home improvement-lawn & garden

JUNE 2015

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Home Improvement

How tomake yourrenovationa successPage 3

Gardeninspired decor brightensspacesPage 6

2 spring Home, Lawn & Garden June 7, 2015 Chisago County Press/SEARCH

· Maintain an appropriate grass

height. When temperatures start topeak in summer, homeowners may betempted to cut their grass as close aspossible so they can reduce the num-ber of afternoons they spend riding orpushing a mower in the hot sun. Butcutting too low makes the grassincreasingly susceptible to infesta-tions and disease, and such problemsmay need to be remedied with poten-tially harmful pesticides if no otherapproach proves effective. Even if itmeans an extra afternoon or twomowing under the hot sun, maintain-ing an appropriate grass height canlead to a healthier lawn, as longergrass soaks up more sunlight, allow-ing it to grow a deep root system thatwill help a lawn survive drought andother potential problems.

· Cut back on harmful pesticides.

Many homeowners now prefer to

avoid pesticides at all costs, butsometimes pesticides are a last resortwhen lawns are falling victim to harm-ful insects and organisms.Homeowners who want to embracemore eco-friendly lawn care practicescan cut back on their use of pesti-

cides, first trying more environmental-ly friendly options. For example,biopesticides are made from naturallyoccurring materials, including animals,plants, bacteria, and certain minerals.

According to the United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency,biopesticides are often inherently lesstoxic than more conventional pesti-cides. In addition, biopesticides typi-cally affect only the pest causing theproblem, whereas broad spectrumpesticides may affect surroundingorganisms, such as birds and mam-mals, in addition to the targeted pest.The EPA (www.epa.gov) adviseshomeowners hoping to use biopesti-cides first learn about managing pestsso they can effectively remedy prob-lems on their properties.

· Harvest rainwater. Lawns needwater, especially when temperaturesrise in the summer. But wateringlawns can have an adverse effect onyour community's water supply, drain-ing that supply and hurting the com-munity in the long run. Homeownerswho can harvest rainwater can drasti-

cally reduce their impact on their com-munity water supply, thereby helpingthe planet and their community, espe-cially if they reside in locales wherewater resources are traditionallyscarce. When rainwater is harvested,it is collected from downspouts beforeit washes into nearby sewage sys-tems. Many lawn and garden retailerssell rainwater harvesting systems,which homeowners can install them-selves or pay a landscaping profes-sional to install for them.

· Lay mulch down around trees,

shrubs and flower beds. Trees,shrubs and flower beds need water,especially in the summer when risingtemperatures pose a threat to plants.Homeowners can cut back on thewater they use to protect those plantsby laying organic mulch in the spring.Organic mulch conserves moisture insoil, promoting stronger roots in plantsand helping homeowners cut back onthe amount of watering they need tomaintain a garden that's both healthyand pleasing to the eye. Organicmulch, which might be made of bark,is also heavy, making it hard forugly weeds that rob plants of waterto thrive.

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Maintaining a lush lawn is a healthy and rewardinghobby that affords homeowners to spend some

time outdoors in nature.

A more ecofriendly lawn is just steps away

Lawn enthusiasts can make their hobby evenhealthier by adopting several eco-friendly lawncare strategies that not only make for a healthierlawn, but a healthier planet as well.

Responsible landscaping has grown increas-ingly popular in recent years, as more and morehomeowners are adopting eco-friendly lawncare practices in the same way they haveembraced environmentally conscious behaviorsin other areas of their lives. The following are ahandful of ways lawn care enthusiasts canincorporate eco-friendly practices into theirlandscaping routines.

1. Know your goal. Ask the question, "What is this renovation designed toaccomplish? More functionality? Storage? Living space?" If a homeownerdoesn't know where they're going with the renovation, chances are they'llnever get there.

2. Do your research. In most things, knowledge is power, and knowingwhat to expect, in advance, can keep expectations in check. Investigateoptions, budgets and timelines, and arrange financing in advance.

3. Hire professionals. Be sure that they are happy to work with you tomeet your budget and achieve your vision. Communicate clearly and oftento ensure understanding on both sides.

4. Opt for a general contractor and trades that are experienced,licensed and insured. Don't hesitate to check credentials and references.Get recommendations from family, friends and colleagues who have hadwork done and were satisfied with the results.

5. Start with quality building materials. When it comes to home renova-tion and construction, the adage, "it's what's on the inside that counts"

seems apt. While homeowners tend to get caught up in the aesthetics of aproject, such as finishings and paint colors, the key to a successful renova-tion often lies in what you won't see. Investing in quality behind your walls willensure durability, comfort and safety for years to come.

6. Focus on the basics. This includes quality electrical, plumbing, HVAC,framing and drywall. Don't underestimate the importance of insulation - espe-cially in a basement renovation. Not all insulation is created equal. Opt forinsulation that is fire-resistant, sound absorbent and resistant to mold, mildew,bacterial growth, and rot. In my renovations, I like to use products like Roxul'sComfortbatt and Comfortboard IS to help achieve a more energy efficienthome, buy you valuable time in the event of a fire and prevent moisture issuesthat can pose health risks and lead to costly repairs.

7. Develop a good plan. This includes preparing for the unexpected. Settingaside a 20 percent contingency fund will help bring you to the finish line whenunanticipated issues creep up.

Lastly, the key to a successful renovation includes patience. Living in a con-struction zone - or alternately moving out while the work is done - can bestressful and trying. Keep your eyes on the prize. There's nothing morerewarding than the end result, which can bring years of enjoyment and ulti-mately add to your home's bottom line.

Scott McGillivray is an award-winning TV host,a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author, and educator.

Follow him on Twitter@smcgillivray.


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How to make yourrenovation

a successful, positive experienceIn the United States, renovation spending has more than doubled sincethe late 1990s, reaching nearly $65 billion last year alone. Oftentimesthe investment a homeowner makes is substantial, both financially andemotionally. The stakes are high. That's why it's imperative that the jobis done well from start to finish. There are a number of steps a home-owner can take to ensure a positive experience and a successful out-come, including:


An unfinished basement is a source of energy loss in many homes. By sim-ply finishing the space with wall and floor coverings, you will notice a differ-ence on your energy bills. A remodeled basement offers more than additionalstorage and living space. It can provide room for a growing family or a spacewhere you can retreat for some privacy.

Insulation is a key component in making your basement look and feel com-fortable, inviting and dry. For the best results, install a rigid board insulationlike ROXUL ComfortBoard IS against the concrete foundation before youstud the wall. The board is mechanically fastened or adhered to the concretefoundation wall, preventing thermal bridging through the studs, offering ahigher R-value and better thermal performance. It will ensure your basementis not a source of energy loss, but rather an inviting retreat all year round.

Installation tips are available online at www.diywithroxul.com.

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After a winter ofhibernation, spring isthe perfect time toconsider remodelingprojects that will helpkeep your house coolin the coming summermonths and reduceenergy consumption.

Kick start springwith a finished basement


Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is something many people do self-lessly in an effort to protect the environment and ensure that thegenerations to come have a healthy planet at their disposal. Butthat same lifestyle can also pay instant dividends, helping home-owners save money and creating a healthier atmosphere in whichto live. As spring cleaning season gets set to hit full swing, whatbetter time to do some "spring greening"? Homeowners can makethe most of spring cleaning by making several manageablechanges around the house that can protect the environment withoutdisrupting one's current lifestyle.

• Clean green. Instead ofusing harmful chemical cleanerswhen cleaning around thehouse this spring, choose greencleaning supplies that don'trelease harmful chemicals ortoxins into the air.

• Paint with the planet in

mind.

Spring is a popular time torepaint rooms in the house.Homeowners with painting ontheir to-do list this spring clean-ing season should choose no-

or low-vac (volatile organic com-pound) paints.

• Fix those drafts. Chancesare, after a long winter home-owners are well aware of whichrooms were warm and whichmight have had drafts. Visitthose colder rooms and plugany air leaks around the house.This will result in a lower heatingbill next winter and could savesubstantial amounts of energy.For homeowners with attics,checking the attic for air infiltra-

tion should be done each andevery year.

• Explore alternative land-

scaping methods.

Xeriscaping, a style of land-scape design that requires littleor no irrigation, can save signifi-cant amounts of water.However, homeowners shouldconsult a landscaping profes-sional to determine if xeriscap-ing is a viable alternative tomore traditional landscaping intheir region. If xeriscaping canbe done, then homeowners willsave water while also reducingthe use of potentially harmful

pesticides and chemicals com-monly used to keep lawns look-ing lush.• Go low-flow. Spring cleaning

isn't just for clearing out the win-ter clutter. It's also a time whenmany homeowners fix up thehouse. If replacing shower-heads, faucets or even toilets ison the to-do list, replace existingfixtures with lowflow models tosave water and money.

• Shop for sustainable mate-

rials. Sustainable flooring isgrowing in popularity now thatgoing green has truly taken off.Search for wood that has beenharvested in an environmentallyfriendly ways. Sustainable floor-ing materials include bambooand cork, which many home-owners find as aestheticallyappealing as it is ecofriendly.

• Double it up. Single-panewindows not only allow lots ofexternal noise into the house,but they also contribute to heatloss in the winter, forcing resi-dents to turn up the thermostatand waste more energy as aresult. Installing double-panewindows will keep more exter-nal noise at bay, and allowhomeowners to minimize heatloss in the winter.

• Unplug the appliances.

Perhaps nothing around thehouse silently uses energy asmuch as a plugged in appliancethat's not being used.Certain estimates suggest as

much as 40 percent of a month-ly utility bill is going toward pow-ering home appliances that areturned off. While every home isdifferent, it's a safe bet that mosthomes can save energy by sim-ply unplugging appliances thataren't in use.

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Garden-inspireddecor brightens spaces and mood

Studies have indicated that garden-ing can be good for the mind andbody. In addition to improving moodand reducing stress, plant life andgardening also may help peoplehave a more hopeful outlook on life.If reaping the benefit of a beautifullandscape is not reason enough toget into gardening, elevating yourmood and coping with depression orillness may be even further motiva-tion to start developing your greenthumb.

Home-design trends seem to befollowing suit, offering individualsmore opportunities to surroundthemselves with potentially

therapeutic plants. Explore theseemerging and established gardendécor trends to try in and aroundyour home.

· Living wall planters: A living wallplanter can add greenery to anydécor without taking up floor or tablespace. Ideal for outdoor structures,these planters also can be usedindoors if you safeguard againstleaks and dripping. A living wallplanter is a framed device that hous-es plants in a manner that enablesthem to be vertically mounted to awall surface. While there are com-mercially available models, you cancreate your own design and paint or

stain it to match the existing décor.Use a soil-free potting substrateto avoid the mess that regularsoil may create.

· Combining fish with gardening:Enjoy the best of two relaxing worldsby installing a water feature in youryard. Garden retailers offer ready-made kits that can make fast work ofestablishing a pond or other waterfeature in the backyard. Otherwise,there are plenty of water gardencompanies and installers who cansuggest a design and put in yourdesired water features. Add fish suit-able for outdoor life to your pond.These include koi and certain gold-fish varieties. Game fish are discour-aged because they can destroy pondplants. If an outdoor pond is moremaintenance than you desire, con-sider an indoor aquarium with acombination of fish and live aquari-um plants.

Many homeowners take up gardening to transform their homes with beautifulflowers and foliage, while others do so to yield fresh fruits and vegetables.

But gardening can be more than just a weekend hobby. In fact, it may be especiallybeneficial for homeowners to surround themselves with more plants and natural

decor, whether in the yard or in the home.

• Create solace with sound: Anoutdoor sanctuary should go beyondwhat you see to tantalize all thesenses. Sound is a key considera-tion that can help the space feel likea true escape. That's why adding awater feature is an excellent invest-ment. A burbling water fountain is abeautiful decorative piece that alsoprovides a soothing sound. Windchimes are another option for addingserene sound to outdoor areas.

· Creative furniture designs:Maybe you're a person who appreci-ates the unique and whimsical?Tables, benches and chairs can bebuilt with planting channels thatenable you to have greenery andgarden décor in one piece. Envisiona picnic table with a cutout down thecenter for a thin row of plants or dec-orative grasses. This is a project theentire family can get behind, as themore creative ideas the better.

· Improved outdoor lighting:People who like to spend time in


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Garden-inspired decorbrightens continued…

their gardens and yards may notwant to be limited by sunrise andsunset. By incorporating differentlighting sources, you can create aretreat that is welcoming at any hour.Although flood lights and overheadlights can illuminate a space, consid-er ambient and decorative lighting tocreate the desired ambiance.

· Functional fire pits and places:A blazing fire creates a cozy spot togather on chilly evenings, but firepits and fireplaces also can be usedas impromptu cooking spots fors'mores or frankfurters on a stick.You can purchase a stand-alone fire

pit from any number of retailers orbuild your own with patio pavers andfire bricks to line the interior of thefire pit. Outdoor fireplaces requiremore work, and you want to hire amason to ensure proper installation.

· Enjoyable yard additions: Whileplants and seating may take centerstage, some people still want tohave fun in their yards. There's anincreased demand for yard designsand décor that can put the fun inbackyard living. Bocce courts, ring-or horseshoe-toss setups, as well asbean bag-toss boards, can be incor-porated into landscape designs, giv-

ing you yet another reason to spenda few hours in the great outdoors,where you can experience a fewhealthy laughs in the process.

Gardening and spending time out-doors are great hobbies and mayeven boost your mood.Homeowners can explore the popu-lar trends in garden décor and natu-ral elements that they can enjoyinside and outside of their homes.

• Increase comfort: To make youroutdoor spaces comfortable, thinkabout how you'll be using it mostoften. For entertaining, you'll want toadd a table, chairs and umbrella fordining al fresco. If you'll be relaxingsolo most often, set up a plush chairand comfortable accents like blan-kets and pillows. If you have a gar-den or large yard, create meditativespaces with strategically placedchairs or benches for quiet contem-plation.

• Eliminate the negative: Everyyard has features that are less desir-able. Things like utility boxes, air-conditioning units, HVAC compres-

sors and hoses are necessary, butthese items are eyesores thatdetract from the ambience of an out-door space. Fortunately, it's easy toconceal unsightly yard features withvinyl outdoor fencing. This durabledecorative fencing hides the nega-tive while adding a decorativeaccent that is visually appealing.

• Create attractive focal points:Gardening is a popular pastime thatprovides respite from life's demands.Whether you plan to grow vividblooming flowers or scrumptiousvegetable plants, you can transformyour garden into a gorgeous focalpoint in your yard with a raised bed.

One final thought: While thesesteps will transform your backyardinto a peaceful sanctuary, make sureto incorporate personal touches tomake the space feel like your own.Choose decor, color palettes andpatterns that speak to you. That waywhen you step outside your door,you'll feel like you've entered a per-sonalized oasis.


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Was winter hard onyour hardscape?Tips for simple DIY repairs(BPT) - Heavy snowfall that

lingers for weeks or months,extreme temperatures, ice thatthaws and then refreezes - OldMan Winter can be rough on yourhome's hardscape. When the lastvestiges of cold weather finallymelt away, you can find yourselfheading into spring with pitteddriveways, cracked asphalt andcrumbling landscaping. It's impor-tant to make repairs before sum-mer heats up and puts furtherstress on these important areas.

Doing your own hardscaperepairs isn't difficult. You'll savemoney, and doing it yourself givesyou the opportunity to get someoutdoor exercise this spring. Hereare some hardscape features thatcommonly need a little TLC in thespring:

Asphalt driveways - Winter deliv-ers the perfect mix of conditions tocause potholes, pits and cracks inasphalt surfaces. Wet, cold condi-tions work to weaken minute fis-sures, cracks and other flaws in anasphalt driveway. Add in the vehi-cles that travel over it constantly -not to mention the occasional snowplow - and when spring arrives,your asphalt driveway could needsome serious repair.

While you may need pros to pournew asphalt, repairing existingasphalt is well within the abilities ofmost DIYers. For pothole repairs,start by sweeping and removingany loose materials from the areaneeding repair. Next, pour U.S.Cold Patch by Sakrete in the trou-ble spot and spread evenly to adepth of no more than 2 inches at


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a time. Use the back side of ashovel to compact the material,then, since there is no oily trackingwith this material, just drive over ita few times with your vehicle. Thecompaction causes the product tocure into an effective patch. Fordeeper potholes, keep repeating in2 inch amounts until completelyfilled.

Patios and pavers - Patio paversand bricks can shift, sink or raise,and even crack during a tough win-ter. If your patio has a sand under-lay, fixing problems is relativelyeasy. For broken or crackedpavers, simply remove the dam-aged pieces, check that the sand islevel, and fill the gap with a newpaver or brick. If your patio hasbecome uneven over time, you'llneed to lift all the uneven pavers,level the sand beneath - you mayhave to add sand - and then put the

pavers back atop the now-levelsand.

Concrete surfaces - Concrete is acommon hardscape materialaround homes across the country.Concrete driveways, walkways andsteps can all succumb to cracking,crumbling, chipping and spallingafter a harsh winter. Fortunately,concrete is an easy material to fix,and patching a problem while it'ssmall may help prevent a muchcostlier repair or even replacementdown the road. To repair cracks ofvirtually any size, simply apply aneasy-to-use product like SakreteTop'n Bond. Power wash cracks toremove debris. For larger fissures,it may be necessary to use a ham-mer and chisel to remove crum-bling concrete and produce aclean, clearly delineated repairsite.

For resurfacing old, damaged orspalled concrete, Flo-Coat resur-facing material by Sakrete providesan easy alternative to costlyreplacement. Simply remove loosematerials from the surface, mix thematerial, dampen the concrete sur-face with water and pour the resur-facing material onto the concreteslab. Use a long-handledsqueegee to spread the mixtureevenly. Be sure to protect expan-sion and control joints with tape toprevent filling.

Retaining walls - Whether yourbrick, stone or cinderblock retain-ing wall is acting as a retaining wallor simply a decorative one, mois-ture is not its friend. If your regionhas had a lot of snow this past win-ter, check your landscaping wallsfor damage such as cracks in mor-tar, shifted stones or crumbling

bricks. Repairing cracked mortar iseasy as long as the bricks orstones it secures remain in goodposition. Just use a hammer andchisel to carefully remove thecracked mortar to a little more thanhalf the depth of the stone or brick,taking care not to damage thebricks. Then fill the gap with newmortar. To replace cracked bricks inornamental walls, remove the dam-aged brick and the mortar aroundit, then remortar and replace with anew brick

A few simple repairs will helpensure your home's hardscape isin good shape, and ready for what-ever summer weather brings.

Tips for simple DIY repairs continued…


(BPT) - Equations are for more than just mathclass; did you know there's a proper order ofoperations for your home, too? Whether it'sarranging your couch and television for optimalviewing or making sure towel bars are right with-in reach, knowing a few key numbers can helpyou determine the ideal place for each item inyour home - creating spaces that look great andare easy-to-use.

Kitchen calculationsFeel like you've got too many cooks in thekitchen? Create an effective layout following theprinciples of the kitchen work triangle and you'llnever feel cramped again. Comprised of yourthree main work areas - the stovetop, refrigeratorand sink - the triangle should provide enoughspace to move around but not be so large thatcooking is difficult. Keep these areas betweenfour and nine feet apart for the most efficient use

Creating spaces that look great andare easy-to-use.

Find space with gracethe best positioning for items in your home

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of space. To keep the kitchen flow going, ensureall other appliances are in proportion to oneanother, with complementary ones groupedtogether. For example, minimize the mess fromwet dishes by placing the sink and dishwasher amaximum of 36 inches apart.

When you're whipping up a family favorite,easy access to kitchen areas is key. Finding theright height for important elements will makeyour kitchen even more accessible - most coun-tertops are 36 inches high, while microwaves aretypically no higher than 54 inches for easy reach.Be sure to choose the correct faucet height soit's in proportion with other fixtures and workswith your layout. You don't want a too-tall faucetthat blocks your window or one so low it's difficultto fill sizable containers or pitchers. The Vosspullout kitchen faucet from Moen offers just theright height. Its lower-profile spout is ideal forinstallations near a window or on an island, whilestill providing ample room to fill large pots,

reduce splashing and improve rinsing in andaround the sink.

Living room logarithm Create a lounge space to love by ensuring yourliving room furnishings are in the ideal locationsfor maximum relaxation. Here are a few tips toensure your living room is comfy and functional:* Position the couch and coffee table 18 inchesapart to provide plenty of leg room* Keep the table and sofa heights within a fewinches of each other to make it easy to grab theremote or a tasty beverage* Arrange seating a maximum of 10 feet apartto inspire conversation (but only during commer-cials!)

Make binge watching your favorite shows morefun - and avoid eye strain - by positioning yourtelevision carefully. The larger your television is,the more distance you should place between thescreen and your couch. A good rule of thumb is


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2 3/4 inches of space for every inch of diagonalscreen size for an HD plasma, LED or LCD tele-vision. However, the critical factor is your comfort- if you feel claustrophobic or have to twist yourhead to see your favorite movie moments, don'tbe afraid to rearrange.

Perfectly proportioned bathroomFunctionality is key when you're getting yourgrooming going. Ensure your bathroom has plen-ty of room for personal care by keeping a fewessential measurements in mind. Start by mak-ing certain the layout provides proper clearancefor any doors, including cabinetry and showerstalls and aim for at least 30 inches of spacebetween the three major areas - tub or showerstall, sink and toilet. Toilets should rangebetween 17 and 19 inches in height from floor toseat, with at least 18 inches of elbow room on

the sides. And make sure the shower is roomy,too - shower stalls should be at least 36 inchesby 36 inches, with showerheads placed at acomfortable level for the individuals in yourhome.

Similar to kitchen countertops, vanities withsinks should be about 36 inches high, withaccompanying lighting at eye level to provideproper light for shaving or makeup application.Avoid dripping hands by hanging towel bars in aspot that's easy to reach, ideally right near thesink. Moen offers a range of towel bars, robehooks and other accessories that are simple-to-install.Now that you know the numbers, you'll find it'ssimple to create spaces that improve how yourhome and life functions - no arithmetic required.


•New Construction•Garage Builds

General Contractor

Jason Hempel 651-329-4562

CUSTOM HOMES EXTERIORS

•Roofing •Siding•Windows •Gutters

•Concrete

•Bathrooms •Kitchens

HOME REMODELS &ADDITIONS

•Basements •Porches•Decks

Lic. # BC630338

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FREEESTIMATES

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