Waukesha County Home

(StatePoint) — Americans from Tornado Alley to the Gulf Coast to the metropolises of the Eastern Seaboard witness storms that cause millions in damage and loss of life. However, no matter where you live, or what type of extreme weather you may face, there are things you can do to protect your home and family from the worst. "When it comes to resilient design plan- ning, the most important thing to remember is that it doesn't have to break the bank. A few quick and easy adjustments can keep you safe," said Greg Beste, member of the American Institute of Architects Disaster Assistance Committee and Project Manage- ment director, IVI Assessment Services, a CBRE company. Beste offered some storm season advice: ■ Document your home — before disas- ter strikes. Grab your smartphone and take photos of your home now, inside and out, covering the foundation and all interior and exterior spaces. At best, you'll have a nice keepsake; at worst, a visual documentation that can be used for an insurance claim in case of disaster. You can also share the images with your insurance company right away, to add to their files for future refer- ence. ■ Be an expert on your house. How old is your home? What type of framing does it have? When was the roof last repaired or replaced? These are questions you should know the answers to, as they will dictate what design changes should be made. ■ Make fixes easy, inexpensive and rel- evant. For example, are high winds a major worry where you live? Add an extra layer of protection by swapping out the shingles on your roof for a heavier material or secure the roof sheathing with a more wind-resist- ant nailing pattern, using an extra box or two of nails. Know where your home is weakest; those spots are the first places to shore up in defense. ■ Communicate your building goals. If you're working with an architect to build or retrofit your home, make sure that he or she understands the importance of resiliency. Even more importantly, your con- tractor should feel comfortable executing these goals. ■ Safe rooms are not a cause for panic. A safe room doesn't have to be high-tech. With the right design and construction, your mud room, laundry area or even a powder room can be a safe haven in case of disaster. ■ Design beyond code. Building codes are the minimum standard and in many cases have not been updated to reflect the current reality. If you live in a particularly vulnerable area, an architect can advise on additional measures to take. APRIL 2015 HOMES PLUS 9 FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPING Free Estimates Competitive Pricing • Spring Clean-Up • Fall Clean-Up • Fertilization • Lawn Reseeding 262-337-2600 243363008 www.armstrongair.com Free Estimates! Proud to be voted "Simply the Best" for • PLUMBING • HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING • WATER SOFTENER & CONDITIONER 50+ Years In your neighborhood! Serving Mukwonago & surrounding Areas 262-363-7146 www.martensplumbing.com The Professional's Choice Save now on a High Efficiency ARMSTRONG AIR SYSTEM 243413031 4021 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. www.badgermetalfinishing.net •Commercial/Residential •Repair and Repainting •Free Estimates •5 Day Service •Free Pickup and Delivery Badger Metal Finishing 414.482.4820 Don't buy new - RENEW Using the newest technologies in coating and refinishing! 24398015 Will your house withstand storm season? MILWAUKEE — The Milwau- kee/NARI Foundation Inc. will host its 10th annual Home Improvement Rummage Sale on May 1. The public sale will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Milwaukee/NARI member Mil- waukee Millwork, 11712 W. Dixon St. It is anticipated that the follow- ing materials, along with other merchandise, will be available: appliances; awnings; cabinets; ceiling tile; lumber; decking mate- rials; trim — interior and exteri- or; ceramic and porcelain tile; windows, entry and storm patio; furniture; lighting fixtures; gas fireplaces; sinks; insulation; vent covers; plumbing fixtures and supplies; roof shingles; landscap- ing and hardscaping materials; and cabinet hardware. The sale supports efforts to reduce the construction and dem- olition materials that are filling landfills. It also assists the Mil- waukee/NARI Foundation's efforts to provide financial and educational support to students pursuing a career in the home improvement and remodeling industry. Merchandise that remains at the close of the sale will be donat- ed to Habitat for Humanity. Any person who makes a rum- mage sale purchase will receive two tickets for the 2015 Milwau- kee/NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes, May 16 and May 17. The tour will feature renovations to bathrooms, kitchens, lower levels, complete additions and whole house remodels. Rummage sale attendees will also receive the 2015 Milwaukee/NARI Member- ship Directory and the associa- tion's Remodeling Guide. Through special events, includ- ing the annual Home Improve- ment Show raffle, rummage sale, golf outing and holiday party, plus member contributions, the foun- dation has provided more than $170,000 in scholarships, tools, and equipment for use by students and schools in southeastern Wis- consin. NARI to hold annual rummage sale for public May 1

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