Tuesday,Tuesday, September March 22, 26,2017 2016 - 1F Home Improvement FallA special supplement to the Hot Springs Village Voice Guide to replacing home siding Few home improvements It is important for con- a license number as well and can transform a home more sumers to do their research verify its accuracy. than the installation of new when it comes to siding siding. Replacing siding can materials and contractors. A Select a durable material be a costly venture, but the contractor who takes short- right siding will maintain cuts or improperly installs Siding comes in all types its appeal for years to come. the siding may void a manu- of materials - from wood facturer’s warranty. Always to plastic to fiber cement Updated siding can im- ask family members and - but vinyl is among the prove home’s energy value friends for recommenda- most popular due to cost by enabling owners to save tions before choosing a con- and availability. Research on heating and cooling tractor, and check out each how well particular brands costs. A new design and prospective contractor’s of siding stand up to con- color also can improve a work for yourself. Interview ditions and which are the home’s property value and more than one contractor least likely to crack, warp or set it apart from neighbor- and compare both their costs discolor. Find this informa- ing properties. According and what they offer. Ask tion from online reviews or to the Professional Builder’s plenty of questions of the through consumer advocacy Home Exteriors Survey, ex- contractors, and avoid those groups. Also remember, terior design and materials who try hard-sell methods. vinyl and other synthetic used are a top priority for Questionable contractors materials have improved new home buyers. may try strategies like a and can now mimic the look Finding a qualified contractor is an important component to any siding project. promise of a considerable of many other materials for multiplying the height times two. Then add all the totals. how much you need can Project costs depend on discount if you “act now” a fraction of the cost. the size of the home as or scare tactics that your the width of each rectangu- To allow for waste, don’t save you money. well as which siding mate- home is unsafe in its present lar section of your house in subtract for doors, windows Calculate how much you feet, going by what you can or other areas that won’t Vinyl siding can com- rial homeowners choose. condition. need Considering new siding is a measure from the ground, be covered. Finally, divide pletely transform the look to determine their areas. the total square footage by of a home and make it more major renovation, it pays to Be sure the contractor Before you price out get the job done right. carries general liability in- Multiply the approximate 100 to estimate how many energy efficient. Consumers siding with contractors, height and width of gables squares of siding you will who do their homework will surance as well as workers’ estimate how much you Choose a qualified con- compensation insurance for and other triangular surfaces need. A square represents get the best value for their will need for your house. and divide each total by 100 square feet. Knowing investments. tractor their subcontractors. Ask for Consumer Reports suggests Factors to consider when planning a home office have access to the same the day. Many professionals remain productive if your level of equipment as in who work remotely do so connection to your office's the main office, such as from the basements of their external server is routinely color copiers or scanners. homes, which can make it compromised. Find an area If you want to include even difficult to rely on natural where the wireless connec- scaled-down versions of light. If the basement is the tion is always strong. such equipment in your only location in your home office, you will need am- that can fit a home office, Distractions ple space. In addition, less look for lighting sources spacious home offices can that replicate daylight so While your home might feel too tight and enclosed, you are not working in dark be empty for much of the making workers uncomfort- quarters. Speak with your day, you don't want to be dis- able and less enthusiastic physician about how to tracted when the kids come about working every day. arrange lighting to reduce home from school or when Pick a spot in your home eyestrain caused by staring your spouse or roommate that affords room for your at a computer. arrives home from work. equipment and the ability Avoid putting your home to move around so you don't Connectivity office too close to popular The right working environment is essential for men and women who work from home. feel cramped throughout the hangout areas in your home, workday. Connectivity also must such as the kitchen and the As technology has made The right working envi- some time before they can be considered when plan- living room. Instead, choose working remotely easier, ronment is essential for men create the perfect working Lighting ning a home office. While a room where you have lots more and more profession- and women who work from environment, but the fol- wireless Internet has made of privacy so you can focus als are working from home. home. An environment that's lowing are a few factors to Lighting is another factor Internet dead zones less on your work and won't be Working from home can conducive to work can help consider when planning a remote workers must con- problematic, certain areas routinely interrupted. help working parents save people increase their pro- home office. sider when they're planning or rooms in your home may money on childcare costs ductivity and make their em- their home offices. Natural still be touch-and-go with Working from home can and help all workers avoid ployers more likely to allow Space light can provide an ener- regard to Internet connec- pay numerous dividends, rush hour traffic jams and more employees to work getic boost and improve tivity. Such areas should but professionals who the costs of commuting to from home. Professionals One of the disadvantages your mood, so choose a be avoided when choosing telework must put careful and from the office. who are new to working to working from home is room in your home that a room for your home of- thought into the rooms or from home may find it takes that remote workers don't gets lots of sunlight during fice, as it can be difficult to areas of their homes where they plan to work. 2F - Tuesday, SeptemberMarch 22, 2016 26, 2017 Simple home improvement ideas for fall Home improvement proj- along more quickly, which is or older windows in the fall prove problematic down the an entirely new look and the only painting project ects can add value to a home especially beneficial if you can save you from unnec- road. What's more, many feel. But paint can be pun- homeowners can tackle in and do-it-yourselfers know are paying laborers to work essarily high heating bills people entertain friends and gent and the aromas may the fall. Many exterior paints the sweat-equity that goes on the roof. The fewer hours come the winter. Addressing family come late fall and last if it's applied at a time are temperature-sensitive into such projects can give workers are fixing your roof, leaky windows also makes a into the holiday season, and of year when it can't dry and need the temperature homeowners a greater sense the less you will be paying home more comfortable for it can be difficult to do so if while the windows are wide outside to be above 40o F. of pride in their homes. But in labor costs. its inhabitants. you are busy installing new open. Paint fumes inside a Paint that freezes won't dry no two home improvement flooring. home can make the home properly, and homeowners projects are the same, and In addition, fixing up the Fall is the ideal time to uninhabitable, but painting might be left with a costly homeowners should know roof in the fall ensures those address a home's windows Painting projects at a time of year like the and unsightly mistake on that certain projects are best winter storms, be it rain or because the temperature fall, when you can keep the their hands. Fall tempera- tackled during certain times snow, won't find their way outside tends to be pleasant. Painting is another home windows open during and tures tend to be amenable of the year. into your home via leaks. A This means you likely won't improvement project that after the project, can help to both interior and exterior leaky roof in winter is hard have to make much of an seems tailor-made for fall. air the home out. painting projects, just be Fall is a great season to to fix, as the roof surface effort to offset the elements, A fresh coat of paint or a sure to check the weather work on your house, as the could be treacherous in the and open windows in the new color scheme around But interior painting isn't forecast before making your weather is often at its most winter and winter winds can fall won't make your home's the house can give a home first brush stroke.