Spring shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com April 11, 2017 • Page 9 Home Improvement CAR CARE Home Improvements That Increase Home Value When granite countertops or shiny, stainless steel appliances beckon homeowners from the display areas of home improvement stores, it’s tempting to gear remodeling thoughts toward the items that will add flair and decorative appeal to a home. Even though most improvements add some measure of value, deciding which are the best investments can be difficult. Return on investment, often referred to as ‘ROI’, varies depending on the project. Frequently, the projects that seem like the best investments don’t bring the greatest rate of return, while those that seem like smaller projects bring substantial returns. Real estate professionals routinely weigh in with their expert advice, and homeowners can couple that advice with Remodeling magazine’s annual ‘Cost vs. Value Index’ to reap the greatest financial impact from their renovations. The following were some of the projects that garnered the greatest ROI Roy Johnson Roofing, Inc. • Standing Seam • Repairing & New Roofs • Built-Up Roofing • One-Ply Roofing System in 2015. • Open the door to improvement. Region by region across the United States, installation of a new steel door on the front of a home can have a large impact on the resale value of a property. The ROI ranges from 123 percent at Before remodeling, determine which projects will provide the highest, to 86 the greatest return on investment. percent at the lowbedroom to increase home value. The est, which is still a considerable investment return for such ROI of an attic remodel that adheres to code can garner an 83 percent ROI. a simple project. Match the door’s style • Home maintenance projects. with the style of the house for the best There’s little good to improving the value. • Turn up the kitchen heat. An attrac- aesthetic appeal and functionality of a home if there are existing structural or tive kitchen can encourage buyers to maintenance issues, warn experts. Sidoverlook some of a home’s less attracing replacement, HVAC system repair or tive components. replacement, a new roof, and basement In the kitchen, dampness prevention solutions can be replacement smarter investments before other flashy countertops, wall remodels. Many buyers have a strict color changes, new cabinetry and budget for a house, and those buyers may be more likely to buy a house with flooring offer the little or no maintenance issues. Such biggest ROI. buyers will then upgrade the kitchen • Dreaming of or baths themselves, according to Hara new bedroom. vard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Remodeling maga• Worthy window replacement. zine also points to Angie’s List, a home services review creating an attic and referral resource, has found that the average ROI of Trust us for chemical-free lawn care new windows is 77 percent. formulated to nurture and protect more The cost of installation and than just your yard. Our natural lawn energy savings tend to offset care services are safer for your family at around the 10-year point. If remodeling is on the and pets as well as the environment, offering you a better way to maintain a horizon, homeowners should great-looking, healthy lawn. give strong consideration to ROI before choosing a project. 500 Burleigh • Yankton, SD (605)665-7731 All Natural Lawn Care 10% off Prepays All Natural Lawn Care Program as chemical free as you want to be 4200 W. 8th Street • Yankton, SD PUT SOME Variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to fit any lifestyle, backyard or budget Leisure World, Inc. Spas Swimming Pools Saunas 1900 Broadway Ave., Yankton, SD • 605-665-1240 2500 S. 13th St., Norfolk, NE • 402-371-8425 w w w. l e i s u r e w o r l d . c o m nMetro Creative Connections Tire Maintenance a Key Component of Spring Check-Up When warm weather arrives, many people enjoy a collective sigh of relief. Just as people welcome the end of the cold, snow and ice, cars and trucks also can benefit from more moderate temperatures. Salt, grime and pot holes can take a toll on tires over the course of a typical winter. Drivers will not get far this spring and summer without tires in good repair, which is why tire maintenance should be part of any seasonal repair checklist. Inflation levels Now is the time to use a tire pressure gauge to see if tires are at the ideal inflation levels. Many tires indicate the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) on their sidewalls. Cold temperatures may cause tires to deflate a little. Esurance states that winter weather can cause tire pressure reduction at about one PSI for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. Driving on improperly inflated tires can be dangerous, potentially affecting handling and braking distances. Check tires when they are cold for the most accurate reading. Properly inflated tires also will improve fuel economy, so drivers may even save a little money by inflating their tires. Tire rotation/realignment Examine the tires for tread wear. Any uneven or abnormal tread wear could indicate that the tires need to be rotated and the wheels realigned at the very least. Take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic to get their opinion on how to remedy the situation. Mechanics may recommend rotating tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or about every six months for the average driver. Wheel realignment may be necessary after a season of driving over potholes and other irregularities in the road. Misaligned wheels can cause handling problems, like the car ‘pulling’ to one side. Tire replacement Drivers may discover extreme tread wear, bulges or even cracks in the sidewall during a tire inspection. These signs indicate that it’s time to replace the tires. Failing to replace old, worn down tires can increase the risk of automobile accidents. Thorough cleaning Once tires are inspected and possibly serviced or replaced, treat the car or truck to a washing and thorough detailing. This will help tires shine and get the vehicle road-ready for spring trips. nMetro Creative Connections