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Spring Home
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RestorationBreakdown
How to restoreyour property after a long winter
Kelli Ellis from HGTV celebrates the sightsand scents of spring
&
SpringCleaning
Getting started onyour spring cleaning
FEBRUARY 2012
101
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO
www.theintelligencer.com/springhome
Go Onlineto view this
section!
Floral411
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER2
How to get ahome organized
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER2
How to get ahome organized
3EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012
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5EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012
Month Date, Year • NAME NEWSPAPER6
1/2 PAGE AD
Renovating a rental property When the economy struggles to the point of recession, few people benefit. However, there are some businesses that thrive during a recession, using the circumstances to their advantage and actually growing business in spite of a sagging economy.
One such business is rental agencies or property management companies. Even landlords with a single investment property tend to do better during a recession, when individuals might be fearful of buying a home or simply unable to afford it. Such individuals still need a place to live, however, and landlords benefit as a result.
One of the best things a landlord can do during a recession is to pay more attention to their rental properties, ensuring the properties are in tip-top shape so they can get the most out of each unit at a time when the rental market is most competitive. This might require some renovations, which landlords should be making periodically anyway, regardless of how strong or tenuous the economy might be.
empty when shown to prospective renters, and any issues with the paint job are very noticeable during such viewings. If the paint is outdated or there is any fading, update the walls with a fresh coat of paint. It’s ideal
to do so whenever a tenant moves out, but landlords whose buildings have a high turnover rate likely won’t need to repaint every time a tenant moves out. When adding a new coat of paint, choose a light, neutral color to give the property a fresh, inviting look.
area prospective renters are instantly drawn to when viewing an apartment. New carpeting is always attractive to potential tenants, and landlords won’t have to break the bank to replace the carpets when an existing tenant moves out. Instead of expensive carpeting, choose a medium grade carpet with a neutral color, ideally beige or light brown, which can hide spills or stains should the next tenant prove messy and move out after the original lease terms are up. Before laying carpet, don’t forget to lay down quality padding underneath. Such padding makes the carpet feel softer and of higher quality.
evokes a stronger response from prospective renters than a property’s appliances. Outdated appliances make renters speculate as to what else might be outdated and if the building is well taken care of. On the other hand, newer appliances, particularly stainless steel items, create a contemporary feel
and give the impression, true or false, that a landlord won’t allow the building to grow dated or fall into disrepair. When shopping for appliances, choose ones that are more basic so any eventual repairs won’t be too complicated or costly. Newer appliances enable landlords to charge more rent for a given property, and many renters would agree that such properties are worth the extra money.
have creaky or drafty windows, which not only makes the property colder during the winter months, but it also drives up utility costs as renters are forced to turn up the thermostat to combat drafts and cold air entering the unit. New windows can eliminate such drafts and reduce utility costs, something landlords can use to their advantage when discussing the property with potential tenants. Landlords might even be able to earn tax breaks when installing new, energy-efficient windows. Discuss if any such breaks exist with the local municipality.
When it comes to renovating a rental property, landlords can make a handful of small renovations that, while relatively inexpensive, enable them to earn substantially more money from each unit over the long haul.
Relatively minor renovations to rental properties can earn landlords substantially more money over the course of a typical lease.
7NAME NEWSPAPER • Month Date, Year
1/4 PAGE AD 1/4 PAGE AD
Greet Guests Witha Touch of GlassThe trend of using decorative glass to create dramatic entryways continues to grow as homeowners choose to stay in their homes longer and remodel for extended personal enjoyment. Adding a “touch of glass” with a new front entry door can be one of the most effective and economical ways to enhance a home’s curb appeal.
Beyond aesthetics, a new entry with decorative glass can add value to the home. According to a national home valuation study conducted by Therma-Tru® and TNS, an independent research organization, simply installing a new entryway door has been shown to increase the perceived value of a home by more than $24,000 on average.
Manufacturers offer a wide
array of choices for entryways incorporating decorative glass doorlites, sidelites and transoms. These choices allow homeowners to create a custom look for the home while making a statement about the homeowner’s personal sense of style.
The recently-introduced Avonlea™ and Maple Park™ decorative glass options from Therma-Tru (available at www.thermatru.com) are perfect examples of the beauty decorative glass can add to the home. With its fluid lines and free flowing leaf pattern, the Avonlea glass package is inspired by nature and features bronze water and clear baroque glass with black nickel caming. The Maple Park decorative glass option creates a peaceful, comforting design
element for the home. With its water and granite glass married with clear bevels and a soft arc, the Maple Park glass creates
suited for all types of homes.
Entryway systems that incorporate decorative glass also offer the added benefit of allowing more sunlight into the home without energy loss, making for a more attractive, more energy-efficient interior. Some of the most stunning designs are available in impact-rated versions that provide added home security and protection from severe weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy rain. Other decorative glass options include vented sidelites to allow both air and natural ventilation into the home.
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7EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER6
7NAME NEWSPAPER • Month Date, Year
1/4 PAGE AD 1/4 PAGE AD
Greet Guests Witha Touch of GlassThe trend of using decorative glass to create dramatic entryways continues to grow as homeowners choose to stay in their homes longer and remodel for extended personal enjoyment. Adding a “touch of glass” with a new front entry door can be one of the most effective and economical ways to enhance a home’s curb appeal.
Beyond aesthetics, a new entry with decorative glass can add value to the home. According to a national home valuation study conducted by Therma-Tru® and TNS, an independent research organization, simply installing a new entryway door has been shown to increase the perceived value of a home by more than $24,000 on average.
Manufacturers offer a wide
array of choices for entryways incorporating decorative glass doorlites, sidelites and transoms. These choices allow homeowners to create a custom look for the home while making a statement about the homeowner’s personal sense of style.
The recently-introduced Avonlea™ and Maple Park™ decorative glass options from Therma-Tru (available at www.thermatru.com) are perfect examples of the beauty decorative glass can add to the home. With its fluid lines and free flowing leaf pattern, the Avonlea glass package is inspired by nature and features bronze water and clear baroque glass with black nickel caming. The Maple Park decorative glass option creates a peaceful, comforting design
element for the home. With its water and granite glass married with clear bevels and a soft arc, the Maple Park glass creates
suited for all types of homes.
Entryway systems that incorporate decorative glass also offer the added benefit of allowing more sunlight into the home without energy loss, making for a more attractive, more energy-efficient interior. Some of the most stunning designs are available in impact-rated versions that provide added home security and protection from severe weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy rain. Other decorative glass options include vented sidelites to allow both air and natural ventilation into the home.
Decorative Avonlea glass in an energy-efficient fiberglass entryway.
(618)-656-0490Edwardsville, IL 62025
201 N 2ND St.BUHRMESTER'S PAINT &WALLPAPER
7EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012
9EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER8
Home Building NewsConcrete upholds newest ‘building code’ demands
Home Improvement Tips:Air-tight insulation delivers big returns
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER8
Home Building NewsConcrete upholds newest ‘building code’ demands
Home Improvement Tips:Air-tight insulation delivers big returns
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER8
Home Building NewsConcrete upholds newest ‘building code’ demands
Home Improvement Tips:Air-tight insulation delivers big returns
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February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER10
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11EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012
Understanding Condensationin Your Home
11EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012
Understanding Condensationin Your Home
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER12 13NAME NEWSPAPER • Month Date, Year
1/2 PAGE AD
Simple ways tosoundproofa homeAdvancements in technology have made it easier than ever before for homeowners to create a mini movie theater in the comfort of their own homes. The affordability of home-theater systems and big-screen televisions, once deemed a luxury only available to the super-wealthy, has made it possible for everyone to enjoy theater-style entertainment at home.
But one thing that can put a damper on those home-theater plans is external noise. Movie theaters are soundproof so customers can’t hear noise from the nearby freeway or their fellow moviegoers “oohing” and “aahing” in the theater next door. Private homes, however, are not so soundproof, so homeowners must take it upon themselves
to soundproof their homes to create the ultimate home-theater experience. The following are some of the ways homeowners can do just that.
An extra layer or two of drywall will block sound coming from neighboring rooms. Simply add a layer or two of drywall to the existing wall.
If it’s noise from outside the home that’s ruining your home theater experience, then consider installing double-paned windows with acrylic frames. Such a job can be costly, so if it’s going to be a budget-buster, then sound-deadening drapes are a cheaper alternative that can also be
effective.
sound-absorbent items. Another way to soundproof a home is to decorate the house with sound-absorbent items. Furnishings with substantial cushioning, carpeting and fabric on the walls will each absorb sound, reducing the transfer of sound from room
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1/2 PAGE AD
Simple ways tosoundproofa homeAdvancements in technology have made it easier than ever before for homeowners to create a mini movie theater in the comfort of their own homes. The affordability of home-theater systems and big-screen televisions, once deemed a luxury only available to the super-wealthy, has made it possible for everyone to enjoy theater-style entertainment at home.
But one thing that can put a damper on those home-theater plans is external noise. Movie theaters are soundproof so customers can’t hear noise from the nearby freeway or their fellow moviegoers “oohing” and “aahing” in the theater next door. Private homes, however, are not so soundproof, so homeowners must take it upon themselves
to soundproof their homes to create the ultimate home-theater experience. The following are some of the ways homeowners can do just that.
An extra layer or two of drywall will block sound coming from neighboring rooms. Simply add a layer or two of drywall to the existing wall.
If it’s noise from outside the home that’s ruining your home theater experience, then consider installing double-paned windows with acrylic frames. Such a job can be costly, so if it’s going to be a budget-buster, then sound-deadening drapes are a cheaper alternative that can also be
effective.
sound-absorbent items. Another way to soundproof a home is to decorate the house with sound-absorbent items. Furnishings with substantial cushioning, carpeting and fabric on the walls will each absorb sound, reducing the transfer of sound from room
be carpeted to further reduce the transfer of sound.
ceilings. Soundproofing tile on ceilings is another effective way to reduce the transference of sound from room to room and keep external noise out of the home-theater room.
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13EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012
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February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER14
Celebritydesignercelebrates the sightsand scents of spring
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER14
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February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER16
117 N. Second St., Edwardsville618.656.4700
www.theintelligencer.com
Publisher: Denise VonderHaar [email protected]
Editor: Bill Tucker [email protected]
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Circulation Rosemary KebelManager: [email protected]
17EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012
Month Date, Year • NAME NEWSPAPER18
What to look for in
outdoor furniture
Outdoor entertaining areas have always been popular among homeowners. The ability to entertain friends and family or simply relax by yourself is something homeowners cherish, particularly during the warm weather seasons. Finding the right furniture to match your outdoor area, be it a deck, patio or poolside lounging area, is essential to making the most of this special area of the home. When shopping for outdoor furniture, consider the following.
outdoor furniture will be moved around quite frequently, such as to protect it from inclement weather or changing seasons. As a result, the weight of the furniture bears importance. While you don’t want furniture that’s too lightweight and will blow away any time a strong gust of wind comes along, it’s a good idea to choose furniture that isn’t too heavy. This makes it easier to move should a storm suddenly appear and it won’t require the entire household to help move the furniture into and out of the garage when inclement weather arrives.
The whole idea behind an outdoor entertaining area is to have a relaxing place to spend time outside. So be sure to choose furniture that’s comfortable and can handle the elements. Metal furniture, for example, might be durable, but such furniture can also get very hot if out in the sun.
Many homeowners enjoy changing their home’s interior décor from time to time, and it can be just as enjoyable to do the same to a home’s exterior décor. That said, look for furniture that can be accented with a variety of accessories, so you can change the look of your outdoor entertaining area easily.
Protecting exterior furniture from the elements should be a priority. When shopping for outdoor furniture, figure out if protective covering is available or if it will need to be custom made. The latter alternative can be quite expensive, so you might want to consider more generic furniture that comes with standard protective coverings to make it more affordable.
Things to knowbeforebuildinga deck
Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau Housing Survey indicate that homeowners annually spend billions of dollars improving outdoor living areas.One of the most popular ways to do just that is to add a deck to a home. Decks are beneficial in many ways. Grillmasters love decks because they make the perfect place to set up a grill and a table and cook for family and friends. Those who simply love being outdoors find decks the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun or idle away the evening hours.
But homeowners who want to build a deck should know a few things before that process begins.
to be especially small, you will likely need a permit to build it. Before buying any materials or consulting any contractors, make certain you know which permits you need and how to get them. If the proper permits are not secured before the project begins, you might have to tear down the whole project and start all over again.
house. If the back of
your house sits in the blazing sun all day, then it’s probably best to build the deck elsewhere, and that’s perfectly alright. So long as the property and permits allow, decks can be built on the side of a home as well, and putting a deck on the side might be more comfortable.
to be made of wood.It’s easy to assume all decks are made of plain wood. However, decks can be made out of a wide variety of materials, natural or synthetic. Pressure treated wood is perhaps the most popular material for decking because it’s not very expensive. But manmade materials that are a mixture of recycled plastic and wood bits or sawdust are also popular because they require no maintenance. But homeowners should know that manmade materials can get hot in the sun, which will require those enjoying the deck to wear shoes.
digging. If you’re going to build your own deck, expect to do some serious digging. Local building codes will dictate how deep you will need to dig for the pier footings, which support the deck’s weight. Just how deep you’ll dig depends on your climate’s specific frost line, but it’s safe to assume you’ll get a workout in when digging.
multiple levels. Though many people associate
decks with one level, it’s possible to have a multi-level deck if you simply don’t have enough room to build a deck that will be big enough to meet all of your needs. A multi-level deck can break up those long flights of stairs while ensuring you will always have somewhere to go to escape the sun on a hot day.
Decksare a costly investment, and you will want to protect that investment. If you’re building a wood deck, keep in mind the sun will beat down on the deck for most of the year. You can protect the deck by painting it. Paint provides sunscreen for the deck, stopping the sun from breaking down the material. Once you’ve finished painting, apply sealant, whether it’s oil- or water-based.
Fasteners will hide the screws for aesthetic appeal. But not all woods and fasteners are the right fit, as certain woods are only compatible with certain fasteners. Find out which fasteners make the right fit ahead of time. Because fasteners conceal the screws, they also make it possible to go barefoot on the deck.
A deck makes a great addition to many homes, but homeowners should learn as much as possible about decks and what goes into building them before making any decking decisions.
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER18
19NAME NEWSPAPER • Month Date, Year
Restoringyour propertyafter a long winter
One of the best things about the dawn of spring and the return of warmer weather is the chance to get out of the house and get some fresh air. For homeowners, this is the perfect opportunity to assess any damage the previous months did to yards and develop a plan restore properties.
The first warm day of spring might seem like a great time get out in the yard and get your hands dirty. But it’s best to wait until the grass has completely dried out
grass increases the risk of tearing out grass, which can cause bald spots and the growth of weeds down the road. In addition, stepping on the grass while the ground is still wet can compact the soil, which can slow drainage and block the lawn’s roots from breathing.
Patience should prevail with regard to mowing the lawn as well. A lawn’s roots will not start to grow until the average everyday temperature routinely reaches 40 F, so mowing too early is both unnecessary and potentially harmful to the lawn. When the temperatures regularly reach 50 F, then homeowners will likely start to see their lawns growing.
Debris has a tendency to infest a yard over the course of the winter months. Fallen branches, stones and even trash can accumulate in a yard, putting those who spend time in the yard at risk of injury once the warm weather returns. For instance, bits of twigs and pebbles that are blown across the yard during a windy winter can be embedded in the yard, making the yard less of a haven and more of a hazard. Once the grass is dry enough to walk on, walk around the property and remove any debris that’s piled up over the last few months.
Homeowners who routinely spend their summers agonizing over weeds throughout the yard should consider applying a pre-emergent weed killer around the beginning of spring. It’s important to do so around the end of March or early April, when the weeds have not yet had a chance to grow. When applying, follow the dosage instructions provided by the product’s manufacturer. Such instructions often recommend a second application right before summer begins.
Once the grass has dried, you can begin to remove thatch that’s built up over the winter. Thatch is potentially very harmful to soil, blocking sunlight, air and moisture the soil needs to ensure a lawn looks lush and healthy. Thatch removal does not necessarily need to be an annual task. If thatch buildup is insignificant, then it can be done every other year. Just use a dethatching rake to make the job much easier.
, particularly if the yard is a heavy traffic area once the warm weather arrives. If your yard transforms into a child’s wonderland upon the arrival of spring and summer, you might want to revive the soil by aerating. When the yard gets heavy usage, it’s easy for soil to become compacted, which makes it hard for air and water to reach the lawn’s roots. That can eventually make for a less-than-appealing lawn. So if your yard is the place to be come the warmer months, aerate in the spring to loosen the soil and make it easier for the lawn to withstand the months ahead.
No matter how harsh the winter months might have been, spring is a great time for homeowners to restore the property around their homes.
Mowing the lawn too early in the spring is both unnecessary and potentially harmful to the lawn.
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19EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER20
Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows
Vinyl windows are a healthychoice when replacingolder single-pane units.
Window guards save kids’ lives
Windows can be a safety hazard for young children. But window guards can prevent falls.
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER20
Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows
Vinyl windows are a healthychoice when replacingolder single-pane units.
Window guards save kids’ lives
Windows can be a safety hazard for young children. But window guards can prevent falls.
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER20
Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows
Vinyl windows are a healthychoice when replacingolder single-pane units.
Window guards save kids’ lives
Windows can be a safety hazard for young children. But window guards can prevent falls.
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER20
Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows
Vinyl windows are a healthychoice when replacingolder single-pane units.
Window guards save kids’ lives
Windows can be a safety hazard for young children. But window guards can prevent falls.
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER20
Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows
Vinyl windows are a healthychoice when replacingolder single-pane units.
Window guards save kids’ lives
Windows can be a safety hazard for young children. But window guards can prevent falls.
804 Southwest Place
Edwardsville, IL 62025
618.692.6960618.692.7125 (fax)
Construction • FloorcareMoving • Lawn & GardenPower Tools • Plumbing
Painting • Party • Automotive
Get your yardback in shape.We are a full service
Rental Store.Rent the equipment.
Keep the Advice.We rent a full line of Party &
Event Rental Items.
MON
7:30 AM
5:00 PM
TUES
7:30 AM
5:00 PM
WED
7:30 AM
5:00 PM
THUR
7:30 AM
5:00 PM
FRI
7:30 AM
5:00 PM
SAT
7:30 AM
5:00 PM
SUN
Closed
All Day
21EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012
Learn the 7 mistakes to avoid before hiring a carpet cleaner...Call this number to fi nd out - 618.594.8011
FOUR SEASONS• Carpet Cleaning & Floor Covering• Hardwood Floor Refi nishing• 24 Hour EMERGENCY WATER REMOVAL
Bernell Tebbe OWNER
bernell@fourseaonscarpetcleaning.netwww.fourseasonscarpetcleaning.net
Highland:618-654-6504
Carlyle:618-594-2299
Toll Free:800-287-7959
Check out our customer testimonialsat www.ethicalservices.com� � � � � enter zipcode 62231
9425 Rte. 140 • Hamel, IL1-800-250-3997618-633-2626
www.sloans.com
LAWN MOWERS TRACTORS
SPRAYERS PLANTERS COMBINES
Ask For Details On Mower Inspections & Services.
February 22, 2012 • EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER22
Professional • Reliable • ReferencesInsured • Warranty
Call for a free estimate618-288-7710
www.fergusonbuilt.com
Customizing Living Spaces Since 1979
Basements • Bathrooms
Kitchens • Room Additions
Decks • Covered Porches
“Don’t Let This MarketPass You By!”
Linda MitchellREALTOR®
BROWNREALTORS®
(618) 920-2471 [email protected]
2205 S. State Route 157, Edwardsville, IL 62025brownrealtors.com/lindamitchellEach Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
23EDWARDSVILLE INTELLIGENCER • February 22, 2012
SAVE SAVE SAVE
54FOR SALEPURCHASE 4 SQ. FT. AND GET THE 5THALL FLOOR SURFACES, ALL BRANDS
FREE
1009 Plummer Drive • Edwardsville • (Hwy 157 Across from Bella Milano)
HOURS:Mon-Wed.-Fri. 9am-7:30pmTues.-Thurs. 9am-5:30pm;
Sat. 9am-4pm
www.vallowfloor.com
656-7788Floor Coverings, Inc.Mark Vallow Seth Renken
Floor Design Center and Outlet
StartsMarch 1st
• Hardwood• Carpet• Ceramic• Laminate• Vinyl
IT’S
TH
E B
IG O
NE
!H
UR
RY
IN!
FinancingAvailable
See store for details.