We all can save more of our drinking water, by doing little things that we take for granted, like flushing the toilet, washing the car, taking showers, watering grass, brushing your teeth and so on. This a list of things I did in the past 2 years and the things that are in progress or being planned at our home here in Raleigh NC.

1. We take shorter showers, about 7 minutes long or less.
2. All the water we use to rinse dishes in the sink is collected and use to water plants.
3. Old or dirty ice cubes that has fallen or gotten stall, we use to water plants.
4. We bought a new water saving toilet plus we got a rebate $100.00 for buying this water conserving toilet. The City Of Raleigh NC Watersense toilet rebate program.
The program runs from July, 01-2011 To June, 01-2012 or until funds are exhausted.
5. Rain barrels for watering garden and plants, you can find food grade barrels online for about $15.00 to $20.00 and buy the supplies to make your rain barrels at hardware, home improvement, farm and gardening stores all here in Raleigh NC and surrounding areas. This something you the homeowner can do or you can purchase at one of the stores above or online.
6. Water your garden and yard of grass early in the morning and late evenings water it deep, for you can get by with 1 inch of rain a week.
7. Invest in a soak er hose to save even more.
8. Use less dry fertilizer and more compost and also mulch where possible.
Using some or all these ideas not only conserve water but can even save you some money

(NAPSI)—There’s good news for homeowners who want the grass to grow greener on their side of the fence.

Throughout May, lawn, garden and equipment experts will provide free, one-on-one advice on everything from how to control pests and finally win the battle against weeds to troubleshooting a lawn mower that won’t start.

“We’ll help everyone who calls and take as long as necessary to get homeowners the answers they need,” says Trey Rogers, an internationally known expert on lawn and yard care and leader of the hotline, which is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corporation.

For example, if your grass is brown or dying where it should be green, he advises, there may be a simple solution.

1. Can you blame it on the dog? The nitrogen in dog urine can burn your lawn and cause a widespread brown patch problem. You can create a special gravel or mulch area and train Fido to go there.

2. Is your mower blade dull? Dull blades tear rather than cleanly cut the grass, which can weaken and damage the lawn. Have the blade sharpened once a year.

3. Did you spill fertilizer or overfeed your lawn? Too much fertilizer is a well-known grass-burning culprit. Always follow package instructions when applying fertilizer. If your spreader drops too much in one place, water that spot on the lawn generously.

4. What about too much water? If you overwater or if water pools in certain areas on your lawn, you can drown the grass roots, causing areas to die out. Survey your lawn for dips you want to avoid dousing.

5. How do I grow grass in the shade? In deep shade, put down mulch instead. In partial shade, seed the area in the spring and fall, when leaves don’t block the sunlight.

From May 1 to 31, anyone can get a free online or phone consultation with a lawn, garden or equipment expert on any problem by visiting www.YardSmarts.com or calling 1-866-YARD-TIPS (1-866-927-3847). Photo submissions are welcome if the problem is difficult to describe.

In addition, every Friday during the month of May, experts will be available for livechats to share information more broadly with homeowners. The top lawn and garden questions will be posted on the website, www.yardsmarts.com, where you can also find expert advice and information related to yard care and equipment.

The Yard Smarts Hotline is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton, the largest maker of engines for outdoor power equipment.

If getting your yard in the best shape ever isn’t enough motivation to check out the hotline, the company will give away a $300 gift certificate each week to one homeowner to purchase a new lawn mower or other needed yard care equipment.

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Splurge vs. save: Which home improvement projects are worth the expense?


(ARA) – There’s no place like home. It’s this sense of pride that drives so many of us to embark on home improvement projects each year, some of which can be extensive and expensive.

Before investing in any project, there are several things you should ask yourself to help you evaluate how you’ll live in the space. Think about how long you intend to live in the home, what the space will be used for now and in the future, how the size and dynamic of your family might change and what rooms you use the most. It’s also important to get a handle on your budget from the get-go.

After considering some of these things, educate yourself on the actual remodeling process. As you’ll quickly discover, there are countless online resources with ideas and tools to help plan out each step of the remodel. Merillat, known for its innovative and functional cabinetry and storage, offers some helpful resources to help you visualize and plan a new kitchen or bath space at www.merillat.com.

For most of us, budget constraints give us pause as we consider where to splurge and where to save. Here are a few things to think about as you determine which projects to begin and which you might consider delaying or scaling back on.

* What can you do yourself? There are some projects you can handle on your own, assuming you do the proper research and preparation. For example, painting is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project that can dramatically change a space. While many homeowners dread the tedious process and prep that goes into it, the decision to do it yourself could save you thousands of dollars.

* What can wait? Think of your home as ever-changing and always improving. For the average person who doesn’t have an unlimited budget, it means having to bench some projects for a while. Sarah Reep, director of designer relations and education for Merillat, encourages homeowners to come up with a project priority list, starting with “must-haves” and ending with “nice-to-haves.” For example, projects like landscaping, basement renovations and luxuries like an electric fireplace typically fall into the “nice-to-have” category and could be delayed or completed in phases.

* Where should you invest? Consider how you’ll live in the space. Kitchens and bathrooms are investment worthy because they always serve the same purpose and are two of the most lived-in spaces of the home. Cabinetry, countertops and appliances designed to support the ways you’ll use these spaces are a solid investment both for resell value and everyday enjoyment. For example, choose a countertop material such as DeNova’s Natural Quartz surfacing that stands up to heat, resists chips and cracks better than other materials and is mold-, mildew- and stain-resistant — all characteristics important in these areas of the home. In addition, invest in cabinetry “extras” like Merillat’s storage and organizational solutions to make life in the kitchen easier and adaptable as your needs change.

No matter what the project, professional designers are a great resource. Consider engaging one early on in the process.

“One of the biggest advantages to working with a designer on a home project is that they really understand functionality, while accomplishing your desired style,” says Reep. “Designers can also help you determine your priorities and offer advice on which projects should be a focus and where you might be able to cut costs.”

For more home remodeling ideas and tips, visit www.merillat.com.

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Hot trends for spring home improvement projects

(ARA) – Warmer temperatures, green grass and increased daylight help shake off the winter blues and inspire home and yard improvements to spruce up your surroundings.

Whether you’re remodeling to stay put, or putting your home on the market, consider home improvement and design trends as you plan your renovation projects.

Add bold, bright colors
Need a color boost? Fresh color recommendations from the Pantone Color Institute include Tangerine Tango, Solar Power, Bellflower and Cabaret.

Try adding a splash of these vivid hues to help alter your mood and boost vitality and enthusiasm. Repaint a wall, bookcase or front door for a bold color burst. Or sprinkle splashes of color with new covers for patio furniture, area rugs, pillows or window treatments.

Go green, save green
Among the top green home trends from buildipedia.com is renovating to reduce your home’s heating and cooling load. Add more insulation in the walls, roof and floors or seal up leaks or install new windows and doors.

Look for ENERGY STAR-qualified products that help lower your home’s energy consumption, and in turn, your utility bills.

Low-maintenance Pella 350 Series vinyl windows and patio doors feature a premium look in an energy-saving design that is the most energy-efficient product line the company offers.

Energize your entry
No time for major renovations? Weekend projects, like installing a new front door to welcome guests to dinners, graduations and get-togethers, can transform your entryway with minimal hassle and cost.

Consider installing a 36-inch-wide entry door to add more room to maneuver. Whether you’re carrying a baby or a bag of groceries, or need extra space for a wheelchair or walker, wider entry doors are ideal for nearly any home – especially multigenerational ones.

Today’s hottest entry door trends revolve around styles, materials and performance.

“The Craftsman style remains a popular choice for entry doors,” says Steve Brenizer, product marketing manager for Pella Windows and Doors. “Rustic door styles with hinge straps and clavos that create a distinctive look are also standouts. And customizing with decorative glass to let in natural light without sacrificing privacy, or adding decorative grilles are also sought-after style options.”

Fiberglass is in
When it comes to exterior doors, fiberglass is surging in popularity, Brenizer says. “Fiberglass entry doors look like an authentic wood door, without the ongoing maintenance needs of wood,” he adds. “Plus, fiberglass offers exceptional energy efficiency, weather resistance and outstanding durability to resist dents and dings.”

New fiberglass Pella entry doors push industry performance standards to new levels. Their dual-seal technology provides two layers of protection to help block out the damaging effects of extreme wind and rain. Fiberglass doors are very customizable, Brenizer adds. Homeowners can choose their own exterior clad color, interior wood stain or paint color, or create a custom color to truly reflect their home’s style. For more information visit Pella.com or call 888-847-3552.

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NAPSI)—Even as federal tax credits for traditional heating and cooling systems have decreased, incentives for geothermal systems remain considerably higher—at 30 percent of the installed cost of the system with no limit. In fact, homeowners can take advantage of the federal residential renewable energy tax credit through December 31, 2016. What’s more, the credit is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009 and can be used in combination with utility rebates and state tax incentives to make geothermal systems more affordable than ever.

The savings associated with operating a geothermal system are just as attractive. By taking advantage of the abundant source of free solar energy stored in the earth to heat and cool a home, a geothermal heating and cooling system can save homeowners as much as 70 percent on their cooling bills in summer. The system can also provide supplemental hot water, saving homeowners even more. Instead of being extracted from the ground to preheat hot water, the heat comes from the house.

A geothermal system offers a number of other benefits, including even distribution of heating and cooling for improved comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, improved indoor air quality, quiet operation, little to no maintenance and a life span that exceeds 24 years.

To qualify for the tax credit, residential systems must meet ENERGY STAR requirements. Homeowners can file for the credit by completing the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit, Form 5695. A copy of the form, as well as an informative brochure that explains the federal tax incentive and a listing of those products that qualify for the tax credit, is available on the WaterFurnace website at www.waterfurnace.com.

To learn more about federal tax credits and the many other benefits that a geothermal system offers, visit the site or talk to a WaterFurnace expert at (800) GEO-SAVE.

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Energy Tips

(NAPSI)—There’s a new resource to help keep older adults safe and warm during the cold weather months.

A new brochure, “Winter Warmth and Safety: Home Energy Tips for Older Adults,” provides tips about preparing a home for winter weather and saving money on energy expenses, including:

• Make sure your home is energy efficient by installing a programmable thermostat and sealing and insulating ducts. More advice is available from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program at www.energystar.gov.

• Take advantage of special heating assistance funds and utility no-cutoff programs.

Learn More

For a free copy of the brochure, call (800) 677-1116 or download it at www.eldercare.gov.

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

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Retaining walls and pavers add curb appeal to your front entry

(ARA) – Front-porch entertaining is making a comeback in America’s neighborhoods, thanks to homeowners’ renewed interest in beautifying the front entries of their homes. The days of uninspired concrete front stoops have passed, giving way to elegant combinations of freestanding walls, columns and matching pavers to create  welcoming entrances that also serve as gathering places.

Front-entry makeovers that are both eye-catching and functional are one of the hottest trends in landscape design these days.

“Decades ago, neighbors would often retire to their front porches in the evening and gather together for conversation with neighbors up and down the street,” says Lonnie Sekeres, designer at Villa Landscapes in Oakdale, Minn. “That practice is returning as families spend more time entertaining at home and getting to know their neighbors. A creatively designed front entryway can help facilitate that.”

It doesn’t have to be extravagant either. “Doing something as nominal as adding a paver walkway and freestanding wall – along with a new take on plants to accent certain areas – can do a lot to freshen up your curb appeal on a modest budget,” says Sekeres.

New concept, old look
Many homeowners face the challenge of updating a home that looks a bit stuck in the past, but a front entry facelift can be an easy solution. Villa Landscapes transformed a rambler’s small and mundane concrete-slab front stoop into a sweeping paver patio and pergola-covered entryway defined by Versa-Lok retaining walls and columns. The stunning result changed the entire look of the home.

“The original house had a 4-foot-wide step to access the front door,” explains Sekeres. “The owner wanted to provide more useable space for traffic flow through the front door while creating a sense of an old-fashioned front porch. In addition, he wanted to use materials that would complement the existing home and also be low-maintenance.”

Versa-Lok retaining walls in a charcoal-blend color were used for seat-height freestanding walls and columns to create the new porch space. Paving stones in a matching color were used for the patio and walkway surface. The formerly boring square front stoop was transformed into an attractive rounded step that protrudes from the patio, flanked by two columns and faced with a veneer made from slicing off the back of a retaining wall block. The curved lines of the step are repeated in the walkway and in a round raised-bed garden.

The pergola extends from the front of the house, supported by white pillars mounted inside freestanding columns.

“What began as a cold and somewhat clumsy entrance to the house is now a bright and inviting gathering place that adds a contemporary look to what could have been a dated home,” Sekeres concludes.

Front-yard entertaining
Sekeres gave a another family’s home a facelift with a handsome hardscaped front-entry courtyard graced with fresh plantings. A plain concrete sidewalk was replaced with matching pavers to create a fresh look for the home with a new, more neighborly entertaining space.

“The entry had overgrown plants in some areas, bare spots in others. While it’s a beautiful house, it had lost its curb appeal and was in dire need of attention,” explains Sekeres. “Besides sprucing up the look of their home, the clients also wanted to have a spot out front to sit and chat with the neighbors as they passed by.”

The solution was a raised patio that extends from the existing front step to the middle of the yard. The patio is buttressed on the outer sides by freestanding Versa-Lok retaining walls accented at two corners with stylish matching columns.

The patio and sidewalk are paved with Willow Creek paving stones in a cobblestone pattern and color scheme that complements the walls and the home’s existing brick exterior. A variety of new plantings around the wall and patio soften the hardscaping.

“We come out here in the evening and it’s not 10 minutes before someone sees us and stops over,” one of the homeowners beamed. “We just love it.”

For more information on how you can give your home a front-entry makeover, contact Versa-Lok Retaining Wall Systems at (800) 770-4525, or visit www.versa-lok.com.

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Save money with an ‘enlightened’ roof – and decorate too

(ARA) – Enlightenment isn’t just a state of mind – it can also be an important energy-saving state of being for your home’s roof. By “enlightening” your roof, you can use less energy, save money, and dress up the interior of your home at the same time.

All roofs protect us, and the interiors of our homes, but they can do so much more. They can be the collection and distribution point for an inexhaustible supply of free natural light and energy.  

A roof that uses Energy Star qualified venting skylights, for instance, admits healthful natural light while providing passive ventilation through the natural “chimney effect” of rising air. This is not an insignificant consideration especially in kitchens and baths that have higher moisture and humidity levels than other areas of the home.  

Another kitchen- and bath-specific issue that skylights help address is the need for privacy. Many modern homes are built on small lots, in very close proximity to neighboring houses. “Light from windows is rarely enough, especially in places where lot sizes are small,” says Jennifer Powers of design firm Scott-Ulmann.

Areas of the home where traditional skylights with blinds might not work – such as hallways, closets and small, interior baths – can still admit natural light through less expensive Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. And optional light kits turn these units into 24-hour sources of light.  Low-profile flat glass models that blend unobtrusively with the roof, and domed models, all offer a fast, easy, less expensive way to transform a home with natural light.

In addition to light and ventilation from above, if you add an Energy Star-qualified solar water heating system your roof will work even harder for you. And, in addition to monthly power bill savings, these solar thermal systems qualify for tax credits and other savings that significantly reduce the payback time it takes to recover the initial cost.

Solar power attic fans are also a cost-effective roof addition that helps to reduce mechanical cooling costs while removing damaging moisture from the home.

In addition to the functional qualities these and other roof improvements offer, there are also aesthetic considerations.

Skylights offer room-changing drama and decorating flair while adding natural light from above.  And skylight blinds are now available in colors and pattern choices to mix and match with room decor giving homeowners another interior design tool. Blinds not only dress up a room but also provide light control while increasing the energy efficiency and usefulness of skylights.  

According to skylight manufacturer, Velux America, the addition of blinds can increase the overall energy efficiency of the units by 37 percent. They recommend closing the blinds on high heat/sun days in the summer to reduce potential solar heat gain and, on cold winter nights, closing them to provide an extra layer of thermal insulation to keep warm air indoors. Skylight blinds, as well as the units themselves, can be controlled manually or with a remote.

Modern, low profile skylights are unobtrusive and as dependable as vertical windows.  Information about units with a 10-year no-leak installation warranty, plus an installer locator, is available at veluxusa.com. There’s also a free mobile phone app there to help homeowners see how skylights and blinds would look in rooms in their own homes.

The Velux Skylight Planner App is available for iPhones, iPods, iPads and Android phones.

For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org. For remodeling information visit nahb.org/remodel or greenhomeguide.org.

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Renovating your home? Renovate your insurance

(ARA) – Whether you are upgrading a kitchen, adding on a master suite, or gutting a newly purchased structure, you need to reassess your insurance needs both before and after your renovation.

It’s common to plan every major step of the renovation. But one thing that’s tough to plan for is the unexpected. What if an oily rag left unattended starts a fire and your home goes up in smoke? The remodeling work done to date may have an impact on your homeowners insurance – unless you let your insurance agent in on the plans ahead of time.

For example, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company policyholders are required to let their agent know about any renovation projected to increase the replacement cost of your home by more than $25,000 in order for the crucial full-cost replacement coverage to remain in force.

“Your insurance company and your agent can help you find gaps in your coverage related to remodeling and establish appropriate replacement costs,” says Don Soss, vice president of personal insurance at Fireman’s Fund. “We can also make sure your contractor and subs have adequate liability insurance in case of damage to your property from poor workmanship or carelessness.”

In addition, risk managers at the insurance company can provide advice to minimize the possibility of fires, theft, and mishaps. Good risk management practices also minimize potential project delays. This may be a good time to add security and safety features such as water flow monitoring devices or upgraded burglary and fire alarm systems.

One of the most common issues is maintaining a secure environment during the work phase. For example, contractors often disable a home’s existing fire alarm system because dust and particulates generated by construction tend to trigger false alarms. It is important for temporary measures such as fencing and alternate alarms to be in place to keep the property secure.

Demolition debris should also be secured so it can’t become airborne in high winds. Toxic or explosive materials need to be stored and handled appropriately, and rebars should be capped to prevent injury to workmen and residents.  

Often, the family moves to temporary housing during a remodel. It may be a good idea to put art collections and other valuables that could be damaged in an offsite secure storage facility for optimal protection.

Even before your work is complete, your agent can go over your current homeowners insurance and make sure you have the replacement value of your home updated. This will reflect increases in construction materials and labor, changes in building codes, installation of new safety devices, changes in square footage, and custom features and appliances.

Top tips for homeowners considering a renovation:

1. Contact your agent before construction starts for coverage of your remodeling work and the value of your completed home.

2. Make sure your contractor and subcontractors have adequate liability insurance. Many contractors carry the generally recommended limits of at least twice the replacement value of the home.

3. Ask the contractor to maintain adequate safety and security devices such as fire and burglar alarms.

4. Save all records related to your project (receipts and appraisals). Store copies of these records in a secure off-site location. Videotaping your house and possessions is also recommended.

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Keep your home pet-friendly and fresh

(ARA) – Of course you love your pets, but let’s face it: Sometimes they smell. And whether you are hosting guests or trying to sell your home, the last thing you want visitors to remember is an offensive odor. Luckily, there are a number of ways to eliminate those less-than-pleasant pet odors and let your home’s personality shine.

Refreshing walls
Paint is one of the most dramatic and cost-effective ways to give your home’s interior a new look, and now it can also give your home a new fresh scent. Dutch Boy’s Refresh paint features odor-eliminating technology from Arm & Hammer. It reduces odors caused by pets and other sources, keeping your home smelling as good as it looks. Proven to reduce household smells, a coat of Refresh paint will prevent bad odors from lingering for months. By trapping and neutralizing odor molecules, this paint doesn’t cover up unappealing smells, but actually reduces them. And Refresh paint is available in Dutch Boy’s broad range of colors, so you can reduce unpleasant smells without compromising your decorating taste.

Clean with steam
Even if your pet isn’t allowed on the furniture, your home furnishing fabrics are holding onto  unpleasant scents. Though you may vacuum regularly, animal hair and dander are trapped in the fibers of your cushions, curtains, sofa and other decor. Using a steam cleaner is the best way to eliminate bad smells in upholstered furniture and other items that cannot be laundered. Hire a professional service to treat the common areas in your home, or purchase a steam cleaner specifically designed for pet hair removal. Deep-clean common area fabrics several times each year, and to help maintain a fresh smell day to day, use an odor-neutralizing fabric spray regularly.

Hit the floor
The biggest source of your home’s objectionable smell could be right under your feet. As anyone who has house-trained a pet knows, they don’t always get it right, and sometimes those accidents go unnoticed and cause stains to inevitably set in. To remove odors of any age, scrub bare floors with white vinegar and water or an odor-neutralizing cleaner, and thoroughly wash carpets and rugs using an odor-neutralizing shampoo. You can also hire a professional to clean the carpets and provide extra deodorizing treatments. If stains or smells remain, you’ll likely need to replace the carpet and padding. If this is the case, be sure to scrub the floor beneath before laying new carpet down. After the carpet has been thoroughly cleaned or replaced, regularly use carpet deodorizer formulated for pet odors when vacuuming.

Scented accessories
Tie a ribbon on your odor-free home with strategically placed candles and air fresheners. Choose classic scents that complement your decor, and use a variety throughout the home to avoid an overpowering result. Many candles and fresheners offer odor-neutralizing technology as well as pleasant scents, ensuring unfavorable smells are not only covered up but eliminated. Jars of potpourri or scented crystals add touches of personality to any room decor as well.

No matter what types or the number of pets that share your home, these tips will help keep it smelling fresh all year round.

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