SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT
Although cherry wood cabinets are popular, Varner also says he’s
seeing an increase in white cabinets. Cherry will give your kitchen a
warm feel, while white cabinets will brighten the space and have a clean
appearance.
And for flooring, Varner notes, “You can’t go wrong with natural
stone,” adding that travertine is extremely popular right now. After the
stone is sealed, it’s an easy-care option for homeowners and offers a lot of
longevity.
It’s not just about the look you want to achieve in your kitchen, it’s
also about the way it makes you, your family and your friends feel when
you’re there.
ADDITION: 1 + 1 = FABULOUS!
Ever feel like your home would be perfect if only it had that one room
that’s missing? Perhaps it’s an extra bedroom for when Mom comes to
visit, or a bathroom downstairs for guests when you’re entertaining.
Maybe you already have a family room, but it just needs to be a little
larger for your needs. If this sounds familiar, a home addition may be the
perfect solution for making life a little more comfortable.
The great thing about a new room is that you can plan it exactly the
way you want it. If you’re adding a family room or game room, why not
build a fireplace as well? This will quickly make it the most visited room
in your house. If you’re adding a bedroom either for visiting parents or
a returning college student, why not include an ensuite bath, which will
increase your home’s value as well as make for more enjoyable visits for
your guests.
As with any work done in your home, make sure that you do your
homework before contacting any contractors. It’s a good idea to obtain
estimates from three different contractors before deciding which one
to use. It helps to be as specific as possible in your choices in order to
get the most accurate estimates. Use a spec sheet to ensure that you
are giving all three contractors the same exact information. Using local
contractors is another great way to ensure that you’re getting someone
with a good reputation in the community. Another good idea is to attend
home shows where you can actually meet the contractors face to face. It’s
easier working with someone with whom you have a good rapport.
The most important thing to remember in any home design project
is not to be too focused on the bottom line only. Many times the lowest
price does not result in the best‑quality job. Do your research to find the
best person for your particular project. ■
28 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Chartiers Valley
SUN-LIGHT
YOUR HOME
H
ave you been wondering if there’s a
way you can cut your energy bills while
helping to contribute to a greener
environment? Though Pennsylvania may
not immediately spring to mind as a sunny
destination, solar power is readily available and
already being used in hundreds of area homes
successfully.
Think of it like this: If there were a river
flowing by your house and you only had a
five‑gallon bucket to collect the water, you
would only be able to use five gallons. But if you
had 20 five-gallon buckets, you could have all
the water you needed. Solar energy functions in
a similar way. If you live in an area that does not
get much sun, by adding more solar panels you
can collect more sun.
According to lead designer Ian Smith of
Energy Independent Solutions, the Pittsburgh
area is able to produce about 80% of the solar
power that Miami, Florida, does! There are also
attractive options for installing the panels, such
as all-black panels and solar shingle products
that blend the panels in with your roof. Solar
awnings can also be installed on a pergola
or carport. And with flat roofs, the panels
are generally not visible at all. There are also
ground-mounted systems which are separate
from your home.
Smith adds that the initial cost for an
average‑size home of 2,000 sq. ft. might
range from about $15,000 to $25,000, which
is recouped over a few years. Homeowners
switching to solar will also receive a 30% income
tax break until the end of 2016. ■