evansville thrifty nickel's 2013 spring home improvement

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C SERVING THE EVANSVILLE & TRI-STATE AREA • EVANSVILLETHRIFTYNICKEL.COM JUNE 6-JUNE 12, 2013

JUNE 6-JUNE 12, 2013 SERVING THE EVANSVILLE & TRI-STATE AREA • EVANSVILLETHRIFTYNICKEL.COM PAGE 3 C

(BPT) - In warmer weather, patiostransform into the ultimate gatheringspace for backyard barbecues, reading,relaxing or even exercising. Theseoutdoor rooms become an extensionof the house, seamlessly merging theoutdoors inside and vice versa.

This summer, many homeownerswill tackle revamping the home toexpand this transformation betweenindoors and outdoors, developing apatio space that will be used all seasonlong.

Think about outdoor and indoorliving spaces collectively, and choose adesign that integrates them into oneseamless space. Incorporate elementsfrom the patio into the house andelements from inside into yourbackyard patio design.

Start with a patio door that will setthe stage for your transformation.

“The privacy of a backyard allowsyou to be adventurous when choosinga patio door. With many designoptions available, it’s easy to find thestyle that suits your home’s needs,” saysJoseph Ritzert, patio door expert forPella Windows and Doors.

Choose a sleek sliding patio doorto compliment or create a clean look,or if you’re short on floor space. Anelegant French or hinged patio door isa good option for homes with ampleopen floor space. Durable, easy-to-care-for doors like Pella 350 Seriespremium vinyl sliding patio doors aregreat for families with children andhigh traffic.

Also, select a patio door withaccents to create the look you want,like stylish grilles, or convenientbetween-the-glass blinds or shades foradded privacy, plus a variety ofhardware, exterior and interior finishes.Many Pella patio doors offer aretractable Rolscreen that helps keepinsects out while letting in fresh air,and rolls out of sight when not in use.

Windows are very important tokeep the seamless transformationbetween the room and patio. But moreglass means more exposure to theelements. Low-E options, like Pella’sInsulShield Advanced Low-E triple-pane glass with argon, can help protectyour furniture from fading in directsunlight, while enhancing your home’senergy efficiency.

“If energy efficiency is your toppriority, look for a patio door that isEnergy Star-qualified to help maximizepotential energy savings and year-round comfort,” Ritzert says.

Continue your transformation withlandscaping both inside and out tocombine the areas. If your patioconnects to the kitchen, potted herbplants indoors blend beautifully withpotted flowers on the patio. In settingswhere a patio connects to a livingroom, potted small trees inside connectwell with planted trees framing your

patio.Complete your indoor/outdoor

gathering space by using similarmaterials between the two spaces. Ifyou have decorative woodwork inside,bring it out on the deck with furniture,wooden boxes for your potted plants,in the railings (if needed) or even thetrim on the house. Or if you have a lot

Tips for extending your home into your patioof fabric inside, carry that over to yourpatio with weather-tolerant fabrics onyour patio furniture.

With these transformations, yourbeautiful patio space will quicklybecome the top destination in yourhome - the gathering spot for all familymembers when they come home fromwork or their daily activities.


DIY or DI-don’t? When to do it yourself, when to hire a pro(BPT) - When it comes to home improvement, homeowners aren’t afraid to get their

hands dirty; 64 percent who plan to make improvements this year say they will do itthemselves, according to an American Express Consumer Spending and Saving Report.But not all home decorating or renovating projects are suitable for the average DIYer. Sohow do you know when to DIY or when to call in a professional?

You can quickly assess if a DIY project is achievable. Consider if you need specialknowledge or expertise beyond what you could acquire with online research or a class atyour local home improvement store. Does the job require specialized tools that wouldbe very expensive to buy or that aren’t available through your local rental center? Lastly,consider the amount of time and money you have to devote to the project.-

Whether painting or building, the good news is every job can be considered a DIYproject. Here are three popular home projects with suggestions for when to DIY andwhen to call in a pro:

Adding new window treatmentsCustom window treatments that offer multiple colors, styles and light-filtering options

can transform any room. Cellular shades are a great option for DIYers who want aprofessional-looking result without the hassle and expense of hiring a professional. SimpleFit Custom Cellular Window Shades install in seconds and require no special tools - nodrill, screws or brackets - or expertise to securely install your shade. Simple Fit shadesgive you a polished look quickly and easily with the push of a button that activates apatented compression-mount system. View a video on installation and learn more atwww.simplefitcustomshades.com.

Go pro: Installing wooden blinds or shutters typically requires tools and precise abilities.If screw drivers, level surfaces and detailed instructions are not your thing, call for help.When assessing the windows, you may notice that some windows are in need of repair.Before installing, consult with a professional to ensure the window is in proper condition.-

Installing wooden flooringWith a variety of flooring on the market to choose from, quality laminate can provide

you with the look of wood at a fraction of the cost, labor and hassle of the real thing.Typically, laminate offers many options and is easy to do yourself. It’s easier to “float”laminate - meaning no messy, hard-to-manage adhesive is required. Some options are assimple as cutting to size and clicking into place.

Go pro: Installing genuine hardwood requires an extensive list of materials and tools.If you are not confident with this type of installation, consult a professional. A pro cantake the guess work out of the installation and eliminate costly mistakes. Refinishingexisting hardwood floors is also a job better left to pros unless you have extensiveexperience operating a sander. This home renovation is labor intensive and errors couldresult in ruined planks.

Sprucing up the kitchenMany simple kitchen enhancements are an easy job for even novice DIYers. Painting

walls or cabinets and adding new hardware can impart a whole new look to a kitchen forrelatively little time and money.

Go pro: Installing granite countertops are among the most desirable kitchen upgrades,but unlike other countertop installations, granite is rife with peril. Incorrectly measuringthe amount of granite you’ll need will result in a countertop that doesn’t fit - a costlydisaster. Professionals ensure proper installation to avoid breakage, cabinet or waterdamage and other problems. Granite countertops are an investment, and it pays to hirea professional to ensure that investment pays off in the best possible way.

When it comes to DIY projects, it’s important to take on tasks that will yield greatresults and little to no frustration. Fortunately, it’s easy to find plenty of decorating andhome improvement projects that are simple, cost effective and high impact.

evansville thrifty nickel's 2013 spring home improvement

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