Laker springhome 2015

home • Spring 2015 • 1

homeSpring 2015 • Complimentary

Spring Clean-Up page 5Real Estate Forecast page 8New Green Homes page 14

Cheerful Design page 22Prepare to Plant page 27

Crashing the Picnic page 35Preparing to Sell page 36

Kitchens and Baths page 38Rustic Home Décor page 43

2 • home • Spring 2015

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Spring Clean-Up Time


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After a particularly snowy winter such as the one just ended, there is a lot of additional work that may not have been necessary in years with milder winters. Ice, snow, and wind may have damaged roofs and decks, and decorative bushes and trees may need extra care.

Inside, it is a good idea to check for signs of leaks in the attic or broken pipes under the house. Minor problems discovered now will avoid bigger ones later on.

One of the first things to check in the spring is the state of the roof. Are there missing or damaged shingles, flashing, or tiles? If it doesn’t look right, it may be time to call in a roofing contractor.

While focusing on the roof, include the gutters. Leaves and other debris that accumulates during the course of the year should be cleaned out now so the gutters function properly throughout the summer. Make sure the gutters are still firmly attached and that they have not sprung any leaks. And don’t forget to make sure the downspouts point away from the house so they are not dumping water at the foundation where they can erode the soil and potentially cause flooding in the basement.

Speaking of the foundation, now is the time to check for cracks that could let in water from the spring melt or summer thunderstorms. The basement walls, floor, and trim should be checked for water stains or signs of seepage through the foundation. If you don’t feel confident sealing the cracks yourself, call in a contractor who is familiar with what needs to be done.

When checking the attic for leaks, look for discoloration of insulation or signs of moisture on the underside of the roof. If there is a musty smell, it may indicate a leak.

Inspect the entire exterior of the house, making note of any storm damage. Replace broken planks or supports on walkways or decks, and seal or reseal the wood. Do not wait for water to start rotting away the structures; make them safe now. Also, check for splinters, especially if the structure has pressure-treated wood. Look for sharp edges and rusting nails that may be sticking out, and take care of them before someone gets hurt. Also make sure railings and stairs are secure and not wobbly.

Keep a list of maintenance items that you may want to tackle now, or perhaps to keep in mind for later in the summer. Peeling or flaking paint, missing siding, or loose handrails are a sign that something should be done. Painting in the spring not only means getting it done in milder temperatures; it also helps to protect the home from summer heat.

Look for depressions in the ground around the house and across the property where water might accumulate during a heavy storm. Puddles can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes as well as making the ground soggy and uneven.

For plants, spring is the time to prune away winter-killed branches so new growth can take place. Perennials can be cut back and the remains of annuals should be removed, along with leaves and weeds that can harbor plant diseases.

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If there are bare spots in the landscape, consider transplanting some of the vegetation from higher-density spots, or visit a nursery for ideas of what you might want to add to the yard.

This is the time to prepare the garden for planting later in the spring. Rake off accumulated leaves and pull out the weeds, then use a hoe to loosen the soil and mix in compost for nutrients. You will want to aerate the soil again before planting.

Check outdoor furniture to determine the need for cleaning or repair. Do you want to use that furniture another season, or is it time for replacement? Is there another piece to add that would enhance the outdoor leisure experience?

Consider inviting family or friends over for a garage clean-out day. Most people accumulate things that have exceeded their useful lives. Perhaps it is possible to find a better place for the “keepers” and to reorganize the garage space to make things neater and more accessible. There should be storage areas for garden tools, sporting goods, and camping equipment so there is still space for the family car.

Wondering how to pay for the needed home improvements you’ve identified during your spring check? While it likely will not cover the cost of everything begging for attention, selling off some of the “clutter” inside the home is a great way to pick up a little extra cash and at the same time make the living quarters more attractive. You may be amazed at what a garage or yard sale can bring in while you divest yourself of unneeded or unwanted household items.

Don’t overlook the wardrobe. While changing from winter to summer clothing, there is an opportunity to get rid of unwanted clothing, either by including it in that yard sale or by donating it to a local charity. You may be tired of that outfit, but it may be just what someone else is looking for

(whether they realize it or not).Tackling spring cleaning all at once can be a bit daunting — especially

pulling out and cleaning under all the furniture — but the work can be spread out over several weekends and still leave some time for relaxation.

Window cleaning is a good start, providing a better view of your yard while letting in some of that bright spring sunlight.

While doing the windows, think about the drapes and window dressings. Is it time for something new? Perhaps switching back to something used there previously is all you need to give a sense of newness to the room.

If spring cleaning seems too overwhelming, throw a spring-cleaning party at which the whole family pitches in, with a pizza or a nice dinner at the end. It can make the task less daunting.

Although it is too early to start up your cooling system, this is a good time to check it out and make sure everything is working, and the filters are clean. When those hot days arrive, you don’t want to be fussing with a broken air conditioner.

This is a good time to call in a qualified HVAC contractor, who can inspect and tune up that air conditioning system. Drain hoses can become clogged with algae and sediment that should be removed.

The water heater is another thing to check. Make sure there is no water around the base of the appliance, which could indicate a leak. Water heaters that are more than five years old should be checked for leakage and rusting monthly, and replaced if any occurs. You may need to drain the tank to get rid of sediment buildup if your water supply is “hard” (with lots of minerals).

Spring cleaning may not be the most pleasant experience, but it is a very important part of a homeowner’s life. The trick is to make it as easy and interesting as possible, while making sure you cover all the bases.


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There is a saying in New England that if you do not like the weather, wait five minutes. In other words, the weather changes a lot. The same adage could be used for the Lakes Region/NH real estate market.

Due to the recent recession, many people are now recovering from lost income and job changes, as well as declining home and property values.

The good news — and indeed there is good news — is that things are improving and the recession has, for most people, ended.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home, you may be curious what the current market is like in the area. Is it a good time to sell? Should you wait or move forward to sell or buy? What are prices like? And of course, the all-important question: How difficult is it to get financing?

Those in the know are the realtors who work in this fluid buying and selling field every day. They see markets go up and down; their insight and input is very valuable.

First, we all wonder if the Lakes Region real estate market has improved. Overall, realtors are positive. None report that the market is booming to such an extent that all is incredible, but there has been a steady improvement which is very good news.

“The decline/depreciation, in my opinion, stopped in 2012,” says Randy Parker, independent agent/broker at Maxfield Real Estate. “We have not necessarily gone into a heavy appreciation mode but there has been no further decline in the real estate market.”

Parker adds that prices are holding steady at this point and he predicts

Lakes Region Real Estate ForecastBy Kathi Caldwell-Hopper


We Sell the Best of The Lakes Region

Waterfront • Water AccessResidential • Land • Commercial Jane Mooney

(603)986-2594Randy Parker(603)455-6913

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WOLFEBORO Deluxe custom residence, breathtaking setting with 350’ lake frontage. Superior amenities, beach, docking, guest and bunk houses! $5,500,000 (4173550)

MOULTONBOROUGH Stately Bald Peak estate on private golf course with mountain views, beautiful landscaping, has beach access, deeded dock. $2,495,000 (4376501)

ALTON Truly stunning home, expansive lake and mountain views. Rich, warm interior, 2 fireplaces, covered boat slip, beautifully landscaped. $1,975,000 (4184069)

TUFTONBORO Very rare 6 acre waterfront property with incredible sandy walk-in beach! 335’ shoreline, main residence PLUS 4 cottages! $1,900,000 (4408579)

MOULTONBOROUGH Flawless contempo-rary in gated community, lake views, open interior, swim spa, guest cottage. Beach rights, deeded boat slip. $1,295,000 (4407016)

MOULTONBOROUGH Gansy Island-1900’ shoreline!! 10.09 acres, near mainland marinas, options include private island retreat, development. $1,295,000 (4408667)

WOLFEBORO Beautiful residence on 200’ shoreline, 2 docks, sandy beach, decks. Vaulted ceilings, open concept, abundant sunlight, water views! $1,230,000 (4360121)

WOLFEBORO Outstanding 4-bedroom year-round lake home with delightful vintage NH guest cottage, 190’ shoreline, 2 oversized docks and SUNSETS!! $1,099,000 (4374912)

LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE

LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE CRESCENT LAKE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE

LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE

Lakes Region Real Estate Forecastthat later this year or next year we will return to more of a seller’s market.

“The market is improving and we are seeing more sales, but there is a lack of inventory,” explains Ruth Neidhardt, managing broker at Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty in Meredith. Neidhardt has been a realtor since 1994 and has experienced the market in all its phases. “People have been holding back, but as the weather gets better, I think we will see more activity and I predict a good year. There is a lot of pent-up desire.”

In other words, many buyers and sellers have been holding back on real estate movement due to the recession. After a time, people want to move forward in their lives and real estate sales become more active.

Mary Lamprey Bare, GRI, CBR at Lamprey Real Estate Associates in Center Harbor says, “I have to say I am very hopeful that we will see a good season. The winter was slower and the people we are talking to on the phone express frustration with the snow and that they are so ready for spring and an opportunity to get up to the area and start looking.”

“The statistics showing that home values are going up will also be helpful as we start talking to sellers about listing their properties.”

Bare cites information from the National Association of REALTORS and

the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS (NHAR) when she reports, “In the Lakes Region the number of buyers coming to the area to look for homes was affected significantly by the weather. (The extremely snowy winter of 2014/2015). In our office speaking with potential buyers, they indicated that they would begin their search ‘after mud season’ and when the sun returns.” The NAR REALTOR® Confidence survey released in March reported that overall REALTORS® are optimistic about the spring and summer selling

season. Fueling the optimism and what we believe will be encouraging factors for buyers to act in the next six months are the historically low interest rates and reports that the FED will increase rates in the future.

“Inventory in both residential and condo units have been lower than

2013/2014 levels. Prices have increased modestly over 2013/2014 prices. New Hampshire is expected to see an increase in inventory, and in turn, a rise in the number of sales. In New Hampshire the expectation is for the median home price to increase in the three to four percent range for 2015. NHAR is reporting that due to the stable economy, it is expected that the spring and early summer should be stronger following a lack luster first quarter attributed to severe weather conditions.”

Ellen Mulligan, broker associate with Coldwell-Banker in Center Harbor,

“The smaller lake properties are starting to see movement.” ~ Randy Parker


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agrees that the market is improving gradually. She says interest rates are still low, which help increase real estate sales.

“We are a discretionary market,” Mulligan says, “and even in bad times people with money still buy. We now have people coming from places such as Boston and getting into bidding wars over real estate. There is a greater sense of pent-up desire to buy because people have been waiting for the market to change. For example, I had a listing for a waterfront property that was on the market for five years. The price was reduced once. I just had two offers for the property this winter. It is indeed a discretionary market!”

Mulligan feels that the waterfront segment of the real estate market is improving and she has seen a big difference between last year and this year. Further, she says the residential side is also getting better. “The regular residential market was glutted with inactivity and listings. Now it is turning and getting better.”

There is, however, always a Catch-22 for the seller at the bottom who cannot move on and buy another house until he sells his current property. The domino effect has always been an issue and the recent recession did nothing to improve that problem, although property is beginning to move again.

Mulligan also sees investors looking to purchase multi-family property for income. Home improvement television shows featuring investors that fix up and flip or rent houses have created awareness for this segment of the real estate market.

Neidhardt of Four Seasons Sotheby’s says that waterfront is premier in the Lakes Region. Towns such as Moultonboro have a lot of waterfront and it stands to reason there will be bigger sales in those areas. “Meredith is also a go-to town. People want to live there. Second-home buyers come from Massachusetts, Connecticut and the southern part of NH.”

She adds that it can still be challenging to get financing and buyers should

be pre-qualified if there is any question before shopping for a house. “If there is any question, make sure you are solid and not overstretching,” she explains.

When it comes to waterfront Randy Parker says, “During the recession, property on the smaller lakes sat dormant. Now, the smaller lake properties are starting to see movement in the $400,000 to $700,000 price range. Lake Winnipesaukee property is doing well at $2 to $2 1/2 million and below.”

Parker says island property is available and a good bet for those who want a Winnipesaukee waterfront home but are in a budget that puts them under $500,000. Island property may be for a select

segment of buyers (because you need a boat to travel to and from the island to the mainland), but it is a good choice for those who don’t mind this alternate type of second home.

Neidhardt concurs, “Know the area. It’s a big territory and there is something for everybody. And there is beautiful smaller lake property available as well.”

When it comes to financing, Parker urges buyers to deal with local banks vs. out-of-state financers. “Local banks are aware of local home values and the process of getting a home in the Lakes Region.”

Mulligan at Coldwell Banker does not find bank financing particularly difficult. “Local banks are great and there is money to lend. I find that the local banks work hard to make things happen.”

Home prices, according to Mulligan, are not going up a lot at this point. The appraisal process, however, is somewhat challenging. During the recession, a number of appraisers got out of the business and there are now fewer appraisers. It is helpful to work with an appraiser that knows the area and properties vs. an out-of-town or state appraiser with less local experience.

It is somewhat of a misconception that your

“The market is improving and we are seeing more sales, but there is a lack of inventory.” ~ Ruth Neidhardt

Continued on page 12


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town’s assessed value of your property has anything to do with the value when selling. That point was

reiterated in one form or another by many realtors.Bare reports, “Comparing home sales between 2014 and 2015 across the

state shows the overall number of sales year to date are almost the same in 2015 as they were at this time in 2014. Number of days on market has just dropped slightly. Inventory of new listings in the first few months of 2015 was down 11% from 2014. An encouraging statistic reported that the NH Median Sale price for single-family homes has risen from $199,000 in 2013 to $214,900 in 2014 and up to $224,000 in 2015 year-to-date. Condo median price has seen a similar pattern of increase with the median price in 2013 at $142,000, 2014 at 155,900 with median price for 2015 year to date up to $160,000 statewide. Days on the market in both homes and condos have decreased slightly over 2014 figures.”

So if a homeowner has decided to move forward and list a property, what will increase the chances of a successful sale?

Says Jodi Hughes Emerson of Prudential Spencer Hughes Real Estate in Wolfeboro, “There is no better time than now to put your house on the market. The best advice I can give someone is to prepare your home for showings the same way you would treat your car if you were trying to sell it. Clean it, make sure there is no clutter, and that it is in good condition. Buyers want to look at the house, not your stuff. And when it comes to selling waterfront, you are selling a lifestyle.”

Parker explains, “Be sure your house doesn’t have a lot of issues, and that it is clean and structurally sound. Make your house presentable and be reasonable in pricing.”

While these seem like logical and simple things, it isn’t uncommon for some sellers to leave clutter in homes. Ensuring that buyers can see the house and not your belongings or personal items such as family photos, is important.

“The biggest advice is to stage your home and make sure it’s clean,” Neidhardt asserts. “Clear out the clutter and take down personal photos and items. Do not smoke in your house – buyers are turned off by the smell of

cigarette smoke in a home. And do repairs if they are needed. Do not leave any room for doubt.”

It is critical to choose an experienced realtor if you want to sell your home. An agent who is familiar with the local real estate environment and can market your home is vital (this also means someone who can take very attractive photos of your home/property for

the Web and print advertisements.)Whether appealing to year-round or second-home buyers, make sure your

property looks its very best and be realistic about pricing.Everyone in the real estate process, from buyers to sellers, should do their

homework – make sure financing is solid before heading out to shop for that desirable second-home or upgrade in a residential year-round home. Also, consider not only waterfront, but island property as well in your search for a great getaway.

“The numbers are encouraging. Statewide we continue to see sale prices increasing. It is especially good news for homeowners that have been ready to list their home for sale, but have been delaying the decision since the downturn of 2008/2009. For buyers, it means more properties to choose from and attractive interest rates making home ownership more affordable,” concludes Mary Lamprey Bare.

Continued from page 10

“The numbers are encouraging. Statewide we continue to see sale prices increasing. It is especially good news for homeowners that have been ready to list their home for sale, but have been delaying the decision since the downturn of 2008/2009”. ~ Mary Lamprey Bare


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Winter's coldest days make you appreciate spring and summer, as well as the warm afternoons spent outdoors enjoying these seasons. And there's no better place to relax than in your own backyard.

Below are projects you can tackle on your own to reinvent your backyard and turn it into the space you always knew it could be.

Landscape for the year. Landscaping provides a focal point in your yard, but don't just landscape with the warmer months in mind - include plants for each season. Showcase blooming flowers and hostas in the warmer months, and pair them with evergreen conifers for a look that's inviting all year long.

One-of-a-kind planter boxes. Showcase your most beautiful blooms or delicious herbs in planter boxes made from Western Red Cedar. Western Red Cedar is ideal for planter boxes because it is naturally rot, decay and insect resistant.

Sitting beside the fire. A fire pit is a great way to extend your backyard use into the evening hours, and giving the pit a professional look is easier than you think. Start by measuring the pit area and then build your wall of pavers. Surround the pit itself with gravel, additional pavers or another non-flammable substance, then add some comfy chairs and prepare to enjoy.

The all-in-one pergola. Whether you're looking for a little shade, a centerpiece for the yard or the perfect spot to entertain, a pergola delivers. Building the pergola out of a lighter wood like Western Red Cedar will make the material easier to handle for any DIYer, and the appearance and smell of Western Red Cedar ensures your pergola will blend in naturally with the rest of your yard.

Let there be light. Enjoy your backyard any time of day with just a little lighting. Solar-powered path lights are a low-maintenance way to showcase your new landscaping, and hanging track lighting can bring an evening glow to your pergola. Finally, don't forget tiki torches. Adding a couple will give your backyard a rustic feel and keep the mosquitos away at the same time. What could be better than that?

Your backyard is what you make of it, so why not make it great?

5 Ways to Redefine Your Outdoor Space


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As the home building industry celebrates New Homes Month in April, research shows that two of the many benefits of buying a new home are its increased energy efficiency and reduced impact on the environment.

Recent analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reveals that, on a per-square-foot basis, the newer a single-family home is, the less energy it uses. Even though newer homes are larger, their increased efficiency more than offsets the extra square footage. In fact, homes built since 1999 tend to use the same to slightly less energy than homes built

New Homes Offer Increased Efficiency, Green featuresbefore 1950.

“Builders are using the latest technologies to reduce household energy consumption,” said Ray Boelig, President of Lakes Region Builders and Remodelers Association. “From improved insulation to energy-efficient appliances, new homes offer consumers the opportunity to reduce their energy use and support a cleaner environment.”

A newly-constructed home or condominium can offer energy-efficient features, such as tankless water heaters and ENERGY STAR appliances and HVAC systems, which make the home more comfortable and can save the home owner significant money over the long term.

At the same time, an increasing number of single-family and multifamily builders are delivering green homes to consumers who are looking for even more sustainable features. Green builders incorporate energy, water and resource efficiency, improved indoor environmental quality and sustainable and locally sourced products into their projects.

A 2014 McGraw Hill Construction-NAHB report shows that 62% of single-family builders say more than 15% of their projects are green. Likewise, 65% of builders report using renewables with at least some of their projects.

Consumers cite lower energy use and saving money as the top two reasons they request green homes. Other reasons include better comfort, better health and better environment.

Learn more about green building and access the full green building report at nahb.org/green.

NAHB’s analysis on energy usage is based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest Residential Energy Consumption Survey. The NAHB report can be found on HousingEconomics.com.

To learn about homeownership opportunities, building or remodeling in the Lakes Region area, contact Lakes Region Builders & Remodelers Association at www.lakesregionbuilders.com.


603.528.2798www.belknaplandscape.com

O�ering inspired designs that grow long term relationships

“I was walking the property yesterday and concludedthat it is one of the mostbeautiful natural settings thatI have ever seen here. It is a peacefulspace for us to co-exist with the naturalsurroundings. The work you do here is an integral part of the setting that we all enjoy so much. Thanks for the work you do for us.”

- Robert L. Moultonborough


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Consider Your Landscape an InvestmentP R O F E S S I O N A L D E S I G N A N D M A I N T E N A N C E A S S U R E S M A X I M U M R E T U R N S

While studies by reputable universities vary on the percentage return on investment, nothing adds curb appeal quicker than a well-managed and mature landscape. Homeowners and commercial property owners with a desire to increase the value of their property should consider the cost-e�ective return of quality landscaping and to safeguard their investments by hiring certi�ed, professional landscape contractors.Landscaping is one of the few property improvements you can make that not only adds value immediately, but also increases in value. A professionally designed, prepared, installed and maintained landscape using quality native plant material is not only a work of art but it is also a property investment that adds value to any property be it a home, o�ce, hotel or a commercial build-ing, with estimated increases in property values of up to 15%.What’s a good landscape budget? By taking 5% of the property value and spending it on low-maintenance but quality landscaping, you will be maximizing your return on investment in resale value in addition to creating the curb appeal that makes any property more inviting.

Professional landscaping will add beauty and value to any property

Designs & Treework call for ProfessionalsE N S U R E A L L S Y S T E M S A R E R E A D Y W I T H A N E A R L Y S E A S O N S T A R T - U P

Designing a landscape in the Lakes Region involves much more than having a vision or concept. Whether your property is on a hillside or within a wetland wilderness, the landscape designers and property owners must consider the rules and regulations along with their visions before the landscape design can be implemented. Hiring professionals with the knowl-edge and resources to guide you through the sometimes complicated process is critical to a successful, visually exciting and environmentally sound design.In New England, most properties will include at least a few trees, and many are an integral part of landscape design. When it comes to planting, pruning, maintaining and removing trees, a certi�ed arborist has the technical competence to correctly and e�ciently care for both trees and other woody plants. When it comes to removal, arborists can help determine whether or not a tree should be removed and have the skills and equipment to safely perform these tasks. Tree removal is dangerous and should be done by a tree care professional.There are many other services that arboristsprovide when necessary such as fertilization,insect control, cabling, aeration and lightning

protection. Consulting with an arborist and establishing a plant health careplan will help determine when these services are necessary.

CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL

A professionally designedlandscape can increase property

resale value by up to 15%

Belknap Landscape Company, Inc.25 Country Club Road, Unit 302 Gilford, NH 03249-6976 • 603-528-2798 belknaplandscape.com

”“


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Belknap Landscape Company, Inc.W E T U R N D R E A M SC APE S I N TO L AN DSC APE S

Belknap Landscape Company, Inc. is a full-service, year-round company of

land care professionals specializing in residential waterfront properties and

commercial accounts in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

Belknap Landscape has taken a leading role in sustainable landscapes and is

Belknap Landscape’s team of skilled professionals, led by managers who are

permitting, through construction and ongoing landscape management to mit-

igating issues brought on by weather and environment. Belknap Landscape is

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Don’t Overlook the Importance of Water QualityBy Sarah Wright

Did you know that up to 60 percent of the human body is composed of water? It’s vital for a healthy life to have clean drinking water, but many homeowners neglect to test their water quality. Especially in the Lakes Region, where many people have well water, it’s important to know the quality of the water with which you are drinking and cooking.

Thursty Water Systems, located in Wolfeboro, started testing water quality 12 years ago. Since then, they’ve cleaned out a lot of wells. Barbara Thurston, one of the owners, explains what the company does and why we need to know what is in our water.

“First of all, if you have municipal water, test results are available from the town hall,” says Barbara, “but if you have well water, you need to have it tested.”

Two of the most harmful contaminants in New Hampshire are arsenic and radon. Arsenic is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Long-term exposure to low levels of arsenic can interfere with cell functioning, and may contribute to the development of diabetes, cancer, vascular disease, and lung disease. If your water tests above the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you will need to address the problem.

Thursty Water Systems offers two options. One is a whole-house system,

or “point of entry” system, and the other is a “point of use” system, where the issue is addressed at the sink. (The point-of-use system is popular with

seasonal homeowners, who only use their water for a few months of the year.)

Cost can be a factor for customers, and Thursty encourages people

to do their research and shop around. “The cost is

determined by the type of media used within the system to remove the arsenic and not by the system itself,” says

Barbara. “A cheaper media will require more

maintenance, while a more expensive media is good for three

to 10 years.” Thursty Water Systems uses the latter, and will continue to test the water every

three months for their customers. Radon is another problem for New Hampshire residents. Most people are

aware of it being a hazard in the air, but radon gas can also enter the water supply. In this case, no media is involved; instead, a “bubble-up” system is used to extract the gas from the water. The size of the pump in the unit will depend on the water usage in the home, but the whole house has to be filtered. The unit can be installed in the basement or in a closet; Thursty will find a spot for it. Radon levels are then checked every couple of years from

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that point on.The presence of bacteria in well water can cause a lot of sickness. A dug

well may be susceptible to bacteria for many reasons: it’s old, maybe the cap isn’t on tight enough, groundwater could be getting in, or there could be cracks in the cement walls. It is recommended that homeowners test their water for bacteria every three years. Test kits are free, and Thursty works with state-certified labs to avoid a conflict of interest. Barbara advises that customers take the sample from the bathroom sink on the cold-water side of the faucet. So, what happens if your water tests positive for bacteria?

“The first step we take if a water sample contains bacteria is to inspect the well,” says Barbara. “Ninety percent of issues are solved simply by cleaning the well and doing a 24-hour chlorine flush.” If bacteria are still present, Thursty Water Systems will put a camera down the well to look for structural issues.

There are other problems that can show up in a water report, too, such as those concerning hardness and pH levels, or the presence of metals like iron or manganese. “Hardness in the water causes calcite to form,” says Barbara. “Sometimes you’ll see it as a white dust around faucets.” Hardness is an issue for appliances, because it can lead to a scaly buildup in pipes, boilers, and tanks, whereas an acidic pH level can actually eat away at the metal in your appliances or through copper pipes. The presence of metals like iron can color your water and cause stains that are hard to remove.

Thursty Water Systems is located at 76 Pinehill Road, Route 109A, in Wolfeboro. Along with offering water testing and filtration, Thursty provides services for electrical, plumbing, heating, gas, and air conditioning needs. Products for pools and spas are available in the office. If you have any questions, please call 569-1569 or visit www.thurstywater.com.

For further information about water contaminants, Barbara recommends the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services website at www.des.nh.gov (click on “Water Division”).

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Cheerful Chase Island Design

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

On a side area in downtown Laconia there are a group of charm-ing little businesses called the Shops at Vintage Row. Tucked away among those shops on Beacon Street West, a most unusual and creative studio brings all sorts of whimsical, wonderful de-

signs to shoppers.To label Chase Island Design a pillow and canvas tote shop would be a far

too limited description. Indeed, to call the business a “shop” wouldn’t be quite correct either. Says Chase Island Design owner Kris Nagengast, “It isn’t really a shop – it’s my studio.”

The studio is open by chance or appointment, although as the warmer season approaches, Kris will be on site on a regular basis as she works to fill orders. Shoppers can drop in the little studio and browse through the won-derful selection of products with Kris’ original silkscreen designs.

Those designs range from bicycle themes to lobsters and pinecones and trees, to name a few of the varied subject matter Kris draws and silk screens onto canvas and select fabric. The final products are in a word – cheerful.

Kris originally went to college for fashion design; while there, she discov-ered the silkscreen process. The fact that she could draw and create her own designs while silk screening was very appealing. “I have been sewing a long time, and the silk screening came later,” she says.

Kris and her husband lived in Massachusetts for 20 years but had been coming to the Lakes Region for quite some time. After moving full time to the Lakes Region, Kris realized she needed a studio space. The charming little shops in the area that would become Vintage Row in Laconia appealed to her.

Combining her love of sewing, drawing, design and silk screening into one business came together quite by accident. Kris created a set of whimsical silk-screened lobster bibs for friends on Cape Cod. They fell in love with the gift and when others saw the bibs they wanted to know where they could get them. Kris also created canvas totes with a big lobster design silk screened onto the surface. The totes became favorites as well.

Kris loves earthy, soft fabrics (which she may wash up to five times for extra softness before silk screening on the canvas surface). “Everything has


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to mean something for me to use in a design. Creating the products by hand is important to customers who appreciate well-made items,” she adds.

Those who visit Chase Island Design will enjoy an array of “Kris-made” products. Pillows in natural linen sport a variety of designs from silk-screened fish to wording such as Squam Lake; small French knot or button-type embellishments make each object special and unique. All pillows are filled with faux down to add a plush touch.

Kris laughs as she says, “The most unusual thing I made was a fish pillow with the word Vinnie silk screened on the design.” It is those fun custom touches that can create an even more unique Chase Island Design finished product.

The canvas totes are also special, sporting a variety of designs and finished with nautical, chunky rope handles. Silk-screened tote surfaces range from lobsters to GPS coordinates to bicycle wheels, to name but a few designs.

Kris is an avid bicyclist and that is where her personal touch might come into play such as designs with GPS coordinates or whimsical bicycle wheels. Another popular design is the image of an anchor silk screened onto totes and other objects. Continued on page 26

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Bluegill Lodge at Meredith BayMove-in Ready Condos – Priced from $450,000

Say goodbye to roughing it.

A lifetime of cherished memories awaits you at

the Lakes Region’s #1 vacation home community,

where there’s a world of fun to be found year-round.

Choose from our new lakefront Townhomes, lakeview

Custom Homes, or our latest offering: single-level

lakeview Condominiums. Every home is beautifully

crafted inside and out. And with Meredith Bay’s long

list of on-site amenities – including a private marina

and beach club – plus all of Lake Winnipesaukee’s other exciting attractions close by, it’s easy to

see why Meredith Bay is the #1 choice for lake lovers. Whether you’re a skier, a water-skier, or just

love sitting back and reveling in the area’s natural beauty, this is the place to be. Visit Meredith

Bay today and start enjoying your new lake home now!

New vacation homes, townhomes and condos on

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Properties offered exclusively by Meredith Bay Lighthouse Realty, LLC. The townhomes are part of The Townhomes at Meredith Bay, a condominium. The Lodges are part of Bluegill Lodge at Meredith Bay, a condominium. This is not an offer to sell property to, or solicitation of

offers from, residents of NY, NJ, CT or any other state that requires prior registration of real estate. The marina and beach club are owned and operated by Akwa Marina Yacht Club, LLC. Boat slips are subject to separate agreement and payment. Prices and terms are subject to change without notice.


Build your dream home on this secluded 62-acre property in low-tax Freedom, NH with million dollar

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Chase Island Design offers décor products such as table runners, lobster bibs and wine bags. According to the Chase Island Design website, “Primarily a design studio and showroom, the unique ‘work’ shop offers handcrafted accessories made for your living space all created entirely onsite. Original designs, hand silk-screened onto 100% cotton and linen fabrics are then made into fun, fabulous accessories for your home. We currently have seven collections: Lobsterville Lobsters, New England Pine, Sunday’s Ride, Little Starfish, New England Coastal, Winter Holiday and New Hampshire. Custom orders are available and encouraged.”

The Sunday’s Ride design offers a 14-inch pillow with the image of Kris’ bicycle wheel, which is silk-screened onto a washed linen fabric using white paint with the various town names screened over the wheel in bright summer colors and a different font used for each town name. These pillows are made to order and colors are interchangeable.

(Sunday’s Ride represents the towns on Cape Cod, Massachusetts that the

Pan Mass Challenge riders go through on the second day of the 192-mile bike-a-thon. The mission of the Pan Mass Challenge is to raise money for life-saving cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Every dollar raised for this charity goes to support cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute located in Boston, Massachusetts. Kris has been raising money and riding for this cause for the past 18 years - 2015 will be her 18th ride. She is donating $10 from the sale of each item from the Sunday’s Ride Collection directly to the PMC. The PMC has raised $455 mil-lion dollars for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber.)

Those who travel may find Chase Island Design products at a number of locations in Maine, Massachusetts on the South Shore and Cape Cod, in NH and also on Etsy, an online website featuring thousands of handmade prod-ucts from artisans around the country and beyond. “You can also find my products locally at Home Comfort in Center Harbor,” Kris adds.

And where did the name Chase Island Design originate? Laughing, Kris replies, “There is a Chase Island on Lake Winnipesaukee, and our dog is named Chase. The name for the business just came to me!”

With the vision of a true artist, no surface is out-of-bounds for Kris’ de-signs. Case in point are the beautiful kitchen chairs in the studio painted soft black with chair seats in silk-screened fabric with a lobster design. “They are my former kitchen chairs that needed a new look,” Kris says. The chairs would certainly fit perfectly in a lake-themed home!

For a unique shopping adventure, the wonderful Shops at Vintage Row in downtown Laconia offer everything from antiques to caned chairs, and of course, tucked amidst those shops is Chase Island Design. If looking for a unique tote, table décor or other silk-screened item, the shop awaits with beautiful, creative products.

Visit www.theshopsatvintagerow.com/chase-island-design.html to see more Chase Island Design products or email [email protected]. To set an appointment to visit, call Kris at 508-472-6074. (Shoppers may also stop by the shop by chance.) Visit Chase Island Design at www.etsy.com/shop/chaseislanddesign.

Continued from page 23


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Many people already have spent months poring over seed catalogues while watching for the winter to end and the accumulated ice and snow to melt; at the first real sign of spring, they are out in their

yards to begin planning how their gardens will shape up.Still, it is New England, and planting before Memorial Day can be a mistake

for most crops. Even disturbing the soil this time of year can cause problems because it is so saturated with water that it can become compacted and, as it dries out, become brick-like and very difficult to break up later.

In order for plant roots to grow, they need air space, and that is one of the reasons a gardener must aerate the soil at the beginning of the season. Soil that is too compact will have little air for the plants, and it may be too dense for the young shoots to navigate. Working the soil too early also may trap air in pockets, and trapped air can be as bad for the young roots as no air at all.

There is a simple test that gardeners have used for years to determine if the soil is ready to be worked. Take a handful of dirt and squeeze it. If the compacted ball of soil breaks apart easily, it is ready. Soil that stays together or breaks into solid sections of dirt is still carrying too much water, and it is best to leave it alone for a while. If it is really wet, so it feels pliable like clay, working it now will give it a hard texture that is a plant-killer.

Even if the soil is right, early planting should be avoided. There is still a chance of a killing frost, even in May. Earlier in the spring gardeners can remove leaves and other debris that have accumulated

Preparing a Garden For PlantingBy Thomas P. Caldwell


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FULL SEASON PRE-BUY: Lock in the price per gallon by making a one time purchase of your expected fuel needs for the period of September 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015. Payment in full is due at time of purchase.

BUDGET PRE-BUY: Spread out your heating season costs over even monthlypayments while locking in the price per gallon for your expected fuel needs for theperiod of September 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015. First payment is due at time of purchase.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Budgets are estimated on fuel consumption history. Significant changes in consumption or fuel prices can affect your monthly payment and/or the outcome of your budgeting results. To participate in an Eastern Budget Assurance CAP, Fixed Price Budget or Pre-Buy Plan you must enter into an Agreement with Eastern.The Agreement is a legal contract and sets forth the terms and conditions of your participation in the Plan. Please read the Agreement carefully as it will be a binding contract. Under the Pre-Buy Plan,you will be required to take delivery of all product you pre-purchased by May 31, 2015 and if you do not you will pay a shortage fee.

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on the surface of the garden, along with dead vegetation and the weeds that start to grow with the warmer weather.

Before going directly to planting the garden, the soil condition has to be addressed. Figure out how much compost and mulch you will need. Any boards or large stones in or around the garden can become a harbor for pests, so remove them ahead of planting, as well.

If garden pests are a problem, early spring is the time to purchase fencing to protect the garden. If there is fencing already in place, check for breaks and rot so any bad sections can be replaced before they let in the pests that can decimate your garden.

Another way to deter some pests is to plant marigolds or nasturtiums around the garden.

It also is a good idea to check your tools to see what might need to be replaced if some are not in good working condition. You also may want to add labor-saving tools that make the gardening process easier on the back or joints.

Those who are gardening on a budget (and who doesn’t want to save money when possible?) may want to consider a barrel system for watering the garden. Using captured rainwater can cut down considerably on the water bill by helping to reduce water usage.

When planning your watering system, keep in mind the growth of the plants and make sure hoses will reach where they are needed.

Of course, one need not wait for the garden to be ready before growing vegetables. Most gardeners will start some seeds indoors well before the danger of frost is past. Most vegetable and herb seeds can be started six to eight weeks before planting them outside.

Choosing and purchasing seeds can get very expensive. Smart and thrifty gardeners will save seeds one year so they already have seeds to plant the following year. To do so, they need to dry the seeds so they don’t become mildewed over the winter. Once dry, the seeds can safely be placed into plastic bags for storage until spring.

Plant the seeds in seedling trays and water and tend to them regularly. Once the seeds have germinated, by placing them in a south-facing window, the gardener will see that they get the necessary sunlight to keep them growing and healthy.

Another way to avoid spending too much on seeds is to ask friends and neighbors if they have any spare seeds. Many local gardens centers will offer some seeds at discount prices.

Some friends will allow you to take cuttings from their gardens when doing their early-spring pruning, and public gardens may allow members of


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the public to take cuttings.Once the likelihood of frost is past, take the seedlings outdoors and

continue watering them in their trays for a couple of weeks to ease their transition from indoors to outdoors. This also is the time to purchase seedlings from garden centers to round out your selection of plants. There are sometimes good bargains when there is an overabundance of certain vegetables or plants.

There also may be bargains for plants that have not been adequately cared for but can be brought back to health by repotting them in better soil and giving them nutritious plant food. They will need to be watered regularly until they begin to thrive again.

When it comes time to plant, there will be a nice selection ready to go. That is the time to work or rework the soil, making sure the clumps of dirt are broken up and the soil is fully aerated, and that the compost has been worked in evenly.

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It has been a very, very long winter. Even if you love outdoor sports and winter in all its cold, icy glory, you may be ready to concede that enough is enough. Luckily, spring seems to be right around the corner with warmer weather, melting snow and sunny skies.

I count myself very fortunate to have a pastime that gets me through any season, any day or any hour when things might not be so sunny. During the recent recession when every news forecast and media outlet spoke doom and gloom, I had a way to escape all the scary financial predictions. When something is worrying me, I have a method to calm myself and deal with everyday stress.

On snowy winter evenings in the last few months, I cared not a bit if it was 10 degrees below zero with snow piling up at my doorstep. I retreated to the magical, all-encompassing world of rug hooking where the skies could be tropical blue, the sun mellow and warm and the landscape whatever I dreamed up with rug hooking supplies of wool in a myriad of colors and a simple little wooden handled hook.

When I refer to rug hooking I do not mean the kind done from a department or craft store kit with stiff backing sporting a design of a bear or cat or childish character. Further, I do not mean the kind done with little snippets of yarn.

Rug hooking in its purest form and the kind I love has a rich history in the Eastern United States. Rug hooking in New England most likely originated from Canada. In olden days, housewives held onto whatever material they could manage to obtain. Fabric was difficult to come by and used until it fell apart from wear and tear. After it was no longer useable as a garment, it could easily be ripped into strips and hooked onto a backing of an old burlap feed sack with a nail hammered into the shape of a hook. If the housewife had some artistic skill, she might sketch an intricate pattern onto the burlap with a piece of charcoal from the fireplace. If she wasn’t much of an artist, she could simply sketch on a pattern of lines or primitive trees or the sun or other designs.

Those old rugs – especially the primitives ones – have become highly

A Hookin’ WinterBy Kathi Caldwell-Hopper


prized and if in good condition, can fetch large sums at antiques auctions. Why? Because they echo our country’s beginnings when pioneer types used whatever was at hand to create things such as hooked rugs to warm the home. Some rugs, known as bed rugs, were even created to cover a bed for extra warmth.

I got interested in traditional rug hooking after my mother passed away over 10 years ago. She was a prolific rug braider and I had often driven her to Dorr Mill Store in Newport, NH (Sunapee area) to purchase wool for her rug braiding projects. She was a skilled rug braider and she sold a lot of rugs over the years. When she died, I just could not let all that beautiful, expensive wool be sent to the transfer station, so I packed it all in my car as we cleaned out her home.

In her stash of wool were fabrics in a variety of textures – smooth and soft to nubby and rough – she seemed to have yards of every kind of wool imaginable. There were variations of colors from light pink to dark ruby red and blues and greens and browns, to name but a few color schemes. I stored the wool away and wondered if I had lost my mind. “What the heck am I going to do with all that wool?” I asked myself as I struggled to close the closet door on the bulging bags of fabric.

When a parent dies, we all react differently. In coming to terms with my mother’s passing, I had to get used to the fact that there would be no more paintings or drawings or braided rugs produced by her skilled hands. Rather than simply accept that fact, I found that digging into my own artistic skills kept her alive for me in a very positive manner.

My mother passed on her artistic skill to me and encouraged me to draw every day when I was a child. It didn’t take much prodding because I loved to draw and paint and art school rather than traditional college was the logical route for me. But in later years, with two small children and a busy life, I rarely sketched and I never painted. I just did not have time.

All that wool sitting in the closet, however, beckoned to me each time I glanced at it. I could somehow hear my mother saying, “What a shame to let it all just sit there. Can’t you at least try to use it?”

Thus, I attempted rug braiding but I didn’t really enjoy it. Braiding strips of wool and sewing them together into a circular finished rug did not hold much appeal for me and I began to wonder if it was time to donate the wool to a thrift shop.

Divine intervention came along soon after when I happened upon a demonstration of rug hooking at Sandwich Fair. A woman sat in front of a floor frame with a piece of linen/burlap stretched over the wooden surface. She was intently holding a hook of some sort above the linen, grabbing strips of wool from the under side of the fabric and pulling them through to create a raised pattern on the surface of the linen. The linen had a pattern of some sort printed upon its surface and the woman was in the act of filling the pattern in with colorful wool strips.

I was enthralled. I cannot recall if I even asked her what she was doing but I picked up her business card for some reason. I discovered she was hooking a rug in the old-fashioned way still practiced by a select few people. I also found out, just by looking and reading, that this form of rug hooking was making a comeback in a big way.

Serendipitously, soon after I came across a booth in an antiques shop with the same kind of patterns and all sorts of rug hooking supplies, books and some gorgeous finished hooked rugs. The business card in the booth gave me contact information for the rug hooker, Carol Dale of Gilford.

Shyly, I called Carol and on that day, my life changed immeasurably. “Come over and let’s talk about rug hooking!” Carol invited when I spoke with her on the phone.

Carol was easy to talk with and very cheerful and creative; just my type of person. She also swept away my shyness at trying out rug hooking, I admitted I had a little wooden frame and had tried rug hooking but I knew I needed direction.

She told me everyone is a beginner at some point and that no one in the rug-hooking world is judgmental. I probably didn’t believe that could be true, but I decided to take a chance and sign up for a class she was teaching at the Thompson-Ames Historical Society in Gilford.


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The class was a great adventure, filled with women of varying ages. Most were quilters and skilled seamstresses and that should have been intimidating for someone like me who can’t sew a stitch and has little desire to learn to quilt.

It was not a deterrent, however because I had something they valued as equally as I admired their sewing skills. I could draw and I found out I have a wild color sense and bravery when it comes to hooking in all sorts of “crazy colors” as Carol calls my color sense. The women in the class admired my talent, although I couldn’t see what the big deal was because I have been drawing all my life and I suppose I take it for granted.

I learned a lot in that class and formed some deep friendships while we sat around the large table, hooking our patterns and sharing stories and joys and sorrows. I found out why the old-fashioned quilting circles held such appeal for our grandmothers and other distant relatives. The act of rug hooking, pulling loop after loop through the linen pattern to create a color scheme, was very relaxing. When relaxed, people tend to let their guard down, thus creating the camaraderie that is so much a part of quilting bees and sewing circles. And rug hooking gatherings.

Suddenly, my mother’s stash of wool was being used to create all sorts of rugs. I could pull out those ruby red fabrics or the yellow hues to make a garden of hooked rug flowers or a bright blue to make a summer sky on a rug.

My rug hooking became a way to tell personal stories as well. As a kid, I loved jump roping so I hooked a rug of myself jumping rope. When my beloved dog Sandy died, I hooked a rug of her with angel wings flying over a deep blue night sky lit by stars. My daughter Megan loves holidays so it seemed natural to hook a little rug of her holding a handful of hearts – the rug was named Megan’s Valentines, hooked in all sorts of red colors.

Especially in the deep of winter, when others bemoan yet another snow storm, I smile to myself and think how quickly I can escape the cold when I sit down every evening and indulge in rug hooking. As I pull strips of wool through the patterned linen, I am creating colorful flower gardens and all


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sorts of wonderful worlds that take me far, far away.

I have spent this winter largely working on a big hooked rug of crazy, colorful flowers with an intense yellow background. Admittedly, I am growing tired of hooking in yellow wool, but the bright color has reminded me of the sun when the gray of winter held me in its grip.

The rug got a lot of interest when I posted it for fun on Facebook, and I may sell it to an old friend who fell in love with the bright pattern and colors.

But when I do rug hooking, selling the finished pieces is not really my intent. More often than not, I give the rugs away or now and then hang one on a wall of my house for a colorful, fun reminder of my journey into wherever I can dream of going in a rug design when the winter winds howl.

Hooked rugs make a wonderful décor accent or focal point when hung on the wall of a home. Mine adds a primitive appeal with intense colors and wild designs; the ceilings in my kitchen/dining room are very high so the large hooked rugs can really be seen and not overpower the space.

The good news is that one need not be a skilled artist or seamstress to enjoy rug hooking. It is great for relaxation, for meeting new people who often bring a sunny attitude and an encouraging presence to any rug-hooking gathering and for taking one away from the cares of every day life. Whether you choose to put a finished hooked rug on a floor of your home or use it to decorate a wall, rug hooking is a very forgiving, kindly and old-fashioned way to add spice and color to your home.

(Those who want to learn more about rug hooking, to see rugs in progress or to try rug hooking are encouraged to stop by the rug hooking drop-in group that meets the first and third Tuesday of every month from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Gilford Public Library on Potter Hill Road in Gilford.)


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We’ve all been there. One day, you spot an ant…then another, and then another. It’s frustrating not to know where they are coming from or how to get rid of them. Where do you start? Well, for one thing, you can call Steve Pigott at Presidential Pest Control in Meredith.

Steve knows all about ants. “Ants are a big nuisance for homeowners, and if the conditions are good, they’ll come right in,” says Steve. “I’ve seen ants in small cabins and large mansions. Anyone can have an ant problem.”

Ants go into hibernation in October, but when March arrives, they start to get agitated. The most common ants in this area of New Hampshire are carpenter ants, pavement ants, and odorous house ants, which give off a tangerine-like smell when you smush them. Ants love moisture, so you’ll often see ants around the dishwasher, sink, or bathroom. And if you have a moisture problem in your home, then you may end up with an ant problem on top of it.

Steve says that although ants can nest in the house, it’s almost always a “satellite” nest. The main nest will be in the woods, or inside a tree stump. (That’s also where the queen is.)

Ants typically feed on aphids on the tree leaves or sap from an oak tree, but they can also forage for food in your house. Ants will travel from the nest in the woods and enter at the house’s foundation. Steve has actually found small pathways in the grass made from ants traveling back and forth.

A carpenter ant problem can eventually destroy the wood in your home. Carpenter ants tend to nest near moist areas, often under the deck, against the house. This gives them easy entrance through sliding doors, for instance. Ants are more active at dinnertime and throughout the night, so you might not notice them much during the day.

Steve says, “One of the biggest signs of a carpenter ant problem is finding sawdust debris in your house that keeps coming back after you’ve cleaned

it up.” Here’s an interesting tidbit: If there’s a nest of carpenter ants in the walls or under the floorboards of your house, you might actually hear them chewing. “It’ll sound like Rice Krispies crackling,” says Steve. And if you’re seeing winged ants in your house, that’s a sign that the nest has been there for about three years.

But have no fear—there are steps you can take in the battle against the ants. “Even if you don’t call an exterminator, try to do something yourself,” says Steve. “There can be serious damage if you ignore the problem.” Ant baits are good for smaller kitchen ants, but may not be enough to knock out a whole nest. Presidential Pest Control also uses baits that are undetectable to ants, so they can’t learn to avoid them.

To prevent nests from becoming established in your home in the first place, treat the exterior of the house every spring with an insecticide. A good perimeter treatment can do wonders. It’s also important to get rid of any pathways the ants can take into your home.

This includes keeping hoses rolled up on the reel, and trimming back branches from electrical wires around your house. Ants will travel on branches to the wires, and then onto your rooftop, so make sure that branches aren’t too close there, either. Landscapers often pile mulch against the house, but pulling it back is better. “Six to eight inches showing on the foundation is best,” says Steve.

Most of the time, spraying outside is sufficient, but Steve urges homeowners to be patient. “It’ll take about 10 to 14 days to see results.”

Presidential Pest Control has been chasing pests away for over 20 years. Although the company deals with a lot of ants, they can also help you get rid of bees, wasps, ticks, bed bugs, and mosquitoes. Mice are a big problem in New Hampshire, and if you have a mouse problem, or a problem with bats or squirrels, there are technicians for those, too. For more information, call (800) 966-5568 or visit www.prespest.com.

Ants! What You Need to Know About This Common Household Pest


Freshening Up for Home SalesThe real estate market has improved across much of the country, but

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1. Fix the Front: Give your front door a new look. The front door sets the tone for your home’s curb appeal and security, and it signals how well you maintain everything else. Buyers will be walking into your home via the front door, so be sure to give them a good first impression. If your door is in good shape, you might just need to give it a refreshing new coat of paint or new hardware. But if it’s seen some wear and tear over the years, consider replacing it with a steel door - one that will show buyers your home is safe. It might be tempting to paint your front door an extreme color such as bright green or red, but if you are looking to sell your home, it is advisable to go with a more neutral color.

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Freshening Up for Home Sales 3. Spread out. Add additional living space. You might not think about

adding a deck as the same thing as adding an extra room to the house, but if you’re selling your home during the warmer months, that’s how buyers will see it. They’ll be able to picture themselves enjoying breakfast and picnic dinners outside, or curling up on a lounge chair with a good book on a summer afternoon. To make your deck a good selling feature, consider using a color-treated wood that retains its color for years. This means buyers can easily move into your house and can enjoy the space without the annual chore of staining. Realtor.com estimates that homeowners can recoup 87 percent of the investment of adding a deck when they sell.

4. Create a bathroom retreat. As the smallest room in the house, the bathroom may be an easier room to tackle. If you have a guest or master bath that can use a little help to transform into a relaxing oasis, take the opportunity to replace the flooring, add cushy rugs, paint the walls and replace the accessories with more modern styles. Faucets, showerheads, the mirror and even the toilet can all be upgraded with water-saving and stylish designs. Buyers will take note of a maintenance-free bath, making your home one they’ll remember as move-in ready.

5. Turn the backyard into a private paradise. Buyers will be visualizing themselves in your backyard when touring your home. They’re looking to see how quiet and secure the space is, especially if they have small children or a beloved family dog. Consider adding a beautiful wooden fence to enhance the privacy. It will make the home attractive to families, and for couples who aren’t interested in having a conversation with the neighbors every time they go outside. To make your fence an attractive selling feature of the home, use fence pickets or pre-built panels.

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We all dream of a gorgeous kitchen where we will create gourmet meals. Further, we imagine friends gathered around a huge granite-topped kitchen island while we skillfully prepare

a dinner for 20. That dream might continue with thoughts of

a spa-like bathroom retreat with a soaking tub, gleamng bathroom sink hardware and a place to store fluffy towels.

However, the busy lives many lead do not leave lots of time for extensive home improvement projects. So, we feed our home décor fantasies by watching television shows where less-than-perfect homes are updated and made gorgeous. And we wish and wonder why we cannot transform our living spaces into this sort of home.

Being realistic, between work, household chores, time with family and friends, people often don’t have time to complete that entire wish list of home updates. Luckily, there are several simple kitchen and bath projects that can be conquered in minimal time that deliver maximum style and functional impact. In fact, there are a few projects that can be completed in about an hour or less.

Beautiful BathRaise the bar with a new shower rod. Bring the

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luxurious style of a hotel to your bath and increase shower space with a curved shower rod. Available in single- and double-rod designs, new shower rods give the elegant look often seen in hotel baths while adding up to 7 1/2 inches of extra elbow room to create a more enjoyable shower experience. If you’re short on time, some new shower rods can be installed in three hassle-free steps - without drilling holes - and removed easily, making it perfect for any shower, even if you’re a renter. Finally, add decorative shower curtain rings and a new shower curtain to give your bath an instant makeover.

Style and StorageQuickly enhance the look and functionality of the bathroom. Accessories,

such as towel bars, hooks and shelves can be a quick and inexpensive solution. It’s easy to eliminate bathroom pet peeves like towels on the floor and too many products in the shower with bath accessories that come in a variety of styles and finishes. If safety is a concern, incorporate grab bars into your updates.

Leave the Light OnLow lighting levels can reduce visibility and be a major contributor to

accidents. Low light also will make the bathroom less liveable and it will not function as well. Adding nightlights is a quick and easy way to safely light bathrooms (and hallways) to increase safety around the house at night - especially for those midnight trips to the bathroom. Another idea is to install illuminated light switches for easy visibility in a dark room.

Have a seatNavigating around the shower can be a slippery undertaking. This is

especially true for women who often perform a balancing act while shaving. (That’s likely why women are 72 percent more likely to be injured in the bath or shower than men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) One way to add both safety and comfort to the shower space is by incorporating a bath or shower chair. Fold-down shower seats are not only for the elderly; stylish fold-down seats are now available and easily fold up to a thin, compact profile when not in use. Add a handheld shower to increase functionality.

Cool it downAccidental burns from water are more common than you think. When

tap water reaches 140 degrees, it can cause a third degree burn in just five seconds. Prevent accidental scalding at the source by setting the water heater at a maximum of 120 degrees. After you’ve set the new temperature, be sure to update your showers with pressure-balancing valves that maintain water temperature to eliminate “shower shock,” which is the sudden fluctuation in temperature that can cause burns.

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the bathtub safely can be challenging. And to make matters worse, many people rely on items not designed to support body weight, such as towel bars, built-in soap dishes and shower doors, to assist in movements. Grab bars with three essential bath accessories - paper holders, shelves and towel bars – make the bars safe and a good place to store shampoo, etc. Keep these tips top of mind as you update your bath to help ensure everyone has an enjoyable - but more importantly - safe experience in the bathroom.

Kitchen TransformationsBoring to Beautiful With a BacksplashBacksplashes are beautiful. If you wish you could have one of the beautiful

tile backsplashes seen in high-end kitchens, but aren’t up for messing with mortar, you now have an alternative. There are many easy-to-install wall tiles that offer an adhesive backing or simply adhere with double-sided tape or adhesive. Plus, they are available in a variety of faux tile, stone or metal designs to transform the look of your kitchen in no time.

Hello Kitchen HardwareKitchen cabinet hardware looking dingy or dated? This simple project

can make a dramatic difference in your home’s appearance. Look for new knobs and drawer pulls that are designed to match your existing faucets and fixtures in both style and finish. Whether you prefer modern or something with a more traditional look, there are many options available to extend your sense of design down to the details.

Don’t stop with knobs and pulls. Much like the bath, towel rings and hooks are the perfect solution for managing dish towels that are often carelessly strewn about countertops. Establish a special spot for this kitchen necessity by mounting hooks, towel rings or towel bars on the side of an upper cabinet, the end of the island or in another kitchen work space.

Take an hour or two and try some of these quick and easy DIY projects. You may be surprised at how much you can accomplish in such a short period of time that will make your home more pleasant to live in and more stylish in the process.

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A Backsplash Without the WhiplashThe kitchen is the heart of the home. It is the place everyone gathers

and a top-selling feature with homebuyers. Does yours convey style and functionality? Whether you’ve just completed a remodel or you’re looking for ways to upgrade your existing kitchen, a tile backsplash will instantly transform the space into an eye-catching masterpiece. It is a quick fix that packs a visual punch.

Tile backsplashes provide a transition between the cabinetry and the countertop. It’s a popular way homeowners can add value to their kitchen while adhering to a personal design preference. The process can be simple and enjoyable.

If you aren’t a design/décor whiz, there is now a lot of help out there to get you inspired. Start by looking at Houzz, Pinterest and home magazines to see what styles you’re drawn to. Is your style contemporary, vintage or transitional? It can help to see backsplashes in person to get a true idea of how different materials look, feel and reflect light. For up close and personal inspiration, stop by home décor shops.

When exploring tile or stone, think about whether you want the backsplash to be a focal point or more subdued. Subway tiles in neutral tones are timeless for those who prefer a muted backsplash and have become a popular option.

If you want to make a statement, clean and tumbled white marble also is popular. Slate is comforting and earthy where metallic offers a more eye-catching and contemporary look. For added personality, consider designs

with color, patchwork or patterns. “Pop art” is also really hot right now (e.g., incorporating Andy Warhol visuals into the backsplash design).

A backsplash isn’t necessarily maintenance-free, so know how much time you’re willing to spend before making a final design decision. If you prefer low maintenance, the best route is ceramic tile. If you are drawn to the beauty of natural stone, keep in mind that there’s minimal annual maintenance, including resealing the surface to ensure the product’s integrity and beauty last.

Before beginning a home improvement project, it’s obviously important to know your budget. Convey your visions and cost parameters to any experts you work with, such as a contractor or interior designer. Bring a sample of your cabinetry and countertop, or a picture of your kitchen, to the designer or showroom you’re working with. It will help them maximize your budget while achieving your vision.

When finalizing your design, consider adding unique characteristics. Above the sink or cooktop are good places to do something more decorative. If appropriate, you might decide to add a niche with a cutout that has tile on the interior matching the exterior tile or create a picture frame design using a completely different style of tile and stone that complements the backsplash to make a statement. Additionally, if you are doing a backsplash in a bar area, it’s a great place to have fun with materials and shapes.


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Not so long ago the idea of bringing a piece of rusted iron fencing, a paint chipped chair or table or a faded rug into the home was unheard of. Who would want such old items in the home, many would ask?

Avid yard salers and antiques lovers, have watched trends come and ago. Primitive was very hot in the antique décor field and it was not uncommon to see old painted tinware, furniture and yellow ware bowls decorating Capes and other older styled homes.

About 10 years ago, the beginnings of the rustic décor/shabby chic movement began to make its mark. At first, many were confused when they noticed rusted, faded pieces of furniture and other items appearing in antiques shops. “What the heck is this stuff?” they might have wondered when coming across tables, chairs, picture frames and other items with chipped paint and faded surfaces. “No one will buy these things!”

How utterly wrong we were. One antiques shop owner said the new look was being dubbed shabby chic and the style had caught fire elsewhere in the country. It loosely combined the

style of French Provincial with old antiques or whatever a person might have around the house. Hard to define at its beginnings, shabby chic was often seen in areas such as Texas where the unique yearly Round Top antiques

event brought buyers from all over the country to the tiny town for antique shopping.

National décor magazines began to feature the style and soon entrepreneurial types such as the Farm Chicks and others were offering used furnishings and shabby chic repurposing of items nationwide.

Soon, many people embraced the shabby chic, rustic décor style. The idea that one could repurpose an old wagon wheel into a rustic table or that a picture frame with chipped paint could find new life made once-discarded objects worthy of reuse.

Television home décor and reality shows further pumped up the trend. Millions love to watch Great American

Pickers television co-stars travel the backroads of America in the search for old objects to resell. More often than not, they come across and buy rustic

Rusty, Rustic Home DécorBy Kathi Caldwell-Hopper


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items from older folks who have a stash of what the Pickers call “rusty gold” or shabby items now fetching higher prices in antiques shops.

If you do not have a lot of money to spend on decorating an apartment or home and you like antiques and the notion of recycling things, you can find a wealth of inspiration with shabby chic/rustic design.

Old signs are one way to fill a large wall space. Be aware that these rustic pieces of art are now commanding higher prices, but if you hunt through flea markets and yard sales, you can still find bargains now and then. Or, you can take an old piece of wood and whitewash it and then letter it with any fun saying.

Before you throw out your mom’s old Mason or jelly jars, reconsider using them as candle holders or small flower vases. This décor trend is now popular and a group of small jelly jars illuminated with a candle in each jar can create a very visually appealing table statement.

Mason jars are used in outdoor backyard or deck décor. Put a candle in each jar and hang them individually by twine from tree branches (be careful

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of fire!). This outdoor design idea illuminates outdoor spaces after the sun goes down and adds a pretty and soft touch people will be talking about long after that backyard evening barbecue ends.

Old rustic picture frames find new life when a mirror is inserted or replaces a picture. For little money, you can hang a group of old framed mirrors on a wall to create a rustic collection that packs visual punch.

Rustic headboards offer a lot of options and take little work. Old doors placed at the head of a bed do not have to be hung from a wall but instead can be simply placed in back of a bed to add an instant headboard.

A headboard can also be made from just about anything you can safely hang from a wall at the head of your bed. A popular choice is a piece of rusted old iron fence or a piece of paint-chipped wood.

Fabrics of all sorts are a great way to bring shabby chic into your home. You can tea stain linen (or other) fabric purchased at a fabric/sewing shop and create fun curtains or table runners or pillow shams. There are great how-tos on tea staining fabric all over the internet that will give you instructions on how to do this inexpensive and fun DIY project.

Burlap is pure shabby chic and very versatile. Look around your home for spots where burlap would fit well, such as using it for a table runner or accent pillows on a sofa. You can purchase burlap at a fabric store or even obtain old grain sacks for burlap projects. If you do not sew or own a sewing machine, you can create pillows and runners without sewing; instead, bind edges with fabric glue. Further you can stencil sayings or words on burlap with fabric paint for a fun touch or glue old lace to the


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edges.Wrap burlap around a

piece of corkboard and you have an instant shabby place to leave notes,share photos or lists with family members.

If you like the rough look of burlap, wrap jars or old flower vases in the fabric for rustic flower holders. Burlap now comes in a variety of colors, so you aren’t faced with just tan colored burlap.

Other fabrics that fit the rustic décor style are antique roses and other florals. You can repurpose old floral sheets into pillows or sofa covers and curtains for a softer antiquey look with little out-of-pocket expense.

In the bathroom, repurpose an old bureau or sideboard into a bathroom sink surround. A handy person can cut the pre measured hole on the bureau top and drop in a sink bowl and attach the plumbing. Often, those who go for this type of décor will leave the bureau in a chipped paint or shabby finish rather than repainting.

Hang a repurposed mirror over the sink and even add lighting in a pretty chandelier for unique bathroom style. Old photos in frames or signs add fun and interest to the bathroom walls.

As summer approaches, plan to do some yard sale shopping and also go to flea markets for inexpensive décor objects. Think collections vs. one or

two things. Find something you like and build on the group. An example might be candlesticks. If you like old candlesticks, start a collection. A group of rusted,rustic candleholders will look great for unique after-dark lighting.

Original Sunday painter artwork can often be found and purchased for little money at yard sales and flea markets. There is rustic charm in this amateur artwork, but collect one type of subject matter such as landscapes, mountains, animals, etc. versus collecting paintings across a wide subject line. Group

your paintings – in a variety of sizes – on a wall leading up a staircase or elsewhere for a charming display.

When it comes to shabby chic and rustic décor, the sky’s the limit. Thinking outside the box and looking at things you own or can buy with a view on repurposing it is what this type of creative decorating is all about.

Admittedly, shabby chic is not for everyone. Some people shy away from placing old, rusted metal or chipped paint furniture in their home and perhaps it would not fit the architecture of the house.

For those, however, who want something unique and fun, rustic décor is a great way to create a lot of impact and charm for little money.


Direct: 603-493-2873

[email protected] Court Street, Laconia, NH 03246 | 603-524-2255 Realtor®, CRS, ABR, GRI

Susan Bradley

“Perhaps the favorite part of my job is helping families find that special place. We are blessed to have homes in our area that fit nearly every budget. If you’re looking to buy or sell, call us. We would never turn away people based on their budget. Here are a few of the great fam-ily homes we sold last year.” ~ Susan Bradley

Gilford - $399,000 Meredith - $325,000

Meredith - $315,000 Belmont - $289,000 Belmont - $129,000

Hopes EternalSpring


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1050 Route 16 | Ossipee, NH | 603.539.2236 | 800-756-0462 | greenmountainfurniture.com

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Laker springhome 2015

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