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Plan ahead to save money on energy, home improvement
Installing storm windows or insulated replacement windows might cut your energy bills and save you a pot full of cash in the long run, but the folks at Dominion Power say they might not be the best use of your energy improvement dollars because of their high cost and long payback — particularly if those dollars are increasingly fewer and further between. As an alternative, they recommend using 6-ml plastic to make interior storm windows. According to the instructions on the Dominion Web site, make certain to stretch the plastic as tightly as you can across the windows. "If you use these homemade storm windows on the inside of your regular windows and attach them carefully, they can last through several seasons," they write. Yes, it's the same idea you or your parents probably used years ago; it still works. And, thanks to a number of plastic storm window kits available at area hardware and home improvement stores, putting plastic over your windows is easier — and neater — than ever. Better yet, it will help cut down on the energy dollars you might be losing through drafty gaps in older windows. First, dust the sill and around the window frame and remove any debris. Use double-stick tape included in the kit to tape the plastic around the window, stretching it as tightly as possible. Don't worry about wrinkled plastic; that's inevitable but temporary as you'll use a hairdryer to shrink fit the plastic to the window for a smooth — and incredibly tight — finish. Storm windows made from plastic sheets also are a great temporary fix for newer windows that leak air or are cracked or broken. First, check the windows for gaps in caulking and re-caulk if necessary. Cover the windows in plastic until you can have them inspected by a window specialist. Outside # Work in the winter garden: Many of your landscape plants might be in their dormant state, but that doesn't mean they don't need tending. Just ask nationally recognized horticultural experts Andre and Mark Viette of the Andre Viette Farm and Nursery in Fishersville. Here are some of the things they say you should be doing in your landscape this month: # Bulbs: Leftover bulbs that didn't get planted in the fall still can be put in the ground this month if the soil is workable. # Perennials: Check your perennial beds and recently installed trees/ shrubs for signs of heaving. Heel heaved plants back in and stake if necessary. # Lawns: January is an excellent time to have your lawn mower serviced and blades sharpened. You'll avoid the busy season and will be ready to roll as soon as the grass starts growing. # Trees and Shrubs: Use a broom to carefully brush away heavy snow that weighs down the branches of your evergreens or shrubs. Prune branches that become damaged by snow and ice storms. This also is a good time to cut down dead or injured trees. Cut wood from deciduous trees into firewood, but do not burn the wood from evergreens in an indoor fireplace as it is bad for your chimney. For more tips from the Viettes, sign up for their monthly newsletter at www.viette.com. On the Market # Look before you leap into remodeling projects: Kitchen and bathroom renovations might be at the top of the list of projects that yield a sizeable return on investment come re-sell time, but that doesn't mean you'll get your money back out of your house. If you're considering remodeling a portion of your home as a way to build equity in it this year, consult with a real estate professional first. He or she can help you determine what needs to be upgraded and how much to spend. The money you spend on consultant fees, if any, might well save you — or even make you — a ton of money down the road. You also should determine a cost-per-square-foot value for your home in its current and post-renovation conditions. To do so, find out what similar homes in your community have sold for recently. Divide the sales price of each home by its square footage. Calculate an average. Work with your real estate consultant to determine an estimated sales price (not the listing price) for your property based on sales of comparable homes. Divide that number by your home's square footage to get your current CPSF. Now calculate your homes CPSF value after renovation by adding the estimated cost of the project to the current estimated listing value of your home and dividing that figure by your home's square footage. Your real estate consultant will be able to tell you if your improved home would be marketable at the higher price. Real estate open houses are another great investigative tool for the would-be remodeler. Tour comparable homes listed for sale, as well as a few homes that are priced below and above the estimated list value of your property. Pay close attention to the rooms and areas you would like to renovate in your own home noting such things as the choice of materials and finishes and room sizes. Use these as a guide to ensuring that your remodeling project is in line with what you would expect to get for it come re-sell time. In the Bank: Shop early and often if planning a 2009 home improvement project Planning a home improvement project this spring or summer? Start stockpiling materials now. Take advantage of sales at local home improvement retailers and hardware stores, and don't forget to check out re-sell outlets like Habitat for Humanity's new ReStore operation. It's located at 434 Richmond Road just east of the Greenville Road interchange, across from The Villages of Staunton. You'll be amazed at the selection of building materials you'll find. You might also consider running a classified ad listing the materials you need and offering to buy them used from or barter for them with other area residents who may also be planning a renovation project this year. (TIP: It's a great way to score a deal on vintage items for a historical renovation.) You'll save money, they'll make a little money and there will be less waste trucked to the landfill as a result. For information on Staunton's Habitat for Humanity ReStore, call 886-1944 or e-mail info@habitatsaw.org. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. You can also find information on the organization at www.habitatsaw.org http://www.newsleader.com/article/20090104/LIFESTYLE21/901040323/ 1024/LIFESTYLE |
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