Home & Landscapes
Home.
The word conjures up images of loved ones gathered around the dining room table, in the living room watching a favorite film, enjoying the outdoors on the patio or deck – perhaps in the yard playing games or sitting around the fire pit in the evenings with drinks.
It’s the place we leave as young adults to go out on our own ... and it is the one thing most of us want to have again.
Home can be a house, apartment, double-wide, or RV. But whatever shape it takes, it is our sanctuary, our private space to be ourselves, to do the things we enjoy and to feel safe.
It’s your space. And, if you are fortunate enough, you might buy a house – and you can add cats, dogs and other pets to your family.
The Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newpaper’s annual Home & Landscapes publication is filled with information, ideas and photos to educate, inspire, visualize and plan your home, your space.
Home.
It’s where your heart is.
How to compare contractors’ bids
Home renovation projects are significant undertakings. It is common for homeowners who may not have the time nor the expertise to do the work themselves to call in professionals to tackle these jobs.
According to the home improvement resource HomeGuide.com, for a bathroom remodel, which is one of the more popular improvement projects, installation and labor accounts for 10 to 25 percent of the total project cost. In general, many contractors pay themselves $300 to $500 for an hourly… Read more
Prevent home electrical fires
A person’s home should be a safe haven. Too often, however, there may be dangers lurking in a home that can compromise the safety of residents.
Electrical fires are no joke. The Hartford insurance company says electrical failure or malfunctions account for almost 34,000 home fires per year. The National Fire Protection Association says they can contribute to 440 deaths and $1.3 billion in direct property damage annually.
Older homes may be most vulnerable to electrical fires… Read more
Enjoy and protect hydrangeas from hungry deer
Low maintenance, beautiful flowers, and plenty of varieties have made hydrangeas a favorite landscape plant. It seems you can’t visit a garden center or nursery without being tempted by one of the traditional favorites or newer hydrangea varieties.
Despite their easy-care nature, hungry deer can make it difficult to fully enjoy these plants. Rutgers University rates landscape plants based on their susceptibility to deer damage. According to Rutgers, hydrangeas are occasionally… Read more
The benefits of residential solar energy
Solar energy panels have gained visibility in neighborhoods across the country. Where it once was a rarity to see solar panels on the roofs of homes, today a stroll or drive around a given community is bound to reveal a number of homeowners have made the transition to solar power. You may be wondering if the investment is worth it.
Solar panels harvest energy from the sun through the use of photovoltaic cells. These semiconductor materials absorb photons from the sun, and the photons… Read more
7 characteristics of modern houses
Homes contain a variety of components that appeal to homeowners with different ideas about the perfect place to call home. That starts with the style of a home.
Buildings are classified according to share components. A Craftsman style home will have a covered porch with a set of wide base columns, while a Cape Cod home is often defined by a gabled roof and dormer windows. Modern houses, which are sometimes called contemporary homes even though the terms are not interchangeable, will… Read more
What attracts pests to a home?
No homeowner wants pests to invade their homes or their yards. However, it’s easy for pests to find their way into and around a home. In fact, certain conditions may be inviting pests to a property.
Garbage: Piles of garbage offer food and shelter to pests. Removing garbage piles and cleaning up food waste promptly can make a difference.
Stagnant water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, which is water not affected by waves, current or a filtration system. Anywhere water has… Read more
Signs it’s time to repair or replace your deck
Spring is a season of rejuvenation that compels millions across the globe to quit hibernating and get back to enjoying the great outdoors. Spring also marks a great time to assess a home’s exterior, namely those areas like a deck where people will spend a lot of time in the warmer months to come.
Assessing a deck after winter can be eye-opening. Harsh winter weather can take its toll on a deck, and the following are some telltale signs that a deck could be in need of repair or… Read more
How to recognize when it’s time to replace your windows
Windows are a major component of a home. Window installation professionals will tell homeowners that the average life span of residential windows is between 15 and 30 years. Most well-maintained products can last 20 years, so homeowners who have windows approaching that age may want to schedule a window assessment and possible replacement.
Replacing windows is a job that requires advanced skill, and this is not a do-it-yourself project. There are many qualified professional window… Read more
A rundown of 3 popular flooring materials
Even though it’s underfoot, flooring can set the tone for how a room or even an entire home is viewed. Perhaps that’s one reason why flooring generates such strong opinions when homeowners look to refurbish or replace their floors.
Homeowners now have more choices than ever when considering new flooring for their homes. The following rundown of three popular flooring options can help homeowners as they try to decide which material best suits their homes.
1. Hardwood floors… Read more
What to know about reseeding or replanting your lawn
Spring marks the return of flowering plants and warm weather. And homeowners know that spring also ushers in the return of home renovation season.
Homeowners undoubtedly have an extensive list of projects on their to-do list this spring, and that may include helping their lawns and gardens recover after a long winter. Unpredictable weather, which can include drought and excessive rainfall and everything in between, can take its toll on a lawn. In certain instances, the best solution… Read more
Popular trends in home exteriors
Certain homes have an undeniable wow factor. That instant appeal tends to be noticeable the moment visitors pull up to the curb, and it might be a byproduct of homeowners’ willingness to embrace the latest exterior design trends.
Trends come and go, but recognition of the current fashions can help homeowners create that highly sought-after wow factor. The following are some recent trends in home exteriors that have helped homeowners set their properties apart.
Tips for Designing and Maintaining a Low-Maintenance Garden
Don’t let your spring garden enthusiasm lead to overplanting and the creation of a summer gardening nightmare. A design with maintenance in mind and some strategic care can help reduce the time you spend managing your gardens and landscape.
Consider using fewer plant species when designing perennial flowerbeds. Increase the number of each to boost the visual impact of the garden and reduce maintenance. You’ll have fewer species to manage, identify and differentiate from the weeds… Read more
Plant a Few Trees for You and the Bees
Fall is a great time to add trees to your landscape. Not only do they provide shade, remove pollutants from the air, and help manage stormwater; but many also provide food for bees. Keep this in mind when selecting and planting new trees in your yard now and in the future.
Fruit trees are probably the first “bee” trees that come to mind. These spring flowering trees provide nectar and pollen many native bees, bumblebees and honeybees prefer. They also provide food and habitat for… Read more
Boost Your Mood with Fragrant Indoor Plants
There’s no need to visit a spa for a bit of soothing aromatherapy. Grow fragrant plants indoors to improve your mood and promote a sense of relaxation.
Gardenias may be the first fragrant flowering plant that comes to mind. They can be challenging but are worth the effort. Grow them in moist acidic soil, in bright light, and surrounded by other plants or on a gravel tray to increase the humidity.
Jasmines are known for their sweet fragrant flowers. Arabian jasmine (… Read more
Trends in Gardening 2023: Support the natural landscape
Scientists, conservationists, and gardening experts are encouraging us to treat our gardens, as part of the surrounding natural landscape. They want our gardens to nurture and sustain that landscape for the birds, insects, animals, worms, spiders, butterflies, bees, wasps, crustaceans, fish, fungi, moss, lichen (and more!) that also call this place ‘home’.
This trend includes small efforts to add native plants to our gardens or larger changes that replace highly landscaped and… Read more
Take action against radon
No one is invulnerable to cancer. When it comes to reducing their cancer risk, individuals take many steps, including changing their diets and following recommended timelines for various health screenings. However, one important strategy may never occur to the average person Ñ getting oneÕs home tested for radon.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that radon accounts for roughly 21,000 deaths from lung cancer each year. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer… Read more
Siding materials to consider for your home
Exterior renovations consistently top the list of projects that offer maximum return on investment, according to Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Report.” Siding replacement is a popular exterior renovation and one that can completely transform the look of a home.
Siding comes in a variety of materials, and homeowners can explore the pros, cons and affordability of each to make the most informed decision when replacing their existing siding. Factors to consider apart from… Read more
Why excavation is best left to the professionals
When shopping for a home, buyers often try to envision themselves living in a given property. Images of family gatherings and holidays may instantly come to mind, but prospective homeowners also may begin to envision changes they would make to a property if they were eventually to call it home.
Changing an existing structure or building an entirely new home on an empty plot of land can be exciting. Such changes typically require excavation, which is a complicated process that may be… Read more
Elevate your garden’s beauty with jewel-tone plants
Bring the beauty of your favorite gemstones into the garden and your outdoor living space with the help of jewel-toned plants. Even a pot of these beauties placed on the balcony can provide bold color, vibrancy, and lushness to any space.
Select plants with leaves, flowers, or both in the saturated colors of gemstones like rubies, amethyst, topaz, sapphire, and turquoise. Select plants with colors that complement your home and landscape and will thrive in the growing conditions in… Read more
Enjoy the many benefits of adding water features to the landscape
Boost the beauty and your enjoyment by adding a fountain, birdbath, or other water feature to your balcony, deck, or landscape. This one addition to your outdoor space provides many benefits.
The sound of moving water helps create a sense of peace and relaxation. It is a form of white noise that helps calm the mind and revive your spirit.
It also helps mask noise pollution. Combine water features with strategic screening to create a quiet and private space.
Water is… Read more
Design a deer-resistant garden without the fence
Deer are common visitors to landscapes even in urban and suburban areas. Fencing is the most effective way to protect your plants but is not always practical or desirable. Your community may have restrictions on fencing, your budget may not support this option, or you prefer not to hide your plantings behind a fence.
Growing a beautiful garden despite the deer is possible but takes planning, persistence, and flexibility. You must be willing to change strategies as needed to minimize… Read more
Building permits: When and why you need them
As the weather slowly warms up, thoughts of spring cleaning may be accompanied by renovation plans. However, most residential construction requires a building permit and a fee paid to the town: A local check showed construction-related permit fees are based on the number of square feet being created or remodeled, while projects too small to be evaluated by square footage may require paying a standardized minimum fee for… Read more
Beautify your home with a bit of greenery
Whether you want to create a tropical oasis indoors or dress up your décor, plants are the answer. A few plants set on the floor, hanging from the ceiling, or displayed on a table can beautify any room, boost your mood, and reduce stress.
Select plants suited to the growing conditions and your gardening style. This reduces ongoing maintenance and increases your growing success. If you tend to overwater, look for plants that thrive in moist soil conditions. Grow more drought-tolerant… Read more
Real estate profession takes diligence, communication, time management
The case for bugs
Summers in Maine are magical. The air is warm, flowers are blooming, grills are sizzling. We move our entire lives outdoors. We take to our gardens, our yards, our patios. And then, there they are. The bugs.
As eco-conscious Mainers, we look to natural solutions for pest management. Luckily, there are resources.
According to the IPM Institute of North America, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests that emphasizes the use of natural… Read more
Get your landscape buzzing
Bees are keystone organisms, meaning stability in an ecological community significantly depends on the services they provide that environment. Pollination, their primary ecosystem service, is in worldwide decline, as is diversity within the species, according to Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), a program funded by the U.S Department of Agriculture.
This pollination crisis has been widely reported in academic, news and cultural outlets for over a decade. Bees… Read more
Small renovations that can make a big impact
Home renovations provide a host of benefits. Such projects can increase resale value and improve on the safety, aesthetics and functionality of a home.
Some homeowners may employ the mantra “go big or go home” when they embark on home improvements, thinking that only the largest renovations produce noticeable change. But that’s not the case. Various smaller renovations can provide a lot of bang for homeowners’ bucks as well.
• Countertops (and hardware): A complete kitchen… Read more
Popular trends in home exteriors
Certain homes have an undeniable wow factor. That instant appeal tends to be noticeable the moment visitors pull up to the curb, and it might be a byproduct of homeowners’ willingness to embrace the latest exterior design trends.
Trends come and go, but recognition of the current fashions can help homeowners create that highly sought-after wow factor. The following are some recent trends in home exteriors that have helped homeowners set their properties apart.
Wood… Read more
Signs a home exterior needs updating
Renovations are a great way for homeowners to reshape their homes. Some may aspire to renovate so their home is more reflective of their personal taste, while others may do so in an effort to make their homes better align with modern styles and sensibilities. Regardless of why a homeowner chooses to renovate, the need to do so is often evident to the naked eye, especially when the time comes to update home exteriors.
Curb appeal is often discussed in regard to the effects it can have… Read more
Garden longer with less muscle strain and fatigue
Keep gardening longer with less muscle strain and fatigue with these pain-free gardening techniques. You’ll not only keep your garden looking its best but also make it a more enjoyable experience.
Keep tools handy to reduce the number of trips from the garden back to your garage or shed. A garden tool bag or bucket with a wrap-around tool organizer works well for small hand tools. Purchase a mobile garden tool caddy or convert a discarded wheeled golf bag, shopping cart, or wheeled… Read more