Evening Star Newspaper, April 13, 1940, Page 22

B—4 REAL First Aid For the Ailing House By ROGER B. WHITMAN. Q. I have been trylng to remove wallpaper in *my living room . by soaking it with water, but the water seems to have no effect. What else can I use that will loosen the paper and let me take it off? A. Your wallpaper must have a varnished or other waterproof fin- ish. To take it off, go over it with a coarse sandpaper wrapped arpund a block of wood, 50 that this finish will be cut. Water will then be able to penetrate to the paste. Begin soaking the wallpaper at one end of & wall, using a whitewash brush or large sponge, and work to the other end. Then return to where you began and repeat. Continue until the water has soaked and the paste has been softened. If the paper sticks, scrape with a broad putty knife. . Paint After Whitewash. Q. A wooden wall in my cellar was whitewashed. I washed off the whitewash and then, after the wood dried, put on two coats of inside oil paint. The paint softened and would not stay on. What was the reason. and what can I do about it? A. Although you took off the whitewash on the surface, some of the lime of which it was made soaked into the wood and remained. This lime affected the oils of the paint and destroyed them. After taking off the whitewash you should have rinsed the walls with a solution of zinc sulphate crystals in water, 2| pounds to the gallon. This would have neutralized the lime, and the paint would not have been harmed. ‘To apply this solution you must first remove the paint that remains. Counter Tops. Q. I have just made cabinets for my kitchen, and am puzzled at what to use for the top of the drain boards around the sink and for the counter tops. What do you advise? A. The material that is in most general use for work tables and drain boards is battleship linoleum. This is cut to size, secured to the under surface with waterproof ce- ment, and the edges bound with specially formed metal strips that make the edges waterproof, and also protect them against chafing. Ex- perienced linoleum layers are fa- miliar with the work. If you want to do it yourself, you should be able to | get the strips at a well-equipped hardware store, where you can also learn of the method of application. Cement for securing the linoleum can be roofing cement, liquefied by heating. Moths in a Mattres: Q. I have a hair mattress with moths in it. It was once de-mothed but the moths came back after a| year. How can we get rid of them? | A. Put the mattress outdoor: preferably on an overcast day to reduce the fire hazard, and soak it | with naptha or clear gasoline. This will destroy every stage of insect life. { New Bungalow. Q. We are building a bungalow and would like your opinion on hav- ing the ceilings painted and walls papered as soon as completed: or would you adyise giving the house a chance to dry out and settle? A. The plaster should be given plenty of time for drying, and there | is always the possibility of a new | building settling. Plaster usually dries in about two months’ time, but | in a damp climate this may take longer. When a building will stop ESTATE. | the knots more apparent. N & IN HUNTINGTON TERRACE—Mr. and Mrs. Asa McCain have bought this new dwelling at 1008 Jefferson street, Bethesda, from the Mont gomery Realty Co. The Home Clinic Natural Wood Gives Room a Charm No Other Material Can Supply By MARGARET NOWELL. The smell of new lumber is one of the most delightful odors I know— and whether it is in the lumber yard or your own new house, it stimulates your mind to all sorts of new plans. Next to its odor, its color and sur- face texture are most satisfying, yet with all this “free for nothing” we cover up its natural beauty, many times, with paint, and wonder why we are disappointed in the result. Natural wood surfaces have come into their own these last few years and we are all beginning to under- stand the charm of the honey tones of pine, maple and cherry in their natural state. The trend is away from all the tricky finishes that were pickled, rubbed, sand-blasted and stained, and toward a carefully smoothed, natural-appearing surface that brings out the true character- istic of the wood. If pine is “knotty,” you would do best in paneling a room to select only a few boards with knots and get as many “clear” pieces with a few “whirled” ones for ccntrast as possible. this is best. Lumber with knots is rough, the knots often loosen and fall out, and it is not possible to finish the surface without making The joy of a natural wood-panelled room is that it is such a delightful back- » | ground color, a foil for fabric, stone and any other material set against it. Tts loveliest and most useful quality is lost by exaggerating its knots or gain. Each type of wood has its own quality, which should be utilized for what it is worth. Pine is pale honey color in tone. It is nice with all the strong colors and will blend into the yellows and tan shade: From all points of view | be darkened and intensified with oils and shellac. To keep its light, pale tone the surface must be sealed to keep it from absorbing oil or mois= ture from either natural wear or pol- ishing wax or oil. Maple has a slightly pinkish cast that is darkened with use. In fact, the true color and quality of maple may be almost destroyed with heavy oils. In its natural state it has a rosy color that is most distinctive with cedar and rose shades. Most of the pieces of maple furniture seen in the shops have an orange- colored or reddish finish that is as far from real maple in color as ma- hogany might be. New unfinished boards of cherry, walnut, various mahogany types and all other woods are very far from the impression most of us gain after seeing commercially-finished wood. There is & most comprehensive ex- hibition of wood at the Smithsonian Institution which is worth the time of any one who is planning a paneled room in his house or who likes to work with wood. Examples of every kind with various ways of cutting to bring out different characteristics | are shown. The natural wood sur- face is shown with the changes that | take place with various finishes. | Also the bleached woods, so fashion- able at this time, are there. In .selecting the wood for your paneled room recognize the infor- mality possible with pine and poplar, its light quality and its affiliation for calico, glazed chintz and pewter and keep its natural quality in kindred surroundings. In con- trast the formal elegance and rich, dark beauty of walnut and mahog- any demand careful srchilectural* detail, exquisite workmanship and the opulence of heavy fabrics rich settling is unpredictable. | Shingles Over Old Roof. | Q. What is the cheapest and best shingle to use on a roof? Can it be put right over old shingles? Do they come in green? A. Asphalt or wood shingles are probably the least expensive. Either | type of shingle can be laid over the | old shingles; in fact, most reroofin; Jobs are done over old shingle: Green is a popular color in all types ‘ of roofing materials, and you should have no difficulty in getting the shade that you want. Stopping Tree Roots. | Q. Please suggest a lumber to be | used to sink in the ground to a| depth of, say, 12 inches for the pur- | pose of checking the roots of two | maple trees in the street which run | into my front lawn and prevent the growth of hedges and lawn grass. A. Instead of wood, use a heavy | gauge sheet zinc. It will last a good | many years and makes a very satis- factory stop for roots. If you prefer i to use wood, you will find the fol- | lowing quite suitable for the pur- | pose: Cypress, redwood or cedar. Coat it with creosote. Directory Lists 3300 Building, Loan Units A directory of 3,900 savings, build- ing and loan assocfations which are affiliated with the United States Savings and Loan League has just been issued, carrying data on these institutions as of late in 1939, Covering institutions in all of the States, in Hawali and Alaska, the list includes the names of two offi- | cers, designation of the managing | exscutive, address of each institu- | tlon, number of borrowers and in- vestors and volume of assets. Asso- clations with 85 per cent of the total resources of the business in this country are included. Officers and boards of directors of the 12 Federal | Home Loan banks are also listed. | and the supervising official for sav- ings, bullding and loan associations | in each of the States is named with his address. Coples of the directory can be bought at the offices of the United | States Savings and Loan League, 333 | North Michigan avenue, Chicago. Government mines of the Nether- ‘ lands Indies are expected to produce ‘ over 1,300,000 tons of coal this yea: REAL ESTATE LOANS FIRST TRUSTS to finance or refinance homes in the District or nearby Maryland and Virginia. Current Rates Straight Loans or Monthly Payments LINCOLN NATIONAL BANK 7th & D Sts. N.W, 17th & H Sts. N.W. —=Star Staff Photo. in color and texture. This wood also needs light to bring out its beauty so that windows must be carefully planned and carried out to bring the necessary light into & room that is naturally darker because of so much paneled wall space. ‘The bleached woods have a most indi- vidual character and in the pale grays and wheat tones are the perfect foil for the highly decorative modern wall papers and the pale “off-shades” or muted colors that are so effective in the new uphol- stery fabrics. Home-Building Costs Expected fo Rise Sharply This Year Opportunities Cited To Save Now on Materials and Labor In the general flurry of elections, European wars and census takers, a condition of great importance to the United States is receiving prac- tically no notice. That condition is the building situation. Based on more than 12 years of measuring and analyzing factors responsible for changes in building costs, Real Estate Analysts, Inc., through its president, Roy Wenzlick, announces a firm conviction that building costs will rise sharply in the very early 1940s. “If you ever expect to build a home,” says Mr. Wenzlick in the May issue of Better Homes and Gardens, “there are many reasons for believing the next six« months offer opportunities which probably won't exist again for many years.” Mr. Wenzlick bases his statements in the article on five different points which he analyzes exhaustively. ‘They are material prices, cost of building labor, present low prices of sites, cost of financing and interest | rates, rises in rents. Materials Higher. Material for a typical Middle Western house which would have cost $1 in 1926 and $1.40 in 1920 would cost 84 cents today. Prices of building materials are slightly higher now than they were six months ago. In 1936 and 1937 gen- 5307 Moorland Lane In Beautiful Edgemoor THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 1940. eral business improved rapidly. This resulted in a 12 per cent price rise in less than a year. The improve- ment of business conditions since last summer has already started a slight upward trend in prices. From the beginning of the World War in 1914 to April, 1917, bullding material prices soared on the aver- age, 65 per cent. In the following three years they gained another 93 per cent, making the total rise 218 per cent above the average when the war started. Materials alone, however, are not the full basis of Mr. Wenzlick’s belief that costs are due to rise. Using the same typical house as an example, he points out that the cost of building it in 1914 was $4,254. In 1920, $8,006; the bot- tom of the depression, $5,053, and last year it climbed back to $6,627. Another point he brings out is the fact that practically no apprentices have been trained during the de- pression. When building volume hits normal, as it appears now to be heading for that status, a marked shortage of skilled labor will bring less skilled men into the field, thus resulting in a loss of time and ma- terials. Financing Costs Lower. Financing costs are lower now | than they have ever been. A de-} mand for money is starting again ! which, as it increases, will brmgf about a rise in mortgage-interest rates. At present, a 20-year F. H. A. insured loan for as much as 80 per cent of the cost of a house may be obtained at 4!, per cent interest plus a !> per cent service charge. This is practically equivalent to the aver- only 512,950 Lot 70x270. 8 rooms, 2 baths, oil heat. All modern throughout. Open Sat. 1 to 6 P.M.—Sun. 11 to 6 P.M. To inspect: Out old Georg wn Road, 2 blocks past Bank of Bethesda to Moorland Lane, left to home. E. M. FRY, 4703 Hampden Lane, Inc. Wis. 6740 WHERE can you buy a home with the same confidence as when purchasing a MIKKELSON built home? Investigate before buying: It will save you many unhappy days. - t ~ SF"GHWOOD = Chevy Chase.D.C. = Offers you the finest built homes in the city Exhibit Home 3367 Stephenson N.W. Open Daily and Sunday The homes are of the center-hall Colonial plan having 3 and 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1st floor lavatories, 2nd floor dens. ALSO F.H.A. FINANCING 24 NEW STONE and BRICK HOMES 22 ALREADY SOLD *6150 ® 2 and 3 Bedrooms Tiled Bath with Shower Alr-Conditioning Heat Deep Fenced-in Lots Copper Water Pipes De Luxe Kitchen Inguiated and Furred ‘Weatherstripped, Screened Exhibit Home 28 Crittenden St. N.E. Open Daily 10 A.M. to 9P.M. ew Hampshire in St l"l:l on rth Capitol, right on Nerth Capitol to Crittend 8L lefy to Romes. *° — ARROLL G287, 89, RA. 4676 GE. 3530 REAL ESTATE. age rent paid for less desirable quarters with the profit going to the owner. Inevitably, as costs increase, rents will rise correspondingly. From 1935 to 1937 they rose on an average, 8 per cent. During the last World War they rose 68 per cent. The builder, however, will continue his payments at the 1940 price. Better Homes and Gardens points out editorially that since 1795 “there has never been less than 18 years nor more than 20 between booms. Another peak should be due in the forties.” 7510 ALASKA AVE. N.W. One of the Original Evening Star Model Homes now offered at $19,750 Probably the finest small home ever built in Washington. Positively the most unusual lot—; acre of lovely lawn with an artistic foundation planting of evergreens, also dogwood and shade trees form the setting for this authentic Dutch Colonial home. 7 rooms of nice propor- tions, 2 colored tile baths, automatic heat, built-in garage. Not new, but in perfect condition. Just old enough to have developed a character and prove its worth. Modern in every detajl with that quiet, restful charm of early Colonials. Actually cost over $32,000. Offered direct from owner at less than today’s replace= ment cost on terms to suit or will consider any reason- able offer of all cash above a newly placed $12,500 first mortgage, straight 3-year loan, 5%. Open Sunday Noon to 6 O’Clock or Phone Emerson 3039 for Appointment. $13,500 SHEPHERD PARK 7605 14th STREET N.W. (Near Walter Reed Hospital.) AN UNUSUAL OFFERING IN THIS SELECT SECTION. IN IMMACULATE CONDITION AND BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED. PRICE QUOTED IS ABOUT $6,000 LESS THAN COST. There are 2 baths, automatic heat, electric refrigeration, breakfast nook, an extra large modern kitchen, finished room on 3rd floor, 2 lovely porches, 2-car garage and a spacious, well landscaped Iot. The elevation affords a splendid view over Rock Creek Park. OPEN SUNDAY 10:30 to 5:30 TO REACH: Drive out 16th Street, past Walter Reed Hospital to Iris Street, turn right on'Iris to 15th Street, BOSS & PHELPS 1417 K Street (Exclusively) Na. 9300 ‘Bethesda, Md.—Only 1 Left 20 Sold —New Group Under Construction *4,990 to *5,450 6523 MAPLE AVENUE— CHEVY CHASE, MD. 3rd EXHIBIT HOME—$12,250 THE HOMES OF INSTANT APPROVAL—excellent residential com- munity—convenient to all schools and bus. DOUBLE SIZE BEDROOM AND BATH OFF STAIR LANDING SUIT- ABLE FOR DEN—TWO ADDITIONAL DOUBLE SIZE BEDROOMS y| | WITH BATH. Stairway to attic—insulated—Venetian Blinds—air conditioned—screened living porch—wooded rear yard. OPEN TODAY AND SUNDAY To reach: Out Comn. Ave. through Chevy Chase, Md. about 1 mile from Circle to Thornapple Street, turn left three blocks to Maple Avenue, then right one block to properties. Chevy Chase, e, D. C. AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK 3 4622 YUMA ST. N.W. $10,950 Furnished by Hilda Miller You'll be amazed when you see the generous room sizes. the expensive equip- ment and superb finish of this new home. Its spacious floor plan includes 6 large rooms and two tiled baths in color, finished recreation room and de- tached garage. The living room is 23 feet long. with adioining screened porch in the rear. It is a masterpiece of design and construction. Built by C. H. SMALL Investment Bidg. DRIVE OUT Massachusetts Ave. to 46th St ‘right on 46th to Yuma 8t left to home. Prices begin at $14,450 Near Grade, Junior, Senior High and Parochial Schools Drive out Connecticut Ave. to Chevy Chase Circle, turn right on Western Ave., 4 squares to Broad Branch Road, turn right 1 square to Stephenson, then left to property. C. F. Mikkelson & Son MILTON F. SCHWAB, Sales Curtis Millwork and Lumber by W. T. Galliher & Bro. BUILDERS uilt by Dunigan——Built Right Washington Knows That Dunigan Builds BETTER HOMES $4€.950 » New Community Group 6 ROOMS—2 BATHS Exhibit Home—5127 North Capitol St. ® Detached garage @ Insulated—Weatherstripped ® Large, airy cellar ® Automatic gas heat ® Cedar lined closets @ Kitchen with built-in cabinets OPEN DAILY AND SUNDAY—To Reach: Out New Hampshire Ave. to Hamilton St., right on Hamilton St. to Morth Capitol St. and homes. s, D. J. DUNIGAN, Inc. 3 1265 6840 Wisc. Ave. 4424 Rosedale Avenue See for yourself why these four and five room masonry homes are selling so rapidly. baths, steel sash, large lots, paved street. Open 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. Daily To Reach: Out Wisconsin Ave. 6 blocks beyond Bank of Bethesda on Rockville Pike, turn right on Rosedale Ave. to end of street. HENRY J. CONNOR, Inc. Best construction, full basements, automatic heat, tiled Wisc. 1683 Sets a Precedent in Value THE BIGGEST HOUSE—AND THE BEST LOCATION — YOUR MONEY CAN BUY! There is something new under the sun—a distinctive group home that invites modern living at its best. The NELLIE CUSTIS home in this new group, adjoining beau- tiful Mount Vernon Boulevard, will give you an entirely different conception of moderate-cost living. It con- tains six large rooms and a completely finished recreation room—special parqueted floors and a host of special features never before offered at its low price. Stone and brick construction is your assurance of lifetime service. The environment is one of the Capital's most desirable— less than 15 minutes from downtown. DI"CC‘I'O'I.-‘ Drive down the Mount Vernmom Boulevard to our sion at Bashford Lane . . . it's on the right, just beyond WISV Radio Station—and just before the Alezandria traflo circle. MONTHLY PAYS EVERYTHING Owner—Builder 1515 K ST. N.W. DI. 3100