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75Spring 2020things to consider whenVarious factors should be considered beforebuilding or buying a shed. A storage shedcan be a significant investment. Once placed,sheds may remain in their dedicated spotsfor years to come. That means carefulthought should go into the planning process.1. Check your local building codesfirst. Before you accumulate buildingmaterials or order a shed, be sure toknow the ins and outs of shed codes. Thecodes may impact the shed’s placement,construction, the materials used, size, andnumerous other factors. It’s much easier toamend plans beforehand than to face thehassle and expense after learning you didthings incorrectly.2. Choose placement wisely. Spendseveral days assessing the yard and thinkingabout the uses for the shed. If you plan tostore pool floats and chemicals inside ofthe shed, it should be located close enoughto the pool to be convenient. Look at thelay of the land. If there is a soggy patch ofland that can turn swampy under the shed’sfoundation, that is a poor location choice.If you need access to electricity, placing itfar away from the house could necessitaterunning expensive wiring.3. Consider the design. Just because ashed is for storage doesn’t mean aestheticsshould be overlooked. Choose a shed stylethat complements your home. You mayalso want to match certain architecturalfeatures, like arched doorways or dormers.Design also may relate to practicality. Forinstance, storing a riding mower inside maynecessitate dual doors that open widely.4. Invest in quality materials.Spending a little more and using qualitymaterials can ensure it lasts long enough tobe cost-effective. The right materials will beresistant to splitting, cracking, decay, andinsect damage.5. Prepare the site well. A properfoundation for the shed is almost asimportant as the shed itself. You cannot justdrop the shed on the lawn and leave it, asthe shed can sink or structural issues mayarise if it is placed on a weak base.6. Blend into the environment.Surround the shed with shrubs or plants sothat it blends into the yard and complementsthe space.7. Deck out the interior. Use everystorage tool at your disposal to maximizefloor, wall and even rafter space for storage.Plan where items will be kept and customizethe storage options around those locations.Sheds can be an asset and improve storagecapability in the backyard.70035969Backyard sheds can be useful assets.Sheds can create storage space in thegarage, basement or other areas ofthe house that have become gathering spotsfor gear typically used outdoors. Sheds areideal for housing mowers, tools and evenpool-care equipment. But they can be put toother uses as well, such as being key spotsto engage in hobbies or even as a child’sclubhouse.buying a shed

6Spring 2020Improvestorage at homeand hanging rod systems. Customizingclosets using track systems or othermodifications can improve utility of allclosets in the house.Invest in storage bedsStorage beds typically feature cubbies ordrawers within a platform-style bed frame.It’s a practical home storage solution, anddoes not require any building.Think verticallyMaximize spaces by looking up and downfor storage possibilities. Items that arenot used frequently, such as seasonaldecorations or travel suitcases, can bestored in high spaces. Shelving on walls cango as high as necessary and be put to usein awkward wall areas, such as in corners orunder eaves.National Public Radio says the averageAmerican home has nearly tripled in sizeduring the last 50 years. Despite that, 10percent of Americans still need to rent offsite storage, according to a report in TheNew York Times Magazine. Self-storagefacilities are one of the fastest-growingcommercial real estate segments, and theSelf Storage Association says there aremore than 50,000 storage facilities in theU.S. alone. The commercial real estatecompany CBRE, Ltd., says there areroughly 3,000 self-storage facilities acrossCanada, and 65 to 85 percent of selfstorage tenants are residential users.Improving storage at home can be a costeffective alternative to renting storagespace. With these easy tips, homeownerscan maximize space immediately.Utilize track storage systemsClosets may be plentiful, but if not efficientlyutilized, space may still seem lacking. Trackcloset storage systems often make greateruse of closet space than traditional shelfWhen planning spring landscapes, homeowners should always group plants withsimilar water needs together. According to the U.S. Department of Energy,grouping plants with similar water needs together helps to conserve water,which can be an especially useful strategy if or when drought restrictions go into effectin summer. Homeowners also can embrace additional strategies to landscape withwater conservation in mind. For example, aerating soil helps to improve water flow toplants’ roots and reduces water runoff, helping to ensure that plants get all of the waterthey need while reducing the likelihood that homeowners will have to use excessiveamounts of water to keep plants healthy. In addition, using low-water-using types ofgrass can help homeowners who live in areas prone to drought conserve water while stillmaintaining lush, green lawns.A BETTER WAY TOInvest in storage benches/ottomansA stopping area inside the front door repletewith a storage bench can house shoes,umbrellas, hats, backpacks, and otheritems, keeping them tidy and out of sight.In living rooms, look for chests or ottomansthat are decorative and functional. Storethrow blankets or board games inside.Mark Carrico - SalesRecess drawers or shelvesGain more storage by recessing a chestof drawers into what is called the “kneewall” of homes that have sloped ceilings inattics and upstairs bedrooms. Utilize theseshort walls in an efficient manner by sinkingdrawers or shelves into them, without takingup floor space.Rafter shelvingWhile in the attic (or a garage), add hangingshelves to rafters or exposed beams tocreate off-the-floor storage as well.These are just a few of the handy waysto improve the interior storage space in ahome.At C & B Lumber in Fries, VA, we provide everything that you need for the construction of a log home at a low cost. We manufacture a widevariety of milled logs, log siding, tongue and groove, and heavy timber beams. If you would like to learn more about our products, get in touchwith us. We want to share our high-quality lumber with you and help you build the log home of your dreams. That is why we offer a wide varietyof lumber cuts in addition to various log home products,such as: Chinking ProductsRustic RailingsCustomized LumberLog Home SidingYou may also turn to us for hued or smooth woodas well as various ends, includingdovetail, saddle notch, and false corners.Additionally, we offer a wide variety of log homesupplies and accessories that help keep your woodprotected, including screws, chinking, foam, andwrap. With our special delivery rates, you can haveyour lumber as quickly as you need.3594 Turkey Know Road Fries, VA 24330276-744-3337www.candblumber.com70036046Homes are getting bigger, but it seemslike people are still lamenting a lackof storage space.Did you know?

7Spring 2020Exterior renovationsthat can improve home valueRenovating a home to improve its valuecan be a smart investment. Interiorimprovements, such as updatingkitchens and baths, offer good return oninvestment, but there are plenty of exteriorrenovations that can add value to a home andgive it that coveted “wow” factor.LandscapingAbundant and well-planned landscapingcan instantly boost curb appeal. Accordingto the landscaping company Lawn Starter,71 percent of prospective home buyers saya home’s curb appeal is an important factorin their buying decisions. As buyers use theinternet to look for their dream homes, there’sno denying a beautifully landscaped, nicelyphotographed property can entice buyers toclick and read more about a house.Address insects and minor repairsImproving home value may come down tofixing areas of the home that can negativelyaffect its appeal to buyers. Hire an inspectorto look at key components of the house andrecommend what needs to be fixed. This wayit is discovered before home buyers comein and do their own inspections. Termiteinfestations, deteriorating roofs and hiddenwater leaks are some things that might needfixing.71%of prospective homebuyers say a home’scurb appeal is animportant factor intheir buying decisionsImprove the entrywayThe front door is the focal point of a home’sexterior. Invest in a new door or paint it astriking color to add appeal. Remodelingmagazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2019”indicates changing an entry door to a steelreplacement can offer 74.9 percent ROI. Sucha door provides visual appeal and addedsecurity — things buyers look for. In additionto the front door, make sure that the entrywayhas a level walkway, steps that are in goodrepair, accents that are free from rust ortarnish, and decorative plants.Outdoor lightingOutdoor lighting can add to the ambiance ofa property and serve as a security feature.Utilize different lights, such as a bright lightby the entry, uplighting in trees and shrubsfor drama, a light-lined path to the door toimprove visibility, and motion-detection lightsto improve the security of the property.Repaint (or reside) the exteriorA fresh coat of paint or new (or cleaned) sidingcan instantly give homes a facelift. Neutral,warm and inviting colors tend to have thewidest appeal. Adding manufactured stoneveneer to the home can offer a 94.9 percentROI, says Remodeling. And after doing thefront door and siding, investing in a garagedoor replacement offers the highest ROI of allexterior projects listed on the “Cost vs. ValueReport 2019.” This improvement returns 97.5percent when selling.Knowing which improvements add value to ahome can help homeowners tailor their effortsto those that are most financially beneficial.70035775

8DIY Projects thatcan conserve energyaround the houseHome renovation projects can paynumerous dividends. Renovations canhave a positive effect on resale value,make homes more livable for residents and, insome ways, make homes more affordable.Renovation projects that aim to conserveenergy can save homeowners substantialamounts of money. Such projects don’t oftenrequire considerable effort or even sizablefinancial investments, which can makehomeowners skeptical as to just how muchthey can save after completing the project.But the scale of a project may have little to dowith how much homeowners will save. Forexample, the U.S. Department of Energy notesthat a relatively effortless task like turning backa thermostat between 7 and 10 F for eighthours per day can save homeowners as muchas 83 per year. A more labor-intensive tasklike planting shade trees saves homeowners anaverage of between 35 and 119 per year.When looking for ways to conserve energyaround the house and save money,VK&Spring 2020homeowners need not necessarily commit toexpensive projects. The DOE notes that thefollowing are some energy-saving projects anddetails what homeowners can expect to saveafter completing them. While each individualproject may not result in jaw-dropping savings,homeowners who follow many of theserecommendations may end up saving morethan 1,000 per year.Project: Install exteriorlow-e storm windows.Low-e windows reflect infrared heat back into ahome. Such windows are coated with an ultrathin layer of metal that improves the window’sinsulation ability.Homeowners who install low-e windows cansave between 12 and 33 percent on theirannual heating and cooling costs.Project: Seal uncontrolled air leaks.Air leaks let cool air in during winter and warmair in during summer. Caulking, sealing andweather stripping all cracks and large openingscan cut back on air leaks that are costingyou money. The DOE recommends hiring acontractor to seal any leaks on heating andcooling ducts.Homeowners who seal uncontrolled air leakscan save between 10 and 20 percent on theirannual heating and cooling bills.Project: Plant shade trees.If you plant a deciduous tree between six andeight feel tall near your home, it will begin toshade your windows within a year of beingplanted. Depending on the species of the treeand the home, the shade tree will begin shadingthe roof within five to 10 years. The DOE notesthat shading is the most cost-effective way toreduce air conditioning costs.Properly planted shade trees can reduce airconditioning costs by anywhere from 15 to 50percent.Project: Insulate thewater heater tank.New water tanks are likely already insulated.But homeowners with older hot water tankscan insulate their tanks with a water heaterinsulating blanket kit.Insulating a water heater tank can savehomeowners as much as 16 percent on theirannual water heating bills.Even the smallest DIY projects can produce bigsavings. More information about energy-savinghome improvement projects can be found atwww.energy.gov.Heating& Air ConditioningCommercial Residential ManufacINCBuy a High Efficiency System now thru October andKIHeAir C(336getgloves,your choiceof onegreatbonuses:Safety is our first priority. Each of our technicians is equipped with masks andgivingyou ofthethreesafestservicepossible. A duct cleaningDon’t wait for summer temperatures to catch your system off guard! Give usOaNcallget efficientyour AC summerUSnow ato97%filtering ready.systemBOFFERInSales or a Touch Screen Thermostat304 NC Hwy 67 East Bend,NC 2701824 Hours Emergency Service FREE Estimates on Installationwww.kvheatingair.com 336-699-2088Financing available7003608424 Hours Emergency Service FREE Estimates on Installation

9Spring 20203 COMMON DIYMISTAKES to avoidTips for waterproofinga basement orWPride tends to swell when homeownerssuccessfully complete do-it-yourselfprojects on their homes. In addition tosaving homeowners money, DIY projectsprovide a unique way for men and women topersonally connect with their homes. The abilityto look at a finished project and say it’s a resultof your own handiwork can make a home feelmore your own.As fun and fulfilling as DIY projects can be, theyalso can be nerve-wracking and induce anxiety.When DIY projects falter, fixing them can provecostly, as homeowners typically must call incontractors to correct their mistakes and get aproject back on track. That results in additionallabor and material costs that might have beenavoidable, especially for homeowners whomake an effort to avoid some common DIYmistakes.1. Failure to secure permitsEven though homeowners own their homes,that does not mean they have carte blanche todo what they want with them. Many renovationprojects require homeowners to secure permitsbefore projects can commence. Some mayeven require additional permits as the projectsadvance. If proper permits are not secured,homeowners may be fined and projects maybe nixed, regardless of how much moneyhomeowners have spent up to that point.Before beginning a home renovation project,homeowners should always contact their localpermit office to determine if any permits arerequired. Bankrate.com notes that permitsare often required for any project larger thanpainting or wallpapering.2. Overestimating your abilitiesDIY television shows make home renovationprojects look easy, but reality suggestsotherwise. Homeowners with little or noexperience renovating a home may want totake classes before they think about startinga project on their own. Even online tutorialstend to make jobs appear easier than they are.Roofing and plumbing projects tend to be bestleft to the professionals, as these projects canbe either dangerous or vulnerable to disaster ifnot addressed by trained professionals.3. Incorrect materialsWhether it’s to save money or a byproduct ofinexperience, DIYers do not always choosethe correct materials for a job. Experiencedcontractors have ample experience workingwith all sorts of materials and are thereforein a unique position to recommend the bestmaterials for any given job. That resource isnot available for DIYers, who must performample research before beginning a job so theproject involves the most appropriate materials.Incorrect materials can be a sunken cost thatderails a project, but even jobs completed usingincorrect materials may need to be redone a lotmore quickly than those that employed the rightmaterials the first time.Many home renovation projects can becompleted without the help of professionalcontractors., especially when homeownerstake steps to avoid some of the more commonmistakes made by DIYers.crawl spaceater can be a homeowner’s worstnightmare. Few things have thepotential to damage a home asmuch as water. From leaks to flooding tomoisture problems like mold, water canwreak havoc on a home.Basements or crawl spaces are areas of ahome where water can do the most damage.Basements and crawl spaces tend to be thelowest-lying spots in a home, and thereforeprime spots for water to enter. Waterproblems in these areas can contribute tothe demise of the structural integrity of thefoundation.According to Olshan, a foundation solutionscompany, water can enter homes innumerous ways. Many building materials,including concrete, that seem solid at firstglance actually are quite porous. As groundwater collects around these materials, theweight of the accumulated water, calledhydrostatic pressure, can weaken thematerials, causing cracks where watercan seep through. Water also can entersubterranean spaces through basementwindows and gaps between footingsand concrete slabs, or push up throughfoundation floors when homes are in areaswith high water tables.Remedying water issues in a home generallybreaks down into two methodologies:exterior waterproofing and interiorwaterproofing. Depending on the cause andseverity of the water issue, one or the other,or even both, may be recommended.Exterior waterproofingExterior waterproofing aims to keep wateraway from and out of the home. Thehome improvement information resourceDoItYourself.com says that exteriorwaterproofing generally includes theapplication of a waterproofing agent to theconcrete foundation. In addition, exteriorwaterproofing also could include excavationso a drainage system can be installedaround the entire footing of the home.Regrading a property and properly relocatinggutters and downspouts can help with manywater issues.Interior waterproofingWhen water in a basement or crawl spaceneeds to be remediated indoors, a systemto collect, drain and remove water may benecessary. This can include sump p

to Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value 2019” report, a mid-range bathroom remodeling project costs an average of 20,420 in 2019, while an upscale remodel costs just under 64,000. Homeowners should develop budgets for their bathroom renovation pro