Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

ITALIAN POLICE have arrested a four-man gang of thieves who used Instagram to stake out the homes of Milan celebrities to prepare daring burglaries.

Investigators in Milan have arrested a gang nicknamed the acrobat thieves by the local press who used Instagram to monitor the movements of their celebrity targets as well as using photo posts to get an insight into their luxury homes.

The criminal quartet, aged between 14 and 44, targetted homes of local celebrities in Italys richest city including Inter Milan footballer Acharif Hakimi, TV personality Diletta Leotta, and Instagram influencer Eleonora Incardona. They analysed the stars social media output to see when they were out of town when they could strike, as well as gaining info on their homes and what type of windows they had.

Dramatic CCTV footage captured the acrobatic thieves scaling a wall to break into a first-floor apartment and the criminals reportedly dressed in style to blend into the crowds of upmarket Milanese neighbourhoods during their heists. They looted Rolex watches, designer handbags, and expensive jewellery during their robberies, much of which has now been recovered following the gangs arrest.

While the south of Italy is famous for its mafia, some of Europes most accomplished thieves have hailed from the north of the country. The mysteriousSchool of Turin,originating in their eponymous home city, garnered international attention in 2003 following the daring and lucrative Antwerp Diamond Heist.

Thank you for taking the time to read this news article Gang of Thieves Used Instagram to Stake Out Celebrity Homes. For more UK daily news, Spanish daily news and Global news stories, visit the Euro Weekly News home page.

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Gang of Thieves Used Instagram to Stake Out Celebrity Homes - Euro Weekly News

I have two fluffy and squishy Persian cats and I absolutely adore them! Having them at home is a delight, a fact Im sure all pet owners can attest to. Another fact that all pet owners can attest to as well sometimes, just sometimes, our pets can be a little annoying (No, were not horrible people for saying this). Theyre like children, they have their mood swings, demands, tantrums, and an intense need for attention. They also love leaving our homes in a mess, with no consideration for our belongings. And the few pet products that I do add in my home to keep them entertained and comfortable, often turn out to be complete eyesores, having no respect at all for my interior decor and theme. The secret is to integrate furniture designs in our homes that our pets can rest on, relax, and keep themselves busy with, but also designs that manage to harmoniously merge with our interiors, seamlessly becoming a part of our living space and also providing us with some functionality. We can cast aside the bulky pet products that stand out in our homes awkwardly without even really catering to the needs of our pets. This collection of interesting, multifunctional and not to mention fun furniture designs will keep both you and your pet satisfied!

Designed by Ben Hansen, this simple yet innovative dog house uses excess water from watering plants and filters it into the dogs water bowl! Rattan with green accents gives it a light, airy feel. The minimal dog house will brighten any corner of your home hard not to when it holds a cute plant and pet! Its an adorable piece of furniture that not only serves as a home for your pet but also doubles up as an elegant plant holder, harmoniously merging with the interiors of your home.

The idea behind the Gatrimonial bed frame by CatLife is that it should be a comforting space for the pet and owner. The cat gets a secure, comfortable den, and does not feel as if you are invading his/her space. The furniture also provides plenty of stimuli to keep him/her entertained. I can already hear my roommates pet darting through his maze while I lie on the bed above him. Perhaps this cat-friendly furniture will encourage some casual bonding time between the two of us.

Seungji created the Dog House Sofa to enhance the harmony between humans and their pets. Created out of solid wood ash and fabric upholstery, the sofa can seat two people. The entire piece is draped in neutral shades of beige and mocha, so no jarring colors to alarm your pet! The wooden armrest also doubles as a cozy hideaway for your pets. Its a private section where they can laze around, with an opening in the armrest, allowing them to sneakily cuddle up to you! Such a design enables the two of you to interact but also provides sufficient personal space, without your pet destroying your beloved upholstery (for a change).

Industrial designer Jong Hoon Yoon from Seoul, Korea pondered over the unique idea of thinking from a pets perspective and designing an intuitive TV stand. Christened With, the space-saving TV unit doubles as a cozy spot for your cat to never let go of. All this while being considerate of the kind human too. Yes, With considers the positioning of the cat and the fellow human, so that they both are in their comfort zone and dont bother each other. For us, the TV is a mere source of entertainment as well as lousy around on our couch binge-watching streaming content. On the other hand, the heat produced from the TV and the accompanying electronics is an opportunity for your pet to curl up and enjoy in their own space.

People in small living spaces use low furniture (such as rugs, floor chairs) to build intimate relaxing areas while cats prefer covert spaces, but due to the limited space, there are not many places to hide or play.CatYou in a Circle by Jack Dogson (ironic huh!)didnt want to separate the pets from their owners so it is designed to cleverly bring them together while also maintaining boundaries. The hollow armrests and backrest offer cats a playground and hiding territory while the coffee table provides a place to sleep. The woven bamboo texture makes it possible for owners to see their cats even when they are hiding and play with through its holes. The size of holes is different in different parts of the furniture to adapt to the needs of the pet as well as humans. The backrest holes are smaller to make the cats feel more secure. But holes above are bigger so that when people lean on the sofa, they can see through the backrest and find their cats underneath.

In all the desk designs Ive seen over the years, this is a first for me! Its calledAscendand its been created by Dan Devine for all the cat ladies and fellas out there. Like any cat person will tell you, the moment you give attention to anything but your furry friend, theyll find a way to lounge on your keyboard or knock over your utensils until its back on them! Designed with this in mind, the wood desk has been crafted with multiple ramps and landings for cats to perch up and play. If you cant fight em, invite em!

Named after the acorn nut and clearly inspired by its curvaceous form, the Acorn Leisure chair boasts of a similar voluminous design, with a seat above for you to rest on, and an area below thats ideally sized for a pet, or a makeshift magazine-rack. The chairs unique design is instantly eye-catching, with the lack of traditional details like legs, or a backrest thats attached directly to the seat. Instead, the chair builds itself out of a wooden platform on the base, with a wrought-iron enclosure above it, topped off with a seat. The backrest, instead of emerging from the seat itself, mounts directly onto the base platform, making for an incredibly unique chair that your eye naturally gravitates towards! The wooden parts of the chair are CNC-machined to perfection, and the wrought-iron pipes on the base give the chair its sturdiness while allowing your pets to see your legs as they sit inside their safe-space, providing a unique connection between both occupants! Alternatively, you could use the space under the seat to store books, toys, and pouf pillows too!

The latest piece to catch our eye has been the Kyali cat climber by MADE for its almost human furniture-like design because usually, a cat climber would stick out but this one just blends in like a cozy stool! The climber has a warm inviting vibe because of the woody tones and the soft fabric cushioning that will instantly draw your cats in for a nap. It is a blend of a bed and a dynamic game for your pets. Featuring three shelves or levels, Kyalis goal was to provide plenty of fun for your feline friends without taking up too much room. It has a modular structure that lets you adjust the shape to create more space for cats to explore or to make it more compact to store.

Grid functions as a comfy resting spot for your pet. With a cozylounging spot at the bottom and a slanted roof on top, it manages to provide a very homely feel, a safe haven of sorts for your furry friend. The gridded structure at the entrance allows your pet to slither in and out, allowing them to have their own little adventure! On the other hand, the roof also functions as a magazine stand. You can place your magazines on the roof, where they will be supported by an almost inconspicuousshelf.

This particular piece of cat furniture is extremely easy to set-up and seamlessly integrates with your current home setting minus the bulkiness of a conventional cat tree. In 2020, it is all about how modular the product is, and that applies to pet furniture too. With Catssup you can create a DIY jungle gym by simply clamping the different parts onto existing furniture and changing the set-up whenever you (read: your cat) need. The best part is that it doesnt require any floor space so if you want to lie down and WFH you absolutely can with the extra room! The Catssup set includes a Dot Step, a Sleeping Pill, a Space Ball, a Cloud Lounge, and a Climbing Tower I would just like to say that I strongly believe human furniture should also have fun labels like this and maybe we would be more invested in it.

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Pet-friendly IKEA-worthy furniture designs that perfectly balance the needs of your pet, your home and you! - Yanko Design

The group wants to save farmland Photo Ros Tapp

A group set up in a bid to save Westgate agricultural land from being developed hopes to mobilise residents into action.

The Westgate Action Group Against Housing Development says a planning application for a huge 2,000 development of a new town on farmland at the edge of town will mean a massive population increase, lost green fields and a change of environment forever.

Millwood Designer Homes wants to create up to 2000 homes, including up to 100 Extra Care units, a care home, two form entry primary school, health centre and shops, cafes and restaurants on 237 acres which includes agricultural land either side of Minster Road.

The site can be broken into three main parcels, divided by the existing roads. The first parcel is on the west of Minster Road. The second parcel lies between Minster Road and Garlinge High Street. The third parcel extends east of Garlinge High Street.

A full application has been submitted for 120 homes earmarked as a new Dent-De-Lion neighbourhood, with views of the Dent-De-Lion Gatehouse and fronting on to a village green with a feature pond. This site will be accessed from Garlinge High Street / Dent-de-Lion Road.

The development has been named The Gallops. Millwood say the new town will include green spaces, play areas and walking and cycle routes. Plan amendments have been made based on feedback from community meetings and exhibitions, including one held last November.

But the action group says members are concerned about: the decimation of prime agricultural land and that this development will increase the population of Westgate from approximately 7500 to 11,500 changing the character of Westgate forever.

A spokesperson for the group said: Our aim is to raise awareness of the planning application and provide information to support and mobilise residents in responding .

We believe this development cannot be considered separately to other similar developments planned for Birchington and Shottendane and so we aim to collaborate with other groups in Thanet .

We believe it is important to ensure there is sufficient time to consider the application in the light of a number of significant changes and additional evidence.

The first phase planning application was made at a time of national emergency andmany people were not aware of it. There are questions regarding the algorithm used to calculate housing numbers and why Thanet been allocated 10% of the Kent housing quota when it represent only 2.7% of the area and has significant food production.

The application appears to extend beyond the designated allocation as agreed in the Local Plan.

One of our members, Ros Tapp, estimates we are losing one third of the central undulating chalk farmland cited as area of character in local plan.

We do not believe the application has fully considered the extensive wildlife population on the farmland.There has been a climate emergency declared locally, nationally and internationally. It is incomprehensible why there are plans to proceed to decimate acres of prime agricultural land, failing to protect this for food production now and for future generations at a time when we need future food security.

We are urging residents to contact their local town, district and Kent county councillors , MPs and Secretary of State for housing.

Millwood says it is planning to include wildflower meadows and bug and bee hotels as well as areas for foraging, an orchard and a heritage trail. There will also be natural play and sensory areas.

Planning documents say: This first phase of development provides an opportunity to create a visually striking gateway and set a high standard for the future phases of development. The Gallops, Land at Westgate and Garlinge, has been designed comprehensively, demonstrating the potential to deliver up to 2000 new homes in a sustainable manner, with no fundamental constraints on development that cannot be appropriately mitigated.

The proposed site is larger than that suggested in Thanets adopted Local Plan, which is a blueprint for housing, development and infrastructure on the isle up until 2031.

Westgate was originally allocated 1,000 homes but a vote in 2018 to retain Manston airport as aviation-use only instead of mixed-use development meant 2,500 proposed homes had to be reallocated to new sites.

The reallocation included 1,000 homes for greenfield sites either side of Minster Road in Westgate, bringing the draft plan total for the town to 2,000.

Millwood Designer Homes is involved with a similar plan for development in Birchington.

Westgate Town Council has also opposed the development plan. A statement says: We have always been opposed to the building of houses on the grade 1 and 2 agricultural land, the loss of separation between Westgate and Garlinge, the loss of open space and the over development of our small town.

We believe that other, preferably brown field sites should have been chosen for a development of this size. We understand that there is a need for housing, however we have always been concerned that the methodology used to calculate the housing need in Thanet caters for developers and those moving to Thanet from outside the district, more than local residents.

We are concerned that this methodology which does not value agricultural land will result in Thanet becoming more and more densely populated with no concern for the over-arching impact on our towns, our residents or the environment.

As the local plan was approved last year, we had to concede that this land will be used as a strategic site for housing against our will. We are now eager to ensure that if houses go ahead that they are future looking, take the environment and our residents into account and do not impact the town in a negative way, now or in the future.

The full objection can be viewed here

North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale this week called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to announce and immediate moratorium on the use of all farm land for housing until policy can be reviewed.

The PM said the request was unrealistic although he appeared to believed Sir Roger was calling for a halt on all construction.

The planning documents can be viewed on Thanet councils planning page, reference OL/TH/20/1400

To join the Save Our Fields campaign email saveourfields2021@gmail.com

There is also a dedicated Facebook page and Twitter and Instagram pages @saveourfields

Related

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Westgate action group urges residents to join up and 'Save Our Fields' - The Isle of Thanet News

Now, with work nearly finished, the projects funded by the referendum have brought about changes to every building in the district.

Referendum projects ranged from a $26 million elementary school to a broad array of smaller remodeling and maintenance projects. The district also budgets nearly $2 million of state and local funds to building maintenance each year, and that funding was used in some projects, too.

The work has alleviated overcrowded conditions in the elementary schools and provided more classroom space in other buildings.

Superintendent Jeff Holm started working in the district about a month after the referendum passed. He said he has been grateful to his predecessor Superintendent Jerry Kjergaard and the School Board at the time for pursuing the referendum.

Can you imagine what our challenge would have been (in the pandemic) if we still only had Roosevelt and Kennedy and needed to try to keep kids six feet apart? Holm said. I've felt very grateful to have a third elementary, and a very nice one at that.

Other larger referendum projects were $5.5 million science classroom additions at Willmar Middle School and a $7 million expansion of physical education/athletic facilities at Willmar Senior High School.

The building program included millions in maintenance projects that were past due. Jefferson Learning Center got a new boiler, and four buildings had roof work done. Several buildings, including the Area Learning Center in Garfield School, now have improved fire suppression and ventilation systems.

Aaron Pilarski, buildings and grounds manager for Willmar Public Schools, joined the district as work on Lakeland Elementary was ending, and he turned his attention to Kennedy and Roosevelt elementary schools.

I think that quality buildings reflect on a students education as much as other things, he said.

Kennedy and Roosevelt were well-maintained, but they needed some work. Roosevelt was newer, but Kennedy, which originally was a high school, looked dated, he said.

Both buildings were remodeled to develop collaborative spaces, and corridors were updated. Kennedy needed new windows and improvements to its exterior walls, too.

The Senior High had the biggest price tag among the existing buildings, about $12 million total. In addition to the gym expansions, the work included pool dehumidification, roof replacement and numerous building improvements.

The school was built in the mid-90s and hadnt had many updates, Pilarski said. Music rooms needed work, and an industrial technology expansion was needed to give those classes the room they needed for classes and projects.

The high schools classrooms are clustered around pods, which had never been redone. Remodeling of the pods added new furniture, carpet and paint. Students helped with designing the pods. Each has its own theme.

Pilarski said the referendum projects were done with an eye toward getting as much done as possible with the money available. He found there were some low-cost cosmetic improvements that could add to a buildings visual appeal.

You had to be really wise with it, because there was a lot we wanted to accomplish, he said. Im biased; I think it was really well spent.

School Board Chairman Mike Reynolds said he was impressed with the range of projects and just how well weve stretched our money.

Credit goes to many people, but especially Pilarski, he added.

Weve just done so much with so many things, he said. Our buildings are modern, they're up to date, and theyre safe.

Reynolds and other board members have commented that they hear comments in the community about how nice the buildings look, and they appreciate it.

Its nice to know the parents and community members take notice, he said.

Reynolds said the building upgrades might be noticed by families making decisions about where to send their children, too, but people make those decisions for a variety of reasons.

All we can do is keep making the product we have and the facilities we have top notch, he said.

See more here:
Here's what $52 million did for Willmar Public Schools - West Central Tribune

FREEHOLD Municipal officials in Freehold Borough are planning to appropriate $1.78 million toward the cost of improvements at the Freehold Public Library, East Main Street.

Members of the Borough Council have introduced a bond ordinance that provides for the issuance of bonds or notes in that amount to finance the costs. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Feb. 16. Council members may adopt the ordinance that evening.

According to the bond ordinance, municipal officials expect to receive an $889,000 grant from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act to help finance the planned improvements at the library.

The improvements at the library are expected to include wheelchair access to the entire facility; two new restrooms that will be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; a kitchenette for staff/program use; and heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades, according to council President Annette Jordan.

Jordan said additional accessibility improvements will be made at the library; there will be designated parking spaces adjacent to library for individuals who have a handicap; the staff office will be relocated; the circulation desk will be repositioned; and there will be a new teen room public space that will be reclaimed from storage and utility areas.

She said safety improvements to the front entrance of the library will preserve the buildings historic character; there will be remodeling and new shelving in the childrens room; updated electric service; a designated conference/study room; and additional shelf capacity, specifically for the childrens, teen and adult fiction collections.

The Freehold Public Library opened in 1904. It operates independently of the Monmouth County Library System and is funded exclusively by Freehold Borough taxpayers.

The library was built with a grant provided by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who funded the construction of 36 libraries in New Jersey. The Freehold Public Library is one of 17 Carnegie libraries that remain operational in the state.

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Freehold Borough bonds will help to finance library improvements - centraljersey.com

A home renovation project can dramatically transform the visual appeal of your house, whether its renovating the interior or exterior, remodeling can increase the value of a residential property and make it look more modern. But it will get messy before everything gets completed.

As a homeowner, you may have mixed feelings, you know your house will look amazing after the remodel, but you are probably dreading the whole renovation process and the mess that usually comes with these home improvement projects.

According to remodeling contractors in Miami, renovating your home is an investment that will pay off in the long term. For homeowners that want to transform their house into their dream home, starting a renovation project with a professional construction firm is a step in the right direction.

In the midst of all the construction work that is going on during the renovation, your day-to-day activities and usual schedule will be turned upside down in order to accommodate the work that needs to be completed by the remolding company you hired.

Dealing with dust When there are walls being torn apart, drilling, cutting, and hammering, dust is inevitable and can make you sneeze and cough non-stop. But there are several ways to deal with the dust. You can consult with your contractor to install temporary compression-fit walls to close off areas where construction is taking place, or you can place air filtering systems to collect floating dust.

Loud noises Loud and annoying noises are expected when it comes to renovating your home. The banging of hammers and mechanized noises from saws are annoying and may hurt your ears, you may find locking yourself in the furthest room away from the construction area possible until the work is finished, which can take days, weeks, or even months depending on the renovation.

Reduced walking space A construction zone is messy and usually takes up a lot of space to make room for all the equipment, tools, and materials needed for the renovation. It can help to consult with your contractor in ensuring there is ample walking space in and around the house if you need to get something.

If you have pieces of expensive furniture and other items you want to protect, its best to cover them with durable plastic bags or slipcovers before the renovation so they can be protected when the renovation work is taking place. Not doing so can leave your valuables covered in dust and other construction debris.

Depending on the level of renovation that is being performed on the residential property, remodeling can range from simple to complex. Circumstances may arise where moving to a temporary location may be necessary such as a nearby hotel, a family members home, or elsewhere if major renovations are being done and living on the property is no longer convenient for you or your family.

It is possible during the renovation process that complications can occur such as going over budget and project delays, that is why its important to keep in direct communication with your contractor or the renovation company to discuss these issues.

The worst part of the whole process is probably coming to terms that the renovations may take longer and will be more expensive than originally anticipated and is a common concern homeowners will have.

Link:
What Should I Expect During A Home Renovation in Florida? - South Florida Reporter

Jameson Champion

On Jan. 30, the Snake Pit reopened as an esports gaming arena, following its remodel.

Last week marks the first time the Snake Pit has been made available to the general student population since last semester.

The event saw visitors trying out the new computer systems in the repurposed Snake Pit, as well as view all the new renovations to the arena.

This spaces renovations include 24 computers for general student access, 12 of which are usable under current COVID-19 restrictions. There are also an additional six computers that have been placed on a stage for esports teams to use during livestream production and live esports events.

These renovations are an exciting new addition to many, especially students who do not have access to consoles or computers capable of playing games.

Its pretty nice. It gives our community a space to play games, sophomore and esports athlete Casey Kabit Freudenthal said.

The Snake Pit was formerly a room for

commuters to spend time between classes. In the Fall 2020 semester it was announced that the esports department would be remodeling the space into an esports arena.

Prior to this, all esports related events were held using a dedicated room within the Carlisle-Rogers building.

Due to its conversion from a student hangout spot to an esports arena, there are some who are unhappy with the change.

The esports arena is great for the esports teams, but it almost seems as though the commuter students were cast aside and forgotten about, sophomore Joshua De La Pena said. Not only was the Snakepit my place to chill, but to do homework without worrying about being too loud, like in the library, or being uncomfortable like outside.

After the announcements that the esports department would be changing the space, a soft opening to the Snake Pit occurred in September 2020 with a highly limited capacity.

This included students having to reserveacomputer in order to follow COVID-19 guidelines.

An important new feature to the arena is the potential for live competition play by esports athletes.

The rooms stage offers an opportunity for the players to be front and center with seating for viewers during play.

Once COVID is over I think being able to play live will be a cool opportunity, Freudenthal said.

The Snake Pits hours are from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day.

In order to receive swipe access to the room, students must fill out the esports room access form on Engage.

Excerpt from:
Snake Pit reopens as esports gaming arena | The Southern - FSC Southern

Thinking about moving? While the selling process can sometimes be long and complicated, there are ways to not only increase the speed at which your home sells, but also increase its value. And the best part? Most of these fixes are pretty simple! Things like painting the walls, pulling weeds out of the garden, and just giving your home an extra-thorough cleaning could actually make a difference in your sale.

But before you jump into repairs, determine how much youre willing to spend and where you want to spend that money. A good place to start is by looking at other local listings. Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin, suggests seeing what improvements neighbors have made and how much they were able to sell their homes for. She also points out that you want to be careful not to over-improve. A luxury home in a normal neighborhood doesnt make sense, she says.

So how much should you spend? While this largely depends on your area, Brett Jennings, owner and founder of The Real Estate Experts, says that the average homeowner in California spends between $10,000 and $30,000 preparing their home for market, though some spend up to $100,000. (Bear in mind, however, that the price of real estate in California tends to trend higher than in most other areas of the country, so these averages are likely lower elsewhere.) Although this might seem like a lot of money, Jennings argues that its worth it. If you dont do home improvements, dont expect your home to sell at the price other homes are selling for, he says. Most people think that if your home is worth $500,000 and you spend $10,000 on improvements, youll really only be getting $490,000. The reality is that youll likely double or triple your investment when you bring it to market. Fairweather adds, People want move-in-ready homes, especially now.

Of course, it pays to be smart about where those investments are going. Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, states Karen Swanson of New England Design Works. And with all the home improvement shows out there, she continues, buyers are savvy about the work involved. So the nicer these spaces can look, the better. Thats not to say you need a total gut renovation, but small swaps could make all the difference. From minor repairs to slightly more involved projects, read on for everything you should do to prepare your home to sell.

Painting your home before putting it on the market can undeniably help your sale. Jennings says its actually the most important improvement you can make. Both Jennings and Dolly and Jenny Lenz of Dolly Lenz Real Estate agree that painting provides one of the best returns on your investment, since its relatively low-cost, especially if you can do it yourself. New paint can rid your home of old odors, cover all those dings and fingerprints, and provide a fresh canvas that piques the buyers imagination, says the Dolly Lenz team.

And new paint isnt limited to the walls. Painting the homes cabinets could also have a positive impact on a sale, though Jennings recommends steering clear of daring colors and opting instead for a hue thats on-trend. Swanson adds that paint color preferences are often regional. In terms of the Northeast, people love their white kitchens, so thats usually a safe bet, she suggests.

If paint is the outfit of a home, consider hardware and light fixtures the accessories. Both have the ability to dress up a home, and without them, a space can feel boring. Often, lighting and hardware can make the difference between a good and a great home for potential buyers, meaning its worth your while to swap out dated pieces for more contemporary counterparts. Jennings even goes so far as to state that these seemingly minor repairs could get you double or even triple what you invested. After all, first impressions are major when it comes to making a sale, according to Jenny and Dolly Lenz, so its important to invest in areas that might influence that impression.

As with paint, preferences for hardware and lighting fixtures vary, so its useful to research whats trending in your area and whats most likely to sell. Need a suggestion? Swanson says, Aged brass is very popular, so choosing this and perhaps adding an inexpensive pendant light also in aged brass would likely make a big impact.

Potential buyers want to be able to envision themselves living in the home theyre looking at. Pulling up to a yard full of weeds risks clouding that vision. As Dolly and Jenny Lenz point out, A lack of effort can kill your sales process before it begins. They add, You want those people to stop and get out of their car, not keep driving by. Easy fixes like pulling out weeds in flower beds or putting down wood chips in muddy spots could make all the difference for a potential buyer whos imagining pulling up to the house every day.

While this might seem obvious, youd be surprised at how much gets overlooked. Dolly and Jenny Lenz say, No one wants to walk into a house with lights that dont turn on, shades that cant be opened, or doors that are stuck. As an owner, you may not even know that something is broken, but a discerning buyer will certainly zero in on your homes imperfections. Put yourself in the buyers shoes and go room to room looking for issues. Fixing any obvious defects can pay dividends in the future.

OK, so this one might not be as easy as getting out the paint roller or doing an afternoon of gardening, but it could make a pretty major difference in your sale, according to Jennings. Along with painting, flooring is another improvement that can maximize your return on your investment. Scratched, dated floors might not seem like a big deal to you, but for a buyer, its just another thing they would need to fix upon moving in. At the very least, get an estimate for the work to pass along to your buyer if you cant do the repairs yourself.

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5 Easy Repairs to Make If You're Trying to Sell Your House - HouseBeautiful.com

Photos by Corey Gaffer

We are a different breed of builder, because wethe ownersare actually the ones building the home, says Kate Hage, who co-owns Hage Homes with her husband, Kerry. This project, a dreamy Wayzata home with sweeping views of Ferndale Preserve and Lake Minnetonka, only reinforces her sentiment.

On a near 5-acre lot with mature trees and unique elevation above the preserve, a stone turn-around driveway welcomes you to this tucked-away house straight out of a fairytale. The client wanted their new home to look as if it had always been there, Hage says, which is why the Minneapolis-based builders strengthscraftsmanship and detailmade them the perfect fit for the job.

The pairs commitment to quality is utterly apparent as you walk inside, where a basketweave floor design immediately pulls focus in the entryway. In fact, careful attention to custom finishes like this took precedence in every facet of the project. For example, antique flooring sourced from a tobacco farm in North Carolina is both historic in nature and beautiful in composition, while the sunrooms tile work is delicately hand-painted. The kitchen cabinets and drawers, which feature dovetail joints and ornate detailing, are highly customized by the best craftspeople in the Twin Cities. A recurring floral motif carved into pullouts, vanities, and more makes thoughtful appearances throughout the home.

An emphasis on natural materials is also evident, seen in the stone, stucco, and cedar incorporated inside and out. Reclaimed timbers enhance the walls and ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows send natural light into the 28-foot-tall living room, a massive wood-base island grounds the spacious kitchen, and a stone fireplace with a custom limestone surround keeps everyone warm during cold winter months.

Other standout elements include a custom four-season conservatory with full irrigation capabilities, operational windows, and temperature control; a stone porch with automatic retractable screens, a wood-burning stone fireplace, and ceiling heaters; a steel-and-glass window wall that peeks into a green-accented garden room from the kitchen; and a three-story staircase often drenched in sunlight. Dcor and art fill open shelves and glass-enclosed cabinets, and in many spaces, unique light fixtures suspend overhead. A lower-level bar area, wine cellar, and billiards table round out the homes extensive offerings.

The result is a truly custom home with unsurpassed care for not only the homeowners vision, but every detail and finish along the wayexactly what Kate and Kerry Hage promise every Hage Homes client.

hagehomes.com

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Details Abound in This Dreamy Wayzata Abode by Hage Homes - Midwest Home Magazine

125 Years

February 13, 1896

The stockholders of the new Driving Club met at the home of Louis Kah, Jr., last night and decided to incorporate the club with a capital stock of $3000. The following were elected: John Loughlin, president; Dr. T.W. Johnston, vice president; Louis Kah, Jr., secretary; Louis Wagner, treasurer.

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Hick and Hess have opened a bicycle store in the business room of W.H. Fistoe on North Main avenue.

100 Years

February 13, 1921

The Potts brothers, well known young men of this city, have established a new industry here, their plant being located on Carey street, south of the plant of the Sidney Tool Works. They have outfitted a polishing and nickel-plating plant, and have had almost 16 years experience in this line of work.

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There were indications today that President-elect Hardins inaugural address will be short and will be devoted principally to domestic issues.

75 Years

February 13, 1946

The first annual meeting of the membership of the Sidney Civic association will be held the evening of Feb. 26, with a dinner to be served at the Masonic temple. Principal speaker for the meeting will be John H. VanDeventer, president and editorial director for the magazine Iron Age.

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Houston and Botkins joined top-seeded Anna and Holy Angels in registering thrill-packed victories as the Shelby County High school basketball tournament got underway at the Sidney High school gym last night.

50 Years

February 13, 1971

Edward L. Gerstner, 80, of R.R. 1, Sidney, State Route 29 east, died at 5:35 p.m. Sunday at Wilson Memorial Hospital where he was admitted Dec. 25.

He was one of the co-founders of the Liberty Folder Co. now a division of Bell and Howell.

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New personal loan manager for Citizens Baughman National Bank will be Jerome Wanger Jr., former Fort Motor dealer here for many years, it was announced today by Chairman Joseph B. Cook and President J. Lowell Fowble.

25 Years

February 13, 1996

A television crew from the NBCs Dateline news program was in Sidney Tuesday to interview the editor of Coin World, an Amos Press Inc. publication.

Beth Deisher, editor of the international weekly newspaper for the coin collector, was interviewed by Chris Hansen for a program to be broadcast the end of March or early April. The interview was conducted at the Sidney Holiday Inn since remodeling is currently under way at Amos Press.

These news items from past issues of the Sidney Daily News are compiled by the Shelby County Historical Society (937-498-1653) as a public service to the community. Local history on the Internet! http://www.shelbycountyhistory.org

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Out of the past - sidneydailynews.com