Ads on this page from the following advertisers...
PAGE 15
PRESS & DAKOTAN THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015
Guide to replacing home siding
Few home improvements can transform a home more than the installation
of new siding. Replacing siding can be a
costly venture, but the right siding will
maintain its appeal for years to come.
Updated siding can improve home s
energy value by enabling owners to
save on heating and cooling costs. A
new design and color also can improve
a home s property value and set it apart
from neighboring properties. According to the Professional Builder s Home
Exteriors Survey, exterior design and
materials used are a top priority for
new home buyers.
Project costs depend on the size of
the home as well as which siding material homeowners choose. Considering
new siding is a major renovation, it
pays to get the job done right.
Choose a qualified contractor
It is important for consumers to do
their research when it comes to siding
materials and contractors. A contractor who takes shortcuts or improperly
installs the siding may void a manufacturer s warranty. Always ask family
members and friends for recommendations before choosing a contractor, and
check out each prospective contractor s work for yourself. Interview more
than one contractor and compare both
their costs and what they offer. Ask
plenty of questions of the contractors,
and avoid those who try hard-sell methods. Questionable contractors may try
strategies like a promise of a considerable discount if you act now or scare
tactics that your home is unsafe in its
present condition.
Be sure the contractor carries
general liability insurance as well as
workers compensation insurance for
their subcontractors. Ask for a license
number as well and verify its accuracy.
Select a durable material
Siding comes in all types of materials from wood to plastic to fiber
cement, but vinyl is among the most
popular due to cost and availability.
Research how well particular brands
of siding stand up to conditions and
Budget-friendly
outdoor
renovation ideas
which are the least likely to crack, warp
or discolor. Find this information from
online reviews or through consumer
advocacy groups. Also remember, vinyl
and other synthetic materials have
improved and can now mimic the look
of many other materials for a fraction of
the cost.
Homeowners are increasingly extending their living
spaces outside the walls of their homes. Expansive and
intricate stonework patios and decked-out outdoor kitchens are the kind of additions many homeowners dream
of. Those with unlimited budgets can enjoy just about any
look they desire, but many homeowners may not have the
money to go all the way with their outdoor living spaces.
But that doesn t mean it s impossible to create budgetfriendly spaces that are functional, fun and eye catching.
Decks and patios are popular gathering spots outside
a home, and homeowners have numerous inexpensive
options at their disposal when choosing patio materials.
And those who can do their own labor when installing a
patio can save a substantial amount of money. Instead
of higher-priced composite or resin decks, homeowners
can go with standard wood, which will need to be stained
periodically. Scaling back the size of the deck means less
materials to buy and less labor involved.
The cost of patio blocks depends on the material and
style. Poured concrete patios will cost less than placed
blocks or stones because concrete is less labor-intensive.
For those who desire the look of patio blocks without the
cost, stamped concrete can mimic the look for less.
Homeowners may not need to replace patio furniture,
even if chairs and tables have seen better days. A can
of spray paint can cover up any rusted areas or spots
where paint has peeled off due to exposure to the elements. Updating cushions and purchasing a coordinating
umbrella can revitalize the patio s entire look. Also, very
often stores run sales to clear out merchandise for new
displays.
Defining edges of planting borders and refreshing the
landscape may be all that is needed to improve the yard.
This is easily achieved with inexpensive mulch and some
vinyl edging. While cleaning up the yard, use a pressure
washer to clean stains off of siding and patios and create
a like-new appearance.
End-of-season sales can also be the ideal opportunity
to purchase big-ticket items like a pool, a hot tub or an
outdoor fireplace/fire pit. Shoppers can learn when stores
discount their merchandise to make room for new inventory and then use these sales as opportunities to save.
Sometimes saving means repurposing antiques or
items found at garage sales. Thanks to the Internet,
people can easily advertise items they no longer need
or desire. A person can search for backyard items they
need at a deep discount if they are fine with previously
used materials. From patio furniture to masonry blocks
to above-ground pools, patient homeowners can find just
about any item they may need to upgrade their backyards.
Though not all homeowners can afford to create the
backyard of their dreams, with a little ingenuity and some
sweat hard work, homeowners can still create an outdoor
oasis.
Calculate how much you need
Before you price out siding with
contractors, estimate how much you
will need for your house. Consumer
Reports suggests multiplying the height
times the width of each rectangular
section of your house in feet, going by
what you can measure from the ground,
to determine their areas. Multiply the
approximate height and width of gables
and other triangular surfaces and
divide each total by two. Then add all
the totals. To allow for waste, don t
subtract for doors, windows or other
areas that won t be covered. Finally,
divide the total square footage by 100
to estimate how many squares of siding
you will need. A square represents 100
square feet. Knowing how much you
need can save you money.
Vinyl siding can completely transform the look of a home and make it
more energy efficient. Consumers who
do their homework will get the best
value for their investments.
Switching to LED Bulbs is Becoming
More Affordable and Appealing
(StatePoint) The use of
LED bulbs in homes is on the
rise nationwide, and with
good reason. Not only are
they more energy efficient
than their traditional counterparts, LEDs are becoming
more affordable upfront.
Indeed, of the United
States four billion residential light bulb sockets, less
than 10 percent are filled
with LED lighting; but by
2020, more than 50 percent
will be LED, according to
industry estimates. This
year alone, the consumer
lighting market is anticipated
to more than double
with LED, while
traditional CFL bulb
usage is expected to
decrease.
LED is not a new
technology and has
been on the market
for years. So what is
driving this sudden
consumer shift? New
light bulb designs are
making these costefficient bulbs more
convenient, attractive
and affordable. In
fact, certain designs
retail as low as under
$10 for a three-pack
of bulbs.
For example, GE Lighting s new Bright Stik bulb s
slender, sleek design is
offered both in soft white
and daylight, and fits in more
sockets and fixtures compared to its general purpose
CFL bulb counterpart. It has
a rated life of 15,000 hours
and should last nearly 14
years, at a cost of 10 cents
per month based on three
hours of operation daily and
11 cents per kilowatt hour.
Designed to be a good alternative to general purpose
replacement CFL bulbs, the
Bright Stik can be used anywhere, from sockets found
in basements, sheds, and
garages to table and floor
lamps, adding up to substantial energy savings over time.
These bulbs are available
in-store at The Home Depot
or by visiting www.HomeDepot.com.
To learn more about in-
ALL OF THESE SERVICES
UNDER ONE ROOF
Kaiser Heating & Cooling
Power Source Electric
Complete Communications
Heat n Glo Fireplaces
Yankton s Geothermal Heating &
Cooling Company
808 W. 23rd, Yankton, SD 665-2895 Chris Frick Doug Dykstra
www.kaiserheatingandcooling.com
Escape to soft solitude . . .
Carpet that invites you in.
novations in LED lighting, get
lighting tips for any room of
the house, or to find out how
much you stand to save making the simple swap, visit
gelighting.com/LightingWeb/
na/consumer/.
You don t need to be a
skilled handyman to make
an important, planet-friendly
home upgrade that will save
your family time and money
for years to come. This
weekend, consider trading in
your traditional bulbs for a
more modern variety.
For Fast And Reliable Quality Electrical
Work Call The Professionals...
New Construction
Remodel
Commercial
L&S
ELECTRIC 665-6612 661-1040
1600 E. 39th St., Yankton
Harry Lane, Electrical Contractor
License, Bonded & Insured
Floors & More
Your Total Home Design Center
DEALER INFO Financing
Interest Free
1205 Broadway Ave., Yankton 665-9728
Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3
Carpet | Tile & Stone | Hardwood | Laminate | Resilient | shawfloors.com
Shaw Carpet $ starting at
installed w/pad
1.99
sq. ft.
