September 17, 2013 • Page 20 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Reach Top Mileage On Your Car With It Still Going Strong Easy Bathroom Renovations Bathroom renovations are second to kitchen renovations on the list of the top remodeling projects to increase home value. The popularity of bathroom renovations and their ability to transform a space has left many homeowners wondering if there are any easy and affordable ways to change the look of their bathrooms. While “easy” is a relative term, there are ways homeowners willing to make certain concessions can keep the work and cost of a bathroom renovation to a minimum. Resurface When possible, covering up what you have in the bathroom is much less expensive and less laborintensive than tearing out existing fixtures and floors and replacing them anew. Resurfacing can extend to refinishing bathtubs to installing shower liners. Those who have unsightly walls or wallpaper that they’re just not ready to remove may consider using wainscotting to cover a portion of the room or even tiling entire walls. It is important to note that resurfacing and covering up items in the bathroom should only be reserved for cosmetic fixes. If something needs to be replaced because it is damFamily Owned & Operated For Over 40 Years! aged or mildew-covered, then covering it up is only hiding the problem and asking for more work in the long run. Scale back on materials One way to save money on a bathroom renovation project is to choose less expensive materials. For example, you may not need to install travertine or marble flooring in a space where less expensive flooring like vinyl is adequate. Advancements in vinyl flooring have enabled this affordable material to mimic the look of more expensive materials at a fraction of the cost. When redoing tile on walls and shower enclosures, many domesticallyproduced tiles rival the looks of more expensive imported alternatives. You may be able to save more by buying tile in bulk and using the remainder in other applications around the house. Paint Do not underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint on any room in the house, including the bathroom. Dark, small spaces can be made to look more expansive with lighter colors. Cavernous bathrooms that look empty may prove more inviting with darker hues. Pick a paint that is PEST TECHNICIANS If bugs are the problem, we are the solution! Protectors of health, property and our environment. Serving all of South Dakota P Ruby & Karla Olson .R., Call 1-800-KIL-BUGS for a free estimate! Christensen’s Radiator & Repair designed for bathroom Many drivers may find application so that it will the idea of keeping a vehiinhibit the growth of mold cle that has surpassed the and mildew. 100,000-mile mark preposterous. However, perhaps Update hardware A new faucet or some due to the rising cost of new cabinet pulls can make new vehicles, many drivers the room look new and now recognize the benefits fresh without breaking the of keeping their vehicles for bank. Match finishes the long haul. According to Polk throughout the bathroom research, many of today’s so everything will be cohesive. When shopping for a drivers are keeping their new shower head, choose a cars for longer periods of model that also conserves time, with the average age water. This way you will be of all cars on the road being making cosmetic and ener- 11 years. In October of gy-saving renovations at 2011, Joe LoCicero saw his 1990 Honda Accord crack the same time. the one million mile mark, a feat for which Honda DIY Handling labor yourself awarded him a new Accord instead of hiring workers and a parade in his homecan reduce the cost of bath- town. There are many beneroom remodels considerfits to keeping a car longer, ably. It is possible to buy fully assembled bathroom including the financial vanities and install them impact of such a decision. yourself. Even installing a In a recent survey and new toilet is relatively easy study from Consumer Reports, the savings of with the help of a friend. There are a number of keeping a vehicle for ways to make bathroom 225,000 miles over 15 renovations a bit easier and years versus purchasing more affordable. Even and financing an identical nominal changes can give model every five years the space an entirely differ- equated to a savings of ent look and feel, which more than the original purcan make the room more chase price of the car. A enjoyable and help person can potentially save improve a home’s resale value in the process. $20,000 or more on a properly maintained older car. Keeping a car running beyond 200,000 miles was once pure luck. Cars made 10 to 20 years ago might not have been up to the task. But improvements in rust prevention, lubricants and engine technology have made it easier for today’s vehicles to last longer. But as durable and reliable as today’s cars may be, AAA notes the importance of regular maintenance. Knowing your car is one of the first ways to make sure it gets the service it needs. Over time, many drivers start to identify warning signs, such as abnormal noises or if the vehicle simply feels off when out on the road. Finding a mechanic that can be trusted is an important step for drivers who want to keep their vehicles going strong for years to come. A driver is more likely to bring the car in for service if the price is right and he or she does not feel like any costly and unnecessary repairs are being recommended. Building a good relationship with a mechanic can keep a car working longer. Newer model year cars can be taken to dealership mechanics, who may have a better working knowledge of newer electronics and the subtleties of specific models of cars. The owner’s manual should not be something that simply takes up space inside the glove compartment. It is worthy of a read. Understanding the recommended maintenance schedule and what other steps can be taken to prolong the life of the car can keep it on the road longer. Keeping the tires inflated to the proper pressure and using the right type of gasoline are the types of information that can be found in the manual. Drivers can save a lot of money on unnecessary repairs if they follow these guidelines. Many people are keeping their vehicles longer, reaching mile marks that were once unheard of. 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