Page 2 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News
Page 3 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Table of Contents 04: Looking to buy a house? 08: Fall lawn care - leave the leaves 10: Factors to consider when buying a kitchen range 12: A penny saved is a penny earned 16: What’s a water softener and do I need one? 18: Rental Renovations 20: Do you need a smart faucet? 22: Gadgets for your home 26: Having your ductwork cleaned
Page 4 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Continue -- Are you currently looking to buy a house? Fall can be a great season to move. Once winter hits, the cold and ice can make moving conditions not only unfavorable but potentially dangerous. During the hotter months of summer, moving can be just as unbearable due to the heat. The mild temperatures of fall can make moving in this season a better choice. Talking about moving is the easy part. The hard part of moving can be understanding all the financial ins and outs. What exactly is a mortgage? How do you know if you have enough money for a house? What should your price range be? What is a good interest rate versus a bad one? Keep reading to get the answers to all these questions. A mortgage is a loan taken out from a financial institution such as a bank. These loans tend to have a term, or a period of time to be paid back, of 15 or 30 years. There can be other terms depending on your financial situation. This is where interest rates come into play as banks are not going to simply give out money and hope you pay them back as much as you borrowed. According to Investopedia, “the interest rate is the percentage of interest relative to the principal.” If you are not versed in words like ‘interest’ and ‘principal,’ then this definition may not mean much. Looking to Buy a House? Simply put, interest is the fee you pay to a financial institution for borrowing their money to make a purchase such as a house. Principal is even easier to understand, with that number being the amount of money you have left to pay back on your loan. Together these can be used to figure out your loan’s APR (annual percentage rate), which is a specific type of interest. For example, if the APR of your mortgage is 6 percent and the mortgage itself is $150,000 then you would pay a fee of 6 percent of that $150,000 each year for borrowing that amount. In this case, that amount would be $9,000 per year, or about $750 per month. It is also important to know that this amount may change as you pay down the principal of your loan. What about knowing your price range? The answer to this question is not as cut and dry as the answer to the previous two questions. According to Associated Bank’s website, higher interest rates can make both finding a house and affording a house more difficult. Associated Bank states “as interest rates rise, monthly mortgage payments increase, reducing the amount of home you can afford.” Later in the same article, it is stated that “rising interest rates tend to cool down the
Page 5 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News homebuying market - meaning fewer sellers will list their homes.” In the example given in the previous example, it is important to remember that $750 is only the fee, not the full payment. There will also be an additional payment which is applied to the principal to help pay down the loan. In addition to having trouble even finding homes on the market, higher interest rates can put otherwise affordable homes out of people’s price ranges. With this being the case, it is important to understand all the math as well as the interest rates. To find the interest rate in the above example, you would make 6% a decimal (0.06) and then multiply that number by the principal amount ($150,000). This is how the $9,000 yearly fee was discovered. If you take that amount and divide it by 12, the number of monthly payments made in a year, that gets you the $750 monthly fee. To find the additional amount you would have to pay on the principal, you would take the full principal amount and divide it by the number of monthly payments you would make on your mortgage before it is paid off. For example, there are 360 months in 30 years, so take $150,000 and divide it by 360. That amount is about $416, so in total you would likely be paying $1,166 per month for your house. Be aware, however, that this is only an estimate and is not likely to be your exact payment. You may also elect to have an escrow for combining things like your homeowner’s insurance and property taxes with your mortgage for one easy payment. In this case, the number you get from the process above will be lower than your true monthly payment. The most important thing you can do is sit down with an expert to discuss your individual situation. Someone like a banker can give you all the details you need to know regarding getting a loan. Luckily, LDN was able to get some quotes from Jacob Harnacke, AVP/ Branch Manager at The First National Bank in Tremont, located in New Holland. The first question Harnacke was asked was what is needed when securing a mortgage from a bank. Harnacke gave a very detailed response, starting by writing that most realtors require someone buying a house to be prequalified for a mortgage. Harnacke continued, “for a bank to pre-qualify a potential borrower, they will need a copy of a valid ID, social security number, information on cash available for downpayment, income verification (two years of tax returns/W2’s, two months of pay Continue --
Page 6 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News stubs, and two months of bank statements), and you’ll typically need to submit an application.” According to Harnacke, the bank will also secure a credit report on the person looking to get the loan. Once all this is done, and if the borrower is indeed pre-qualified, a letter will be sent to them so that they can prove to the realtor that they can quickly acquire a mortgage if they decide to make an offer on a property. Once an offer is accepted by the seller, the bank will need a copy of the purchase contract, followed by an appraisal of the property. Harnacke was additionally asked about recommended downpayment amounts, as well as minimum credit scores. “We recommend a minimum of 10% down payment,” Harnacke wrote. He explained that doing this provides a “cushion” should you need to sell your home for any reason. Harnacke also wrote that this can help prevent you from being “‘underwater’ on the loan if the housing market declines.” At The First National Bank of Tremont, Harnacke shared that they do not require private mortgage insurance but shared that many lenders do. This, he informed, is something you may be required to pay for if you cannot put a down payment of at least 20 percent. As for the credit score, he stated getting a standard mortgage will typically require a credit score of 620. Next, Harnacke was asked about advice he would provide to families, couples, or individuals looking to start saving for a home. “It is critical for those who are thinking about purchasing a home to develop and stick to a budget,” Harnacke wrote. “You’ll want to ensure you are able to pay for principal and interest on the mortgage, as well as homeowners’ insurance and property taxes.” In addition to that, Harnacke had a bit more advice. He advised people to make sure they had some amount left over for home repairs. He also recommended using a local lender that you trust. On top of that, he also advised people to ask about closing costs. According to Harnacke, these costs “can vary pretty significantly depending on if your bank is keeping your mortgage loan in house or if your mortgage will be sold on the secondary market.” All of this may seem pretty scary, as it is a lot of information. Depending on your personal financial situation it may seem impossible as not all families or individuals have money to put away for a home. The final question LDN asked Harnacke about was financial assistance programs aimed to assist low-income families or individuals to purchase a home. Harnacke started his answer by admitting that inflation, as of late, has made it hard on people looking to buy a home, but that there are programs that people can apply for. The one he went into detail about was the one that is most utilized by his bank. This is the Downpayment Plus Continue --
Page 7 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Program through the Federal Home Loan Bank Chicago. “This program allows low-income households to qualify for a forgivable grant up to $10,000 to be used for down payment and closing cost assistance.” Buying a home is a very involved process. Spending a lot of money all at once is never an easy thing to do, especially if this is money you spent months or even years saving. The important thing to remember is that there are people out there who want to help you. You also may need to make some lifestyle changes revolving around your finances. If you can do these things, then buying a home may be something you can do. [Matt Boutcher] Sources: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/ interestrate.asp https://www.associatedbank.com/education/ articles/personal-finance/loans-and-debt/ how-rising-interest-rates-can-impact-yourhomebuying https://www.progressive.com/answers/escrowand-home-insurance/ Jacob Harnacke, AVP/Branch Manager, The First National Bank in Tremont, PO Box 109 New Holland, IL 62671
Page 8 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Fall Lawn Care Leave the Leaves Summer’s intensity is giving way to crisp autumn days, and homeowners have a golden opportunity to restore and strengthen their lawns. Fall is more than just a season of rakes and pumpkins; it’s the ideal time to prepare grass for the months ahead while balancing healthy ecosystems and smart pest management. Conventional lawn products often lean on synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides that promise quick xes but can have hidden costs. The University of Illinois warns that these chemicals can leach into groundwater, disrupt soil life, and harm bene cial insects. A shift toward natural soil care—through mulching, aeration, and selective overseeding—encourages healthier turf that resists weeds and pests without harsh interventions. However, some issues require a bit of offense. Grubs, in particular, are a persistent threat in central Illinois. Alan Daggett, owner of Alan Daggett Enterprises, has been in pest control since 2009, rst in Arizona and now in Illinois. “The grubs we have around here, a lot of them eat the roots of the grass in the spring,” Daggett explains. “White moths lay their eggs in the dirt and then they’ll hatch in the spring. Those grubs start eating on the roots, and that’s what causes dead spots in the grass.” Daggett stresses that not every grub sighting warrants treatment. “Some of them there has to be so many grubs per square foot before they [pest control companies] will even treat for them,” he says. Homeowners can check their yards themselves by examining dead spots in their lawns. “Kick the dirt back a little bit, and see if there are holes where grubs are. You’ll be able to tell them [companies] because you can see the holes. That's a bene t to the customers because they don’t get ripped off, and it's a bene t to the pest professionals because we already know where to start looking.” For those who do need intervention, Daggett’s company offers natural sprays that control pests without harming pollinators. “You can get all kinds of different bugs in a garden, but it doesn’t hurt the pollinators,” he notes. Beyond pests, fall is the prime season for overseeding and aeration. Overseeding lls bare patches, ensuring a thick turf that crowds out weeds. According to Illinois State University, aeration, particularly with a core aerator, relieves soil compaction and improves air and water ow to the roots. Pairing these practices creates a stronger, more resilient stand of grass. Continue --
Page 9 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News And while many still bag their autumn leaves, researchers at Michigan State University found that shredding leaves into turf improves soil health and reduces fertilizer needs. The National Wildlife Federation adds that leaving leaf litter bene ts butter ies, toads, and songbirds, all of which rely on it for food and shelter. What may look like a mess to a homeowner is, in fact, a lifeline to local wildlife. Fall lawn care, then, is about balance: fostering resilient turf, preventing avoidable damage from pests like grubs, and supporting the environment that lawns exist within. By combining professional expertise with sustainable practices, homeowners can ensure their lawns thrive through winter and beyond. [Sophia Larimore] Sources: Five Valuable Tips for Fall Lawn Care: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/goodgrowing/2018-08-10- ve-valuable-tips-falllawn-care (University of Illinois) Why You Should Leave the Leaves: https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/NationalWildlife/2015/OctNov/Gardening/Leave-theLeaves (National Wildlife Federation)
Page 10 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Continue -- If you are looking for a kitchen range, there are a few factors to consider. These include the type of range, the features you want, cooking capability, ease of cleaning and price. When it comes to kitchen ranges, McEntire’s Home Appliance in Lincoln has a large selection. Carie Groves, who runs McEntire’s Home Appliance said, “McEntire’s proudly sells Maytag, Whirlpool, Kitchen Aid and Amana brands of ranges which are all owned and manufactured by Whirlpool corporation in the USA. Three of the range plants are in Cleveland, Ohio; Marion, Ohio and Tulsa, Oklahoma.” One of the first things you need to decide when looking for a kitchen range is whether to get a gas range or electric range. Groves said in Logan county 85 percent of what they sell are gas ranges and only 15 percent are electric ranges. As she explains, “gas ranges offer immediate heat where electric takes a bit longer to boil water or get hot enough to sear steaks.” Some say electric ranges are safer because of no open flame, but Groves said that is obviously not a concern for most Logan County folks considering 85 percent of people in the area buy gas ranges. As for features, Groves said, “ranges today, whether gas or electric, have so many features that you can get. A lot of the newer ranges come with bake, broil, convection and air fry in the ovens, a new but very popular feature.” Additionally, Groves said, “some of the Kitchen Aid ranges we sell also have a slow cooker feature in the oven, turning your oven into a crock pot. Now you can free up your countertop by not having to have a crock pot or air fryer on top.” Those who bake breads love the proof feature on the Kitchen Aid ranges, which Groves said “helps dough rise by activating yeast keeping the temp between 80-100 degrees. As far as the types of ranges, Groves said “gas and electric ranges are sold as a regular free-standing range, free standing ranges with double ovens, or slide in ranges to go in your island.” There are also dual fuel ranges, which have both gas and electric. Groves said, “the
Page 11 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News top cooktop part is gas while the oven is electric. Gas on top gives you that quick heat for searing and boiling but the electric oven maintains better heat control in the oven.” Groves said, “electric glass top ranges are easier to clean because of the smooth surface whereas gas ranges burner heads and grates need to come off and be cleaned.” When it comes to cleaning, Groves said there are three types of ranges. First, is the manual clean, which you clean yourself. The second type is the self-clean, which heats the oven to about 800 degrees incinerating the food debris and then you wipe it out. Finally, there is stream clean, only heating the oven to 150, the steam softens the baked food and then just wipe it off. The price for oven ranges can vary based size, features and capabilities. McEntire’s Appliance website shows an Amana 30” freestanding Electric Range at a sale price of $643 with the usual price being $666. It is in the lower price range. Higher priced ranges like the KitchenAid 30” Stainless Steel Pro Style dual fuel range sell for $5,899. When you are ready to buy a new kitchen, decide what features you want so it is easier to shop for what you are looking for. See mcentiresappliance.com for more information on ranges. [Angela Reiners]
Page 12 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Can you buy anything for a penny nowadays? What does it matter if it’s just a few more pennies or a couple more dollars? Well, it most certainly does matter!! Math doesn’t lie and money, regardless of the denomination, adds up. Have you ever been pleasantly surprised when you ran the change jar from the laundry room through the machine and had $25 or $40 dollars? Mindset…. It’s all about changing your mindset and how a penny is just as important as a dollar bill. Your mindset, and the mindset of those living and contributing to your household, is a key factor in any kind of successful change, whether small or large. One of the first mindsets that you need to implement is to only buy what you need, not what you want. If you can ask yourself that question with every purchase, you will be far ahead of most individuals. How can you prepare for the rise in household expenses in the coming months and prepare better for the rollercoaster weather of Central Illinois? Be prepared, do your homework, instruct your family, stay consistent, and make it fun! Fun, you say!! Yes, if you look at this as a challenge, especially if children are involved, you can make it a fun challenge for everyone. Set a timeline, set a ‘reward’ (such as the money saved goes toward a vacation, playset, used at a festival or fair or a new outfit for yourself) and make a list of how everyone has a job that will help towards the goal. earned A saved is a There are a few normal things that most of us do or preach to our kids (or spouses) such as: Turning the lights off, don’t waste food, shut the fridge door, close the windows/doors, run the dishwasher/washing machine/dryer only when full and shutting off the water. Today, that may not be enough with all the rate increases, so here are a few more ideas to help with that bottom line. If you do not currently have a budget, this is a good time to start. There are many free examples online, in books and at local tax, banks and financial institutions. • Evaluate your current bills – Who says that you can’t call all your providers for your cable, internet, insurance, cell phone, credit cards to look for deals, discounts and/ or negotiate costs. Bundling services with the same provider for a discount is a popular option and can lead to keeping your existing service at a lower cost. • Insurance is necessary, however shopping for a lower premium or eliminating some unnecessary coverage could save money. • Using consolidation companies may be a good option if you have high-interest debt to help to pay off earlier. • Pay with cash as much as possible and don’t rely on credit cards to pay for things that are not of emergency nature. • Entertainment – If you take the time to search there are numerous free things to Continue --
Page 13 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Continue -- do. Simple things like having a picnic at a park, spending the day at a museum (on free admission day), festivals, or libraries. • Have your spouse (and kids) help to plan weekly meals and shop ahead for those ingredients so that you are not tempted to grab a quick burger or pizza. Reserve ‘family date’ nights once or twice a month. • Buying in bulk is the best, even if you must pay for a membership. This can help with groceries and household items. However, it is important to compare the ‘price per unit’ to make sure you are getting the best deal. • Most men are ‘meat & potatoes’ guys but try to make meat the accent opposed to the main course by incorporating more vegetable, pasta, soups, and stews. It’s also healthier and more cost-effective if you make your meals and desserts by scratch. Processed food may be easier to make, but not as cheap or good for your gut. • Growing your own garden is extremely rewarding and a wonderful way to enjoy fresh food. Start small, do your research and be consistent. The garden will not prosper as well if you do not give it much attention. If you have the space and the extra time to grow a garden, please consider canning, freezing, dehydrating, and fermenting. Doing any of these will give you food all winter long, takes minimal tools and is a great option for the overabundance of fruits and vegetables. Save your gardens seeds from your flowers, herbs, beans, Indian corn, pumpkins, and squash for the next planting season. • Having your own compost garden is a great fertilizer for your garden and is a natural option. Collecting rainwater is another easy option to water your garden and flowers. You can even get a filtering system to use for drinking water. • If you do not have the space or time to maintain your own garden, another great option to save money and eat healthily is taking advantage of farmers’ markets. You may also consider (if available) joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm. For a small yearly fee, you can get a box of produce every week during the growing season. • With the craze of thrift stores, why not expand it to the neighborhood or townwide garage sales and don’t be afraid to negotiate fairly. This is a terrific way to get things at huge discounts. Or start your own free kids, household, lawn or craft swap within your local church, neighborhood, or workplace. • Don’t throw away clothes with small tears or torn seams, learn to sew and repair yourself. Consider taking classes at the local library, craft store, city recreational club or online. If you have an old towel, socks, sheets, blankets or really anything cloth that is beyond repair, you can cut it up and use it as cleaning rags.
Page 14 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News • Speaking of clothes, use a clothesline or a drying rack. Yes, you can dry your clothes outside year-round! The temperature is not the issue; it is the humidity. Higher humidity means they will not dry as fast, but with a wind, they could. So just watch the daily weather, hang out early in the morning to get optimal sun and plan on drying clothes outside. Bring them in before it gets to cool at night and throw them in the dryer for 5 minutes to soften them up before putting them away. • Use cold water to wash clothes, it protects the colors and washes just as well as using hot or warm water. • Consider carpooling or simply driving less and smarter. By combining errands with work driving, kids practices or grocery shopping, and using your cruise control on the highway, it will help make that gas tank last a little longer. • Plan to take your lunch to work and look forward to treating yourself out to lunch occasionally instead of the norm. • Make homemade gifts. This used to be the most fashionable way to share love between friends, family and loved ones. This has lost its ump since it’s so easy to go to a big box store and get a plate of cookies, toys from a shelf or a ball from a bin. They even have the tissue paper and bag, and it can all be assembled in the parking lot. But a homemade gift speaks of time, love, and thoughtful planning. Ideas such as an unused basket filled with brownies, coupons for babysitting, dog sitting, housesitting, creating a memory book, framing a family photo, or making a favorite meal, could mean much more. Even using your children’s colored artwork, newspapers, ribbon, or discounted material cut into strips can be used for wrapping the gift. • In addition to adjusting your thermostat (a programmable ‘smart’ thermostat can automate this process), dressing warmer, and turning the fan blades clockwise/ counterclockwise there are other things that can help that bottom line such as:
Page 15 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News - Getting a home audit from your electric/gas company - Switch to ENERGY STAR appliances - Clean your air vents, units, and filters. - Sealing leaks with caulk or weather stripping all around every window and door. - Putting plastic around drafty windows that cannot be repaired. - Unplug electronics since they continue to draw power if plugged in. Using power strips will help to easily turn on/off these things that are used often. - Using LED lightbulbs are also more energyefficient and will last much longer. Every house, every family has options. You can choose to do a little, a lot or nothing at all. The savings you see may take several months to notice a considerable difference to the bottom line. However, if you really want to save money and teach others not to take things for granted and that everything costs something, then do something. Because one thing is for sure, that by doing nothing……nothing will change. [JA Hodgdon-Ruppel] Sources: https://partners.thepennyhoarder.com/50ways-sdyn-prt/ https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/ g4064/how-to-save-grocery-money/
Page 16 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Continue -- What is a water softener and do I need one? Hard water is one of those invisible household nuisances. You can’t always see it, but you feel the effects—dingy laundry, soap that won’t rinse, faucets crusted with white calcium rings. Left unchecked, the mineral buildup works its way through pipes and water heaters. That’s where a water softener comes in. A water softener is a whole-house treatment system designed to remove hardness-causing calcium and magnesium minerals from water. It does this through a process called ion exchange, which replaces those hard minerals with sodium ions, leaving the water smooth and soap-friendly. Joel Jacobs of Culligan Water explains it simply: “Basically, it’s removing the hardness and iron build up that you get in your faucet, the white calcium around your faucet, buildups and stuff.” Inside the system, several parts work together to keep water soft. According to Fresh Water Systems, the mineral tank is lled with resin beads that attract the hard minerals and swap them out for sodium. The control valve acts like the system’s brain, measuring water ow and initiating regeneration cycles to refresh the resin. Sitting nearby, the brine tank holds a concentrated salt solution that recharges the beads during those cycles. Without this interplay, the resin would lose its ability to pull out minerals, and the water would revert to its hard state. The chemistry behind it all is straightforward but powerful. According to SAMCO Tech, ion exchange systems use a bed of resin beads with a negative charge. Calcium and magnesium, which carry a positive charge, are drawn to the beads and held there, while sodium is released into the water in their place. This prevents scale from attaching to pipes, appliances, and heating elements. In homes with especially hard water, untreated heaters can even start to sound like they’re “popping popcorn” as crusted deposits crack and expand. For homeowners, the signs that a softener is needed are easy to spot. “Usually you start on the tips of your faucets. You start seeing a scale build up,” Jacobs notes. “A lot of people, especially in the winter, their skin will start drying out because your soap and the minerals are staying on your skin”. Jacob also stated that clothes can look dull or gray, and faucets may drip when valves can’t close properly under the scale.
Page 17 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News The bene ts go beyond brighter laundry and softer showers. Appliances last longer when scale isn’t choking their components. “Having soft water, you don’t get scale build up. You extend the life of your water heater, which is a major expense,” Jacobs emphasizes. He adds that families also save money: “People cut their soap down by two-thirds of what they’re using after they get a water softener. It actually pays for itself.” So what does it cost? Fresh Water Systems lists a typical range between $600 and $1,500 depending on household size and water hardness. Jacobs estimates the price of new units today start around $1,100 and rises with in ation. A well-maintained system can last 20 years or more, requiring little more than replenishing salt in the brine tank. If you are dealing with decreased pressure from scale-ridden pipes, dry skin, stiff laundry, or water heaters that seem to give out too soon, chances are your home is in hard water territory. The decision ultimately comes down to whether you’re ready to trade in mineral buildup for clear pipes, efficient appliances, and a smoother daily routine. [Sophia Larimore] Sources: https://www.freshwatersystems.com/blogs/ blog/what-is-a-water-softener-and-how-doesit-work https://samcotech.com/ion-exchange-systemwork/
Page 18 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Continue -- You are a renter. You love the location, the price, and the layout. However, it’s all white, sterile looking, and boring ……but you’re a renter. What can you do? Before you do anything these first steps are necessary! Review your lease and check for clauses about alterations, hanging things on the wall, painting and any additional charges or withholding of the security deposit. Talk to your landlord. Open communication is always the best and if you are planning to do anything that might leave a mark, like painting/wallpapering or adding shelves that require large holes, talk to them first. Offer to repair all the holes and paint over anything back to the original color upon leaving. Make sure that you document that conversation, what and when you did it and even consider writing up a document of approval and ask the landlord to sign it with your intentions and how you plan to leave you place. If your landlord is not willing to let you make any noticeable changes, there are still some things that you can do to make it your own. Things are expensive so there is no harm in checking out thrift store, garage sales and latching on to family or friends getting rid of stuff. Anything can be repurposed, cleaned up and reused. Focus on one room at a time and Rental Renovations get that right before you move on to the next. This will help maintain your budget and give you time to learn from your mistakes and plan for the next section or room. Use removable wallpaper and decals. You can get anything from back splashes for your kitchen and bathroom to making an accent wall. A large tapestry, rugs or textiles can be a great accent by using a tension rod or adhesive hooks. Hanging strips that are damage free can hold accent mirrors, large artwork, and other wall décor. Baths could be the hardest to change since some rentals have used the basic white or the cheapest regardless of the color such as pink or blue. To easily dress up a bathroom, in addition to changing a backsplash, adding a pretty or fun shower curtain, and coordinating mats and towels to pull it all together is the easiest. You don’t have to hang things on the wall to make the room look different. Adding lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces or leaning mirrors, ladders, or artwork on top of or against a bookshelf or mantel. Mirrors, if placed properly, can make a room look much bigger than it really is. You will have to spend time playing with the mirrors at different angles and locations. If you are planning to stay at this location long term, you can even change out the knobs and/ or handles on the cabinets (with the same size as not to drill extra holes in the doors/drawers) in the kitchen and baths. If you are handy, you can temporarily change
Page 19 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News out the faucets to give an updated look. Make sure you put the old ones away; in case you need to put them back on when you leave. Rugs, peel-in-stick tiles, contact paper or carpet remnants can really warm up the space and add color and depth to a room, whether on the floor or walls. To tie it all together, choose throw pillows, Afghans, curtains or sheers, and picture frames. Do you have a green thumb? If you don’t, there are some incredibly good minimal maintenance plants that can add the warmth, brighten up any space and boost your overall health and wellbeing. However, if the only green thumb you know of doesn’t belong to you there are many nice silk plants with which you can decorate. If you are working in a smaller space, using multifunctional furniture is a good choice. Such as a dining area that can also be your workspace, or a bookcase that folds out to a desk. Also, stacking or layering your small room can add depth and make a room look larger and warm. Putting your couch in front of a built-in bookcase and decorating above the couch adds depth. By adding cushions, rugs or throws to corners will give that lived in look. In a smaller rental, storage is key. It can be achieved by using all styles and colors of baskets in closets, shelves and on the floor. This will help contain clutter with a flare. Regardless of where you live, it’s yours. Even if you rent you can still make it yours and make it reflects your style, your hobbies, your collections, a place to feel safe and comfortable that is uniquely yours. Decorate with what you love and what impresses you, instead of making purchases that you think others will like or that you think will impress your friends and family. Be true to yourself and you will love your space. [JA Hodgdon-Ruppel] Sources: 15 Temporary Ways to Personalize Your Rental Without Risking Your Deposit – growmylifestyle.com https://bedthreads.com/blogs/journal/budgetrental-decorating?srsltid=AfmBOopATGvnX UHb0RDhVFo4LmqEraXjuAHCH1i6uvncni NCXheeCIEO https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/decorate/ a35093246/decorating-rented-home/
Page 20 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Continue -- As the weather outside gets colder, outdoor home improvements become less and less feasible. Beside the cold weather, the sun begins to set earlier, giving people less daylight to do these projects. It is about this time that indoor home improvement projects become more appealing. One potential home improvement project is the replacing and updating of faucets. It might be that your old faucet is leaking, or maybe it is that you just want a new look to your sink or tub. Whatever the reason, fall can be a great season for making this upgrade. In addition to your more traditional hardware, smart faucets are an option as well. These are faucets that can connect to the internet to receive commands from apps or other smart devices in your home such as an Alexa device or Google Home. Are smart faucets necessary, or is this something that is neat? Dean Leith Plumbing provided some information on smart faucets. Dakota Leith, Office Manager at Dean Leith, was able to get some answers to questions regarding smart faucets, starting with the benefits they provide when in your home. Firstly, they can be motion activated, such as faucets one might see in public restrooms. She also confirmed, as stated previously, that they can be connected to smart devices in your home to be voice activated. In addition to this, Leith shared that these smart faucets can be set to precise temperatures, dispense exact amounts of water before turning off automatically, and track the Do You Need a Smart Faucet? amount of water you have used. As for prices of smart faucets when compared to traditional faucets, as one might guess, they can be more expensive. Leith shared that the price of smart faucets can range between $300 and $800, with some of the premium brands costing over $1,000. The cost of installation can range from around $200 to $400 but can be higher depending on what kinds of sensors have to be set up. In addition to this, you may need to hire an electrician if you do not have an outlet under your sink for the smart faucet to be plugged in. According to Leith, “a nonsmart faucet is typically cheaper upfront, but a smart faucet adds convenience, water savings, and tech features that some homeowners find worth the investment.” Leith was then asked about smart faucets’ failure rate compared to traditional faucets. Leith stated that she believes smart faucets are indeed more prone to failure. “I have read reviews that smart faucets are more of a headache than they are a benefit when it comes to repairing them,” Leith wrote. She continued, stating that many of these reviews say that a plumber usually comes back out to remove the smart faucet and install a traditional faucet within a few months. Leith stated that, in her experience, she has not seen a lot of smart faucets in residential homes. Next, Leith wrote on whether an electrician would also be needed in the installation process. Leith wrote that not all models need
Page 21 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News to be plugged directly into an outlet, as some run off battery packs. She wrote that these battery packs can be a bit problematic if they quit, however. Some higher end smart faucets, on the other hand, do need to be plugged into a power source such as an outlet. In this case, as stated previously, you may need an electrician if you do not already have an outlet under your sink. As for Dean Leith, Leith wrote that while they do not sell smart faucets, they can get them for customers and also have experience installing them. Specifically, their plumbers have experience installing Delta Touch 2O smart faucets. This article is not to say that you should avoid purchasing a smart faucet, or even that it would be a bad investment if you do. It is important, however, that you are aware of all the details, both good and bad, before investing money into replacing a faucet. If things such as having a smart faucet that has touchless features, temperature controls, and precise water distribution appeals to you, then this faucet may be for you. If the cons like the higher chance of failure and the higher price make you second guess getting one, then they may not be for you. While smart faucets may not be for everyone, knowing the pros and cons will help you make the best decision for your home. [Matt Boutcher] Sources: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4PuWy3sjD04 Dakota Leith, Office Manager, Dean Leith Plumbing & Water Treatment Services, 1112 Keokuk St., Lincoln, IL 62656
Page 22 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Continue -- Gadgets for your home In today’s world, everyone wants a gadget that will make life easier or better. A gadget is a tool or device that works exceptionally well for a specific task. They allow us to communicate more efficiently, access information quickly, track our health expertly, cook our food quicker, but with flare, and access entertainment anytime and from anywhere. The past few years, AI (Artificial Intelligence) has been in the forefront of technology and invention. There are a few already released AI gadgets and one awaiting release that boasts the ability to make dinner, household chores, and surveillance easier than ever before. The Roborock-Saros Z70 Robot Vacuum and Mop is equipped with a revolutionary mechanical arm that removes obstacles, lifts small objects, and can even organize small items like socks. LED lighting and dual cameras ensure accurate cleaning and detection. It is said to detect marks and lift obstacles in the first pass. It is fully programmable and equipped with its own mobile app to track progress and monitor efficiency. Its flexi-arm reaches deep into corners and edges. Adaptive technology also allows the Roborock to automatically adjust its height for different surfaces, allowing it to go from smooth surfaces to carpet with ease. The multifunctional dock features 10 in 1 maintenance including hot water mop washing, brush cleaning and detangling of any hair or fibers, detergent dispensing, and auto emptying. Of course, technology like this comes with a pretty hefty price tag. For around $2,500 the Roborock can be yours. When you think about it, is that really more than you would pay a housekeeper? Averaged out that would be around $208.00 a month for a year and then it’s paid for. Something to think about for those households where both parties work, where little kids leave big messes, and where memories are made. Click for more information. Samsung is now accepting pre-registration to be the first to be able to purchase the Ballie, a new smart home companion. Ballie is a ball shaped home assistant that independently drives around the house helping the user complete various tasks. Ballie learns your patterns, so it is constantly improving. It can learn your habits, so it is constantly evolving and personalizing. Initially set to release in the summer of 2025, Samsung has delayed release to ensure that Ballie is up to the task.
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Page 24 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News Said to be able to send video updates of your home and your pets, control lights and small appliances, and project images onto the floor or walls, Ballie seems like the perfect companion for those wanting a techie home assistant. Release date and price are not set, but you can register to receive the latest updates by clicking here. Backyard barbecues just got a lot cooler. Brisk it, a California startup business has unveiled its outdoor Zelos 450 grill with AI capabilities that include remote monitoring and controlling. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to adjust temperature settings through a mobile app. The electric pellet smoker has a 450 square inch cooking area and has smart recognition technology that uses photos uploaded to help you with recipes and suggestions as you are cooking. With a $400 price tag, it’s comparable to regular gas or charcoal grills of the same size. Perfect for the young, tech savvy, beginner wanting to step up their grill game. Click for more information. Coming in hot is the Ninja 8 in 1 outdoor kitchen. Equipped with 5 pizza settings and a 700-degree F. BBQ smoker it’s sure to reimagine outdoor cooking. Using real wood pellets, you can add smoke flavor to any dish with an integrated smoke box. Cook 12 inch pizzas in just 3 minutes when using the electric cook settings. Fully control temperatures with a digital display and heat settings from 105-degrees F to 700-degrees F. Capable of holding a full sheet pan, a 12lb prime rib or a 7lb chicken, dinner parties are a piece of cake. Click for more information. Technology is advancing in almost every aspect of life. Today’s focus seems to be on making things more efficient and easier for the user. AI technology has infiltrated our homes and kitchens, and new gadgets are released each season. If you’re curious about how these gadgets might fit in your lifestyle, check out the links provided and feel free to browse the vast selection of goodies and gadgets available. [Lesleigh Bennett]
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Page 26 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News We all have some dust or dirt in our homes, but one of the dirtiest spots in a home is a place that remains unseen. This spot is your air duct, which often accumulates dust and other pollutants. There is some debate on whether air ducts need cleaning; however, some sources show there can be benefits to having it done. One company that does air duct cleaning locally is Resilient Premier Cleaning. Deiy Shuff-Chignard, who works at Resilient, shared some of the reasons for having ducts cleaned. Shuff-Chignard said ductwork sometimes needs to be cleaned because it affects the air quality. The indoor can be five times more concentrated than the outside air. In the winter when people are spending more time inside, that can become even more of a problem. Shuff-Chignard said dust, debris, pet dander, mouse droppings and other indoor pollutants can get in the system. When that happens, these pollutants become trapped. When the ducts are cleaned, Shuff-Chignard said it can be helpful for those who are allergic to dust and pollen. Having your ductwork cleaned Clean ductwork can also enhance the efficiency of an HVAC system. As ShuffChignard said, when the ductwork is dirty, it wears down the HVAC and can exacerbate certain health problems like allergies and asthma. In an article by the Environmental Protection Agency discussing whether you should have your air ducts cleaned, the EPA cites more reasons you should consider having air ducts in your home cleaned. One reason to have ducts cleaned is if “there is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.” Other reasons to consider having ducts cleaned is if they “are infested with vermin” such as rodents or insects or “are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.” As the EPA notes, when it comes to detecting mold in heating and cooling systems, you need to understand several important points. For example, “many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a Continue --
Page 27 Fall Home Improvement 2025 Lincoln Daily News visible inspection, so ask the service provider to show you any mold they say exists.” It is also important to “be aware that although a substance may look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final confirmation. For about $50, some microbiology laboratories can tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.” In addition, “if you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets so wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned” the duct “should be removed and replaced.” Finally, you need to make sure the conditions are corrected because “if the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.” Accessibility and size of the home help determine pricing. Shuff-Chignard said costs can be anywhere from $500 to $1,000 depending on these factors. If you decide to have your ductwork cleaned, Shuff-Chignard recommends having it done every one or two years. [Angela Reiners] Sources: Home - Resilient Premier Cleaning, LLC https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned
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