Tips from the Pros

TIPS By Stefanie Jackowitz FRoM THE PROS Plan your Audio/Video Project Save time, stress, and money this summer on your home and garden. Vicinity Magazine asked local service professionals for key tips and techniques geared especially for our readers. Here's what they told us: Pick the Best Windows Look for windows with an Energy Star rating and choose the glass that best fits your needs: • 30 or lower U factor and solar heat gain ratings are required for the 2009 Energy Tax Incentive Program. • Double-pane glass has sealed airspace between its layers to reduce heat loss. • Windows containing inert gas or a "low-e" coating provide added energy savings. • Tempered, or "safety" glass is sturdy, and ideal for patio and storm doors, and picture windows. HG Edwards 24 Franklin Place, Summit 908-273-3224 • www.hgedwards.com In order to have a successful audio/video project, you need to take your time in planning. It's never too early to start. When planning, it is crucial to consider the three F's—Flexibility, Functionality, and "Futurizing." The more time you allow for planning your project, the more flexibility and functionality your system will have. You'll also be able to prepare for easy upgrades in the future. Kevin crouse Audio Design 973-885-7332 www.kevincrouseaudiodesign.com Design Before you Build Make Home Feel Like Summer Does your home still look like winter even though it's 80 degrees outside? Bring your living room into the season with a few simple tips: • Purchase a light-colored slipcover for your sofa and/or chairs, and add bright floral throw pillows. • Take down the drapes, keeping windows light. These tips are budget-friendly and will give your home that fresh summery feel. Monaco Designs, LLc Essex Fells 973-364-5253 increase the Life of your carpet Upgrade your Oil tank Along with improving the value of your home, replacing your oil tank with a new double-wall model provides extra protection against problem leaks. Approved for the use of biofuels, the double-wall tanks can also save you money. NJ residents who upgrade their oil tank are eligible for a $3,000 state grant. Woolley Fuel will install an above ground ROTH double-wall oil tank at your home and help you fill out the paperwork needed to apply. For more information, visit Woolley Fuel's website or log on to www. newtanksNJ.org. Woolley Fuel company 12 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood 973-762-7400 • www.woolleyfuel.com • Vacuum weekly. • Treat stains and spills immediately when occuring. • Use a professional quick-drying cleaning method annually or as needed to keep your carpets fresh. • Keep a floor mat at your doorways to prevent dirt from entering your home. OxyMagic of Morris, Somerset & Union 973-448-1040 or 908-654-4242 www.oxymagiconline.com teach Garage Door Safety How to Find the Best contractor Planning to renovate or build a home? Before you sign off on the blueprints, check with an Interior Designer. While an architect ensures that your home's structure is sound and striking, a designer examines your lifestyle, too, harmonizing it with the aesthetic you desire. Interior Designer Rina Carrolli (who designed the room pictured above) says she first "lives" the house with her clients. "I'll go step by step with you through each room in the blueprints," she says, "so you can feel what works and what doesn't." The collaboration of an architect and interior designer delivers the home of your dreams the first time around with no need for costly changes down the road. carrolli interior Design Group, LLc Summit: 908-514-1885 Rumson: 732-530-3319 www.carrolli.com • Rina@carrolli.com When hiring a contractor for your home improvement job, focus on quality and experience. Ask how long the company has been in business and how many projects like yours it has worked on in the past year. Check to make sure the contractor has current worker 's compensation and liability insurance. Make sure you know your project supervisor and inquire if any of the company's employees have received special training or certification. Unlike other professionals, your remodeler will become a part of your everyday life. It's important to be careful in your selection and hire a company you trust. Joseph Episcopo & Sons 100 Glenside Avenue, Summit 908-277-0286 • www.episcopobuilders.com Garage doors and openers are not toys. Although garages are now required by law to feature autoreverse mechanisms, it's still just as important to educate your children in garage door safety. Teach little ones to never pick up a garage door opener or play near an open garage door. Talk to them about the danger of being trapped under the door, and be sure you know how to use the emergency release. Skillman Doors recommends conducting a safety and service inspection annually on your garage door system. Visit SkillmanDoors.com for more everyday safety tips. Skillman Doors, LLc 973-748-1100 • sales@skillmandoors.com www.skillmandoors.com "Go Green" in your Home Saving on energy output can also put money back in your pocket. Improving wall insulation in your home renovation or addition can lower your utility bills. A single-family home with a five-kilowatt solar panel roofing system is seeing a drop of almost $100 a month on electric bills and approximately $2,500 in annual solar renewable energy credits. Homeowners should take advantage of all the state rebates and federal tax incentives applicable on energy-efficient products and services. Windigo Design 914 Mt. Kemble Avenue, Morristown 973-425-7680 • www.windigodesign.com 40 Vicinity MAGAZinE Summer 2009

Tips from the Pros

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