Fall Home Improvement 2013

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PAGE 2 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT Wednesday, September 18 — Thursday, September 19, 2013

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Tom Obele507-593-4040

Michele Zimmerman507-263-1919

112 S. Main St. Le Sueur, MN 56058 507-665-2265 • www.ffmbank.com

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MINNESOTA VALLEY FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

A special project of the St. Peter Herald, Le Center Leader and Le Sueur News-Herald

PublisherStephanie Hill

Managing EditorSuzanne Rook

Media ConsultantsKathleen Davies, Sherry Wilmes, Stephanie Hill

Advertising DesignKelly Kubista, Jenine Kubista, Naomi Kissling, Paul Ristau,

Keeley Krebsbach, Nikkie Gilmore, Mary Jo Blanchard

Cover DesignKeeley Krebsbach

Minnesota Valley Fall Home Improvement is distributed to subscribers and readers of St. Peter Herald, Le Center Leader and Le Sueur News-Herald

at no additional charge. All rights reserved. ©2013 All Advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.

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Is your home ready for cold weather!A little maintenance now ensures trouble-free winterHow to improve indoor air quality as winter approachesHow to increase storage in tight spacesHome improvement projects you may want to skipHome improvement: Project that are perfect for fallCreating a lighting scheme that works for the kitchenIs your house ready for fall and winter?Prep work important before painting� e basics of kitchen cabinet refacingEasy bathroom renovationsWinterizing 101: How to prepare your yard for winterHow to invite more natural light into your homeAutumn makes a great time to clear clutterTips for unclogging drains

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Wednesday, September 18 — Thursday, September 19, 2013 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT PAGE 3

What are you losing without the right

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200 South Front Street, St. Peter 507-931-3200

www.stpeterlumer.com www.stpeterlumber.com1-507-248-96761-800-432-8289

Fred WentzlaffHenderson, MN

Cabinets designed for youSTYLE QUALITY CRAFTMANSHIP

By CJ [email protected]

After an unseasonably hot end to August, area residents are sure to welcome the cooler fall weather when air conditioning units can be turned o� and the windows can be opened.

But it won’t be long until that cool, comfortable weather turns cold and the windows need to be shut for the winter months. Mak-ing sure the windows and doors in your home are sealed is key to ensuring dra�s aren’t coming through, but it’s also important for your checkbook.

“It’s amazing how much you can save on energy costs by mak-ing sure windows and doors are sealed properly,” said Ron Boel-ter, owner of Ron Boelter Win-

dow & Siding in Madison Lake. “Having everything sealed can save at least 10 percent on an en-ergy bill and in some cases that number is up to 30-40 percent.”

Old windows and doors, es-pecially on older homes, may not have the best seals and Boel-ter said that in some cases it is just wood against wood. Apply-ing plastic over the windows is a quick �x, but the best results without changing the appear-ance of the home mean hiring a contractor replace the windows, he said.

“Window replacements in older homes are a lot less inva-sive than people may realize,” Boelter said. “�e new windows are custom made to �t the origi-nal openings, so the framework doesn’t need to be adjusted.”

Small leaks may not seem like a big deal, but adding them all together can result in major air loss. According to energystar.gov, in typical homes, common air leaks together can add up to as much air loss as having a win-dow open.

When checking for weak spots around windows and doors, the �rst step can be done through simple checks. Placing your hand around the seal is an obvious way to feel for dra�s, but you can also use a lit match to see if it �ickers or blows out. �e most advanced way to check for leaks is by using infrared cam-eras to point out exactly where the cold air is entering the home.

Simple do-it-yourself fixes can help with costly air leaks. Products that help with leaks

include weatherstripping around moveable components (windows and doors), caulk to seal gaps and cracks, and door sweeps to re-

duce leaks and prevent rodents from entering.

Checking the exterior of the home is just as important. As fall

approaches, leaves begin to drop their leaves and that can cause buildup in the gutters.

Is your home ready for cold weather?

Rose, of St. Peter’s Ace Hardware, discusses products to winterize a home with Tom. (St. Peter Herald �le photo)

See COLD Page 4


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SIDING • WINDOWS • ROOFING • GUTTERS GUTTER SHUTTER • ATTIC INSULATION

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GIVE YOUR HOME AN ENERGY-

EFFICIENT MAKEOVERNEW SIDING AND WINDOWS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY ON YOUR HEATING BILLS THIS WINTER!

Installing steel siding is one of many ways to improve your home’s energy e�ciency. (CJ Siewert/Le Sueur News-Herald)

buildup in the gutters.“Probably the most important

products we sell at this time of year are gutter helmets,” said Dale Brenke, president of Schmidt Sid-ing & Window in Mankato. “�at helps keep leaves out and can pre-

vent ice dams from building up in the winter.”

Ice dams can result from not enough ventilation and poor insu-lation in the roof. A simple �x can be to add insulation in the attic and make sure it has the proper ventilation.

A new product that is avail-

able to help prevent ice dams and icicles is a hidden, self-regulating heat cable. The heating cable is placed in the gutters and down the extensions so that no water can freeze over.

Another area of concern to check regularly is the founda-

COLD: Prevent build up in guttersFrom Page 3

See COLD Page 5


By ERIN DEBLIECK

As the leaves begin to turn and fall, Mother Nature is re-minding us that now is the time to start preparing your home for winter. With tem-peratures beginning to dip, your home may require a little maintenance to keep it in the best working order through the cold months ahead. Here are a few tips:

Furnace inspectionStock up on furnace � lters

and change them monthly. Consider switching out your thermostat for a more accu-rate and energy e� cient pro-

grammable thermostat. If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them. Remove all � ammable material from the area sur-rounding your furnace. Have furnace inspected and ducts cleaned.

Check the exterior, doors and windows

Inspect exterior for cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them. Check, and if needed replace, weather stripping around doors. Cover window wells with plastic shields to keep

water, snow & pests out. Switch out screens for storms. If windows are excessively dra� y consider replacement windows, it will save you both money and comfort!

Inspect roof, gutters and downspouts

Consider adding extra in-sulation to the attic as it will prevent warm air from pen-etrating the roof and causing ice dams. Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home. Replace worn shingles or tiles. Clean out the gutters and downspouts to clear away debris. Consider installing ex-tensions on the downspouts to

direct fall rains and melting snow away from the home.

Service weather-specific equipment

Winterize mowers and lawn tractors and tune-up snow blowers. Replace worn rakes and snow shovels. Clean, dry and store summer garden-ing equipment. Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt / sand, better safe than sorry!

Check foundationsRake away all debris and

edible vegetation from the foundation. Seal up entry points to keep small ani-mals from crawling under

the house. Tuckpoint or seal foundation cracks, mice can slip through space as thin as a dime. Inspect sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation. Secure crawlspace entrances.

Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Change smoke detector batteries when daylight sav-ings ends. Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater. Test smoke and carbon mon-oxide detectors to make sure they work. Buy a fire extin-guisher or replace an extin-guisher older than 10 years.

Prevent plumbing freezes

Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency. Drain all garden hoses. Insulate ex-posed plumbing pipes. Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-o� valve, turn it o� . If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.

Erin DeBlieck is advertis-ing/marketing manager at St. Peter Lumber.

A little maintenance now ensures trouble-free winter

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMThe Weatherization Assistance Program is federally funded through the U.S.

Department of Energy and enables income-quali� es households to permanently reduce their energy bills by helping to make their homes more energy e� cient while protecting the health and safety of family members.

Services may include:• Energy audits to evaluate potential weatherization work• Exterior wall and attic insulation• Air infi ltration and bypass sealing• Testing, repair or replacement of homeowner mechanical systems• Participant educationHow to apply for assistance:• Households must apply for Weatherization through a joint Energy Assistance/

Weatherization application at <a href=”/southernminn.local/tncms/admin/action/mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumers/Weatherization-Assistance/”>mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumers/Weatherization-Assistance/</a>

• Eligibility includes households (homeowners or renters) at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines and priority is given to households with elderly or disabled family members, children 18 years of age or under, high energy consumption and family members receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) within the last 12 months.

Source: mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumers/Weatherization-Assistance/

tion. Along with the air seeping through, rodents can � nd their way through the smallest cracks and a simple do-it-yourself � x is to use expansion foam to plug up

those areas.“As people prepare for the

fall and winter, I would suggest simple things such as making sure the gutter downspouts are connected and � owing away from the house,” Brenke said. “Also

make sure to seal up windows with caulk.”

Reach reporter CJ Siewert at 507-931-8576 or follow him on Twitter.com

From Page 4

COLD: Make sure to seal up windows


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How to improve indoor air quality as winter approachesWith fall soon to give way to winter, many people will soon be spending more time indoors. Winter weather can be harsh, and it can be di� cult for fresh air to make its way into a home once the warmer temperatures of summer and fall give way to the cold days of winter.Poor indoor air quality c a n c a u s e m u l t i p l e problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, poor indoor air quality can increase a person’s risk of developing pneumonia, and it also may aggravate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. � e EPA also notes that long-term exposure to indoor air pollution can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, respiratory diseases and even cancer.Because indoor air pollution can be so devastating, many homeowners look for ways to improve their indoor air quality, especially before the arrival of winter, when residents of the home � gure to spend such a signi� cant amount of time indoors. Fortunately, homeowners can take many steps to do just that.Clean with soap and water. Soap and hot water can still clean a home e� ectively, and this age-old combination might be the healthiest way to clean as well. Many household cleaning products contain potentially harmful ingredients that can

introduce toxins and irritants into a home. Avoid such cleaners and solvents when cleaning a home. If stains prove too stubborn for soap and water, be sure to open windows when using potentially harmful cleaners indoors.

Purchase an air filtration system. Air � ltration systems vary signi� cantly in size, cost and function. Some systems are designed to remove speci� c pollutants, and may not be e� ective at removing additional indoor air pollutants. Larger

models tend to be most e� ective at filtering pollutants like dust, but such units are more expensive than smaller units. If your home is especially dusty, then a large filtering system may prove a worthy investment.Open windows and doors when possible. Introducing outdoor air into a home is a great way to improve indoor air quality. Of course, opening windows and doors might not be feasible in the middle of winter. But take advantage of any such opportunities when they present themselves. For example, a� er cooking a big meal, open the kitchen exhaust fan to allow fresh air into the home. Such fans are not large enough to cause a signi� cant temperature drop in the home, but they can directly remove contaminants from inside the home, like those that might be emitted from gas stoves.Insist guests and residents remove their shoes. Chemicals can � nd their way into a home in a variety of ways, and you and your fellow residents or guests may be tracking them into your home on your shoes. Keep a doormat inside all entryways, and insist guests and residents remove their shoes before entering your home. � is reduces the amount of potential pollutants brought into your home and also makes cleaning the home that much easier.

Break out the mop. Vacuum cleaners can be effective at picking up pollutants inside a home, but they also can leave things behind. When a vacuum cleaner seems to be leaving some dust behind, take out the mop and, with just a little water, address the areas where dust is still lingering. Water should be enough to do the trick, and, unlike some cleaning products, water won’t be introducing any additional harmful pollutants into the home.Smoke outside. Smoking inside a home is inviting trouble,

especially during those times of year when the windows cannot be opened. Secondhand smoke is a signi� cant source of indoor air pollution, as cigarette smoke is known to contain more than 4,000 chemicals. Smoking indoors, whether an area is well- or poorly-ventilated, can be dangerous to smokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke puts adults and children alike at risk of several diseases, including asthma and cancer. If you or your fellow residents or visitors must smoke, do so outdoors.

Mopping can remove pollutants the vacuum cleaner might have left behind.

Did you know?Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the natural decay of uranium found in many soils. Colorless and odorless, radon can signi� cantly increase a person’s risk of lung cancer. Smokers who live in homes with high radon levels are especially susceptible to lung cancer. Radon can enter a home by moving up through the soil beneath a home and � nding its way through cracks and holes

in the foundation. Many people may feel homes with basements are especially susceptible to radon, but radon can enter a home whether the home has a basement or not. Granite countertops may emit radon, but not always at levels that cause cancer. Countertops can be tested for radon emissions, and such testing is inexpensive and quick.


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Cozy, quaint homes attract many home buyers and renters. Be it a cottage-style house or a studio apartment, smaller living spaces often involve getting creative with storage.People live in a smaller homes for a variety of reasons. Some choose to live in a smaller home so they can be right in the thicks of things in a city or urban center. Others scale back on living space in an effort to save money. But storage space in small quarters is o� en at a premium, and thinking creatively is a necessity to keep the home tidy and items out of view.Rainy or chilly days are the perfect times to tackle indoor organization projects. When the outdoors isn’t beckoning, you can devote all of your attention to addressing storage issues in your home. To begin, take inventory of what you have, going through your possessions and determining what can stay and what can go. Part with anything you haven’t used in quite some time.� e next step is to sort items and get organized. � en you can � nd a place for everything. For example, if you have a dozen bath towels but only one sauce pot, you will need to � nd more room for linens than kitchen cookware. You may need to borrow space from one area of the home to give to another area. � e following are some additional tips to increase space in an otherwise cramped home.

Add shelves. Increase cabinet and closet space by adding shelves into them. � is may double or even triple the amount of usable space, especially if you customize the shelving to fit storage containers you use to store everything from shoes to cra� items.Opt for dual-purpose furniture. Benches with lids that li� up and sofas that convert into guest beds are just a few of the many ways you can keep a small home neat and increase storage space. An ottoman is a great place to store extra blankets and linens, while a trunk or crate with a sturdy top can be used in lieu of a traditional co� ee table to keep books or board games. � ink vertically. When � oor space is at a premium, you may need to look up for storage. Frequently used pots and pans can be hung from a decorative rack in your kitchen. Use magnets on jars to store a spice rack on the wall near the stove. Racks above cabinets or on doors can be used to store everything from shoes to jewelry to toiletries. Shelving in children’s rooms can store lesser used toys away from the � oor. Empty walls are valuable real estate in a small home, and tall bookshelves can house a number of di� erent things.Take advantage of oddly shaped crevices. If you have space under a staircase or a spot by a dormer or in an attic eave,

use the space to store items. You may need to get creative, such as adding a door and small closet into the staircase, but such spaces make practical storage areas and add character to a home.Use see-through storage containers. Many people � nd that plastic storage bins are neater and more stackable than boxes. See-through bins enable you to quickly � nd items so that you are not searching around the house for lost items and creating a bigger mess along the way. Clear storage containers work in the refrigerator, too. You can more easily spot le� overs, and uniform stacking containers free up more room for bulkier items.Make use of space beneath your bed. � ere likely is ample room to store more things than just dust bunnies beneath your bed. A bed frame with built-in drawers is the perfect place to keep bed linens and out-of-season clothes. Beds can be raised on blocks to create more space underneath for storing rolling plastic containers and even seldom-used suitcases.Opt for an armoire. Armoires are not exclusive to bedrooms. Armoires can be used in dining spaces or in dens to store items out of sight. An armoire can be used when retro� tted with a

pull-out shelf as a laptop desk, storing all o� ce items behind closed doors when not needed. Improve storage in the bathroom. Try to choose a vanity that has under-the-sink storage so you will have a place to store some toiletries. Home improvement centers sell cabinets and etageres that can be placed above the toilet tank as a storage space for bathroom items. In the shower, hang a second tension-loaded shower

curtain rod on the inside of the shower enclosure that can be used to hold bags of kids bath toys and other toiletries, keeping them o� the tub ledges.

When you think creatively, you can maximize storage space even in a small home.

How to increase storage in tight spaces


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Upon buying a home, new homeowners understandably want to start making adjustments so the home is a more accurate re� ection of who they are. Many of these adjustments are minor, but even minor changes here and there can give a home a whole new feel.While there are many ways a person can turn a home into their own unique oasis, some home improvement projects may not be worth the e� ort, especially when homeowners decide to sell. Some projects may prove a little too personal, making them less attractive to prospective buyers down the road. � ough it’s within every homeowner’s right to make adjustments to their homes (as long as those adjustments are in adherence to local laws), the following projects might come back to haunt homeowners down the road.

SPORTS COMPLEXSports fans often dream of erecting a backyard basketball court or adding a tennis court to their property. But such projects are among the more expensive additions a homeowner can make to his or her property, costing more than popular projects like kitchen remodels or room additions. What’s more, real estate professionals note that homeowners can expect to recoup little, if any, of the cost of adding a basketball or tennis court to their properties at resale, while more popular projects tend to recoup a substantial amount of a homeowner’s initial investment.

LUXURY SHOWERInstalling a luxury shower, such as a multi-headed steam shower, can add a splash of resort-style luxury to your home, but it likely won’t add much to your sale price. � ough costs for such additions can

vary signi� cantly depending on how grand you choose to go, real estate professionals warn that a luxury shower is unlikely to recoup much of its initial cost at resale. If you simply must give your bathroom a more luxurious look but still want to be a responsible homeowner, look for a low-cost addition. � at can take some of the sting out of not recouping much of your investment at resale.Fully Furnished Home O� ceMore and more men and women are working from home, and some homeowners might feel that transforming a room in their home into a fully functional home o� ce is a great investment. But some buyers might be turned o� by a room that can no longer function as an extra bedroom. � e cost of converting a home o� ce into a more traditional bedroom may compel prospective buyers to keep looking or make a lower o� er on your home. While a

home o� ce might be a good idea, avoid making an exclusive home o� ce room during your renovation.

HOME THEATERFew homeowners would scoff at installing a home theater in their homes, but the impression of home theaters as a luxury only the super wealthy can a� ord might turn prospective buyers away from

your home. Potential buyers may be impressed by a fully functioning home theater complete with surround sound, lighting, a big screen, and all the other � xings synonymous with home theaters, but when they go home to discuss their options, they may feel the home theater is a luxury they can live without and opt for a more a� ordable home without a theater instead.

A dream home means di� erent things to di� erent people, so homeowners should keep in mind the reactions of potential

buyers before adding too many personal accents and additions to their homes if they plan to sell down the line.

A private tennis court may prove unappealing to

prospective home buyers.

Home improvement projects you may want to skip


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Home improvement projects can add value to a home and do-it-yourselfers know the sweat-equity that goes into such projects can give homeowners a greater sense of pride in their homes. But no two home improvement projects are the same, and homeowners should know that certain projects are best tackled during certain times of the year.Fall is a great season to work on your house, as the weather is often at its most agreeable once the summer heat has gone and before winter weather arrives. The following are a handful of fall-friendly home improvement projects for homeowners looking to improve their homes.

ROOF REPAIRWhether you’re repairing or replacing the roof, fall is a great time of year to dust off the ladder and get some work done on your roof for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, fall is ideal for roof work because you won’t have to be up on the roof with the summer heat bearing down on you. This can make the project move along more quickly, which is especially beneficial if you are paying laborers to work on the roof. The fewer hours workers are fixing your roof, the less you will be paying in labor costs. In addition, fixing up the roof in the fall ensures those winter storms, be it rain or snow, won’t find their way into your home via leaks. A leaky roof in winter is hard to fix, as the roof surface could be treacherous in the winter and winter winds can make it

dangerous to be up on the roof at all. Addressing leaks in the fall can prevent damage to your home’s interior, which can mount up if a leaky roof is not addressed until the following spring.

WINDOW WORKWhen the weather outside gets frightful, poorly insulated windows can allow cold air into the home. That often has a trickle-down effect on finances, forcing you to turn up the thermostat in an attempt to offset the cold air pouring into the home. Whether you need your windows replaced or simply need to patch up any leaks, a proactive approach to leaky or older windows in the fall can save you from unnecessarily high heating bills come the winter. Addressing leaky windows also makes a home more comfortable for its inhabitants. Fall is the ideal time to address a home’s windows because the temperature outside tends to be pleasant. This means you likely won’t have to make much of an effort to offset the elements, and open windows in the fall won’t make your home’s interior very hot or cold like they might if you were to tackle the project during the summer or winter.Fixing the floorsWood flooring is a hot commodity for many homeowners. But not all flooring can be added to a home at any time of year. That’s because certain types of flooring employ adhesives that need temperatures inside the home to be within a certain range, and that range is often within 70º to 80º F, which

makes fall a great time to install such floors. Colder temperatures can make it difficult for the flooring to dry and bond, which will prove problematic down the road. What’s more, many people entertain friends and family come late fall and into the holiday season, and it can be difficult to do so if you are busy installing new flooring.

PAINTING PROJECTSPainting is another home improvement project that seems tailor-made for fall. A fresh coat of paint or a new color scheme around the house can give a home an entirely new look and feel. But paint can be pungent and the aromas may last if it’s applied at a time of year when it can’t dry while the windows are wide open. Paint fumes inside a home can make the home uninhabitable, but painting at a time of year like the fall, when you can keep the windows open during and after the project, can help air the home out.But interior painting isn’t the only painting project homeowners can tackle in the fall. Many exterior paints are temperature-sensitive and need the temperature outside to be above 40º F. Paint that freezes won’t dry properly, and homeowners might be left with a costly and unsightly mistake on their hands. Fall temperatures tend to be amenable to both interior and exterior painting projects, just be sure to check the weather forecast before making your first brush stroke.

Fall is an ideal time of year to tackle home painting projects.

Projects that are perfect for fall

Home improvement


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Creating a lighting scheme that works for the kitchen

When designing a kitchen, homeowners typically give substantial consideration to many elements of their dream design, including cabinet and countertop materials and which brand of appliances they most prefer. But few may consider the lighting for the room as thoroughly.Lighting is an important consideration in any room, but most especially in the kitchen, where people tend to gravitate and spend a good portion of their time. � e right lighting can have a dramatic e� ect on the functionality of the kitchen, including how the space feels when you enter it. � e right blend of lights can create a vibrant mood in the kitchen, while light can be adjusted according to what needs to get done in the space.Establishing a lighting plan in a kitchen requires a combination of di� erent lights. � e main focus should be on three distinct lighting types: task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting.aTask LightingTask light is bene� cial anywhere a person will need to perform tasks that require close concentration, such as chopping vegetables. Task lighting shines direct light onto a surface, illuminating it thoroughly,

and it can be turned o� when it is not needed.Task lighting is generally placed above counters and islands where one will be slicing vegetables and preparing food. � ere may be lighting over the sink to illuminate dirty dishes. If a kitchen has a desk area, lighting above the desk will make that area more functional. Many task lighting designs include lights under cabinetry to shine down onto counters and eliminate shadowed recesses. Under-cabinet lighting is a relatively inexpensive add-on for existing kitchens. Homeowners can add lighting a� erward to focus more light onto countertops.

Ambient LightingAmbient lighting is another name for all-over lighting that fills a room. During the day, ambient light may stream in from windows and skylights. However, at night, ambient lighting is created by di� erent light � xtures in a room. In the kitchen, overhead � xtures are a popular choice for ambient lighting. A blend of hanging pendant lamps, chandeliers and recessed lighting can create the amount of light needed. Homeowners should pay special attention to the bulbs and � xtures they choose, as not all produce the same amount of light. Those

concerned about energy e� ciency also must give mind to whether the bulbs will use a lot of energy or last a long time. Compact � uorescent bulbs as well as LED lighting are long-lasting and do not use as much energy as incandescent bulbs.Indirect ambient lighting softens shadows in a room, creating a warm, inviting glow. It is an important layer of light that is o� en overlooked in the kitchen. Setting ambient lighting on a dimmer enables homeowners to cast a mood that is desired when the kitchen isn’t being used for prep work.

Accent LightingIf there are key elements around the kitchen that a person would like to highlight, such as a china set, accent lighting can do the trick. Spotlights can be used to show o� collectibles, while a subtle strip of lighting can illuminate a wall of artwork. Many people like to install accent lighting inside of cabinetry to create dramatic focal points. Some homeowners may want to incorporate decorative lighting

in their kitchens. This is the use of ornate chandeliers, hanging pendants and other eye-catching � xtures. Decorative lighting should be considered in proportion to the size of the kitchen. � erefore, smaller kitchens will have smaller � xtures and vice versa. Decorative lighting may be the most expensive type of kitchen lighting, so some homeowners prefer to plan ahead for the inclusion of decorative accents

by having the wiring ready and then adding the � xtures over time.Lighting in a kitchen can be just as important as which appliances and other accessories homeowners

choose for their kitchens. Without the right mix of lighting, the kitchen may not be functional or inviting.

Under-cabinet task lighting sheds light on areas where cooks do their prep work.

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Fall has (almost) fallen, but is your house ready?

Though it may be a little too soon to fire up the snow blower there are many important steps you can take to get your house ready for when the chilly temperatures arrive and Old Man Winter � nally � nds us in his icy grip.

Watch for leaks or water pen-etration

As the days get shorter, it’s a good time to check the grade around the perimeter of your home to make sure that rain water cannot � ow toward the house. A little land-scaping can go a long way to prevent seepage into your home’s basement.

Another maintenance item to check o� your To Do list should be to take at good look at the insula-tion around your so� t vents to pre-vent ice dams. You want to avoid ice dams by all possible means by being pro-active. In the winter, when a large amount of snow accumulates on a roof, heat loss from insu� cient insulation and poor attic ventilation can melt the snow from the under-side. As the water reaches the roof edge, where it’s colder, it forms a dam. � e dammed water backs up under the roo� ng and leaks into your home. � e best way to pre-vent thawing from the underside is to maintain a cold roof. And of course, the best way to maintain a cold roof is to ensure proper insula-tion and attic ventilation.

Give your house a check upEven the most well-constructed

and sturdy homes could use a little tune up in the fall. Take the time to around walk around the exterior of your house and check for any cracked caulking or broken seals. Now is the best time to caulk/seal/weatherstrip around windows and doors to prevent leaking or water damage.

A� er the exterior of the house is in good shape, it never hurts to give your house a nice rinse down. Power washing the exterior of your home will get rid of summer dust and dirt and add a few years to the longevity of your paint job. Fall is also a great time to check all of

your outdoor light � xtures to make sure the bulbs are all in good working order.

Trim your t r e e s a n d shrubs

Before your trees lose their leaves, trim them to avoid the potential of long branches damaging your siding and causing other unnecessary headaches. Trim back any tree branches or shrubs that may be touching your home and may create an excellent path for bugs to enter your home.

� ese branches can also dam-age the exterior as the wind brushes the branches back and forth against your house. Before you climb down or fall o� the ladder, remove any dead branches that could snap o� in a wind storm and damage your roof or any other part of your home.

Test your furnaceThough the day when you’ll

need to turn on your furnace may seem like a long way o� , but you will soon be running your furnace instead of your air conditioner on a consistent basis, so you should check to make sure it is working

properly. Install a new furnace � l-ter for increased e� ciency. If you encounter a problem, it will much easier to schedule an HVAC con-tractor to come look at your system now, before they are swamped with those who wait until that � rst cold day hits.

Other ideas:• Bring in your outdoor furni-

ture.• Winterize your yard tools.• Replace the grates on your

grill.• Insulate your unfi nished base-

ment — especially around the rim joist.

• Clean your dryer vent before it is too cold to work outside.

• Last chance for pre-winter lawn fertilizer.

• Final chance for exterior paint touch ups and/or staining the deck.

• Install some heavy drapes on your windows to stop dra� s. Well, at least that’s what they did in the old days.

Mary Anne Woelfel is a co-owner of Woelfel Building Construction in Le Center.

Is your house ready for fall — and winter?

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Homeowners who want to give their kitchens a brand-new look without the expense or the hassle of a full-scale renovation often gravitate toward kitchen cabinet refacing. Cabinet refacing is less expensive and more eco-friendly than a full replacement of existing cabinets, and experts estimate refacing costs roughly two-thirds less than a complete cabinet renovation. Refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of existing cabinets during which the cabinet boxes are veneered to match the wood color chosen for the refacing, while the structure and layout of the cabinets remains unchanged. Essentially the kitchen footprint will remain the same as it was before the refinishing took place. Kitchens are popular rooms in the home and much of the renovation investment made in the kitchen can be recuperated at resale. Homeowners looking to put their homes up for sale soon may find cabinet refacing is beneficial, as it is a relatively quick renovation that can reap big rewards. Homeowners have options when refacing their cabinets. While some projects, such as stripping off old paint and repainting, can be a do-it-yourself project, refacing cabinets may be best left to the professionals. Veneer work, which is often part of cabinet refacing, is not a skill one can learn overnight, and it often requires the hand of

a professional carpenter. Many cabinets can be resurfaced successfully. Older cabinets are prime candidates, as they often are more sturdy than newer cabinets. In general, cabinets can be refaced as long as their substructures are sound. In addition to providing a new look for the kitchen, cabinet refacing is an eco-friendly project. By not demolishing existing cabinetry, homeowners are preventing old materials from ending up in landfills while saving trees from being cut down to construct new cabinets. Refacing also

Cabinet refacing can transform the look of a kitchen, and such a project costs considerably less than a complete cabinet replacement.

� e basics of kitchen cabinet refacing


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Bathroom renovations are second to kitchen renovations on the list of the top remodeling projects to increase home value. The popularity of bathroom renovations and their ability to transform a space has le� many homeowners wondering if there are any easy and affordable ways to change the look of their bathrooms. While “easy” is a relative term, there are ways homeowners willing to make certain concessions can keep the work and cost of a bathroom renovation to a minimum.

Resurface When possible, covering up what you have in the bathroom is much less expensive and less labor-intensive than tearing out existing � xtures and � oors and replacing them anew. Resurfacing can extend to re� nishing bathtubs to installing shower liners. � ose who have unsightly walls or wallpaper that they’re just not ready to remove may consider using wainscotting to cover a portion of the room or even tiling entire walls. It is important to note that resurfacing and covering up items in the bathroom should

only be reserved for cosmetic � xes. If something needs to be replaced because it is damaged or mildew-covered, then covering it up is only hiding the problem and asking for more work in the long run.

Scale back on materials One way to save money on a bathroom renovation project is to choose less expensive materials. For example, you may not need to install travertine or marble � ooring in a space where less expensive � ooring like vinyl is adequate. Advancements in vinyl � ooring have enabled this affordable material to mimic the look of more expensive materials at a fraction of the cost. When redoing tile on walls and shower enclosures, many domestically-produced

tiles rival the looks of more expensive imported alternatives. You may be able to save more by buying tile in bulk and using the remainder in other applications around the house.

Paint Do not underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint on any room in the house, including the bathroom. Dark, small spaces can be made to look more expansive with lighter colors. Cavernous bathrooms that look empty may prove more inviting with darker hues. Pick a paint that is designed for bathroom application so that it will inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

Easy bathroom

renovations

See BATHROOM Page 14


Update hardwareA new faucet or some new

cabinet pulls can make the room look new and fresh without breaking the bank. Match �nishes throughout the bathroom so everything will be cohesive. When shopping for a new shower head, choose a model that also conserves water. This way you will be making cosmetic and energy-saving renovations at the same time.

DIYHandling labor yourself

instead of hiring workers can reduce the cost of bathroom remodels considerably. It is possible to buy fully assembled bathroom vanities and install them yourself. Even installing a new toilet is relatively easy with the help of a friend.

�ere are a number of ways to make bathroom renovations a bit

easier and more a�ordable. Even nominal changes can give the space an entirely di�erent look and feel, which can make the

room more enjoyable and help improve a home’s resale value in the process.

Changing seasons can be tough on a lawn. Always exposed to the elements, lawns can fare especially poorly upon the arrival of winter, a season known for its harsh and unforgiving weather. Even the most perfectly manicured lawn can su�er at the hands of winter weather, causing homeowners to sit idly by and hope spring arrives that much sooner.But as punishing as winter weather can be on a lawn, homeowners are not without recourse. Much like homeowners can take steps to help their lawns survive sizzling

summer heat waves during the warmer months of the year, they also can take steps to help their lawns make it through the o�en stormy weather synonymous with winter.Don’t procrastinate. Putting o� the process of winterizing a lawn can put that lawn in jeopardy. Lawns will turn dormant the closer you get to winter, and they may reject the nutrients found in fertilizer as a result. Those nutrients will prove valuable once spring weather returns, so start the winterization process in early fall so the lawn has su�cient

time to absorb nutrients and strengthen itself for the seasons to come.Treat trouble spots. Summer can be even harder on a lawn than winter, especially for those lawns located in regions where heat waves and drought are common. In such instances, certain spots on the lawn seem to be hit harder than others, and those spots should get special attention when winterizing the lawn. Check the soil’s pH levels before fertilizing or applying any treatments. Such a test will reveal which spots need the most

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From Page 13

See WINTER Page 18

BATHROOM: Nominal changes can give space a di�erent look

How to prepare your yard for winter

Winterizing 101


A dark home can be dreary and drain residents’ energy levels rather quickly. Natural light has the power to make a person feel more energized, and it also can buoy spirits. As a result, many homeowners want to increase the amount of natural light in their homes. Increasing natural sunlight in a home reduces reliance on interior lighting. � is reduces energy bills and lowers the home’s carbon footprint. Natural light also can help people in a home feel happier and more content. According to the National Institutes of Health, some people experience serious mood changes during the winter months. Dubbed seasonal a� ective disorder, or SAD, this condition may be effectively treated with light therapy. Exposure to more light can alleviate fatigue, loss of interest and sad or anxious feelings. Homeowners looking to increase the natural light in their homes, be it for medical or aesthetic reasons, can do so in a variety of ways. Keep the drapes open. Opening blinds and curtains as far as they will go allows as much light to shine in without having to do major home renovations or spend any money at all. Homeowners concerned about privacy can install a window � lm that allows viewing from the inside only. Clean the windows. Dirty windows obstruct sunlight from entering the home. � ey also can make a home appear unkempt. Spend a free day cleaning the windows so that they’ll let ample light in. Install seamless or low-profile windows and doors. Seamless sliding doors enable a large amount of light to enter the home. Such doors can replace an entire wall to brighten up a dark area of a home. � e more windows and doors a home has, the brighter it will be.

Take inventory of dark spots. A room may be dark because it simply does not have a layout conducive to brightness. Is a wall blocking light from reaching a portion of the room? Think about changing the room’s layout or even making structural changes to improve light distribution. � e addition of a small window on a south- or west-facing wall can greatly improve natural light. Using mirrors can also re� ect light where it is needed. Invest in skylights or solar tubes. Both skylights or solar tubes enable light to enter a home from above. Skylights are larger and require considerably more work to install, while solar

tubes are more low-pro� le and can be put into rooms that do

not abut the roofline, such as those obstructed by attic

space. The tubular cylinders are installed between the roof and the ceiling and carry light through a reflective tube to the room below. Di� users on tubular daylighting devices scatter the rays so the light doesn’t cast harsh shadows, and UV � lters can help protect furniture from discoloring. Trim shrubs and trees. If trees and bushes are blocking light from entering your home, trim them to enable dappled light to come through. Deciduous trees that will naturally lose their leaves come autumn can be planted on sunny areas of the property. � is way in the summer months they will shade the house and keep it cooler, while in winter

more sun will stream in when the leaves are shed. Create a three-season room. Make a spot in the home where sun will be at a premium. A solarium or greenhouse attached to the home can be a warm and sunny spot. Increasing natural light in a home can improve feelings of well-being and also reduce energy consumption during daylight hours.

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Clutter is a concern for many homeowners. Clutter can gradually accumulate, and over time a home can turn from a welcoming respite to a claustrophobic place overwhelmed by items of little or no value. Homeowners who have battled clutter in the past often fi nd that it is most likely to accumulate over the winter, when frigid temperatures outside drive more people indoors. Spending more time indoors means more trash indoors. Newspapers and magazines might be easy to discard when the weather is warm, but a trip outside to discard such items takes less precedence when it must be made in below freezing temperatures. The likelihood that even the cleanliest of homeowners might accumulate some clutter over the winter only highlights the importance of clearing a house of clutter in the fall. While clearing clutter can seem like an arduous task, the following tips can make the project much easier. Clean one room or area at a time. A disorganized approach to getting organized is likely to waste time and may even prove fruitless. Work your way through your home or apartment one room at a time rather than jumping from room to room. Have boxes or crates designated for items you fi nd that belong in other rooms, and place items in the appropriate boxes as you

clean rather than returning items to the right room as you fi nd them. Once you have fi nished a room, move on to the next one and try to fi nish a room on the same day you started. Invest in a paper shredder.Old bills, bank statements, receipts, and other once-important papers have a way of accumulating on desks, in drawers and on counters. Such documents often do not need to be held onto, but men and women are hesitant to discard them because they contain personal information. A paper shredder is a great investment for homeowners and apartment dwellers alike and can be the safest way to discard documents with potentially sensitive information. It’s also a friend to anyone attempting to clear clutter. Many shredders can shred multiple pages at a time, making them a quick and safe way to discard documents that have been littering a home long after they were useful. Decide to donate some items. Many unused items lying around your house can likely be donated to a worthy cause, which can help motivate you to clean out your closet of all those extra sweaters and other items you no longer wear. Encourage fellow members of the household to donate as well, and set aside a few boxes for clothes that will be donated and those that will be discarded. Donated items need not be clothes, as many goodwill organizations accept appliances

and other products as well. Put seasonal items away. Storing seasonal items like patio furniture and swimsuits can help reduce the likelihood that clutter will build up in the months ahead. Pack items from your summer wardrobe together and store them in a suitcase in the back of your closet. This frees up room for your fall and winter clothing and helps you avoid overstuffed drawers. In addition to clothing, store seasonal furniture neatly in the back of your garage or storage shed, pulling out items like snow shovels or snow blowers you may need come the winter. Tackle the hall closet. Hall closets are convenient dropoff spots for items of all shapes, uses and sizes, as the hall closet is not necessarily opened each day and therefore men and women can simply ignore it as it gradually accumulates more and more random items. But hall closets can be valuable storage spaces when used appropriately. Designate a signifi cant amount of time to tackle hallway closets in your home so you can thoroughly reduce the clutter within them and get back to using the closets as the valuable, organized storage units they’re intended to be. Discuss having different purposes for each

closet, such as one devoted to cleaning items, another to coats, and so on. Resolve to keep the fl oors in each closet

clear of items, as clutter tends to be on the fl oor and then work its way upward, eventually encompassing the entire closet.

Once the hallway closets have been cleared, work hard to keep them clean as autumn turns into winter.

Autumn marks a great time to clear clutter


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Tour of Homes”Oct. 5th and 6th

Clogged drains can be a nuisance. And if le� untreated, that minor nuisance can turn into an expensive repair.

A number of di�erent things can cause drains to clog. Food particles, hair, grease, soap residue, oil, and even a foreign object lodged in the drain can each cause a drain to clog. Before you have to call a plumber, there are steps to take that may get water �owing once more.

Bubbles galoreBaking soda has many uses in

the home. �is versatile product can be used dislodge items in drains. It is better to try baking soda when clogs are minor and water drainage is sluggish rather than waiting for the clog to get so bad that water is impenetrable.

When baking soda and common household vinegar are mixed together, they form a new chemical called carbonic acid. �is acid immediately begins to degrade

into carbon dioxide gas, which produces foam and bubbles in the process. �is bubbling action can upset the source of a clog in a pipe and dislodge particles that may be causing the water backup. Keep your face away from the drain as the smell of vinegar mixing with the baking soda may be unpleasant. Baking soda also can be mixed with salt and boiling water to break down grease that may be clogging drains. Repeatedly washing this mixture down drains can gently scour pipes and keep water moving steadily.

Plunge ahead If a clog is especially stubborn, you may need to use a plunger. A plunger works by forcing the energy you push on the plunger into the surrounding water, which then applies pressure against the clog. Repeatedly forcing water against a clog can move it along until it frees up the drain. Plunging can be messy, so wear old clothes

when plunging. Make sure the head of the plunger is �lled with water; otherwise, your work will be for naught. You may want to keep a separate plunger handy for sink work so you are not transferring bacteria and waste from a toilet plunger into the sink, especially in the kitchen.

Pop and �zz Colas are loaded with phosphoric acid, which is more acidic than lemon juice and is also corrosive. �is acid will �zz in the drain and break through any greasy, stubborn residue. It’s even effective at dissolving calcium deposits, which may be a byproduct of hard water.

Snake it Some clogs are more stubborn and require some extra elbow grease to �x. A pipe snake can push hair and other debris through the pipes until water can run free. �ey also can be used to pull the

obstacle back up out of the drain. While there are snakes of various lengths, sometimes a small one that makes it just to the bend of the elbow trap can be su�cient. A snake is essentially a �exible piece of wire that is inserted in the pipe. It may have a coarse or wound end to ensnare a clog.

Call a plumber Unless you feel con�dent taking pipes apart to check for and clear out clogs and then reassembling everything, you may need to call a plumber if the clog will not relent. It may be lower in the system than at house level, especially if there are clogs in multiple sinks or appliances in the home. Multiple clogged drains may be indicative of a more serious problem. Many clogs can be alleviated with simple household items. Serious clogs may require the expertise of a plumber.

Tips for unclogging drains


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20885 State Highway 83, Mankato20885 State Highway 83, Mankato20885 State Highway 83, Mankato20885 State Highway 83, Mankato20885 State Highway 83, Mankato20885 State Highway 83, Mankato20885 State Highway 83, Mankato20885 State Highway 83, Mankato

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Removing debris, including dead leaves, from a lawn before the arrival of winter weather can help prevent suffocation.

attention, and treating trouble spots now will make spring lawn care that much easier.Aerate the property. Aerating can help a lawn recover a� er a long summer and help it survive the potentially harsh months that lie ahead. Aerating, which involves puncturing the soil or removing cores of soil from the ground, can restore a lawn to health by improving its drainage and allowing more water and air to reach the roots of the grass. Aerating also makes it easier for nutrients to penetrate the soil, which encourages a healthier lawn over the long haul. Aerators can be purchased or rented, but homeowners uncomfortable with the process may want to enlist a professional to tackle the job. Parents of small children who spend lots of time in the yard may need to aerate their lawn more than most, as heavy lawn tra� c compresses the soil, a potentially harmful process that can be reversed via aeration. Take steps to strengthen the

roots. Aerating promotes stronger roots, but homeowners might also want to find a winterizing product with potassium and phosphorous, both of which can strengthen roots. Di� erent types of lawns will respond differently to certain winterizers, so discuss your options with a lawn care professional who can help

you � nd the right � t for your property.Remove debris from the lawn. Debris le� on a lawn over the winter can prove very harmful. Piles of debris left scattered around a lawn can su� ocate the blades of grass, leading to long-term damage and a potentially unsightly lawn come the spring. In addition, piles of debris might make good homes for organisms that can damage the lawn. As fall moves into winter, periodically remove all debris, including leaves and branches fallen from trees. Make the lawn o� -limits once the temperatures dip below freezing. A lawn should be o� -limits once the ground freezes. Stepping on grass that has frozen will leave noticeable footprints, and walking on frozen grass can kill the turf. When winter arrives, people should avoid using the lawn as a shortcut into and out of your home and stick to driveways and sidewalks instead.

From Page 13

WINTER: Don’t walk on a frozen lawn


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Got Paint?

Bring your old paint and household chemicals to the regional HHW facility, located at 651 Summit Ave. in Mankato. This facility is open to residents of Le

Sueur, Nicollet & Sibley Counties.

Tuesdays 12 noon - 6 p.m. · 2nd Saturdays 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Open through October 29

For more information, contact theTri-County Solid Waste Offi ce

at 507-381-9196www.co.sibley.mn.us

Go to Departments - Tri-County Solid Waste

Some of the items accepted:AdhesivesAerosols

Paints & StainsGarden ChemicalsRechargeable Batteries

SolventsCleanersOld Gasoline

Mercury Containing Devices (thermometers, etc.)Fluorescent Bulbs (from households only)

We absolutely CANNOT accept: Business or agricultural chemicals or waste, motor oils or oil fi lters, explosives, or ammunition.

Got a room to paint? Browse our product ReUse room, where residents can get free usable household products.


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Fall Home Improvement 2013