The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/964179
The Press-Dispatch Spring Home and Garden Wednesday, April 11, 2018 D-15 SURVIVING a home renovation Homeowners invest large sums into improving their homes to make them more comfortable living spaces or to increase their odds of sell- ing quickly. The Remodel- ing Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard Univer- sity predicted U.S. spending on home renovations and re- pairs to peak at $ 327 billion in 2017. Whether one is doing a large renovation or a small remodel, life may be turned upside down during the project. Furniture may be moved out of the room, walls may be demolished, water or electricity may be turned off, and appliances may be missing or not hooked up. Home improvements often drum up dust and disarray. Such projects can try the pa- tience of any homeowner, and things may get worse before they get better. Even though remodeling can be taxing, the end re- sult is often worth it. Here's how to look forward to the silver lining and come out unscathed. DISCUSS THE PROJECT BEFORE IT STARTS All family members should be in agreement before the first hammer is swung. Decide on as many details as you can ahead of time and have a firm plan in place. Establish back- up choices for tiles or color schemes in case the items you want are out of stock. Trying to make decisions under duress may result in bad choices. DO ONE PROJECT AT A TIME It's tempting to want to improve as much as possi- ble at once to maximize mo- tivation and renovation ma- terials. However, having no place in which to escape the mess can elevate stress lev- els. Do not think about ren- ovating kitchens and bath- rooms all at once, or you will not have any working fixtures for tasks like wash- ing up. HAVE EVERYTHING IN PLACE Before demolition even begins, have building ma- terials bought and stored, contractors and subcontrac- tors lined up, and see what you can do to minimize the time workers need to spend in your home. EXPECT DELAYS In a world where things move at lightning speeds, renovations have not got- ten the memo. Home proj- ects take lots of time and will likely take longer if you are doing the work yourself in your free time. Build lots of extra time into the project so you are not disappointed when delays happen — even when you've done your best to avoid them. PLAN AN ESCAPE ZONE Construction environ- ments can be messy, loud, smelly, and a host of other unsavory adjectives. The chaos that ensues when life is turned upside down can be overwhelming, partic- ularly for the person who spends the most time in the home while work is being done. Build escape moments into the plan and make sure everyone else at home is on board. During the real grind of the project, a night or two at a hotel may be a welcome respite. See the experts at Englerts Home Comfort Centers. You'll be glad you did! Fu rna c es & Air Co nd itio ners Free Estimates APPLIANCES Quality Installation and Service On Everything We Sell Wide Selection o f Leather Sofas & Chairs •Dining Room •Bedroom •Living Room •Mattresses FURNITURE G rea t S a v in gs & E x pert In sta lla tio n ! • Carpet • Tile • Hardwood • Laminate • Vinyl FLOORCOVERING SALE SALE NEW HOME DISCOUNTS! HOME COMFORT CENTERS Corner of 231 & Division, JASPER 812-482-2246 105 N JFK Avenue, LOOGOOTEE 812-295-5444 OPEN: Mon., Tues., Thurs. 9-5:30; Wed. & Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-3; Sunday closed www.ENGLERTSHOMECOMFORTCENTER.com LEROY DUNCAN ( 812 ) 849-6924 • Mitchell, IN •••• FREE ESTIMATES •••• • SILLS, FLOOR JOISTS & BASEMENT WALLS REPLACED • FOUNDATIONS BUILT UNDER EXISTING HOMES IN BUSINESS SINCE 1966 BASEMENTS & FOUNDATIONS WATERPROOFED roots, and other items will help prepare the soil. Moth- er Earth News suggests working on garden soil when the soil is damp but never wet; otherwise, gar- den soil can become messy and clumpy. Use a digging fork or shovel to lightly turn the soil when it's mostly dry. Gentle tillings also can open up the soil to incorporate the nutritional amendments and relieve compaction that like- ly occurred from freezing temps and snow pressure. Tilling also helps with drain- age and oxygen delivery to roots. The DIY Network suggests turning over soil at a depth of 12 inches to work the soil — about the length of a shovel spade. Howev- er, the resource Earth Easy says that existing garden beds have a complex soil ecosystem and simply top- dressing with compost or manure can be enough prep- aration for planting. Garden- ers can experiment with the methods that work best for their gardens. NUTRITION Testing the pH and the levels of certain nutrients in the soil, namely nitro- gen, phosphorous and po- tassium, will give garden- ers an idea of other soil ad- ditions that may be need- ed. Soils with a pH below 6.2 often can benefit from the addition of lime several weeks before planting. Soil tests will determine just how much fertilizer to add to the soil. Complete fertilizers will have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Individual fer- tilizers can amend the soil with only these nutritional elements that are needed. Top-dressing empty beds with a layer of mulch or compost can prevent weed growth and preserve mois- ture until it is time to plant. If existing shrubs or plants are in garden beds, use more care so as not to dis- turb roots or dig too deeply. Preparing garden beds takes some effort initially, but can be well worth the work when plants flourish throughout the growing season. Continued from page 13 Prepare home renovation