SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
• Patios that add style: When choosing your concrete style, less is more.
Paving in sections allows you to add interest to the space. Whether it’s using
a combination of concrete and grass, or concrete and gravel, add depth and
dimension by varying shapes or sizes of concrete sections.
• Back decks get a facelift: Decks are getting a lot of love and attention this
year with more people wanting to spend their time entertaining outdoors.
Add multiple levels to a deck to create separate spaces for dining, cooking,
and relaxation. No room for adding on to your deck? Get the same effect by
grouping different types of furniture together to create distinction between
the spaces. Water features are also making a splash this year. Small whimsical
fountains have a calming flow of water to bring serenity to any area. Looking
for more? Create your own outdoor spa, with a hot tub integrated into your
deck design.
• Trends in landscaping: With homeowners spending more time outside,
ambiance is important. Whether you have a sprawling lawn or a quaint
space for outdoor living, creating a welcoming space can be easy. Smaller
areas should make use of multipurpose features, such as container
combinations, arranging multiple plants into one pot to add interest and
depth. No grass? Add green to the space with a plant wall and succulents,
requiring little maintenance and minimal space. Have a lot of space to
work with? Think about planting many of the same type of plant to create a
community garden. This way you’ll only need to manage one type of plant,
rather than tend to the distinct needs of several types.
WINDOWS / DOORS
Homeowners are veering toward natural, clean looks this year, focusing
on bringing the beauty of the outdoors into the home. Bright, airy rooms are
trending in all areas of the home, from living rooms to bathrooms—the more
natural light, the better. By lowering energy costs and brightening up your day,
homeowners are designing with daylight in mind.
• Transforming windows to doors: If you’re looking to lighten and brighten
up a room, do it with natural light. Adding windows or creating larger, more
expansive windows will not only bring in more of the outdoors, but can also
change the look of a room. Large windows that were once a custom option
are now available in mainstream models, with some that can expand up to
24 feet wide.
• Allowing the fresh air in: ‘Tis the season for spring cleaning! When
you’re working in the garage this spring, you may find it helpful to have a
retractable screen door for the garage. Whether you are doing projects, or
using the space as a place to hang out, garage screens
keep fresh air in and bugs out.
• Smart windows with auto tinting: Gone are the
days of having blinds to dust, with the introduction
of auto-tinting windows. Newer on the market, smart
windows are equipped with sensors that can read
room occupancy, sunlight, and weather conditions to
tint your windows appropriately. While they are still a
somewhat costly option, manufacturers are marketing
them as a way to save up to 20 percent on monthly
energy bills.
• Going solar: The cost of going solar has dropped
every year since 2009, providing more homeowners
with the option of harnessing solar energy to power
their homes. Solar installations are increasing in
Pennsylvania, but solar currently produces less than
one percent of net electricity generation, according to
the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The main type of technology used to turn sunlight into
energy is photovoltaics (PV). You’ll see PV devices
in fields or on the rooftops of homes where panel
cells absorb sunlight and create an electric field that
allows electricity to flow into the home. Individual
PV cells, each producing up to two watts of power,
are connected to form different-sized modules to fit
any home’s needs. The module is then connected to
an electrical grid, converting direct-current electricity
into alternating-current electricity that is used to
power your home. Although Pittsburgh may seem to
be often cloudy, there is enough sun to make investing
in the technology worthwhile.
THINKING OF MAKING THE INVESTMENT?
BE SURE TO FOLLOW THESE TIPS:
1. Shop around – As you would for any big purchase,
shop around for quotes. Your first contractor
may not offer you the best price for materials and
installation.
2. Do your research – There are many different
options of solar panels for your home. Assess your
electricity needs to determine how many panels
would provide you with what you need. Whether
it be solar panels installed in your yard, or solar
shutters on your windows, there are several options
available.
3. Look for savings – Tax credits and incentive
programs are available for those looking to lessen
their carbon footprint.
INDOOR
Mixed materials are making their way into kitchens
and bathrooms, thanks to a variety of new finishes
available for appliances, countertops and fixtures. What
were once rooms tucked away and never mentioned are
now becoming gathering places for entertaining and
Continued on page 23 >
GREENSBURG SALEM
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S PRI NG 2018 21