Spring Home 2015

Spring

HOMEA MArch 2015 SpeciAl SuppleMent to THE AUGUSTA CHRONCILE

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Spring

HOMEtable of contents

3 BEDFORD GREENHOUSES

COMMON MIStakES MaDE ON HOME RENOvatION PROjECtS

5 HOw OPEN wINDOwS BENEFIt tHE ENvIRONMENIRONMENt

6 aDD UPCyClING tO yOUR HOME IMPROvEMENtS tOOlS

7 HOw yOU CaN FINaNCE yOUR HOME IMPROvEMENt PROjECtS

8 OvERHEaD DOOR OF aUGUSta

OPtIONS aBOUND wHEN layING a NEw DRIvEway

9 tHE RElatIONSSHOP BEtwEEN PaINt & MOOD

10 MERIt FlOORING

11 ExPlORE tHE altERNatIvES tO GRaNItE COUNtERtOPS

12 EllEFSON tRaNSPORtatION GROUP

14 tOURNaMENt RENtalS: tIPS FROM tHE PROS

15 tOURNaMENt RENtalS: CHECklISt

16 tHE DOS aND DON’tS OF BaCkyaRD FIRE PItS

17 a MORE ECO-FRIENDly lawN IS jUSt StEPS away

18 MaStERS ClEaNING tEaM

19 SCHwawaRtZ RESIDENtIal ROOFING

20 watERING tIPS tO PRODUCE HEaltHy lawNS

GIvE yOUR HOME aN ENERGy MakEOvER

21 tRaNSPlaNtING tREES: NO SMall taSk

22 RENOvatING aN HIStORIC HOME

23 SOUtHERN SIDING & wINDOw

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Established in 1945 to grow foundation shrubbery for post-war new construc-tion, Bedford Greenhouses has under-gone a number of transitional phases during its long Augusta residency.

Augusta natives Milledge and Joann Peterson have owned and operated the business since 2002 and have taken Bedford Greenhouses in a decidedly different direction while preserving as much of the company’s original foot-print as possible.

Milledge Peterson says that in the years after Bedford Greenhouses cast its sights well beyond foundation shrubbery, it served the area as a floral distributor and a wholesaler at various times. But these days, the business is strictly retail, focus-ing on its role as “Augusta’s Dedicated Greenhouse Grower.”

“Everything we grow on site we sell out

of our store,” Milledge Peterson says.

And while the Petersons have moved Bedford Greenhouses into different directions, they’ve retained plenty of valued customers through the years.

“We’re the only (greenhouse) in the city and it’s neat because we have third-gen-eration customers,” he says. “They came with their parents or grandparents as a child and as they’ve stayed in the area, they keep coming back. It’s neat to hear stories of people that come in and say they remember first coming here at 6 or 7 with their grandmother to buy plants.”

Peterson assents that Bedford Green-houses – located on 10 acres on Olean-der Drive near the Augusta Canal – isn’t easy to find the first time, but the charm of the site more than makes up for any distress finding it as customers can roam through the many greenhouses and be a

witness to the miracle of growth.

“One of the things we like is that people come in and say this is a destination,” he says. “We’re not on a main road – we’re not sitting here next to McDonalds. It might be a little difficult for the naviga-tionally challenged to find us the first time. We are a destination. We’ve tried to preserve that location and make it natural.

“When you get out of your car here, you don’t see other businesses and you don’t see other stores. Basically, you don’t see noise. It’s a serene setting that lets the customer get back to nature a little bit. We display our plants in that same kind of setting.”

A new wrinkle at Bedford Greenhouses is the “terrarium bar” established in January in the main sales area.

“Terrariums are becoming popular in gardening and home décor, and we’ve got a dedicated space that has all the materials anybody would ever need,” Pe-

terson says. “And we offer lots of differ-ent glass pieces here. Customers literally belly up to the bar and if they want to do their own they can do their own, or we can also talk them through it. Or if they want to leave it, we’ll do it for them. We give them that option but it’s something new we’re trying to get going.”

Peterson believes that atmosphere and customer service make Bedford Green-houses the kind of experience that at-tracts people to keep coming back.

“Everybody that owns a business says they have great customers, but I truly believe that gardeners are the best out there because there are very few people who go to a nursery because they have to buy a plant – they go because they want to buy a plant,” he says. “Their mindset coming in is they want to be here and they’ve decided to carve time out of their day to come here, and our goal is to give them what they’re looking for and give them every option they need to make their choices.”

BEDFORD GREENHOUSES

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Home improvement projects can turn a house into a home. Homeowners plan scores of renovations to transform living spaces into rooms that reflect their personal tastes and comforts.

Homeowners going it alone may find things do not always go as planned. In fact, a Harris Interactive study found that 85 percent of homeowners say remodeling is a more stressful undertaking than buying a home. But homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects can make the process go more smoothly by avoiding these common pitfalls.

FAiling to underStAnd the Scope oF the project

Some homeowners don’t realize just how big a commitment they have made until they get their hands dirty. But understanding the scope of the project, including how much demolition and reconstruction is involved and how much time a project will take can help homeowners avoid some of

the stress that comes with renovation projects. For example, a bathroom renovation may require the removal of drywall, reinforcement of flooring to accommodate a new bathtub or shower enclosure and the installation of new plumbing and wiring behind walls. So such a renovation is far more detailed than simply replacing faucets.

not eStAbliShing A budget

Homeowners must develop a project budget to ensure their projects do not drain their finances. If your budget is so inflexible that you can’t afford the materials you prefer, you may want to postpone the project and save more money so you can eventually afford to do it right.

Without a budget in place, it is easy to overspend, and that can put you in financial peril down the line. Worrying about coming up with money to pay for materials and labor also can induce stress. Avoid the anxiety by setting a firm budget.

MAking trendy or overperSonAl iMproveMentS

Homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for the long run have more free reign when it comes to renovating their homes. Such homeowners can create a billiards room or paint a room hot pink if they so prefer. However, if the goal is to make improvements in order to sell a property, overly personal touches may make a property less appealing to prospective buyers. Trends come and go, and improvements can be expensive. If your ultimate goal is to sell your home, opt for renovations that will look beautiful through the ages and avoid bold choices that may only appeal to a select few buyers.

Forgetting to properly vet All WorkerS

It is important to vet your contractor, but don’t forget to vet potential subcontractors as well. Failing to do so can prove a costly mistake. Contractors

often look to subcontractors to perform certain parts of a job, and it is the responsibility of homeowners to vet these workers.

expecting everything to go AS plAnned

Optimism is great, but you also should be a realist. Knowing what potentially could go wrong puts you in a better position to handle any problems should they arise. The project might go off without a hitch, but plan for a few hiccups along the way.

overeStiMAting diy AbilitieS

Overzealous homeowners may see a renovation project in a magazine or on television and immediately think they can do the work themselves. Unless you have the tools and the skills necessary to do the work, tackling too much can be problematic. In the long run, leaving the work to a professional may save you money.

Home improvements can be stressful, but homeowners can lessen that stress by avoiding common renovation mistakes.

COMMON MIStakES MaDE ON HOME RENOvatION PROjECtS

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Warm days full of sunshine give homeowners good reason to open windows and let fresh air into their homes. Not only can open windows boost mood and create an inviting living space, but open windows also can be good for the environment.

Open windows improve indoor air quality. Indoor air pollution has been described by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a primary environmental health problem. Indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air. In addition, the American College of Allergists states that 50 percent of all illnesses are caused by polluted indoor air. Because many homes are built to be air-tight to conserve energy and money, unhealthy levels of air pollutants can build up inside homes when windows remain closed. These pollutants may include radon

gas, cigarette smoke, chemical fumes from paints and solvents and leached chemicals from modern building and furnishing materials. Opening windows for extended periods of time allows fresh air to spread throughout the home. Houseplants can also filter indoor air and make it healthier to breathe.

Open windows reduce energy consumption. A cool breeze entering a home through open windows can reduce the temperature inside of a home without having to turn on fans or air conditioners. This not only helps individuals save money, but also it reduces reliance on electricity and fossil fuels. Opening several windows on opposite sides of the home can create a cross-breeze that will keep the home cool without the help of energy-guzzling appliances. Open attic vents can release hot air trapped inside the house as well.

Open windows reduce reliance on chemical air fresheners. Fresh air can quickly remove odors from a home. These can include old cooking smells, cigarette smoke, pet odors, or simply stale air. By opening windows, homeowners can clean the air in their homes naturally without covering it up with chemical air fresheners or other cleaners. The fresh air itself may simply smell good, or this pleasant aroma can be enhanced by blooming flowers or other natural scents from outdoors.

Open windows cut down on use of cleaning products. A home that never gets any fresh air can quickly succumb to allergens such as dust, dander and soot, necessitating the use of vacuums and other cleaning tools and products. But open windows can greatly reduce the buildup of such allergens, and therefore reduce reliance on appliances that guzzle

energy or products that release harmful chemicals into the air.

Open windows allow fresh air to flow throughout a home, improving personal health and benefitting the environment at the same time.

HOw OPEN wINDOwS BENEFIt tHE ENvIRONMENt

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aMERICaN CaRPEt ONE

With a company philosophy that calls for providing the greatest value in flooring products and services for the customer’s dollar, the American Carpet One Floor & Home store in Augusta has been an important part of the community for more than 30 years.

Although the name on the sign says “Carpet,” American Carpet One is also well-versed in the sale, installation and service of all kinds of flooring solutions, including hardwood, vinyl, laminate and tile. And American Carpet One’s installers are as talented and efficient in residential work as they are on commercial jobs.

And if customers aren’t 100 percent satisfied with their purchase, the family-owned business offers their “Beautiful Guarantee,” which means if you aren’t totally happy, your flooring selection will be replaced for free – that’s how much confidence the company has in its products and employees.

In this day of rising prices and an uncertain economy, there’s a tendency for some to attempt to save money by going the “do it yourself ” route. While the sentiment is a good one, the execution is unlikely to provide the desired results, which may wind up costing even more in the long run.

American Carpet One sale manager Gene Fischer is well aware of the challenges faced by families and businesses alike, and he offers products and services that will meet the budgetary needs of your home or business.

“That’s the reason we think value is important to our customers,” Fischer says. “We live in the same environment.”

Perhaps the best way to be convinced that American Carpet One is the perfect fit for your next flooring job is to talk to their customers. Fischer points out

that floor coverings last a long time, but there is no lack of clients who return to American Carpet One, ready to re-carpet their home after 15 or 20 years.

For more information, call 706-738-5203, visit the store at 1920 North Legg Road, or visit www.americancarpetoneaugusta.comm

(MS) — Upcycling is not just for craft projects — it offers lots of possibilities to make changes in your home décor, especially cabinets and furniture that will save money and reduce your contribution to the local landfill. Woodcraft can help you with upcycling ideas, products and advice.

For the past year, Woodcraft retail stores have hosted upcycling demonstrations on the third Saturday of the month to help customers discover the potential for upcycling in their home projects.

“To support this upcycling effort, Woodcraft.com added an Upcycling Resource Center to our website (http://www.woodcraft.com/media/upcycling.

aspx) to introduce viewers to upcycling and announce demo topics and dates,” Vince Grlovich, vice president for sales and marketing, said. “Viewers can also watch a segment of Lifetime’s Designing Spaces where Woodcraft product development manager Kent Harpool shows host Aliane Baquerot how to create a shelf from a wooden pallet.”

Both Woodcraft’s Pinterest page (www.pinterest.com/woodcraftsupply/upcycling) and Instagram gallery (http://instagram.com/woodcraftgallery) include upcycling ideas, and the blog, Woodworking Adventures (http//:blog.woodcraft.com) has featured upcycling several times.

OtHER POPUlaR UPCyClING PRODUCtS

Soy-Gel is a 100 percent biodegradable, virtually odorless coating remover. Restor-A-Finish can be used to clean and restore the luster to a clear finish, as well as hide minor issues like scratches. It will also remove water rings.

Milk paint is a popular coating, especially for furniture. General Finishes Milk Paint is premixed and available in 28 colors that can be mixed to make custom colors and lend themselves to decorative effects such as distressing and antiquing. Old Fashioned Milk Paint is a powder that comes in 20 colors and is good for use on porous surfaces such as bare wood and raw

masonry. A special effect Old Fashioned Milk Paint Crackle Finish provides a weathered look.

The 23-lb. portable QuikBENCH™ is a lightweight, easy-to-set-up workbench capable of holding up to 300 lbs. Convert two QuikBENCHES to sawhorses, and together they will hold up to 2,000 lbs. Two or more benches can be connected together to form a workstation. Each bench has a 24”-wide by 31⁄2” opening vise and a 15-amp, circuit protected, three-outlet power strip, plus four plastic bench dogs.

To learn more about these and other upcycling products, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www.woodcraft.com.

aDD UPCyClING tO yOUR HOME IMPROvEMENt tOOlS

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Many homeowners recognize that improving and maintaining a property makes a home more livable for its inhabitants and more attractive to prospective buyers when the time comes to erect a “For Sale” sign in the front yard.

But a well-maintained home also provides additional benefits. According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, home improvements not only raise the values of individual homes, but they tend to raise neighborhood standards as well. Home improvements can create jobs and help local communities flourish economically.

Maintaining a home can be a costly undertaking. Home improvement projects can be expensive whether homeowners hire professionals or tackle renovation projects on their own. The following are a handful of options homeowners can consider as they look for ways to finance renovation projects.

PayING OUtRIGHt

Paying for the renovations upfront and in full is perhaps the simplest way to finance a project. Homeowners who have the cash to pay for renovations outright won’t have to worry about interest rates or balloon payments.

MORtGaGE REFINaNCINGSome homeowners tap into their home equity to cover home remodeling projects. Refinancing a mortgage means paying off the debt owed and starting over with a completely new loan. Refinancing comes with various fees and can cost between 3 and 6 percent of the loan’s principal.

HOME EqUIty lOaNS aND lINES OF CREDIt

Both of these options are commonly referred to as second mortgages. When homeowners apply for home

equity loans or lines of credit, they are borrowing against the equity value in their homes. A home equity loan is a term, or closed-end, loan. It is a one-time sum that will be paid off over a set amount of time with a fixed interest rate and the same payment each month. This is a one-time loan from which a person cannot borrow further. A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is like having a credit card. It’s possible to borrow a certain amount for the life of the loan, which is a set time specified by the lender. During this time, homeowners can withdraw money as it is needed up to the value of the line of credit. HELOCs typically have a variable interest rate that fluctuates and payments can vary depending on the amount of money borrowed and the current interest rates.

tItlE I PROPERty lOaN

Residents of the United States with limited equity in their homes may qualify for an FHA Title I loan. Banks and other lenders are qualified to make these loans from their own funds, and the FHA will insure the lender against a possible loss. Title I loans can be used for any improvements that will make a home more useful and livable. They cannot be used for renovations deemed luxury expenses.

BORROw aGaINSt REtIREMENt FUNDS

Some people opt to borrow against a 401(k) plan, IRA or another retirement fund. If the retirement plan allows a loan without penalty, it can be another way to secure funds. Because it is the homeowner’s money, there will be no credit check required and less delay in getting the funds. Borrowers should keep in mind that taking a loan against a retirement account will usually result in a lower retirement balance than it would have been had they not borrowed money from the account — even after the funds have been repaid.

CREDIt CaRDS

Credit cards are an option when improvements are not expensive. Individuals with excellent credit ratings may qualify for cards with a no-interest introductory periods of several months or more. These cards can be a good way to pay off moderate improvements in a short amount of time.

Many home renovation projects require homeowners to develop a home improvement budget. Homeowners are urged to explore all options and find the least costly loan method and the one that will present the best possibility for avoiding debt.

HOw yOU CaN FINaNCE yOUR HOME IMPROvEMENt PROjECtS

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OPtIONS aBOUND wHEN layING a NEw DRIvEwayA driveway is more than just a place to park your car. The right driveway material can add considerable curb appeal to your home, increasing its resale value along the way.

Homeowners have many options at their disposal when choosing a driveway material, and the right material for one home may not be the best fit for another. The following is a rundown of popular driveway surfaces and what homeowners can expect of each of them.

BRICk. Many homeowners believe brick driveways provide the most aesthetic appeal, and it’s hard to argue with the beauty of brick driveways and walkways. Brick driveways come in various colors and hues, and many

homeowners opt to have the color of their brick driveways match their landscaping, which further adds to curb appeal. But that curb appeal is only appealing if the driveway is designed and installed correctly, and homeowners can expect to pay a premium for that, as brick driveway installation is very labor intensive.

GRavEl. Gravel driveways may not be as commonplace as they once were, but this cost effective driveway material is still an option. Homeowners who live in regions with mild winters without snow might benefit most from gravel driveways, which can be difficult to negotiate when shoveling snow. Gravel tends to be the least expensive driveway material to install, but professionals may recommend

that a new top layer of gravel be laid once or twice a year to replace material lost to wind and everyday usage.

aSPHalt. Asphalt remains a popular driveway material, thanks in large part to its practicality and ease of installation. Unlike other driveway surface materials, asphalt is available in just one color, black, and that lack of versatility has led many homeowners to consider other options. But asphalt remains an affordable driveway surface material that’s relatively easy to repair. Cracks and holes in asphalt are somewhat common, but resealing such blemishes once every three to five years is typically enough to maintain the appearance of an asphalt driveway.

CONCREtE. Concrete driveways are popular thanks in large part to their affordability and aesthetic appeal. Concrete can be susceptible to extremely cold weather, but many homeowners prefer concrete because of its versatility. Concrete can be stamped or dyed to provide a unique look, which can increase curb appeal. Concrete can be expensive to maintain, particularly when the material cracks. In addition, gas and oil spills are more noticeable on a concrete surface than other driveway surface materials.

When replacing an existing driveway, homeowners have an array of new surface materials to choose from, and each material has its pros and cons.

OvERHEaD DOOR OF aUGUSta

Now commemorating 40 years in business in the CSRA, Overhead Door Company of Augusta has continued to remain focused on its most important job – offering sales, installation and service of garage doors and pre-fabricated fireplaces.

“That’s all we do – garage doors and fireplaces,” Mike Garrett, who runs the company’s commercial department, says. “And on the door side, we also do gate operators, gate systems and security gates for your house or business.”

Garrett says the spring is an excellent time to make sure your garage doors are working properly.

“Does your garage door need to be upgraded before spring and the Masters get here?” he says. “You may want to consider that among your home improvements to get your house looking good for the Masters. If you want to

do a spring tune-up for your garage door, we can do spring service. We do installation and service and replacing.”

Jack Sheppard started his overhead door installation business in 1975 and in 1980 received a franchise from Texas-based Overhead Door Corporation, one of the industry’s most trusted brands. Sheppard was able to grow his business to include some 13 trucks and 27 employees, all of whom are looked upon as family.

“We are the only original Overhead Door dealer in the area,” Garrett, a nephew of Sheppard’s, says. “We’ve got good, stable people who are considered part of the family. We are a locally-owned, family-owned business.”

In addition to garage doors, the company offers wood carriage-style doors that can be designed by the customer or by an on-staff architect. An authorized

dealer of McGuire and Rytec high-performance doors, Overhead Door of Augusta also specializes in commercial work, offering a variety of garage doors,

including sectional steel doors, rolling steel doors, insulated doors, security grilles and counter doors

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Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a space. The colors homeowners choose for their walls can give rooms their own unique feel and even affect the moods of the people within them.

Finding the right shade for a bedroom or kitchen involves more than just selecting the first color that catches your eye. Design experts and psychologists alike say it may be worthwhile to choose a color that helps you feel good rather than just following design trends. The paint color you pick may add energy to a space or create a tranquil retreat where you can unwind at the end of the day.

BlUETo create a spa-like environment and a more serene space, look to shades of blue in soft variations. Cool blues are soothing colors that can help lower stress levels and promote sleep. That’s why blue is a frequent fixture in bedrooms and bathrooms. Just be advised that too much blue can make a room appear cold and stark, so balance out blue with some warmer accents.

ORaNGEMany people do not immediately consider bright orange for their homes, but when used as an accent shade, or-ange can really brighten up a home. Orange is considered a shade that expands creativity and imparts a youthful ap-peal to a space. Consider an orange accent wall or a burst of color with orange throw pillows. If pumpkin orange is a little too bold for you, tone it down by choosing a more pastel, peachy hue, which is equally warm and energizing.

RED

Red stimulates energy and appetite, which is why the shade is so popular in restaurants and home dining spaces. Red is a good choice for social gathering rooms but may not be the wisest choice for a bedroom, as the color may prove overstimulating.

GREENGreen can evoke composure and tranquility and works in any room of the house. Since green is the primary color of nature, it also works well for those people who want to bring some of the outdoors inside and work with the fresh starts and new growth that green can inspire. To make green feel less subdued and sleepy, work with its complementary opposite, red, by using a few bold red accents here and there to balance out the tranquility of green.

PURPlEPeople have long related purple to royalty, and this dramatic color can add a formal, regal aspect to a home depending on the hue. Purple also may help stimulate the creative side of the brain. In paler shades of lavender, purple can seem almost ethereal and spiritual. Some designers suggest avoiding purple in a bedroom because that is a place you want your brain to rest rather than be stimulated.

yEllOwFew colors are more vibrant than yellow, which can help stimulate conversation and make thoughts more focused. A luminous shade of yellow is an ideal way to make any space more welcoming and bright. Just use it sparingly, as too much yellow may not be a good thing. Yellow ac-cents mixed with touches of purple can offer the balance needed to prevent yellow rooms from overwhelming residents and guests.

Home decorators should keep in mind that colors can be blended to create the desired environment. A color scheme based on complementary colors, or those op-posite on the color wheel, may fit. Otherwise, analogous color schemes, or those colors that are next to one an-other on the color wheel, can create a variation that suits your design needs.

tHE RElatIONSHIP BEtwEEN

PaINt & MOOD

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For more than 50 years, the carpet business has been very good to Dan Holloway’s family, which has owned and operated three Carpet Shop stores (in Augusta, Evans and Aiken, S.C.) and one Car-pet Country location (in Augusta) and has been in business in the CSRA since 1957.

But in the past several years, Holloway says when it comes to flooring, he’s noticed a concerted shift from carpet to hardwood and/or tile floors. And as a result, the family business seamlessly moved within that change, focusing on providing both residential and commercial clients with flooring options.

In the last year, the Carpet Shop locations in Evans and Aiken have under-gone a transformation and are now known as Merit Flooring, Kitchen and Bath which not only reflects the company’s willingness to change with the times, but also showcases its expan-sion into home improve-ments beyond flooring.

“Over the past 20 years, tile and hardwoods have become the majority of our business, and carpet has become a smaller part of our business,” Holloway, the company’s president, says. “Carpet was a great name a long time ago but we felt it was time to make a change to better repre-sent what we really do, so

we’re taking carpet out of our name and we came up with Merit, which is synonymous with award winning.

“We made that change on our commercial side about three or four years ago, and a year ago we changed our Evans and Aiken locations to Merit Flooring, Kitchen and Bath

Holloway points out that Merit takes an all-inclusive approach with regard to kitchen and bathroom work, adding that, “Our goal is not to sell a cabinet or a countertop – our goal is to sell the kitchen.”

“Now we have kitchen and bath designers on staff and we have a builder on staff

and we will do everything from the computer-aided design, the demolition, cabinets, countertops, painting – the whole proj-ect for kitchen and bath,” he says. “It’s kind of a new business and it seems like a trend for flooring dealers to go to a more holistic design-build model.(“)

Holloway well under-stands that there are still many homeowners out there who have the “do it yourself ” ethic, but he adds that turning a kitchen or bath renovation over to Merit’s one-stop shop will eliminate much in the way of stress.

“When we do a kitchen or a bath, there are typically 19 or 20 different visits

from subcontractors,” he says. “People who do choose to do it themselves have to manage all that themselves, and not only do we manage that for everybody, we have a lot of folks who consistently work for us so we probably don’t have to chase them as much.”

When asked what sets Merit Flooring apart from others in the same line of service, Holloway says, “Our people and our ex-perience. It’s not like we’ve just expanded into wood and tile – we’re just doing a better job of telling people we’ve been doing it for 20 years.

“There are people who I work with now who have

been in our family busi-ness longer than I’ve been alive. We’ve got a number of salespeople who have been with us for more than 40 years. They’ve got a lot of experience in flooring and they’re not trying to sell the cheapest prod-uct – they’re trying to sell the best product for that customer’s use.”

While the company has branched out well beyond carpet, there are still plenty of carpeting selections available, and Holloway says there are carpet op-tions to satisfy any budget.

“We’re excited about making your house better, which is why our new slogan is ‘Reimagine your home with Merit,’” he says.

MERIt FlOORING


Granite has long been a popular countertop material for homeowners looking to combine functionality with aesthetic appeal in their kitchens. But granite is no small investment, and homeowners looking to refurbish their kitchens should know there are a multitude of countertop materials available to those working on a budget or those who simply want to give their kitchens a different look.

SOlID wOODWood countertops create a warm, homey interior. Butcher block counters are less expensive than granite and do not necessarily need to be ordered from a speciality retailer. But wood can stain and dent and can even burn when hot kitchenware is placed atop it. Regular application of oil can help homeowners maintain the appearance of their wood counters for years to come.

MaRBlEMarble tends to be less expensive than granite without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. However, marble is softer and more porous than granite, so it can stain and be etched. Diligence in wiping away spills, routine sealing and a gentle touch is necessary for those who choose marble countertops.

SOaPStONEThis is a natural stone composed mainly of mineral talc that gives the stone its smooth feel. Soapstone ranges from black to gray but can sometimes have a green shade to it. Other materials in the stone can produce veining. Although softer than granite, soapstone is still high-density and will hold up well. It’s impervious to stains and bacteria, and exposure to chemicals will not damage it.

qUaRtZQuartz is a manufactured product made of stone aggregate and polymers compressed under high pressure. It has the look of natural stone but requires less

work to maintain. Quartz has consistent colors and patterns and is a nonporous material, so it will not need routine sealing and resealing.

GlaSSGlass countertops are back-painted, so homeowners can order just about any color they want. Glass will be tempered, so it is safe and heat-resistant. Glass can scratch, though, so it is not as impervious as other materials.

CONCREtEConcrete is another material that can be colored to match homeowners’ whims. Concrete is relatively inexpensive compared to other countertop materials, but it can crack or chip. While granite is a popular countertop material, homeowners who want something new have many additional options at their disposal.

ExPlORE tHE altERNatIvES tO GRaNItE COUNtERtOPS


For businesses and individuals in the Augusta area who have need of moving, storage (both temporary and long-term), document security and computer hardware disposal services, it’s a new day.

For some 50 years, ADSI Moving Systems has been the area leader of a host of service entities owned and operated by the Ellefson family, now in its fourth generation of helming the ship. The company, now overseen by brothers Brian and Nyles Ellefson, has recently branched out into other new interests and is undertaking a rebranding campaign to better reflect what solutions it can offer to the community.

The name may be changing, but clients – both commercial and residential – can rest assured that the Ellefson Transportation Group will still showcase the top of the line with regard to expertise and customer service that ADSI, Augusta Data & Storage, Go-Mini’s Portable Containers and E-Scrap are all well known for.

Jim Thorpe, the company’s director of business development, says the rebranding “Brings the awareness of all our brands and shows our customers what all of our service capabilities are for moving and storage and logistics and distribution and office document security. We can work with our clients from start to finish.”

ADSI Moving Systems is the flagship operation, with the ability to safely and smoothly move possessions across town or across the state, and the company’s affiliation with United Van Lines makes scheduling a move across the country as simple as picking up the phone.

“United Van Lines is the No. 1 mover in the country and largest supporter of household goods in the moving industry, with the largest market share, the largest number of agents, trucks and miles driven for years,” Thorpe says. “We’ve been an agent for them for 18 years.

“Under ADSI, we handle local moves and intrastate moves, and under the United

Van Lines brand we can book a move to anywhere in the country.”

Augusta Data & Storage offers full-service document security management, including shredding, warehouse storing and digitizing paper documents and records. Thorpe says the company has some 400,000 boxes in storage and shreds 30 to 40 tons of paper per week, all of which is 100 percent recycled in Georgia.

Go-Mini’s offers portable containers for on-demand residential or commercial storage, and he newest member of the Ellefson’s logistics family is E-Scrap, which offers solutions to companies who have acquired new computer hardware and require safe and thoughtful disposal of computers, servers and hard drives.

“When somebody buys new computers and laptops, you can’t take the old ones and throw them in the landfill – it’s not environmentally friendly at all, and from a security standpoint, no one’s going to want that critical information to go in a dumpster,” Thorpe says.

“We always did (hardware removal) as a favor to our clients, but we now have our partners for shredding and recycling that material. In working with our clients from a sustainability effort, we want them to know this product is being recycled professionally and with compliance.”

Although the company has operated as the Ellefson Transportation Group for several years, the decision to place the company’s resources under one umbrella will be beneficial for all involved.

“We have some clients who do shredding with us who don’t know we’re a moving company,” Thorpe says, adding that the company has a fourth brand, Acme Moving & Storage, which operates in South Carolina. “We have moving partners that don’t know we do records management. We have other partners who don’t know we have containers. This will improve our visibility, and all these companies work interchangeably with one another and they all complement each other.”

By consolidating all business interests under one moniker, Thorpe says the company was able to do away with the concept of “four business cards, four letterheads and four golf shirts” and was also able to streamline the method in which the company’s services are offered.

“Many of our partners have used three, four or five parts of our business to complement their business – they don’t need to hire three or four different companies because we can come in and provide solutions in a wide range under one umbrella and simplify their purchasing power, their billing and their convenience,” Thorpe says.

“A number of our employees are cross-trained through the company. We can simply have one person who sells all four of the brands. That way, we don’t have to send out four different salespersons, which is a convenience to our partners to save them time, effort and money.”

In terms of moving, storage and logistics, Ellefson Transportation Group is as close to a “one-stop shop” as anyone is able to find in the CSRA.

“From a business standpoint, this gives us a competitive advantage in that there’s no shredding company that also moves people, there’s no moving company that also offers portable container rental, and there’s no portable container company that offers records management,” Thorpe says. “We offer a menu to our clients to accommodate their own personal move or shredding or a corporate or office environment that needs our services.

“We’ve become as much as a one-stop shop as possible in handling electronics, data, private paper and securing transportation needs. If a company orders new furniture, we can have it shipped to our warehouse, assembled and delivered for them. And we can shred their paper that same day. It’s a whole new menu of options.”

Besides the bonus that comes with efficiency and consolidation, the company’s growth has also made it

possible to bring on more employees, which is not only good for Ellefson Transportation Group but is also good for the community at large.

“We’ve had almost a 20 percent growth in employment in last 15 months,” Thorpe says, noting that the company has about 100 employees. “Our increase in business has led to an increase in employment opportunities for the entire brand.

“With an increase in revenue you often need additional employees from sales to drivers to front office staff to labor on the dock. We’ve have had tremendous increase in staff from the back end to the front end. That’s exciting for us to see that kind of growth knowing our market campaign, our branding campaign and the trust that we have with our partners has created more business. The result of that is more employment opportunities have been created in Augusta.”

Ellefson Transportation Group presents a new look and a new identity for a company that has a long history of superior business and community service. Although there’s a new name on the mailbox, the company’s employees continue to their commitment to offer a personal touch combined with quality customer service in a fast-growing market.

“We’re very excited about our growth over the next couple of years. We’ve enhanced our relationships with several Chambers of Commerce and other community partners, business networking groups and nonprofits,” Thorpe says. “With a busy CSRA marketplace in both the private and public sectors, we’re excited about the opportunities the area has with an increase in housing and an increase in population and the demand for our services.

“Our new branding efforts and community efforts will help support that and we look forward to the growth of our company and the opportunity it provides for folks here in the CSRA and for leading our company into the fifth generation.”

ElllEFSON tRaNSPORtatION GROUP


When the greatest professional golfers in the world descend upon Augusta for Masters Week, many in the community benefit economically. There’s little question that area restaurants, bars, retailers, hotels and attractions are well-rewarded for their service. Millions of dollars are changed hands on a daily basis, one transaction at a time.

Thousands of residents have found that the best way to make money during the week is to simply leave town – and make their home available to one of the competitors, a Fortune 500 high roller or just a family of fans who love the play and pageantry at Augusta National and need a place to stay.

Although it’s been going on for decades, each March brings a new look at home rentals, whereby the homeowner clears out of his pristine manor for the week so that visitors can make themselves at home between rounds. Some folks are able to collect as much as $10,000 for a seven-night stay, which sounds like a pretty nice paid vacation.

“Everyone in Augusta wants to rent now,” says Diane Starr, owner of Corporate Quarters and someone who’s been involved in Masters Week rentals for some 35 years. “It’s the thing to do and it’s a wonderful way to take your family on a vacation, and most of the people who come to the tournament are

the type of people you’d like to have as guests in your home anyway. That’s why there are so many houses available.”

A quick Google search reveals that there are thousands of homes available for rent during the prestigious tournament, and a number of those sites offer some handy hints when it comes to getting a home ready for rent. While many of those tips seem like just good common sense, it’s easy to overlook something when you’ve got a million things to get ready.

So let a couple of experts – Starr and Glen Bynum of Diamond Home Rentals -- share some thoughts that reflect decades of experience.

First and foremost, the house must undergo the deepest of deep cleans – either as an inside job or in the hands of a professional cleaner -- as most of the feedback rental agencies receive from clients concerns some aspect or another dealing with the cleanliness (or lack thereof) of a residence.

“We’ve fine-tuned things over the years and we don’t get quite as many complaints these days, but most complaints are related to odors, unsightly stains on the carpet and cat hair or cat dander,” Bynum says. “Now we make sure everybody is aware that if they’re renting their house and there is a cat in the house, we really want them to do a deep

clean on their house. The problem we’ve always run into is cats.”

“Augusta is bad enough with the pollen, and a lot of people avoid homes where pets live,” Starr, who handles a lot of the housing arrangements for both golfers and business executives, adds. “That definitely is a problem we have to look out for.”

Both Bynum and Starr agree that the rental home has to, in essence, be sort of a blank canvas in that visitors don’t really get an idea about the family who lives in the house the other 51 weeks of the year. In other words, the house should be like a hotel or resort, with plenty of clean linens and towels, plenty of toilet paper and Kleenex, and no religious or political material in plain sight.

“We are finding with our corporate clients is that they understand that these are people’s homes, but homeowners need to understand that while they love the charm of trying to make themselves at home, but they also like to feel like they’re coming to a resort and there aren’t so many personal things involved in the rental,” Starr says.

“If you’re renting to a golfer, the personal things are OK but if you’re renting to a corporation, it’s best to try to de-clutter your home of personal nick-nacks, like family photos.”

“We ask all homeowners respect their guests’ ethnicity or religion and we try to remind them about religious statues and religious shrines and to keep in mind to try to have everything neutral in a house,” Bynum adds.

Although Starr predicts another good week for rentals, she admitted she’s always somewhat surprised that some really attractive properties are still available as late as the Monday of the tournament, a scenario brought on by the wealth of rental inventory available.

“It is a really good year but I’m still shocked by how many good homes we still have available,” she says, noting she’s got more than 1,000 homes listed on her web site. “I am amazed. We rent right up until the tournament and I still have beautiful homes available…It’s supply and demand. We still get good prices for houses, but Augusta keeps growing, adding new neighborhoods and existing neighborhoods keep adding new homes. We just keep having more homes available.”

“We probably have 1,000 properties listed on our site and I can tell you that in the last three or four years, we’ve doubled the amount of rentals we’ve had each year,” Bynum adds.

tOURNaMENt RENtalS

tIPS FROM tHE PROS


Diane Starr of Corporate Quarters and Glen Bynum of Diamond Home Rentals know a thing or two about getting your house ready for Masters fans. Here are a few tips and hints from the experts:

Remember to leave instructions on how to activate the television (and all the remote-control devices that seem to go with it), wi-fi connection, alarm system and heat/air conditioning system. It’s also good to remember that some renters like lots of TVs (in every room, if possible) and they like their Golf Channel, so even if you have to subscribe for a whole month, your guests will appreciate it.

In addition to having your house deep cleaned, remember to “clean” your closet, leaving enough room (and hangers) for at least a week’s worth of clothing. Leaving an empty drawer would also be nice and a luggage rack is always appreciated by travelers.

Just like you would leave space in your closet, it’s probably a good idea to leave a little room on the refrigerator as well. And as long as we’re in the kitchen, make sure you have a coffee maker (with filters) and a toaster and remember to remove all personal items from countertops.

Make your home “adult” as possible. While some visitors (primarily the golfers themselves) bring their children, it’s more than likely that your home will be occupied by adults and adults only. For that reason, it might be a good idea to remove the doll collections, pink bedspread and Justin Bieber posters from your daughter’s bedroom.

And while on the subject of bedrooms, be sure to have a working alarm clock in every bedroom and have lamps on every nightstand so late-night readers don’t have to get up from bed to turn off the lights. And nightlights are more than helpful for folks in unfamiliar surroundings.

In addition to clean towels and plenty of soap, toilet paper and tissue paper are must-have items. When you go to the beach for a week and rent someone’s condo, do you want to have to get up and go to the store for these very necessary items. Your guests might not thank you for having plenty of toilet paper and Kleenex, but they’re likely to curse you if you don’t.

tOURNaMENt RENtalS

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Once a rarity, fire pits have grown increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more homeowners turn their homes into private oases. Fire pits run the gamut from the very simple to the more elaborate, and the fire pits homeowners choose often depend on the space they have available as well as their budgets.

But even homeowners without any space or budget constraints should give careful consideration to which fire pit they ultimately install, especially if they plan to make that installation themselves. The following are some dos and don’ts of fire pits for those homeowners about to add this relaxing and popular accessory to their backyards.

DO confirm you can legally build a fire pit in your yard. Fire pits have become so commonplace that homeowners may think there are no regulations governing their construction. However, it’s still best to confirm with your local government planning or zoning

offices if you can build a fire pit and if any restrictions apply.

DON’T proceed with the project until you have been granted official approval. Assuming you have the go-ahead to build a fire pit is not the same thing as knowing you have been approved. Starting early could result in fines if it turns out you aren’t allowed to have a fire pit. But you may also begin building a bigger fire pit than the local government allows, and that could be money down the drain later. Wait until you get official word before you proceed with the project.

DO build on flat ground. The fire pit should be built on flat ground to reduce risk of accident and/or injury. A fire pit built on flat ground also means everyone can enjoy it comfortably and equally once the project is finished. If the ground around the pit is not flat, some people may be forced to sit crooked or lean forward just to enjoy the pit.

DON’T build near flammable structures. Build the fire pit far enough away from existing structures, such as your home, garage or shed, so flickering flames do not catch some wind and lead to disaster. Before building in a given spot, monitor the wind patterns for a few days by sitting in a lawn chair at the spot you ultimately want the fire pit to be. If you notice the wind is blowing toward your house, you will want to choose another area for the pit so smoke from the fire will not be blowing into your home every night.

tHE

DOs & DON’ts OF BaCkyaRD FIRE PItS

DON’T choose the right size. The size of your fire pit will depend on the space you have available, but even if you have a vast swath of space, keep in mind that professional contractors typically recommend building a fire pit no bigger than 44 inches wide. Anything larger can be unsightly and may not appeal to prospective buyers down the road. In addition, an especially large fire pit may result in potentially unruly flames that can present a fire hazard.

DON’T go it alone if your DIY skills are suspect. Installing a fire pit is a relatively inexpensive DIY job,

but that does not mean anyone can do it. Ground needs to be excavated and the slope of the yard must be measured so the fire pit is safe and functional for years to come. If your DIY skills are not up to snuff, hire a professional contractor so your backyard oasis does not become a costly headache.

A fire pit can turn a boring backyard into a relaxing retreat. But homeowners must adhere to the dos and don’ts of fire pits to ensure their retreat is something they can enjoy for years to come.


Maintaining a lush lawn is a healthy and rewarding hobby that affords homeowners to spend some time outdoors in nature. Lawn enthusiasts can make their hobby even healthier by adopting several eco-friendly lawn care strategies that not only make for a healthier lawn, but a healthier planet as well.

Responsible landscaping has grown increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more homeowners are adopting eco-friendly lawn care practices in the same way they have embraced environmentally conscious behaviors in other areas of their lives. The following are a handful of ways lawn care enthusiasts can incorporate eco-friendly practices into their landscaping routines.

• Maintain an appropriate grass height. When temperatures start to peak in summer, homeowners may be tempted to cut their grass as close as possible so they can reduce the number of afternoons they spend riding or pushing a mower in the hot sun. But cutting too low makes the grass increasingly susceptible to infestations and disease, and such problems may need to be remedied with potentially harmful pesticides if no other approach proves effective. Even if it means an extra afternoon or two mowing under the hot sun, maintaining an appropriate grass height can lead to a healthier lawn, as longer grass soaks up more sunlight, allowing it to grow a deep root system that will help a lawn survive drought and other potential problems.

• Cut back on harmful pesticides. Many homeowners now prefer to avoid pesticides at all costs, but sometimes pesticides are a last resort when lawns are falling victim to harmful insects and organisms. Homeowners who want to embrace more eco-friendly lawn care practices can cut back on their use of pesticides, first trying more environmentally friendly options. For example, biopesticides are made from naturally occurring materials, including animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. According to the United States

Environmental Protection Agency, biopesticides are often inherently less toxic than more conventional pesticides. In addition, biopesticides typically affect only the pest causing the problem, whereas broad spectrum pesticides may affect surrounding organisms, such as birds and mammals, in addition to the targeted pest. The EPA (www.epa.gov) advises homeowners hoping to use biopesticides first learn about managing pests so they can effectively remedy problems on their properties.

• Harvest rainwater. Lawns need water, especially when temperatures rise in the summer. But watering lawns can have an adverse effect on your community’s water supply, draining that supply and hurting the community in the long run. Homeowners who can harvest rainwater can drastically reduce their impact on their community water supply, thereby helping the planet and their community, especially if they reside in locales where water resources are traditionally scarce. When rainwater is harvested, it is collected from downspouts before it washes into nearby sewage systems. Many lawn and garden retailers sell rainwater harvesting systems, which homeowners can install themselves or pay a landscaping professional to install for them.

• Lay mulch down around trees, shrubs and flower beds. Trees, shrubs and flower beds need water, especially in the summer when rising temperatures pose a threat to plants. Homeowners can cut back on the water they use to protect those plants by laying organic mulch in the spring. Organic mulch conserves moisture in soil, promoting stronger roots in plants and helping homeowners cut back on the amount of watering they need to maintain a garden that’s both healthy and pleasing to the eye. Organic mulch, which might be made of bark, is also heavy, making it hard for ugly weeds that rob plants of water to thrive.

a MORE ECO-FRIENDly

lawN IS jUSt StEPS away


It’s likely that there are many pressure-washing companies in the CSRA for home and business owners to choose from, and it’s equally likely that most of those companies don’t possess the expertise of Masters Cleaning Team, Inc.

Located in Appling, the family-owned-and-operated Masters Cleaning specializes in a host of exterior cleaning solutions, including pressure washing, brick cleaning, waterproofing and damp proofing, wood renewal, gutter cleaning, roof cleaning, pool coatings, and concrete staining and coatings, among many other services.

Chris Morris, who founded Masters Cleaning in 1999, has more than 20 years of experience in exterior cleaning, which makes his company one of the area leaders in its field.

Masters Cleaning, which has five employees, performs for both residential and commercial customers throughout the region. However, at this time of year, much of the company’s work is residential in nature.

To prolong the life and keep a desirable appearance of any exterior on a house or building, Mr. Morris recommends the following schedule:

Any exposed pressure treated wood (decks and fences) should be annually cleaned and treated with an oil-based sealer to maintain its integrity and an appealing look.

Gutters should be cleaned once per year. Shingle roofs should be cleaned every four years. Concrete should be cleaned bi-annually and decorative concrete should be cleaned and clear coated every year.

Masters Cleaning looks forward to serving you for all of your exterior cleaning and maintenance needs. Call Chris today for your free estimate.

Masters Cleaning is a member of the Better Business Bureau and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.masterscleaning.net or call 706-799-2516.

MaStERS ClEaNING tEaM


For more than 100 years, L.E. Schwartz & Son has been a trusted name in the Macon area for commercial and residential roofing and for precision manufacturing. In 2014, the family-owned company opened an office in Augusta to provide its sought-after brand of residential roofing services to the CSRA.

General Manager Joe Hanson points out that over the last several decades, Schwartz has completed a number of commercial jobs in Augusta, but the company wanted to branch out here in the residential sector.

“We started Schwartz Residential Roofing in Macon six years ago and it has really flourished,” Hanson says. “For nearly a century, all we did was commercial and industrial roof work. We built a reputation on integrity, honesty, quality work, and safety. Everything a homeowner would look for in a company to roof their home. It has been such a success that we started looking at other markets to expand our residential roofing, we didn’t want to go into Atlanta, but Augusta seemed to be a place where we could grow a residential roofing business like we did in Macon.”

In addition to a host of re-roofing projects in the area, Schwartz has executed some new construction with some prominent local home builders.

Hanson says there are two things that set Schwartz apart from other roofing companies – its warranties and its history.

Schwartz Residential Roofing is a GAF Master Elite Contractor. GAF is North America’s largest manufacturer of commercial and residential roofing. Because of their partnership with GAF, they can offer warranties that other roofing companies cannot.

“With the partnership we have, we can offer a 25-year workmanship warranty where GAF warrants our workmanship for 25 years, and the materials are warrantied, non-prorated, for 50 years,” Hanson says. “Most architectural shingles

that have a lifetime warranty prorate after 10 years. So, if the shingle fails after year 15 you’re getting pennies on the dollar for what it’s worth. With the GAF System Plus or Golden Pledge warranty, if the shingle fails after 40 years, GAF will give you the full cost to have the roof replaced, including the labor. Typical shingle warranties only give you the prorated cost of the shingle material. You are left to pay for the labor to remove the failed shingle and the labor to install the shingles.”

“GAF’s warranty is covered by the Good Housekeeping Seal, which has been reassuring consumers for over 100 years. LE Schwartz has been in business since 1910 and GAF was founded in 1886. With companies that have been around that long, it’s as rock solid of a warranty as you can find.”

Schwartz Residential Roofing, which is an Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner and has an A-plus rating by the Better Business Bureau, also has a fascinating backstory that began in 1910 and continues to this day. As Hanson says, the company’s history is a key component to the story of modern-day roof construction.

“It’s rare you come across a 100-year-old business, much less a 100-year-old roofing business that’s still owned by the same family that started the company,” He says. “Our CEO, Melvin Kruger, who has been with the company since the mid-1950s is a pioneer in the roofing industry. Both he and Steve Kruger, current President of LE Schwartz & Son, have been president of the NRCA, National Roofing Contractors Association.”

“With the company history and the experienced individuals we have in our company, I don’t think you’ll find a more experienced roofing company with a better story than we have. We have a reputation and a history that’s second to none.”

For more information or to contact Schwartz Residential Roofing, visit www.augustaroofs.com or call 706-623-3261.

SCHwaRtZ RESIDENtIal ROOFING


Summer is a season for landscaping, and homeowners who live in regions that get especially hot in the summertime often worry that their lawns won’t make it through the dog days of summer looking lush. But lawns don’t have to succumb to the sizzling summer sun. Oftentimes, the right watering strategies can help homeowners nurse their lawns through the hottest months of the year, ensuring the lawns make it to autumn looking as green as they did back at the height of spring.

RECONSIDER wHEN yOU’RE watERING.

Come summertime, homeowners may want a glass of water at high noon, when temperatures seem to be at their hottest. But you and your lawn are different, so the best time to satiate your thirst is not necessarily the best time to water your lawn. Watering in the middle of the day is often ineffective, as water tends to evaporate quickly in the afternoons when temperatures are peaking. Nighttime watering can contribute to the growth of fungus, which can create an entirely new set of headaches for homeowners. Morning watering sessions tend to be most effective during the summertime, as temperatures tend to be cooler in the morning, leading to less evaporation. Less evaporation means all that watering isn’t going to waste.

RECONSIDER yOUR SPRINklER.

If you can’t afford an in-ground irrigation system, which many landscaping professionals feel is the most effective and efficient way to water a lawn, then you likely will rely on a sprinkler to keep your lawn looking lush through the summer months. When choosing a sprinkler, look for one that shoots water out horizontally as opposed to vertically. A vertical

sprinkler system is more vulnerable to wind and evaporation than one that shoots water out horizontally, so make sure your sprinkler system is sending water into your lawn and not into summer breezes.

avOID OvERwatERING.

How much water your lawn needs in the summertime depends on a host of factors, including where you live and how often rain falls in that region. Overwatering can promote the growth of fungus and adversely affect your lawn’s root system, making it difficult for roots to grow deep. Speak with a local landscaping professional to determine how often you should water your lawn each week.

StRatEGICally POSItION yOUR SPRINklERS.

When choosing where to put down your sprinklers, hook them up to your hose, turn them on and then watch to see where the water is going. Areas that exposed to sun are most in need of water, so make sure the bulk of your water isn’t going to shaded areas beneath trees. In addition, make sure you aren’t wasting water on sidewalks, patios and driveways. Sprinklers should be positioned so none of the water they’re shooting out is landing on surfaces that don’t need water. It sounds simple, but too often homeowners drop their sprinklers down, turn them on and then walk away without waiting to see where the water is landing. Position sprinklers or adjust sprinkler heads so all the water is landing on your lawn.

Keeping a lawn lush and green at the height of summer requires homeowners to adopt effective strategies. Such a strategies can make the difference between a lush landscape and one that succumbs to summer heat.

watERING tIPS tO PRODUCE HEaltHy lawNS

GIvE yOUR HOME aN ENERGy MakEOvER

Renovations that take inventory of energy use and strive toward efficiency have grown increasingly popular over the years. Homeowners fed up with high utility bills want to conserve costs, and there are a number of ways to revamp a home to be more energy efficient.

The first step in a home energy makeover is to find out where your home is losing money. Certain municipal and environmental agencies offer home assessments, during which they will do a complete walk-through of your home and highlight areas that can be improved. Private companies also perform energy audits on a home. They may be able to point out appliances, windows or landscaping issues that could be compromising the efficiency of a home. These people may have a more intimate knowledge of insulation ratings and window efficiency ratings than the

average homeowner.

In addition to having an energy audit on your home to save money on utility bills, a professional audit may make you eligible for tax incentives and rebates. That can mean even more savings and may even increase the value of your home.

Until a thorough energy assessment can be made, there are some easy and relatively inexpensive fixes any homeowner can undertake to help improve energy efficiency.

✔ ClEaN aIR FIltERS.Trapped dust and debris in a filter makes furnaces and air conditioners work harder. Once filters are free from dust, air can blow more smoothly through the system.

✔ PlUG lEakS.


An alluring landscape can make a home that much more enjoyable. Many homeowners devote considerable time to their lawns and gardens, and that devotion can pay both instant and long-term dividends. A well-groomed landscape can make it more enjoyable to relax in the yard, and such a property will be more attractive to prospective buyers when homeowners want to sell their homes.

But even the most well-designed landscapes sometimes need some rearranging, and those changes may involve transplanting trees. Homeowners may transplant trees for various reasons. Some homeowners might be moving to a new home and want to take a favorite tree along with them, while some trees simply outgrow their existing space and need to be moved elsewhere on the property. Regardless of why trees need to be transplanted, homeowners can take several steps to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

DEtERMINE wHy tHE tREE NEEDS tO BE MOvED

Some trees that are not thriving in their existing location may not benefit from a transplant. For example, a tree with a pest infestation might need to be

replaced rather than transplanted. Determining the reason behind a transplant can save you the trouble of transplanting that won’t benefit from the move. If a tree is not getting adequate sunlight in its present location, then transplanting

it to a different location on your property with more exposure to sunlight might reinvigorate the tree. If soil is the problem, than transplanting the tree might prove ineffective unless you also test the soil where you plan to move the

tree and adjust it so the tree can thrive.

PRUNE tHE tREE ROOtS

Tiny roots that extend beyond the tree absorb water and nutrients, and such roots need to be pruned before transplanting a tree. Landscaping professionals note that root pruning stimulates the growth of new small roots nearer to the tree’s trunk, and these newer roots will be dug up when the time comes to transplant the tree. Root pruning must be done well in advance of transplanting the tree. For example, if you hope to transplant the tree in the fall, then do your root pruning in the spring before new buds appear on the tree. Speak with your landscaper or a nearby garden center to determine the best way to prune your tree’s roots.

tIME yOUR tRaNSPlaNt CORRECtly

Avoid transplanting trees when temperatures are colder and the ground is frozen. Transplanting before or after a thaw allows the transplanted roots time to develop. In addition, transplanting the day after you have watered the soil around the tree reduces the stress on the tree’s roots, making it easier to keep the root ball intact.

PROtECt tHE ROOt Ball

When transplanting a tree, make sure the root ball does not dry out. If it does, the tree likely won’t thrive in its new location and all your hard work will have been for naught. Cover the root ball with damp burlap or canvas so it can retain more of the moisture it will need to adapt to its new location.

PlaNt tHE tREE SOONER RatHER tHaN latER

While you can store a transplanted tree before you plant it elsewhere on your property, storing it for a long period of time increases the chances that the transplant will be unsuccessful. Ideally, you want to plant the tree in its new location as soon as possible. If you must store it, make sure you don’t suffocate the root ball, as roots must be kept damp or they will die and potentially cost you the tree.

tRaNSPlaNtING tREES

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Living in an historic home can be a labor of love. The history and the distinct architecture of historic homes draw buyers to such properties, but what historic homes have in regard to history they often lack in the conveniences of modern life, forcing many historic-home owners to make renovations to bring their homes into the 21st century.

Historic-home renovations differ from other types of modifications. According to the Victorian Preservation Association, renovation is getting a home back to where it may have been when originally built, but making concessions for today’s lifestyle. Preservation is the act of maintaining a structure in its current historic state, and restoration is returning a home to its original state. Unless a homeowner plans to use an outhouse or live without electricity, the majority of work done on historic properties is likely to fall into the category of a renovation.

Renovating an aging structure can be

fulfilling and help to make a home more functional. But make no mistake, such a renovation is a major undertaking. Before beginning, it pays to hire a professional consultant with expertise in renovating historic properties. He or she can inspect the property to determine which areas of the home are safe and which will need to be upgraded. A professional inspection also can determine if any deficiencies lie hidden in the structure. Potential concerns can be toxic paints and other substances, building code issues, rotting, and structural settling. Professionals will know what to look for and guide homeowners accordingly.

Homeowners also may want to consult with a preservation association, community restoration group or general owner-builder group. These people can refer homeowners to the craftspeople and materials that will be needed for a job. Homeowners can request to see other historic properties in the area and learn

what those owners did to maintain the integrity of a home when using newer materials.

Before any work is started, homeowners should find out if their home is listed with the National Register of Historic Places. According to the United States National Parks Service, property owners can do whatever they want with their property so long as there are no federal monies attached to the property. However, the property owner should also contact his or her state’s historic preservation office, or SHPO. The SHPO is the state agency that oversees historic preservation efforts in each state, and there may be state or local preservation laws that the owner should be aware of before renovating a historic property.

Craftspeople should have experience with historic homes and a sensitivity and appreciation of renovating older properties. Homeowners always should see examples of a craftsperson’s work and

verify references from each contractor before hiring anyone to work on the property.

Homeowners who want to include traditional hardware and other period details in their homes may be able to find quality replicas of historic milling materials, while others may want to scour antique shops or salvage yards for era-appropriate materials.

Historic renovations can be costly and have a tendency to go over budget because of unforseen damage and hazards that have to be repaired so the building is up to code. Going into the project with this in mind can help soften the blow of extra costs down the road.

Historic homes can be beautiful and appeal to buyers who appreciate the one-of-a-kind nature of older properties. Renovating historic homes may take time and money, but the results may be well worth the effort.

RENOvatING aN HIStORIC HOME


In 1966, Augusta native, Jim Felton formed his frst company in the CSRA bringing a variety of new products aimed at easing and reducing the cost of traditional home remodeling. Because his earliest--and continuing--commitment was to quality and value, he soon expanded. Within a few years, he had grown from those first few-dozen customers to thousands annually. This year alone his home improvement companies--with Southern Siding & Windows as its Augusta fagship- will complete over 4,500 jobs in the Augusta/Aiken (CSRA), Atlanta, Birmingham, Columbia and Greenville markets.

Mr. Felton’s companies are under the Southern Industries umbrella and are comprised of: Taylor Construction, Southern Siding &Window, Ultimate Gutter Guard, Enloe Residential and Southern Window & Siding. Together these companies have completed over 67,000 jobs for over 45,000 households. This means that about one-third of all of our customers come back for additional work! That’s really saying something when you consider that many of our products (such as sunrooms, hole-house siding, decks, roofs) are essentially one-time purchases!

The Southern Siding & Window Company formula for a successful

business includes more than just expansion and growth. Our success is due to the fne people who make up the company and it is frmly rooted in a commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction. Since that frst year, high quality work and reasonable prices have been the hallmark of all our Southern Industries companies. Every product and service is fully backed and customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

It’s been 48 years since Jim Felton frst began knocking on doors of residents in the CSRA. In those 48 years his companies have proved themselves again and again. For 48 years, you, the customer have supported all the companies under the Southern Industries umbrella with referrals and repeat business. Southern Industries humbly thanks you for your past business and hopes to earn your trust for another 48 years, like our motto says we build relationships that last a lifetime.

SOUtHERN SIDING & wINDOw

Spring Home 2015

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Transcript of Spring Home 2015