Washington County Weekend Post

Expanding a living space can be expensive, and a more affordable option may be converting existing basement or garage space into some- thing more livable. Garages already are built on a foundation, have four walls and a roof overhead, so a garage-conversion project is merely a matter of turning this utilitarian area into a living space. Before beginning the renovation, homeowners should consider the benefits versus the cost of converting the garage. For those who are plan- ning to grow old in a house, a garage conversion can be a worthy invest- ment. But those who intend to sell their homes rather than retire in them may learn that a converted garage can affect home value and make it less desireable at resale. Compare your home to others in the area and see what your neighbors have done. If converted garages are the norm where you live, your own renovation may fit in with others. Always apply for the proper permits and learn the zoning laws to see if a garage conversion is acceptable in your town or city. It's best to go by the book so that work can be done in a proper manner and be inspected for safety. Many homeowners hope their garage-conversion projects will make their garages seem like a seamless part of the rest of the house. To do so, you will need to remove evidence the space was once a garage. Slab floor will need to be raised and insu- lated. Walls also will need to be insu- lated and finished to improve com- fort and soundproofing. Many garages do not have windows, so for the garage to function as a renovated space, windows may need to be added. One of the biggest transformations will come by way of modifying the garage door entry. Some homeowners prefer to leave the existing door so that the home still has the appear- ance of a garage from the curb, while others remove the garage door and rebuild the exterior wall so that it has a window or another architectur- al element. An architect can help suggest design elements that will camouflage the original garage look and make the space seem like it was always part of the main living area of the home. Landscaping work also can minimize the appearance of an old garage. Rather than having the driveway end at the wall of a home, shrubbery, pavers and other techniques can blend the garage renovation into the rest of the yard design. Transforming a garage into a living space can add several hundred square feet to a home. Hire a rep- utable contractor and follow the municipal guidelines for modifying the space to ensure the job is done right. See dealer or toro.com for warranty details. Pricing and availability may vary per dealer. TimeCutter ® Zero Turn Tractor SW4200 • 42" 2-Blade Mowing Deck • 24.5 hp* Toro V-Twin 708cc engine w/Air Filtration System • Smart Park TM - automatically turns off deck/sets brake when leaving the seat • Adjustable steering column - fits any operator, stows vertical for easy on/off • Key Choice TM to prevent others from mowing in reverse • Comfortable 15" high back seat The Right TimeCutter for You 249044002 For A Superior Quality of Cut, Season After Season $ 299 Model 20371 Recycler ® Variable Speed High Wheel • 22" Steel Deck w/Atomic ® Blade • Kohler ® OHV*w/Auto Choke • 11" Rear High Wheel for uneven terrain • Self Propel with front wheel drive $ 399 Model 20353 Recycler ® 22" All-Wheel Drive • Personal Pace ® with Traction Assist • Briggs & Stratton EXI Engine • 3-in-1: Mulch, Side Discharge or Bag $ 499 99 Model 20381 21" Super Recycler ® • Personal Pace 3-in-1 Self Propel • Rust free cast aluminum deck • Mulch, bag or side discharge • Toro ® TXP 159cc OHV w/Auto Choke • Quick Stow Storage Handle SAVE $20 NOW SAVE $50 NOW JACKSON W194 N16714 Eagle Drive 262-674-1584 KEWASKUM 900 Fond du Lac Avenue 262-626-1584 WEST BEND 112 S. 5th Avenue 262-338-2316 TENNIES TENNIES HARDWARE HARDWARE Hardware… since 1957 #74720 SAVE $100 NOW $ 2,199 SAVE $100 NOW $ 2,899 #74784 TimeCutter ® Zero Turn Mower SS4200 • 42" 2-Blade Mowing Deck • Smart Speed ® Trim/Tow/Mow ground speed ranges for optimal performance • Automatic Parking Brake - making operation simple • Comfortable 15" high back seat • Heavy-duty engine guard, front axle and 10-gauge frame FINANCING AVAILABLE VISIT US ONLINE WWW.TORO.COM Daniel Stukenberg • Registered Landscape Architect • 262.689.6045 • danielslandscapingltd.com WICA 2016 Gold Award of Excellence Since 1987 We specialize in Outdoor Living Areas! • Brick Walks and Patios • Retaining Walls and Firepits • Stone Steps and Walks • Unique Plantings/Tree Trimming 4 - 1 0 - 1 6 • S p r i n g H o m e & G a r d e n • W a s h i n g t o n C o u n t y P o s t • 11

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