St. Lawrence County residents can apply for apprenticeships for sheet metal workers; painter, decorator and paperhanger; and linoleum, resilient tile and carpet layer.

Sheet Metal Worker

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Sheet Metal Workers, Local Union #58, will conduct a recruitment from Aug. 7, 2017 through July 02, 2018 for five sheet metal worker apprentices.

The five openings listed for sheet metal worker apprentices represent the total number for four recruitment regions, including the North Country.

Applications can be obtained from Local Union #58, 301 Pulaski Street, Syracuse, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. If the first Monday of the month falls on a holiday, applications will be available on the second Monday of the month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The committee requires that applicants:

Must be at least 18 years old.

Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED), including at least one year of algebra, Math I, or high school Regents Math.

Must provide DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable, after selection and prior to indenture.

Must attest in writing that they are physically able to perform the work of the trade, which may include:

Working from ladders at extreme heights.

Lifting heavy materials (up to 75 pounds).

Standing for long periods of time.

Working in confined spaces.

Working outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions.

Possible exposure to loud noises.

Wearing respirators, hard hats, and safety glasses, as required.

For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or Local Union #58 at (315) 472-4411.

Painter, Decorator and Paperhanger

The Finishing Trades Institute of Western and Central New York (Oswego) are conducting a recruitment from through March 2, 2018 for five painter, decorator and paperhanger apprentices.

The openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for both the Central and North Country regions.

Applications can be obtained on the Finishing Trades website, http://www.dc4.org, and mailed to: FTI of W & CNY, 585 Aero Drive, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. Applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. Applications must be received no later than March 2, 2018.

The committee requires that applicants:

Must be at least 17 years old.

Must attest in writing that they are physically capable of performing the work of the trade, which may include:

Climbing and working from ladders, scaffolds, poles, and towers.

Crawling and working in confined spaces.

Lifting and carrying 50 to 100 pounds.

Walking fast on level surfaces.

May be required to pass a physical exam, including drug screening, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to indenture.

Must be legally able to work in the United States.

Must possess a valid NYS drivers license. Apprentices may be required to operate company vehicles.

Must have access to reliable transportation to and from various job sites and related instruction. Job sites are throughout western New York. Related instruction will be in Geneva, New York, at one-week intervals, four times each year.

Must provide military transfer card or discharge form DD-214, if applicable, after selection and prior to indenture.

For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or The Finishing Trades Institute of Western and Central NY at (716) 565-0112.

Linoleum, Resilient Tile and Carpet Layer

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Northeast Carpenters are conducting a recruitment through June 5, 2018 for five linoleum, resilient tile and carpet layer apprentices.

Applications can be obtained at the following locations and times:

Watertown - New York State Dept. of Labor Career Center, 1000 Coffeen Street, Watertown, NY, on the first Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This schedule is in effect throughout the recruitment period, excluding legal holidays. Applicants should be prepared to take a math and measurement computation test at the time of application.

The committee requires that applicants:

Must be at least 18 years old. A signed statement must be submitted at the time of application. Proof will be required after selection and prior to indenture.

Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as GED or TASC). A signed statement must be submitted at the time of application. Proof will be required after selection and prior to indenture.

Must sign a statement indicating that they are physically able to perform the work of a linoleum, resilient tile, and carpet layer, which includes:

Performing constant repetitive motions.

Standing, stooping, and kneeling for prolonged periods of time.

Working in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Lifting and carrying objects over 50 lbs.

Must have reliable transportation to and from work and related instruction. A signed statement attesting to this must be submitted at the time of application.

Must live within the geographical jurisdiction of the Northeast Carpenters Apprenticeship Committee, which includes all counties in New York State except Nassau, Suffolk, Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, and parts of Rockland and Westchester.

Must provide military transfer card or discharge form DD-214, if applicable, after selection and prior to indenture.

Must pass a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to indenture.

Must participate in an interview, if selected.

Must be willing and able to attend related instruction at a Northeast Carpenters Training Center for four one-week periods, during each of the four years of apprenticeship.

For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or Northeast Carpenters Apprenticeship Committee at (585) 436-1110.

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St. Lawrence County residents able to apply for apprenticeships in sheet metal; painting, decorating, paperhanging ... - North Country Now

WHITESBURG, Ky. (WYMT) - Nearly six months ago, a water leak flooded portions of the Letcher County Courthouse.

The Circuit Court Clerk's office was so damaged they almost lost hundreds of case files being used in active court cases.

"We open our door to the office and it looks like Niagara Falls running down the side of the elevators", said Courtney Baker, Sanitation Billing Clerk.

Portions of the Letcher County Courthouse were flooded after a sprinkler line in the ceiling burst.

"So many thousands of gallons were just pouring from third floor, to second floor, and even eventually went into the jail", said Courtney Baker.

The office with the most damage was the circuit clerk's office.

"It did a lot of damage real quickly before we could figure out what was wrong and shut it off", said Larry Adams, Letcher County Circuit Court Clerk.

The damage from the flooding was so extensive, Adams said almost 300 court files were nearly destroyed.

"When I saw we had that many wet, to go back and reproduce from the beginning, and some of our files are thick in major cases, would be a nightmare", said Larry Adams.

Adams said all of the files were salvaged, however the office is still being repaired. Despite advice to shut the office down for a few weeks, he said he wanted it to remain open.

"I've figured out a way to reroute our computers and I've taken them over to driver's license. I will have extra personnel there so that I can stay open", said Larry Adams.

He said patience from the public is important while they work to restore the office to it's original state.

Several repairs are still being done in the office. Carpet is being replaced with tile in case the courthouse were to flood again.

Adams said all renovations to the circuit clerk's office should be completed by Wednesday.

Courthouse officials said that repairs to the rest of the building to protect it from mold will take place over the next month.

Read more:
Work continues at courthouse following flood - WYMT News (press release)

Posted: 9:54 a.m. Friday, July 07, 2017

JetSurf Academy ATX sells, rents and trains people to ride the boards, which are powered by a tiny engine.

The boards are independent; riders arent towed by a boat.

For those who want to surf but cant find a wave to catch comes a new option motorized surfboards.

Sound weird? Well, were Austin, landlocked surf capital of the universe.

Weve already got NLand Surf Park, and head to the lake any hot summer weekend and youll find people surfing the wakes behind motorboats. Now, thanks to JetSurf Academy ATX, you can hop on a surfboard with a tiny gas-powered engine tucked inside it and zoom around the lake like someone from a water-themed episode of the Jetsons.

Think personal watercraft crossed with a wakeboard, add a hint of dirt-slinging, engine-buzzing motorbike, and youve got the idea. JetSurf boards which look more like wakeboards than surfboards can attain top speeds of 35 miles per hour.

Wakeboarders and water-skiers have to hold onto a tow rope attached to a boat. Wake surfers can let go of that rope, but they still have to stick close by because they catch the wave it kicks up. Jet surfers, though, are independent. They can go wherever they want, no boat needed.

If you like water sports, its a combo of wakeboarding, wakesurfing, regular surfing and snowboarding and throw in motocross because you have an engine with power, says Kyle Ray, who recently opened JetSurf Academy ATX, where you can rent, buy and learn how to ride one.

I recently donned my bikini and life jacket and drove to Lake Travis so I could check out this latest alternative to driving to the Gulf Coast with a surfboard strapped to the roof of my car.

Ray, who operates a residential power washing business in Houston called Geek Home Services, moved to Austin two years ago. He heard about jet surfing, flew to Miami to visit the only JetSurf factory shop in the United States, tested one out, loved it, bought five and opened a business here in December. Now hes out at Lake Travis every Thursday through Sunday showing people how to ride them.

Its just exhilarating, he says. You control how fast you go and where you want to go.

JetSurf boards, which contain a hide-away removable gas tank and high-performance miniature engine, were developed in the Czech Republic in 2010. Four models are available, and theyre not cheap. Prices start at about $10,000, and racing versions will set you back more than $15,000.

A regular, non-motorized surfboard, on the other hand, can be had for $1,000 easy. (Of course, then you have to get the ocean and the waves, which might up your travel costs.)

The boards weigh about 30 pounds and are considered personal watercraft. That means you must be 18 or older to ride one.

When Jamie Naugle, a lead instructor for the academy, showed me how to fire up a motorized surfboard, it made me a little nervous. What if it got away from me? What if I face-planted? Could it run me over? Were there spinning blades ready to turn my shins into mincemeat?

Naugle jumped into the water while I stood on the dock. She inserted a magnetic key attached to a leash around her wrist into a hand-held throttle. After a five-second lag, the engine, which is encased inside the board and therefore cant cut you, buzzed to life. She scooched belly-first onto it, stood up quickly, placing first her back foot, then her front foot, into the foot cups.

Voila smooth, graceful and lickety-split, like a penguin popping out of the ocean and onto an iceberg. She zoomed around a cove near Anderson Mill Marina, cutting smooth arcs in the glassy water. Then she returned to the dock and stepped off into the water.

My turn.

Speed is your friend, Ray told me. The faster you go, the more it will plane out.

Ive tried surfing in an ocean exactly once, while on vacation in Hawaii. Ive also surfed the manufactured pond at NLand Surf Park east of Austin twice. I love watersports, though, and water-ski, scuba dive and swim regularly.

RELATED: Whats Pam LeBlancs perfect day of fitness?

I inserted the key, revved the throttle and suddenly it stopped. Id accidentally flooded the engine. Ray plopped a different board in front of me. I revved the engine and the board dragged me down the lake a little ways, like a dog with an old towel. I managed to lug myself onto the board, wobbling a lot. Still, I stayed on it for at least 10 seconds, until the board bucked me off like a horse with a burr under its blanket.

Naugle, following alongside on a Jet Ski, glided up to make sure I was OK. I was. After that, I had no trouble getting on the board and buzzing slowly around the cove. After 20 or 30 minutes, I could manage wide left-side turns. Right-side turns took more practice.

After a while Ray climbed on one of the boards and we whizzed around the cove together. He leaped over waves and kicked up a spray as he cut sharp turns. He and Naugle both want to go pro and compete in the MotoSurf World Cup, where racers are timed as they weave through a buoy-marked course.

My verdict? Fun stuff. No men in gray suits (sharks), no stinging jellyfish. But no wide open ocean, no waves and no luscious salt spray, either.

Just dont think of it as surfing, and it makes a little more sense.

IF YOU GO

For more information about JetSurf Academy ATX or to make reservations, go to jetsurfatx.com. Cost is $125 for first-time riders and $85 for repeat riders and includes onshore education and training for new riders, one hour of ride time and support from a supervised trainer on a Jet Ski ($60 for a 30-minute discovery session). Sessions are available starting at 9 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.

The rest is here:
Next wave of watersport adventure? Jet surfing! - MyStatesman.com

LAMBERT, Mont. In the days before European settlers, the prairie turnip dotted the landscape, a tumbleweed jewel planted by the harvesting activities of Plains tribes, whose mothers taught their children that the five-fingered leaves would point the way to another plant.

On the surface, that seems like its just a nice little story told to occupy children, but over time and observation Kelly Kindscher, with the University of Kansas, came to realize that the advice holds true. The leaves do tend to line up with the prevailing winds, and since the plant becomes a tumbleweed, its future offspring are bound to follow a trail of wind to new homes.

Kindscher led an ethno-botany seminar as part of the Montana Native Plant Societys annual meeting held this year in Lambert, talking about how native plants were used by the Plains tribes both for food and medicine, and sharing folklore he has spent a lifetime collecting. He has written two books about the topic, one on edible prairie plants and the other on medicinal prairie plants.

The prairie turnip was among the stars of edible plants on the prairie, but today its numbers have dramatically declined. Thats not just because of shrinking habitat, though. Kindscher believes that the harvesting process of the Plains tribes actually helped the plant reproduce.

When Plains tribes took the roots, they would set the flowers with seeds back into the hole theyd dug. The following year that pre-dug site would yield new prairie turnips in greater abundance than if theyd not been harvested.

These roots were such an important food source that buffalo hunts were planned around where the women would be able to gather the plants.

Today they are hardly known other than in dry history texts, but they are perhaps worthy of more notice and use. Being a member of the bean family, they can fix nitrogen, and could serve as a valuable companion in the garden. They have been observed to manage growth even in rugged, rocky soil that is difficult to dig with a pickaxe, and so might be useful in cover crop mixes to help lighten soils while at the same time adding nitrogen. The roots can be eaten, so they are a fun lesson for children, too.

To dig these roots, Native Americans used sharpened sticks with points hardened by fire or augmented with deer or elk tines. While it was generally the women who did this, it was obviously not an easy job.

Native American names for the prairie turnip ranged from the Osage dogoe, which means potato, to the Blackfoot name mas or elk food, and the Dakota tipsinna, derived from their name for wild rice, which was a staple in their diet until the prairie turnip replaced it.

The plant is perennial, with a deep tap root that likes undisturbed prairies, hay meadows and well-managed pastures, but it can grow in even dry and rocky, often limestone, soils yet still provide an edible root, if harvested in the right time frame.

The roots should be harvested in late May to July, just after the flowers blossom. But dont wait too long after that. The leaves and stem soon become dry and brittle, breaking off into a tumbleweed that carries the seeds away from the root, thus hiding it.

The prairie turnip was described in the Lewis and Clark journals as being esteemed in all seasons, and gathered for winter storage. Its roots were peeled and cut into shreds to dry in the sun. Braids of prairie turnips were valuable. They could be traded by the Dakota for shelled corn. About four braids to a burden basket of shelled corn, which meanwhile was itself worth a handsome Buffalo robe.

Another particularly important plant of the time was the chokecherry, often a principal ingredient of pemmican, and today North Dakotas state fruit. The latter is all thanks to a group of Williston students, who put together research on the importance of this fruit to both the Plains Indians and settlers, and convinced the Legislature to adopt it as the official fruit.

Williston, meanwhile, is gearing up for the annual Chokecherry Festival that celebrates not just the ingenuity and creativity of present-day children, but of the ingenuity of yesteryear as well, which found a way to use this bitter fruit in important and palatable ways.

This fruit was so valued that the Dakota named the month of July, in which the cherries ripen, Chanpa-sapa-wi, which translates to black cherry moon.

To make pemmican, they took the whole berries, seeds and all, and crushed them on a stone, then dried them in the sun. The heat treatment helped to rid the crushed berries of traces of cyanide that came from the seeds.

Choice cuts of buffalo meanwhile were dried and then heat-treated over a fire to make them soft and oily. This was then pounded on a stone until fine.

Marrow was added to the pounded, dried meat along with the crushed chokecherries, a food that even Europeans highly valued. Given that it was dried meat and fruit coated with lard to keep out air, it was a food that would last years without spoiling.

Sometimes, leaves from wild mints were added to flavor the pemmican mixture, or other berries like serviceberry could be used, but chokecherry was most common, and did not taste astringent once processed in this manner.

Another important and highly distinctive berry of the plains was the buffaloberry, which with the help of prairie turnips could be made into a pleasing pudding. This is a small tree with bluish leaves and grey limbs bearing bright orange fruits and be careful sharp stickers.

George Catlin, who painted many scenes of the region during the early settler days, mentions this shrubby tree favorably in letters he wrote, suggesting the berries would be good for making wine, and extolling their appearance in a landscape.

This shrub, which may be said to be the most beautiful ornament that decks out the wild prairies, forms a striking contrast to the rest of the foliage, from the blue appearance of its leaves, by which it can be distinguished for miles in the distance, he wrote. The fruit which it produces in such incredible profusion, hanging in clusters to every limb and to every twig is about the size of ordinary currants and not unlike the in colour and even in flavor; being exceedingly acid, and almost unpalatable until they are bitten by the frost of Autumn, when they are sweetened, and their flavour delicious.

To gather these berries, hides were placed on the ground under the tree and it was beaten with sticks after the first frost a perfect way to avoid the stickers. The berries could be placed in water to separate them from brush and leaves.

Read more:
Plants of the past: Native species topic of seminar - Williston Daily Herald

Attic Insulation, Garage Door & Closet Organizer Systems and More in Nashville, Louisville, Houston & Throughout the Southeast

When homeowners in the southeastern United States need a new garage door, closet organizer system, fireplace, shower door, or any other type of home improvement product, they turn to the experts at 31-W Insulation. Since 1972, weve provided residents of Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, and surrounding states with the first-rate home improvements they need and the fast, friendly service they deserve. While we initially focused solely on meeting our customers insulation needs, we now provide products for your entire home, from new doors and faux rocks to seamless gutters and bath accessories. Rather than having to turn to a different contractor for each project, you can count on the experts at 31-W Insulation for all of your home improvement needs.

Our team of more than 600 talented professionals is highly trained to ensure your garage door, attic insulation, fireplace, or any other home improvement product is impeccably installed. Plus, we have the expertise to help you select the items that meet your practical needs and suit your aesthetic preferences. Because we install all of our products and never utilize the work of any subcontractors, you can trust that youll always receive the service and attention to detail were well known for in San Antonio, Greensboro, Columbus, Tampa, Atlanta, and surrounding areas.

At 31-W Insulation, our goal is to provide our customers with superior products and exceptional services without sacrificing quality. We apply this philosophy to each and every one of our projects, whether the customer is having a whole-home remodel performed and needs everything from attic insulation to closet organizers and fireplaces, or the customer is simply in the market for a new garage door. Along the same line, we are committed to only installing products that have been manufactured by leading brands, such as Amarr, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Moen, Linear, and others. This gives our customers the peace of mind that their investment will prove worthwhile for years to come.

Were proud to offer complimentary in-home estimates for homeowners in Knoxville, San Antonio, Greensboro, Cincinnati, and throughout the southeast. To begin the exciting process of making your home improvement dreams become a reality, contact us today to schedule an appointment for your estimate.

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Closet Organizers & Remodeling - Attic Insulation, Garage ...

Reputation: 331

Recently, I poked my head in the attic and noticed two pipes. What's the best diy way to insulate them from freezing? Can I just wrap batting or spray foam them? I really don't want to install something that requires wiring or anything electrical to protect them. Thanks for your help.

Reputation: 484

Hi FW, Yes, you can just wrap them with insulation or you can snug some insulation down on top of them, over them. If they are near the ceiling, they will benefit from the warmth that rises from the living space below and the insulation will serve as a blanket.

Reputation: 16288

If your attic has pipes carrying potable colder hot water in them, and you live in a climate where attics often have freezing temperatures, I would first be somewhat surprised and I would recommend asking a plumber to investigate if there was a way to eliminate these runs -- unless you resort to heated pipe tape these pipes WILL burst when you are away from home, the water is stagnant, the weather is especically cold. Very very bad...

There are devices that can be plumbed into lines to force circulation which would greatly reduce odds of freezing, similarly you could increase total insulation in attic (which is pretty nearly always a really good idea) so that warmth from living space tends to surround pipes, or you could start planning for fixing the problem.

Location: Knoxville

Reputation: 4431

If they are waste/vent pipes (the ones that go thru the roof), don't bother.

Location: Grosse Ile Michigan

Reputation: 18305

IN any event, the easiest way to insulate pipes is to buy pre-shaped pipe insulation pieces for the size of pipe that you need to insulate. You cna get them at any home inprovement store. These are foam tubes with a slit in one side. To insulate a pipe, you cut the tube to length, open it up and slip it over the pipe - done. You can tape the joints on long runs if you wish, but it is not really necessary. You may have to do a bit of work to handle corners and joints, but it is not hard. You can also just wrap and tape the coners and joints if you want the easy way.

Location: NE CT

Reputation: 694

If they are water pipes you should find out what they service and why they are in the attic. This is very unusual to have water pipes in the attic unless you are dealing with an old Victorian home with a third floor that had servants quarters.

We really need more information here. When was your house built? What style is it. A walk up attic or a crawl space attic with those pull down stairs. Are there floors or just joists filled in between with insulation.

To find out if there is water in them, test by running several different things separately. First try a sink, then another, then a shower and then a bath tub, etc etc. You will hear the water moving through the pipe. If you try everything and don't hear any water moving through the pipes, they aren't working water pipes or they don't service water. Could it be a one inch gas line? Be careful with those so as no to kink them. Gas won't freeze so no problem there.

Reputation: 331

I saw two pvc pipes and assumed they're plumbing pipes. I live in the south and read where it's common for plumbing pipes to go through the attic here since there are fewer freezing days than in the north, where plumbing pipes run through heated areas.

The house is five years old. No gas lines. The attic has joists with insulation in between them, so no attic floor to easily walk across. No attic stairs, so I use a ladder. I need to look and see whether the pipes go through the roof. I thought waste would go down and out of the sewer lines and not through the attic. Never heard of sewer gas before.

Location: Knoxville

Reputation: 4431

As far as the attic not getting cold...I would suggest going up in an attic when it is below freezing sometime. It is very cold it attics. While heat does rise, the attic insulation keeps the heat inside the house. I have been in attics where I could see my breath when I was walking around.

If the pipes in the attic are water supply, they will likely be no larger that 3/4". The white PVC pipes you saw, are most likely waste/vent pipes that go thru the roof. You don't have to worry about those freezing.

Location: NE CT

Reputation: 694

Quote:

The white PVC pipes you saw, are most likely waste/vent pipes that go thru the roof. You don't have to worry about those freezing.

Location: Grosse Ile Michigan

Reputation: 18305

Quote:

As far as the attic not getting cold...I would suggest going up in an attic when it is below freezing sometime. It is very cold it attics. While heat does rise, the attic insulation keeps the heat inside the house. I have been in attics where I could see my breath when I was walking around.

If the pipes in the attic are water supply, they will likely be no larger that 3/4". The white PVC pipes you saw, are most likely waste/vent pipes that go thru the roof. You don't have to worry about those freezing.

Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.

Originally posted here:
Insulating pipes in attic (floors, roof, heat, drains ...

(Nebraska City) -- Firefighters from Nebraska City battled a fire inside an older residence Friday morning.

Firefighters were sent to a house located at 1606 5th Corso shortly after 8 a.m. Nebraska City Fire Chief Alan Viox tells KMA News smoke was coming from the structure's roof upon arrival.

"When we got there, we had some light smoke coming from the structure, itself, and through the roof," said Viox. "When we went up into the house to investigate, and our 360-degree walk around, we saw fire in a bedroom that was on the west side of the house. It was more of a bedroom that wasn't used anymore--they don't have kids there anymore. It was used as a storage area, but it was still classified as a bedroom."

Viox says fire was climbing an interior wall upon arrival, as well. He says the house sustained considerable damage.

"On the interior walls, it was an older house," he said. "It was a balloon frame construction house. The fire started on an interior wall, went up through an attic. Structurally, it's still there, but there was some fire damage to the rafters in the attic. So, basically, it's probably 30% damaged from the value of the structure, I would guess."

Viox says it took firefighters approximately 45 minutes to bring the fire under control. A preliminary investigation determined the cause of the fire was electrical in nature.

"Somebody had done some remodeling through the years," said Viox, "and actually drove a nail through the wires that went to a receptacle in a switch. Over the years, it just finally shorted out, and that's where the fire started."

The State Fire Marshal's Office has been called in to conduct a full investigation. Viox says the house's two occupants escaped without injury. Firefighters were at the scene for more than three hours.

More:
Fire damages Nebraska City house - KMAland

Prepping your house for sale is necessary to get top dollar, but dont sink too much into a property thatll soon not be yours. Recouping some of those funds at closing is ideal.

Aside from general house cleaning, organizing and staging, here are some top midrange home improvement projects that yield the best return on your investment, according to Remodeling Magazines 2017 Cost vs. Value Report:

A home thats warm in the winter and cool in the summer is often taken for granted, but not every house is insulated properly. If you suspect yours has issues, have an insulation pro inspect the attic floor to make sure its sealed to prevent air leakage. Then cover it with fiberglass loose-fill insulation until the proper R factor is achieved.

The R-value measures the insulations ability to resist heat traveling through it the higher the value, the better the performance. A minimum value of R-30 is recommended.

Cost recouped: 108 percent

If your entry door is faded or damaged, swap it out for a new version. Consider taking it up a notch by adding glass panels alongside or in the door. For a consistent look, try matching the new door with the garage door and/or the shutters.

Cost recouped: 91 percent

The classic look of stone is a top trend in todays market, and if youre able to incorporate the look in your homes exterior, itll be worth it.

There are a couple ways to get the look of a stone house, including replacing the existing vinyl siding from the lower portion of your homes street-facing faade. You can also use the stone veneer to highlight an archway or porch columns.

Cost recouped: 90 percent

If your kitchen is dated, certain updates can draw buyers. Potential buyers want to picture themselves cooking and enjoying the space; they dont care about your ceramic rooster collection or wine-bottle wallpaper.

Replace or reface the cabinet surfaces and hardware, and make sure appliances are energy-efficient and match. Replace laminate countertops with a neutral-colored granite or quartz and maybe update the floor.

Cost recouped: 80 percent

Its often overlooked, but the garage door has an impact on a homes overall appearance.

If youre stuck with a builder-grade garage door, upgrading to a more stylish model is worth consideration. You can choose from steel, glass, wood, faux wood or aluminum doors that come in modern, contemporary or classic looks. Most garage door dealers have software programs which allow you to virtually try on different options using a photograph of your house.

Cost recouped: 77 percent

Visit link:
Upgrades that boost home's resale value - Fredericksburg.com

The Smith County Commissioners Court are scheduled to hear testimony on a junked property on Tuesday.

The property, at 16554 Echo Glen Drive in Precinct 1, is considered a public nuisance and a health and safety concern in its current state.

The property has tall grass, standing water and abandoned vehicles on it, said Phillip Smith, assistant district attorney for the civil division.

The Smith County Environmental Crimes unit has sent the property owner two letters, and the DAs office has sent another one, and the property owner has received a public nuisance ticket.

The property owners have been subpoenaed to come before the court, but the owners may not need to come if they resole the issues before Tuesday, Smith said.

County Judge Nathaniel Moran said its not often that environmental crimes come before the Court.

Its a process of that we dont like to engage in unless we absolutely have to, he said. We prefer a more informal means of enforcing the environmental statues, and we prefer to do that through the environmental crimes unit at the sheriffs office. We dont like it to get to this point, but sometimes we have to when folks done comply.

Moran said the process is for properties that rise to the level of a health and safety hazard for the community.

Its not that property looks junky - that does not rise to the point that we can deal with. There has to be a health and safety issue.

In other business:

- Commissioners will receive a presentation from the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool regarding the 2016 Safety Award.

- The body will consider a resolution proclaiming July 29, 2017 as Dr. Gary E. Gross Day in Smith County to recognize his years of service to the community.

- A list of professional salvage yard licenses will be considered for renewal.

-Three vendors for sub-depository services will also be considered for renewal: Austin Bank, Southside Bank and First National Bank of Winnsboro.

- Odam Roth Construction and House Remodeling, LLC would be awarded the contract for the courthouse bathroom renovation project.

- The county will consider advertising for bids for the Big Eddy Road improvement project, or County Road 1261.

- Commissioner will consider accepting 25 donated microchips for the Smith County Animal Shelter.

The Tyler Morning Telegraph will attend the meeting. For updates as they happen follow @TMTFaith on Twitter.

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Commissioners to hold hearing on junked property on Tuesday - Tyler Morning Telegraph

If you read last months piece on multiple offer situations, or arent living under a rock, you know were in a sellers market. Even though buyers are competing with each other to buy your home, that doesnt mean you should leave money on the table by skipping some renovations that will bring you some serious ROI.

New windows

Windows are one of the most daunting things to repair mainly due to cost. If you have an older home with deteriorating windows, expect it to affect your sales price. Its an easy thing for the average buyer and their inspector to pinpoint as a problem. Whether youre replacing your older windows with vinyl or wood, youll likely get about an 84 percent rate of return.

Bathroom remodel

Bathrooms are what buyers focus on the most while looking for their dream home. Its got to be fashionable and functional. Since this type of renovation can be on the expensive side, its normal for buyers to seek out properties that already have updated bathrooms. You can rest easy knowing your bathroom renovation will give you roughly a 75 percent rate of return on your investment.

Curb appeal

The type of curb appeal youre used to hearing about is typically cosmetic landscaping. When it comes to real ROI on your renovations, weve got to go a bit further. Replacing your siding if its outdated, worn, or damaged will rake in an 87 percent rate of return on your investment. Roofs are a huge concern for homebuyers, so with a 74 percent rate of return, its a really good idea for you to complete a renovation on your outdated or damaged roof.

White Kitchen Interior with Island, Sink, Cabinets, and Hardwood Floors in New Luxury Home with Lights On

Kitchen remodel

The most common upgrades to make in your kitchen would be countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Countertops will increase the perceived value quite a lot but this type of renovation will cost you. Its important when choosing a new countertop to think about resale. Stick with a neutral color and pattern that complements the colors you already have in the home.

If your cabinets are falling apart and obviously in need of repair or replacement, its smart to do so prior to listing. If buyers see dilapidated cabinets theyll look for other problems in the house and that wont end well. On the other hand, if your cabinets are in good shape but the finish is outdated, consider hiring a professional painter to get a fresh new coat of paint on them. This will appear as though youve completely replaced your cabinets, though your professional paint job will have cost significantly less.

Appliances are the biggest bang for your buck. Stainless steel appliances are still king and you can find a complete matching set for around $5,000 in most cases.

Hardwood flooring

Hardwood is easily the most sought after flooring type amongst buyers. If you have it in your budget, and the value of homes in your neighborhood can carry that kind of upgrade, this renovation will surely increase the perceived and market value of your home.

If you already have hardwood flooring, having them refinished will make a huge difference to homebuyers. If you skip this small and very painless renovation, youll likely see a deduction in your sales price to reflect the needed repair.

Repaint

A fresh coat of paint is the easiest and most affordable way to transform your space. A bad paint job is worse than none at all, soId recommend hiring a professional painter to do this so that you arent creating more work for the new buyer.

Fixture upgrades

Updating fixtures is by far the easiest and most cost effective way to add value to your home. You can completely transform your home by upgrading plumbing and lighting fixtures, but going even further with new hardware and doorknobs will make a huge difference in the perceived and market value of your home. It goes without saying that when updating fixtures, its best to stick to the same finish, (i.e., brushed bronze, polished nickel, or brushed nickel are the most common options).

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Renovations with the best resale value - Post-Bulletin