaction.

Turchi recommends powerwash-ing your home on an annual basis,simply because the mold and algaecontinues to thrive in damp andhumid conditions. Turk’s has anannual service policy to fit yourbudget, so that once your home isprofessionally cleaned, they cancome out every year and do a fol-low-up to keep your home lookinglike new. Keeping the mold andmildew off of your home ensuresthat you, your family and pets willnot be exposed to potentially deadlymold allergens.

Turk’s cleans aluminum and vinylsiding and also they handle roofcleaning. Most aluminum siding canbe safely washed and this dependson the age and condition, accordingto Turchi. “We always do a test tosee if you can have this washed orwe will recommend that it be paint-ed,” he says.

Vinyl siding can be safely washedif done properly. Turchi cautionshomeowners who might considerdoing it themselves. They mightthink cranking up a rented pressurewasher to 3,000 psi on is the way togo. Turchi says this can be disas-trous. Damage can result if watergets behind the siding and createsmore of an unseen problem behindthe siding. “Pressure is not theanswer to cleaning, therefore we uti-lize a process called the ‘soft washprocess,’ which cleans your sidingwithout all the force of a standardpressure washer,” explains Turchi.“We use a specially formulatedhouse wash detergent to properlyclean your house and safely andeffectively remove mold and mildew.”

Turk's Pressure Clean also cleansroofing shingles, and again, he cau-tions homeowners to reconsider ifthinking this is a do-it-yourself job.“If you do not know how to do this,you can become seriously injured.The black streaks you see on manyroofs is called gloeocapsa magma, acyanobacteria that is an airbornemold spore, which attaches itself tothe roof of your home. In time, itbecomes an unsightly mess that, ifleft untreated, will prematurely endthe life of your roof. The mold sporesfeed off of the limestone coating ofyour shingles, which in turn loosensthe little granules which are themain composition of your shingles.We do NOT pressure wash your roof.We will treat this issue with a spe-cially formulated detergent that willeradicate this problem.

If any homeowner has questionsabout pressure washing or roofcleaning, Turchi encourages them tocall and leave a message at 856-692-7470. Your call will be returnedpromptly.

�Love The Grapevine?Why not “like” us

on Facebook? facebook.com/grapevinenewspaper

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