031525_RV_Z01_c_Spring Home Improvment Guide

Spring

Crafting a Contemporary Kitchen

Innovative features for the most popular room in the house

HOME

&

Garden Guide

MARCH 2025

Let There Be

Light

The benefits of lighting

up your landscape

Sanctuary

Spaces

Tips to make a bedroon

more relaxing

DESIGN. DELIVER. GIVE BACK.

FARMERS LUMBER is a full service lumber yard

specializing in all facets of designing and supplying

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LUMBER THAT BUILDS DREAMS

Monday - Friday 7AM-5PM

Saturday 8AM - 12PM

930 Westview Dr.

Rock Valley, IA

712-476-5362

2

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • MARCH 2025 • IOWA INFORMATION

Financing

Available

Spring

HOME

Garden Guide

&

Small renovations that make a big impact ... 5

Preparing for a lengthy renovation project.... 7

Upgrade your home for modern living...... 10

Kitchen cabinet projects ................ 12

Fun and modern kitchen features ......... 13

Make a bedroom a more relaxing space.... 15

Remedies for common electrical problems.. 19

6 reasons to build a retaining wall ......... 21

Spring planting pointers ................ 23

Drought-resistant plants and trees ........ 24

The benefits of lighting up your landscape .. 27

Deciding between a deck or pavers . . . . . . . 30

IOWA INFORMATION • MARCH 2025 • SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT 3

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4


a big impact

SMALL RENOVATIONS THAT MAKE A

Homeowners may think they

have to tear down walls or

build room extensions to

transform their homes with

renovation projects. But small projects can

yield impressive results, and that’s something

homeowners working with limited

budgets can keep in mind.

Front door replacement:

A new front door instantly improves curb

appeal and can make a home more secure

and energy-efficient. Painting the existing

front door is an even smaller project that still

offers appeal.

Lighting addition:

Whether a homeowner enlarges a window

or adds skylights, natural light can

produce incredible results. Investing in

new lighting can feel like expanding a space

without pushing out walls.

Kitchen and bath fixture upgrades:

Faucets and door pulls are used every day.

Swapping existing fixtures for something

a little more modern can unify spaces and

provide subtle changes that enhance these

popular spaces.

Wood floor restoration:

Scuffing and scratches can adversely

affect the pristine look of a natural wood

floor. Homeowners can polish a floor to

restore its shine. A professional service will

sand down and refinish older floors at a fraction

of the cost of a new floor installation.

Exterior lighting:

Lighting isn’t just important inside. A welcoming

glow in the yard is awe-inspiring.

There are many energy-efficient lighting

options, including ones that do not need

to be hard-wired to the circuitry inside the

home.

Staircase renovation:

Coordinate the staircase to the style in

the home with a decorative carpet runner.

A secure runner is attractive and can help

reduce slipping down the stairs. Tighten

shaky railings or replace them while

upgrading the stair treads.

Interior paint:

Change the color of walls, doors, cabinets,

or even furniture with paint. All homeowners

need is a paint color that inspires them

and a little bit of time.

Replace outlet covers:

Upgrade outlet covers with screwless

options. Screwless plates for outlets and light

switches can make walls look more sleek.

Entry organizer installation:

Banish clutter from the home by catching

it at the door. An entry organizer with spaces

for shoes, coats, backpacks, and shopping

bags can be eye-catching and functional.

Carpets cleaning:

Soiled carpets can look drab and dingy.

Homeowners can rent carpet-cleaning

machines or hire services to revitalize carpets

with a deep cleaning.

Small changes around a home can create

a big impact without breaking the bank.

There’s no shortage of small projects that can change the

look and feel of a home. Many of these undertakings can

be achieved with a modest investment.


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HOW TO PREPARE FOR A LENGTHY

renovation project

Depending on the scope and

scale of a project, home renovations

can take anywhere

from a day or two for minor

cosmetic changes to nine months for a

major project. The lender RenoFi says

projects like remodeling a kitchen or bathroom

have a lot of moving parts, including

plumbing and electrical work, structural

changes, flooring, and installation of appliances.

Due to that complexity, such projects

may take six to 12 weeks. A home addition

can take months. Homeowners weary of

such lengthy undertakings can implement

strategies to make conditions at home more

manageable.

Get a rough estimate from contractors

so that you can budget

accordingly.

A project will go nowhere without proper

funding. Get detailed estimates that

include labor and building materials. Then

start saving and stash money away for

the project so you’re not caught

off-guard later on.

Clear out clutter.

Remove any extraneous items from the

room or rooms that will be remodeled.

Although it will be an added expense, it is

a good idea to rent a storage unit or have a

storage pod placed in the driveway or yard

for the duration of the project. Move items

that will not be needed into the unit. This

will get them out of the way and protect

them from damage.

Consider starting in warm weather.

Contractors will be going in and out of the

home each day, and doors and windows

may need to be propped open. Schedule

a project during those months when temperatures

are more comfortable.

If the project involves limited access to the

kitchen to cook, utilizing an outdoor grill or

Home renovations can increase resale

value and outfit spaces to make them more

accommodating to residents. Homeowners

interested in remodeling projects

understand that such undertakings are

often a lengthy process. But the time spent

waiting often is well worth it when the

work is done and the finished product

looks just as homeowners imagined.

kitchen is much easier when the weather is

pleasant.

Stay with relatives.

While some people have no issues living

in a residence during a renovation, others

may find the work simply too inconvenient

or distracting to be around.

Time away from the property can help

manage stress, and prevent kids, pets and

others from getting in the way of work.

Safeguard sensitive items.

Take inventory of items in the home for

insurance purposes. This way you’re covered

in the case of damage or theft. Remove

documents, like birth certificates, passports,

insurance policies, and other private papers,

and keep them in a safety deposit box or

fireproof safe. Renovations may stretch on

for weeks or months. However, with preparation,

homeowners can see such projects

through without facing too much adversity.


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HOW

upgrade

TO

your home

TO ACCOMMODATE MODERN LIVING

Remodeling projects allow

homeowners to put their

personal stamps on a property.

In addition to choosing

a color and design scheme that fits a particular

aesthetic, homeowners may want

to outfit their homes with various features

that can make them more accommodating

to modern living. Homeowners can use

these ideas as a springboard for remodeling

projects designed to modernize

their homes.

Open floor plans:

Open floor plans remain coveted characteristics

of modern home architecture. An

open layout enables occupants to feel like

they are enjoying spaces together without

having to be on top of one another. Since

sightlines are not obstructed in open floor

plans, homeowners can enjoy a cohesive

design style across each level of the home.

Eco-friendly features:

Eco-friendly features modernize homes

and may even earn homeowners rebates

from the government. From positioning

rooms to take advantage of natural sunlight

to using environmentally responsible materials

throughout a home, modern homes

can function with a much smaller carbon

footprint than older structures.

Smart home technology:

A smart home is equipped with appliances

and other devices that can be controlled

remotely, typically from a phone or computer

connected to the internet. Investopedia

notes that smart home technology offers

homeowners convenience and cost savings.

Smart home technology is available across a

wide range of budgets, ranging from thousands

of dollars for a complete home automation

to roughly $100 for a small change

like a smart thermostat.

Accessibility features:

A home that can grow with its residents is

advantageous. When choosing renovations,

features like slip-resistant flooring, stylish

grab bars and low-threshold or barrier-free

showers can enable homeowners to age in

place more comfortably.

Dual owner’s suites:

Dual owner’s suites can be an asset for

couples who choose to sleep separately. The

Sleep Foundation says individuals choose to

sleep in different rooms for a variety of reasons,

notably reduced sleep interruptions

and improved sleep quality. Plus, an extra

bedroom can come in handy when one

person is ill or in the event a partner snores.

Rather than one person in the relationship

getting the “lesser” space, certain homebuilders

now offer plans for dual owner’s

suites so both people get the features they

desire in a bedroom.

Three-season room:

Many homeowners aspire to bridge

the gap between the indoors and outside.

Three-season rooms help transition from

the yard to the interior of a home, and

offer a touch of nature without the bugs or

unpleasant elements.

A number of home improvements can bring

homes up to the standards of modern living.

10


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kitchen

FUN AND INNOVATIVE MODERN

FEATURES

Concealed countertop

appliances

The latest small appliances

and gadgets can make easy

work of preparing food, but

these devices can add to kitchen

clutter. A roll-down door

“appliance garage” will conceal

appliances kept on counters.

Mixer lift

Baking enthusiasts will cheer

if they don’t have to lift a heavy

stand mixer when preparing

foods. A mixer lift is an innovative

feature that enables homeowners

to raise and lower the

mixer from a dedicated cabinet

any time it’s needed.

Microwave drawer

A microwave drawer maximizes

space and boasts a sleek

design. Instead of installing

a microwave above a stove,

homeowners can enjoy a beautiful

range hood.

Wine refrigerator

Available in a variety of sizes,

wine refrigerators offer stylish

storage for any wine lover’s

collection. A refrigerator can be

installed into an island or lower

cabinet and integrated into the

rest of the kitchen.

Double ovens

Double ovens are built

directly into cabinetry and offer

convenience and a sleek, modern

look. Two ovens can make

entertaining crowds easier, and

separating the ovens from the

burners lets homeowners install

a cooktop elsewhere in the

kitchen, which can expand floor

plan options.

Pot filler

A special faucet near the cooktop

makes it much easier to fill

heavy pasta pots. A pot filler can

be handy for those who cook a

lot and do not want to lug heavy

pots from the sink to the stove.

Outfitting a modern kitchen

during a renovation can involve

some innovative features to

enhance the space.

Creating Dreams,

One Brushstroke

At A Time.

BEFORE

AFTER

Interior/Exterior Jobs

12

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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT KITCHEN

cabinet projects

Kitchens have long been characterized as the busiest

room in a home. Kitchens are where meals are prepared

and cooked, but they also tend to be gathering

spaces where families connect at the end of a day and

where guests congregate during holiday celebrations and birthday

parties.

All that time in the kitchen makes these popular rooms to renovate.

Homeowners who want to give their kitchens a new look and feel

without doing a full renovation can consider kitchen cabinet projects.

An understanding of kitchen cabinet projects can help homeowners

decide if this undertaking is for them.

Cabinet renovations do not necessarily require

replacement.

Some cabinets may not need to be removed and replaced. The

renovation experts at HGTV note that kitchen cabinet refacing can

be a budget-friendly way to give a new look to cabinets that do not

require replacement. Refacing can be as extensive as homeowners

prefer, but such projects can create a whole new aesthetic in the

kitchen depending on the extent of the project.

There are many different types of kitchen cabinets.

Homeowners who have never been involved in a cabinet project

should know they will have many different options to choose from.

Face-frame cabinets are a traditional choice made with a frame

around the door and any drawers that might be included as part of

the cabinets. Some additional options include full overlay cabinets,

frameless cabinets, recessed panel cabinets, and Shaker cabinets.

Homeowners hesitant to choose their own cabinets can work with a

contractor and/or interior designer to find the option that aligns best

with their current kitchen.

Cabinet materials and finishes vary as well.

Cabinets can be made from an array of materials, including wood,

laminate, metal, and plastic. Cabinets also can be finished with

paint, stain, glaze, and lacquer. Each finish has its own unique characteristics.

For example, painted cabinets may need to be tended to

with greater frequency than other options because paint can fade.

However, painted cabinets remain popular because homeowners

can paint them any color at any time.

Consider the countertops when adjusting kitchen

cabinets.

Kitchens tend to have color schemes, and that scheme is often

reflected in the color of cabinets and countertops. When tweaking

just the cabinets, homeowners should give ample consideration to

the overall color scheme of their kitchens. Interior designers can be

invaluable resources for homeowners who aren’t quite sure how

new or refaced cabinets will fit into an overall color scheme.

Consider replacement if necessary.

A kitchen cabinet replacement project will be more expensive

than refacing the cabinets. But there are instances when cabinets

require replacement. Excessive wear and tear, insufficient storage,

a dated appearance, and cabinets that appear to be sagging off the

wall are some indicators that replacement is necessary.

Updated cabinets can give a kitchen a whole new look, even if the

cabinets are refaced instead of replaced.


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14


TIPS TO MAKE A BEDROOM A MORE

relaxing space

Homes are often characterized

as sanctuaries. A home’s

interior spaces can provide

a respite from the hustle and

bustle of daily life no matter what’s going on

in the outside world.

Perhaps no space inside a home should

be more relaxing than a bedroom. But

bedrooms are not impervious to the hectic

pace of life unless homeowners make a concerted

effort to transform these spaces into

relaxing respites. By implementing a variety

of strategies, homeowners can ensure bedrooms

embody the notion that homes are

sanctuaries for their residents.

Install new window treatments.

Blinds, curtains, shades, and other window

treatments come in a variety of styles

and colors, ensuring there’s at least one

out there that can match an existing design

scheme in a bedroom. Window treatments

can be utilized to create a cozy vibe in a

bedroom, blocking out lights from outside,

including natural light from the sun and

moon but also street lamps and decorative

lights from neighboring properties. This

can ensure bedrooms are a peaceful and

welcoming respite when homeowners and

residents return home each night

Make the room a device-free zone.

If escapism is an end goal, then turning

a bedroom into a device-free zone is a

must. Televisions, tablets and smartphones

ensure the distractions and stressors of

everyday life are never too far away, so

removing these devices from bedrooms can

help to establish a more peaceful bedroom

environment. In addition, the National

Sleep Foundation reports that using devices

in a bedroom tends to reduce sleep duration

by delaying the time users go to sleep.

Reconsider the lighting.

Bedroom lighting is another variable that

merits consideration when trying to transform

the space into a more relaxing room.

Ambient lighting can be utilized to create

a soft and welcoming atmosphere in the

room. Dimmable lights also allow residents

to adjust the amount of light depending on

the time of day. Lights can be bright when

getting dressed in the morning, and then

turned down when residents are going to

bed and want to unwind before closing their

eyes.

Clear out clutter.

A cluttered bedroom is more than an

eyesore. The Royal Australian College of

General Practitioners notes that clutter

can contribute to anxiety and adversely

affect individuals’ ability to sleep and focus.

Examine bedrooms to see if there is any

unnecessary or overly bulky furnishings

that make the spaces feel cramped and cluttered.

Remove those items when possible,

or consider working with a contractor to

expand the room if budget and space allows.

Bedrooms can be respites within the larger

sanctuary that homes are meant to be.

That’s especially so when residents implement

strategies to transform bedrooms into

more relaxing spaces.


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16 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • MARCH 2025 • IOWA INFORMATION

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18


Remedies

FOR COMMON ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Electricity is a modern convenience

that’s easily taken for

granted until homes are plunged

into darkness during power outages.

Thomas Edison introduced electricity

to the world in the late nineteenth century.

After Edison’s home received a private electric

system, the first American home to be

powered by hydroelectricity was in Appleton,

Wisconsin in 1882. Despite that, just 50

percent all homes in the United States had

electricity by the beginning of the twentieth

century.

Electricity is now a standard home feature.

And when something goes awry with

a home’s electrical components, homeowners

may need to act fast to restore things

to proper working order. Certain electrical

problems are common in residential

homes. Even homeowners with do-it-yourself

skills should bring in an experienced

electrician when their homes develop electrical

problems, as electricity is nothing for

novices to play with. Here’s what to look for

and how to remedy common issues, courtesy

of East-West Electric, Inc., Safe and Sound

Electric LLC, and American Home Shield.

Flickering lights:

Flickering lights merit attention. While

lights can flicker when bulbs are not

screwed in tightly, this also could be a sign

of a faulty connection that is creating arcing

and overheating. A failure to address flickering

lights might lead to a fire. An electrician

can inspect wiring and fixtures to see where

the problem may lie, and replace any necessary

components.

Degraded electrical wiring:

Older homes may have aging electrical

wiring that is worn out in places. This can

cause arc faults, which occur when an electrical

current veers off its intended path. Arc

faults can cause electrical fires. Installing

arc-fault circuit interrupters on the circuit

panel can help. Traditional circuit breakers

only trip with overloads and short circuits.

AFCIs continuously monitor flow and will

only trip during unwanted arcing conditions.

Insufficient power:

Those who reside in older homes might

experience insufficient electrical power.

Electrical grids homes are built using the

technology of that time and may not be

capable of handling the many devices that

homeowners plug in today. Circuits may

trip often when one or more electrical devices

are used on the same circuit. The only

way to remedy this issue is to replace the

existing electrical system with a restructured

one that can handle the supply of power.

Buzzing sounds:

Electrical outlets and switches in a home

should always operate silently. Buzzing or

unusual sounds heard near switches and

outlets indicates there is a problem. Turn

off the power to that fixture and consult a

professional electrician to see what might be

the issue.

Warmth around light fixtures:

Hot ceiling lights or other lights could

mean that a homeowner is exceeding

the recommended bulb wattages for that

fixture. Check the bulbs, and consider

switching to compact fluorescent or LED

bulbs that do not produce as much heat as

incandescent bulbs.

Higher energy bills:

Energy bills can spike for a number of reasons.

Outdated electrical devices that draw

a lot of power or a leakage in the system

are two potential causes of higher energy

bills. Homeowners can call an electrician to

assess the energy efficiency of a home and

suggest changes.

Electrical problems might be common,

but they should be dealt with promptly for

safety’s sake.


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CONSTRUCTION

and professional advice to guide them

when they have built or remodeled.

SPRING

IS HERE!

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20


SIX REASONS TO BUILD A

retaining wall

Homes are not always located

on flat lots. In fact, landscapes

can feature hills and valleys,

necessitating some extra steps

when installing certain features. Retaining

walls are often utilized to improve the functionality

and safety of a property.

Retaining walls are typically recommended

to eliminate soil erosion and improve

drainage, says Design One Landscape Corporation.

Over time, soil erosion or drainage

issues can eat into the structural integrity of

a home and cause cosmetic damage and

unhealthy conditions, such as mold growth.

Here’s a look at six instances when installing

a retaining wall can be advantageous.

1. Remedy a slope in the yard:

Retaining walls help make sloped areas

functional. The wall will help flatten the

slope so that water and soil do not flow

downward.

2. Make the yard easier to

traverse:

A retaining wall can make it easier to walk

around a sloped yard. Rather than contending

with the hill both uphill and downhill,

particularly if it’s steep, the retaining wall

can be installed to create flat areas that are

easier to navigate.

3. Manage water runoff:

Retaining walls can hold back or redirect

water to help prevent flooding.

A wall can be used to keep water away

from the foundation, where it may enter the

home.

4. Prevent soil erosion:

Along with keeping water back, the retaining

wall also will stop soil erosion and runoff

so it doesn’t cause an unsightly condition in

the yard, or prove dangerous during severe

weather.

5. Prevent sink holes:

By helping to manage water runoff, retaining

walls can reduce the risk of sinkholes.

According to Slaton Bros, Inc., a retaining

wall service provider, sinkholes occur when

enough water pools beneath the surface of

the ground to weaken it to the point of not

being capable of supporting the ground’s

surface weight.

6. Improve curb appeal:

Retaining walls also may serve cosmetic

functions. They provide additional surfaces

upon which to place container plants or

additional decorations. Retaining walls also

can provide backdrops to shrubs and separate

grassy areas from patios or swimming

pools.

Retaining walls marry form and function.

Homeowners with sloped yards or drainage

issues should consider installing retaining

walls to address these issues.


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Spring

PLANTING POINTERS

Many people view spring as

a season of rejuvenation.

That renewal may be

somewhat metaphorical for

human beings, but it’s literal for lawns and

gardens that begin to grow anew as temperatures

rise and hours of daylight increase

in spring.

Each spring presents an opportunity for

homeowners to get back outside and tend

to their gardens. As the temperatures rise,

homeowners can consider these spring

planning pointers to ensure their landscapes

look lush and full in the months

ahead.

Start with the soil.

Soil can serve as the starting point each

spring. Winter can take its toll on a garden

and even overwhelm the area with debris

over the colder months. Clear rocks and

other debris from the area before loosening

the soil. The Farmer’s Almanac recommends

loosening soil to a depth of at least

eight inches if planting a new garden. An

existing garden may only need to be loosened

to a depth of around six inches, after

which homeowners can mix compost into

the soil in early spring. Compost is organic

matter that provides nutrients and helps to

build strong plant roots.

Consider a raised garden in colder

climates.

The Farmer’s Almanac notes raised

gardens can help homeowners in colder

climates dry out and warm up wet, cold soils

more quickly. Homeowners in such regions

also can cover their beds with black plastic

or cardboard prior to planting. Doing so

can protect the beds from late-season snow

and spring rains and also helps to overcome

erosion.

Take soil temperatures.

Unpredictable weather is among the

noticeable effects of climate change in

recent years. That lack of predictability

can make spring planting a little more

tricky than it once was. Experts note that

soil temperatures around 50 F are best for

cool-season crops, while soil should be 60

F or warmer when planting warm-weather

plants such as tomatoes.

Work with a garden center to identify

what to plant.

The right plants for one region may not be

ideal for another, so homeowners are urged

to work with a local landscaper or garden

center before planting. Such a consultation

can be especially useful for homeowners

planting a new garden. Landscapers and

garden center professionals will know

which plants work in the local climate.

Consider planting vegetables in the

spring.

Various garden experts note that spring

is an ideal time to plant a vegetable garden.

If planted at the right time, a vegetable garden

can save homeowners money on their

grocery bills and provide a season’s worth

of fresh veggies. Lettuce and spinach are

sun- and shade-friendly vegetables, which

can make them good options for a spring

garden. Cool-season root vegetables, which

include beets, carrots and swiss chard, are

some other notable veggies that can thrive

in early spring.

Spring is a season of rejuvenation for

gardens. That’s even more true when homeowners

consider some conventional planting

wisdom in early spring.


Drought-resistant

PLANTS AND TREES

Abeautiful landscape adds considerable

aesthetic appeal to a

property and an awe-inspiring

lawn and garden can greatly

improve resale value. In fact, the American

Society of Landscape Architects claims

landscaping can increase a home’s resale

value by as much as 20 percent, a contention

that supports the notion that a lush

landscape is something buyers want and are

willing to pay for.

Maintaining a lush landscape is no small

task, but that job is notably easier when

homeowners pick the right plants. The right

plant for a property depends on where a

home is located, but it’s worth noting that

drought-resistant plants and trees may be

especially worthy investments. According

to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 54 percent of

the contiguous United States experienced

moderate or exceptional drought over the

first 10 months of 2024. The NASA Earth

Observatory notes that even the southeastern

United States, where Hurricane Helene

struck and dropped considerable rainfall

in the final days of September, was affected

by drought, experiencing no precipitation

in the month after that devastating storm

struck.

When planning a landscape renovation,

homeowners must take variables such as

climate into consideration, particularly if

their end goal is a lush, awe-inspiring lawn

and garden. With that in mind, the following

are some drought-resistant plants and trees

homeowners may want to consider adding

to their landscapes.

Trees

The National Arbor Day Foundation notes

that drought-tolerant trees are ideal as summer

temperatures rise in many parts of the

world. Drought-tolerant trees can survive

in dry conditions, and they also provide

great shade that allows people to enjoy

their yards even when temperatures rise.

The ADF notes that the following are some

drought-resistant trees homeowners can

consider:

• Eastern redcedar

• Bur oak

• Northern red oak

• Kentucky coffeetree

• Hackberry

• Scots pine

• Northern catalpa

• London planetree

• Shumard oak

• Live oak

Plants

Trees add ample aesthetic appeal to a

property, but colorful plants also help to

create a stunning setting. Homeowners concerned

about drought can consider these

plants that various garden experts note are

tolerant of dry conditions.

• Aster

• Beardtongue

• Black-eyed Susan

• Bugleweed

• Catmint

• Lantana

• Lavender

• Purple coneflower

• Russian sage

• Stonecrop

Homeowners are urged to work with

local lawn and garden professionals when

picking trees and plants for their properties.

Such individuals can provide insight about

species that are accustomed to local conditions

and capable of thriving in them even

when precipitation is low.

24


GET ON THE

ROAD TO

BENEFITS OF

CONCRETE LIFTING:

• Lift existing concrete surfaces

to properly drain water

instead of trapping it

• Level sunken concrete to

meet code, comply with

insurance and create a safer

environment

• Renew old concrete with

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26

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213 N. Union Street • Rock Rapids, IA 51246

SERVICING NORTHWEST IOWA IOWA FOR OVER SINCE 37 YEARS! 1984!

www.dennyssanitation.com

THE BENEFITS OF

lighting up

YOUR LANDSCAPE

Homeowners know there’s

no shortage of ways to

tweak a property. Some

homeowners may lament

that the work associated with home ownership

is never done, but owning a house

also provide endless opportunities to

upgrade the spaces people call home.

Landscape lighting has become

increasingly popular in recent years.

That popularity is undoubtedly due to a

number of variables, and each highlights

a benefit of installing landscape lighting

around a property.

Affordability:

Some may think of big budget projects

like kitchen remodels or room additions

when pondering home renovations.

Such projects can have a dramatic

impact on the look and feel of a home,

but landscape lighting can be equally

transformative at a fraction of the cost of

larger undertakings.

The home renovation experts at Angi.

com estimate the average landscape

lighting project costs around $4,000,

making affordability a notable benefit of

the project.

Appearance:

There’s no denying the aesthetic

appeal of a well-lit landscape at night.

Landscape lighting can be utilized to

draw attention to awe-inspiring components

of a landscape, whether it’s natural

features like gardens and foliage or

manmade components like architectural

features.

Improved appearance can increase

curb appeal, which is often associated

with how a home looks during daylight

hours. But photographs of a well-lit

nighttime landscape can impress buyers

as well.

Cost savings:

Landscape lighting might help

homeowners reduce the cost of their

homeowners insurance. Researchers at

PolicyGenius.com found that insurance

companies typically offer a discount

of 2 to 5 percent to homeowners who

install a home security system. Insurance

providers may offer additional savings

to homeowners who pair such systems

with landscape lighting, which can be a

deterrent to burglars who prefer to operate

under a cloak of darkness.

Safety:

Insurance firms may discount premiums

because of landscape lighting

because they view it as a deterrent to

potential criminals. But landscape

lighting also makes moving around a

property at night safer for residents and

guests. Lighting can be used to illuminate

walkways, outdoor living rooms, patios

around pools, and other areas where residents

and guests will be walking at night,

which can reduce the risk of falls and

injuries that may result from such spills.

ROI:

Savvy homeowners consider a renovation’s

return on investment before deciding

to go forward with a project. Studies

vary, but the National Association of

Realtors indicates landscape lighting

can recoup as much as 70 percent of

homeowners’ investment in the project

at resale. When viewed through the lens

of ROI, the cost of installing landscape

lighting is even less.

Landscape lighting adds notable aesthetic

appeal to a home at a fraction of

the cost of other renovation projects. The

benefits such lighting provides make the

project one every homeowner can consider.

Did you Know?

Landscape lighting has become

increasingly popular in recent

years.

Such lighting can extend living spaces,

and many homeowners report that a

well-lit landscape helps them feel more

safe at home. Though the final cost to

light up a home’s exterior will depend on

the size of a property, landscape lighting

is among the more budget-friendly

home renovations homeowners can

consider. According to the renovation

experts at Angi.com, the average cost of

a landscape lighting project is $4,000.

Considering how much landscape lighting

transforms the look of a property

at night, that’s a lot of bang for homeowners’

bucks. Solar lights are popular,

but homeowners may want to consider

electrical wiring that ensures lights maintain

their awe-inspiring glow throughout

the night. Electrical work requires additional

labor, and thus a higher price tag.

However, Angi notes that modern LED

bulbs consume just 25 percent of the

energy used by incandescent alternatives,

which can make them a more reliable

option than self-installed solar lights.


28


SINCE

1985

STAY COMFORTABLE

3 generations of the Stanton family

have made sure Northwest Iowa

homes and businesses are warm in

the winter and cool in the summer.

GIVE US A CALL TODAY!

Serving Sibley &

Surrounding

Areas

415 12th St., Sibley, IA

Phone 712-754-4118

RICK & ROB STANTON

Phone:712-439-2065

607 Black Forest Road, Hull, IA

www.vanvoorstconcrete.com

YOUR LOCAL

LUMBERYARD FOR

DEPENDABLE

QUALITY AND VALUE

C-STORE

1207 Black Forest Rd.

712-439-1140

MAIN OFFICE/FEEDMILL

1206 Railroad St.

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LUMBERYARD

917 Main St.

712-439-2850

SERVICE CENTER

612 Elm St.

712-439-3412

To order call 712-439-2406 or on

the Godfather’s app


How to decide

BETWEEN A DECK OR PAVERS IN AN OUTDOOR REMODEL

Outdoor living spaces have

become sought-after commodities

among homeowners.

A 2022 survey of homeowners

conducted by the New Home Trends

Institute found that open yards are less

appealing to home buyers than they once

were. The survey noted that just 28 percent

of respondents chose open yards, while 65

percent preferred patios and 55 percent

chose decks. Green spaces remain popular,

but the survey indicates that many wouldbe

home buyers also want an outdoor

living area to make the most of their home

exteriors.

Homeowners aspiring to transform their

home exterior spaces typically must decide

between a deck or pavers when the time

comes to plan such areas. That’s a personal

choice homeowners must make, but those

without strong feelings on either option can

consider these tips as they try to decide if a

deck or pavers are for them.

Determine your budget.

Budget is a notable variable with any

home renovation project, and the addition

of an outdoor living space is no exception.

The materials homeowners choose will ultimately

determine the cost of each project.

For example, composite decking materials

tend to cost significantly more than wood

decks, but that higher price tag also comes

with less maintenance and typically a longer

life span. Pavers may prove less expensive

than composite decking, but those cost

savings may be negligible if a yard requires

extensive excavation to prepare an area for

a new patio. It requires patience, but gathering

estimates of the various materials can

serve as a good starting point when planning

an outdoor living space.

In addition, homeowners must recognize

that material costs can fluctuate considerably

over time, as such prices are often

contingent on a range of variables, including

supply chain issues. So it’s best to gather

estimates in a short period of time to make

the most accurate price comparisons.

Identify your vision for the space.

Homeowners who have a vision for their

outdoor living space, even if they are not

sure about which material they prefer, may

find the process goes more quickly and even

more smoothly than those who are unsure

about what they want. Those who prefer a

flexible multi-use space may be best going

with pavers, as the spaces can be easily converted

and areas simply designated as one

might differentiate between rooms inside

the home. For example, an outdoor living

room can be separated with the installation

of a pavilion and fireplace, while kitchen

and dining areas can be separate spaces

on the same patio. Decks tend to be less

flexible, which might make them ideal for

homeowners who prefer an outdoor dining

area but don’t need a more expansive entertaining

space. Of course, decks can be as big

as homeowners choose, which can make

the spaces more multi-functional.

Recognize both may be in your best

interest.

Homeowners also should know that

many outdoor living spaces feature both a

deck and a paver patio. Homeowners may

like an elevated deck that steps down to a

patio, which can easily distinguish between

the spaces and establish the area as a multifunctional

space.

Homeowners planning outdoor living

space projects may find themselves choosing

between a deck and pavers. Each option

can work, and homeowners may even want

to combine the two.

30



32


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