Illinois Solar Incentives, Tax Credits and Rebates  MarketWatch

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Illinois Solar Incentives, Tax Credits and Rebates - MarketWatch

House of the Week: A three-bedroom house in the Belmont Hills section of Bala Cynwyd for $600,000  The Philadelphia Inquirer

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House of the Week: A three-bedroom house in the Belmont Hills section of Bala Cynwyd for $600,000 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Sunroom ideas 14 high-style room designs that let the light in  Yahoo Life

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Sunroom ideas 14 high-style room designs that let the light in - Yahoo Life

A room that lets you enjoy great views of the outdoors while youre still cozy inside is a strong temptation, but how much does it cost to add a sunroom to your home?

From a conservatory to a four-season design, there are a range of sunroom ideas that can provide a light-filled space that connects your home and yard. But, as with any home addition, drawing up a budget beforehand is vital to get the results you want.

Whichever type of space youre considering, these are the costs involved in adding a sunroom to your home.

Adding a sunroom might be a project in its own right or part of a more extensivehome renovation. Either way, one of these rooms will increase natural light with its generous glazing as well as provide a beautiful outlook allowing you to make the most of the landscape from the comfort of the interior.

Although they all provide a transitional space between the inside and out, sunrooms differ from conservatories and solariums because they have a traditional roof rather than a glass version.

As for what you might pay? On average, it costs $47,000 to add a sunroom to your home, says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. However, it can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $140,000, depending on the size and type of sunroom you choose.

Below are the factors that will affect how much it will cost to construct a sunroom for your home:

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Mallory Micetich is a home care expert, with particular expertise in small home living and consumer protection. Currently renting in Austin, TX, she has been a homeowner, investor, and landlord over the last decade. She is committed to minimizing her environmental footprint and to small home living, having lived in only properties of 1,000 square feet or less.

(Image credit: Caroline Allison / Rachel Halvorson)

There is a range of different rooms that fall under the category of 'sunroom,' and which you select will inevitably impact your final costs. This is Mallorys verdict on what the bill for each might be:

Four-season sunrooms are generally the most expensive type of sunroom, costing between $25,000 and $80,000. The added expense goes toward insulating the room, letting you enjoy your sunroom year-round.

Three-season sunrooms are slightly less insulated and more affordable than four-season sunrooms. Expect to pay between $10,000 and $40,000 for a three-season sunroom.

Glass solariums are made almost entirely out of glass, including the walls and roof. On average, it costs between $30,000 and $75,000 to build a glass solarium.

The cost of building a conservatory (also known as a garden room) varies more than the other types of sunrooms. You can pay anywhere from $5,000 to $80,000 for a conservatory.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sargent, Sargent Photography)

Just as with any home addition, the square footage of what you choose to construct will influence the final bill for the project.

The size of your sunroom is one of the biggest factors when determining your projects overall cost, explains Mallory. You can expect to pay between $150 and $300 per square foot to build your sunroom. Small sunrooms with 5 x 10 foot dimensions can start as low as $7,500, while large sunrooms with 20 x 20 foot dimensions can cost $120,000 or more to build.

Whether or not you have the foundations for a sunroom counts, according to Mallory.

If you dont already have a foundation for your sunroom, you'll need to budget extra to cover the costs of site prep and pouring the foundation, she says. Site preparation usually costs between $500 and $5,600, while pouring foundation costs between $1,000 and $6,000.

(Image credit: Betsy Brown Interiors)

For a sunroom to be enjoyable to spend time in, it should have insulation just as the rest of a home should as part of the eco-home improvements you make.

You will need to add insulation to keep your sunroom at a comfortable temperature, says Mallory. Expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 to add insulation to your sunroom.

Opting between a sunroom, conservatory, and solarium affects what the roof is made from and what you can expect to pay for the room.

The material and style of your roof will influence the cost of your sunroom, explains Mallory. Most people end up paying between $3,600 and $8,500 to install a sunroom roof.

A sunroom has plenty of windows and there are the doors to consider as well, all of which factor into the cost.

Windows can be one of the most expensive components of a sunroom, costing between $3,500 and $15,000 to install, says Mallory. If you want to install patio doors, add an extra $1,300 to $11,000 to your budget.

Bear in mind that window treatments, including window blinds and shutters, will also be required to regulate light, protect furniture from the sun, and provide privacy as necessary.

(Image credit: Caroline Bracket Studio of Design/Emily Bolt )

Dont forget the fact that the room needs lighting and electrical outlets. Electricity is necessary to make your sunroom practical and comfortable, says Mallory.

Expect to pay $130 to $270 per outlet, $150 to $350 per ceiling fan, and $150 to $800 per light fixture.

Its a good idea to do some research to assess how much to budget for HVAC in your particular circumstances.

The cost of adding an HVAC system to your sunroom can vary significantly, explains Mallory. I recommend reaching out to a professional to see if you need to install a small, new system or if you can expand your current system. Factor in around $2,300 to $20,500 to install an HVAC system in your sunroom.

Factor in the finishes that make a sunroom a space as chic as the rest of your home and one with decor that complements its overall style, too.

Interior finishes like paint and flooring can cost anywhere from $200 to $9,000, says Mallory. This can also be a great place to cut costs by choosing affordable materials or DIYing simple projects like painting a room.

(Image credit: Thomas Sanderson)

In terms of renovation projects that will add value to your home, adding a sunroom doesnt offer the best return on investment. On average, sunrooms have a 49% ROI, says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. Installing a sunroom may be less valuable than high-ROI projects like kitchen and bathroom remodels, but it can still recoup half of your investment when it comes time to sell.

Of course, a sunroom can allow you to enjoy your home more in the years that you occupy it, making it well worthwhile. And when you do list your home, a sunroom with its excellent natural light and views could boost its curb appeal.

A sunroom adds a bright, airy space in which to relax but it's possible to achieve a similar result with other home addition ideas. You could opt to expand a kitchen or increase the square footage of your existing living space. Whatever you decide, its vital to plan a home addition carefully, as it does cause disruption, and be ready for home addition costs which, like those for a sunroom, will depend on its size and type.

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How much does it cost to add a sunroom to your home? | - Homes & Gardens

Prefabricated sunrooms are a wonderful addition to any home. Traditionally, sunrooms have always been labor-intensive and expensive to build. However, the prefabricated sunroom has made this luxury affordable for any middle-class American family. Whereas traditional sunrooms require expert contractors to build, prefabricated versions come in a kit of easily-assembled parts.

This simplifies the entire process, as important information like weather resistance, design, size, etc. is standardized and laid out up-front. All that you need to do is compare the specifications to local building codes and weather requirements, pick out a suitable kit, and follow the instructions. Once thats done, youll have your gorgeous sunroom. When youre interested in getting a sunroom, look for a prefabricated sunroom for sale.

Before choosing between a prefabricated sunroom for sale or a custom, contractor-built model, you might need to know why sunrooms are such valuable additions. Once you install your sunroom, youll find yourself with all sorts of benefits and potential uses for the new room.

One of the most obvious benefits of a sunroom is its role in enhancing the value of your home. On the one hand, youre increasing the ground area of your home, but youre also adding a touch of luxury. A quality sunroom should always comfortably boost the value of your real estate. If you ever choose to sell your home, your sunroom addition may well pay for itself.

Besides increasing the value of your property, extra space is useful and versatile on its own. A home can often feel cramped with possessions, so adding extra space can finally let you fulfill your interior design dreams. A sunroom is perfectly suited to being a new, tailor-made family area, a plant room, a peaceful place to enjoy your hobbies and passions, or anything else that captures your imagination.

One use for a sunroom is to have a lush, vibrant room filled with plants and vegetation. Glass has a modest insulating effect, and the high sun exposure allows a good sunroom to function in a manner somewhat similar to a greenhouse. If youve always wanted to have plants but your home didnt get enough sunlight, this is just what youve dreamed of. Not to mention, you can deck your sunroom with plants and still use it for other purposes. The beautiful, stimulating environment of a garden sunroom will make it even better suited to use for hobbies or family time.

Do you enjoy writing, reading, knitting, or any other passion best enjoyed in peace? If so, then a sunroom will fulfill your purposes perfectly. You can pick out a prefab sunroom kit with the perfect dimensions to house a comfortable work area and any decorations you might like. After that, you can enjoy the warm rays of the sun while enjoying shelter from adverse weather conditions, insulation from outside temperatures, and some protection from insects and other nuisances. Affordable window-tint services can also afford a comfortable balance of natural light and privacy.

Adding a new space with excellent lighting and a comfortable, naturally-regulated temperature can make for a great place for family and friends to unwind. You could bring a TV or music system out and enjoy all the perks of the indoors with the unique comfort of a sunroom. Not to mention that sunlight is free: spending time in the excellent lighting and balanced temperature of your sunroom may cut into your electric bill.

Prefab and custom-built sunroom are both excellent choices that will transform your home for the better. Custom options seem to have the advantage of carrying more options and being easier to tailor to your needs and preferences, at first. However, there are countless unique prefab sunroom kits on the market that fill every stylistic and practical need imaginable and offset this advantage.

On the other hand, a prefabricated sunroom comes with incredible practicality. While building a sunroom from the ground up is a complex task that requires skilled labor, anyone with DIY skills can put together a sunroom kit. You also have the choice of taking it apart and packing it back up. If youre renting or planning on selling your home and buying a new one, a prefab kit is a less permanent, more mobile commitment. As labor is simpler and often DIY-capable, a kit is far more affordable.

Prefab sunroom cost is lower than a custom-built sunroom by an order of magnitude. Even a basic custom-built sunroom with poor weather resistance and a small floor area may cost you $10,000 for materials and labor at a minimum. However, that cost may easily rise as high as $50,000. Depending on the rigors of local weather, a four-season sunroom capable of withstanding strong winds, snow, and hail while maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature ranges from $20,000 to $80,000 for materials and labor. Other expensive, luxurious types of sunroom such as a solarium or conservatory might range from $30,000 all the way up to $100,000.

In comparison, prefab sunroom kit prices are far lower even with contractor services. Brands such as Champion and Patriot offer prefabricated sunroom prices starting from $5000 up to $25,000. Both of these brands send their own teams to work as contractors and install your sunroom, yet the prices remain much lower. Prefab sunroom prices for DIY kits typically dont grow higher than the $5,000-$15,000 models that California Sunrooms sells with a limited lifetime warranty. Not to mention, you can find even cheaper prefabricated sunrooms for sale if you turn to DIY options.

However, a DIY sunroom prefab kit can get even cheaper while maintaining good quality. Sojag has a prefabricated sunroom for sale that offers a rugged design with 12 ft. x 12. ft dimensions, thick glass, and galvanized steel construction. As a result, its suitable for extreme weather conditions. Despite being undoubtedly good quality and reasonably spacious, it retails for approximately $3,500. Some affordable sunrooms dont require a contractor team or DIY construction, as theyre pre-built before shipping. You might need to factor in the price of add-ons such as a pre-fab booth or booth features, but the overall cost should remain a bargain.

When you pick out your prefabricated sunroom kit, youll have a variety of styles to choose from. Some options are simple and built for modest weather, while others are more rugged. You can also pick out a sunroom with a glass roof, maximizing sun exposure, and outdoor visibility. When youre looking for a prefabricated sunroom for sale, consider your practical needs and the weather-resistance of your choices.

A three-season sunroom is suitable for spring, summer, and fall as a rule. However, they lack the insulation and tougher construction to stay comfortable during icy weather. Youll want to cover it during winter or choose a sturdier, better-insulated model.

Four season sunrooms can resist the rigors of extreme weather and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures thanks to their high-quality insulation. Steel frames and impact windows are common design features that fend off snow pileup, hail, and other forms of extreme weather.

Conservatories and solarium designs tend to have glass roofs, whereas standard sunrooms have glass walls and covered roofs. The result is brighter interior lighting, although the cost and difficulty of installation are often greater if youre performing a DIY project.

While many sunrooms stand alone in the yard, you can also choose an addition: this is a structure that stands alongside the home and works as an extension of the house. Prefab sunroom additions cost more than a standalone sunroom as a rule, with a total price of $5,000 at the very lowest up to to $30,000 for a standard sunroom.

Prefabs built for mobile homes are a great way to add a little extra space, comfort, and luxury to your house-on-wheels.

There are many different prefabricated sunrooms for sale, competing to be the kit that you choose for your home. The right choice of prefab sunroom kit comes down to your needs, your purpose for the room, and the climate where you live. Additionally, youll need to check with local building ordinances or your HOA if youre beholden to one. Consider the following characteristics when choosing your sunroom.

If you intend to use the sunroom as a hub for the family and neighborhood get-togethers, then youll have to choose a larger kit. On the other hand, a 1212 will be more than enough for more personal uses.

Do you want maximum light exposure or are you interested in stargazing from your sunroom? Then a solarium is certainly for you. If your needs are simpler and you live in an area with mild weather, a three-season sunroom will do the job perfectly.

Since construction is so much simpler on a prefab kit than a custom-built sunroom, DIY and contractor-built choices are both relatively affordable. However, hiring a contractor is essential if you feel you might struggle to establish a sunroom kit. When you see a prefabricated sunroom for sale, make sure to consider how complex construction is and whether or not youll need extra assistance.

While Guardian Booth does not sell prefabricated sunrooms, we do sell all types of prefabricated booths. Choose from a wide array of prefabricated structures such as security shacks, cashier booths, portable office trailers, modular offices and more. Each prefabricated structure can be customized with a wide array of custom features, such as custom exterior color and design and many other features.

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Prefabricated Sunroom for Sale: Buy or Build Sun Into Your Life

Children are naturally curious; they learn by observing people and the world, imitating what they see, and experimenting by instinctively mixing in their thoughts, ideas, and feelings to create new scenarios.

The wonderful world of playing dress-up taps into your childs boundlessly inquisitive nature and sets the stage for discovery. Lets look at some of the benefits of dress-up play, how to encourage your kids to give it a try, and how to create an irresistible dress-up play center.

Dress-up play opens up whole new worlds of adventure. This type of pretend play sparks creativity and stretches the imagination. Your kids can soar like Superman and swoop in to save people in distress, roam the jungle and roar like a lion, or impersonate their favorite singer and put on a solo concert. The possibilities are endless.

Playing dress-up also encourages self-exploration. Children are free to explore myriad identities, personalities, and behaviors, and to discover new things about themselves such as their likes and dislikes. Its a healthy, safe, and creative way to experiment and try new things. Its common to see kids acting out their dreams and passionstrying them on for size, so to speak.

Childrens brains are highly stimulated during dress-up play; it requires thinking and remembering what theyve seen and heard, and using this information to work out the details of the different personas and scenes in their minds as they play.

Dress-up play can also really strengthen communication skills and expand your kids vocabulary. Youll often hear a running commentary as your kids dress and change outfits. They may make up new dialogue and carry on lively conversations; either playing by themselves or with others, these scenarios are ideal opportunities for kids to practice basic social skills.

For many kids, dress-up play offers an opportunity to immerse themselves wholeheartedly in the moment. Just think about the powerful concentration going on.

When youre getting dressed up to go out to a party, to work, or to play in a tennis match, or simply donning an apron to bake cookies, be dramatic and exaggerate the motions. Talk about how much fun it is to play these different roles. To encourage them further, create a dress-up center to arouse your kids curiosity.

Creating the ultimate dress-up play center doesnt have to be expensive or extravagant. In fact, thrift and vintage stores should be your first stop. They get new items in daily, so if you visit regularly, its quite possible that youll discover some one-of-a-kind treasures. Some of my kids all-time favorite finds were a mink stole, a poofy pink tutu, an old suitcase, and a gentlemans hat from the 1920s. Your next stop should be neighborhood yard sales where you can also find great bargains for incredible stuff.

Dont forget about the hidden gems in your closet and your spouses. Items you havent worn for a long time or no longer care for make perfect additions to your childrens dress-up collection.

Right about now, you may be wondering where youre going to set up all this stuff. Well, we housed our dress-up collection in my old college trunk in the spare bedroom, which doubled as the playroom. I loved the authentic feel and look of the trunk; it was kind of like rummaging around in Grandmas attic. You dont need a lot of space, but if your kids have a playroom, thats a perfect fit. Otherwise, a corner in the sunroom or family room will do nicely. Attach a few nice hooks on the wall, store some baskets on a low bookshelf, or designate a freestanding coat rack, and youre good to go.

The most important must-have is a full-length mirror, whether its a standing mirror or one hung on the door or wall. Kids can try on all manner of combinations and assortments, admire their handiwork in the mirror, and better visualize their characters wardrobes.

Halloween costumes and sport uniforms that still fit are a great addition. Large rolls of fabric can be fashioned into capes, apparel from other cultures, tents, royalty trains, and anything your childs imagination can dream up.

Dont forget about props. Do your kids have a play kitchen set? If not, give them some rubber cooking utensils such as a spatula, a pancake flipper, a spoon, and some plastic bowls. Our daughter loved to play business, so I equipped her with a calculator, pencils, and paper, and she happily attended to business for hours at a time. Playing teacher and doctor are popular with many young kids, so you could attach a chalkboard or whiteboard to the wall and put some one-dollar workbooks and picture books in a basket or bin. Look for a doctor kit at a yard sale, or pick up an inexpensive one at a dollar store.

Add a little style with accessories such as shoes, scarves, gloves, handbags, ties, hats, jewelry, aprons, belts, and vests for the perfect finishing touch.

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Discovering the World by Playing Dress-Up - The Epoch Times

This week CityNews speaks with the people and services passionate about improving the lives of Canberras older community.

From looking after their health to getting their affairs in order, these Canberra businesses know the importance of helping the older community.

This expertise allows seniors to balance their priorities with ease, making time for both the necessary and the fun.

CityNews speaks with the people and services passionate about improving the lives of Canberras older community.

AS one of Canberras largest independent law firms, MV Law delivers a comprehensive range of specialised legal services. Multiple award-winning MV Law Partner, Tanya Herbertson, and her team offer a wealth of experience in wills and estate planning and disputes. Tanya says shes been in the industry for more than 20 years and loves connecting with her clients.

Personal law is just that: personal. All the expertise in the world doesnt mean anything if you dont also have the emotional IQ to truly put yourself in someone elses shoes, she says.

Tanya says that their focus is on estate planning, making wills, and organising peoples power of attorney, as well as answering questions about guardianship issues and tribunal issues.

I love the people side of it, I love hearing peoples stories, hearing their issues or problems and helping them to work out a path forward.

MV Law, Level 2, 121 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6279 4444, email info@mvlaw.com.au or visit mvlaw.com.au

TONY Ayres, manager of Sears Morton, says for people who experience mobility issues, daily tasks that many people take for granted can become quite difficult.

A seemingly simple task, like getting out of a chair, can be a hazard, he says.

Thanks to innovations from furniture designers and manufacturers, there are items of furniture such as lift chairs that can be of much-needed assistance to those facing this problem.

An electric lift chair allows the user to transition comfortably from standing to a seated position, and then back up again. Lift chairs aim to fully support the user throughout the entire motion from standing to sitting, reducing the likelihood of potential injuries or falls.

This type of chair is recommended for those with limited mobility such as the elderly or those recovering from injuries or surgery.

Tony prides himself on his customer service.

Ive had feedback from seniors, they appreciate old-fashioned, personal customer service, says Tony.

I realise the importance of helping people find the right chair.

People can personalise the colour of their lift chairs, too. They come in both neutral colours and bright colours, and theres a spring sale across the store now.

Sears Morton, 167 Newcastle Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 5587, or visit searsmorton.com.au

FIVE days a week Arthritis ACT hosts senior exercise classes that CEO Rebecca Davey says are a great way to stay fit and meet new people.

Theyre great exercise for seniors but more importantly theyre a really nice way to meet other people that might be going through some of the same challenges, says Rebecca.

Other people living with pain, other people who are not happy with the fact that their body isnt working quite as well as they are used to anymore. What most people find is its the friendships they make thats the really special thing the social connections.

Rebecca says that the classes have no upper or lower age limit, either.

Anyone of any age can come, she says.

Most of our classes do tend to have people that are retired and are older but there is no age limit.

Occasionally we have some young people come as well and that gives a nice mix because its more like a community.

Rebecca says the classes cover everything from strength and balance training to chair yoga to tai chi, as well as specially tailored classes for small groups.

Thats only the start, Rebecca says, with Arthritis ACT also offering services such as exercise physiology, disability support and meal planning to help people in managing their pain.

No question is too big or small for us, she says.

Arthritis ACT, Building 18, 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. Call 1800 011041 or visit arthritisact.org.au

YOUR Property Profits is here to make sure people who are physically or financially limited in their ability to renovate their homes are not disadvantaged by their current circumstances, says owner Sophie McLean.

Our renovations are strategic, we only renovate where we can create an uplift in value, she says.

Our most recent sale, at Holt, attracted more than five times the number of visitors to the property than other comparable properties on the market in the area at the time.

Sophie says the expert team undertakes cosmetic and reconfiguration renovations designed to maximise profit and offer a bespoke service catered to the individual needs of each of their clients, especially seniors who can often face problems when selling their homes.

They may need or choose to downsize their homes, or to move into a retirement village. They may have medical issues that leave them physically restricted. They are often on the pension which limits their ability to lend from major financial institutions, says Sophie.

We do all the work. We pay all the costs and we make sure they walk away with more money in their pockets than they would have had selling without us. And theres a lot people can do with that extra cash!

For some this cash is essential for their ongoing care and medical bills, for others it has a huge impact on their quality of life and independence. Either way, more cash in their pockets gives them greater freedom to choose how they spend their retirement.

Your Property Profits. Call 1800 225597 or visit yourpropertyprofits.com.au

CAPON and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators can help clients update their will as they get older to ensure their wishes are respected, says wills and estate-planning lawyer Ashilpa Khanna.

Ashilpa, who has also recently been made a notary public, says some people dont have a will, which means their possessions are instead distributed by the rules of intestacy.

This distribution means that someone your spouse or a family member will have to apply to the court to be appointed administrator before they can handle your estate, she says.

This can be costly and time-consuming. Even if they have a will, Ashilpa says its important that seniors periodically review it, especially after significant events such as when children get married or the birth of a grandchild.

At the forefront of peoples minds is making sure their financial and legal affairs are in order so that, in the event of a crisis, their loved ones are secure and can be provided for as intended, she says.

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators has been helping people with their legal matters for more than 34 years and can also help seniors with a range of legal issues in areas such as family law, childrens matters, conveyancing, and power of attorney.

We are focused on giving honest and expert advice at all times, she says.

Our staff are experienced in their fields and we take pride in knowing that they will always use common sense, respect, courtesy and good judgement when dealing with clients.

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Email enquiries@chsol.com.au, call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

AS people approach retirement, they start to consider the things that are most important, says Warrigal Aged Care CEO, Mark Sewell.

It should be time to be excited about whats next, and with Warrigals network of community villages across NSW including Queanbeyan on the doorstep of the ACT you have keeping social, connected and cared for, your way, to look forward to, he says.

Warrigals community villages are carefully designed to foster a caring and connected community of like-minded people looking to enjoy their later years. These spaces nurture the ability to form new friendships over shared hobbies, while boasting modern facilities for a comfortable life.

In addition to emergency call systems and in-home care options for peace of mind, Warrigals villas and apartments are modern, open plan, with high-quality features and fittings. Depending on your location choice, you can enjoy a one to three-bedroom property with a courtyard, maintained or self-maintained gardens, barbecue areas with car spaces, carports and garages.

Mark says recreational activities take place in outdoor areas, such as games, hobby clubs, exercise groups, happy hour and many other leisure activities.

You can also take advantage of on-site libraries, wellness centres including hairdressers, transport assistance, and of course bring your pets along, too, as most Warrigal communities are pet friendly.

Warrigal regularly takes feedback on-board to upgrade whats on offer.

Warrigal Aged Care, call 1800 927 744 or visit warrigal.com.au

HIGHER Function offers a range of classes that are taught by experienced physiotherapists and exercise physiologists, using evidence-based exercises, says physiotherapist Andrea Rich.

Strong Bones is a group class designed specifically for people with osteoporosis and osteopenia (low bone density), she says.

This class focuses on exercises to safely improve bone density stomping, holding weights and incorporates strength training, mobility and balance exercises to improve overall mobility and prevent falls.

Strength For Life is a class for people over the age of 50 in which you receive your own personalised strength and exercise program and are working towards your own individual goals.

Golf Fit is great for those who want to play longer games of golf without pain, prevent injuries and improve mobility, strength, power and speed.

Andrea says people come to class to work hard, get stronger and reduce their pain, but the atmosphere is still fun and friendly.

Lots of people have become friends and go for a well-earned coffee after classes, she says.

Our small group classes allow for everyone to receive attention from the therapist, ensuring they are performing exercises correctly, safely and can offer modifications where needed.

We have a 90-year-old client who attends three classes a week. We have lots of fun but still work hard.

Higher Function Physio & Pilates, Suite 4, Level 1/23 Petrie Plaza. Call 6262 9664 or visit higherfunction.com.au

ORTHOPAEDICS ACT was established in 2013, and provides a complete range of care for patients with orthopedic conditions.

Associate Professor Chris Roberts says they are the largest and most comprehensive orthopedic practice in Canberra.

Our specialists are experienced orthopedic surgeons, he says.

The goal at Orthopaedics ACT is to treat patients with musculoskeletal disorders, strive to reduce pain, and improve their patients function and quality of life.

Chris Roberts says this may involve trauma and fractures, sporting injuries, high-speed motor vehicle accidents, overuse injuries, arthritis and disabling pain.

There is nothing more satisfying than hearing from our patients that there has been a reduction in their pain or that they are pain free and able to get back to activity without restrictions, he says.

At Orthopaedics ACT we have all devoted ourselves to caring for our patients and striving to be the best in our field.

Orthopaedics ACT, Woden Specialist Medical Centre, level 2, 90 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 6221 9320 or visit orthoact.com.au

VILLAGGIO Sant Antonio is a multicultural aged-care facility that feels like home, says general manager Alan Hardie.

Its a calm, peaceful place with beautiful gardens and we try to keep that relaxed ambience, he says.

We have an activities lifestyle co-ordinator who organises functions, outings and buses for residents.

Our villa residents also have access to a bus so they organise their own happy hours, travels, visits to galleries and more.

Alan says the facility, licensed for more than 100 residents, is conveniently located nearby everything that seniors need.

Were about one and a half kilometres from shopping, medical centres, main highways and on-site parking, he says.

He also says Villaggio provides 24-hour nursing care to residents.

Weve got visiting doctors, a podiatrist, physiotherapist on-site and more.

Residents consider it as their own home and we try to make them feel as comfortable as we can and look after their needs as much as possible.

Villaggio Sant Antonio, 35 Burkitt Street, Page. Call 6255 1794 or visit villaggio.com.au

TAKING the first step in estate planning is often an enlightening experience, with many people surprised to find out what theyre actually worth, says KJB Laws estate planning special counsel Kerstin Glomb.

I have clients who believe they dont own much, but then when we walk through things like superannuation and life insurance theyre surprised to find out how much theyre actually worth and what they have to organise, she says.

After that initial meeting I find people feel a lot of relief and peace of mind that theyve started the process.

Although it can be an uncomfortable topic to approach, Kerstin says estate planning is something everyone should think about and KJB takes pride in helping ease the burden and making clients feel comfortable.

We guide people through what options they have and what they should address so that they can take charge in providing protection for themselves and their loved ones, says Kerstin.

Its about working out with a client who are the right people in their family or broader surroundings and then structuring their document to reflect that. Theres nothing better than when people say after signing that theyre happy to have it in place, feel comfortable and most importantly that they understand what theyve signed.

KJB Law, ground floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au

SUNROOM for Seniors is a small, welcoming group providing an opportunity for social interaction and friendship, says program co-ordinator Tegan Johns.

We provide a program of activities adapted to attendees needs and interests, says Tegan.

Sunroom for Seniors meets in a specially designed facility at the North Belconnen Uniting Church on Conley Drive, Melba, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm.

Tegan says the group offers enjoyable activities in a warm and friendly setting where seniors can meet and get to know each other, all supported by qualified staff and volunteers.

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Health, wealth and wisdom... its all about seniors - Canberra CityNews

Many people add a sun room to their home, or convert their screen porch into a sun room.When you have a great screened porch, you naturally want to use it more often. Homeowners decide to convert their screened porch to a sunroom, 3-season room, or to find a way to temporarily enclose it. When converting a screened porch to a sunroom, your options are:

1. Build an Addition. Some refer to their addition as a sun room, especially if it has many windows and is the sunniest in the house. For our purposes an addition is a room with tempered, insulated, UV-protected glass. Walls are insulated, so for all practical purposes it becomesadditional living space in your home.

Porch Enclosure Systems clear vinyl & canvas roll-up curtains

2. Build a Sun Room or 3-Season Room. A less expensive option is to replace screened areas on your porch with a single pane glass and screen system, or convert it into a 3-season room. A 3-season room

Porch Enclosure Systems roll-up curtains allow you to keep your outdoor space.

3. Enclose Your Screened Porch With Roll-Up Curtains. When your main interest is in spending time outdoors and protecting your furniture and belongings, you can keep your porch with roll-up curtains.

Roll-Up Enclosure by PES

It seems like a no-brainer: you want more living space, or to enjoy your outdoor space longer. Many peoplecovert their screened porch to a sun room, three-season room, Florida room or lanai. Others build on a sun room without ever considering a screen porch. In many cases, it seems easy to convert your screened porch into a sun room by replacing the screen sections with sliding glass door panels (option 2).

If you are building a screen porch, your contractor may suggest building a sun room instead, with the promise that you will get more use out of it, the additional cost is not that great, and it will add value to your home in the long run. The contractors salesman may suggest the room will be like a screened porch if you open up all the windows.

People glass-in screened porches, then try to make them into living space. They quickly realize that the space is hot in the sun and cold at night or in cold weather. The logical next step is to add space heaters and an air conditioner. Suddenly, you have an inefficient room that is a utility bill nightmare to heat and cool.

They then move their furniture out into the sun room, leaving the living room or family room as an unused space between. Once you move the TV out to the sun room, the family room just becomes a hallway to the main hangout room. When the sun room becomes the main hangout room, the family might start watching TV there during the day as well, when the light through all that glass reflects off the screen, making it hard to see. The logical next step is to add curtains or other window treatments to the sun room windows.

So, what started out as a nice spot to sit in the shade, out-of-doors, away from the bugs, ends up turning into a family room made of a conductive material, nearly impossible to heat or cool, and kept dark with window shades.

Why not let porches be porches? For those that love the great outdoors, the point of a porch is to be in the environment, listening to the birds, crickets or water, not in an enclosed space indoors. Once you glass in a screened porch, it becomes something that is not a porch and the room leading to it may also become useless.

A screened porch, on the other hand, is a quasi-outdoor space, used when the weather permits, and as such, does not end up dominating the home. The living room remains the living room, and the porch remains a porch.

PES roll-up panels being added to this screened porch. No more pollen and a clear view.

Laura Gourley, a homeowner in Stevensville, Maryland said she loves her porch and uses it often, but the weather in Maryland is hit or miss. We really love our screened porch, but wanted more use of it year round. We had looked at making our porch a permanent enclosure [as a sunroom] but it is outrageously expensive to add glass, so the Porch Enclosure Systems product was a great alternative. PES offers all the same year round living advantages of a sunroom while maintaining the charm of the porch and connection to the outdoors.

There are advantages and disadvantages to all types, but the screened porch has a lot of advantages over the sun room:

1. Cost-to-Build Comparison: A screened room can be less than half the cost of a sun room, as screened panels are very cheap to make. Heres a cost comparison:

18 x 24 sun room $36,000 (double-insulated glass, a 6 foam panel ceiling, and complete deck)

10 x 15 sun room $18,000 (single-pane glass, a 3 expanded paper panel roof, no foundation work)

15 x 15 screened porch $8,000 (pan roof, screening, two doors, concrete and prep work)

2. Permitting: A sun room is living space, so youll need a permit to build one. Youll need architecturaldrawings, the structure must be up to code, and your local permitting office will inspect the structure as you build. Be warned: the building permit process often triggers your homes value to be re-assessed, so expect your property taxes to increase subsequently.

3. Electric:As living space, a sun room requires electrical outlets about every 6 feet on all walls. For exterior walls, this often means floor outlets. You also need lighting and a switch as you enter the room. Unless you can DIY electric, add the cost of an electrician to your total.

4. HVAC:Everyone wants to expand the season of a three-season or sun room by adding heat or AC its your new family room and naturally, you want to be out there! For a glass-and-aluminum room though, this can be expensive. Sun room owners often choose strip heaters because they are comparatively easy to install but the tradeoff is, theyrethe most expensive way to heat. Depending on where you live, in winter heating your sun room can cause thealuminum frame around the double-paned glass to collect significant ice, sometimes inches thick. Air conditioning creates similarly expensive cooling and moisture problems because most porches and sun rooms are just not built for efficient heating and cooling.Trying to make these types of rooms into year-round living space might be more expensive than simply building an addition on to your house.

5. Little Increase in Resale Value: The sun room builder or salesperson might argue that adding such a structure increases resale value of the home. This argument is most valid for stick-built sun rooms; they typically add abouthalf the value of your sun rooms construction cost to your home.

Many of our Porch Enclosure System clients tell us,the cheaper the room, the more they enjoy it. Big expensive sun rooms are nice, but never a real living space, other than for occasional parties. Even with the windows open, they feel too indoorsy to act as a porch.

It is very easy to over-improve a home. Dont think you will necessarily recover the cost of a sun room you build. If you add one to your home, you should think of it as something you will get value out of from pure use and enjoyment not as an investment that you hope to recuperate at some point down the line.

We at Porch Enclosure Systems say, let porches be porches! The beauty and enjoyment of a screened porch is that it is not a three-season or all-weather enclosure, but rather a room for use when the weather is pleasant, and a way of enjoying the outdoors.

This PES customers porch contains a fireplace & overlooks a pool

The beauty of a Porch Enclosure System is that you can protect your porch and furnishings from the elements. You can also extend your enjoyment of the screened porch because the clear press polished vinyl sheet glass panes create a greenhouse effect when your Porch Enclosure System is deployed, warming your outside area and giving you a place to escape on a warm winter day. They also help our customers have happier outdoor parties in the summertime! Dont cancel plans because of weather, simply deploy the Porch Enclosure System and keep the party going.

This customers screened porch remains an area that connects his family to the outdoors

Our screened porch & patio enclosures protect your home or business from snow, rain, pest, pollen, colder temperatures and even dust. When the weather turns, quickly convert your screened porch or patio for year round use.

Take our Guided Tour today for a sample estimate. If you like what you see, you may choose to create an account with us and:

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Screen Porch vs. Sun Room: Pros, Cons & Other Options

Tom McDonald & Associates Experienced, Professional, Trusted - are delighted to offer one of the finest properties to come to the market in recent years.

Within close proximity to Monasterevin and the M7 Motorway with easy access to Dublin, this Luxurious 4 Bed, 5 Bath Detached Family Home (approx. 3,415sq.ft) with an address atBishopswood, Portarlington, Co. Offaly, R32 E8W8 comes with a Large Detached Outbuilding to include Garage/Workshop, Car Port, Gym, Games Room, Music Room, Kitchenette, W.C., Furness Room & Storage Room with Hot Water Tank.

Situated on a Private Site extending to approx. 0.6 Acres and accessed via an Electric Gated Entrance & Tarred Driveway.

This Impeccable Property is just minutes drive to Portarlington Town Centre & All Amenities. Built to the Highest Standard, this Stunning Property boasts Numerous Features throughout.

The Exquisite Entrance Hall with Panelled Walls showcases the Beautiful Staircase leading to the First Floor.

The Expansive Open Plan Kitchen/Living/Dining Area has a Quality Fitted Kitchen with Feature Island and Quartz Work Surface.

The Step-Down Living Area has a Feature Stove with Brick Surround.

In addition to the Dining Area, there is a Separate Dining Room with Large Window overlooking the Rear Garden.

The Separate Utility Room is what dreams are made of with Ample Floor to Ceiling Storage, American Fridge Freezer, Integrated Ovens, Laundry Area with Laundry Shoot from the First Floor and a Fully Tiled W.C.

There is also a Panelled Office & Separate Playroom off the Open Plan Kitchen/Living/Dining Area. The Main Living Room has a Feature Open Fireplace.

The Sun Room adjacent to the Living Room is Triple Aspect and has a Wonderful Vaulted Ceiling.

There is a Bedroom on the Ground Floor with a Fully Tiled En-Suite, an Ideal Space for Visiting Guests. All Bedrooms are En-Suite, 1 Bedroom has a Dressing Room and 1 Bedroom has a Walk-In Wardrobe.

The Family Bathroom has a Feature Free Standing Bath & Tiled Floor.

The Large Outbuilding which is Alarmed houses an Expansive Garage/Workshop with Electricity; Car Port with Parking for 2 Cars; Gym; Games Room; Music Room; Kitchenette; W.C.; Store Room with Hot Water Tank & Furness Room.

To Truly Appreciate this Unique Property and All it has to Offer, it Must be Viewed. The First to see will Buy!!

Services Include:

Well & Mains Water, Electricity, Broadband & Septic Tank. Zoned, Dual Fired Central Heating Oil & Furness. Built c. 2001. BER NO: 115365603.

Asking Price - 475,000

Accommodation:

On Site

More images of this property can be viewed on http://www.tommcdonald.ieand https://tommcdonald.ie/properties/bishopswood

*Sponsored Content

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Tom McDonald and Associates present one of the finest properties to come to market in years - Kildare Live

West Simsbury, Conn. | $619,900A 1788 house with four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, on a 1.4-acre lot

In its early years, this house was a stagecoach stop for travelers passing through this part of Connecticut, about 15 miles from Hartford and 30 miles from Springfield, Mass. The house is well preserved, with its original mantels and moldings in several of the main living spaces. It is within walking distance of a small shopping center, a post office and the Tulmeadow Farm Store, a popular spot to buy seasonal produce, baked goods and freshly made ice cream. A number of schools are within a five-minute drive, including public elementary and high schools, a private school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and an all-girls school for sixth through 12th grades.

Size: 4,419 square feet

Price per square foot: $140

Indoors: From the street, a driveway leads to the back of the house and the attached three-car garage.

The front door, set in the middle of the facade, opens into a foyer with wide-plank hardwood floors and one of two staircases leading to the second level.

To the right is a sitting area with a fireplace and paneling painted a shade of blue that might have been used in the late 18th century, when the house was built. A door on one side of the room leads to a study with a built-in window bench. To the right of the study is a large family room with a fireplace, exposed beams and glass doors that open to the backyard, part of a 1985 addition.

To the left of the front door is a dining room with a fireplace and a custom-made cabinet designed to hold the sellers collection of antique tin. Through the dining room is the kitchen, which also connects to the study. A fireplace on one side of the kitchen is original, as are the exposed ceiling beams; the room is large enough to hold a dining table and a sitting area. Off the kitchen is an enclosed sunroom with brick floors, as well as a powder room and several closets.

Stairs in the family room lead to the primary suite on the second level, part of the 1985 addition. The spacious bedroom has a fireplace and overlooks the grounds; across the landing is the primary bathroom.

Two corridors extend off the primary suite: One provides access to the second staircase and to a guest room; the other leads to another guest room and a bathroom.

The fourth bedroom and its en suite bathroom are at the end of the main hallway on the second level, a few paces down from the primary suite.

The finished basement is accessible from the kitchen, and could be used as a media room or a playroom.

Outdoor space: A brick patio off the family room faces the large backyard, landscaped with grass, neat hedges and mature trees.

Taxes: $13,164 (estimated)

Contact: Geena Becker, Geena & Company, William Raveis Luxury Properties, 860-983-4446; raveis.com

The seat of Loudoun County, Leesburg has a historic downtown district that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Much of the quaint downtown is within walking distance of this house, and Loudoun Street, a major thoroughfare with a brewery, several coffee shops and bakeries, well reviewed restaurants and the town hall, is a few blocks away.

Washington is about an hours drive, and housing prices in Leesburg are considerably lower than in closer suburbs like Arlington and Alexandria, making the town appealing to those who work in the nations capital.

Size: 1,962 square feet

Price per square foot: $313

Indoors: This house is one of several in a new development of brick rowhouses designed to evoke traditional Federal-style homes.

The front door opens to a staircase that leads to the main living area on the second level. The sitting area at the front of the house has a sleek fireplace and street-facing windows, as well as an exposed-brick wall and hardwood floors that run to the back of the living space on the other side of the house.

The open kitchen has new stainless-steel appliances, white wood cabinets and space for a dining table next to doors that open to a balcony. Between the sitting area and the kitchen is a half bathroom.

Two of the bedrooms are on the third floor. The primary bedroom, which faces the back of the property, has carpeted floors and a walk-in closet; the en suite bathroom has a double vanity and a walk-in shower with gray tile and black-metal hardware. At the other end of the hall is a guest room with an en suite bathroom that has a single vanity and a combination tub and shower.

On the fourth floor is an open loft-style space, with an exposed-brick wall, a wet bar with a mini-refrigerator and a double-sided fireplace that warms the terrace outside as well. The third bedroom is also on this level; next door is a full bathroom.

Outdoor space: The balcony off the kitchen is big enough to hold a cafe table and chairs. The roof deck with the fireplace on the level above is big enough for a table and additional outdoor furniture, and has easy access to the fourth floors wet bar and bathroom. The attached garage at the back of the entry level holds two cars.

Taxes: $6,111 (estimated), plus an $85 monthly homeowner association fee

Contact: Vicky Noufal, Platinum Group Real Estate at Pearson Smith Realty, 703-402-5416; goplatinumgroup.com

Vestavia Hills, named after the estate of a former Birmingham mayor, has about 40,000 residents, many of whom commute 15 minutes into downtown Birmingham. The suburbs public schools are a huge draw for many families: One of the elementary schools is a Blue Ribbon school, and the local high school, about five miles away, is known for its debate team.

Several shopping centers are within a five-minute drive, affording easy access to grocery stores, a movie theater and a large hardware store. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is less than 10 minutes away by car.

Size: 2,866 square feet

Price per square foot: $216

Indoors: A paved path leads from the sidewalk to the front stoop; a driveway runs alongside it, from the street to the garage.

The green front door swings open into a foyer with hardwood floors and a staircase that has a simple iron banister. To the right is a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the front yard.

The hardwood floors continue from the foyer, through the dining room and into an open kitchen with granite counters, stainless-steel appliances, a breakfast bar that seats three and a dining nook near backyard-facing windows.

The kitchen is open to a living room with a fireplace and more windows overlooking the backyard. Off to one side is a door to a screened porch with a stone fireplace.

Also on this level is a dedicated home office, just off the entry, as well as a powder room between the dining room and the kitchen.

Three of the four bedrooms are on the second floor. The primary suite, at one end of the hall, has carpeted floors and a large en suite bathroom with a shower and a deep soaking tub. The other two bedrooms, at the opposite end of the hall, are connected by a full bathroom.

The top floor functions as a guest suite, with a full bathroom and windows facing the front and rear yards. It could be converted into two bedrooms or a bedroom and playroom.

Outdoor space: A deck outside the screened porch has a barbecue hookup, a built-in sink and plenty of space for a dining table. The lawn in the backyard slopes down to a low rock wall and an area that could be a garden. The attached garage holds two cars and has an area that could be turned into a home gym.

Taxes: $3,108 (estimated)

Contact: Brian Boehm and Mimi Nolen, The Boehm Nolen Group, Realty South, 205-238-8154; greateralabamamls.com

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What $620,000 Buys You in Connecticut, Virginia and Alabama - The New York Times