2013 T N E I R W

T H E V I L L A G E R E P O R T E R

HOME IMPROVEMENT CAR CARE

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Routine Auto Service Never More Important

pressure. These seemingly minor services help you get better gas mileage. ASE -- the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians -- offers the following tips on locating a good repair shop: Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. Ask your friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer groups. Arrange for transportation so you will not choose a shop based merely on location. Look for a well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. The staff should be courteous and willing to answer your questions. Look for policies on estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, and methods of payment. Look for signs of professionalism such as civic, community or customer service awards. Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work and certification. For major jobs ask whether the repair facility usually handles your type of repair work.

Patrol Offers Tips & Warnings About Driving In Winter Weather

(MS) -- Given the turbulent economic news, consumers are tightening their belts and cutting back on spending. Delaying or ignoring routine automotive service is no exception, but a bad decision, according to the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Car care extends the life of your vehicle and can prevent minor problems from growing into much more expensive issues. Worn brake pads, if ignored, can escalate into more costly rotor

repairs. A check-engine light may signal something as minor as the need to replace an inexpensive oxygen sensor. But if ignored, costly damage to the catalytic converter can ensue. Nor should service intervals be ignored. Failure to change out the engines timing belt according to the owners manuals schedule can result in major engine damage if the belt fails. Must less dramatic are routine things such as scheduled oil changes, replacing dirty filters, or simply paying attention to tire

How To Lower Auto Insurance Costs

Many motorists rarely think about their auto insurance policies. Among an adults many monthly or annual expenses, once signed, an auto insurance policy is essentially forgotten. However, with a few simple tips, drivers can significantly reduce the cost of their auto insurance. Reexamine your coverage. As a vehicle ages, its wise for men and women to reexamine that vehicles coverage. Older vehicles without much market value, for example, probably dont need collision or comprehensive coverage. Thats because your claims on older vehicles are not likely to exceed your deductible, so paying for collision or comprehensive coverage on an older vehicle is essentially paying for something youre never going to use. Another area where motorists frequently spend more than they need is on personal injury protection. Chances are, men and women with health insurance are just duplicating coverage by paying for more than the bare minimum personal injury protection under their auto insurance policies. Say so long to your muscle car. The type of vehicle you drive can also impact your bottom line. Drivers facing a financial crunch might want to look at whats parked in their driveways. Put safety first. Insurance companies value a vehicles safety features, and drivers can take advantage of that by putting safety at the top of their vehicle wish lists. The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) annually ranks the safest vehicles by category, including minicars, small cars, large family cars, midsize SUVs, and a host of other categories. To save on auto insurance, choose a vehicle that the IIHS deems a winner when it comes to safety. Combine policies. Drivers who also own their homes should consider combining their policies if they havent already. Let your provider know if youve changed your driving habits. Drivers who drive a lot tend to pay more for auto insurance than drivers who dont drive very often. Thats because insurance companies offer low mileage discounts that reward drivers who dont drive very often. Let your provider know if you no longer have a long commute to work, are unemployed, participate in a carpool, or take public transportation to work. Any of those things might make you eligible for a low mileage discount. Drivers looking to save money might be able to adjust their auto insurance policy to earn substantial savings.

Patrol Offers Tips And Warnings About Driving In Winter Weather DEFIANCE - The Defiance Post of Ohio State Highway Patrol is warning drivers about the dangers of driving in winter weather and is offering some tips on what drivers should do in the event of a vehicle break down or a crash. From December 2011 through March 2012, 15,526 crashes occurred on snow, ice or slush covered roadways killing 27 people and injuring 4,529. Speedrelated factors were reported as a cause in 72 percent of these crashes. To view a breakdown of winter crashes visit http://www.statepatrol. ohio.gov/doc/Winter_Driving_Bulletin_2012.pdf In the event of inclement weather, the Patrol is urging motorists to allow extra time to get to their destination, maintain a safe distance between vehicles and the traffic ahead, pay close attention to bridges and overpasses - as they are often the first to freeze over - and to drive slowly, as everything including accelerating, turning and braking, take longer on snow-covered roadways.

In case of a vehicle breakdown, motorists should turn on their hazard warning lights, safely position the vehicle as far off the road as possible, call #677 for assistance and remain in the vehicle until help arrives, explained Lt. Kevin Thomas, commander of the Defiance Post. Troopers further suggest that if you get stuck in snow; make sure that your tail pipe is free of all snow and debris, to decrease your chance of carbon monoxide poisoning. All motorists are encouraged to prepare their vehicle for winter driving by ensuring that the battery, cooling system, tires, wipers and defrosters are all in working order. Drivers are also

encouraged to carry the following winter car kit items in their vehicle in case of a breakdown: Cell phone with car charger Road flares or reflectors Help of Call Police Signs First Aid Kit Flashlight Blanket/Sleeping bag Bottled Water and energy foods Candles and matches Tow strap/ chain Up-to-the-minute road conditions are always available by logging onto the Ohio Department of Transportations website, www. buckeyetraffic.org.

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

2 Winter Car Care & Home Improvement 2013

2013

THE VILLAGE REPORTER

How To Control Air Leakage & Energy Loss In Your Home

T N E I R W

HOME IMPROVEMENT CAR CARE

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Choosing A Patio Material

INSULATE ... Spray foam insulation can help overcome many issues associated with conventional fiberglass or cellulose insulation, such as settling, sagging and potential moisture problems.

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature becomes an increasingly expensive proposition with steadily rising energy costs. With the full force of winter upon us, you can keep air leakage and energy loss in check with a mini energy audit of your home that includes these three quick stops: #1 - Check for drafts Air leakage (especially in the basement, on the main floor or through a windward-facing wall) can make your home drafty, uncomfortable and difficult to heat, no matter how much you turn up the thermostat. Address air leakage by plugging the biggest leaks first, such as in the attic and around electrical holes, plumbing vents, basement rim joists (where the foundation meets the wood framing), recessed lighting, windows and doors. #2 - Check your insulation If you have conventional fiberglass

or cellulose insulation, settling and sagging can compromise its performance and lead to a big hit on your energy bills. Look for gaps and signs of moisture problems in your insulation, especially in the attic, in the basement and in the room over the garage. If youre planning home improvements or an addition, consider installing an insulation/air barrier (like innovative Icynene) for complete air sealing and energy savings of up to 50 percent over conventional insulation. More information about your insulation options is available online at www.icynene.com. #3 - Check your furnace How old is your furnace? If it predates 1992, it might only operate at about 55 to 78 percent efficiency. A new Energy Star-qualified furnace can operate above 90 percent efficiency as a result of more efficient heat exchangers and electronic ignition.

Curb appeal can have a dramatic impact on prospective home buyers. Landscaping improvements and renovations to the outside of the home create a strong first impression on buyers, who often feel a home with an appealing exterior has an equally impressive interior. A patio is one area of a home that can boost a homes appeal while also providing a great place for current homeowners to relax outside. Many homeowners waver when choosing a material for their patio because each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. A backyard patio is a place where friends and family members can convene in the nice weather to enjoy dining al fresco. In the cooler months, a patio is a great place to gather around a fire pit and warm chilly toes while sipping mugs of hot cocoa. When designing a patio, homeowners must make a host of decisions, not the least of which is choosing a patio material. Wood, stone, concrete, paving blocks, and tile all can be used to create appealing and functional patios. Because of the widespread availability of concrete, pavers and wood, many patios are constructed of these materials. Concrete Concrete is one of the more affordable patio materials. With stamped concrete, homeowners can enjoy more colors and designs than ever before, and new technology in tinting and styling enables concrete to look like other expensive stone materials at a fraction of the cost of stone. For the experienced mason, laying concrete is a relatively easy job. It may be more difficult for the novice do-it-yourselfer because laying concrete requires knowledge of grading and also installing spacers correctly to deter cracking. Because concrete is not as laborintensive as some other materials, homeowners may save some money if they choose concrete. Concrete is durable, but over time cracking is inevitable. Some concrete

requires the application of a sealant every few years to protect coloring and durability. Around pools, concrete can become slippery when wet if an antiskid agent was not applied with.

Nine Ways To Improve Indoor Air

In April 2012, a wildfire broke out in a compost pile in an area on Staten Island, NY, that formerly housed the Fresh Kills Landfill. Residents across the island worried if the billowing smoke rising into the sky was toxic in nature.. Though its understandable to worry about contaminants that could be polluting outdoor air, its important not to overlook indoor air quality as well. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air inside peoples homes can be two to five times more polluted than air outside the home. Oftentimes, people do not realize how polluted the air in their homes and businesses can be. Cigarette smoke, radon, carbon monoxide, lead-laden dust from old paints, dirt-filled carpet, household cleaners, and furniture made with wood glue containing formaldehyde are all sources of indoor air pollution. Even cooking on a gas stove may introduce high levels of nitrogen dioxide into the air. The National Safety Council says that Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, so poor air quality can greatly affect personal health. There are several steps that can be taken to improve the quality of indoor air Open the windows and let fresh air circulate. It is important to change the air inside of the home several times a day to prevent the buildup of pollutants. Even opening windows a crack can help. Change the filters on home heating and cooling systems as the manufacturer suggests. Routinely clean the exhaust vents. Consider the installation of an air purification system in the home. Or purchase in-room HEPA filters. Routinely clean bedding used by pets and groom animals to remove shedded fur. Avoid the use of toxic cleaning products. Thoroughly cleanse the air by opening windows after doing any cleaning. Use natural pest control procedures inside when possible. Introduce more plants to the home, which naturally filter air. Use detectors to test for radon and carbon monoxide in the home. If there are high levels present, go outside and investigate ways to identify the problem and remedy the situation.

Though the sand may inhibit weed growth, weeds can still pop up between the blocks, so maintenance is necessary. Also, paving blocks are slightly uneven and they can loosen, which can prove a safety hazard Paving stones to the elderly or young Many homeowners children who arent suregravitate toward paving footed. stones because their varWood ied texture and shapes can create quite an apWood is often thought pealing look in a yard. If of in a raised deck scenarinstalled correctly, pav- io, but it can also be laid ers will not crack and it is at ground level to create possible to easily add on a low-lying patio. A wood to an original design be- patio can be unique and cause of the portability of stained or painted in a vathese stones. And because riety of colors. It also may they can be moved, pavers be less expensive to install can be repaired from un- than concrete or pavers. derground and stones can If the shape is relatively be replaced without any simple, a do-it-yourselfer demolition. Homeown- also may be able to do the ers like that pavers can job without hiring a proquickly make a yard look fessional. high-end. Though wood is a good Although pavers can choice for many hombe installed as a do-it- eowners, it is one of the yourself project, such in- more maintenance-heavy stallation can be labor-in- materials. Wood must be tensive. The ground needs routinely cleaned, stained to be accurately leveled and sealed. Even with and prepped before the the best care, wood can stones can be placed to warp, splinter and chip. help ensure there is no When surrounding a pool, shifting or movement. wood may deteriorate afPolymeric sand should be ter coming in contact with applied and pushed into chemicals from the pool the joints between blocks water. Though most wood to alleviate shifting. The is treated, it may be sussand contains a polymer ceptible to boring insects that hardens and locks and other pests. the blocks in place. Such Creating a patio can detailed work is beyond add value to a home. The the abilities of many ho- hard decision is selectmeowners, who typically ing a patio material that pay a substantial amount fits your budget and gives to have the stones profes- your patio the look you sionally installed. desire.

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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2013 Winter Car Care & Home Improvement Tab 3

Make The Most Of Small Bathrooms

to compromise on style when renovating. When space is at a premium, its best to look for fixtures and items that fit with the scale of the bathroom. Although you may want a large vanity and cabinet in which to hide all of your toiletries, this simply may not be practical -- taking up most of the bathroom real estate. Instead, look for elegant pedestal sinks that have a much smaller profile. Theyll also help you control the clutter in the bathroom because there wont be anywhere to hide it. Use optical illusions to make the bathroom appear more roomy. For example, lay tile diagonally to create the impression of space. A large mirror will reflect the room back and make it appear much larger than it really is. Select lighter hues in paint colors and accessories. Dark paints and fixtures could make the room feel cramped. Dark colors are generally used to make spaces feel more cozy. In a small bathroom, it may make the space feel claustrophobic. Windows are often welcome in bathrooms because of the ventilation they provide, but they could be a hindrance in smaller bathrooms because they take up prime wall space. Maximize wall space if you need storage. Find cabinets that will fit beneath windows or be able to fit in thin areas between sinks and toilets. Over the toilet is prime area for cabinetry. Consider a frameless shower. This is a partitioned area of the bathroom thats set aside for the shower and is typically only cordoned off by a thin wall or piece of glass. Or a shower with no walls at all is the ultimate in space-saving. Think about installing a skylight if you prefer natural light. Thinking creatively can help turn a cramped bathroom into a spacesaving and well-designed room homeowners desire.

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SPACE ... A frameless shower can take up less space in a small bathroom.

Renovating bathrooms is commonly at the top of home improvement to-do lists. Though some rooms around the house may remain timeless, bathrooms, like kitchens, show their age (and era) much more easily.

Although many people may dream about creating a spa-type oasis in their homes, not everyone is lucky enough to have a large bathroom. Small bathrooms are common, particularly in older homes, but they neednt force homeowners

Commercial, Industrial, and Residential 01978 Co. Rd. 22A Stryker, OH 43557 (419) 428-3161 www.woolace.com

These Professionals Can Help Maintain Your Home

providers. Electrician An electrician specializes in addressing a buildings or homes electrical wiring issues, stationary machines and the equipment related to those machines. Electricians can fix existing issues, but many also can design and install new electrical components and systems. The dangers of working with electrical systems are many, so electricians typically must be certified and licensed before they can practice their trade. Such danger is one reason why even those who are adept at fixing problems around the house might want to hire an electrician should an electrical issue arise. Plumber A plumber is a professional whose area of expertise is in installing and maintaining systems for drinking water, drainage and sewage. Though not all jurisdictions require a plumber be licensed before he or she can practice, many do, and it can take years of training and experience to master the skill of plumbing. Many people call a plumber when a toilet or sink backs up, but plumbers must have far more extensive skills as well. Plumbers must be skilled in a number of areas, including having an ability to read and understand a homes blueprints, detect faults in a plumbing system if the homeowner cannot install and repair fixtures and systems, and be aware of any legal requirements to ensure a home is safe. Landscaper Homeowners have increasingly looked to professional landscapers to maintain their homes exterior and subsequently ensure their property value remains high. A typical landscaper offers his client an array of services, from cutting the grass to raking leaves to more complicated tasks that gravitate toward landscape architecture. A homes curb appeal has been shown to vastly improve a prospective buyers impression of the house, and as a result many homeowners rely on a landscaper to take care of their property. Many landscapers an extensive knowledge of the science involved in tending to a lawn and how to help it weather the seasons without losing its appeal.

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Home repairs are inevitable. For the homeowner who also happens to be handy with a hammer, the occasional home repair is nothing to fear and something that many even enjoy. But there many homeowners who arent so adept at home repairs, and such men and women typically rely on trained professionals when something goes awry around the house. For those homeowners who either dont have the time or the ability to fix issues that arise around the house, the following is a breakdown of three of the more commonly called on home service

Fulton Lumber Company

205 Commercial Street Wauseon, OH 43567 Phone: 419-335-2906 Fax: 419-335-6661 DOUGLAS VOLLMER, Owner

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4 Winter Car Care & Home Improvement Tab 2013

SCHERER CONSTRUCTION
New Homes Additions Roofing Over 20 Years Experience

Responsible Building Decisions Deserve Benefits Too

Beauty, spaciousness, interior design -- and every other eye-pleasing esthetic -- are important when building a personal dream home. Today, however, with the reality of energy and environmental concerns, homeowners also insist that the place where they will be living for years on end must be as eco-responsible as possible. As it turns out, many decisions that are initially based on responsibility can deliver unexpected esthetic results, too. Sometimes the least glamorous decisions can be the ones that give your lifestyle far more quality and value--and a good case in point is the use of concrete to build the walls, instead of traditional wood-framing, says Todd Blyth at Nudura, a leading name in this field. Our Canadian technology has advanced the development of the insulated concrete form, a system that that interlocks to erect a building, like Lego. For the occupants, the benefits of improved comfort, energy efficiency, safety and interior air quality are delivered immediately with ICF construction -- and for the homeowner-investor, all those benefits assure top resale value later on. In addition, Blyth points out, an ICF structure can be finished on the exterior just like traditional wood frame structures. Stone, stucco, brick or whatever is envisioned can be done with the insulated concrete forms. Take a look at a few more of the head-turning benefits of concrete: Fuel Savings: Premium insulation is essential with energy costs on the rise. Solid concrete walls vastly

For Free Estimates and References Call Tim Scherer 419-924-5140

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reduce air infiltration (compared to wood walls), optimizing energy performance and reducing carbon footprints. The R-value (insulation effectiveness) comes in at R-50 and can save you to 70 percent on energy bills. Comfort: Outside cold easily travels through woodframed walls, causing thermal bridging and creating uncomfortable chilly spots inside your home. Quiet: Solid concrete is an effective sound barrier. It dampens sound vibrations from outside noise, such as traffic, trains and neighbourhood parties. Soundproofing is an addition to home comfort. Safety: The fire protection rating is up to four hours. If high wind in your community is a concern, data shows that Nudura homes (nudura.com) demonstrate impact resistance up to 402 kph, or 250 mph. Improved Value: It is generally expected that a stronger, safer, greener home, and one that is more durable, more cost efficient, and needs less maintenance and repair, will build and hold its value.

Home Renovations Could Increase Property Taxes

If you live in New Yorks Nassau County, you are possibly paying some of the highest property taxes in the country. Nassau County residents had an average property tax bill of nearly $8,500 in 2011. Understanding property taxes is not very cut and dry. They are supposed to rise and fall with home values, but this isnt always the case. There is roughly 80,000 pages of federal code on property taxes, and each state and town often has its own rules governing how property taxes are assessed. State and local budget cuts can raise taxes even if your home value remains the same, as will an increase of benefits for public employees. Property tax is typically the primary means that many jurisdictions raise revenue. So if your community needs money, you can probably count on it financing that need through higher property taxes. The two things that determine property taxes are the assessed value of your home and the property tax rate for where you live. In many cases, making improvements to the inside and outside of your home can result in higher taxes on your property. Many homeowners do not think about the tax man when they are about to renovate their home. But it is important to consider that home repairs -- even planting a garden -- could lead to higher property taxes. Although the vast

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Quality Cabinets Custom Quality Since 1954

Custom Cabinets Since 1954

908 Stryker Street Archbold, OH 43502 908 Stryker Street 419-445-6342 419-445-4411 Archbold, OH 43502 email: fccabinets@rtecexpress.net

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majority of repairs that most often affect taxes include major renovations, there are lesser known repairs that can catch even savvy homeowners by surprise. Here is a look at some of the renovations that could raise your property taxes. * Adding a room: Converting the garage into a bedroom or adding on a new bathroom will increase your homes value and the property tax youll pay on the home. Although tax assessors dont usually make surprise trips to your home to check for renovations indoors, they may peruse permits filed at the clerks office and then investigate. Permits are the primary way assessors learn about improvements, so much so that some homeowners look to circumvent permits when making renovations. But that can cause a number of problems down the line if and when you decide to sell. * Pools and outdoor

structures: Changes to a homes exterior are some of the easiest to see and document. Permanent changes outdoors, such as the installation of a shed with a concrete floor, a deck or a pool can definitely increase property taxes. * Landscaping: Hiring a professional to do your lawn and plants can re-

sult in higher taxes. Its called alteration of land improvement. Repaving a driveway or adding a new cement walkway may also increase your homes value and, subsequently, your property tax bill. * Fireplaces: The installation of a fireplace can also increase a homes value, leading to a higher tax bill as well.

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

2013 Winter Car Care & Home Improvement Tab 5

Want to improve your mood, productivity and general well-being? Consider turning on a light. The psychological effects of lighting have long been a subject of study. It has been documented that the intensity and quality of light can impact the psychological and physiological well-being of a person, affecting daily mood. The Mayo Clinic says that a lack of adequate lighting can make people feel depressed. Thats because light deprivation can affect the production of the hormone melatonin, leading to physiological imbalances. An abundance of light can get bodily systems back in check and also may be an alternative therapy for common emotional issues. Lighting is such an important factor in mood that even stores and businesses study the impact certain lighting can have on people and their impression of a space. In fact, lighting design is an art and a science. Lighting designers must have an understanding of the visual quality users of a space need for their health, safety and enjoyment. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America lists the basic body of knowledge on light-

Improve Indoor Lighting & Mood

ing in the IESNA Handbook. It includes summaries of recommended practices based on research and consensus of successful lighting for specific applications. But individuals dont need an extensive knowledge of lighting principles to improve their own interior lighting situations. Instead, a cursory understanding of what works can do the trick. Here are some things to consider. *People are attracted to light. If lighting is necessary for safety, brighter illumination will guide the way. *Brightness focuses personal attention on a particular object or area. *To create a more pleasant atmosphere, use wall lighting instead of overhead lighting in a space. *In public spaces or areas where individuals need to be alert, overhead lighting is the best option. * Dim lighting is best for rooms in which relaxation is desired. That is why table lamps are often used with a shade to diffuse the light. *Homes typically need a combination of lighting sources. An overhead light paired with ambient light

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and task lighting can help most people get things done. *According to light bulb manufacturer Sylvania, think in terms of layering light. Light sources should be placed at different heights throughout a room to supply adequate illumination as well as visual interest. *For those who want to boost mood, consider fullspectrum light bulbs that mimic the spectrum of outdoor light. *Another easy remedy (during the day) is to simply let more outdoor light in. Keep blinds open wide, especially those that face west and south. Bedrooms with windows facing the east may help people rise with the sun. Skylights can help light shine indoors when the sun is directly overhead. There are also sun tubes that help direct sunlight into rooms under an attic where traditional skylights cannot be installed. Remember, bright light can energize a person, so it is important to wind down from a long day by dimming the lights and preparing for sleep in the evening. Individuals often take light for granted and only realize something is off kilter when their homes are not adequately lit. There are different ways to remedy inadequate lighting situations. Speaking with a lighting designer may help.

6 Winter Car Care & Home Improvement Tab 2013

Wednesday, December 11, 2013