2015 - Roanoke Beacon

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Spring HOME A Touch of HOME HOME HOME HOME HOME Upcycling is not just for crafts • Choose renovation projects wisely • Common renovation mistakes • Treating warm weather insects Transform trash into new and useful items A Special Supplerment to the Roanoke Beacon • March 18, 2015 2 ---- Roanoke Beacon Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Spring Home Improvement Add upcycling to your home improvement tools (MS) — Upcycling is not just for craft projects — it offers lots of possibilities to make changes in your home décor, especially cabinets and furniture that will save money and reduce your contribution to the local landfill. Woodcraft can help you with upcycling ideas, products and advice. For the past year, Woodcraft retail stores have hosted upcycling demonstrations on the third Saturday of the month to help customers discover the potential for upcycling in their home projects. “To support this upcycling effort, Woodcraft.com added an Upcycling Resource Center to our website (http:// www.woodcraft.com/media/upcycling. aspx) to introduce viewers to upcycling and announce demo topics and dates,” Vince Grlovich, vice president for sales and marketing, said. “Viewers can also watch a segment of Lifetime’s Designing Spaces where Woodcraft product development manager Kent Harpool shows host Aliane Baquerot how to create a shelf from a wooden pallet.” Both Woodcraft’s Pinterest page (www.pinterest.com/woodcraftsupply/ upcycling) and Instagram gallery (http:// instagram.com/woodcraftgallery) include upcycling ideas, and the blog, Woodworking Adventures (http//:blog. woodcraft.com) has featured upcycling several times. Jewelry Armoire Makeover Inspired by the upcycling trend, many Woodcraft employees have completed projects, including marketing manager Lori Haught, who transformed a 1980s Jewelry Armoire Lori applied Light Blue Donjer Flocking, using a Donjer Mini Flocker. Reassembly of the armoire required System Three 5-Minute Epoxy and a Bessey K-Body REVO Jr. 24” Single Parallel Clamp. Other Popular Upcycling Products Soy-Gel is a 100 percent biodegradable, virtually odorless coating remover. Restor-A-Finish can be used to clean and restore the luster to a clear finish, as well as hide minor issues like scratches. It will also remove water rings. Milk paint is a popular coating, especially for furniture. General Finishes Milk Paint is premixed and available in 28 colors that A few repairs, a new coat of paint, sparkly new pulls, and interior can be mixed to make custom colors flocking turned this piece into a stylish, modern Jewelry Armoire. and lend themselves to decorative effects such as distressing and antiquing. Three coats of General Finishes Black Old Fashioned Milk Paint is a powder (see photo) into a more stylish, modern Gel Stain were applied to the armoire. that comes in 20 colors and is good piece for her bedroom. Although each coat was allowed to She gave it a new coat of paint, new for use on porous surfaces such as bare dry overnight because of other comsilver/glass pulls and flocking on the wood and raw masonry. A special effect drawer interiors. You can see the entire mitments, the actual time required Old Fashioned Milk Paint Crackle between coats is two to four hours. process by visiting Woodworking AdFinish provides a weathered look. ventures and searching for “The Jewelry (Gel stains come in 12 other colors The 23-lb. portable QuikBENCH™ including the popular java.) Two coats is a lightweight, easy-to-set-up workArmoire Makeover.” of General Finishes High Performance bench capable of holding up to 300 lbs. An Irwin Marples Blue Chip Chisel Satin Water-Based Top Coat were was used for the disassembly that was Convert two QuikBENCHES to sawapplied next. required to add new hardware and horses, and together they will hold up To prep for the new hardware, Gold- to 2,000 lbs. Two or more benches can make other changes to Lori’s armoire. en Oak Water-Base Famowood Filler To remove the residue from old be connected together to form a workfinishes and polish, Lori chose Norton was used to plug screw holes. More station. Each bench has a 24”-wide chiseling was required before a pair of Soft Touch Medium 120-180 Grit by 31⁄2” opening vise and a 15-amp, 11⁄2” X 11⁄8” Satin Nickel Stop Hinges circuit protected, three-outlet power Sanding Sponges for the contour detailed areas and Preppin Weapon Sand- could be installed. strip, plus four plastic bench dogs. Before reflocking the drawers, Bulls ing Blocks, loaded with Mirka Abranet To learn more about these and other 23⁄4” x 8” Sanding Sheets, for flat areas. Eye Sealcoat Universal Sanding Sealupcycling products, visit your local er was applied to the interior of the Once the sanding was finished, all Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 drawers and the dividers. Wearing an the pieces were cleaned with General or visit www.woodcraft.com. Finishes Furniture Cleaner using handy Anti Microbial Dust Mask and 6 mil SH152974 Medium Powder Free Nitrile Gloves, Star Wipers rags. Vinyl, Carpet, Ceramic, Laminate & Wood Flooring Chubby’s Carpet Center, Inc. Professional Service ~ We Also Bind Area Rugs ~ [email protected] Hours: M-Th 9-5 • Fri 9-4 • Evenings & Saturdays by Appointment Chubby Woolard 252-975-7544 Fax 252-975-7593 • 3654 Hwy 264 East • Washington, NC From Home Repairs To Building A House Whatever Your Needs May Be, You Can Call Me Concrete Work • Excavating • Roofing L&L General Contractors, Inc. 252-935-5108 252-944-3740 Lester Oliver 5615 Hwy 99 S, Pantego Spring Home Improvement Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Roanoke Beacon ---- 3 0 Add value to your home with these renovations Homeowners choose renovation projects for a variety of reasons. Although many improvements are made to increase functionality and comfort of a home, several others are seen as worthwhile investments. These investments can add up to a higher resale value when the time comes to sell a home. Certain projects have a history of providing a greater return on homeowners’ investments than others. The following renovation tips can add beauty to your home and generate great returns when you put the home up for sale. • Invest in your kitchen. Kitchen remodels are a safe bet when it comes to putting money into improving a home. Residents tend to Finding space to install an extra bathroom in spend a great deal of time a home can be a worthwhile investment. in the kitchen, but a dated, that has a significant impact, is paint. poorly functioning kitchen can detract from the value of a home, Neutral, modern colors can easily liven even if the rest of the home is in good up any space. If you paint with lowshape. It’s possible to recoup between 60 VOC paint, you also can advertise an and 120 percent of your kitchen remod- eco-friendly home, which is very desireel investment, especially if the kitchen able these days. • Put in another bathroom. Multimatches up well with the rest of your ple bathrooms are an attractive selling home. Homeowners should know that a de- point, particularly in older homes that luxe renovation may not be necessary, as may not have been equipped with more relatively moderate improvements can than one bathroom. Finding extra space for a bathroom create a whole new look for a kitchen. can be tricky, but consider closets, ar• Look to paint. One of the least expensive improvement materials, but one eas under stairs or even taking some door living spaces have become more desireable, especially as the “staycation” has grown in popularity. Decks and patios can make backyards more appealing. The scope of your investment will depend on the size of the deck and design. Doing the work yourself can cut the cost of decks in half, but only if you have the specific tools or experience to tackle such a project. • Improve curb appeal. Adding attractive landscaping and freshening up the entryway to a home can add considerable value to your home, as buyers judge homes by their exteriors. Completely renovated interiors may never be seen if buyers pass up your home because of a less attractive exterior. Classy, subtle changes, like well-placed shrubbery and a green lawn, can work wonders. An inviting front door and well-lit entryway also add curb appeal to a home. Before making improvements, homeowners should determine if a given project will provide a solid return on their investment. SH152894 CommerCial residential Grading • Paving • Sealcoating • Striping Mike Terry, President PO Box 22 Ahoskie, NC 27910 252.862.1000 Seamless Gutters FIBER-FAST High Speed INTERNET • TV • PHONE IN A BUNDLE 100 space away from another room. Popular home-improvement television channel HGTV advises that half-bathrooms require at least 18 square feet of space, while full baths need 30 to 35 square feet for a stand-up shower or bathtub. • Renovate the HVAC system. Aesthetic improvements aren’t the only ones that add value to a home. Many home buyers are eager to purchase a home that has a new heating and cooling system, as buyers understand that furnaces and air conditioning units are substantial investments that can last for years. Other improvements, such as adding attic insulation or replacing older windows and doors with more energy efficient options, also are smart bets. • Add illumination to rooms. A dark home is a dreary home. Adding light can mean including more overhead and accent lighting. Under-cabinet task lighting is a nice touch. Inclusion of skylights and sun tubes can bring natural light into rooms that may not have south- or west-facing windows. • Put a deck addition outdoors. Out- MEG Internet Available* 1-252-964-1515 www.tricountyoffers.com PROMOCODE DTTCPC1 *Limited time offer. Restrictions apply. Call for details C.S. Collins Construction Free Estimates • 20 Year Warranty Residential • Commercial Craig Collins (252) 341-3568 cell Serving Eastern NC 4 ---- Roanoke Beacon Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Spring Home Improvement Common mistakes made on home renovation projects Home improvement projects can turn a house into a home. Homeowners plan scores of renovations to transform living spaces into rooms that reflect their personal tastes and comforts. Homeowners going it alone may find things do not always go as planned. In fact, a study found that 85 percent of homeowners say remodeling is more stressful than buying a home. But homeowners 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 realize just how big a commitment they have made until they get their hands dirty. But understanding the scope of the project, including how much demolition and reconstruction is involved and how much time a project will take can help homeowners avoid some of the stress. For example, a bathroom renovation may require the removal of drywall, reinforcement of flooring to accommodate a new bathtub or shower enclosure and the installation of new plumbing and wiring behind walls. Not establishing a budget Homeowners must develop a project budget to ensure their projects do not drain their finances. If your budget is so inflexible that you can’t afford the materials you prefer, you may want to postpone the project and save more money until afford to do it right. Without a budget in place, it is easy to overspend. Worrying about coming up with money to pay for materials and labor also can induce stress. Avoid the anxiety by setting a firm budget. Making or overpersonal 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 improvements 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 renovations that will look beautiful through the ages and avoid choices that 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 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 abilities Overzealous homeowners may see a renovation project in a magazine or on television and immediately think they can do the work themselves. Unless you have the tools and the skills necessary to do the work, tackling too much can be problematic. In the long run, leaving the work to a professional may save you money. Home improvements can be stressful, but homeowners can lessen that stress by avoiding common renovation mista kes. SH152893 Barnhill’S ServiceS, inc. Service, Repair and Installation on Heating • Air Conditioning • Refrigeration • Electrical Call us for all your HVAC needs 1811 W. Main St. Williamston, NC Tel: 252-792-3466 Fax: 252-792-2736 Over 45 years in Business James A. Barnhill, Owner over 45 years experience Member Built-Rite ConstRuCtion GeorGe T. Holliday 1204 Jenny Harrison road Williamston, NC 27892 Phone (252) 792-7903 Cell (252) 809-2178 Spring Home Improvement Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Roanoke Beacon ---- 5 Find the best method of treating warm weather insects Homeowners know that the arrival of spring also marks the re-emergence of insects. 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 homeowners to call in a professional. The Entomological Society of America points out that homeowners 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. Furthermore, what occurred one year certainly may not be repeated the next. One year a yard may be overcome with ants, while the next year it may suffer through an earwig infestation. The first step to curtail insects is to determine if the insects they see are genuine threats to lawns. Some bugs emerge and swarm early in the season, but then gradually disappear. 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 controlled 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 insecticides can first try to remedy HOMETOWN STORE SUNDAY, MARCH 22, & MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 Appliances • Lawn & Garden % 25% ALL APPLIANCES & off FLOOR CARE 10 extra extra 15 211 S. Broad St., Edenton noying pests. If an insect problem seems out of control or if you need a professional opinion about the damage being done to your home or landscape, consult with an exterminator. Licensed exterminators have the training and expertise to assess insect concerns and create a plan of action that will minimize the risk to inhabitants of your home and nearby wildlife. An exterminator 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 on their own, but especially problematic infestations may require the help of experienced exterminators. GT154060 FAMILY & FRIENDS TWO DAYS ONLY!! LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (12) Exclusions apply. Offers good 3/22 & 3/23 only. the problem naturally. Sometimes it’s just a matter of making a yard less hospitable to insects. Remove leaves and clean up debris close to the house, as these can both encourage infestations. Piles of rotting wood or leftover firewood 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 flea deterrent. Some homeowners have had success planting marigolds around their yards to serve as a natural bug repellent because the flowers produce a scent that many insects find repulsive. Thai lemon grass plants also can be used to keep mosquitoes at bay. Remember, natural predators, such as birds, bats, spiders, and larger insects, feed on nuisance bugs. Keeping these helpful predators around may be an effective and natural way for homeowners to control an- off MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES %ALMOST off EVERYTHING ELSE SAVE $159 Tools • 440.99FINAL AFTER ADDITIONAL 10% SAVINGS Night Therapy Elite 10” memory foam queen mattress 0821 1068 Reg. 599.99, now 489.99 482-4004 • $ M-Sat 8:30 am - 6 pm • Sun 12 Noon - 5 pm Exercise Equipment • Mattresses and More! 6 ---- Roanoke Beacon Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Spring Home Improvement Transform trash into new and useful items United States Environmental Protection Agency says that Americans generate around 4.6 pounds of trash per person, per day. Sixty-five percent of that trash comes from personal residences, and more than half ends up buried in landfills. Handling trash is a mammoth task. One of the easiest ways to tackle it is to reduce the amount of garbage we produce. Turning some trash into useful items is one way to manage waste. Many items that typically find their way into landfills can be turned into new tools. Glass bottles and jars Even though glass items are regularly recycled, it’s possible to repurpose glass containers around the house. Empty wine bottles and jars can make lovely candleholders. Pair glass items with a soy candle and cast delicate light on surroundings without using other resources. Scores of craft projects can be made from jars. Jars with lids can be repurposed into storage containers for home improvement and craft supplies. Such jars also can be used to store other foods. Books In an era of ebooks and digital news, more and more books are finding their way into landfills. But books can be turned into decorative items. Gluing or attaching books together makes for an interesting storage shelf. Stacked and secured books can be transformed into a conversation piece, such as a side or coffee table. Hollow out a niche inside of the pages of a book to use as a treasure chest or to store jewelry. Jewelry Various items can be repurposed into jewelry after their initial use. Bracelets can be made from discarded electronic LYON METAL ROOFING Rinsed food jars can be used to store coins, pencils, craft supplies, or whatever other small items you can think of. components or recycled paper. Even plastic bread clips can be strung together for an eclectic looking piece of jewelry. Old clothes Many people donate their old clothes to the needy, and such gestures help support charitable efforts that benefit the less fortunate. But old clothes also can be turned into may different items, even by those people with only minimal sewing skills. Use cotton, linen or even polyester clothes to create tote bags or wine caddies. Turn discarded clothes into items for doll dress-up. Or, use fabric from clothes to make slipcovers for throw pillows. Small swatches of fabric can be sewn together for change purses or to hold mobile phones. Plastic bottles Trimming plastic bottles into different shapes creates possibilities for various storage containers. Turn an empty shampoo bottle into a device charging station that hangs from an outlet, keeping charging cords tidy. Or trim a plastic bottle to form a phone holder that can be attached to a bicycle. Empty milk containers can be turned into indoor terrariums or to start seedlings before spring planting. Paper Paper is another household item that need not find its way into landfills. Scraps of paper can be bound together to form note pads, and documents can be printed on the back of previously used pieces of paper to fuel conservation efforts. Shredded paper can be used as filler for mailing packages or as decorative confetti inside of gift bags. It also can be used to stuff dolls and toys made from recycled fabric. So many items are deemed trash and taken for granted. But before tossing items into the garbage, consider how they can be upcycled into useful new products. TF152912 RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL & AGRICULTURAL Jimʼs ready for your Spring tune-up needs!! “You bring it in, weʼll look at it”. “ROOFING FOR A LIFETIME” Small Engine Repair certified for Paint Agriculture supplies & parts 24 Colors to Choose From! 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