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The Cheshire Herald Spring Home Improvement Special Section 2015

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Page 1: Spring Home Improvement 2015

HOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEHOMESpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringSpringSpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringSpringSpringSpringSpringSpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMESpringHOMEImprovementImprovementImprovementImprovementImprovementSpringSpringSpring

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April 2, 2015

Page 2: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home Improvementtwo

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First Time Home Renovators: Follow These Helpful TipsHome renovations are typi-

cally exciting, as hom-eowners get to see the visions of their dream homes come to life right before their very eyes. turn-ing an outdated bathroom into a modern oasis or an empty base-ment into the ultimate man cave strengthens the sense of attach-ment homeowners feel to their homes.

But few home renovation proj-

ects go from start to fi nish with-out experiencing a few bumps in the road along the way. such bumps can be diffi cult to handle for homeowners working on their fi rst renovation projects, but there are many ways for novices to navigate the sometimes murky waters of home improvement projects and come out relatively unscathed on the other end, where a newly renovated home awaits.

•plan well and know what to expect. When working with con-tractors, get all agreements in writing and spell out exactly what you desire in a home renovation. photo references can help guide contractors and architects. ask for the full picture of what can be expected with the work, from de-molition to the punch list. Know-ing what lies ahead can keep you grounded throughout the project.

•discuss work each day and set payment schedules. Make payments contingent on work completed. this can help keep contractors on schedule. pay-ing for all work upfront leaves homeowners at a disadvantage, as it does not provide incentive for workers to be timely and ef-fi cient. check in with workers to get daily progress reports.

•have reasonable expectations. a renovation project may exceed its budget and take longer than initially expected. Understand-ing that these potential setbacks might be part of the process will make it easier to handle them when the foreman speaks to you about any issues that arise.

•accept the mess. construction work is messy. there’s no way to maintain a pristine house when contractors are entering and exit-

ing all day. dust is bound to be generated, and tools can fi ll up rooms. a home in disarray can be stressful, but continue to visualize the end result and the mess won’t bother you so much.

•establish a contingency plan. Bathrooms and kitchen renova-tions are typically the most dis-ruptive home improvement proj-ects. Going without a kitchen can make it diffi cult to enjoy meals at home, while a bathroom remodel may require you to navigate wa-ter shutoffs. if your project is scheduled to take several months, establish a contingency plan to deal with the consequences of your renovation project. speak with family members about us-ing some of their home amenities, and prepare and freeze meals in advance so you can reheat them

See TAKE, page 6

Page 3: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home Improvementthree

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Avoid These Common Mistakes When Tackling Projects

Home improvement proj-ects can turn a house into

a home. homeowners plan scores of renovations to transform living spaces into rooms that refl ect their personal tastes and comforts.

homeowners going it alone may fi nd things do not always go as planned. in fact, a harris inter-active study found that 85 percent of homeowners say remodeling is a more stressful undertaking than buying a home. But homeown-ers about to embark on home improvement projects can make

the process go more smoothly by avoiding these common pitfalls.

Failing to understand the scope of the project

some homeowners don’t real-ize just how big a commitment they have made until they get their hands dirty. But understand-ing the scope of the project, in-cluding how much demolition and reconstruction is involved and how much time a project will take can help homeowners avoid some of the stress that comes with

renovation projects. For example, a bathroom renovation may re-quire the removal of drywall, re-inforcement of fl ooring to accom-modate a new bathtub or shower enclosure and the installation of new plumbing and wiring behind walls. so such a renovation is far more detailed than simply replac-ing faucets.

Not establishing a budgethomeowners must develop

a project budget to ensure their projects do not drain their fi nanc-es. if your budget is so infl exible that you can’t afford the materials you prefer, you may want to post-pone the project and save more money so you can eventually af-

ford to do it right. Without a budget in place, it is

easy to overspend, and that can put you in fi nancial peril down the line. Worrying about coming up with money to pay for mate-rials and labor also can induce stress. avoid the anxiety by set-ting a fi rm budget.

Making trendy or over personal improvements

homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for the long run have more free reign when it comes to renovating their homes. such homeowners can create a billiards room or paint a room hot pink if they so prefer. however, if the goal is to make improve-

ments in order to sell a property, overly personal touches may make a property less appealing to prospective buyers. trends come and go, and improvements can be expensive. if your ultimate goal is to sell your home, opt for reno-vations that will look beautiful through the ages and avoid bold choices that may only appeal to a select few buyers.

Forgetting to properly vet all workers

it is important to vet your contractor, but don’t forget to vet potential subcontractors as well. Failing to do so can prove a

According to Remodeling Magazine’s “2014 cost vs.

Value report,” a major kitchen remodeling project should enable hom-eowners to recoup 74.2 percent of their initial invest-ments. Kitchen ren-ovations have long been a safe way to improve the func-tionality and value of a home. But not every kitchen proj-ect is a guaranteed winner. homeown-ers may inadver-tently make changes that end up sticking out like a sore thumb rather than improving the space.

take a look at these kitchen re-modeling dos and don’ts to guide your next undertaking.

DO consider the way your kitchen will look with the rest of the home. Keep architectural integrity in mind when designing the space. a farmhouse sink and country cabinets can look out of place in an ultra-modern home.

DON’T overlook the importance of a seasoned designer

or architect. these pros will know the tricks to maximizing space

Kitchen Remodel Will Increase The Value Of Your Home

See LEAVING, page 19

See FOLLOW, page 6

Page 4: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home ImprovementFour

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Remodeling Job $2000 or more

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$ 200 O FF $ 200 O FF Any Complete

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With coupon. Cannot be combined. Not valid on current or prior work.

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$ 200 O FF $ 200 O FF Any Complete

Remodeling Job $2000 or more

With coupon. Cannot be combined. Not valid on current or prior work.

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Fully Licensed & Insured Over 10 Years in Business

Warranties • Excellent References

Custom Custom Design Design Services Services

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$ 200 O FF $ 200 O FF Any Complete

Remodeling Job $2000 or more

With coupon. Cannot be combined. Not valid on current or prior work.

Quality Work at Affordable Prices On Schedule Commitments

Fully Licensed & Insured Over 10 Years in Business

Warranties • Excellent References

Custom Custom Design Design Services Services

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• ADDITIONS • DECKS • KITCHENS

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2055 Meriden Rd., Cheshire www.bartlettcontractingllc.com 203-558-1696 � 203-633-4470

$ 200 O FF $ 200 O FF Any Complete

Remodeling Job $2000 or more

With coupon. Cannot be combined. Not valid on current or prior work.

Quality Work at Affordable Prices On Schedule Commitments

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Warranties • Excellent References

Custom Custom Design Design Services Services

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Bartlett contracting llc is a remodeling and con-

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tial and commercial•retail fl oor coveringBartlett contracting llc

was started by Jason Bartlett in 2002. the company has ex-perienced steady growth since then, recently opening Floor and tile emporium, which

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Did Your Know ...

Those about to embark on home improvement proj-

ects should prioritize dust remov-al to avoid the potentially negative side effects of exposure to lead dust. When undergoing a reno-

vation, homes built before 1978, the year the use of lead paint was banned, are likely to produce lead dust, which occurs when lead paint is sanded or chipped. that dust can be especially harmful to

children, pregnant women and pets. When making renovations, homeowners can open windows and wear protective gear such as masks and safety goggles to avoid direct exposure to lead dust.

Page 5: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015 Five

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Some Good Hints On How To Restore Your Historic Home

Pal’s power Washing, llc is a veteran-owned busi-

ness that specializes in residential homes and community re-tirement homes, con-dominium cleaning, commercial store-front properties, and gum removal. Own-er Kevin palladino is certifi ed with the United association of contract

cleaners for complete deck res-toration and roof cleanup. Kevin

currently has one of only a handful of businesses that offers hot water washing to its customer base.

pal’s power Washing, llc start-ed in 1998 in the back of a mini-van with a small cold

water machine. depending on

how far the water hose would reach, the machine would have to be rolled around the house. that same mini-van was used to drop off and pick up Kevin's children from school.

pressure washing was only done on a part-time basis as Kev-in was still on active duty in the military but when, in 2005, Kevin retired from the U.s. army, the business was registered as vet-

Spring Home Improvement

Hot Water WashingDryer Vent Cleaning•Roof Cleaning•Condominiums

Vinyl Fences•Deck Washing & Staining•Sidewalk Gum RemovalConcrete•Gutter Cleaning•Concrete Pool Cleaning

Veteran-Owned PAL’S O� ers Many Options To Customers

Living in an historic home can be a labor of love. the

history and the distinct architec-ture of historic homes draw buy-ers to such properties, but what historic homes have in regard to history they often lack in the con-veniences of modern life, forcing many historic home owners to make renovations to bring their homes into the 21st century.

historic home renovations dif-fer from other types of modifi ca-tions. according to the Victorian preservation association, “reno-vation” involves getting a home back to where it may have been when originally built, while mak-ing concessions for today’s life-style. “preservation” is the act of maintaining a structure in its current historic state, and “resto-ration” is returning a home to its original state. Unless a homeown-er plans to use an outhouse or live without electricity, the majority of work done on historic proper-ties is likely to fall into the cat-egory of a renovation.

renovating an aging structure can be fulfi lling and help to make a home more functional. But make no mistake, such a renovation is a major undertaking. Before begin-ning, it pays to hire a professional consultant with expertise in reno-vating historic properties. he or

she can inspect the property to de-termine which areas of the home are safe and which will need to be upgraded. a professional inspec-tion also can determine if any de-fi ciencies lie hidden in the struc-ture. potential concerns include toxic paints and other substances, building code issues, rotting, and structural settling. professionals will know what to look for and guide homeowners accordingly.

homeowners also may want to consult with a preservation as-sociation, community restoration group or general owner/builder group. these people can refer ho-meowners to the crafts people and materials that will be needed for a job. homeowners can request to

see other historic properties in the area and learn what those owners did to maintain the integrity of a home when using newer materi-

als.Before any work is started, ho-

meowners should fi nd out if their home is listed with the National register of historic places. ac-cording to the United states Na-tional parks service, property owners can do whatever they want with their property so long as there are no federal monies at-tached to the property. however, the property owner should also contact his or her state’s historic preservation offi ce, or shpO. the shpO is the state agency that oversees historic preservation ef-forts in each state, and there may be state or local preservation laws that the owner should be aware of before renovating a historic prop-erty.

crafts people should have ex-perience with historic homes and a sensitivity and appreciation for renovating older properties. ho-meowners always should see ex-amples of a crafts person’s work and verify references from each contractor before hiring anyone to work on the property.

homeowners who want to in-clude traditional hardware and other period details in their homes may be able to fi nd quality repli-cas of historic milling materials, while others may want to scour antique shops or salvage yards for era-appropriate materials.

historic renovations can be costly and have a tendency to go over budget because of unforseen

See BE, page 10

See PAL’S, page 16

Page 6: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015six

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Make This Year’s Spring Cleaning Environmentally FriendlySpring is a time of year when

many people resolve to give their homes or apartments a thorough cleaning. spring clean-ing projects help people revitalize their homes for the warm months ahead, when windows are once again opened, fresh air pervades homes and items that might have accumulated over a dark and dreary winter have become a dis-tant memory.

Many families have spring cleaning rituals that allow them to effi ciently clean their homes in a single weekend. But it’s just as important for spring clean-ers to place as great an emphasis on the environment as they do on effi ciency when cleaning a home. eco-friendly spring clean-ing practices produce less waste and rely on less chemicals to re-juvenate a home and get it ready for those seasons when huddling inside under the covers takes a backseat to lounging around the house as fresh air washes into the home. the following are a hand-ful of ways to effi ciently clean a home while also protecting the environment.

•clear out the clutter. clutter is an enemy to homeowners and the environment alike. that’s because addressing clutter is often an in-effi cient process in which hom-eowners methodically go through items that have accumulated over the years, individually choosing which items to keep and which items to discard. clutter can also prove harmful to the environment because rooms fi lled with clutter tend to collect dust, reducing air quality and leading to more in-door air pollution that can prove harmful to human health.

When sifting through clutter in a home, discard those items that have gone ignored for years, as

they likely have little or no fi nan-cial value and it’s safe to assume they serve no practical purpose as well. Once clutter has been cleared out, prevent more of it from accumulating by making a conscious effort to discard items once they no longer serve any practical purpose. this includes old newspapers and magazines, as well as any other items that are likely to sit in a pile or on a shelf for months on end. preventing the buildup of clutter reduces the amount of time you need to spend

spring cleaning next year while also improving indoor air quality.

•Use cleaners only when win-dows are open. Many people get a head start on spring cleaning in late winter, when the weather might have started to warm up but has not yet warmed to the point when windows throughout the home can be opened. though there’s nothing wrong with start-ing early, avoid using cleaning products on days when you can’t open the windows. Many clean-ing products contain ample or even just trace amounts of chemi-cals that can compromise indoor air quality and may exacerbate existing medical conditions like respiratory ailments. When us-ing cleaning products, try to do so only when the windows are open and fresh air can enter the home.

•ensure appliances are working at peak effi ciency. spring clean-ing is a great time to inspect ap-pliances to make sure they are

operating effi ciently. clean or re-place fi lters on window air condi-tioning units. dusty or dirty fi lters will force the air conditioner to work harder and use more energy to cool a room. in addition, dirty or dusty fi lters make units less ef-fi cient, which means rooms won’t cool as quickly on those scorch-ing summer afternoons. appli-ances forced to work harder also cost more money, and those costs can be considerable.

When checking appliances, be sure to check the refrigerator as well. refrigerators are plugged in all day long, and those that are not operating at peak effi ciency can cost you a lot of money in the long run. periodically clean the coils on the back of your refrig-erator so it can operate more effi -ciently, saving energy and money.

Vacuum cleaners should also be inspected before each use to make sure reels are not covered in hair, which can make it nearly im-

possible for the machine to col-lect dirt and dust from the fl oors.

•Use reusable cloths. another way to turn spring cleaning into a more eco-friendly affair is to forgo using paper towels in favor of reusable cloths. reusable wash cloths can be just as effective at wiping down counters as paper towels, which require more and more trees to be cut down and eventually end up in landfi lls. if you are feeling especially eco-friendly, you can go the extra mile and create your own reusable cleaning cloths out of old clothes or linens, saving you money and making use of items that might otherwise have been headed straight for a landfi ll.

spring cleaning can rejuvenate a home after a long winter. em-phasizing eco-friendly techniques when cleaning can ensure your home’s revival is as benefi cial to the environment as it is to the home’s inhabitants.

Spring Home Improvement

and achieving the ideal layout of appliances and may be able to recommend local contractors and vendors.

DO look beyond surface details to the structural integrity of the design. the kitchen should be functional, long-lasting and beautiful.

DON’T design just for today, but look to the future as well. Un-less you are willing to spend $50,000 every fi ve years, look for styles and materials that will last for the long haul. Older homeowners may want to make adjustments now that address po-tential mobility issues down the road.

DO work with what you have. a complete demolition and reno-vation is not always necessary to achieve the desired results. Only invest in major changes if some-thing is not working (such as having to walk across the entire kitchen to access the stove) or

is unsafe. Otherwise, minor up-grades may do the trick.

DON’T over-improve the space. a fully equipped commer-cial kitchen may be handy for a professional chef, but the average person may not need an industrial

hood and indoor pizza oven. When you make excessive

improvements, you may not be able to recoup as much of the money spent because your home will not be on par with the values of homes in the

neighborhood.DO make sure you can

afford the project. plan for some unexpected purchases and plan out the renovation according to your budget. skimping on ma-terials or design because of lack of money may leave you feeling dissatisfi ed afterward.

later on when you don’t have ac-cess to your stove.

•plan your escape. sometimes the constant work and mess of construction is too much to bear. afford yourself time away by vis-iting relatives or staying at a ho-tel. even a single night away can provide the relief you need.

a home that is undergoing a re-model can be a less than comfort-able environment. But homeown-ers who have never before lived through a renovation project can take several steps to make the process go as smoothly as pos-sible.

Follow These Dos And Don’ts For Your Kitchen Makeover

Take A Needed Break From Your

Renovationcontinued from page 2

continued from page 3

Page 7: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home Improvementseven

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For the do-it-yourselfers, we sell parts for all ma-jor brands. We pride ourselves on personal

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Make Your Next Home Improvement Project A Family A� airTackling home improvement

projects with kids in tow can be challenging. But if kids are old enough, moms and dads can enlist their youngsters’ help when working on projects around the house. Not only can adults keep closer tabs on kids’ activities, but involving kids in home projects also lets parents instill important and practical lessons at the same time.

When asked to pitch in on home projects, young kids may feel proud they can lend a hand with such a “grown-up” task. With the right instruction, children of all ages can get involved with fi x-up projects and learn new skills in the process.

•include children from the start. When beginning a project, par-ents can make their kids a part of

the design and planning process, welcoming the input of younger members of the family, especially if renovations will impact spaces they use directly. draft a list of supplies and ask questions of the kids regarding what supplies they think will have to go into com-pleting the project.

•shop as a family. although it may slow you down, take chil-dren along to the home improve-ment store so you can purchase supplies together. let youngsters help you as you choose materials for the project. this way they can see how the raw materials will

See START, page 16

Page 8: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home Improvementeight

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According to dean Back-strom, president of dura-

ble sealcoat co. of Wallingford, homeowners are understand-ably concerned about driveway sealing, but there are some very straightforward answers to the is-sue.

Backstrom, whose fi rm has been repairing driveways for more than 30 years, says drive-ways must have a quality seal in order to reap two main benefi ts.

First, not only does a satin black coating enhance the beauty of a home and property, it will

also save the homeowner money by adding years of life to a driveway investment.

Backstrom says sealcoating helps prevent oxida-tion (gray- out), b r i t t l eness , raveling, ero-sion, frost dam-age and general disintegration due to exposure to sun, rain, freezing, thawing, alkalines, oil, gas and deicers.

a sealer can extend the life of

a driveway by 100 percent at a cost of 20 percent of the original investment by sealing in the as-

phalt binder that holds the pave-ment together. (the average life of off-street pavement is about

seven to eight years; sealing a

new pave-m e n t a b o u t

every three years can extend this to 15 to

20 years).some homeowners seal as often

as every year. however, this will

eventually cause sealer build-up and surface cracking that is costly to the homeowner and harmful to the appearance and texture of the driveway.

if a driveway is new, it can-not be sealed until it is properly cured and fi rm, which can vary from 30 days to a year. there are some simple tests that can be used to determine whether the pavement is cured and fi rm. pour some clean water on the driveway; if an oily fi lm appears in the water, the pavement is not suffi ciently cured. For fi rmness, press a screwdriver onto the as-phalt surface; if it easily makes a depression, then the surface is not set fi rm enough.

driveway cracks should be re-paired before any sealcoating is

done. Most store-bought crack fi llers, although easy to apply, don’t work very well and cracks will usually need to be re-repaired within one year. to avoid this, it is best to have a professional re-pair any cracks with a hot poured rubberized crack sealant. typi-cally melted at 400 degrees, this type of sealant will remain very fl exible after being applied and can expand and contract with the pavement for many years.

driveway sealing is an impor-tant element in the overall main-tenance of a home. if you decide to tackle the job yourself, you may fi nd it a very diffi cult and messy task. it may be in a hom-eowner’s best interest to hire a professional. estimates are usu-ally free.

Durable Sealcoat Has Straightforward Answers To Issues

Bathroom renovations are second to kitchen renova-

tions on the list of the top re-modeling proj-ects to increase home value. the popular-ity of bathroom r e n o v a t i o n s and their abil-ity to transform a space has left many hom-eowners won-dering if there are any easy and affordable ways to change the look of their bath-rooms.

While “easy” is a relative term, there are ways homeowners will-ing to make certain concessions can keep the work and cost of a bathroom renovation to a mini-mum.

ResurfaceWhen possible, covering up

what you have in the bathroom is much less expensive and less

labor-intensive than tearing out existing fi xtures and fl oors and

replacing them anew. resurfac-ing can extend to refi nishing bathtubs to in-stalling shower liners. those who have un-sightly walls or wallpaper that they’re just not ready to remove may consider using

wainscotting to cover a portion of the room or even tiling entire walls.

it is important to note that re-surfacing and covering up items in the bathroom should only be reserved for cosmetic fi xes. if something needs to be replaced because it is damaged or mildew-covered, then covering it up is only hiding the problem and ask-ing for more work in the long run.

Simple Ways To Update Your Bathroom This Spring

See FRESH, page 14

Page 9: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home ImprovementNine

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Do-it-yourself, or diY, proj-ects around the house can

give homeowners a more person-al stake in their properties. Get-ting their own hands dirty when renovating a bathroom rather than paying a professional to do all that work gives many hom-eowners a strong sense of accom-plishment while allowing them to learn a few things and save some money along the way.

But whether homeowners have years of experience with regard to renovations or are about to em-bark on their fi rst diY adventure, safety should be a top priority. se-curing the right safety equipment might not guarantee a diY proj-ect comes out looking exactly as homeowners hope, but it can help protect diYers and their helpers from suffering injuries as they renovate their homes. the follow-ing is a list of some safety equip-ment all homeowners should have at the ready before begin-ning home improvement projects.

•First-aid kit: all homes should have a fi rst-aid kit on hand, re-gardless of whether any renova-tions are in the offi ng. First-aid kits can help treat minor cuts and scrapes, but such kits also can be used to prevent more serious in-juries from escalating in the time it takes to see a physician. When tackling a large diY project, se-

cure a well-stocked fi rst-aid kit that includes more than just band-aids and adhesives. in addition to such items, a reliable fi rst-aid kit should include antiseptic oint-ment, a chemical cold pack, cot-ton balls, eyedrops, fi rst-aid tape, needles, sterile gauze bandages, and tweezers. in addition, make sure the kit includes a fi rst-aid handbook that contains instruc-tions regarding the treatment of common injuries.

•eyewear: protective eyewear is essential when working on ren-ovation projects. safety goggles may suffi ce on smaller projects, but make sure the goggles fi t well, as loose goggles will still allow debris into your eyes, and that de-bris can compromise your vision and result in injuries to your eyes. if you will be welding, be sure to wear proper welding goggles with adequate lens shading.

•Mask/respirator: home reno-vation projects, especially those that involve taking down walls, can leave diYers’ lungs suscep-tible to lung irritation and disease. But masks and respirators can protect the lungs. cloth masks may be suffi cient for smaller projects, while more signifi cant undertakings may require the use of dual-cartridge respirators that provide added protection for sen-sitive lungs.

•Gloves: hands also can take a beating during home improve-ment projects, so it’s important that diYers fi nd sturdy gloves to wear throughout their renova-tion efforts. While this may con-tradict the idea of getting your hands dirty, splintered, blistered hands are painful and susceptible to infection. Wear sturdy rub-ber gloves when using chemical cleaners or any products contain-ing acid.

•Joint supports: achy joints can make it diffi cult to effectively tackle diY projects, so it’s impor-tant that you support your joints from start to fi nish. Knee and el-bow pads can protect your joints

Get The Right Safety Gear Before Work Begins

See MAKE, page 16

Page 10: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home Improvementten

I f you can’t wait for spring, and your new dream room is in your own backyard,

you have a lot of company. at this time of year, the heart of the home begins the move outdoors, and a growing number of homeown-ers want fully functional outdoor kitchens. the rolling barbecue

cart is a thing of the past. the Outdoor Great room is

in great demand by today’s ho-meowners and, in a survey just released by the american society of landscape architects, 97 per-cent of respondents rated fi re pits and fi replaces fi rst, followed by grills (96.3 percent), seating and dining areas (96.3 percent), and

lighting (95.1 percent). according to the annual Weber

Grill Watch survey of outdoor home cooking, spending on out-door appliances is up more than eight percent this year over last season.

“at connecticut appliance & Fireplace distributors (caFd), our selling season for outdoor

products has expanded from three or four months to nine or 10 months,” said doug dupont. “this year, we started selling grills in February!”

Not only are more americans cooking outdoors, but they’re do-ing it in a big way! the outdoor living industry now nets $6.2 bil-lion annually, and many products that used to be considered luxury brands now have lower prices that middle-class families can afford.

The thrill of the grillthese days, consumers demand

special features and quality con-struction in their grills. Walk into caFd’s Outdoor living show-room and you will see how im-portant the world of the outdoor kitchen has become. there are

Let CAFD Turn Your Outdoor Space Into A Destination Spotvignettes of outdoor living prod-ucts such as Weber, lynx, Viking and Vermont castings outdoor gas grills, a Viking outdoor Bev-erage center and even an outdoor fi replace.

caFd is the one-stop shop for everything outdoors, including grills, torches, heaters, fi re pits, audio and video equipment, and outdoor kitchen products. the outdoor appliance industry is exploding and, beyond cooking, people want to entertain and feel comfortable. Manufacturers have responded with outdoor living products, appliances, and acces-sories to fi t every budget!

Visit caFd online at www.cafd.com or at 50 Graham place in southington.

damage and hazards that have to be repaired so the building is up to code. Going into the project with this in mind can help soften the blow of extra costs down the road.

historic homes can be beautiful and appeal to buyers who appreci-ate the one-of-a-kind nature of older properties. renovating historic homes may take time and money, but the results may be well worth the effort.

Be Prepared For The Unexpectedcontinued from page 5

Page 11: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home Improvementeleven

Weekly Mowing & Property Maintenance Lawn Renovation/Dethatching

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Res id en t ia l & Co mmerc ia l Quality Service in

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Our goal at Nick constan-tino landscape service is

to make our clients happy at all times. With each satisfi ed cus-tomer, we enhance our reputation for creativity, professionalism, dependability, and bend-over-backward service. We would love to make you anoth-er one of our sat-isfi ed customers.

Our company specializes in all aspects of land-scaping and has been in cheshire since 1987. as longtime cheshire residents, my crew and i take personal pride in our work. We service numerous residential and commercial clients in the cheshire and surrounding areas, with each client receiving the per-sonal attention they deserve.

We understand that your home

and its landscape are one of your biggest investments. We also un-derstand the importance of hav-ing your property look its best at all times. We will always work within your budget and fi nd solu-tions to any project. Our company

works closely with many vendors and has resources for all your l a n d s c a p e needs regard-less of the size of the job.

We know that it can be very diffi cult

to fi nd lawn and landscape ser-vice providers who you can trust and count on. We are very serious when we say we are dedicated to earning and keeping your busi-ness. in fact, we are so certain we can make you happy, we guar-

After a very long, cold and snowy winter, the staff at

hunter’s pool is preparing our showroom with glee as warm weather is coming into sight. We are more than ready for swim-ming, sunshine and another great pool season!

as we enter the 2015 pool season, we are excited to be put-ting the fi nishing touches on the renovations in our showroom. We have installed all new dis-play shelving in a new layout that we know will make it easier and more appealing for our custom-ers to fi nd the products they are

looking for. We have removed all of the gray slot wall and installed black grid wall that allows the beauty of our log cabin walls to show through. Gorgeous stone-work has been laid along our Wa-ter test and cash register areas to further beautify the space. We hope to see all of our fair weather friends soon and we know you will love the new showroom!

We are very happy to announce that we will be continuing our wildly popular splashcash loy-alty rewards card. earn $15 in splashcash for every $300 spent

Nick Constantino Works To Make Customers Happy

After A Long Winter, Hunter’s Pools Showroom Is Ready

See CUSTOMERS, page 19

See HUNTER’S, page 12

Page 12: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home Improvementtwelve

TIM RODGERS

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Installations JUST GUTTERS, LLC

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FREE In-Home Consultation203.250.6445

132 South Main Street, Cheshire, CT. 06410

Woodbury supply got its start back in 1979,

determined to make a differ-ence in the building materi-als industry. they say you can tell a lot about where a company is going by look-ing back at where it started. in 1979, Woodbury supply brought top quality prod-ucts, dedicated workman-ship, competitive pricing and expert advice together to put the needs of their customers fi rst. today that remains our

mission. We have been dedicated to the people of connecti-cut, serving towns and cities across the state, from Oxford to Fairfi eld, Westport to hartford! Our extensive product offer-ings range from a custom mill work shop to Marvin Windows and doors.

Our Marvin design Gallery in Oxford offers Marvin Win-dows and doors on display in a home-like setting and is con-necticut’s most complete Marvin Window and door show-room! Our emphasis on traditional values and building trust is the driver behind every decision we make. We take pride in partnering with our customers for the entire length of their projects—from consultations on available options and the decision-making process, through installation.

Woodbury supply co also provides an outstanding team of highly skilled Marvin Window and door professionals to help you select the right product for your next project. We’re your go-to source for quality building products and personalized service. Whether your project is new construction, remodel-ing or replacement, our knowledgeable staff is always eager to help with your project needs. Visit Woodbury supply com-pany, a Marvin design Gallery today at 103 Willenbrock rd., Oxford, or call us at (203) 802-6465. You may also visit us at www.woodburysupply.com.

on fl oats, toys, games, chemicals and more! We are thrilled to be able to offer our loyal customers incentives to make hunter’s pool their one-stop-shop for backyard fun.

in addition to our regular prod-ucts, such as the sustain Once-a-Week algae Free Guarantee chlo-rine system, pool toys and games, we are expanding our product line to offer our customers more con-venience-type items to make your lives easier. eliminate stopping

at cVs, home depot and Best Buy and just come to hunter’s. We will now be carrying the most adorable tiki huts, panama Jack suntan lotion, bluetooth wireless outdoor waterproof speakers, so-lar cell phone chargers, outdoor décor, pool bags and many, many more items that we are very eager for you to see.

if this winter was unkind to your pool or equipment, please give us a call. We will come in-spect your pool and provide you with an estimate for repair free of

charge. don’t forget to approach your insurance company to see if your pool damage is covered. We work with insurance companies on a daily basis and will work hard to get you a fair reimburse-ment so your pool is back up and running before the sun gets too hot.

don’t miss our annual cus-tomer appreciation day on May 16. Get the season started right and stock up on the hottest items. enjoy storewide savings on the sustain chlorine system, hay-

ward Filters and pumps, solar covers and reels, in-pool stairs, automatic vacuums and much much more! as always, there will be entertainment, food, clowns for the kids, vendor reps to an-

swer your toughest questions and raffl es. Keep your eye out for a special announcement on this year’s theme and how we are go-ing to make 2015 the year to re-member!

Let Hunter’s Help You Prepare Your Pool For Use This Year

Woodbury O� ering Modern Windows And Doors

continued from page 11

Page 13: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015 thirteen

YES, WE MAKE IT

EASYTO REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS

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Save Up To 20% OFFyour window project installed by WSC and receive a

FREE Nest Learning Thermostat*

* Minimum purchase and installation of 5 or more Marvin and/or Integrity windows and/or doors to qualify.

See store for details. One offer per household. Offer Expires June 30, 2015.

For more information call: 203.802.6465 or visit: www.woodburysupply.com

REPLACING WINDOWS AND DOORS HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER.

We’ve streamlined and simplified the entire process, and it all starts with what you wantfor your home.

From our first consultation through expert installation, we keep the process easy and stress-free . . .

Letting you enjoy the beautiful results.

103 Willenbrock Road • Oxford, CT 203.802.6465www.woodburysupply.com

Woodbury_Full_Page_Cheshire_Color .indd 1 3/18/15 11:58 AM

Page 14: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home ImprovementFourteen

DeerfieldLandscapingCall now for Mowing Reservations and Spring Cleanups

Serving Cheshire for 17 Years!

Call us today for a free consultation and estimate.

Mark Stevenson203.668.0312

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all Braman termite & pest elimination technicians and the company as a whole are state li-censed, certifi ed and insured. For 125 years Braman has been pro-viding state-of-the-art pest elimi-nation procedures that are the saf-est available for you, your family

and pets. We eliminate pests effi -ciently and economically in your home, business or institution. Braman serves all of connecticut from our hamden and hartford offi ces and have employees who reside throughout the state.

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Scale back on materialsOne way to save money on a

bathroom renovation project is to choose less expensive materi-als. For example, you may not need to install travertine or mar-ble fl ooring in a space where less expensive fl ooring like vinyl is adequate. advancements in vinyl fl ooring have enabled this afford-able material to mimic the look of more expensive materials at a fraction of the cost.

When redoing tile on walls

and shower enclosures, many domestically-produced tiles rival the looks of more expensive im-ported alternatives. You may be able to save more by buying tile in bulk and using the remainder in other applications around the house.

Paintdo not underestimate the pow-

er of a fresh coat of paint on any room in the house, including the bathroom. dark, small spaces can be made to look more expansive with lighter colors. cavernous

bathrooms that look empty may prove more inviting with darker hues. pick a paint that is designed for bathroom application so that it will inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

Update hardwarea new faucet or some new cab-

inet pulls can make the room look new and fresh without breaking the bank. Match fi nishes through-out the bathroom so everything will be cohesive. When shopping for a new shower head, choose a model that also conserves water.

this way you will be making cos-metic and energy-saving renova-tions at the same time.

DIYhandling labor yourself instead

of hiring workers can reduce the cost of bathroom remodels con-siderably. it is possible to buy ful-ly assembled bathroom vanities and install them yourself. even

installing a new toilet is relatively easy with the help of a friend.

there are a number of ways to make bathroom renovations a bit easier and more affordable. even nominal changes can give the space an entirely different look and feel, which can make the room more enjoyable and help improve a home’s resale value in the process.

Fresh Coat Of Paint And New Hardware Can Work Wonders

Many home improvement projects involve hanging decorative items, meaning frequently wrestling with nails, screws and

hanging hardware, creating more holes in their walls than is necessary. instead of playing a guessing game of fi guring out where the hanging holes or hooks are located on the back of items, use your offi ce equip-ment to make life easier. Make a copy of the back of the item you're trying to hang with a printer/scanner or a copy machine, making sure to copy the item to full scale. print the copy at full size and use it to drill the hanging holes.

Did You Know ...

continued from page 8

Page 15: Spring Home Improvement 2015

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Spring Home Improvement

Several Ways To Rid Your Yard Of Unwanted Insects And PestsHomeowners know that

the arrival of spring also marks the re-emergence of in-sects. While not every insect is harmful, if an infestation grows considerably or if insects begin to move from the outdoors into a home, it may be time for hom-eowners to call in a professional.

the entomological society of america points out that hom-eowners cannot count on bitterly cold winters to help control the numbers of insects in their yards. insect ecology is affected by various factors and is not solely dependent on temperature. Fur-thermore, what occurred one year certainly may not be repeated the next, as homeowners who have had various insect infestations in their yards can attest. One year a yard may be overcome with ants, while the next year it may suffer through an earwig infestation.

the fi rst step homeowners looking to curtail insects in their yards can take is to determine if the insects they see are genuine threats to their lawns. some bugs emerge and swarm early in the season, but then gradually disap-pear as spring turns into summer.

Other insects may come out of hiding if a homeowner is doing a lot of yard work or construction around a house. practice a wait-and-see approach to determine if you really have an insect problem or just have stirred up activity.

homeowners also must decide if it is bearable living with the insects. if insects are not doing any damage or if they can be con-trolled relatively easily, then you might be able to avoid calling in the professionals. however, if critters like termites and certain species of wood-eating insects are invasive and damaging your yard, you may need to take action.

anyone concerned with the side effects of pesticides and in-secticides can fi rst try to remedy the problem naturally. sometimes it’s just a matter of making a yard less hospitable to insects. remove leaves and clean up de-bris close to the house, as these can both encourage infestations. piles of rotting wood or leftover fi rewood can be a food or shelter source for a number of insects. inspect water spigots for leaks and improve suspect drainage on your property, as these things

can be welcoming to bugs that like moist surroundings. remove standing water whenever possible to eliminate spots for mosquitoes to incubate larvae.

Natural remedies also may do the trick. Mint, bay leaves, catnip, and garlic can repel insects like roaches and ants. citrus can be a natural fl ea deterrent. some hom-eowners have had success plant-ing marigolds around their yards to serve as a natural bug repellent because the fl owers produce a scent that many insects fi nd re-pulsive. thai lemon grass plants also can be used to keep mosqui-toes at bay.

remember, natural predators, such as birds, bats, spiders, and larger insects, feed on nuisance bugs. Keeping these helpful pred-ators around may be an effective and natural way for homeowners to control annoying pests.

if an insect problem seems out of control or if you need a profes-sional opinion about the damage being done to your home or land-scape, consult with an extermina-tor. licensed exterminators have the training and expertise to as-sess insect concerns and create a

plan of action that will minimize the risk to inhabitants of your home and nearby wildlife. an ex-terminator will know what it takes to treat insects and maximize the chances of removing the problem promptly and effectively.

Warm weather is synonymous with many things, including the return of insects. homeowners may be able to treat unruly bugs, but especially problematic infes-tations may require the help of experienced exterminators.

Adhere To A Schedule When Striving To Restore Your Lawn After Winter

Restoring lawns and gardens back to their pre-winter

glory is high on many a hom-eowner’s landscaping to-do list. in much of the country, the best times to tackle lawn projects are

when temperatures are mod-erate, like in spring and fall. these seasons also mark the best time to seed and fertil-ize.

planting and fertilizing new grass seed should be done when frost is no longer a concern and before frost arrives if you are planting in autumn. according to roger cook, a landscape contrac-tor and contributor to This Old House magazine, sow-ing lawn seed should be done when the soil is warm, the daytime temperatures are moderate and you can keep the new seeds quite moist at

all times. While grass seed can be applied

in the summer, it is more chal-lenging to get the seeds to take root and thrive at this time, as wa-ter is more likely to evaporate un-der the hot sun. also, many weeds

germinate in the heat of summer. as a result, the weeds can infi l-trate areas of the lawn where you planted, compromising the look of your lawn.

the process of reseeding and fertilizing your lawn is relatively similar if you decide to do so in late spring or early fall.

•rake the parts of the lawn you plan to seed and remove any de-bris or rocks.

•apply fertilizer to the cleared planting area. Use a rake or tiller to break up the soil and distribute the fertilizer to a depth of roughly two to four inches. speak with a landscaper about which type of fertilizer you will need depending on where you live. Many fertiliz-

ers contain extra phosphorous to stimulate root growth in the lawn.

•Moisten the prepared area and let the soil settle. You want the soil damp but not so wet that it causes the newly applied fertil-izer to run off.

•Begin to sow the grass seed according to the rate indicated on the seed bag for the type of grass you will be growing. choose a grass seed that will thrive in your climate. certain seeds are more tolerant of drought and sunlight, while other species are better for shady areas or damper climates. again, if you have any questions, consult with a lawn and garden center.

•spread the seed with a broad-

cast spreader. some lawn experts recommend spreading the seed in parallel rows and then repeating the process again in rows set at a right angle to the fi rst series of rows for the best chances of seed coverage. the seeds then can be raked into the soil, covered with a little more soil and patted down.

•Water to keep the seeds damp. this may require watering twice or more per day until the seeds begin to germinate. covering the seeds with about 1⁄4 inch of straw also can help keep the seeds moist, deter seed scavengers and prevent soil erosion. remove the straw once the grass begins to grow.

See APPLY, page 19

Page 16: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015sixteen

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Update your kitchen or bath. add that deck, patio, or home of-fi ce. install new windows. home improvements like these can in-crease the value of your home and make your daily living more comfortable. But they can be ex-pensive. here are four ways that you may be able to fi nd the funds to make that home renovation you desire.

1. Build Cash with InterestNo doubt, a great way to pay

for a home improvement project is to save up and pay in cash. if you have time to save, think about opening a savings account or a certifi cate of deposit (cd) that you’ll use exclusively for build-ing the funds for your renovation. look for a cd or savings account that will pay you high interest.

But in today’s deposit rate en-vironment, it can be diffi cult to grow savings quickly, and you may not want to wait to make re-pairs or other renovations. there are some great lending options with local banks that can help you fi nance home improvement projects sooner, for less than you might think.

2. Take Out a Home Equity Loan

if you have equity in your home you may qualify for a home eq-uity loan. this may be your best

option if you know you need a fi xed amount, and want to lock in a loan interest rate. Many people fi nd they qualify for large loans for ma-jor home pro jec ts . home eq-uity loans typical ly cost less than per-s o n a l loans and credit card loans. that means as long as you’re making timely payments in accordance to your loan agreement, you can often pay less by fi nancing a large expense like home improvement by using the equity in your home instead of charging the amount it costs on a credit card.

do use a home equity loan with care. every time you tap into your equity you reduce the amount you’ll receive when you sell your house – so you’ll want to think about your long-term goals and needs.

3. Open a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

if you have equity in your home but don’t want to commit to a specifi c loan amount up front, you can also consider a home eq-uity line of credit. You’ll only pay interest on the amount you use,

not the entire amount of your line of credit. a line of credit gives you more fl exibility in how much

and when you take out funds, plus you start with a lower i n t e r e s t rate than a home e q u i t y loan. the downside

is that the interest rate you pay does change and can go up. lines of credit commonly carry a vari-able interest rate tied to the prime rate – but there are currently op-

tions available that are less than the prime rate – like the Nau-gatuck Valley savings and loan Under line helOc, which gives you a line that will stay under the prime rate - so it’s a great time to get into a product like this and have a lot of fl exibility over the life of the loan.

4. No Equity or Cash? Apply for a Personal Loan or Unse-cured Home Equity Loan

What if you lack cash, don’t have time to save, and don’t have enough equity in your home? consider a personal loan or an unsecured home equity loan. these types of loans don’t require any home equity. the interest rates for these types of loans vary

but are often lower than credit card interest rates even if you have excellent credit. the amount you qualify for may be less than you could receive through a home equity loan, so it’s always best to talk to a lender about your options.

Which option is best for you? everyone’s needs and situation are different. talk to your local lender. ask about these options and others. Your local lender will help you understand which pay-ment option will cost you the least and best suit your needs.

ann Marino, senior Vice presi-dent, Naugatuck Valley savings and loan, 1.855.5We-leNd (855-593- 5363) equal housing lender, Member Fdic.

Spring Home Improvement

eran-owned. today pal’s has a dedicated truck and tows a 14 foot trailer with a hydro tek hot water pressure washer that is mounted to the trailer, a 250 gal-lon water storage tank for well customers and heavy equipment operators, a 35 gallon chemical tank strictly for roof washing, and enough hose to completely wrap around a home.

What makes pal’s unique?in addition to hot water wash-

ing, we offer deck restoration.

too many people spend countless hours and money building beauti-ful wood decks and watch them deteriorate because the wood is unprotected from weather. rain, melting snow, and morning dew are quickly absorbed by unpro-tected wood causing it to soften and swell.

the sun's heat causes drying which makes the wood shrink. these cycles of wet and dry, swelling and shrinking, cause the wood to warp, split, and crack. pal’s has extensive knowledge with pressure treated, Mahogany, cedar, and ipe wood. We also clean composite decks and rail-

ings to include vinyl siding.We also offer roof cleaning.

GaF, the makers of shingles, discourages power washing a roof. therefore customers are instructed on “soft washing.” pal’s is a certifi ed roof cleaner. Whether you have black streaks, moss, or lichen, it can be safely removed with time and weather. You should never allow a person on your roof to clean with high pressure water.

pal’s power Washing, llc is located at 41 riverside court, southington. For more informa-tion, call (860) 919-8748 or visit www.palspowerwashing.com.

turn into the fi nished renovation.

•emphasize safety. children should understand that tools serve a distinct purpose and that they are not toys. identify and explain the dangerous pieces of equip-ment and instruct children that they should not touch or turn on tools without an adult nearby. Go over the proper ways to handle the tools and explain the purposes of each device. Make sure every-one is wearing safety equipment, including eye protection, gloves and ear protection, while handing the tools.

•demonstrate and then let kids try. children will not have the skills to perform more intricate tasks, but older kids can hammer some nails, mix paint or even cut

wood with supervision. assign tasks based on the child's age. For example, a preteen may be able to saw wood, while a kindergartener can hand over nails and tools. il-lustrate the correct way to get things done and then have chil-dren mirror your actions.

•attempt an easy project fi rst. painting a room, building a plant-er box, or another less complicat-ed project can help parents gauge their kids' abilities.

involving children in home im-provement projects can teach then new skills, give them a greater appreciation of the work that goes into maintaining a house, instill a sense of pride in youngsters, and provide a great chance for kids and their parents to spend quality together.

as you spend time on your knees or crawling around while working on projects close to the ground.

•Back support: Many diY projects involve lifting and transporting heavy objects, and men and women unused to such lifting can quickly suffer an injury if they are not adequately supporting their backs. Wear a back brace and/or weight belt when lifting or moving heavy objects, and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance if you fi nd an object is too heavy to move on your own.

There Are Many Options Available To Pay For Your Projects

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continued from page 5

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Page 17: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home Improvementseventeen

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dean Back-strom, owner of

durable Mailbox of Wallingford, has been installing mailboxes for over 30 years.

he notes that a lot of mailboxes could avoid snow plow damage

Want To Add Value, Space, And Fun? Finish Your BasementBy fi nishing your basement,

you can gain more living space while reducing the amount of energy loss from downstairs. Basements that are not fully fi n-ished typically do not have insu-lated walls or covered fl ooring. this can result in heat loss and cause your furnace to work over-time.

a remodeled basement offers more than additional storage space. it can provide a lot of extra room for a growing family, such as space for a gym, home theatre, offi ce, guest suite, or a playroom for the kids.

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Bad Winter Means Bad News For Mailboxes, But Durable Has The Answers

inviting basement, there are a few project components to consider:

•insulation will make sure your space warm and comfortable. For the best results, install a stone wool insulation product, a mea-sure that can be done easily with the rOXUl comfortBoard is. this product is mechanically fas-tened or adhered to the concrete foundation wall, offering you a higher r-value and better acous-tics.

•drywall will help defi ne the space and make it feel like a part of your home. if you haven’t tackled drywall before, consider hiring a pro to ensure your walls

are seamless. •Flooring should be water

sealed and covered with an in-sulated material. there are many products on the market, but con-sider laying padding before carpet or in-fl oor heating before tiles.

•personalize it with fi nishing touches. select furniture that can fi t down a typically steep stair-case and choose items that com-plement the rest of your home’s décor.

according to statistics provid-ed by top realty sites, a fi nished basement can add anywhere from $20 to $30 a square foot onto the average value of the home.

by being properly installed. Mail-boxes should be placed where a carrier can safely reach inside without leaving the truck. that means positioning it about 41 to 45 inches off the ground with the door of the mailbox six to eight inches from the curb.

installing a mailbox too close to the road almost guarantees it will be damaged by a passing snow plow. complete mailbox guidelines are available at Usps.com.

in 1983, when durable Mail-box started replacing mailboxes,

there were very limited choices, but today there are numerous styles to choose from, ranging from basic to very fancy and ex-pensive. Backstrom has found that some of the most expensive ones look great but are very poor-

ly designed and just aren’t suited for New england weather.

he’s found that most of his customers want a quality mailbox and post at a reasonable price and offers full installations starting at $149.

Page 18: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home Improvementeighteen

Are you ready for your dream renovation? spring

and summer are a perfect time to make those dreams come true.

From beginning to end, from sim-ple design to the all-out elegant and fi tting every budget, sullivan Brothers is your “one stop remod-

eler”. if you have been putting off that

addition, kitchen, bath, basement, deck, patio, garage, window re-

placement or any residential or commercial renovation, now is the time.

sullivan Brothers has been in the building and remodeling busi-ness for nearly 30 years. they can handle any size project from small home and business repairs to a full whole house remodeling. With a solid seasoned staff of craftsman they are ready to bring your dreams to a reality. they will even assist with the design. they have a 5000 sq. ft. show-room to assist in making choices for the fi nishes.

sullivan Brothers takes pride on their detailed workmanship. they provide free detailed esti-mates so that the customer com-pletely understands the project and receives exactly what they

are paying for. they have a full custom woodshop and can build just about anything made out of wood.

they have a reputation for their many years of providing fair and honest pricing along with quality workmanship. they have been voted best contractor for 10 years in the “Waterbury Observer and readers poll”.

they are an “a+” member of the Better Business Bureau; they are members of the Nari re-modeling association of contrac-tors, as well as the Waterbury re-gional chamber and the central connecticut regional chamber.

as John sullivan likes to say; “trust us and sullivan Brothers will turn your dreams into real-ity”.

Let Sullivan Brothers Assist You

Page 19: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015

Spring Home ImprovementNineteen

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costly mistake. contractors often look to subcontractors to perform certain parts of a job, and it is the responsibility of homeowners to vet these workers.

Expecting everything to go as planned

Optimism is great, but you also should be a realist. Knowing what potentially could go wrong puts you in a better position to handle any problems should they arise. the project might go off without a hitch, but plan for a few hiccups along the way.

Overestimating DIY abilitiesOverzealous homeowners may

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•roughly four weeks after the seeds have started to grow, apply another round of fertilizer to re-plenish the top layer of soil with nutrients that may have washed away from the constant watering.

homeowners can employ a similar process to overseed a lawn in the hopes of producing a thicker, more attractive land-scape.

any thatch and debris should be raked away, and the top layer of the lawn surface can be gently aerated. top dress the lawn with a very thin layer of new soil and compost.

Broadcast the seed over the prepared lawn and lightly rake the new seeds to help them settle into the soil. apply fertilizer and water the lawn frequently to keep the new seeds moist.

Once the seed has established itself, you can water the lawn for longer periods and less frequently to help develop strong roots. Wait for the lawn to reach a height of three to four inches before the fi rst cut of the season.

Many homeowners like to take on the challenge of seeding and preparing their lawns. But some may fi nd the task is best left to the professionals.

Apply Another Round Of Fertilizer After Four Weeks

Leaving Some Work To A Professional Can Save You Cash

Customers Encouraged To Voice Any Concerns Or Unhappiness

continued from page 3

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Page 20: Spring Home Improvement 2015

the cheshire herald, april 2, 2015twenty

Disclosed rate includes a .25% discount for auto-deduction from a Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan checking or saving account. Rate is fixed for the first twelve months, and then subsequently rate is tied to prime and subject to change without notice. Variable APR based on The Wall Street Journal “Prime Rate” (“Prime”) published on the last business day of the month (3.25% APR as of 12/31/2014). No Closing Costs. Annual fee of $50.00 waived with auto-deduction. Minimum line amount of $50,000.00. Maximum line amount of $250,000.00. Maximum LTV 80%. Interest only during draw period (120 months). Repayment period of 180 months. For example, a home equity line of credit balance of $50,000 at 1.79% APR and an interest-only payment for the first 12 billing cycles results in initial monthly payments of $74.58. Pre-payment penalty of 1% of the credit limit if loan is closed within the first 12 billing cycles. Single family owner occupied properties in CT. Property insurance required. Flood insurance may be required. All accounts are subject to individual approval. Not available to existing Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan HELOC customers.

Our Under Line is

Under Prime.

1.79APR*%

Apply for a Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan Under Line HELOC.

Use this special home equity line of credit to improve your home, add an addition or deck, consolidate debt, pay for a major expense or keep a

cushion in place for emergencies.

Your Community Banknvsl.com 1.800.251.2161

NMLS # 230907 Equal Housing Lender / Member

1.79% fixed for 12 months, then .51% UNDER Prime

APPLY TODAY Apply online at nvsl.com/UnderLine

Or stop by any one of our branches

Currently at: