November 4, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II & III • Page 27 Home Improvement (ARA) - Fall can be a great time to take stock of your home and landscaping and make some improvements. Richard Childress, owner of Childress Vineyards, Richard Childress Racing and the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil team, has done his fair share of home improvement projects over the years and knows what it takes to get the job done. There are a lot of decisions and key steps that are part of the planning process for any project. Whether installing a pool, putting on an addition or simply planting trees or bushes, Childress has a few tips to help make the process safe and easy. Don’t get caught off guard Before starting your project, make sure you have a structurally sound design, the right materials for the job and the proper funding. You never want to find yourself part way through a project and realize you’ve not taken the proper planning measures to get the job done. Any one of these elements can set you back and cause major problems that could affect the completion of your project. “You don’t want to be caught off guard by anything,” says Childress. “When we were creating the business plan for Childress Vineyards, one of the key components was coming up with a comprehensive environmental impact plan as it related to the chemicals that would be used in the vineyards. We were able to draw upon a similar plan that had been revised and improved over the years at Richard Childress Racing. Those lessons learned over time at RCR paid big dividends from the very beginning at Childress Vineyards.” Call 8-1-1 before you dig Nothing is worse than hitting an underground facility and knocking out power or gas to your entire neighbor- Fall Home improvement and landscape project tips hood. You are risking injury to yourself and those around you in addition to potentially causing harm to the environment. Call 8-1-1 before you do any digging. A quick and easy call to 8-1-1 will connect you with a local One Call Center operator who will take down information about your dig location and notify the underground facility operators to contact you so they can mark underground utilities such as natural gas and oil pipelines below your project. Once the lines are marked, you can begin to dig confident that you know what’s below. “Calling 8-1-1 is like having a spotter when you’re digging,” says Childress. “The spotter for the No. 29 HARDSCAPE & MASONRY • Patios & Walls • Stonework • Pool Decks • Driveways • Steps • Full Masonry Lic. #13VH02631200 Owner Operated email: drew1068@optonline.net 201-847-2552 “Since 1989” W/COUPON • Exp. 11/30/09 • Not Combinable Shell-Pennzoil team lets Kevin Harvick know whether or not it is clear before he makes a move on the track helping him to avoid a collision that would put everyone in jeopardy. 8-1-1 will help you make sure you’re clear to break ground and that you’re keeping your neighborhood safe.” Take your time Building projects are not a race and rushing can lead to both poor quality work and dangerous situations. “Patience is important to the success and safety of your project,” says Childress. “When we broke ground at RCR many years ago, we knew it was going to be a long process, but we also knew that we wanted it done right and done well. That same focus and care can keep you, your love ones and neighbors safe while building a stable, beautiful structure for your home or business.” These tips have helped Childress through numerous improvement projects and have lead to his success as a team owner in one of the top motorsports series in the world. So, next time you start a building or installation project or are looking to spruce up your landscape, be sure to plan ahead, call 8-1-1 before you dig, and take your time - and you will have a safe and successful project, too. We Have The Exact Leaf Blower For Your Needs! CONTROL THE WIND High Output Power Blowers • Patent Pending Design • Aerodynamic Computer Designed Impeller • 3 Large Pneumatic Tires • 5 Year Limited Warranty • Split Discharge Deflector Eliminates Blow-Back • A Size for Every Need ������������������ ������������������������������ ������������������� ������������������� ����������������������� ����������������������������� PROFESSIONALS DEMAND LITTLE WONDER®, SHOULDN’T YOU? The new PB-620 is Echo’s 11-4-09 pat/janine powerful backpack blower with over 185 MPH and over CirinoBW2x2(11-4-09) 530 CFM. •2 X 2” Extra large diameter pipes for the ultimate in blowing performance. • Commercial grade engine and air filtration system. ��������������������������� ��������������������������� ������������������� ������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������� �������������������������������� Mon-Wed 7:30-6, Thurs & Fri 7:30-8 Sat 8-5 27 Franklin Turnpike Waldwick 201-652-5666 OPEN SUNDAY 9-3 �������������������������� ����������������������������������������� www.homehardwaresupply.com ������������ ��������������������