Spring -- Time for Home Improvement
Nice weather has brought about that spark of spring fever in people. That spark is what gets things done around the house, things that have waited all winter long for that first nice day. The thought of having people over for Easter Dinner usually gets women --- and sometimes men ---motivated to get the house ready.
That time is here and businesses around the area have been reaping the benefits.
Personal Finance has been loaning money for spruce up projects since the 70 degree weather spell last month. Yvonne Boyles, manager for Personal Finance, says that will pick up even more in the next couple of months. They have already financed projects such as windows, flooring, cabinets, new windows and furniture. Boyles said the recession hasn't really affected them.
Spring is busy for fixer-uppers
Alan Nash owns Home Improvement and Handyman Service. He does carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall, and painting and lays laminate and ceramic flooring. He said bathrooms are his number one job request right now as he just finished five bath re-do's. Ripping out carpet and putting in new laminate flooring is also on his list of requests from customers. Installing ceiling fans and new lights after painting a room is a normal request. Nash suggests making a list of things that need to be done and he can come in for one day and knock out all the items on the "honey-do" list. Those lists won't cost you as much as you think when you call a handyman service. For women who don't have a male to take care of that list, his service is perfect.
Carpet guys fortunately have stayed busy
Donnie Johnson of Don's Carpet Center agrees that the economy has been bad, but they have been really fortunate to have stayed busy. February brought about customers ready to tear out the old and bring in the new. Johnson said he's been laying more carpet recently that wood and vinyl flooring. But that might change as the weather gets warmer.
Landscaping can add value to exterior
Landscaping a yard that is coming back to life after a long winter is always a big project. Most people enjoy landscaping because you get to enjoy the weather while you are working. The Country Garden has been in business for several years in Washington but was connected to the Sturgeon home. Les Sturgeon decided to build a new building for his business when it was too crowded and too big for the residential area they live in. They will open April 1 and plan to be open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday afternoons through the busy season. Bedding plants, bulk garden seed, hanging baskets, and shrubs and trees are some of the things they will carry. Sturgeon said he would like to have a small floral area where one can purchase bouquets, cut flowers and funeral arrangements. He also plans to be open year round and have a Christmas area with decorated trees on display and Christmas trees available for purchase.
At A&R Hardware, Shelly Wagler, owner, says the normal spring things are already selling such as grass seed, mulch and fertilizer. Lawn care products are always high on the list of everyday needs as people want their lawns to be easy to take care of while looking nice at the same time.
Bathroom renovations popular
A&R Hardware has been busy with bath re-models also. Customers are wanting tile flooring installed in their baths, along with whirlpool tubs. They have also done several quotes on new air conditioners as well as tune-ups on the old.
Wagler said this year it seems everyone is more energy conscious with the go-green craze. People are looking for the energy efficient appliances. Several rebates are available on the Internet. Vectren has one for water heaters and furnaces, and there is one for storm doors and the government has one available for windows. So saving money is possible while updating your home.
Wabash Plumbing in Vincennes has been busy with springtime projects too. Ginger Welton says in today's trying times and the economy the way it is, people seem to want to update things without the major expense of replacing everything.
The changing of a faucet, sink or cabinet hardware, flooring or a new coat of paint can do wonders for a kitchen. Replacing outdated countertops is also an option with hundreds of colors, finishes, and various edge profiles.
If a customer wants to do a little more to their kitchen, Wabash Plumbing has a beautiful new kitchen and bath showroom that can give the homeowner a lot of great ideas. They also offer computerized design and estimates so you can see firsthand what your new kitchen or bath will look like.
In the bath, a new shower or shower doors is always a good place to start. A countertop, vanity, sink, faucet or light fixture will update your old bathroom to new for a small investment. For those needing a more extensive re-do, they could install a beautiful marble shower or walk-in tub.