Cook up a renovation plan - Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel Emerging deck trends Expand outdoor entertaining options
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March 2019 | Special Supplement to
Cook up a
renovation
plan
Must-haves for an
amazing kitchen
remodel
Page 5
Benefits to being connected Emerging deck trends
Why it’s smart to have a smart home Expand outdoor entertaining options
Page 2 Page 4
2 Saturday, March 30, 2019 2019 SPRING HOME & GARDEN Delaware Gazette | Sunbury News
Why it’s smart
to have a
smart home
D
evices are everywhere. controlled remotely, typically via a per-
According to a recent visual smartphone. cent of
networking index forecast
from Cisco, by 2021, there will be Americans
four networked devices and connec- Why is it smart to say that smart
tions per person across the globe. have a smart home? home products save
Those figures are even greater in The benefits of a smart home are them an average of
North America, where Cisco es- numerous, and will likely only multi- $98.30 each month.
timates each person will have 13 ply as people utilize more devices. Investment: Whether you’re
networked devices and connections Time: A recent joint survey from a developer or a single-family
by 2021. CNET and Coldwell Banker found homeowner, real estate is an invest-
With all those devices, it’s no that 57 percent of Americans say ment. Making a home as appealing for your home more competitive,
surprise that a greater number of that smart home technology saves to prospective buyers as possible ultimately earning you more money
people are embracing the smart them an average of 30 minutes per is a great way to get a better return at resale.
home movement. Those who have day. That’s an especially beneficial on your real estate investment. Smart homes are both the pres-
yet to jump on the bandwagon can advantage for busy parents and/or The CNET/Coldwell Banker survey ent and the future. Homeowners
benefit from learning more about professionals who find it difficult to found that 81 percent of buyers who want to make their homes more
smart homes and why it’s intelligent juggle all of their daily responsibili- would be more likely to buy a home livable today and more marketable
to have a smart home. ties. if smart home products were already tomorrow should consider investing
Money: Another benefit to smart installed. That can make the market in smart home products.
What is a smart home? homes is their cost savings.
Items to get you started on
Because devices can be controlled
According to SmartHomeUSA.com, remotely, smart home owners can
the term “smart home” is commonly adjust the temperatures on their
used to define residences in which
appliances, lighting, heating and
heating and cooling units while away
from home. That means they can
creating your smart home
T
cooling units, televisions, comput- arrive home each night to a com-
ers, entertainment systems, and echnology has changed the way people live
fortable home without having to run
security systems are capable of in the 21st century. Once ubiquitous, land
their HVAC systems all day while no
communicating with one another. lines anchored to kitchen walls have now
one was home. In fact, the CNET/
Each of these components can be given way to smartphones that can be taken
Coldwell Banker survey found 45
anywhere. Bulky television sets that required at
least two people to move have been replaced
with high-definition offerings so light and thin
they can be mounted on living room walls.
It’s no great surprise that technology also is
changing the physical places we call home. Smart
homes are a rapidly growing trend. In a typical smart
home, devices such as the thermostat, television and
even the refrigerator can be controlled remotely through the internet.
Converting an existing home into a smart home can seem
intimidating, especially for people who don’t consider themselves tech
savvy. But today’s user-friendly technology makes it relatively easy for
anyone to turn his or her home into a smarter one.
Before you get started, recognize that there are certain must-have
items to turn a home into a smart home.upgrades to join the smart
OH-70113131
home revolution.
Delaware Gazette | Sunbury News 2019 SPRING HOME & GARDEN Saturday, March 30, 2019 3
Smart homes may seem
futuristic. But chances are strong
your home only needs some
simple, inexpensive upgrades to
join the smart home revolution.
Hub
Did you know?
T
he hub refers to software or hardware that connects Investing in a home renovation project not only requires money, but also
all of your devices and gets them to work together. time and patience. While contractors, architects and designers can estimate
Think of the various devices you have and then think of how long a project may take, it is impossible to anticipate all of the scenarios
their manufacturers. Chances are strong you have devices that can affect that estimated timeline. Information from the real estate firm
manufactured by various companies, and enabling those to Keller Williams indicates an average kitchen remodel involving installa-
work together might seem impossible. A hub does that work for tion of new countertops, cabinets, appliances, and floors can take three
you. And because they can be connected to your smartphone, to six months. But if ductwork, plumbing or wiring must be addressed, the
hubs also make it possible to control devices while you’re away job may take longer. A midline bathroom remodel may take two to three
from home. months. Adding a room to a house can take a month or two. The home
improvement resource Renovation Junkies offers similar estimates, with
the average home renovation taking between four and eight months.
Homeowners need to consider time when planning their home projects.
WiFi router
Eq
S
ome people rent their routers from their internet/cable
providers, while others buy their own routers. Regardless
of which category you fall into, you’re going to need
a good WiFi router to get your smart home up and running.
Determine which type of WiFi your home currently has and then
find a router that’s compatible with that WiFi. Request a list of
routers that are compatible with your WiFi from your service
provider, as not all routers will necessarily work with your
internet connection. If possible, upgrade to the fastest WiFi your
internet provider offers, as that will make your smart home that
much more enjoyable and frustration-free.
1299 Harding Highway East | Marion OH 43302
Devices www.millerlawnpower.com
Y
ou won’t necessarily need to upgrade your devices to
get a smart home. In fact, if you control or can control
any device in your home with a smartphone, you are
740-382-9162
already on your way to having a smart home. Upgrading
to a programmable thermostat that’s compatible with your
smartphone might be a great idea if your current thermostat
is old and not internet-compatible. With a programmable
thermostat, you can control the temperature in your home
remotely. That ensures the home is a comfortable temperature
when you arrive home and allows you to turn off costly heating
and cooling units when no one is home.
OH-70113536
See dealer or toro.com (toro.ca for Canadian residents) for warranty details. Product availability, pricing & special promotions are subject to dealer options.
4 Saturday, March 30, 2019 2019 SPRING HOME & GARDEN Delaware Gazette | Sunbury News
Emerging Deck trends
continue to improve
on the form and
deck trends function of outdoor
living spaces.
water views or other impressive vis-
tas. HGTV experts suggest roof-top
decks feature light-colored materials
and fixtures to help keep the area
cool even in direct sunlight.
Distressed hardwood: Builder
and Developer, a management re-
source for professional homebuild-
ers, says that the trend for using
distressed hardwoods at home has
migrated outside. Some decking
manufacturers have recently intro-
duced low-maintenance composite
deck boards that mimic the look and
feel of distressed, rustic hardwood
flooring. This weathered appearance
gives the look of age without the up-
C
ustom-built decks can expand keep of real aged wood.
usable outdoor entertaining Wooden walkways: Decking can
spaces. Decks can surround be the more traditional design peo-
pools and create outdoor patio ple envision with a patio table or out-
areas that make it easy to establish door furniture. But it also can consist
multitiered living spaces, improving of wooden walkways or a low-laying
the functionality of outdoor areas. patio to accentuate the yard.
Certain deck trends have emerged Mixed materials: Homeowners
as industry experts’ top picks for may be inspired by commercial eat-
the upcoming remodeling and reno- eries, breweries and urban markets
vation season. For those thinking in their exterior design choices.
of revamping an existing deck, or Decks featuring composite materials
building an entirely new one, these and aluminum railings blend sophis-
trends are on point. tication, urban appeal and comfort.
Established perimeters: “Picture Personal touches: Homeowners
framing” is not a new trend, but one can customize their decks with per-
that has taken greater hold in recent sonal touches. It’s not unheard of to
years. The term refers to aestheti- wrap columns in stone or glass tiles
cally appealing designs that conceal for more impact. And a vast array of
the ends of deck boards for a clean decking colors now enables fun in-
finish. Some designs feature con- terpretations for outdoor areas.
trasting material colors on the ends Fire pit conversation area: Many
for even more impact. This helps decks can incorporate water or fire
create refined perimeters for a pol- elements for visual appeal. Gas-
ished look. fueled fire elements can expand the
Roof-top decking: Urban areas functionality of decks beyond the
also can benefit from decking to cre- warm seasons, or make enjoying
ate usable outdoor spaces. In fact, them practical on nights when the
many new condominium and town- temperature plummets.
house communities are incorporat-
OH-70110771
Decks are reimagined in many dif-
ing roof-top decks into their designs, ferent ways with continually evolving
particularly in communities with trends.
Delaware Gazette | Sunbury News 2019 SPRING HOME & GARDEN Saturday, March 30, 2019 5
Must-haves
for an amazing
kitchen remodel
K
itchen remodels are among
the most popular home reno-
vation projects, whether they
consist of swapping out cabinet
hardware or doing major demolition.
Due to the sheer amount of time
families spend in the kitchen, not
to mention the number of tasks
performed in this space, it is easy
to see why Remodeling magazine
consistently ranks kitchen renova-
tions as projects that will enable
homeowners to recoup a high per-
centage of their investments. In the
magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value”
report, midrange major kitchen access the backyard via sliding
remodels costing an average of doors. This can make outdoor
$63,829 recouped 59 percent of that entertaining or even coffee on
investment. the deck much easier.
When investing in a kitchen proj- • Under-cabinet lighting:
ect, it is important to incorporate Fixtures installed under cabinets
items that are coveted. provide both ambient lighting
and task lighting. Such light-
• Deep, double sinks: Having a ing makes it easier to see what
double sink enables you to soak you’re working on as well, as
dishes in one side and then even well-placed overhead light-
wash on the other. It also makes ing can fail to illuminate dark
it easy to wash and prep pro- corners and spots on the coun- Senior, Military, Veteran, First Responder Discounts
• New Construction
duce for meals. ters. Serving Delaware and Surrounding Communities
• Kitchen island and bar stools: • Convenient warming drawer:
Even though many meals are This appliance provides backup
enjoyed around the table, there’s
• Remodel
to the oven. It’s a slide-out
something to be said for the drawer that can keep prepared
convenience of a kitchen island foods out of the way and warm
and some well-placed bar stools until they are ready to be served.
for quick breakfasts or snacks.
• Smart kitchen storage: Work
with a contractor to include stor-
This is particularly handy for
holidays and other entertaining.
• Beverage station: Designate
• Replacement
age solutions built into cabinetry one area of the kitchen to bever- Senior, Military, Veteran, First Responder Discounts
and the pantry. Slide-out shelv- ages, such as coffee and tea.
ing, nooks for a paper towel roll Or make the area an informal
Serving Delaware and Surrounding Communities
and custom-designed areas to bar. This can limit traffic in the
store stand mixers and other kitchen to a single area.
necessities can make kitchens Kitchen remodels are exciting to
more functional. envision, and several choices can OH-70109576
• Outdoor access: If possible, make these high-traffic spaces even
design a kitchen so it is easy to more coveted.6 Saturday, March 30, 2019 2019 SPRING HOME & GARDEN Delaware Gazette | Sunbury News
When it can be smart to
hire a painting pro
even novice do more harm than good by drip- Even though some people think
DIYers can ping paint on expensive carpeting they’ll save money by painting their
typically handle. or floors or fail to recognize the nu- own homes, that’s not necessarily
According to the ances that indicate a spot-on paint- true. Professionals already have
marketing advice ing job. all the equipment necessary, un-
guru Brandon Gaille, like novices who may need to make
Professional painters have spent
it is estimated that residential inte- repeated and potentially costly trips
hours upon hours learning the ropes
rior paint only lasts around three to the hardware store for supplies.
years before it needs to be updated. of what works — and what does
not. Painters often understand that Plus, if mistakes happen, DIYers
Exterior paint can fade, chip and have to spend additional time and
peel due to various environmental painstaking preparatory work is
crucial to getting pristine finished money fixing them.
factors. As a result, many homes
can likely use a fresh coat of paint in results. Walls and ceilings must be Safety can be a large motivator
at least one room. properly repaired and prepared even for turning painting over to a pro.
before a base coat is applied. Navigating exterior areas or tall
As DIY-friendly as painting can interior ceilings can be challenging
be, when attempting to paint the Professional painters also have
an eye for details. And because pro- and may require scaffolding or tall
interior or exterior of their homes,
ladders DIYers do not have. Risk of
F
homeowners may learn that some fessional painters make a business
ew things can revitalize a out of doing interior and exterior falls or other injuries increase with
painting projects are best left to the
home more readily than a professionals. Painting requires surfaces, they understand which lack of experience.
fresh coat of paint. skill, patience and a knowledge techniques can improve efficiency. Painting can give a home a face-
Thanks in part to the affordability of how various paints — including That means a professional job can lift, and oftentimes it is smart to turn
of paint and its ease of applica- finishes for particular applications typically be completed much more the work over to professionals to en-
tion, painting is something that — will hold up. Novice painters may quickly than a DIY project. sure the job is done just right.
Why do painters
wear white?
T
he sight of professional paint- If white paint were to be dripped on adopted the all-white uniform to business logo stands out sharply
ers decked out in white over- a white uniform, it wouldn’t be read- differentiate themselves from non- against the white of a uniform,
alls is a familiar one to many ily noticed before laundering. union painters. Sometimes a black which can be another practical
people. Perhaps you’ve pondered Painters also used to mix 50 bow tie was added to complete the reason to don some white overalls.
just why painters wear white? The professional presentation. White clothing also can be less ex-
pounds of “white lead powder” with
reasons behind painters’ sartorial There are some practical rea- pensive to replace.
a can of paint paste to make about
choices is not easily verifiable, but sons for painters to wear white.
two gallons of paint. The mixing Today, because there are many
it’s fun to explore nonetheless. White clothing tends to be cooler
process produced large amounts other paint hues available, painter’s
The actual name for a painting of white dust. To hide the dust, the when working outdoors or in sunny
whites may not be so pristine. But
professionals wardrobe is “painter’s painters wore white. locations. Should painter’s whites
become dirty, they’re easily bleach- those variously shaded specks and
whites.” White canvas or denim splatters may be indicative of a sea-
pants, white t-shirt, overalls, and a It is also believed that some paint- able without the color fading. Also,
ers crafted clothing from the white white is a pristine color that will soned professional who has put in
white cap are often worn by paint-
sails from ships. present the appearance of cleanli- many hours on the job.
ers. The idea of wearing white may
date back to the 1700s, when there Another theory behind painters’ ness. Homeowners may readily Painters have long worn white as
were not a variety of house colors preference for white work gear invite and trust a clean worker into their unofficial uniform. The theories
available. As a result, white was the traces its origins to 19th century their homes to get the job done. as to why vary, but the tradition is
primary choice of paint at this time. union painters. Those in the union Painters often find that their likely here to stay.Delaware Gazette | Sunbury News 2019 SPRING HOME & GARDEN Saturday, March 30, 2019 7
Get ready: Early
a sign that spring is in full force shed tending to the lawn mower
and purchase a bunch of annuals, and other gardening equipment.
it’s better to know the last of the Clean all tools and ensure that ev-
possible frost dates (check “The erything works, repairing parts as
spring landscaping tips
Farmer’s Almanac”); otherwise, needed.
you may waste time and money Give outdoor entertaining
planting flowers or vegetables only spaces a good scrubbing, clear-
to have them zapped by another ing away dirt and grime that may
garden and other aspects of their frosty day. have accumulated over the win-
landscapes no doubt dominate such Amend the soil so that it is the ter. Use a leaf blower to blow away
daydreams. right consistency — just crum- any leftover leaves.
Draw inspiration from those bud- bling when lifting it. Soil that is too Check if the front porch, railings
ding crocuses and daffodils pushing muddy after spring thaw can harden, or decking need painting and/
through the last remnants of snow making it difficult for plants to flour- or staining. Tackle these projects
and employ these tips to prepare ish later on. Speak with represen- when the weather is cooler so ev-
for the upcoming gardening season. tatives at a local lawn and garden erything will be ready for those peak
One of the first steps is to apply center about which types of amend- spring days.
a preemergent weed killer to get ments you can add to the soil in
your particular area to enrich it. Think about any annuals you
a head start knocking out weeds might want to plant in the land-
that can plague the lawn during Lawn and garden experts at The scape this year that will comple-
the growing season. Killing weeds Home Depot suggest filling in ment any existing shrubbery or
D
at the roots early on can mean far bare patches of lawn now by mix- perennials. Come up with a theme
uring the cold months of fewer hassles in spring and sum- ing a few shovelfuls of soil with so that the entire yard is cohesive.
winter, many people stare mer, and may prevent new genera- grass seed. Then apply this patch
longingly out of the window tions of weeds from cropping up to the bare areas, water, and con- Before homeowners know it, win-
dreaming of spring and time spent each year. tinue to care for the area until the ter is gone and it is time to once
outdoors. For those with green spot fills in. again enjoy long days spent out-
thumbs, images of tending to the While it may be tempting to doors. Get a jump start on spring
take a prematurely warm day as Spend a day in the garage or lawn prep as soon as you can.
OH-701086908 Saturday, March 30, 2019 2019 SPRING HOME & GARDEN Delaware Gazette | Sunbury News OH-70108703
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