Gibson Wood Renewal - March 2022

Gibson Wood Renewal - March 2022

In life, we can become used to having a great-looking kitchen, but as trends and styles evolve, there are always ways to freshen your kitchen’s look and make it feel just as cozy as it did the first day you fell in love with it. To do that, these homeowners made the awesome choice of replacing their orange-esque oak with a fresh new look. Our Timeless All-White Kitchens Will Dazzle For Decades

March 2022

®

Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Though we pay a pretty penny for homeowners insurance each month, we also hope we’ll never have to use it. But if you live in your home for long enough, the day will likely come when you need to dust off your policy and figure out how to file a claim. Here are some of the most common questions people ask about this kind of insurance. What does homeowners insurance cover? When you purchase a home, you accept responsibility for its upkeep and maintenance. Homeowners insurance covers events that are reasonably outside of the homeowner’s control. These cases include fire, theft, water damage, and severe weather like wind or hail. Flood and earthquake coverage is sold separately from standard home insurance policies — so if you’re unsure whether you have this coverage or not, you probably don’t. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover wear and tear or replacements needed due to age. If your roof begins leaking because it is old or neglected, your homeowners insurance will not cover that. If, however, your roof leaks because a tree fell on it during a storm, your homeowners insurance will likely pay for the repairs. Should you file a claim? Before filing a claim, it’s wise to determine a rough estimate of the damage. If the repair costs are less than or close to your deductible, think twice before making a claim. Your insurance rate is not guaranteed to go up after a claim, but it might, especially if you’ve filed multiple claims throughout the life of the policy. In some cases, the insurance company may even cancel your policy. If they do, the history of your claims could follow you to your new insurer, which will make it harder to find coverage and reasonable premiums. How do you file a claim? Once you’ve decided to file a claim, time is of the essence. Take as many photographs of the damage as possible, and contact your insurance company quickly. If you need to take any steps

to prevent additional damage — for example, placing a tarp over a hole in the roof — you should do so. You should also protect any undamaged items that you can without putting yourself in danger. If you’ve experienced theft or vandalism, you must file a police report as well. An insurance adjuster will be assigned to you after you file a claim, and they will be your contact during this process and will usually visit your home to do an initial assessment of the damage. In some cases, your home will be uninhabitable and you’ll need to find a place to stay. Luckily, your insurance will likely cover this expense. The most tedious part of a claim is documenting all of the damage. You must make a full list of damaged and destroyed items along with their value. Don’t leave anything out! Many small damaged items can add up to be worth a lot of money. You should also include detailed photographic evidence. Next, you will need to get an estimate for the repair and replacement costs. Your insurance might have preferred contractors that they want to perform the work, but you are entitled to receive additional estimates and hire someone who you think would do the best job. The timeline for reimbursement will depend on the complexity of the damage. Some payouts happen within weeks while others take months — or, in the event of a dispute, even years. To control your portion of the process, make sure to ask questions, document thoroughly, and meet deadlines. I certainly hope you won’t need to file a homeowners insurance claim in 2022, but if you do, you now know what to expect during the process. Unfortunately, not everything is within our control. That’s why you should have an emergency fund for repairs and the most comprehensive insurance policy you can afford. I hope you’ll have a safe and happy start to spring — free from any home-related catastrophes.

BEFORE

To make their big kitchen feel brand-new and even larger, a clean all-white finish became the natural choice. Instead of buying new cabinets, they chose our rectangular-profile, shaker-style cabinet door replacements. This made their kitchen appear much more modern and drew attention to its spaciousness. The kitchen doesn’t just look new — it feels like it was completely remodeled. Give us a call, and we’ll make your kitchen look just as dazzling!

-Tom Gibson

AFTER

(304) 760-9500

www.NHance.com/charlestonwv

• 1

The History of Coach K

A LEGACY THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

As we approach March Madness, it means this basketball season is coming to a close. For Duke University’s men’s basketball team, it also means their head coach, Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K), will be retiring. On June 2, 2021, Coach K announced that the 2021–2022 basketball season would be his last year of coaching. In honor of one of the greatest coaches in basketball history, let’s take a look at Coach K’s history and accomplishments. Coach K was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1947. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and was the captain of their basketball team during his senior year. After graduating, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army in 1969 and was discharged from active duty in 1974. Soon thereafter, he began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Indiana Hoosiers. After one year, he returned to West Point as head coach of the Army Cadets for five seasons. Then, in 1980, he was named head coach for Duke University’s men’s basketball team. Coach K has been the head coach for Duke for 42 years and has left a huge legacy. He coached the USA men’s national basketball team to three gold medals, in 2008, 2012, and 2016. With the Duke Blue Devils, he has the most wins in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history. In 2015, he also became the first Division I men’s basketball coach to reach 1,000 wins. His Duke teams have won 15 ACC Championships, gone to 12 Final Fours, and won five NCAA National Championships. Paired with his impressive coaching history, Coach K also has some awards under his belt. He was awarded the ACC Coach of the Year in 1984, 1986, 1997, 1999, and 2000. Time Magazine and CNN named him as America’s Best Coach in 2001. In November 2000, the hardwood floor in Duke’s gym was dedicated and renamed Coach K’s Court, and the area surrounding the outside of the gym was named Krzyzewskiville. The question on every basketball fan’s mind is this: Who will be Duke’s new head coach? The university has already announced that Coach K’s longtime assistant coach, Jon Scheyer, will replace him. Scheyer used to play for Duke in 2011–2013. Coach Mike Krzyzewski will be missed by Duke fans and basketball fans around the country. His presence and legacy will forever reign in basketball history.

Whether you’re forced to hunch over your phone to catch the big game or you’re bumping elbows with strangers at the local sports bar, it’s no secret that there is a better way to cheer on your favorite team. This March Madness season, turn your home into the go-to sports viewing destination for all your local friends and fans. And here’s a great bonus: Once your favorite season is over, all the upgrades you make will create a great space for family movie night! Check these out. Reimagine your space. Find a room in your house that will be the easiest to mold. A basement living area or large bedroom will work. Then, consider upgrades. For instance, Houzz.com explains that embedding speakers into your ceiling or entertainment system will declutter your space and create a full surround- sound effect. Mount your TV to save on space and create a theatrical experience. Then, fill the area with soft furnishings like rugs, couches, and even fabric walls and curtains. This will create an optimal sound experience. Invest in tech. You may think you need a huge TV and DJ-quality speakers, but the truth is, you just need to find quality technology that meets your viewing needs. For instance, basketball and baseball fans will want televisions with the greatest picture quality since these sports are mainly about the visualization of the game. Football and hockey fans will want great sound quality because the arena-like atmosphere heightens the excitement. Find the aesthetic you want and consult with online and in-store experts to find the technology that will best serve you. Don’t forget the snacks. TV? Check. Sound system? Check. Enough seating? Check! Snacks? Oh no … Upgrade your snacking options from chips and dip to restaurant-quality offerings. Install a minifridge or small freezer in your space, and add a microwave or air fryer. This makes for easy access to warm food options. Consider upgrading your space with a small island or bar, and stock it with all the essentials, including cups, plates, napkins, silverware, chips, popcorn, nuts, sodas, and water. Try these fun ideas, then all you’ll really need to worry about on game day is if your favorite team will win! Make Your Media Room a No. 1 ‘Seat’ for Sports 3 EXPERT TIPS

2 •

www.NHance.com/charlestonwv NHANCE.COM

855-642-6230

2 •

(304) 760-9500

It’s Time to Garden! START YOUR GARDEN WITHOUT GOING OUTSIDE

Spring has “sprung,” and if you’re someone who cannot wait to get your plants into the ground, you may be counting down the days until it’s time. However, you don’t have to wait for the perfect weather to start your garden. In fact, the best time to plant your seeds is 6–8 weeks before the last frost. (So, you might be behind already!) If you start now by creating your own “greenhouse,” you can cultivate a stronger garden that’s prime for a big harvest. Plant seeds like a pro. Thankfully, gardening experts have invented tools that can “hack” gardening for novices of all kinds. Look for seed trays, which will have small pockets where you can plant your seeds, and find trays with small holes at the bottom. This will allow excess water to flow out of the seedling’s new habitat so it doesn’t drown. Review the instructions on the back of each seed packet to determine soil depth, a watering schedule, and soil types. Look for and create natural light. Once your seeds are in their new pods, you need a light source! If you have a south-facing garage with windows or south-facing windows in your home, you’re in luck! Point your seedlings in that direction, so they can soak up as much light as possible. Be mindful of how cold it is, too. Seeds need a lot of heat and sun, so your windows may not be enough. If that’s the case, opt for fluorescent lighting — standard incandescent lighting won’t be enough — and hang the lights just a few inches above the seeds. Keep them on for 15 hours each day and allow the seeds to get some rest at night.

Find the right balance. Much like a newborn, seeds need a lot of balance. Too much water will cause them to drown, and if they don’t get enough fertilizer, they may not sprout. Finding that balance takes practice, but there are a few basics to keep in mind. First, have a small fan running for an extended period of time each day. This will prevent excess moisture. Then, establish a liquid fertilizer schedule. Once per week is usually best. Once the weather gets warmer, start introducing your new plants to the outside world. This transitory time should take just over one week to avoid shocking them.

For more gardening tips, be sure to visit your local nursery. Happy growing!

EASY MARCH MADNESS CHILI

The Assassination Plot You’ve Never Heard Of EXPLODING CHOCOLATE! Everyone has heard the phrase “death by chocolate,” but there’s at least one person in history who took the saying seriously: Adolf Hitler. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Hitler and his German forces once plotted to assassinate British Prime Minister Winston Churchill by covering a small bomb with dark chocolate, wrapping it in black and gold paper, and slipping it into a snack basket in the British War Cabinet’s dining room. When the prime minister unwrapped the bar, he’d have just seven seconds before the “treat” detonated and potentially turned the tide of World War II. Fortunately, the British intelligence agency MI5 caught wind of the German plot and stopped it. More than 60 years later, the rest of the world found out about it when a letter detailing the plot went public.

Inspired by MyRecipes.com

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning • 1 tsp ground cumin

• 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.

855-642-6230

www.NHance.com/charlestonwv NHANCE.COM

• 3

(304) 760-9500

• 3

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

®

Cabinet Refinishing and Hardwood Floor Refinishing

PO Box 282, Winfield, WV 25213 | (304) 760-9500 | www.NHance.com/charlestonwv

INSIDE

Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim? 1. Make Your Media Room a Slam Dunk Duke University’s Head Coach Is Retiring 2.

3.

Start Your Garden in 3 Easy Steps

The Failed Chocolate Assassination

Easy March Madness Chili

Your Aesthetic 4.

Vinyl Storage Solutions to Protect

Vinyl Is Final? It Can Be! STORAGE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR RECORDS SAFE

In addition to offering great sound, records provide a cozy aesthetic. Before you throw your records on any old shelf, consider these expert tips for vinyl storage and protection! Cover Up Vinyl is very fragile. To prevent scratches or damage, store your vinyl records in plastic sleeves. Outer sleeves are great options for older record cover art or those that you don’t listen to often. Stay Upright One vinyl record only weighs about 5 ounces, but when stacked on top of each other, that weight adds up to a lot, creating great pressure for records at the bottom of the stack. Instead, store your records upright like library books or in a cascading pattern. Maintain Temperatures Keep your home’s humidity low and heat levels below 70 degrees F to protect from warping. Furthermore, a wooden shelf will attract less dust and static electricity. Light can also be damaging to records, so store your vinyl away from windows and UV lamps.

For more recommendations, contact your local record shop!

4 •

www.NHance.com/charlestonwv

(304) 760-9500