north atlanta home show at gwinnett center

2 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • Sunday, February 1, 2015

SEMCO President, Michael Schoppenhorst is pleased to invite you to attend the 18th Annual North Atlanta Home Show at the Gwinnett Center, Friday through Sunday, February 6-8, 2015. SEMCO Productions, owners and producers of the Atlanta Home Shows is very excited about this year’s show at the Gwinnett Center and proud of its status as a quality event and important resource for homeowners looking to make improvements to their homes. Take advantage of one-stop comparison shopping for everything for your home, inside and out and talk face to face with over 150 companies offering the latest home improvement products and services. Whether you are buying or selling a home, adding a member of your family to your household, or if you just want to enjoy your home to the fullest, you will fi nd what you are looking for at this Atlanta tradition. For 18 years the North Atlanta Home Show has been improving home lifestyles and adding value to your largest single investment, your home. This year’s event is Sponsored by the Gwinnett Daily Post, Window World, Reliable Heating & Air, Georgia Spa Co., Jackson EMC, 95.5FM & AM750 News/Talk WSB, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine and Proof of the Pudding. Be sure to stop by the Gwinnett Daily Post booth in the show lobby and enter to win hourly drawings for tickets to upcoming events and attractions such as tickets

to Blue Man Group at the Fabulous Fox, tickets to ‘I Love Lucy’ at Cobb Energy Centre, premium tickets to the Atlanta Hawks on February 25 at Philips Arena, tickets to The Power of Poison at Fernbank Museum, a family 4-pack to Ringling Bros. Legends Circus, Gwinnett Gladiators tickets, tickets to Monster Supercross at the Georgia Dome, a beautiful Cosmetic and Fragrance basket valued at $150 from Belk - Mall of Georgia, and tickets to James and the Giant Peach at the Alliance Theatre. Don’t miss the fun activities at the Gwinnett Daily Post booth, meet Chopper from the Gwinnett Braves on Saturday 11am until noon, and sign up

for Mall of Georgia Simon Rewards Saturday from 10am - 4pm for your chance to win a $100 gift card, tickets and more! The Reliable Heating & Air Home Show Stage features a fantastic line up of expert speakers on a variety of fun and educational topics including Adaptive Gardening techniques, design and décor tips to refresh your living space, creating a wildlife habitat and butterfl y gardening. For a complete line up of speakers, topics, dates and times please visit www.AtlantaHomeShow.com or see the listing in this special section on this page. Special guests abound at this year’s show! 95.5 FM and AM750 News/Talk WSB’s Walter Reeves, Dave Baker and Belinda Skelton will be sharing their expert knowledge and useful tips. Bring your questions, photos and ideas and get the most of your Home Show visit.

Georgia Spa Co. supplies this year’s Grand Prize – A Big Green Egg!

There really is something for everyone regardless of the size, style or value of your home. The time and money saved by doing business with exhibitors at the show will help you explore more options for your next project, keep more of your hard earned money and allow your family to enjoy your home to the fullest! Be sure to visit AtlantaHomeShow.com for complete show information and thanks in advance for attending this Atlanta tradition and another quality SEMCO Productions produced event. Atlanta based and family owned since 1959.

Welcome to the 18th Annual North Atlanta Home Show

Friday, February 6th 1:00pm–2:00pm • “Refreshing Your Landscape”

Walter Reeves - 95.5FM and AM750 News/Talk WSB2:00pm–3:00pm • “Adapt & Garden Smart”

Joe Washington-HGTV Ground Breakers3:00pm–4:00pm • “Design & Décor Tips to Refresh Your Space”

Tonya M. Williams - HGTV’s Real Estate and Home Décor Expert4:00pm–5pm • “What to Consider When

Considering a Remodeler”Rick Goldstein, Principal, Mosaic Group Architects &

Remodelers, NARI-Atlanta5:00pm–6:00pm • Butterfl y Gardening

Carole Teja, Gwinnett Master Gardener Extension Volunteer

Saturday, February 7th 6:00am - 9:00am • The Lawn & Garden Show - Live On-Air Broadcast

Walter Reeves - 95.5FM and AM750 News/Talk WSB9am-Noon • The Home Fix It Show - Live On-Air Broadcast

Dave Baker -95.5FM and AM750 News/Talk WSB12:15pm–1:00pm • “What’s New for 2015 with

SEER Ratings and Hot Water Heaters”Daniel Jape, Owner and Chris McKinney,

Plumbing Manager, Reliable Heating

1:00pm–2:00pm • “Adapt & Garden Smart”Joe Washington – HGTV’s Ground Breakers

2:00pm–3:00pm • “Design & Décor Tips to Refresh Your Space”Tony M. Willams - HGTV Real Estate and Home Décor Expert

3:00pm–4:00pm • “Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat” Judy Stoops, Owner, Wild Birds Unlimited Suwane

4:00pm-5pm • “Growing Herbs”Timothy Daly, County Extension Agent,

Gwinnett County Extension

Sunday, February 8th 1:00pm–2:00pm • “Design & Décor Tips to Refresh Your Space”

Tony M. Willams - HGTV Real Estate and Home Décor Expert2:00pm–3:00pm • “Reduce Your Energy Bills - Ways to Save”

George Hobby, Owner, Home Energy Solutions

3:00pm–4:00pm • Gardening in the ShadeShirley Bohm, Gwinnett Master Gardener Extension Volunteer

Show DetailsLocation: Gwinnett Center (next to the Gwinnett Arena – Exit 108 o� I-85)

6400 Sugarloaf Parkway • Duluth, GA 30097 • 770-813-7500 www.GwinnettCenter.com

2015 Show Dates & Hours:Friday, Feb. 6th Noon – 6pm • Saturday, Feb. 7th 10am – 6pm

Sunday, Feb. 8th Noon – 5pmTicket Prices:

General Admission (13 to 64 years old) $8Military (with ID) Buy One Get One Free

Seniors (65 and over with ID) FreeChildren (12 and under) Free

Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Trade Day – Friday Feb 6 – members of the housing trade receive free admission compliments of Window World. Simply give your business card to the ticket taker.

For complete show information including a $2 o� discount coupon courtesy of Holtkamp Heating & Air, please visit www.AtlantaHomeShow.com.

18th Annual North Atlanta Home Show Reliable Heating & Air Home Show Stage

February 6-8, 2015Gwinnett Center

Atlanta based and family owned since 1959.

PLUMBING • ELECTRICALHOME PERFORMANCE

SEMCO Productions produced event.

to Blue Man Group at the Fabulous Fox, tickets to ‘I Love Lucy’ at Cobb Energy Centre, premium tickets to the Atlanta Hawks on February 25 at Philips Arena, tickets to The Power of Poison at Fernbank Museum, a family 4-pack to Ringling Bros. Legends Circus, Gwinnett Gladiators tickets, tickets to Monster Supercross at the Georgia Dome, a beautiful Cosmetic and Fragrance basket valued at $150 from Belk - Mall of Georgia, and tickets to James and the Giant Peach at the Alliance Theatre. Don’t miss the fun activities at the Gwinnett Daily Post booth, meet Chopper from the Gwinnett Braves on Saturday 11am until noon, and sign up

Welcome to the 18th Annual North Atlanta Home Show

Sunday, February 1, 2015 • NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW • 3

Window World of Atlanta offers windows, vinyl siding, gutters, entry doors, storm doors, patio doors and French rail doors. They offer a lifetime, transferable warranty and low prices on all of their products. They offer multiple types of windows, including double hung, bay and bow, casement and awning, slider, and garden windows. They offer comfort world 2000, Comfort World 4000 and Comfort World 6000 windows. “Simply the best for less is our motto, and we fully stand behind our products,” Michael Edwards said. “We provide a superior product, installed by a professional craftsman with a low price guarantee. The superior line of vinyl products, as well as top-of the line customer service has earned Window

World of Atlanta many awards, including the coveted Good Housekeeping Seal for seven consecutive years, JD Power and Associates has ranked them “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors,” two years in a row, EnergyStar Certifi cation, EPA Lead-Safe Certifi cation and Support from the Better Business Bureau. From Start to fi nish, Window World performs each job with care, patience and expertise,” Edwards said. Comfort World Vinyl Windows from Window World, Inc. help customers improve their homes living environment by offering a durable, high quality, 100 percent vinyl frame, which is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance. Replacement Windows from Window World of Atlanta are also available in a variety of energy effi cient and money saving glass options, as well as multiple interior and exterior color and fi nish options to fi t any decorating theme. Window World of Atlanta is licensed and insured and they always use up front pricing on their nationally rated products. Their products are installed by factory-trained installers and have the industries strongest warranty.

Meet Window World!


For many decades, residential swim-ming pool designs seemed to be frozen in time. Your options were mostly a kidney or freeform pool with a little rock waterfall or a rectangular shaped pool. Fortunately, things have changed signifi cantly in the last several years. We attribute this shift to more customized pools to a renewed focus on the quality of life, especially time spent with family, and the desire to stay closer to home rather than travel.

Today, the backyard has become an extension of one’s living room; blending functionality, design and dreams. When a swimming pool is the focal point, custom features like color lighting, fi re features,

majestic waterfalls and grottos, as well as vanishing edge perimeters can take a simple backyard to sensational.

Lighting is probably one of the most popular and inexpensive ways to create a dramatic effect in your yard. Today, with the innovation and cost effectiveness of LED lighting options, you can add multiple lighting features to your pool. LED lighting can also be used for the landscaping surrounding your pool, creating a resort-like feel without having a high utility bill.

Fire features are becoming increasingly popular as they can add excitement, fl air and a dramatic effect to a basic pool. Whether you are looking to create a

modern, clean setting or a naturalistic rock and waterfall paradise, adding a fi re feature may be one of the more affordable ways to give your project something special for those nighttime swims and parties. Also trending is the installation of functional fi re features such as more fi re pits and fi replaces. Design can create a very cohesive look by matching the same tile, stone, or travertine as the pool.

Of all the beautiful water feature and pool designs, few are quite as dramatic and breathtaking as a well-designed vanishing edge pool. Also called, “infi nity” edge, and “negative” edge, these pools have the distinguishing feature of a section of the pools perimeter serving as an overfl ow permitting the water’s edge to seemingly “vanish” into the distance. Obviously, not all backyards are suited for a vanishing edge pool. There has to be a slope or a drop-off plus an attractive vantage point such as a lake, ocean or beautiful hills. There is also extra engineering and costs involved with vanishing edge pools but can be stunning if done correctly by a reputable pool builder.

Premier Pools and Spas has over 26 years of experience with all types of pools in any type of setting. They have been awarded numerous APSP (International Awards of Excellence) for Design and named the #1 Pool Builder in the country by the Pool & Spas News. For great design ideas and more information, please visit www.ppas.com.

Trends that add a “WOW!” Factor to Your Pool


EXHIBITOR BOOTH

360 PAINTING 449

ADT SECURITY SERVICES 650

AERUS ELECTROLUX 437

ALADDIN INSULATION & HOME IMPROVEMENT 741

ALAN MURPHY WINDOW & SIDING COMPANY 655

ALARM MONITORING SERVICE OF ATLANTA (AMSA) 925

ALL NATURAL DIPS/ELITE ENTERPRISES 853

ALLIANCE RESTORATION AND CONSULTING 735

AMERICA’S MATTRESS 847

AMERICAN CASUAL LIVING 1

AMERICAN SIGNATURE FURNITURE 637

AMERISERV 828

ANGIE’S LIST, INC. 733

AQUAGUARD FOUNDATION SOLUTIONS 949

ARCADIA SOUTHEAST 746

ARCHADECK/OUTDOOR LIVING 835

ARS - UNIVERSAL HEATING COOLING & AIR PURIFICATION 429

ATLANTA HOME IMPROVEMENT MAGAZINE 943

ATLANTIS GRANITE AND MARBLE 334

AVI / MARVIN DESIGN GALLERY 641

B-LEVEL SOUTHEAST 945

BATH FITTER - TENNESSEE, INC. 734

BATTLE RENOVATIONS 940

BLUE RIBBON FOODS 542

BLUE RIDGE & GREAT SMOKY MTNS 251

BOWEN AND BOWEN HOMEBUILDERS 540

BOYCE DESIGN AND CONTRACTING, LLC 713

BUILDER SPECIALTIES 440 & 446

CABLE NELSON 136

CLAVINOVA 136

CLEARVIEW MOTION SCREENS 623

CONCRETE RESURFACING PRODUCTS 937

CONSULT A HOME PRO.COM 647

COOLSCREENS 840

COSTCO WHOLESALE (DULUTH) 935

CPI SECURITY SYSTEMS 833

CREATIVE CONCRETE RESURFACING 850

CSI KITCHEN & BATH STUDIO 241

CUTCO CUTLERY & COOKWARE (Olean) 346

DECK BUILDERS USA 651

DIRECT BUILD HOME IMPROVEMENT 348

DIRECT BUY 743

DISKLAVIER 136

E-SHIELD 1100 141

EMC SECURITY 732

ENCORE COATINGS 855

ENTRYPOINT DOORS OF ATLANTA 841

EVERDRY WATERPROOFING 911

EXOVATIONS 441

EZ HANG CHAIRS 809

FARMERS INSURANCE 600

FERN VALLEY LANDSCAPE & INTERIORS 921

FILTERSNAP 434

FIVE STAR PAINTING 146

FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL 934

FLOORMAX 330

GARAGE EXPRESSIONS 737

GEORGIA AWNINGS 709

GEORGIA CENTRAL VACUUM 551

GEORGIA IN-HOME SERVICES, INC. 933

GEORGIA SPA COMPANY 609 & 613

GEORGIA SPCA 603

GEORGIA SUNROOM 455

GO TOUCH DOWN TRAVEL & TOURS 923

GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS 625

GUTTER DOME 915

GWINNETT COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION 148

GWINNETT DAILY POST 601

HOLTKAMP HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC. 613

HOME & GARDEN DESIGN, INC. 646

HOME ENERGY SOLUTIONS 141

HOUSLEY ENTERPRISES OF GA, INC. 532

HUPER OPTIK 840

HUPER OPTIK 919

IRONWOOD TOOLS 543

J & J PAINTING OF GEORGIA 829

J&K ENTERPRISES 547

JACKSON EMC 729

JAMES HARDIE 441

JENNIFER’S GLASSWORKS, LLC 928

JOHNNY RHINO RESIDENTIAL REMODELERS 929

KITCHEN CRAFT 728

KNIGHT AC & HEATING 927

LEAF FILTER NORTH OF GEORGIA, INC. 430

LEAFGUARD OF NORTH GEORGIA 934

LEISURE LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS, LLC 854

MADARIS SIDING & WINDOWS ATLANTA 128

MAID RIGHT OF NORTH FULTON/EAST COBB 751

MASTERPIECE DOORS & SHUTTERS 140

MASTERSHIELD 635

MATTRESS 4 YOU 147

MERRY MAIDS 834

METAL BRITE PRODUCTS 455

MITSUBISHI 613

MOSQUITO SQUAD OF DULUTH-LAWRENCEVILLE 931

NARI - ATLANTA 604

NO LIMIT, LLC 831

ORECK VACUUMS 528

ORGANIC LAND CLEARING 2

OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES 436

PATTEN SEED CO. / SUPER SOD 347

PELLA WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY 813

PGT EZE BREEZE 840

PIANO DISTRIBUTORS 136

POLYLEVEL - AQUAGUARD 451

POWER HOME REMODELING GROUP 329

PREMIER POOLS AND SPAS 336

PROACTIVE PEST CONTROL 432

PROTECT PAINTERS 433

PROUDLAND LANDSCAPE GROUP 233

PULL OUT SHELF COMPANY 640

PURDY FLOORING & DESIGN 132

QUALITY CLOSET CONNECTION 335

RADON TESTING ATLANTA 750

RAINAWAY DECK DRAIN SYSTEMS 817

RAINBOW OF NORTH GEORGIA 355

RAINIER 840

REELSCREENS 840

RELIABLE HEATING & AIR 254

RHEEM 254

RHINO SHIELD BY GEORGIA COATINGS, INC 917

SAFE RACKS 435

SCENIC DESIGN GROUP 130

SCENTSY WICKLESS CANDLES (WICKFREE CANDLES INC) 428

SCREENS OF GEORGIA (PHANTOM SCREENS) 341

SELF DEFENSE ATL 328

SHELF GENIE 916

SHLAGE 613

SLEEP NUMBER 723

SOFTUB 349

SOUTHEAST COATINGS - TURTLE COAT 629

SOUTHEASTERN UNDERDECK SYSTEMS, LLC 546

SOUTHERN CLASSIC FLOORING, INC 823

SOUTHERN HOME INNOVATIONS 846

SOUTHERN VIEW ENERGY, INC. 941

SPECIALTY STUMP GRINDING 337

SPRAY FOAM SERVICES 447

STAIRSOLUTION LLC 541

STATE FARM INSURANCE 231

STONE CRE8TIONS OF ATLANTA 709

SUMMER ACCENTS 654

SUNTEK 919

TAYLOR CONSTRUCTION 946

THE FAN MAN 648

THE LOUVER SHOP 642

THE SUNSHINE BOYS BY GEORGIA SOLAR LIGHTING 908

THE TRUSTED TOOLBOX 548

TIGHT LINE EXTERIORS 247

TRANE 254

TRANE 613

TREMRON 836

TREX 441

TUPPERWARE 598

TURTLECOAT 629

UNLIMITED LAWN CARE 142

VITAMIX 229

W & W METAL ROOFING INC. 747

WADDELL AND REED 848

WE IN GEORGIA - 3 BEER RUB 333

WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED 126

WILDWATER ADVENTURE CENTERS 947

WILSERV COATINGS, LLC 549

WINDOW GENIE 919

WINDOW WORLD 529

WOOD HOLLOW CABINETS 129

XANTHIA CORP 235

YAMAHA 136

North Atlanta Home Show Exhibitors


Over the last 36 years, Reliable Heating & Air has morphed from the small business that owner Dan Jape started in his basement to a 24-hour operation that includes HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Home Performance and Duct Cleaning. In 2014, Reliable was named the largest Trane Dealer in North America. The Woodstock-based company, which employs more than 320 professionals, manages a fl eet of 200 plus trucks and a year- old satellite location in Fayetteville. Reliable serves a 26-county territory that stretches north to Jasper and Flowery Branch, west to Villa Rica, east to Loganville and south toward Warner Robbins.

“Woodstock is a good base of operation for us because it has both the space and accessibility to the interstate that we need to continue to serve our growing customer base,” says owner Dan Jape. “We are honest, up-front and do each job correctly. We give our customers a very personal experience.”

Customer service doesn’t end when the day shift leaves for home at 8 p.m. That’s when the overnight crew comes in – three employees who take service calls throughout the night. “Water, plumbing, heating and air conditioning problems can’t wait,” says Jape. “Our customers do not have to leave a message with an answering service. We have someone answering the phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Reliable is a family-owned business – Jape’s son Daniel is the president and heads up the install department. The father/son duo recently achieved a diffi cult accolade: landing on the 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award. Duct cleaning is the newest division, started in Feb. 2014, to be added to Reliable’s lengthy menu that includes plumbing, electrical and home performance and heating and cooling. The company’s growth in these divisions has been guided by customer requests.

“We found that more and more of our customers were asking us for referrals for their plumbing, electrical and other needs because they trusted us,” Jape says, “but oftentimes the work performed by those outside vendors didn’t meet our standards.” Ultimately, Jape made the decision to bring those areas in-house. “Many customers asked if we could become their ‘one-stop’ service provider, and we fi nally decided it was time.”

Quality products and experienced profes-sionals also play a large part in Reliable’s 36 years of success, according to Dan, who said

he has hired the best in each industry to lead successful divisions in plumbing, electrical and home performance. A solid staff and dependable equipment allow Reliable to comfortably offer a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.

Heating and Air Reliable’s HVAC technicians are certifi ed

Trane Comfort Specialists. Reliable is also NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certifi ed, which means Reliable’s technicians have passed the NATE test that certifi es technicians as having the most knowledge and experience in servicing and installing heating and cooling systems. Dan also requires that technicians wear booties, put down drop cloths and clean up debris so customers’ homes are treated with respect and care. “The people at Reliable are the sum of the company,” he says. “We’re honest, up-front and provide complete pricing so customers aren’t surprised by hidden fees.” Dan believes customers also choose Reliable because the company has been family-owned for decades and will continue to be around for many years to come as Jape’s son Daniel prepares to take over the business one day. “Customers seem to like knowing the faces behind the business,” Jape says. “Many of Reliable’s customers have been with us since the beginning. They know who they’re dealing with and who they’ll be dealing with in the future. Customers can’t build that kind of relationship and familiarity with corporations or a large retailer like they have with us at Reliable.”

Daniel Jape, President — “I have grown up working at Reliable; and after getting my Business Management degree in college came to work full time. I enjoy the day to day challenges and logistics of running a business and try my best to be someone our employees can come to at any time. I am thankful for all of our employees that work hard 24/7 to make our company what it has become. It has been a great joy for me to see the company expand with new departments and continue to grow. I take pride in what my father and I have built and am excited for the future of Reliable Heating & Air.”

Plumbing Master Plumber Chris McKinney, who has

more than 10 years’ experience, directs the plumbing division. Reliable’s plumbers must be licensed by the state of Georgia as a journeyman or master plumber. Reliable Heating & Air specializes in fast, effi cient, emergency same-day service and repair of all plumbing systems

with a fi rst-class service experience at fair prices. Electrical

Master Electrician and Manager Mike Grayeski brings more than 19 years of experience to this department. Mike’s team is made up of highly trained and certifi ed electricians. Mike has been in Woodstock for eight years and owned an electrical company until it was acquired by Reliable in May 2012. “I was incredibly impressed with Reliable’s history, brand in the marketplace, and ultimately the quality of work that they deliver in all that they do. It is an honor to now be a part of this incredible Reliable team,” Grayeski says.

Home Performance Air tightness and thermal effi ciency in the

home is the focus of this division, led by Jason Bouchard. Members of this team are Building Performance Institute (BPI) certifi ed auditors and members of the National Comfort Institute. The goal is to identify leaks around attic doors, ducts, lighting excessive dust and other issues that make your home a poor performer. Auditors compile a complete, detailed report from diagnostic testing and present clients with a written report of changes that can be made to increase comfort level and decrease energy consumption. Reliable’s certifi ed, trained technicians can make all the necessary corrections, including areas of caulking and sealing, duct insulation and tightening, crawl space, can light and attic door sealing. They also can add insulation in any area that is needed. The technicians also perform a complete health and safety inspection to identify any issues a home may have with proper combustion of gas appliances and the correct drafting of carbon monoxide from furnaces, water heaters and kitchen appliances. “Whether people have comfort issues in a home, such as high and low humidity, excessive dust build up and/or drafty, cold homes and rooms, they are calling us to help, and we are bringing fantastic results,” says Jape.

Duct Cleaning Alex Peleaz is manager of this newest

division, which started just a few months ago, and has three dedicated trucks and six technicians. “It’s very fulfi lling to help people who struggle with respiratory problems like allergies. We can help make a difference in their quality of life,” Paleaz says.

Steve Hallock, Chief Information Offi cer, Service Operations Manager — “At Reliable we leverage the use of technology throughout our operations. Our fi eld technicians are equipped with Android tablets enabling smart dispatching, data collection and data dissemination. Today we are looking at how your heating and cooling system can achieve maximum effi ciency through smart use applications and this is just one example of why Reliable will remain a leader in HVAC, electrical and plumbing services.” Mark Wall, Director of Sales & Customer Service — “I consider it a blessing to work for an owner that truly values, understands, and cares for the customers well-being and comfort. Daily he is involved at all levels and knowledge of the business he owns/operates.”

Personal Service is at the Forefront of Growing Family-Owned Business

comfort level and decrease business he owns/operates.”

Featured in the September 2014 edition of Sixes Living Magazine -- sixeslivingmagazine.com


PREPARATING FOR MY NEW FLOORSWhen installing a new wood floor, the

material needs to acclimate to your home environment. To acclimate properly, it is recommended to store the hardwood material inside your home, not in your garage or on a porch. Proper acclimation reduces the amount of natural movement a wood floor will have throughout the seasons.

All furniture and personal items will need to be removed from the work space. You may choose to do this yourself, or make arrange-ments with the contractor to do so. Remem-ber to clear countertops and remove toilet(s) if necessary or arrange for the contractor to do the work. Also, consider opening your blinds and shutters. Also suggested is for window treatments be removed or lifted off of the floor to protect fabric and create a well-lit working environment.

Appliances such as your refrigerator and range also need to be removed. It is recommended to do this before installers arrive. After project completion, you will be responsible for re-hooking the icemaker on the refrigerator as well as a gas stove. Make sure the connections are good. After reconnection, it is advised you check the hook-ups at least once in the following hour. You don’t want water to damage your new floors.

Please make sure that your pets are in a secure and safe area or not on the premises. Let your contractor know if you would like any cabinets or valuables draped.

INSTALLATION DAYThe average time for most projects range

from 2 to 7 days. However, the amount of time that your hardwood project will take depends on the scope and size of your project.

Dust is an element of the project that is inevitable. There is dust containment equipment available; however, even the best equipment will not be dust free. Please be aware that there will be some dust during the installation process. Be aware that dust may continue to settle several days after project completion.

You will need to please wait 24 hours before walking on your new floors. Allow 48 hours for furniture and pets and 1-2 weeks before placing carpets or other area rugs. Also avoid using water on the floor for one week.

TAKING CARE OF MY NEW HARDWOOD FLOORS

You will find that your new hardwood floors are a great pleasure. They are also easy to care for, clean, and maintain. Remember to vacuum regularly using a brush attachment. Dust mopping works well, but do not use a household dust treatment on your mop. These chemicals may cause your floors to become slick or dull.

It is recommended to use a floor cleaner called Bona. This cleaner is a water based, environmentally friendly formula that leaves no residue.

For more information visit Purdy Flooring & Design in booth 132 at the North Atlanta Home Show – Gwinnett Center, Feb 6-8.

What to Expect – When You are Expecting New Hardwoods! Purdy Flooring & Design

Shares a Prep/Checklist


Home trends continuously evolve, and one of the hottest trends for home owners now is outdoor living. Gone are the days of the standard 8x10 foot concrete patio, in fact, outdoor living spaces including outdoor kitchens are now consistently one of the top 3 requests that homeowners are asking for in new homes as well as remodeling projects. Few things are as much fun as a summer barbecue and the smell of the grill cooking in the back yard by the pool, but in the southeast we have the advantage of having cooperative outdoor living weather for the large majority of the year. It’s hard not to have a good time when you’re enjoying the outdoors with family and friends beside the pool

or fi replace and have a great meal to enjoy – but it’s not so much fun if you are constantly running back and forth between the grill and the inside kitchen with ingredients, condiments, drinks, etc. A few years ago, the outdoor kitchen wasn’t much more than a concept, but today, the outdoor kitchen is the new indoor kitchen. Manufacturers of quality products offer complete kitchen concepts including grills, warming drawers, sinks, refrigeration, kegorators, etc. What is important to determine are the components that you would need for your family’s lifestyle. Many outdoor living environments have a fi re and water feature – whether it be a fi replace or fi re pit, a pool or waterfall. When it comes to the kitchen,

think of it as a separate entity from what is inside – many customers regret not including refrigeration and cleaning zones, as well as serving or libation zones as they enjoy in their indoor space. These are the top components to consider if you are planning an outdoor living space:• Outdoor grill (may choose both gas and an outdoor smoker like a Kamado)• Refrigeration (high quality with high BTUs to sustain in heat of summer)• Power burner (for low country boil or fried turkey)• Warming drawers• Sink/Clean up product• Dry sealed storage (utensils, etc)• Fire Feature

• Water Feature• Landscape lighting to enhance environment Most importantly, consult a professional with experience that can help you achieve your dream and provide a space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. A properly planned and constructed space will add not only enjoyment to your lives but value to your home as well. This information is provided by: Lisa Connor, Business Development Manager, Outdoor Living Builder Specialties, Inc. [email protected]. Be sure to visit Builder Specialties, Inc. in booths 440 & 446 at the North Atlanta Home Show – Gwinnett Center – February 6-8, 2015.

Take it Outside!


By: HGTV Real Estate and Home Décor Expert – Tonya M. Williams

Every homeowner has an idea of what they like and dislike about their current home. The majority of people would like to redecorate at least one area, space or room within their home but have no idea of how to start. This article is aimed at helping you—the homeowner—repurpose items you already own to achieve a fresh new look for your home sans the sticker shock of purchasing a bevy of new items. There are three basic rules to achieving the successful make-over of an area:• Have a Plan—select the “project area”. This is the room, area or space you would like to redecorate. Do not switch areas once you have made the decision.• Make a List—list action items numbered 1-10 on how you want to change the space, i.e., paint, lighting, furnishings, etc. The entire project should take no more than a weekend and well under $1500.00.

• Organize/Take Pictures—the “project area” should be photographed before you begin and at project completion. Ok, you’ve identifi ed the “project area,” listed all action items, and taken pictures. Now comes the fun part—shopping! Shopping within your home is a personalized experience because all of the items refl ect your personal style. This is also a great time to identify and dispose of items you no longer use.

Fabulous In-Home Finds• Ottomans—Reclaim old ottomans; the trend is for ottomans to double as coffee tables and/or extra seating. Have the piece reupholstered if it has good bones. This will give it a fresh new look and cost signifi cantly less than purchasing a new one. Also, you won’t have to fi gure out what to do with the old one.• Shop inside your linen closet!--Chances are, you will fi nd beautiful towels hidden away. Take them out, use them, display them if you are redecorating a bathroom or powder room.• Mirrors—Check the attic for old mirrors that

may have beautiful trimming or unique details that make them a fabulous fi nd. Mirrors add depth and make rooms appear bigger. Leaning mirrors are great for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.• Paint—Painting is the fastest and most economical way to add life/rejuvenate a room. If you choose to paint remember to prep the space correctly. There are few things worse than a sloppy painting job. Now that your “project area” is painted, you’ve shopped in-house, and also picked up a few inexpensive ‘new items’, it’s time to bring it all together! The newly decorated space should be a refl ection of you, your taste, your style and your inner “decorating diva.” Remember, every successful redecorating project starts with a plan. If you follow the three basic rules listed above, you should be able to successfully redecorate your space and achieve a high-end look on a very reasonable budget. Tonya M. Williams owns a Staging and Décor Firm in

Buckhead and has been a top producing Real Estate Broker in Metro Atlanta for over 13 years. Tonya M. Williams Designs—Couture Pillows and Throws can be purchased on www.Amazon.com (Amazon Prime). Email: [email protected]

How to decorate on a budgetUsing Items You Already Own


STAG

E

SEATIN

G

SEATIN

G

148

Gwinnett CountyCooperative

Extension

146

Five StarPainting

140

Masterpiece Doors & Shutters

142

UnlimitedLawnCare

136

PianoDistributors

132

PurdyFlooring& Design

130

ScenicDesignGroup

128

MadarisSiding &WindowsAtlanta

126

WildBirds

Unlimited

147

Mattress4

You

Mattress 4 You

254

129

141

Reliable Heating & Air

Reliable Heating& Air HomeShow Stage

355

Rainbow of North Georgia

455

Metal BriteProducts

251

Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Mountains

248

Tight LineExteriors

247

348

Direct BuildHome Improvement

346

Cutco Cutlery& Cookware

336

Premier PoolsAnd Spas

436

Outdoor LightingPerspectives

551

GeorgiaCentral Vacuum

750

Radon TestingAtlanta

729

Jackson EMC

733

Angie’s List

828

834

Merry Maids

836

Tremron Floor CoveringsInternational

609

Georgia Spa Company

809

EZ Hang Chairs

908

The Sunshine Boysby Georgia Solar Lighting

Stone Cre8tionsof Atlanta

947

WildwaterAdventure Centers

945

B-LevelSoutheast

943

Atlanta HomeImprovement Magazine

941

Southern ViewEnergy, Inc.

935

CostcoWholesale (Duluth)

933

Georgia In-HomeServices, Inc.

931

Mosquito Squad ofDuluth/Lawrenceville

929

Johnny RhinoResidential Remodelers

927

Knight AC& Heating

925

Alarm MonitoringService of Atlanta(AMSA)

923

Go Touch DownTravel & Tours

921

Fern ValleyLandscape & Interiors

919

WindowGenie

917

Rhino Shield byGeorgia Coatings, Inc

915

GutterDome

949

AquaguardFoundation

Solutions

937

ConcreteResurfacing Products

911

EverdryWaterproo�ng

817

Rainaway DeckDrain Systems

916

ShelfGenie

934

833

CPI SecuritySystems

831

No Limit, LLC

932

Leafguard of North Georgia

Jennifer’sGlassworks, LLC

928829

J & J Paintingof Georgia

625

GraniteTransformations

623

ClearviewMotion Screens

641

AVI / MarvinDesign Gallery

835

Archadeck/OutdoorLiving

823

Southern ClassicFlooring, Inc.

613

GeorgiaSpa Company

713

Boyce Designand Contracting, LLC

813

Pella Window& Door Company

723

Sleep Number

746

Arcadia Southeast

751

Maid Right of NorthFulton/East Cobb

747

W&WMetal Roo�ng, Inc.

651

Deck Builders USA

647

ConsultAHomePro.com

847 946

America’sMattress

TaylorConstruction

840

Coolscreens

841

Entrypoint Doorsof Atlanta

940

Battle Renovations

Ameriserv

629

Southeast CoatingsTurtle Coat

635

Mastershield

637

American SignatureFurniture

735

Alliance Restorationand Consulting

737

GarageExpressions

631

Holtkamp Heating & Air conditioning, Inc.

732

BathFitter

Tennessee, Inc.

728

KitchenCraft

543

IronwoodTools

642

The Louver Shop

732

734

EMC Security

541

StairSolution, LLC

542

Blue Ribbon Foods

540

Bowen and BowenHomebuilders

640

Pull OutShelf Company

743

Direct Buy

741

Aladdin Insulation& Home Improvement

549

Wilserv Coatings, LLC

547

J&KEnterprises

650

ADT SecurityServices

648

The Fan Man

646

Home & GardenDesign, Inc.

850

Creative ConcreteResurfacing

848

Waddell and Reed

846

Southern HomeInnovations

451

AquaguardFoundations Solutions

449

360Painting

447

Spray FoamServices

437

AerusElectrolux

HousleyEnterprisesof GA, Inc.

532

OreckVacuums

528

ARSUniversal Heating

Cooling & AirPuri�cation

429

434

Filtersnap

432

ProactivePest Control

435

Safe Racks

433

ProtectPainters

430

Leaf Filter Northof Georgia, Inc.

428

Scentsy Wickless Candles(Wickfree Candles, Inc.)

334

Atlantis GraniteAnd Marble

328

Self Defense Atl

229

Vitamix

231

State FarmInsurance

233

ProudlandLandscape Group

555

Georgia Sunroom

654

Summer Accents

655

Alan Murphy Window& Siding Company

853

All Natural DipsElite Enterprises

854

Leisure LifestyleProducts, LLC

855

Encore Coatings

WoodHollow

Cabinets

HomeEnergy

Solutions

XanthiaCorporation

235

Floormax

330PowerHome

RemodelingGroup

329

Screens of Georgia(Phantom Screens)

341

BuilderSpecialties

440

Exovations

441

337

SpecialtyStump Grinding

335

Quality ClosetConnection

333

We In Georgia(3 Beer Rub)

241

CSI Kitchen& Bath Studio

529

WindowWorld

709Farmers Insurance

600

Bath Planet

601

Gwinnett Daily Post

701 603

Georgia SPCA

598

Tupperware

602 604

NARI

599

Grand Prize

597

Bulldog Carts

OrganicLand

Clearing

Gallery

Info Table

TheTrustedToolbox

548

546

SoutheasternUnderdeck Systems, LLC

347

Patten Seed Co.Super Sod

Softub

349

BuilderSpecialties

446



Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?

Owning a home outright is a dream that many Americans share. Having a mortgage can be a huge burden, and paying it off may be the fi rst item on your fi nancial to-do list. But competing with the desire to own your home free and clear is your need to invest for retirement, your child’s college education, or some other goal. Putting extra cash toward one of these goals may mean sacrifi cing another. So how do you choose?

Evaluating the opportunity cost Deciding between prepaying your mortgage and investing your extra cash isn’t easy, because each option has advantages and disadvantages. But you can start by weighing what you’ll gain fi nancially by choosing one option against what you’ll give up. In economic terms, this is known as evaluating the opportunity cost. Here’s an example. Let’s assume that you have a $300,000 balance and 20 years remaining on your 30-year mortgage, and you’re paying 6.25% interest. If you were to put an extra $400 toward your mortgage each month, you would save approximately $62,000 in interest, and pay off your loan almost 6 years early. By making extra payments and saving all of that interest, you’ll clearly be gaining a lot of fi nancial ground. But

before you opt to prepay your mortgage, you still have to consider what you might be giving up by doing so--the opportunity to potentially profi t even more from investing. To determine if you would come out ahead if you invested your extra cash, start by looking at the after-tax rate of return you can expect from prepaying your mortgage. This is generally less than the interest rate you’re paying on your mortgage, once you take into account any tax deduction you receive for mortgage interest. Once you’ve calculated that fi gure, compare it to the after-tax return you could receive by investing your extra cash. For example, the after-tax cost of a 6.25% mortgage would be approximately 4.5% if you were in the 28% tax bracket and were able to deduct mortgage interest on your federal income tax return (the after-tax cost might be even lower if you were also able to deduct mortgage interest on your state income tax return). Could you receive a higher after-tax rate of return if you invested your money instead of prepaying your mortgage? Keep in mind that the rate of return you’ll receive is directly related to the investments you choose. Investments with the potential for higher returns may

expose you to more risk, so take this into account when making your decision.

Other points to consider While evaluating the opportunity cost is important, you’ll also need to weigh many other factors. The following list of questions may help you decide which option is best for you. • What’s your mortgage interest rate? The lower the rate on your mortgage, the greater the potential to receive a better return through investing. • Does your mortgage have a prepayment penalty? Most mortgages don’t, but check before making extra payments. • How long do you plan to stay in your home? The main benefi t of prepaying your mortgage is the amount of interest you save over the long term; if you plan to move soon, there’s less value in putting more money toward your mortgage. • Will you have the discipline to invest your extra cash rather than spend it? If not, you might be better off making extra mortgage payments. • Do you have an emergency account to cover unexpected expenses? It doesn’t make sense to make extra mortgage payments now if you’ll be forced to borrow money at a higher interest rate later. And keep in mind that if your fi nancial circumstances change--if you lose your job or suffer a disability, for example--you may have more trouble borrowing against your home equity. • How comfortable are you with debt? If you worry endlessly about it, give the emotional benefi ts of paying off your mortgage extra consideration. • Are you saddled with high balances on credit cards or personal loans? If so, it’s often better to pay off those debts fi rst. The interest rate on consumer debt isn’t tax deductible, and is often far higher than either your mortgage interest rate or the rate of return you’re likely to receive on your investments. • Are you currently paying mortgage insurance? If you are, putting extra toward your mortgage until you’ve gained at least 20% equity in your home may make sense. • How will prepaying your mortgage affect your overall tax situation? For example, prepaying your mortgage (thus reducing your mortgage interest) could affect your ability to itemize deductions

(this is especially true in the early years of your mortgage, when you’re likely to be paying more in interest). • Have you saved enough for retirement? If you haven’t, consider contributing the maximum allowable each year to tax-advantaged retirement accounts before prepaying your mortgage. This is especially important if you are receiving a generous employer match. For example, if you save 6% of your income, an employer match of 50% of what you contribute (i.e., 3% of your income) could potentially add thousands of extra dollars to your retirement account each year. Prepaying your mortgage may not be the savviest fi nancial move if it means forgoing that match or shortchanging your retirement fund. • How much time do you have before you reach retirement or until your children go off to college? The longer your timeframe, the more time you have to potentially grow your money by investing. Alternatively, if paying off your mortgage before reaching a fi nancial goal will make you feel much more secure, factor that into your decision.

The middle ground If you need to invest for an important goal, but you also want the satisfaction of paying down your mortgage, there’s no reason you can’t do both. It’s as simple as allocating part of your available cash toward one goal, and putting the rest toward the other. Even small adjustments can make a difference. For example, you could potentially shave years off your mortgage by consistently making biweekly, instead of monthly, mortgage payments, or by putting any year-end bonuses or tax refunds toward your mortgage principal. And remember, no matter what you decide now, you can always reprioritize your goals later to keep up with changes to your circumstances, market conditions, and interest rates.

Show Photos



Professional outdoor lighting for your home can provide several benefits. It offers curb appeal and enhanced safety for pathways, walkways and steps. Outdoor lighting allows you to extend the enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces long after the sun goes down and adds a layer of security against unwanted visitors.

When considering outdoor lighting there are several options to choose from. DIY products are available in big box stores and online. Solar lights are everywhere, but don’t provide a sufficient amount of light output to light a pathway properly. Line voltage lighting is an option, but a licensed electrician must install it and bulbs tend to burn out quickly. (Not to mention a higher electricity bill.)

The BasicsA legitimate professional out-

door lighting system installation will include:

• A custom design plan• Quality products (fixtures, trans-

former, cable, etc.)• Thorough, meticulous installation• Ongoing service to ensure that

the system always performs in perfect condition

Outdoor Lighting Design Elements

Less is more with landscape lighting. Over lamping and poor placement of fixtures can wash out landscaping and create unnecessary glare for the homeowner. When working with a professional designer a needs analysis should be developed to determine the goals for the homeowner.

Pathway LightingEnergy efficient path lights direct

light downward to showcase pathways and highlight low flowerbeds. Avoid placing the fixtures in a straight line and be sure to choose quality fixtures that have a large light spread.

Up-Lighting and GrazingCreate that welcome home

feeling in the evening hours by evenly up-lighting your home. Be

sure to highlight those special architectural details that set your home apart. Extend the look of your home and add a pop of color by highlighting some specimen trees in the front yard.

Lighting for Outdoor Living Spaces

Daylight savings may be around the corner but a well-designed lighting plan will help extend your outdoor living into all four seasons of the year. Don’t forget the perimeter trees to create some depth in your backyard. You will most likely find that the evening hours are soon to be your most cherished!

Deck and Step LightingThere are great options for

under mount deck lights that don’t show much by day, but certainly give off a great deal of light at night. Rope lighting almost completely disappears by day when installed properly underneath a deck rail. It gives off a soft glow in the evening hours. Step lighting is an ideal way to keep your stairs safe by placing lights in the stairs themselves.

Festive and Holiday LightingWhat a great way to spice up your

patio or pergola to create the perfect space to entertain. Your local lighting professionals have just the lighting solutions for you to get the party started whether you are shopping for temporary or permanent lighting solutions.

Choosing a ProviderNow that you have a basic

understanding of what’s involved and what to expect relative to lighting solutions, do your homework. Check with satisfied neighbors on who provided their outdoor lighting, and check accredited referral sources like Angie’s List.

This information provided by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, America’s most trusted source for professional outdoor lighting. Be sure to visit Outdoor Lighting Perspectives in booth # 436 at the Spring North Atlanta Home Show – Gwinnett Center – February 6-8, 2015.

What to Look for When Selecting Professional Outdoor Lighting


Conserving Energyby George Hobby,

Home Energy Solutionswww.hesnow.com

As homeowners, where do we start? We start by educating ourselves and having an open mind. For years, we have had the unpleasant experience of opening up a high gas bill, power bill or water bill. We all dread that time each month when these unexpected bills come and these bills are hard to predict, control and budget for. There is so much information available to us today via the internet that educating ourselves on conserving energy is simply a click away; however, we all seem to get tied up on day to day business – the hustle and bustle of life which causes us to bite the bullet and pay these high bills because we don’t know we have a choice. The most common way that we conserve energy today is summed up in two phrases: turn the thermostat up or down and turn off the lights. These are two actions that have been passed down to us by our parents and grandparents. Conserving energy is really quite simple. The most effective way to conserve energy is to use less of it. You may say,” That’s great! How do we do that?” One very simple way to start is by switching from incandescent lighting to LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. By taking this one step, you tackle three issues that exist in your home today. You can cut wattage up to 75%, you eliminate radiant heat which works against your cooling your home during warm months and you increase the longevity of the bulb life. An incandescent bulb is designed to last approximately 1,000 hours and an LED light bulb is designed to last up to 25,000 hours. This is just one simple step to take. One of the largest energy problems in our homes

today is unconditioned air mixing with conditioned air, commonly known as air leaks. Air leaks equal 30% of the energy lost in our homes. By preventing unconditioned air from mixing with conditioned air you now are only re-cooling the air you have already paid to cool and re-heating the air you have already paid to heat. How do we do this? We can do this by caulking windows, weather-stripping doors, sealing receptacle plates and switch plates and sealing air plenums. You can also locate and stop any drafts you may feel in your home, such as your chimney. By installing a chimney balloon you can cut your energy consumption up to $300 per year. The most effective way to detect air leaks and identify the problems that may exist in your home is to schedule an energy analysis. There are many companies in our area that perform this service but there are few that will perform this at no charge. Home Energy Solutions provides this service to homeowners 100% free. Feel free to visit our site for more energy tips or stop by our booth at the North Atlanta Spring Home Show at the Gwinnett Center. Mention this article and receive a free gift from Home Energy Solutions! Make today the day you start conserving energy!


Visit our booth Feb. 6-8 at the North Atlanta Home Show at Gwinnett Center for your

chance to win these great prizes

Sign up for Mall of Georgia’s Simon Rewards® Saturday from 10am-4pm for your chance to

win a $100 gift card, tickets & more!

3010

45

SAVE 20% on Tickets to All Performances!

Buy Tickets (Atlanta): Ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Venue Box OfficeBuy Tickets (Duluth): GwinnettCenter.com • 888-9-AXS-TIX • Venue Box Office

Groups: 770-578-5125

Savings applies only to the face price of tickets. Restrictions and exclusions may apply. No double discounts. Subject to availability. Excludes premium seats.

Use offer code: GASSOUTH

#RinglingBrosRingling.com

FEB. 11 – 16 FEB. 19 – MAR. 1

All trademarks shown are the property of their respective owners.

Savings sponsored by

Saturday 11am ‘til Noon

Meet Chopper!Chopper!Chopper!Chopper!

MALL OF GEORGIA

WIN A COSMETIC & FRAGRANCE BASKET!

A $250 VALUE!

DON’T MISS THE FUN ACTIVITIES AT OUR BOOTH!

OPENS FEB 7

WIN FOUR TICKETS!

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS!FEBRUARY 25 AT PHILIPS ARENA!hawks.com

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS!

VS THE DALLAS MAVERICKS

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS MARCH 14–29

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS FEB. 21 & 28

GEORGIA DOME

SAT. 6:30

APRIL 13-19TPC

SUGARLOAF

WIN A PAIR OFTICKETS

APRIL 7-12 855-285-8499

FoxTheatre.org/BlueMan

NOW ON SALE!

WIN 4 TICKETS MARCH 13 VS. SOUTH CAROLINA STINGRAYS

gwinnettgladiators.com AllianceTheatre.org

ON SALE NOW! COBB ENERGY CENTRE

MARCH 13-15800-745-3000

WIN A FAMILY 4-PACK!

Ringling.com

233647-1

fernbankmuseum.org

ticketmaster.com

cobbenergycentre.com


How to prevent winter soil erosionSoil erosion is a signifi cant problem when the

temperatures dip, as snowstorms 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. Soil loss is wasteful and can compromise 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 supplements, neither of which is an especially 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 conditions throughout the winter season.

Some people see gardening as a spring and summer activity. However, by making gardening a year-round effort — and choosing plants for all seasons — homeowners can protect landscapes and provide hardy habitats for wildlife.

Speak with a landscaping professional about which plants are hardy enough to survive through the fall and

winter seasons. Certain ornamental bushes and shrubs can thrive in colder temperatures. Root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, are viable in the winter months. Many people 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 protection 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 naked soil until planting resumes. The compost will be heavy enough to stay in place and will add healthy soil nutrients, 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 gardeners 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.


For Home Improvements with Purpose, Get Your Personal Home Fitness Evaluation

By Jackie Kennedy Your home, like you, is unique. It has its own character and appeal that separates it from the pack. Since no two homes are created equal, Jackson EMC o� ers the Right Choice Personal Home Fitness Evaluation designed to diagnose your home’s energy weak spots and suggest remedies to � x them. Energy e� cient improvements to your home can save you as much as 20-30 percent on annual heating and cooling costs. That’s reason enough to get energy � t. Your Right Choice Personal Home Fitness Evaluation begins with an inspection performed by a Right Choice-certi� ed technician who uses state-of-the-art equipment to determine if your insulation and air sealing meet energy standards. This personalized analysis of your home’s energy performance will measure air in� ltration, test supply and return air � ows, check humidity/temperature and examine your heating and cooling system’s e� ciency. If the evaluation determines a need for energy upgrades or repairs, we’ll connect you with a contractor in the Participating Contractor Network. After your home energy � tness improvements are made, we’ll follow up with another inspection to verify that the work we recommended improved your home’s energy e� ciency. When all is said and done, you’ll use less energy and save more money in your energy � t home. Depending on the improvements you make, you may receive valuable Jackson EMC rebates* when you follow recommendations from your personalized evaluation:• You’ll receive a $200 rebate just for completing the evaluation.• If you add recommended insulation and/or air

sealing, you’ll receive a rebate of up to 50 percent of the cost, to a maximum of $400.• Add recommended ductwork sealing and/or complete replacement work, and you’ll get a rebate of up to 50 percent of the cost, to a maximum of $400.• If your evaluation determines that you need a new heat pump, we o� er a heat pump replacement rebate of up to $400. Along with these generous rebates, we o� er special � nancing through our strategic partners.

To learn more about the Right Choice Personal Home Fitness Evaluation, visit jacksonemc.com/energyfi t. To schedule your evaluation today, call 770-822-3211.

*Rebate program requirements must be followed. Rebates may be discontinued at any time.

It’s Time to Get Energy FitJoin the Home Energy Fitness Challenge

By Jackie Kennedy Put your home on notice: It’s time to shape up! Do just that by joining our Home Energy Fitness Challenge. Simply make a plan at www.jacksonemc.com/challenge to reduce your home energy use, and you’ll have the chance to win prizes—plus the motivation to start energy-reducing habits to make your home energy fi t and save money on your power bill. Jackson EMC members who sign up for the Home Energy Fitness Challenge and create a plan to cut back on energy use will be eligible to win one of three $1,000 shopping sprees at Academy Sports + Outdoors or one of 15 Fitbit Flex activity and sleep tracker. For full details about the Challenge, visit www.jacksonemc.com/challenge. For ideas on creating your energy fi tness plan, visit www.jacksonemc.com’s Save Energy and Money tab where an abundance of helpful tips, services, products and rebates are available to help you meet the Challenge. “Our online pages are a great resource to get you started on the Home Energy Fitness Challenge,” says Residential Marketing Manager Amy Bryan. “Consider them your own personal trainer on your way to helping your home become energy fi t.”

Here’s how it works: To enter the Home Energy Fitness Challenge, go to www.jacksonemc.com/challenge and:• Sign up for Track My Progress.• Create your Home Profi le at the Home Fitness Monitor for your personal Energy Report.• Set energy saving goals to create your own Energy Fitness plan.

When you’ve completed all three steps, you’re automatically entered in the Home Energy Fitness Challenge and eligible for prizes. The Challenge runs from December 12 through March 31 with prize drawings to take place on April 1.

Ideas to Create a Winning Strategy

Concentrate your efforts on the two biggest energy users:• Air conditioning• Water heatingEncourage family members to use the following low- or no-cost ways to lower your power bills:• Lower thermostat setting to 68 degrees in the winter and raise it to 78 degrees in the summer. • Regular maintenance like changing fi lters and having your system serviced will improve the effi ciency and lower operating costs. • Use fl uorescent lights and LEDs to save energy.• Add weather-stripping to doors and windows to keep conditioned air inside.• Wash full loads of clothes and dishes, or smaller load settings. Wash clothes in cold water. • Set water heater thermostat at 120 degrees for maximum effi ciency.• Caulk and seal cracks. Seal plumbing penetrations under sinks. Install insulators in electrical outlets on exterior walls.

For more tips, visit www.jacksonemc.com/save

Andy Butler of Home Diagnostic Solutions uses a blower door test to check for air leaks. A blower door test locates air leaks by using a special

fan to depressurize a house. Blower tests are conducted before and after air sealing to measure the e� ectiveness of the work.

Technicians from Home Diagnostic Solutions use an air � ow capture hood to measure air supply � ow and return at each register vent when performing a Home Fitness Evaluation.

north atlanta home show at gwinnett center

Documents

home lifestyles

atlanta home shows

annual north atlanta

gwinnett gladiators

premium tickets

reliable heating air

gwinnett center

gwinnett braves