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AT HOME IN HELENA • APRIL 29, 2018 • 1

HOMEAT

HELENAinSPRING 2018

2 • APRIL 29, 2018 • AT HOME IN HELENA

FARMERS STATE BANK is one of

Montana’s oldest independently owned and

operated banks, opening in Victor in 1907.

The bank has grown and expanded over the

years, adding six Bitterroot Valley and

Missoula full-service locations through

2007. The Bank opened a full-service

branch in Helena and a lending office in

Kalispell in 2017.

Today they are the eleventh largest bank

in the State of Montana, with the third and

fourth generations of the Groff/Clevidence

family at the helm and in key roles.

There’s a new bank in town...with a lot of familiar faces

ExperienceMatters!

FarmersState Bank

Member FDIC

1040 Partridge Place • Helena

Farmers State Bank is extremely proud

of their contributions to the communities

where they are based. One of the most

enduring commitments is to scholarships,

which have benefited 126 students since

2001, with a total award distribution of

$985,408.

While the Bank continues to grow

and expand, they are firmly committed to

keeping the community bank feel and

atmosphere across all locations. They

continue to invest in technology that

allows Bank employees to free up time to

work directly with customers.

Travis Brazill is Helena Market Presi-

dent/Commercial Loan Officer. Travis

brings fifteen years of banking experience

and a long history as a business owner,

volunteer and realtor in the Helena area.

The Helena team also includes Cheri

Goosen, Customer Service Representative;

Ricky Entenmann, Personal Lender/

Customer Service Representative; and

Tamara McGlynn, VP/Consumer Lender

Officer. Each member of the team brings

years of local banking experience.

Farmers State Bank is open Monday

through Friday at 1030 Partridge Place #6.

Learn more online at farmersebank.com

Your Montana Bank Since 1907 • farmersebank.com


WHAT’S INSIDE

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At Home in Helenais published by the Independent Record

2222 Washington Street, Helena, MT 59602

406-447-4000 — helenair.com

© 2018

Spring garden

planning

Create your style

Buying a home in

today’s economy

8 commandments to

follow for a functional

kitchen

Trending kitchen

cabinet designs

Spring energy-saving tips

How to choose

kitchen cabinets

Find your Montana style

4 decorating tips for

a stylish hallway

Change of season, change of linens

Bed chic

Dispelling homebuyer myths

Glorious color

10 important questions to ask your home inspector

Top 5 benefits of sealcoating asphalt

Helena: 406.431.8402

[email protected]

We’re “dam” good


The first step to achieving a

well-organized garden is plan-

ning. Here’s what you need

to know.

Talk with local experts

If this is your first time plan-

ning a garden, consult with a

regional garden-planting guide.

You can find one at most hard-

ware stores or nurseries. If you

are a seasoned pro, you probably

are already familiar with the

timing of your last frost, but you

might find some new informa-

tion by checking with your local

professionals.

Seeds vs. seedlings

If you are just starting out,

seedlings are a safer option.

There is no need for you to nur-

ture seeds from infancy when

you’re trying to get a handle on

your gardening strategy.

If you prefer to grow your

own, start your seeds inside

several weeks before your last

frost date.

Create a worksheet

This is where you decide what

you want to plant, how much of

it you want to plant and which

vegetables you want to plant

next to one another.

Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini

squash and lettuce are good

vegetables for beginners. Don’t

forget to contact your local

nursery to see what grows best

in your area.

Beginners: Choosing a plot

Choose a location on your

property that receives a lot of

sun. Vegetables need at least six

hours of direct sunlight each

day to grow properly. You also

need a space with good, loose

soil. If a large garden intimidates

you, consider a raised bed. You

choose the size and even create a

separate area for each vegetable,

only taking on what you want.

Skipping the veggies

You also could skip planting

vegetables altogether and stick

with herbs. Not only are they

great for seasonal cooking, but

they also smell fantastic and

each has a unique beauty to it.

Plant in beds or in pots. The

choice is yours.

This spring, plan your best garden ever —or maybe even your first garden ever

SPRING GARDEN PLANNING


What is home? It is the

place you live. It is the

place that gives you

comfort and brings you

happiness. It should

also be a statement of who you are.

Much of that statement can be made

by filling it with pieces that you love.

Not everything in your home needs

to be of one style and not everything

needs to match.

Amazingly, filling it with the

things that speak to you will create

your style and blend in a way that is

uniquely your own.

Things to consider when decorat-

ing your home:

Are you a minimalist or a maxi-

malist (or something in between)?

What color combinations

are you drawn to? (hint: check

your closet)

What kind of light are you com-

fortable in? Dark and moody? Bright

and cheery? (think of landscapes you

are comfortable in)

Do you like rich, warm textures?

Clean, sleek lines?

Needing inspiration? While you

can certainly consult a professional

interior designer, you’re local library

has “stacks” of books on style and

decorating. The internet is loaded

with great resources, some favorites

are: Pinterest, Instagram, Design

Sponge (blog), and course there are

hundreds of magazines: House Beau-

tiful, Dwell, Architectural Digest,

Domini, Elle Decor, all good ones.

Find great ideas from real estate

listings and open houses. See some-

thing beautiful while you are out

and about? Snap a picture with your

phone (just be respectful).

When shopping for your home,

don’t be self-limiting. There are so

many good options! Some of the

most treasured belongings come from

the most unexpected places: Yard

sales, thrift stores, farmer’s markets,

online stores (Ebay, Etsy, overstock.

com) art galleries, diy, auctions, and

of course, furniture stores.

Don’t overthink it. If you love it,

you will love living with it!

Submitted by Spruce Finer Consignor

STYLECreate yourDON’T OVERTHINK IT!

NESTFinely Consigned Home Furnishings

& DecorWe carry fine home furnishings and decor with a eye towardmid-century modern. Stop in to find that special something to

complete your Nest! We also are happy to consider consignmentsanytime we are open, no appointment needed. We suggest that youcall ahead for more information and to ensure that we are not full.

429 North Last Chance Gulch, Helena

Winter: Thursday, Friday 11-6, Saturday 11-5

Summer (June): Tuesday-Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-5

Open Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat 8:30 am - 6 pmSunday 10 am - 5 pm

250 Mill Rd., Corner of Green Meadow & Mill Road

montanavalleyfarms.com • 406-458-5528

Spring Garden Class SeriesSATURDAYS8:30AM • 1/2 HOUR CLASS

May 5Truly Compelling Combinations:

Creating sizzle & subtlety

May 12Small space, Big garden


What is home? It is the

place you live. It is the

place that gives you

comfort and brings you

happiness. It should

also be a statement of who you are.

Much of that statement can be made

by filling it with pieces that you love.

Not everything in your home needs

to be of one style and not everything

needs to match.

Amazingly, filling it with the

things that speak to you will create

your style and blend in a way that is

uniquely your own.

Things to consider when decorating

your home:

Are you a minimalist or a maxi-

malist (or something in between)?

What color combinations are you

drawn to? (hint: check your closet)

What kind of light are you com-

fortable in? Dark and moody? Bright

and cheery? (think of landscapes you

are comfortable in)

Do you like rich, warm textures?

Clean, sleek lines?

Needing inspiration? While you

can certainly consult a professional

interior designer, you’re local library

has “stacks” of books on style and

decorating. The internet is loaded

with great resources, some favorites

are: Pinterest, Instagram, Design

Sponge (blog), and course there are

hundreds of magazines: House Beau-

tiful, Dwell, Architectural Digest,

Domini, Elle Decor, all good ones.

Find great ideas from real estate

listings and open houses. See some-

thing beautiful while you are out

and about? Snap a picture with your

phone (just be respectful).

When shopping for your home,

don’t be self-limiting. There are so

many good options! Some of the

most treasured belongings come from

the most unexpected places: Yard

sales, thrift stores, farmer’s markets,

online stores (Ebay, Etsy, overstock.

com) art galleries, diy, auctions, and

of course, furniture stores.

Don’t overthink it. If you love it,

you will love living with it!

Submitted by Nest Finely Consigned

Furnishings

STYLECreate yourDON’T OVERTHINK IT!

NESTFinely Consigned Home Furnishings

& DecorWe carry fine home furnishings and decor with a eye towardmid-century modern. Stop in to find that special something to

complete your Nest! We also are happy to consider consignmentsanytime we are open, no appointment needed. We suggest that youcall ahead for more information and to ensure that we are not full.

429 North Last Chance Gulch, Helena

Winter: Thursday, Friday 11-6, Saturday 11-5

Summer (June): Tuesday-Friday 11-6, Saturday 10-5

Open Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat 8:30 am - 6 pmSunday 10 am - 5 pm

250 Mill Rd., Corner of Green Meadow & Mill Road

montanavalleyfarms.com • 406-458-5528

Spring Garden Class SeriesSATURDAYS8:30AM • 1/2 HOUR CLASS

May 5Truly Compelling Combinations:

Creating sizzle & subtlety

May 12Small space, Big garden


Whether you’re a regular news

junkie or you rely on your better

half to keep you updated on the

latest, you’ll get the same con-

flicting messages about the state of today’s

economy. One day you’ll hear about rising

wages, and the next day you’ll read about

the lagging growth in the GDP, or Gross

Domestic Product.

The only thing certain about today’s

economy is that it is uncertain. While things

look relatively stable now, no one can guar-

antee what the next few years will bring.

Fortunately, you don’t have to give up

on the home of your dreams because of a

fluctuating economy. Read on for four steps

you can take to make sure your money – and

your house – are completely safe regardless

of what’s going on.

1.) Maximize your down paymentThe magic number for down payments

has been established at 20% of the home’s

value. Those who can’t afford to plunk

down that much money, though, will often

put down a much smaller amount.

If you can’t come up with a down pay-

ment worth at least 5% of the home’s total

value, you may not be ready to buy a house

just yet, because having little or no equity in

a home could mean taking a loss should you

need to sell it. Also, not making any profit

from selling your home means you won’t

have funds to cover the down payment on

your new home and offset the closing costs.

That’s why it’s always best to own as much

of your house as you can.

2.) Get less than you qualify forIf you’ve been hoping to qualify for a

more expensive home, you may be plan-

ning to push the limits of your mortgage

approval. However, it’s best to buy a house

that comes in well under your approved

limit, allowing you to maintain a lower

debt-to-income ratio. This will give you

breathing room and keep your mortgage

payments from dwarfing your monthly

budget. Also, if the economy worsens and

you feel the effects, you’ll have a smaller

mortgage payment to scrape together

each month.

3.) Pick the right RealtorHere’s how to cut through the hype of the

real estate market and find the Realtor that

is truly best for you:

Speak to recent clients. Ask about their

level of satisfaction and their overall experi-

ence with this agent.

Look up the licensing of your prospec-

tive agent. You should be able to easily find

this information online.

Choose a winner. A Realtor who has

been recognized for their excellent work is

one you want working for you.

Research how long the agent has been

in the business. Experience matters.

Check the current listings under the

Realtor’s name. Are they in the same price

range as the house you’re hoping to buy?

4.) Look for red flagsA professional inspection before sign-

ing on a home is a given, but did you take

a careful look around? You don’t want any

unpleasant surprises after you’ve moved in.

Check for the following:

A sturdy roof. Do the shingles look like

they’re going to give way in a few years?

That can translate into expensive repairs. If

you like the house and don’t mind replacing

a faulty roof, use it as a negotiating point to

get a lower price.

Efficient heating and cooling systems.

These can be costly to fix and replace, and

inefficient systems can really hike up your

utility bills.

Strong structural components. Most

sellers will give their house a new coat

of paint before showing it to buyers, but

don’t be fooled. If the foundation is weak,

the best paint job won’t cover it up. Check

beneath the surface for strong pipes, wiring,

and insulation.

Overall functioning of the home. Don’t

be shy; try out everything in your potential

new home. Open doors and windows, turn

on every faucet, flick each light switch,

flush toilets and taste the water. If you find

any major problems, you may want to give

this house a second thought. If you don’t

mind a handful of minor repairs, remember

to use these as a negotiating point.

Don’t forget to call, click or stop by Hel-

ena Community Credit Union to learn about

our fantastic programs on home loans and

mortgages before you start your search.

We’re here to help you with the finances as

you find the home of your dreams!

Submitted by Helena Community

Credit Union

Buying a homein today’s economy


*Subject to credit approval. Some restrictions apply. Limited time. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.Subject to credit approval. Some restrictions apply. Limited time. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

home sweet homeWe’llmake it happen for you!

mortgage

call us today 406.443.5400 or apply online thecu4u.org


Remodeling a kitchen—now,

there’s an ambitious project

that has to be carefully planned

down to the smallest of details.

After all, you’re not going to do

this again anytime soon! So,

before you set to work on this

exciting project, here are eight

tips for creating a functional

kitchen that will meet all your

needs for years to come.

1. Aim for a user friendly

room: Make sure that all

elements are close to hand.

2. Create well defined zones:

Group elements together in five

distinct activity zones (cooking,

washing, storage, preparation,

and daily provisions) to make

your kitchen user friendly.

3. Provide adequate storage:

Plan sufficient storage room

for everything so you can leave

worktops free for what they’re

More KITCHEN, page 15

KITCHENFUNCTIONAL

Eight commandments to follow for a

TRANE High Efficiency

Forced Air Heating &

Air Conditioning

www.intermountainheating.com

(406) 449-4567

TOTAL

COMFORT:Challenge Accepted

WE RESTORE TIRED CABINETS

406-459-5895 • kitchentuneup.com

Our exclusive Tune-Up restores& repairs the original finish onwood cabinets. Get a freshnew look - in only one day!

Free estimates

1 DAY TUNE-UP

REFACING &REDOORING

ORGANIZERS &MORE

Locally owned & operated.


The kitchen is the heart of every

home. Not only does it need to be

functional, but as the hub of your

family life, it also has to be visually

stunning. To this effect, kitchen

cabinets have moved away from the rustic

and classical designs of previous years. In

an effort to become more modern and sleek,

cabinetry has adopted a new seamless style

combining appearance and functionality.

A minimalistic approachKitchens have become increasingly

streamlined over the years. Gone are the days

of raised panel doors, excess ornamentation

and crown moldings. Instead, you’ll find

a more European approach emphasizing

horizontal lines and an obvious absence of

patterns. Full-overlay cabinetry is brought to

the ceiling and flat-panel doors are outfitted

with basic chrome or stainless steel hard-

ware—anything and everything to create that

sleek and unadorned look.

Inspired by your tastesYou’ll encounter a varied selection of

cabinets when attempting to tailor the design

of your kitchen to your style and needs.

Melamine continues to be a popular choice

for many kitchens. Installing solid wood cab-

inets will increase the value of any home, but

they are more expensive than other materials

such as veneer and thermoplastic. And color

choices, while often influenced by natural

light, will vary depending on your personal

taste and style.

Consulting a renovation specialist is

always a good idea when looking to make

your kitchen more modern. Their exper-

tise and personalized assistance will help

you select and install the right cabinets for

your kitchen.

Trending kitchen cabinet designsKitchen cabinets

make a move

towards the

modern!

YOUR DESIGNERS H O W R O O M

DESIGN/SELECTION CENTER

406.495.9474

LUMBER/BUILDING MATERIALS

406.449.6924

TRUSSES/WALL PANELS

406.449.5553www.BuildWithBMC.com

BMC offers top-quality finish products with

our extensive selection of cabinets, windows,

doors, millwork, and designer hardware. Visit our

showroom to speak with a knowledgeable design

specialist, and browse our beautiful displays in a

variety of architectural styles.

• Cabinets, windows, doors and millwork

• Designer kitchen, bath, and door hardware

• One-on-one service with custom millwork packages delivered to your door

• Lumber, building materials, and trusses

• READY-FRAME® computerized pre-cut and labeled framing packages

With BMC, you get quality the pros trust with

service you can count on.


With the start of a new season

comes a fresh opportunity

to find ways to save energy

and money.

The following tips from the U.S.

Department of Energy can help.

1. Service your air conditioner. Easy

maintenance, such as routinely replacing

or cleaning air filters, can lower your cool-

ing system’s energy consumption by up

to 15 percent. Also, the first day of spring

could serve as a reminder to check your

air conditioner’s evaporator coil, which

should be cleaned annually to ensure the

system is performing at optimal levels.

2. Open windows. Opening windows

creates a crossbreeze, allowing you to nat-

urally cool your home without switching

on air conditioners. This is an ideal tactic

in spring, when temperatures are mild.

3. Use ceiling fans. Cooling your home

with ceiling fans will allow you to raise

your thermostat four degrees. This can

help lower your electricity bills without

sacrificing overall comfort.

4. Cook outside. On warmer spring

days, keep the heat out of your home

by using an outdoor grill instead of

indoor ovens.

5. Install window treatments. Energy-

efficient window treatments or coverings,

such as blinds, shades and films, can slash

heat gain when temperatures rise. These

devices not only improve the look of your

home but also reduce energy costs.

6. Caulk air leaks. Using low-cost

caulk to seal cracks and openings in your

home to keep warm air out — and cash in

your wallet.

7. Bring in sunlight. During daylight

hours, switch off artificial lights and

use windows and skylights to brighten

your home.

8. Set the thermostat. On warm days,

setting a programmable thermostat to a

higher setting when you are not at home

can help reduce your energy costs by

approximately 10 percent.

9. Seal ducts. Air loss through ducts can

lead to high electricity costs, accounting

for nearly 30 percent of a cooling system’s

energy consumption. Sealing and insulat-

ing ducts can go a long way toward lower-

ing your electricity bills.

10. Switch on bathroom fans. Bathroom

fans suck out heat and humidity from

your home, improving comfort.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPSSpring

0901136.1 State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

Renovate your

homeowners

policy.

Michael Spotorno, Agent

2718 Billings Avenue

Helena, MT 59601

Bus: 406-502-1600

[email protected]

Great insurance. Low rates.

Remodeling your home can

increase its value. Protect it

by taking a new look at your

homeowners insurance policy.

Like a good neighbor,

State Farm is there.®

CALL ME TODAY.

See our inventory at

isemanhomes.com

3386 Centennial Ave., Helena, MT

(406) 443-2366

Shop a great selection of new homes,single wides, sectionals & modular homes.

AN INDUSTRY LEADERSINCE 1920 PROVIDING

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Adding style or color to your

kitchen cabinets is a great

way to spruce up your liv-

ing space.

You don’t have to spend a lot

of money to accomplish your

goal. Some experts recom-

mend spending up to 20 percent

of your home’s value on any

remodeling project. For a home

valued at $100,000, for instance,

homeowners might spend up

to $20,000 on updating the

kitchen. Of that money, about 40

percent should be spent on cabi-

nets alone.

Why spend so much money on

cabinets? Because they are the

focal point of your kitchen. They

must be attractive and useful.

Anyone planning to sell their

home should purchase high qual-

ity cabinets that will appeal to a

wide selection of buyers. But if

you plan on spending more than

eight years in your home, put your

family’s tastes and priorities first.

Most homeowners would agree

that semi-custom cabinets are

an excellent choice. They afford

you the selection you see on the

internet at a price point agreeable

to most budgets while maintain-

ing the quality necessary to last

a lifetime.

The best part is that you can

choose any style you want. The

only limitation is your imagina-

tion. You can specify the wood,

color of the stain or paint, hinges,

drawer guides, and crown shape.

You can even have special finishes

applied to the cabinets.

For this option, it is essential

to work with a professional. Ask

your friends and family if they

know an experienced kitchen

designer. Tradesmen in your area

will likely know a cabinet dealer

they prefer. If you are using a

contractor, solicit him or her for

recommendations.

Visit two or three cabinet deal-

ers in your area and discuss your

preferences. Be sure to outline

your budget and specifications. A

professional will give you a rea-

sonable timeframe. Some might

require less time than others.

Take a look at special finishes.

Some people like the rustic or

distressed look. Other people

prefer to have their cabinets to be

more contemporary and match

other colors in the kitchen. There

are companies that will paint your

new cabinets any color you chose.

Get everything in writing. Go

over every detail to ensure that

you and the kitchen designer

agree on the layout and the

cabinet specs. A contract should

stipulate what is expected of both

parties. Do not sign anything until

you understand the contract and

have read it completely.

Need to spend less?

When you are on a tight bud-

get, consider that most cabinet

dealers have a more affordable

line of cabinets as well. You can

still receive quality for a little

less cost.

First, look for cabinet boxes

made with quality materials.

Cabinet grade particle board is

stable and durable and the face

frames should always be wood.

The cabinets must also feature

solid construction.

Many brands will also allow you

to order special sizes. They will be

slightly more expensive, you will

appreciate the results.

Regardless of the choices you

make, always choose to purchase

cabinets from an interiors show-

room that has been in business

for a long time. They should be

good at what they do. Look at

their previous work and get in

touch with previous customers.

Once you do this legwork, there is

no doubt you will be happy with

the results.

Submitted by Harv Lulow or

Lighthouse Interiors

How to choose kitchen cabinets

442-40934320 N. Montana Ave. • Helena

Cabinets • Countertops • Wallbeds • Blinds • Shades

Featuring Cabinets by Showplace

LIGHTHOUSE

INTERIORS

“Across from Smitty’s”

MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL HOUSING LENDER NMLS #472212

(406) 495-2520www.valleybankhelena.com


We live and love

Montana for many

reasons—the beauti-

ful outdoors, family

heritage, the active lifestyle of

hiking, biking, skiing, rafting.

At the end of the day, we retreat

to our homes to relax, rest

and renew.

Modern Farmhouse is a per-

fect fit for our Montana lifestyle.

A home should feel personal,

comfortable and uniquely your

own. This latest design trend

works beautifully in Montana. It

embodies the old and the new-

antique and industrial. A design

that is uniquely personal—no

two exactly alike.

By starting with a neutral

light color palette that flows

throughout the main living

space, you are able to create a

canvas that is calm and open to

personal interpretation. A cozy

aesthetic and sleek lines are

important elements in complet-

ing this beautiful design.

Contrast modern with coun-

try to create a more authentic

home. Ship Lap, exposed beams

as well as brick or stone provide

a vintage, cozy look. Combine

that with modern elements

such as concrete floors, large

hardware or simply framed art-

work. Warm reclaimed woods

combined with contemporary

elements such as glass and

marble give a nice update to

the room. Lighting and bold

geometric patterns are other fun

ways to add modern elements to

the design.

Black is the new accent color.

When mixed with warm woods,

white and textured items, it

becomes a beautiful neutral pal-

ette. Subway tiles in a kitchen

or bathroom with a dark grout

is easy to maintain and gives a

vintage feel, graphic look and

highlights the repeating pat-

tern. Rustic sliding barn doors

can also become modern and

sleek by changing the door style

and color.

With the Modern Farmhouse

style, less is more. Keep the

look fresh and balanced. Layer

in texture and warm tones with

clean lines and a minimal-

ist approach. Mix and

match different styles such

as Montana Rustic, Urban

Country or Mountain

Lodge to create your own

charm and authenticity.

Look forward to com-

ing home to your favor-

ite retreat.

Submitted by Cheryl

Boid, Appleton Furniture

& Design

Montana styleFIND YOUR


1999 EUCLID AVENUE HELENA, MONTANA T. 406-495-0016

WWW.APPLETONDESIGNCENTER.COM

DESIGN CENTER LTD

MODERN FARMHOUSE DINING

Let us Design Your Dining Set96”W x 42”D Knotty Alder with Jacobean Finish (shown)

Hand-Crafted in Helena, Montana


Decorating a hallway can

prove quite challenging, espe-

cially if it’s particularly long and

narrow. Add some character

to this oft-neglected part of

your home with these simple

style tips.

1. Be bold with patterns

and colors. Have fun with

textures and colors to give your

hallway some personality. When

choosing your paint or wall-

paper, keep in mind that light

colors such as pastel pink, sky

blue and pale green are great for

achieving a bright, luminous

atmosphere, while darker tones

like deep purple, navy blue

and pine green create a more

cozy feel.

2. Showcase your art col-

lection. Why not transform

your hallway into a custom min-

iature art gallery? Personalize

the space with a family photo

wall, or frame different sizes of

artwork for an eclectic look.

3. Create storage space.

Make the most of underused

space by equipping your hall-

way with shelves, hooks and

other storage systems. Just be

careful to not clutter the area

or impede circulation through

the hallway with items that are

too bulky.

4. Light it up. If your hall-

way is stuck in the shadows,

make it more inviting by add-

ing some light fixtures. Create

a warm atmosphere with a

classic ceiling light, or put up

some string lights for a fairy-

tale glow.

4decorating

TIPSstylish hallway

for a

Find more decorating

and design tips at helenair.com

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supposed to be used for: working.

4. Build cabinets right to the ceiling:

Full-sized cabinets mean lots more

storage space and a lot less dusting.

5. More drawers: Exchange the lower

cabinets for drawers, which give much

easier access to their contents, includ-

ing things hidden right at the back.

Install oversized drawers for even the

garbage, recycling and compost.

6. Include a spacious work surface:

Be sure to plan a zone specifically for

food preparation, ideally a kitchen

island, and make certain that it is big

enough to spread out all the ingredi-

ents of a recipe.

7. Build-in your appliances:

Camouflage the microwave oven by

building it into a cabinet or under

the island.

8. Install well designed lighting:

Don’t skimp on light. Install lights in

the ceiling and under the cabinets, as

well as dimmers, which are perfect

for changing the atmosphere at a

moment’s notice.

Kitchencontinued from Page 8

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15 Lump Gulch Rd., Clancy, MT • 406.933.5981 • www.marks-miller.com

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We tend to shut our homes up

during the winter months and

perform our own version of hiber-

nating.

And while we enjoy the cozy feeling this

hibernation provides, it also can induce

poor circulation of air and accumulation

of dust and germs. Washing and chang-

ing out your linens is a necessary stage of

spring cleaning.

Go through every room thoroughly, and

be sure to wash any winter items before

storing. By the end, your home will be a

brighter, cleaner version of itself.

Bedrooms

Say goodbye to all those heavy comfort-

ers, and welcome in light summer quilts.

Changing out your bedding for lighter

fabrics in an attractive print will go a long

way toward freshening your bedroom. Since

spring can still be cool, keep a cozy but light

throw at the foot of your bed. Not only does

it make for an easy grab in the middle of

the night, but will soften the look of your

spring bedding.

Living areas

Think throws, pillows and draperies. Not

only is it good to change out these items

for their lighter counterparts, but it also

is smart to begin storing excess. Spring

requires fewer layers, so start putting away

what you know you won’t use. Give your

draperies a good wash and inspect your

blinds. Keeping a space clean and bright is

the trick to a quick “freshen up.”

Kitchen towels and door mats

These often are forgotten items that can

have a major impact on the freshness and

cleanliness of your home. Winter weather

can be hard on door mats — both indoor and

outdoor. Replacing these with fresh mats

will not only help keep the effects of spring

showers out of your house but gives you the

opportunity to introduce a spring design.

And don’t forget those kitchen towels. After

all those holiday meals, they’ve most likely

been more than pulling their weight. If you

don’t want to purchase new kitchen cloths,

run your current ones through the wash

with a good dose of bleach, and dry them

with a few drops of your favorite essen-

tial oils.

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Office:

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Winter has gone, and it’s

time to put the flannel

sheets in the closet and

get ready for warmer

nights. Spoil yourself by buy-

ing new bedding that adds style

to your room and a new level

of comfort.

Creating a bed that provides

style and comfort takes a little

effort. Knowing the difference

between the various types of

bedding and how to use colors

and accessories will help you

choose the perfect bedding.

Different types of bedding

If you have started the search

for the new bedding that is

perfect for you, you have prob-

ably noticed the many different

styles available. Decide on the

style of bedding that works best

for you before choosing a color

or pattern. There are three major

types of bedding.

Bedspread: A bed cover that

typically reaches the floor on

all three sides and offers extra

fabric to create an attractive fold

at the top of the bed.

Comforter: Generally much

shorter than a bedspread. It will

cover the sides of the bed but

will not be nearly long enough

to reach the floor. You can use

shams to cover the area it doesn’t

cover at the top of the bed.

Quilt: Usually only long

enough to cover a bed’s box

spring. In addition to a quilt, use

a bed skirt if you want your new

bedding to reach the floor.

Colors and patterns

Before you decide between a

pattern or using solid-colored

bedding, weigh the pros and

cons of both. Solid-colored

bedding will give your room a

simple and relaxing atmosphere.

This doesn’t mean simple must

be boring. Choose the main

color you want to feature, then

layer it with different shades of

the same color. Incorporating

various shades will keep your

bed from looking dull. Patterned

bedding also comes with advan-

tages. You can use patterns to

pick up different accents from

your bedroom. Consider using

floral prints to give your bed-

room a romantic feel.

Accessories

Once you have the perfect

bedding style that suits your

room, you can throw in some

extra flair with different acces-

sories. Use window treatments

such as matching drapes or

scarves to add the finishing

touches to your new bedding.

Vibrant pillow shams also will

complement your new bedding.

You can choose shams that go

with your existing color scheme

or make a bold statement with

something totally different.

BED CHIC

HELENA HOMEVALUES ARE

AT AN ALL TIME HIGH

Knowing the Value of Your

Home is the First Step!

ANDY O REALTY GROUP

Andy Onushco,Broker

(406) 431-7756

Jeff Barber,

Realtor(406) 422-6647

Shawna Korth,Realtor

(406) 422-6647

Craig Stevens,Realtor

(406) 202-0716

HelenaHomeBuyer.com


Once upon a time, almost all

lenders required a 20% down

payment to purchase a home.

And even though this hasn’t

been the case for many years

now, many people still think 20% down is

a rule of thumb. Unfortunately, these kinds

of homebuyer myths have prevented many

would-be investors from making their

first purchase.

The truth is, you do not need a 20% down

payment to sign the papers on your dream

home. In fact, the average down payment

is about half that amount at 11%, accord-

ing to the National Association of Realtors,

and many first-time homebuyers put down

much less than that.

Exploring Your Mortgage OptionsFirst, let’s look at the down payment

for other first-time buyers. In 2016, buy-

ers under 35 years old put down an average

of 8% on their first home, according to

NAR’s report.

This means you might be able to get into

your home for much less than you thought.

But still, there’s a lot to consider before

making the decision that is best for you,

your family and your finances.

Benefi ts of a Small Down PaymentBuying a home is one of the biggest

investments you’ll ever make, which is why

it’s so vital to understanding all the fine

details involved with such a big purchase.

And as like with any investment, there’s a

certain amount of risk and reward.

It Saves Your Savings AccountOne of the best parts of making a small

down payment is the fact it won’t com-

pletely drain your savings account. Many

first-time home-buyers struggle to pay for

all the additional fees and extras

because they put

all of their money towards a down payment.

When you reduce your down payment,

you increase your ability to meet the other

responsibilities you have as a homeowner.

This can give first-time buyers a huge

advantage when they’re just starting out

their new life in their new home.

Supply and DemandOffering low down payments to new

investors helps the entire real estate market

thrive because it increases the supply and

demand chain.

If more people are able to buy a home,

that means more people will be able to sell

their homes as well. This creates a competi-

tive marketplace with lots of options for

both buyers and sellers.

The RisksWhile small down payment programs

certainly have their advantages, there

are also some downsides to them. So it’s

important to weigh these pros and cons

carefully before making your decision.

Increased Interest RatesOne of the most important aspects

of any investment is the interest rate

you’ll be paying. But because a

mortgage is typically one of the

largest loans a person ever signs

off on, it’s especially critical to

consider the interest rate on

this agreement.

If you put down a small pay-

ment on a house, that means the

lender is taking more risk with

the loan. And because of this risk, low

down payment mortgages often result

in higher interest rates. However, if

you shop around and talk to the right

financial institutions, you might be

able to get a fair interest rate despite making

a lower down payment.

Mortgage InsuranceAnyone who is putting down less than

20% will be required to pay for mortgage

insurance each month. This insurance only

offers the lender protection in case the

buyer defaults on their payments. But the

good news is, once you have some equity

built up in your home, you might be able to

eliminate this monthly fee.

The world of real estate has undergone

some serious changes in recent decades, and

the 20% rule has been all but eliminated in

most cases.

So if you’ve always dreamed of own-

ing a home but thought you couldn’t save

up enough to get one, it might be time to

consider a low down payment program with

reasonable terms and rates. With a little bit

of effort and know-how, you’ll be signing

the closing papers before you know it!

Submitted by Rocky Mountain Credit Union.

See our ad on the back cover.

mythshome buyer

Dispelling


Many novice gardeners have great dif-

ficulty choosing plant varieties for their

yards, particularly when color is concerned.

Combining colors and foliage is always a

challenge, even for more experienced gar-

deners. It is well worth doing some research,

however, as a harmonious flower bed sets

apart a well-maintained home with little

cost and only a little bit of effort.

Here are a few tips to help you create a

visually striking yard, one that suits your

personality and creates the look that you’ve

always wanted.

YELLOW stands out, attracting the

eye right away. This color creates a joy-

ful ambiance.

RED is a warm color. It draws the eye

and creates a dramatic effect.

BLUE communicates calm and relax-

ation. A grouping of blue flowers gives the

impression of more space. Careful use of

blue in small yards can show confined areas

to advantage.

ORANGES are fall tones par

excellence. They create an illusion of

warmth and light before the arrival of

winter. Even greater warm effects can be

achieved by combining orange with yellow

or red.

GREEN is the color of life and spring

rebirth. It is said to be the most restful color

for the eyes. Different tones of green can be

the basis of a beautiful yard all on its own.

WHITE expresses elegance and refine-

ment. This color always adds a touch of

radiance and freshness to a yard.

COLORGlorious

Beautiful Plants for your Home andGarden. Fresh Cut Flowers for Beautiful

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[email protected]

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1. What does your inspection cover?

The inspector should ensure

that their inspection and inspec-

tion report will meet all appli-

cable requirements in your state

if applicable and will comply

with a well-recognized standard

of practice and code of ethics.

You should be able to request

and see a copy of these items

ahead of time and ask any ques-

tions you may have. If there are

any areas you want to make sure

are inspected, be sure to identify

them upfront.

2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?

The inspector should be able

to provide his or her history in

the profession and perhaps even

a few names as referrals. Newer

inspectors can be very qualified,

and many work with a partner or

have access to more experienced

inspectors to assist them in the

inspection.

3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?

Related experience in con-

struction or engineering is

helpful, but is no substitute

for training and experience in

the unique discipline of home

inspection. If the inspection

is for a commercial property,

then this should be asked about

as well.

4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?

Some inspector associations

and state regulations allow the

inspector to perform repair work

on problems uncovered in the

inspection. Other associations

and regulations strictly forbid

this as a conflict of interest.

5. How long will the inspection take?

The average on-site inspec-

tion time for a single inspec-

tor is two to three hours for a

typical single-family house;

anything significantly less may

10 important questions

home inspectorto ask your

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not be enough time to perform

a thorough inspection. Addi-

tional inspectors may be brought

in for very large properties

and buildings.

6. How much will it cost?Costs vary dramatically,

depending on the region, size

and age of the house, scope of

services and other factors. A

typical range might be $300-

$500, but consider the value of

the home inspection in terms

of the investment being made.

Cost does not necessarily reflect

quality. HUD does not regulate

home inspection fees.

7. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?

Ask to see samples and

determine whether or not you

can understand the inspector’s

reporting style and if the time

parameters fulfill your needs.

Most inspectors provide their

full report within 24 hours of the

inspection.

8. Will I be able to attend the inspection?

This is a valuable educational

opportunity, and an inspector’s

refusal to allow this should raise

a red flag. Never pass up this

opportunity to see your prospec-

tive home through the eyes of

an expert.

9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?

There are many state and

national associations for home

inspectors. Request to see their

membership ID, and perform

whatever due diligence you deem

appropriate.

10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?

One can never know it all,

and the inspector’s commit-

ment to continuing education

is a good measure of his or her

professionalism and service to

the consumer. This is especially

important in cases where the

home is much older or includes

unique elements requiring addi-

tional or updated training.

Submitted by Steve Jenicek, Task

Master Home Inspections

406-227-5544800-270-5544850 East Clark,East Helena

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Serving all of your homeinspections needs

[email protected]

Steve JenicekCertifiedInspector

Unbiased Analysis for the

Informed Home Buyer

Get theIndependent Recorddelivered AT HOME!

Most up-to-date newsand articles about what ishappening in our town!

Call 447-4000 for

more information


1. Sealcoating asphalt prevents moisture damage

When sealcoat is properly

applied it prevents moisture from

getting beneath the surface layer,

weakening the base and causing

cracks. By keeping water out of

asphalt you safeguard it against

all kinds of water damage. If

water finds a way to penetrate

the top surface of asphalt it can

start to wash away the base level.

Another issue with moisture

trapped beneath the top layer of

asphalt is that it will go through

periods of freeze thaw cycles

depending on the weather. When

temperatures dip below freezing,

moisture expands and puts pres-

sure on asphalt, eventually caus-

ing cracks, potholes and so forth.

2. Sealcoating provides asphalt with a protective layer against gas and oil spills

You can’t prevent all oil and

gas spills on asphalt which cars

regularly frequent it’s just a fact

of life. Unprotected asphalt is

at risk of serious damage from

gasoline, oil and other chemicals.

These harsh substances weaken,

break down and damage surfaces

from the get-go. This leads to

early deterioration of asphalt and

costly maintenance repairs.

High quality sealcoating pre-

vents oil and gas from penetrat-

ing surfaces right away. This

gives you more time to clean it up

before damages set in.

3. Improves the appearance of asphalt

Sealcoating makes a notice-

able difference to asphalt right

away. Your asphalt will literally

look brand new, with the same

rich coloring it had the first day

it was poured. This makes any

surface look well cared for, which

in turn makes your business and

overall neighborhood look better

too. Not only do surfaces look

richer and smoother in color, but

also cracks and other eyesores

are filled and patched during

the process so that surfaces

last longer.

4. Reduces long-term repair costs

All in all, sealcoating protects

your asphalt against water dam-

age, oil and gas spills and other

things, all while making your

asphalt look and function better.

There are so many things that can

cause serious damage to asphalt

over time, including cracks and

the moisture that subsequently

seeps inside. If ignored, these

seemingly minor eyesores can

turn into large potholes or alli-

gator cracks that require more

extensive (and costly) repairs

to fix.

Simply adding sealcoating

ensures your asphalt lasts longer

without needing to be replaced

due to major construction issues

or aesthetics. By keeping up

with affordable maintenance

you actually save money on

future repairs.

5.Leads to longer lasting asphalt

The actual cost of asphalt

breaks down to the amount of

time it lasts before needing to be

replaced. A nice asphalt job isn’t

so painful to pay for when you

know it’s going to last for many

years to come. On the other hand,

if you have to rip up and replace

asphalt in as little as a few years

due to faulty construction or poor

upkeep of maintenance, it can

start to feel like pulling teeth to

fork over more money.

Submitted by Jason Welnel, Hel-

ena Sealcoating

TOP 5 benefits of sealcoating asphalt


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