01 Mar 2025 Home and Garden: Ask the Experts

When you’re ready to invest time and money to improve your home and property, it’s important to turn to local companies that you trust for solutions. In this section, several experts guide you in ways that will improve the beauty, security and functionality of your favorite place — home.

Natural gas – the natural choice

By Jose Laboy, Manager of Conservation Improvement Programs for Summit Utilities

1. Why should I install high-efficiency natural gas appliances in my home?

Installing high-efficiency natural gas appliances in your home can help lower energy use, reduce your carbon footprint, and even extend the lifespan of your appliances. They are designed to use less natural gas while still delivering the performance you need. Features like variable-speed fans adjust to provide the right amount of heat, keeping you comfortable during cold months while using energy more efficiently.

2. What are some tips that can help make my home more comfortable and save energy?

To improve home comfort and save energy, start by sealing gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or insulation. This helps keep warm air inside and cold air out during winter. Installing a smart thermostat is another great step because it automatically adjusts temperature settings based on your schedule, lowering energy use when you’re away and ensuring a warm home when you return

3. What can I do if I have a high natural gas bill?

Participating in Summit’s energy efficiency programs is a good first step to reducing your natural gas bill. If you need help managing payments, call our customer service team at 800.992.7552 to discuss payment plans and assistance options. Visit summitutilities.com/winter for more details.

4. What type of rebate programs does Summit Utilities currently offer?

Summit offers rebates on energy-efficient natural gas appliances, including water heaters, furnaces and thermostats. To save even more, customers can receive free water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators. Learn more about available rebates at summitutilities.com/rebates.

First home help

By Kendyl Lopez, Mortgage Loan Originator for Centennial Mortgage

1. What is the FHLB HELP Grant for first-time home buyers?

The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) offers a grant through its Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) program to assist income-qualified individuals and families with down payments and closing costs.

2. What to know when it comes to getting this grant?  

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas starts accepting applications for the grant in January. Funds are available until they have been exhausted or until December 31, 2025, whichever comes first.

3. What can these funds be used for in the mortgage process?

These funds can be used for down payment and closing costs. 

4. Is this something that you have to pay back in the future?

You are not required to pay back the grant if you occupy the home for at least 5 years.

5. Are there any other requirements for the grant?

You must contribute ^$500 of your funds toward the required down payment or closing costs. Some household income requirements vary from county to county, such as being at or below 80 percent of the area median income as defined by HUD. You must also complete a homebuyer counseling program. 

6. What is the first step?

Give me a call at 501.328.4633. I’m here to guide you through the process from start to finish. I can help first-time home buyers apply for a grant to assist with down payments and closing costs.

A gift for registry

By Cara Porcelli, Bridal and Gift Registry Manager at Tipton & Hurst

1. When and why did Tipton & Hurst create a bridal and gift registry?  

Tipton & Hurst carried an assortment of fine china, silver and crystal decades ago, but discontinued them to focus on floral, plants and gifts. When Shepherd’s in Pine Bluff was acquired, the company reinvested in tabletop. Today, we offer the largest bridal and gift registry in the state, and we are thrilled to announce an enhanced collection of products at our Conway location including Herend which has produced handmade and hand-painted porcelain pieces in Hungary since 1826.

2. How does the registry process work? 

It’s best to call and make an appointment. A registry consultant will work to understand your goals and style preferences and provide options. Fiancés and mothers are welcome! Our team will create an online registry through our user-friendly software. Clients can make changes or additions from home and it’s easy for friends and relatives to make purchases. 

3. What tabletop lines does Tipton & Hurst carry?

I recommend visiting tiptonhurst.com to see our selections. We proudly offer popular lines like Juliska, Vietri and Costa Nova, Herend, Anna Weatherly and Ginori 1735. We have a vast collection of linens, cute and elegant dinnerware and popular serving pieces like Beatriz Ball. We carry, exclusively in Arkansas, Simon Pearce and William Yeoward. 

4. Do you have any favorites? 

I have so many favorites which change from time to time. I recommend our registrants sign up for items they love. Getting married is the perfect time to pick out favorites so your friends and relatives can celebrate you! We would love to help. 

The grass is always greener surrounded by quality fencing

By Jay Counts, Owner of Legacy Fencing, Inc.

In the past, fences were primarily considered for security or privacy reasons. As we like to joke in the fencing business, most of our actual customers are pets. Nowadays, fences elevate the attractiveness and value of property, reduce noise, and create a sense of seclusion and a peaceful atmosphere.

1. What is the first thing a homeowner should consider when building a fence?  

It is important to invest in a high-quality fence built by experienced installers. The type of material chosen will determine if it adds a touch of elegance or rustic charm to the property. Materials offered are wood, ornamental steel, railing and chain-link materials. Entry gates are also popular.

2. Can a fence increase a home’s value? 

A fence can increase the home’s value either financially, decoratively or by adding peace of mind. Having your property secured is a financial benefit to not only the owner but also to insurance companies.

3. What are the most popular materials that privacy fences are made of?

We try to help each customer figure out the best fence material for them based on their reason for wanting one. With longevity in mind, we try to help figure out what is the best fit and most cost-effective, long-term solution for them.

4. Do fences protect young children while they play?

A lot of the time, you just need a safe place for your child to play in a controlled environment. When you put up a fence, your child’s play area grows exponentially, and the best part is that it’s outdoors.

5. What are the most popular materials that privacy fences are made of?

The most common privacy fence would be constructed of wood. At Legacy Fencing, we provide the best materials available by only purchasing No. 1 graded lumber from the local mill. We also have red pine shipped in from the North. This makes our lumber the least likely to warp on the market. Wood is a natural fiber, and we can’t ever make that chance zero, like you would get out of a vinyl privacy fence, but we cut that down greatly by only installing the best materials available.

6. In the past, most fences were vertical, but now you see horizontal styles and even interwoven wood. Why are they more artistic or decorative than in the past?

Because people didn’t typically see the fence as something that could add décor to the property. Now you see a lot of horizontal and basketweave fencing which can add an amazing flare to the landscape.

7. How long will a typical fence last before repairs are needed?

It comes down to how well it is installed. We pride ourselves in having the most knowledgeable and experienced installers who care about what they put up. Most wood fences, with the right materials and care, can last for several decades. Staining is a huge part of that. Keeping wood sealed so the wood fibers don’t have a chance to rapidly change lowers the chance of warped boards exponentially.

8. What are the benefits of hiring a professional fence company?

We are familiar with the permits that are required in different areas. Legacy Fencing gives free estimates, hires expert installers and assigns one salesperson to carry the client through the project from start to completion.

501 LIFE savers – Protect your home with Paschal

1. What is a whole-home generator, and why is it important for Central Arkansas homeowners?

A whole-home generator is a standby power system designed to automatically kick in during an outage, keeping an entire house — from essential appliances to critical systems — operational without interruption. When severe storms and unexpected outages occur, having a reliable power source is not just a luxury, but a safeguard for your family’s comfort and security.

2. What would you say to an Arkansas homeowner who is still on the fence about investing in a whole-home generator?

It’s not just about keeping the lights on — the generator will protect your family, preserve your home’s functionality and secure peace of mind during unpredictable events. With Paschal’s unmatched local expertise, a commitment to quality, and a process that is entirely managed by our team, you’re making a decision that ensures reliability and personalized service for years to come. Choosing Paschal means choosing a hassle-free, expertly managed experience that puts your home’s safety and convenience first.

3. What does this installation process look like?

The process begins with a detailed consultation where our experts assess your home’s energy needs. We then design a customized plan that addresses both current demands as well as future growth, all while keeping your budget in mind. We handle all permitting and regulatory requirements, ensuring that every aspect meets local standards. Our in-house, trained technicians use only the best equipment and practices during installation and keep you informed every step of the way. 

4. What specific benefits do homeowners enjoy when choosing a Paschal whole-home generator?

The key benefits include uninterrupted power; increased property value and market appeal; customized service from an in-house team that will handle every detail and offer personalized recommendations to meet your family’s specific needs; and local expertise by a company based in Arkansas that understands the weather and regulatory landscape. Paschal has provided quality HVAC, plumbing and electrical services for over 50 years.