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SpringHome Improvement

March 27, 2016

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nFollow these springtime tips to bring life back to flowerbeds, lawn

By Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Spring can’t come fast enough for most Michiganders, especially those of us who are eager to get outside and get started on our lawns and gardens. Here are a few clean up chores from thisoldhouse.com to get you ready for seeding and planting.

#1 - Prune away dead and damaged branches

Any tree branches or shrubs damaged by cold, wind and snow, should be pruned back to live stems, using a handsaw for any branches larger than a ½-inch diameter. Shape hedges with hand prun-ers to prevent a thick layer of growth that blocks sunlight and air from reaching the shrub’s center. Prune summer-flowering shrubs, such as Rose of Sharon, before buds swell. Wait to prune spring bloomers, like forsythia, until after they flower.

#2 - Cut back and divide perennials Cut flowering perennials to a height of 4-5 inches and ornamental grasses to 2-3 inches to allow new growth to shoot up.

MAKING YOUR

YARD Pretty AGAINWhere soil has thawed, dig up perenni-als such as day lilies and hostas to thin crowded beds. Divide them, leaving at least three stems per clump, and trans-plant them to fill in sparse areas. Trim back winter-damaged rose canes to 1-inch below the blackened area. For climbers, keep younger green canes and remove older woody ones; neaten them up by bending the canes horizontally and tipping the buds downward. Use jute twine or gentle Velcro fasteners to hold the canes in place.

Task #3 - Clean up around plants Rake out fallen leaves and dead foli-age (which can smother plants and foster

disease). Pull up last years annuals and toss in a wheelbarrow with other yard waste. Once you’re sure that the threat of frost is behind, you may want to remove existing mulch to set the stage for a new layer after planting your spring flowers. Push heaved plants back into flowerbeds and borders, tapping them down around the base with your foot. You can also use a shovel to replant them. Now is a good time to spread a pel-letized fertilizer so that spring rains can carry it to the roots. Add a 5-1-05 fertil-izer around bulbs as soon as they flower, to maximize bloom time and feed next season’s growth.

See PRETTY YARD on Page 5

tctimes.com SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT Sunday, March 27, 2016 3

nEven with spring’s cool temperatures, you can still plant cold-tolerant plants

By Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 On these first few warm days of a Michigan spring, it’s easy to get enthusi-astic about planting something, just about anything to get your hands dirty in your garden. If you want to get a jump on spring planting, you may want to invest in the humble, yet adorable, pansy. They’ve come a long way, with brilliant colors, interesting “faces” and different sizes that complement their natural cold-hardy personality. A great new feature of pansies is their increased ability to withstand summer heat, according to the Michigan State University Extension. Some might even thrive into July, before being replaced by heat-loving tropicals or other flowers with warm, sunny dispositions. As compact, low growing flowers, pansies are ideal for edging and paths, as long as they can be removed in sum-mer. They’re a great choice for early season containers and complement spring flowering bulbs, like tulips, crocuses, daf-fodils and more. If you’re eager to get a window box started, pansies will give you a beautiful show of early spring color. Other early spring flowers include li-lacs, irises, snapdragons, yellow trillium, snowdrop anemone and grape hyacinth, to name a few. Pansies, stocks and snap-dragons can take a fair amount of cold, surviving even when temperatures drop into the mid to upper 20s. If you’re ready to get vegetables started, you can start cold-hardy varieties from seed. One of the earliest varieties you can plant is peas. You can follow then with lettuce, parsley, spinach, swiss chard, bok choy and onion sets. Transplants can go in the ground earlier than heat-loving vegetables including celery, cabbage, broccoli and kohlrabi. However, MSU Extension suggests you don’t plant these when a very cold night is forecasted immediately following all your hard work. Some perennial herbs take off in cool spring weather, including sage, oregano and thyme. You can also begin some landscaping projects now, including perennial flow-ers, shrubs and trees, although you need to use caution when buying, and check for cold weather hardiness.

‘Spring Fever’ GARDENING

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If you plant trees and shrubs now, make sure they have spent some time outdoors and the buds are still small. Don’t buy trees and shrubs that have leaf development that is far advanced compared to what you see in your yard, advises MSU Extension. Trees and shrubs can take the cold, but only if they haven’t been “tricked” to think it’s warm already. If you buy perennials that are already blooming, those might be the only blooms you’ll get for the season. Eager to plant geraniums, petunias and other warm-loving annuals, plant them in containers that can be moved into the garage during cold nights or windy, cold days. You’ll still need to be patient and wait until Memorial Day or beyond to plant heat-thriving vegetables and gardens.

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Apply the first layer using a nylon brush and a water resistant roller cover. Give that coat 24 hours of drying time before applying a second coat. Wait at least five days before walking or driving on the floor’s surface. Source: Bob Vila

a medium grit sandpaper. Allow the floor to dry overnight.

STEP 5 – Apply primer paint Next, apply a primer coat of paint to your dry garage floor, using a long-handled paint roller. Dry for six to eight hours before moving on to the topcoat.

STEP 6 – Apply epoxy paint Mix the epoxy paint well. You may want to add anti-skid granules for a cold, snowy climate like Michigan.

nChoose a mild, dry weather weekend for best successBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Your garage is likely a catch-all space for family cars, sports equipment and lawn mowers. It’s the workhorse area of your house, but often gets the least attention. One easy update can both refresh and preserve this messy multipurpose area — painting the floor. It will greatly improve your garage’s appearance, make the floor easier to clean and will act as a shield against grease and oil stains. The best weather to paint your garage floor is during the mild weather of spring or fall.STEP 1 – Protect yourself Make sure the garage is well ventilated, as you’ll be working with epoxy paint and bleach, both with strong fumes. Use pro-tective gear, including rubber gloves, a dust mask, safety goggles and old clothes you don’t mind spilling paint on.STEP 2 - Sweep and clean Sweep the floor and wash away all stains with a mixture of bleach and water. The floor surface must be com-

pletely clean and clear of dust and dirt. For stubborn stains, use a brush with metal bristles. When done, rinse the entire area with clean water. A pressure washer may come in handy.STEP 3 – Fill the cracks Fill any cracks in the floor, using con-crete filler for small cracks and a concrete patch for larger ones. Be sure the cracks are clean and dry before applying the compound.STEP 4 – Check to see if etching is necessary After everything has dried, check to see if you’ll need to etch the floor’s surface, a process that will help the paint absorb better. Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the floor. If it absorbs quickly, you can move to the next step. If the droplets don’t absorb quickly, apply a concrete etcher, purchased at your local hardware store, to the surface. Following directions, dilute the con-crete etcher with water and mix in a plastic bucket. Apply it to the entire floor, using a stiff-bristled broom to move it around. Let it stand as long as the product requires, scrub with the broom, and then rinse and mop up the extra water. You’ll end up with a floor that has a texture similar to that of

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PRETTY YARDContinued from Page 2 Give beds a clean edge with a square shovel.Task #4 — Compost yard waste Dump collected leaves, cuttings, spent foliage and last season’s mulch into a compost pile. Shred leaves and chip branches no larger than a half-inch diameter to accelerate decompo-sition or add a bagged compost starter to the pile. Keep the pile moist, but not wet and aerate it every couple weeks. Don’t add any early spring weeds that have gone to seed. They might not cook completely and could sprout instead.

Task #5 — Get damaged l a w n a r e a s r e a d y f o r spring seeding Early spring is a good time to test the soil’s pH so you can get the right treatments for your lawn. Remove turf damaged by salt, plows or disease, to prepare for the seeding that should follow in a few weeks. Work in a half-inch layer of compost to keep the new seed moist, increasing the germination rate. Remove dead grass with a square metal rake, then flip it over to spread compost.

Task #6 — Neaten up hard-scape surfaces Rake escaped gravel back to ag-gregate walkways and patios and order more gravel to spread where needed. Refill joints between flag-stones by sweeping in new sand or

By Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 With people enjoying more and more of their time outdoors, the use of garden sheds and tool sheds for backyard storage continues to grow. Today’s sheds can be totally utilitar-ian, to store lawn equipment and garden tools, or can add a functional living or hobby space — such as a potter’s shed, artist studio, workout space or office, to your backyard.

How will your shed be used? Before buying a shed, you should know exactly what its purpose is, as well as where you plan to put it. Is it for lawn and garden storage or for a small backyard getaway? Do you want it large enough to work inside, or is it strictly for storage? The purpose of your shed will deter-mine how large the building should be. If it’s strictly for storage, make sure to measure your largest piece of equipment to ensure it will fit through the doorway. When looking at the design of a shed, choose one that will be complementary to the style of your home. You might consider finishing your shed in the same material as your home, or adding a simi-lar feature that will tie the two structures together.

Does the shed meet your mu-nicipality’s codes for backyard structures?

One of your first priorities will be to visit your municipal office to make sure your shed meets certain zoning ordinanc-es, deed restrictions and building codes. You’ll likely need a building permit, and there will be specific guidelines as to where it can be placed.

Do you want to build it yourself? If you’re handy and don’t mind spend-ing time on the project, you could build a shed yourself, or you could choose a unit from a home improvement store and have a professional set it up for you. To save a little money and build one yourself, another option would be to purchase a kit with assembly instructions. Many online tutorials could help with the task.

What material should you use? You can build your shed out of metal, vinyl, plastic, wood or particle board/ply-wood siding. Wood storage buildings are the most common, but do require some maintenance over time. If you plan to use a shed to store garden materials, you might want to step the plans up a notch to include a work table for potting plants, shelves to organize pots and other outdoor items. You could even customize your shed by adding windows or skylights for sun and fresh air.

ADD A

BACKYARD SHED FOR MORE STORAGE/SPACE

LOCAL TREE/YARD PROFESSIONAL SHARES SPRING TIPS Dave Petts of Branching Out Nursery & Landscaping of Fenton Township offers these yard tips for spring

1 – Clean up your existing land-scaping, including spent foliage of day lilies, ornamental grasses, etc., which will start to decompose and look messy in your garden beds. “They can also harbor diseases carried over from the year before,” said Petts.

2 – Trim off branches from big blue and pink hydrangeas and rosebushes. “They will die back into the snow line,” said Petts. “Anything below that is usually alive. Cut them off at that line so new growth can fill that in.”

3 – Apply fertilizer or weed control. “Put them down before there’s a lot of new growth in your landscape beds,” said Petts.

HOW MUCH WILL A BACKYARD SHED COST?The exact price of the project will depend on the size of the shed and materials used, but the average cost of a shed is: Do-it-yourself: $800 - $2,000 Built by a professional: $2,000 - $4,000Source: Angie’s List

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By Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Having a garage sale is a win-win for everyone: the homeowner looking to de-clutter and a shopper hoping to pick up items at a bargain basement price. But let’s face it, a garage sale is a lot of work and sometimes, the return on your investment of time and energy is less than you’d hoped for. It doesn’t have to be that way, if you take some tips to heart that will get your garage sale off to a running good start. Your first stop should be to your local municipal office to make sure you have all the necessary permits, sign ordinances, etc. to hold a garage sale. In the city of Fenton, no permit is required, according to Mike Reilly, building and zoning in-spector. “But people still have to comply with the ordinance, which says residents can have no more than two garage sales in a calendar year.” He added that signs are to be placed on the homeowner’s property only. Your next stop should be at the Tri-County Times office at 256 North Fen-way Dr. in Fenton. Kathleen Smith and Val Trudell in the Classified Department will design an ad for you that will draw attention to your sale, including a photo of your most exciting sale item. Your ad can run in the Times Weekend edition or Midweek edition for $36, or in both for $54. “You’ll also get a Garage Sale Packet that will have almost everything you need,” said Smith. A sheet of Garage Sale Tips, a $3 off coupon for your next garage sale ad, pricing labels and signs are all included when you buy a 20-word Classified ad, to advertise your sale. Also, a Text Blast will be sent to all Text Subscribers, advertising your sale. Here are a few more “tips and tricks” to get the most out of your next garage sale, according to today.com.

1) Partner with others You’ll attract more attention from buyers if there are multiple homes near each other hosting garage sales. If you can’t make that happen, get a few friends together to host a joint sale. Make sure and hold it at the home that’s nearest the busiest street in town.

2) Sell a few big-ticket items If you have collectables you’d like to get rid of, or old furniture from your basement, having these items with higher price tags will amp up your sale’s cash intake, as well as lure potential buyers. But do remember that it’s a garage sale, and you won’t get top dollar for valuable items in this setting. If it’s an expensive item, like a $1,000 ring, you won’t likely sell it at a garage sale.

3) Pick a theme Set your garage sale apart from oth-ers by “branding” yours differently. For example, if you have a lot of sports equipment, baby items, gardening tools or electronics, design your marketing message to bring in people interested in those items.

4) Keep your signs simple An example of a good, strong sign is one on neon poster board with just one word, SALE, and an arrow. Wait until you’ve hung the sign to draw the arrows, so you know which way they should point. Someone should drive to the sign on the day of the sale, to make sure it’s still there and pointing in the right direc-tion.

5) Set your stuff up like a store Organize items by type (kitchen, cloth-ing, sports, etc.). Make it easy for buyers to walk the aisles. Either fold clothes on a table and neaten throughout the day, or hang on a garment rack. Create browsable sections for collec-tions of things like books, CDs, etc.

6) Have a pricing strategy Pricing should be 10 to 25 percent of what the initial price was on an everyday item. Family heirlooms or valuable items can be checked on eBay, to see what price was actually paid for the item, not the list price. Except for big-ticket items like a bedroom set, most items should be priced between $1 and $100. Toward the end of the sale, expect to sell things for half off. Another option is not to price any items, but to have the buyer name their price. Or, combine the two strategies by putting price tags on most items, while

See GARAGE SALE on Page 12

HOW TO MAKE MORE MONEY AT YOUR NEXT

GARAGE SALE


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nWhether you choose brick, concrete or exposed stone depends on your taste, lifestyle and budgetBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Your backyard has become more than just a place to mow your lawn, water your plants and pick up after your dog. Today’s backyards are extensions of a home’s living space, so a patio truly becomes an outdoor family room in the spring, summer and fall. If you’re considering adding a patio to your backyard, you’ll have many choices of building materials from which to choose. You’ll also have choices to make about the shape, size, color or pattern you

envision for your outdoor space. Whatever material you choose, the foundation is the most important compo-nent. Experts say that patios will require about 6 to 8 inches of base, either sand or stone. While patios aren’t as prone to danger as an off-the-ground deck might be, a patio can easily deteriorate if the base isn’t installed properly.Here are a few materials to choose from:* Poured concrete slabs This is a popular patio material because of its affordability and relative ease of installation. The disadvantage is that it will crack at some point, causing costly repairs or replacement. It’s also a slip-pery surface, a consideration if you have young children.Cost: About $6 to $12 per square foot

* Stamped concrete There are endless varieties of stamp patterns that mimic other materials such as slate, flagstone or brick for a fraction of the cost of the natural material. You also have a wide variety of colors to choose from, because stamped con-crete is often composed of at least two colors, a base color mixed in the concrete and a second color placed on top just before stamping. Because it is concrete, it will crack at some point. Also, a sealer needs to be ap-plied every two to three years to maintain the surface.Cost: About $12 to $16 per square foot* Paving stones Pavers can add character and charm to your outdoor living project. They’re available in a vast array of colors, shapes and textures. They won’t crack and can easily be added to in the future. In case of needed underground repairs, pavers offer a seamless fix. They aren’t slippery, making them a good surface around pools and with young children. Pavers may settle over time and move slightly, especially if not installed cor-rectly. Weeds can grow between pavers unless polymeric sand is used to prevent their growth. Cost: About $16 to $24 per square foot* Exposed aggregate This is a decorative concrete finish, with stones embedded into the surface of the wet concrete slab and left exposed. It’s a durable and attractive finish, with low maintenance, requiring a seal to be put on it every three to five years, depending on foot traffic. This surface provides good traction, yet is comfortable when barefoot.Cost: About $10 to $32 per square foot, depending on complexity of design

PATIO OR DECK? HERE’S HOW TO DECIDE . . .1) Consider your backyard landscape Patios work best on flatter terrain because you need a minimal amount of structural engineering to put them in. Decks can extend over a variety of terrain, providing their own flat surface, regardless of topography.2) Assess your outdoor living needsASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS LIKE: • Do you want to use your outside space as an outdoor kitchen? If so, you may want to build a grill into the structure on a patio. • Do you have small children or pets that need containment? If so, a deck may be your best option. • Is space an issue? If so, an el-evated deck would give you space underneath for storage or other purposes. • Is a hot tub in your future? A patio can usually hold more weight than a deck.3) Evaluate the costs of each, and sketch out both projects, asking for a quote from local contractors. 4) Consider maintenance needs for both a deck and a patio. Decks require periodic seal-ing, staining and even replacement of railings and floor planks as they age. Patios may require weeding be-tween paved stones, filling in cracks and sealing.SOURCE: Angie’s List

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nYour home’s interior and exterior doors play a big role in style, safety and accessibilityBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Doors play a big part in your home, with so many providing entry and protec-tion inside and outside your house. From front doors to garage doors, closet doors and patio doors, your home is full of all kinds of doors. You’ll especially notice the count when you’re building your own home and have to make a deci-sion about each one. Even in this writer’s downsized condo, there are 16 doors that not only provide entrance and barriers, but also design pos-sibilities that will enhance your home’s décor.

Garage doors Since garage doors make up a large por-tion of your home’s exterior, you’ll want to choose a design, material and color that complements your home’s color and style. If your garage faces the street, it will be the first thing that visitors see. Like entry doors, garage doors can be made of steel, aluminum, wood, wood composites, fiberglass, vinyl or glass. No matter what the actual material is, the “wood look” is the most popular, accord-ing to thisoldhouse.com.

Front exterior door While any door can provide passage to and from your home, your front door can make a dramatic first impression and offer a peek at your home’s interior décor. Most doors are combined of several

materials. For example, many fiberglass and steel doors have wood frames. But it’s the surface materials that most affect appearance, durability, security and price. Wood doors are the most common, with solid wood being the most expen-sive. Natural-finish stock and custom wood doors come in oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany, maple, fir and pine. Many stock wood doors are a “sandwich” of wood-veneer skins over an engineered-wood core, to minimize the expansion and contraction that cause warping. A fresh coat of paint and new hardware can work wonders in adding to the curb appeal of your home’s front entry.

Storm doors A storm door adds an additional layer of protection for your entry door, at minimal cost. Not only does it protect your exterior door from stains, insect damage and the elements, it also adds another layer of home security. If it has a screen built in, you can also open the door in the summer and enjoy a breeze and warmth. A storm door can also add energy efficiency to your home.

Hinged interior doors These are the most commonly used doors in every home. One end of the door is mounted on the hinges, while the other end swings into or out of the room. Interior doors play an important role in your home. Used every day, doors create a tactile experience that leaves a signifi-cant impression, according to houzz.com. Closing a solid wood door, for example, feels very different than closing a hollow door made of synthetic materials. One way to add architectural style and design is to upgrade your interior doors and hardware.

See DOORS on Page 12

THE DOORS INTO OUR LIVES


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nMulti-tasking, organizing and having correct products saves you time A long to-do list can seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to. A few strategies can help you be more productive and get tough household chores tackled in record time. Follow this tips, provided by StatePoint.net.Organize as you go The longer you leave certain organizational chores to build up, the more overwhelming they can be to complete. A few key organizational systems can help you stay on top of things. For example, try getting yourself in the habit of sorting mail as soon as you walk through the door. It’s satisfying to check off an item on your to-do list and this is low hanging fruit. Streamline mail received by signing up for paperless electronic banking and removing your name from unwanted mailing lists. Reduce clutter by spending just five minutes each evening before bed putting things back where they belong. A shoe rack by the foyer, a big bin for kids’ toys — simple solutions such as these can help you consolidate mess and make the entire home feel cleaner.Simplify laundry Did you know that different stains require different cleaning agents? For example, milk and grass stains require enzyme cleaners, while ink or wine stains require peroxides. Of course, clothes need brighteners and detergents to come out looking their best. Many laundry boosters don’t contain all of these stain fighters. You can save time — and extend the life of your clothes — by choosing a cleaner that can tackle

multiple types of stains. For example, Biz has more stain fighters than other brands, while also brightening clothes. Stained clothing should be pre-treated with a tough, multi-faceted solution. Rub in pre-treatment gently and wait three to five minutes. Don’t allow it to dry on the fabric. While it’s working its magic, multitask — fold laundry, iron a garment or complete another simple chore. If a garment needs a longer treatment, add the solution to water and soak it in a bucket. Then wash as usual. Use a stain fighter as an additive in loads of laundry to brighten garments and take care of tougher stains. Independent, third party tests prove that Biz works 80 percent better than detergent alone. More stain-fighting tips can be found at bizstainfighter.com.Cooking and clean-up It’s takeout time, again. If you’re ordering that pizza pie for the third time this week, consider why. Is it because the thought of cooking and cleaning sounds too tiring at the end of a long day? Save energy by preparing one large meal at the beginning of the week that can be eaten as leftovers for a few days. Soups and stews age well as the spices really infuse the dish. Also, you can get creative. For example, if you roast a chicken on day one, shred it and use it in tacos on day two and in a chicken salad on day three. A watched pot never boils. So while the pasta cooks or the cake bakes, use the time wisely. Unload the dishwasher to make way for new items. Set the table. Answer an email. Don’t let chores get you down. Apply time-saving strategies to make these necessary tasks a cinch.

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nHow much it will cost depends on many factors, from roof size to where you liveBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 Installing a new roof is one of the costliest expenses a homeowner will experience during the life of their house. While the average cost of a new roof is between $4,590 and $8,750, according to homeadvisor.com, the price will vary greatly depending on the roof’s size, pitch, accessibility, cost of materials and even the geographic location of the home. You might pay as low as $4,000 in Charlotte, North Carolina or as much as $150,000 for a new slate roof.

Roof size This is the largest single determining factor of the cost, because roofers typically charge per roofing square. A 10- by 10-foot area is equal to one roofing square.

Roof height Expect to pay more if your roof is higher than most or difficult to access,

REPLACING YOUR ROOF

STOCK ART

because it is more expensive to carry materials if trucks can’t get close to the house.

Roof pitch A roof’s slope will affect the cost of the new roof, because a high pitch may require extra safety harnesses and more equipment, plus added insurance expense.

Roof layers Numerous old layers that need to be removed will add to the time and cost of your project.

Roof embellishments If you have a lot of skylights, chimneys, plumbing pipes or other adornments, this will add to the cost of your roof.

Roofing materials Asphalt is the most affordable roofing option, followed by wood, tile, metal and slate, in order of expense. Angie’s List members reported paying an average of $12,236 for a metal roof installation. While asphalt shingles may last 20 years or more, tile, metal and slate may last for 50 years or more, which can play an important role in your decision.

n Replacing your roof is one of the most expensive costs of being a homeowner.

ROOFING TIPAlways get quotes from at least three to four roofers so you get a good range of

prices within $2,000 to $3,000. Never take the lowball bid.

Source: Angie’s List


M-15 HERITAGE ROUTE GARAGE SALE COMING IN MAY

Spanning from Clarkston to Bay City along M-15, this 90-mile garage sale

is set for Saturday, May 7.

WHAT TO DO WITH GARAGE SALE LEFTOVERS? Many successful garage salers have an unwritten rule that they won’t return leftover items into their homes. So what’s a per-son to do, when they have many unsold items left after their sale?

HERE ARE A FEW OPTIONS:• Charitable donations — take leftover items to local charities. One example is Lovegrove’s in Fenton accepts clothing, linens and small household items for Carriage House Ministries in Flint. Kid’s toys, baby equipment and clothing could find a new home at Clara’s Foster Care and Orphan Ministry at The Freedom Cen-ter. Call a local charity and see if your leftover items match their needs.

• Pickup for charities — some chari-ties, like Military Order of the Purple Heart in Detroit, will pick up donations at your home. For a list of what they will pick up and not pick up, visit:donatestuff.com/charity/purple-heart/Salvation Army will also schedule a pick up at your home. Visit:satruck.org/Donate/choose

• Sell valuable leftover items at lo-cal consignment shops, on Craig’s List, eBay or other sites, or save for another garage sale.

GARAGE SALEContinued from Page 6 also having a dollar table. Keep items under the table to replenish the table as items sell. Bundling items together is a way to move merchandise in quantity. You can price books, CDs, DVDs, etc. as “3 for x dollars.”

7) Open at non-traditional times Experts suggest that you can make three times the money on a weekday ga-rage sale because there are so many sales on a Saturday that shoppers are spread thin. Plus, weekday sales bring out the most serious garage sale enthusiasts. Also, open early. Serious buyers are out early, and you may catch them on a Friday from 6 to 8 a.m. on their way to work or dropping kids off at school.

8) Build a frenzy Set up a rope across your driveway and a sign that says when the rope will be dropped. A crowd will gather, as they get excited over the items they see at your garage sale. They’ll literally run into your sale because they have com-petitive shoppers to their right and left.

9) Create a fun shopping experi-ence Make it a party with music, lemonade and cookies. It will get people talking and they are more likely to buy in a happy atmosphere.

10) Safeguard your stuff Keep your doors locked, don’t let people go into your house or use your bathroom and instead of using a cash box, consider a cloth tool apron, where you can keep your money with you.

DOORS Continued from Page 9Sliding doors Sliding doors are usually found in areas featuring a wide opening, such as a master bedroom or closets, or they may separate large living spaces. They are often used to open out from a living area to a deck or patio. These doors don’t swing open, so they don’t disturb other elements in the room. Sliding doors can slide along a track, or hang suspended from hardware attached at the top of the door.

Pocket doors Doors that slide in and out of a space in the wall can save room in small spaces, such as bathrooms or bedrooms, or can give a space physical privacy within a larger area, such as an office nook off a kitchen. You can add a mirror, if its use is in a bedroom or bath, or contrast the door with a different stain or paint to mark the separation of spaces. While pocket doors are space savers in the bathroom, they don’t seal as tightly as a conventional door.

French doors If you wish to make a dramatic design statement in your home, French doors are the right choice. These doors are hung on hinges installed on each side and swing toward each other, meeting in the center. When both side doors are opened, they offer an unobstructed view. When closed, they offer a stylish separation between living or indoor/outdoor spaces.

Bi-fold doors These doors are hinged together and fold into each other, often used in areas such as closets, laundry rooms and pantries. They allow you to access your whole closet or pantry at once and save space by folding accordion-style, instead of swinging out.

FRESH IDEAS FOR SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT TRI-COUNTY AREA'S HOME IMPROVEMENT RESOURCE

VISIT TIMESHG.COM


“Getting rid of the woodchucks that come out of a pond we have out back. We tried to trap them last year, and I guess we’ll be doing that again this year. They just destroy our yard.”

Vanessa Buhlman, Fenton

“There’s an old bar on our property that I want to make useable again, just for entertaining.”

John Garrett, Holly Township

“I need a new water heater and possibly, a roof.”

Marc Whitted, Linden

“I want to get outside and garden. I’ve been in the hospital for an extended time and I’m eager to take care of my flowers myself this year.”

Diane Scully, Linden

“We’re wrapping up the exterior work on our house with either paint or new siding. We’re still trying to decide, but are considering something more long-term.”

Connie Compton, Tyrone Township

nUnderstand the importance of one of your home’s most important protective systemsBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 April showers bring May flowers, but they also may cause an extra load on your home’s drainage system. That’s why gut-ters are so impor-tant, and need to be on everyone’s spring mainte-nance checklist. Regular cleaning and maintenance will go a long way toward get-ting the maximum lifespan out of your gutters, usually about 10 to 15 years. If your gutters are showing signs of severe wear, such as cracks, holes or leaks, or if they’re sagging or pulling

away from the house, it may be time to replace them. Water leaks and overflows from non-functioning gutters can cause tremendous damage to a home.

What is the best gutter material? There are many types and styles of gutter materials in the market today, ac-cording to bobvila.com.

• Aluminum is the most prevalent, because it is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, available in many colors and is an affordable option.• Galvanized steel gutters are coated with a layer of zinc. While they are strong, they may be prone to rusting.• Steel gutters have a coating of alu-minum and zinc, which eliminates the rust issue but is more costly.• Zinc gutters are strong and durable and normally don’t require painting or finishing.• Copper gutters are very upscale and attractive, but are expensive.• Vinyl gutters aren’t as durable as metal and will need to be replaced more frequently.

Many professionals like the combination

n Gutters may not be glamorous, but they are a very important part of your home’s drainage system and need to be well maintained and replaced when they show severe signs of wear.

TIPS FOR SPRING GUTTER CLEANINGSpring is an ideal time to clean out your gutters, as pollen, flower pet-als and seeds can build up. Plus, you may still have some winter debris to take care of. Make sure your downspouts are also cleaned out, as they do the important work of carrying water away from your home’s foundation.

TIP #1 — Choose the right ladder. Use a four-legged stepladder for a single-story home and an exten-sion ladder for a two-story home. Make sure it’s in good condition. Don’t rest the ladder on the gut-ters, as they weren’t designed to hold that pressure and weight.

TIP #2 — Have someone hold the ladder for best protection against accidents. Another safety precau-tion is to keep both legs and one hand on the ladder at all times.

TIP #3 — Wear protective clothing. Use leather or suede gloves to protect your hands, wear rubber-soled shoes if you need to walk on the roof and wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.

TIP #4 — Attach a bucket to the shelf of your ladder with a lanyard. This will enable you to collect debris with two free hands.

TIP #5 — Use a plastic gutter scoop to remove large debris from the gutter.Source: Angie’s List

KEEP YOUR MIND ‘IN THE GUTTER’

of style, durability and price offered by aluminum gutters.

What are the style options?• “K-style” or ogee gutters, with a shape similar to decorative crown molding, are the most popular option.• Fascia gutters, which feature a smooth face that performs the same function as fascia boards, hide the edges of the rafter tails from view. • Half-round gutters have an open construction with the open side facing the roof. They easily clog with debris then overflow, so these aren’t as viable an option as the others.• European-style systems are typically half-round gutters made from materials that weather naturally, such as copper.

All gutters come in either sectional or seamless construction. Most do-it-yourself gutters are sold in 10-foot sec-tions that must be linked with snap on connectors. Unfortunately, these joint systems eventually leak. Seamless gut-ters, on the other hand, have seams only at the corners and are custom fit by profes-sional installers.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR A SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT?

street talkCompiled by Sally Rummel, features writer

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nHere are three ways to prevent a wet basementBy Sally [email protected]; 810-629-8282 A wet basement is more than just a nuisance. It can ruin any finished living space you may have in your lower level and can spawn harmful mold. If you have problems with moisture in your basement, you’re not alone. The American Society of Home Inspectors, based in Des Plaines, Iowa estimates 60 percent of U.S. homes have wet base-ments and 38 percent run the risk of basement mold. Michigan’s wet and soggy weather may be a culprit, as the water most often comes from rainfall and melting snow. In tougher cases, the problem is rising groundwater. Once the water accumu-lates around your home’s foundation, it

can work its way inside through cracks, joints and porous materials. A cure for the problem can cost from hundreds of dollars to many thousands, depending on the cause.

HERE ARE THREE WAYS TO PREVENT WATER DAMAGE

1. Clean your gutters When clogged gutters overflow, water can pool around your home’s foundation. The fix: Remove any leaves and debris left over from winter, and then install leaf guards and downspout extenders to direct water 10 feet from the house.

2. Change the grade Make sure surrounding soil is pitched away from the house at a slope of at least ¼-inch per foot, so that water drains toward your yard, not your foundation. The fix: Simply add soil, rake it smooth, until the grade is highest at the

house’s perimeter.

3. Keep trees in check Shade trees with aggressive roots, like silver maples, should be planted at least 20 feet from your house to protect your foundation. Smaller species, like white fir, require only 10 to 15 feet of clearance. The fix: Once roots have begun to find their way through the gaps and openings in ill-fitting pipes, you can physically remedy the situation by replacing or lin-ing the pipes, or by removing the tree.What to do after your basement floods The costs to fix basement floods and their damage vary significantly, depend-ing on how much water infiltrated the foundation and much property was dam-aged. A minor flood with several inches of water could cost $10,000 to repair, and a more substantial flood could cost between $25,000 and $50,000, according to angieslist.com. The length of time the

water sat also affects the price, as there could be mold issues. The first thing you need to do is dry out the basement, using a wet vac to suck up and dispose of the water, then use a dehumidifier to help dry out the rest of the basement. Remove any organic items such as bed-ding, towels and upholstery that may have been damaged. If they don’t dry within 48 hours, throw them away because they will start to mold. Next, take a look at the basement structure. Any drywall needs to be com-pletely removed, including wet insulation or wood underneath. Water will spread quickly through these materials and even slightly damp wood grows mold. Address any mold concerns immedi-ately, as mold spreads quickly throughout a home and can lead to serious health issues.

KNEE-DEEP IN WATER?

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