fall home improvement - hampton chronicle€¢ mulch: shredded leaves can make for a great amendment...

HAMPTON CHRONICLEOCTOBER 28, 2015 | SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE

Featured INSIDE:INSIDE: Dumont Harken Lumber • Hampton State Bank • King Construction & Overhead Door, Inc.Jerry Koch, Ceramic Tile • Sharar’s Floor Covering • M-G Floor Decor • Schrock Concrete • Mort’s Water Company ~ Mort’s Plumbing & Heating

King’s Hometown • Olberding Floors • Affordable Tree Service • Green Belt Bank & Trust • Evans Furniture & Floor Covering, Inc. • Ackley Painting CompanyFirst Bank Hampton • Servpro • Dorenkamp Custom Construction • Craighton Electric • Iowa Falls State Bank • United Bank & Trust Company • Pro-Build

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2015IMPROVEMENT

fall home

2 Wednesday, October 28, 2015 Hampton ChronicleFALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

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(MS)

As winter approaches, home-owners know they must do certain things to ready their homes for the coming

months. Wrapping up the grill and clos-ing the pool are no-brainers, but home-owners also must prioritize winterizing their homes to ensure homes withstand the winter. Winterizing tasks range from small to big, but each can protect a home and its inhabitants and some can even save homeowners a substantial amount of money. The following are four simple ways to winterize your home.

1. Plug leaks Leaky windows and doorways can cost homeowners money year-round, allowing cold air to escape on hot sum-mer afternoons and letting cold air in on brisk winter nights. When such leaks aren’t fi xed, homeowners are more li-able to turn up their air conditioners or heaters, unnecessarily padding their en-ergy bills along the way. Before winter arrives, check areas around windows and door frames for leaks, as well as any additional openings, such as chimneys, that may allow cold air in. Use caulk or weather strips to plug these leaks, and

enjoy your warmer home and lower en-ergy bills as winter weather gets colder and colder.

2. Inspect your chimney If your home has a chimney, chanc-es are you have not used it since last winter. During that time, the chimney has likely accumulated some dirt and grime, and may even have served as home to some uninvited critters. As the season for fi reside chats approaches, have your chimney serviced by a pro-fessional so it’s ready for use and you are not greeted by some unwanted guests upon lighting your fi rst fi re.

3. Clear the yard Autumn days, particularly late au-tumn days, can be gusty, and strong winds can cause branches to fall off trees. Branches big and small can cause damage to cars, siding and roofs, and smaller branches can get clogged in gutters, potentially causing gutters to back up and leading to leaky roofs that damage a home’s interior. Take a walk around your property at least once per week during the fall, clearing any fallen limbs and trimming branches that ap-pear one strong gust away from falling off of trees. Remove any branches that are hanging over your home and drive-

way so they don’t pose a threat to your house or vehicles.

4. Turn off outdoor water supplies When temperatures get especially low, pipes with water still in them can freeze and burst, potentially leading to signifi cant water damage. When you no longer need to water the lawn and when temperatures get too cold to wash your

car in the driveway, be sure to shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems. Once you do that, drain them so no water is sitting in the pipes when temperatures dip.There are many ways to winterize a home, and homeowners should take ev-ery precaution necessary to ensure their homes are safe and warm as the cold weather season approaches. ■

4 SIMPLE WAYS to winterize your home

Trimming hanging branches and removing debris from their yards is one simple way homeowners can prepare their properties for winter.

Hampton Chronicle Wednesday, October 28, 2015 3FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

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(MS)

Leaves cascading down from trees indicate the arrival of autumn. However, colorful and awe-inspiring autumn

leaves can be a hazard if left to lie on the ground too long. Fallen leaves form a dense insulator to protect trees’ roots and prevent com-peting plants from growing. Decompos-ing leaves also provide nutrients for the tree. But wet leaves can be a safety haz-ard and leaves left on the lawn through the winter can pose a threat to the grass. These are just a couple of reasons why so much effort is placed on leaf clean-up in the fall. The following are some creative ways to recycle leaves that fall from your trees in the weeks to come. • Mulch: Shredded leaves can make for a great amendment to fertilizer for garden beds and even the lawn. Leaves lying on the grass can be mulched into small pieces with a mulching mower so they don’t choke the blades of grass. Leaves also can be broken down with a string trimmer, a leaf blower that has a vacuum function or a commercial shredder/chipper. Add the shredded

leaves to a compost pile or use them to fi ll container plants before adding regu-lar potting soil. • Insulation: Collect leaves to mound over delicate perennial plants and shrubs. The leaves will add more warmth to the soil and may help plants make it through harsh winters. Just re-move the leaves slowly when spring ar-rives so that the soil underneath can get the sunlight and water it needs to thrive. Leave some leaves in the yard so that animals can use them as nesting mate-rial and line their dens for the winter. • Stuffi ng: Create whimsical scare-crows as part of your autumn decoration scheme. Gather older clothes that you no longer use and stuff the sleeves of shirts and the legs of pants with leaves, which are less expensive and easier to come by than straw. Use a few pieces of straw around the neck and hand areas of the scarecrow for visual effect. Tie off

with twine and display your scarecrow. • Bedding: Chicken own-ers can use fallen leaves as bedding in their chicken coops. Dry leaves also may create more comfortable and drier conditions for goats and other livestock. Goats may look to recently fallen leaves as a nutritious food source. Gather the leaves and let the goats munch before you fur-ther rake and compost the leaves. • Decorations: Natural

leaves can be used as decorations both inside and outside a home. String fresh-ly fallen leaves together and wrap them

around a grapevine wreath for a rustic door decoration. Leaves can be placed in clear vases and put on display for a cheap way to showcase some autumn color. Preserve favorite leaves with a lamination machine or by sealing them between heated sheets of waxed pa-per. Cut out the leaf shapes and use for hanging window decorations. • Recreation: Leaves have long been favorite toys for children, who eagerly await jumping into large piles of fallen leaves. Fill paper bags with leaves and draw a target on the front. Let kids test their skill aiming for the targets. Chil-dren can camoufl age their clothing with leaves and masking tape and have a more intense session of “hide and seek.” ■

CREATIVE WAYS to recycle leaves


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(StatePoint)

There are many reasons why a home could need a door makeover. Entry doors, like other major components

of the home, can wear out over time and need to be replaced. Additionally, homeowners may “inherit” a door on a home they’ve recently purchased and wish to change the style to a better one in order to complement their home’s personality.

“Homeowners don’t need to live with a front entry door that they don’t like or that has become ineffi cient over time,” says Donna Contat at Therma-Tru Corp., a leading entry door brand. ”From a curb appeal and investment standpoint, it can make good economic sense to replace a front entry door.”

In fact, entry door replacement con-sistently ranks among the most valu-able remodeling projects in the annual “Cost vs. Value Report,” published by Remodeling magazine.

The experts at Therma-Tru are of-fering tips for evaluating your current door, and insights on door aesthetics and components.

• Evaluate Your Door: Touch your door. If you can feel the exterior tem-peratures from the inside, you may not have adequate insulation. Also check its appearance. For wood doors, check for warping or rotting. For steel, check for dings and rust. Final item: does the style of your door match the design of your home?

• What’s Inside Your Door: A door is actually a system of various compo-nents. Locks should operate smoothly and be strong enough to help protect your home. A multi-point locking sys-tem that engages a series of locks at several places on the frame can offer peace-of-mind.

• Slam Your Door: Doors experience wear and tear over time. Be sure any replacement door you purchase is con-structed and tested to withstand harsh treatment. Consider materials such as fi berglass, which can offer the beau-ty of such classic materials as wood, while being low-maintenance and long-lasting.

• Door Appeal: Curb appeal isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the wow factor people get when they drive by your home and

the cozy feel that welcomes guests to come in and stay a while. Try a paint-able fi berglass door to add a pop of color or stick to the classic look of wood grain, which, when stained, adds warmth. Either way, you can make your home’s entryway stand out with a door

trim surround kit, such as those from Fypon, as well as decorative or privacy glass for doorlites and sidelites. Home begins at the front door. Take steps to give your home a grand en-trance by upgrading this important fea-ture. ■

A fi berglass door with doorlites and sidelites creates a stunning entryway.

MAKE OVER YOUR DOOR: Tips to Make a Grand Entrance


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• Do your homework. Before you decide to make changes to your home, it's best to fi rst do some research into any potential projects you're considering. Many homeown-ers have decided to dive into a project before they fully realize its scope and cost, and going in blind can bust a budget, turn-ing what might have seemed

like a relatively simple project into a money pit. Understanding just what a project entails and how much it's likely to cost can give homeowners an idea of what they can afford and where they might be able to stretch their budgets. For example, if you want to replace your kitchen countertops but can't afford

engineered quartz countertops, you might be able to fi nd a less expensive alternative, such as tile, that you like just as much. But it's best to research such al-ternatives before you decide to replace your existing counter-tops. If you can't fi nd a less ex-pensive alternative, you might want to postpone the project until you can grow your bud-

How to stay within your HOME IMPROVEMENT BUDGET

get. But starting the project without fi rst grasping its true cost is a recipe for di-saster, so do your homework before you fi nd your toolbox and start working.

• Build unforeseen expenses into your budget. Another way to stay within your budget is to include budget-busting unforeseen expenses into the budget from the get-go. Whether you're doing the project yourself or paying a contractor, nearly every home improvement project will present some unforeseen, and costly, hurdles. For example, you might fi nd mold inside the walls when you're con-verting a basement, and it can cost a pretty penny to make that mold go away. If you go into the project expecting such hurdles, then the fi nancial sting of

addressing them won't prove too great a burden. But if the mold catches you and your budget completely off guard, you might be forced to overextend that bud-get or make sacrifi ces elsewhere in or-der to complete the project. Build some contingency money, including permit and permit fees, into your home im-provement project to safeguard against such unforeseen issues.

• Get to work. If you're hiring a contractor, speak to him or her before signing a contract to see if there is anywhere you can pitch in to keep the labor costs low. You might be able to pitch in during the demoli-tion phase, saving the cost of paying your contractor's workers to tear down walls or remove debris you can just as easily remove yourself. Another way to pitch in is to do the end-of-day cleanup yourself. Any role you play with regard to labor will likely need to be negoti-ated upfront, but you can save yourself a substantial amount of money on labor if you're willing to get your hands dirty.

• Determine if piecemeal is the most affordable option. Sometimes it makes sense to tackle one project at a time, while other times you might want to combine projects to save on the cost of materials. For instance, if your ultimate goal is to install wood fl ooring throughout your home, deter-mine if it makes more fi nancial sense to install the fl ooring all at once rather than doing one or two rooms at a time. You might save by buying all of your materials at once rather than buying a small amount of materials several times over the next several years.

Home improvement projects often go a long way toward making a home more enjoyable for its owners and in-habitants. And while such projects can be costly, homeowners who stay disci-plined can still get their dream homes without busting their budgets. ■

Homeowners willing and able to pitch in on their home projects can save themselves a substantial amount of money on labor costs.

(MS)

Home improvement projects range from small scale undertakings that can be tackled in a single weekend to large remodels that can take several

months to complete. While no two projects are the same, every home improvement project de-

mands that homeowners dip into their pockets and spend some money. Much like the scale of projects varies greatly, so, too, do the fi nancial commitments required of homeowners to make those projects a reality. But no matter the size of the project, homeown-ers can fi nd ways to stretch their budgets without sacrifi cing the quality of their improvements.


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Tree Trimming & Removal Trees don’t always fall in a predict-able manner, creating a hazard for your-self and your property. It’s best to con-sult a certifi ed arborist, no matter how handy you are with power tools. “If a tree falls during a storm, a DIY mishap, or a careless neighbor’s land-scaping project, take photos and contact your claims adjuster as soon as possi-ble,” says Erie Insurance Vice President and Product Manager, Joe Vahey. “Your adjuster can help evaluate the damage and explain how your homeowners in-surance can help.”

Asbestos Removal Many homes built before 1980 con-tain asbestos. Before renovating, it’s a smart idea to have your home inspected for asbestos-containing materials by ac-credited professionals. Leave clean-up to experts, and limit your exposure to the area. Inhaling airborne fi bers may cause harmful respiratory problems.

Roof Repair When faced with severe storm dam-age, homeowners often look for a quick fi x for roof damage. Rather than running the risk of falling or injuring yourself, have your homeowners in-surance claims adjuster verify damage

and schedule repair work with an expe-rienced company. In the long run, this will save you time, money and help you avoid injuries.

Electrical Repairs While it may be easy to change a light switch or install a ceiling fan (make sure your power is turned off before you start), replacing circuits and other larger projects should be done by professionals. This will prevent shocks, injuries and potential fi res, while ensur-ing your home is up to building codes if you eventually plan to sell.

Gas Appliance Repairs Properly cutting off or hooking up gas lines can be tricky, so leave gas ap-pliance repairs to the professionals to protect against potential gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Knocking Down Walls If you’re looking for an open fl oor plan, think before tearing down walls yourself. Do you know which walls are load-bearing and where plumbing or electrical lines are located? Profession-als will know how to best navigate the project from start to fi nish so you stay safe, and your home stays intact.

The 7 MOST DANGEROUS DIY Home Renovations

(StatePoint)

One in fi ve DIY-ers tackling home renovations ends up in the hospital each year due to accidents, according to the Home Safety Council. Don’t become a statistic.Here are the seven most dangerous DIY home renovations you should

leave to the experts.

Pest Control Not all pest-control products should be handled by the average consumer. Keep your family safe by hiring a pest control company to handle toxic sub-stances properly.

Before taking on your next big proj-ect, think about where you can bring in the pros to save time and money in the long run, and keep your family safe and sound. If accidents do occur during the DIY renovation process, be sure to loop in your insurance claims agent to help assess any damage. ■

Some home renovations, like tree trimming, are better left to the experts.


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(MS)

Though spring cleaning might have the name recognition, many homeowners spend just as much time cleaning their homes in the fall as they do in the spring. Spring might be

the season for clearing out the clutter, but fall is when homeowners prepare their homes for the long winter months ahead. End-of-summer cleaning is essential for homeowners who want to ensure their homes are not only cozy and comfortable, but healthy as well. The following are a few tips homeowners can employ to ensure their home is a welcoming and healthy respite from the winter cold. Homeowners should clean seasonal items, including patio furniture, before storing them away for the winter.

Clean seasonal items before storing them away. When summer has ended, homeowners must place all the items reminiscent of summer, including the grill, patio furniture and lawn and garden equipment, in storage. Spray Nine® Cleaner & Disinfectant can quickly remove a season’s worth of dirt and grease, ensuring those seasonal items are ready to go when spring makes its triumphant and long-awaited return.

Address mold and mildew ahead of time. Winter can trap moisture inside a home, creating an environment that is ideal for the growth of mold and mildew. Mold spores can grow inside a home and compromise the health of a home’s residents, while mildew’s strong odor can make the indoors very unpleasant. As summer ends, homeowners can use Spray Nine Cleaner & Disinfectant to kill the fungus that creates mold and mildew. The product also has a “fungicidal mildewstat” formulation, which helps prevent regrowth of mold and ensures the home is odor-free in the months ahead. Homeowners can use it to treat garbage cans, basements and rooms where pets spend ample time to ensure that the odor doesn’t overtake the home when the windows are closed for the season.

Get a head start on fi ghting the fl u. Perhaps no winter foe is more formidable than the fl u, which can fi nd its way into a home, spreading rapidly among residents, especially if a home has not been adequately cleaned. Spray Nine Cleaner & Disinfectant kills viruses and bacteria in as little as 30 seconds, including the Infl uenza A2 Virus, Salmonella Choleraesuis, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Oftentimes, viruses such as the fl u are spread when an infected resident touches an item in the home and then that item isn’t cleaned, enabling the virus or bacteria to spread to others. Spray Nine also makes a Spray Nine Lemon Scented Multi-Purpose Cleaner & Disinfectant, which can handle the same tough cleaning, disinfecting and stain removing task that Spray Nine is famous for, but also deodorizes with a pleasant lemon scent.

Make the most of END-OF-SUMMER

CLEANUP

Clean out the garage. A garage that’s clear of clutter can be used to safeguard a vehicle from those inevitable winter snowstorms while saving homeowners the hassle of digging their car out of all that ice and snow. What’s more, cleaning the garage at the end of summer creates more room for lawn chairs and other seasonal items that must be stored away before the arrival of winter.

Don’t forget the fi replace. While fi replaces are largely ignored during the summer months, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the fi replace with family and friends once winter weather has arrived. But before burning the season’s fi rst fi re, be sure to remove any potential safety hazards that might have accumulated near the fi replace, such as old newspapers or magazines, during those months when the fi replace was not in use. Clean the inside of the fi replace as well, making sure to remove any ash, carbon deposits, creosote build-up, dust, smoke residue, and soot before using the fi replace. ■


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MODERN DESIGN TIPS to Set Your Home Apart

(StatePoint)

I f it’s time for a remodel -- or even just a refresh of your home’s dated décor – it may be time to think modern. Innovations in technology and design can offer your home effi ciency, luxury and sophistication, and even improve your

home’s resale value. Here are a few trends to consider.

home. While fi replaces may no longer serve as the primary way people heat their homes, they continue to be a focal point, both aesthetically and as a gathering place for fam-ily and friends, even in spaces characterized by modern de-sign. New gas fi replace designs are focusing on clean lines, sometimes replacing logs with materials like crushed glass, and the traditional masonry look with metallic fronts. Also consider incorporating a fi replace into your kitchen, bathroom, master bedroom or anywhere you want to create ambiance with a stunning focal point. Check out options spe-cifi cally designed to fi t smaller rooms or unique spaces – like the REVO, which is only seven

inches deep and features vent-ing technology that opens up opportunities for installation in places and homes previously thought impossible. From a resale perspective, a fi replace adds $3,600 on av-erage to the value of a home,

and creates a design focal point that sets it apart from the rest of the inventory on the market.

• Hidden StorageFor a modern look, the more devoid your space is of clut-ter, the better. And this goal in minimalism is informing many homeowners’ design decisions. Look for spaces that can serve as hidden, unique storage solu-tions, like carve outs or draw-ers that extend from under the staircase or storage spaces built between rooms. These modern twists on traditional storage will allow you to keep those items you need, but don’t want displayed, out of sight but not out of mind. Modern design can set your home apart, offering sophisti-cation and effi ciency without compromising comfort. ■


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(MS)

Fall and winter can be tough on your home and your wallet. As temperatures drop, chances are your fur-nace will be working overtime. This results in two things –greater energy consumption and higher

heating bills. In fact, costs associated with heating and cool-ing a home year-round typically comprise two-thirds of the average energy bill. Try these easy DIY projects to help cut down on energy loss and expenses:

1. Replace worn weather-stripping around doors and windows. Worn weather-stripping can cre-ate drafts and let heated air out, stress-ing your furnace and compromis-ing your comfort. Replacing it takes little time and is a low-cost, high-impact solution.

2. Top up or replace old insulation in your attic. A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss. Also, over time, some types of insulation can set-tle and compact, allowing heat to escape through gaps. Experts recommend topping up or replacing attic insulation with a dimen-sionally stable batt insulation like Roxul Com-fortbatt. Aim for an R-value of at least R-50 or a depth of roughly 16 inches.

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3. Insulate basement headers and walls. Uninsulated basement headers are common, especially in older homes. They can act as a gateway for heated air to escape. Fixing the problem is fast and easy. Simply cut Comfortbatt mineral wool insulation to fi t the cavity and compress into place. Doing this throughout your basement will prevent heat loss and can potentially save hundreds of dollars each year.

4. Caulk around windows. Cracks and crevices are a source of heat loss. They can also be an entry point for water/moisture, as well as for unwelcome insects. Preventative maintenance, such as caulking, can improve energy effi ciency and prevent costly repairs.

5. Change your furnace fi lter. Make it a point to check your furnace fi lter month-ly, always changing it when it’s dirty. This will improve the performance and ef-fi ciency of your furnace, saving you money. ■


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(MS)

Despite other intentions, homeowners often turn their garages into storage cen-ters for random, little-used

items, leaving little to no room for the tools and even vehicles that actually belong in a garage. Such homeowners may turn to sheds to store their garage overfl ow and keep yard equipment at the ready, but storage sheds are not im-mune to clutter, and homeowners may fi nd the very structure erected to keep them organized requires a bit of organi-zation itself. A well-organized shed can save homeowners time and energy, as it’s easy to abandon or delay a project if you can’t fi nd that pair of work gloves you stashed. The fi rst step to any organiz-ing project is to take everything out of the shed and determine just what needs to go back in. Items that do not belong in the shed should be moved to their rightful locations or tossed in the trash if they’re no longer needed. Make a pile of anything that will be kept, a separate one for donations and a third for gar-bage. Take inventory of what you have so you know whether you’re missing any items or you have something and

do not need to purchase another. Now that the entire shed is empty, you can assess just how much room you have. Utilizing vertical and over-head space effectively can free up areas on the fl oor for larger equipment.Shelving, racks, pegboards and any other materials that enable you to hang or store items off the fl oor are good investments. Visit your nearby home improvement retailer to fi nd items that can simplify your storage. You also may be able to put scrap wood to use to make your own storage shelves or a work bench. Extra kitchen cabinets can be installed in the shed to organize ad-ditional items. In order to remember where items go, label or sort them accordingly. Some people like to take organiza-tion a step further by tracing the outline of tools hung on the wall so they can be placed back in the same spot after use. This also serves as a visual reminder of which tools are missing and which ones need to be purchased. Don’t forget to utilize shed doors as additional storage space. Hang fre-quently used tools, such as rakes and shovels, on the inside of the doors so they will always be easily accessible.You also can repurpose storage solu-

Secrets to keeping an ORGANIZED SHED

tions designed for other areas of the home. For example, magnetic knife holders can be mounted to a shed wall to keep paintbrushes organized. These holders also can be used to keep many small metal tools tidy. Metal funnels can hold twine and string. Thread through the narrow end of the funnel for a handy dispenser. Keep dangerous substances off the fl oor and out of reach. Gasoline, chemi-cal fertilizers and other potentially

dangerous substances should be stored high up to keep pets and children safe.Make sure the shed fl oor is sturdy and level. This makes it easier to neatly store larger items. Roll in the lawnmower, wheelbarrow and any other cumber-some items. Now that more things are mounted vertically, you should fi nd that you have more area to move around. Taking the time to clean and orga-nize a shed can help make anyone more productive. ■

Hanging items vertically frees up more space in a shed or garage.

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Autumn is upon us, and with the change of seasons comes the fall to-do list that must be completed before the arrival of winter weather. Many outdoor jobs are best com-

pleted before temperatures drop, while others can be tackled indoors to help save energy and prepare for increased time spent inside the home. A few tips can help homeowners prepare for au-tumn in eco-friendly ways.

Earth-friendly tipsfor autumn

Home repairs: Check the roof for any missing shin-gles. In addition, look for spots where animals or in-sects may be able to gain entry into your home. Seal these areas and repair any leaks. This will make your home more effi cient later on when winter hits its stride. Remove window air conditioners for the winter. If they can’t be removed, seal them with caulking or tape and cover them with an airtight, insulated jacket. If you have forced-air systems, move furniture away from the vents so that air can fl ow better around the home and keep it comfortable. Check weatherstripping around windows and doors and make the necessary adjustments. Installing additional insulation also can help reduce energy con-sumption.

Clothing donations: It’s time to pack away summer clothing and once again fi ll closets and drawers with sweaters and jeans. Before packing away your sum-mer wardrobe, conduct an inventory to determine if there are any items you no longer use. Donate these items or use them as rags when cleaning.Keep some short-sleeved shirts accessible so you can layer them under sweatshirts and sweaters. The heat from layering will be trapped against your body and keep you cozier.

Outdoor cleanup: Autumn means leaves are fall-ing from trees and littering landscapes. Cleaning up leaves can be a time-consuming task, but it’s neces-sary to promote the health of lawns and other plants. Grass that is completely matted down with leaves can become starved for light and moisture, and lawns may even rot when forced to spend winter beneath fallen leaves. One eco-friendly timesaver is to shred leaves with a mower (a manual mower is preferable) and leave them as topdressing for the lawn. As long as the grass blades can be seen within the leaves, the lawn should be fi ne. Shredded leaves will decompose and add nec-essary nutrients and organic matter to the soil natu-rally. Leaves also can be used in annual fl ower and veg-etable gardens to improve the soil. Mulch made from shredded leaves can be placed on the soil around trees and shrubs. This helps to reduce weed problems and protects root systems from harsh temperature fl uctua-tions. ■


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Acres upon acres of landscape may be under siege this winter, and not by foraging animals looking for food.

Soil erosion is a signifi cant problem when the temperatures dip, as snow-storms and wind can blow unprotected soil away. What’s more, when warmer weather returns, even more soil may erode from spring melt and runoff. Unprotected soil that is exposed to wet and windy weather can quickly deteriorate. Especially harsh winter weather can cause soil to break down, subjecting the soil to erosive forces. Soil loss is wasteful and can compro-mise landscapes, leaving lawns and gardens susceptible to further damage. To combat poorly performing gardens, landscapers may have to rely more heavily on chemical fertilizers and sup-plements, neither of which is an espe-cially eco-friendly alternative. Rather than reacting to the problem of soil erosion, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect soil before

winter weather has a chance to wreak havoc. Composting can protect and improve soil con-ditions throughout the winter season. Some people see garden-ing as a spring and summer activity. However, by making gardening a year-round ef-fort – and choosing plants for all seasons – homeowners can protect landscapes and provide hardy habitats for wildlife. Speak with a landscap-ing professional about which plants are hardy enough to survive through the fall and winter seasons. Certain orna-mental bushes and shrubs can thrive in colder temperatures. Root vegetables, such as car-rots and potatoes, are viable in the winter months. Many peo-ple plant fl ower bulbs in early winter to protect the soil and to enjoy vibrant color upon the arrival of spring. If your goal is to plant a placeholder for spring crops or plants, cover plants, such as rye, are an ideal winter protec-tion crop. Rye will remain rooted into spring and then can be mulched into a soil amendment. Another solution is to use leaves and other compost matter to cover na-ked soil until planting resumes. The compost will be heavy enough to stay in place and will add healthy soil nutri-

ents, including potassium, phosphorous and nitrogen, as it decomposes. Place a breathable soil fabric on the compost to help slow decomposition. Soil fabric also can be used elsewhere to protect soil and plants where thick layers of compost may not be practical. Some home landscapers and gar-deners may overlook the importance of preventing soil erosion during the winter. But preventing such erosion can protect resources and guarantee a landscape that is ready to thrive when spring planting season returns. ■

How to prevent

WINTER SOIL EROSION

Homeowners can take steps in the fall to prevent winter soil erosion.

DID YOU KNOW?Smartphones can make the home improvement process that much easier. Various smartphone apps now exist, and many were designed with the intention of making it easier to plan and execute home improvement projects. Some apps allow smartphone users to more easily match the colors of their furnishings with certain accents and accessories, saving homeowners the time spent wondering if certain items will match or clash with their existing furnishings. Homeowners can even make use of apps that make it easier for them to see how new furniture will fi t in their existing spaces. Of course, homeowners also can take photos of their furnishings on their smartphones as well, and then compare those photos to shades of paint or carpet to save themselves from making a second trip to the store.


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With the economy still struggling, money is tight for many home-owners. That reality can

present a problem to those who want to improve their homes without spending too much money. The cost of a home improvement project depends on a host of factors, in-cluding the scale of the project and the availability of materials. Upscale proj-ects like a full roof replacement will set homeowners back a substantial amount of money. When deciding if a home improve-ment project is within your budget, it's a good idea to consult such fi gures be-fore choosing a project. For example, if your home is a fi xer-upper, then one project may not be more urgent than another, something that may allow you to choose less expensive projects now while saving money for more expen-sive projects down the road. Some projects might cost more than the average, while others might come in well under budget. To ensure your

project is one of the latter and not the former, consider the following ways to trim costs off your next home improve-ment project. • Avoid the DIY movement if you don't have adequate experience. Many homeowners fall into the DIY trap, feeling they can pull off a project without hiring a professional contrac-tor. While this is an option for those homeowners with home improvement experience, it's an approach that's best avoided by those without such experi-ence. Homeowners who decide to go it alone on a home improvement project should know that mistakes are costly. One mistake could have you paying for the same materials twice: once when you begin the project, and then again when you need to hire a contractor after your efforts didn't work out. • Hire the right contractor. The best contractor for the job won't neces-sarily be the one who comes in with the lowest estimate. The right contractor will know how long a project will take and what the materials will cost. The wrong contractor, who might lack the experience of his competitors, might make empty promises that ultimately cost you more money via overrun costs. Find a contractor who comes highly recommended and is willing to provide references and show you his or her past projects like the one you're hiring him or her undertake. • Consider supplying your own materials. If you diligently research your project, you should be able to buy

the materials yourself, even if you plan on hiring a contractor to do the work. Some contractors mark up the materials as a means of padding the bill. If you research the project and learn about the materials you want to use, you can save a substantial amount of money buying those materials yourself and then hiring a contractor. • Don't overlook recycled materi-als. Buying recycled materials is an-other way to reduce home improvement costs. Bathroom fi xtures, doors, fl oor-ing, and lighting are just a few of the materials that are commonly recycled and resold at a fraction of the cost of new materials. Shop around for stores in your area. Homeowners undertak-ing a replacement project rather than a

remodel might even be eligible for tax breaks if they donate their old materi-als. • Choose projects that provide more bang for your buck. Another way to save is to choose projects that provide a strong return on your invest-ment. If money is a motivating factor behind your project, choose a project that will get you the most money back at resale.

While the economy has not necessar-ily been kind to the home improvement industry, there are still plenty of home-owners looking to improve their homes. Savvy homeowners can do just that and save some money along the way by put-ting a few strategies to work for them. ■

HOW TO SAVE on home

improvement projects

Homeowners can trim home improvement costs by buying their own materials before hiring a contractor to complete the project.

fall home improvement - hampton chronicle€¢ mulch: shredded leaves can make for a great amendment...

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