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Fall HOME

SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

IMPROVEMENT REMODELING AND MAINTENANCE IDEAS FOR FALL

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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Thursday, September 22, 2016

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Thursday, September 22, 2016 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Homeowners opt for open floor plans, one-level living By Sue Webber Contributing Writer Homeowners in 2016 are looking for open floor plans and favoring one-level living, according to Laura Orfield, owner of Orfield Design and Construction, Inc. in Minnetonka. “They like an entryway with a mudroom, plus pantries, washer and dryer on the main level, and lots of closet space,” Orfield said. Hardwood floors are very popular everywhere, including the kitchen, she said. Kitchen-wise, many homeowners prefer peninsula seating or a sit-down table to accommodate a minimum of six people, with the living area immediately adjacent. “The ability to use the space for daily functions and incorporate a large number of people in the same space is really important,” Orfield said. “The independent, secluded formal dining room has gone away,” she said. “People are deciding that redundancy in space is not as important as relationships.” Bathrooms are more functional, according to Orfield. “People want linen closets inside the bathroom,” she said. And because it’s Minnesota, attached garages are more popular than freestanding garages, she said. Curb appeal is also on many homeowners’ radar screens, beginning with the front entryway, the overhang, shutters, window boxes, plantings, landscaping and fencing, according to Orfield. “A good coat of paint does a world of wonder.” “Window replacements are huge, and they’re so much more energy efficient now,” she said. “New windows are tight, they look better and they’re maintenance free.” Screen porches are morphing into

two- to three-season porches that can be heated or cooled with freestanding gas fireplace or a ceiling fan. “Once you’re past a two- or three-season porch, you’ve added a room onto your house,” she said. More and more, people who like their neighborhood, their relationships and proximity to work and school are finding that it may be less expensive and less of a hassle to stay where they are and make their home into something they enjoy, Orfield said, adding, “It automatically raises the resale value.” Most products these days automatically are energy-efficient because the industry is so aware of the impact on the environment, according to Orfield. “Now it’s taken for granted,” she said. Recent revamping of building and energy codes has brought more people into compliance across the industry, so that it has to be less of an intentional decision on the part of clients, she said. As a licensed building contractor as well as designer and builder, Orfield said much of her firm’s work is remodels. “Within existing spaces, people are gutting rooms – or the entire house. They’re lifting the roof off and up, adding spaces off the back. It’s just so exciting.” In addition, she said, some people are interested in adding wine cellars, entertainment rooms and movie theaters, “all sorts of grand things.” Almost anyone with any size budget can satisfy some of the items on their wish list, Orfield said. “You can do a deep soaking tub on a budget,” she said. “They’re not just for the rich and famous.” Teri Johnson, a designer and one of the owners of J Brothers Home Improvements in Maple Grove, agreed

Homeowners: To Next Page

Before and after pictures from Orfield Design and Construction, Inc. in Minnetonka, show what can be done to brighten and open up a kitchen. (Submitted photos)

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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Thursday, September 22, 2016

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Homeowners From Previous Page

lot of windows in the kitchen. In almost all cases, she said, clients want soffits removed and kitchen cabinets extended to the ceiling. “Some people are very sure of exactly what they want and what the kitchen is missing,� Johnson said. “When they can’t narrow it down, we refer them to houzz.com, where they are able to find ideas that are really helpful.� In the living room, many people want an existing fireplace wall moved down lower with no hearth above. TV flat screens typically are installed above the fireplace, she said. Some clients still are interested in maintenance-free decks, according to Johnson. “It’s a matter of composition,� she said. Balusters are aluminum, instead of wooden spindles. Porches that function from early spring to late fall are popular. “Some people use a window system with

that the master bath is an area many people want to remodel. “We’re removing the large whirlpool tubs that were popular in the 1980s and 1990s,� she said. “We remove 85 percent of tubs altogether. People are opting for larger showers. In the 15 percent of cases where we add a tub, it’s usually a freestanding deep soaking tub with no bubbles.� Regarding kitchens, Johnson said her clients are looking for ways to make that room more functional for family lifestyles. “They want to open up the kitchen,� she said. “Some are removing the dining room to make the kitchen larger and provide more island space. Seventy-five percent do a cooktop and built-in oven with microwave/convection oven.� Johnson also finds that people want a

screens or windows that are locked into place,� she said. “But they’re not for winter use.� People who are anticipating remodeling usually meet with Johnson first to see how realistic their budget is, she said. “Most people grasp the idea of how much things cost,� she said. Even if they’re thinking of selling a home at sometime in the future, many homeowners opt to make improvements now, so they can enjoy the changes, Johnson said. However, most of her clients are planning to stay in their homes, she said. “Most Maple Grove homes were built in the 1980s and 1990s, so it’s time for them to be updated,� Johnson said. Once the remodeling process begins, Johnson said, her firm’s crews are onsite every day until the work is done. “We’ve done many remodels,� she

said. “We try to make it as painless as possible.� Nate Carlson, a project developer with Highmark Builders in Burnsville, said his firm works on eight or nine new homes a year, all with prices starting at $900,000. “We’re working on a pretty large 15-foot by 10-foot walk-in wine cellar now, he said. “It’s fully temperature controlled and holds between 1,500 and 2,000 bottles.� His firm also is doing a lot with “very interesting� tiles. “You can do anything you want with any possibility,� Carlson said. His firm also has installed “tons of pools� and screen porches. “Many clients like to live on their porches, and on patios,� he said. Contact Alyssa Krekelberg at alyssa. krekelberg@ecm-inc.com

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Thursday, September 22, 2016 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

Getting your home fall- and winter-ready

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These simple home maintenance projects can help lower your energy bills, prevent more costly repairs and/or increase the lifespan of your home. 1. Heating & Ventilation - Examine your fireplace and chimney system to ensure that no soot or creosote has collected. Any cracks or voids could potentially cause a fire. Before you turn the furnace or boiler on, replace the air filter and hire a professional to inspect the unit more thoroughly. These steps will improve the efficiency and life of your furnace and will ensure stable indoor air quality. 2. Seal Windows and Doors - If not properly sealed, windows and doors can be a major culprit for heat loss. To keep the warm air inside, inspect the weather-stripping around your home’s windows and doors for leaks, rot or decay. Repair or replace structural framing, and caulk inside and out, if necessary. 3. Insulate well - One of the easiest and most effective defenses against heat loss is proper insulation. Prevent cold drafts from entering and the loss of heated air through basement headers, which, when left exposed, can make your furnace work harder. Look for a moisture-resistant product offering high thermal performance, such as

Roxul Comfortbatt insulation. This type of mineral wool insulation makes installation simple. All that’s needed is a serrated blade or bread knife. Cut the batt to fit the cavity and press into place. The insulation will help improve energy efficiency as soon as it’s in place and provide savings over the lifetime of your home. Comfortbatt can also be used to top or replace old attic insulation. Aim for an R-50 or a depth of 16 inches. 4. Backyard Care - Save your property from potential damage by trimming overgrown trees and shrubs to prevent ice-laden branches from thrashing against electrical wires and your home’s exterior. Drain/shut off any exterior faucets and sprinkler systems to prevent freezing. Ensure rain or snow drains away from the house to avoid foundation problems. 5. Roof and Gutters - Inspect your roof for shingles that are warped, damaged or even missing to prevent a future leak. Use roofing cement and a caulking gun to seal joints where water could penetrate, such as around the chimney, skylights or vent pipes. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are securely fastened. Downspouts should extend at least five feet away from the home to prevent flooding.

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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Thursday, September 22, 2016

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Outdoor living spaces gaining in popularity By Sue Webber Contributing Writer Low-maintenance outdoor rooms where people can relax in the privacy of their own backyards are increasingly popular, according to several area landscapers. “These are basically outdoor rooms, adding an extra room to the house, a place where people can enjoy s’smores around a campfire,” said Miles Lee, owner of Luxury Lawns Landscaping in Plymouth. The outdoor spaces are more contemporary than they used to be, according to Lee. “Contemporary is going to take over,” he said. “The spaces are more square, not circles, and very clean, with a modern look. People are using boxy big tile stones, rather than the old flagstone and rugged stones. They’re getting away from the rugged, wooden look.” Regarding the price, Lee said, most people don’t want to spend more than in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. Another trend, he said, is that people are “dropping big money on outdoor furniture. They want good stuff.” Lee sees a lot of younger people buying homes and fixing them up. “The younger generation is absolutely afraid of maintenance,” he said. “They don’t have time for it.” Keith Bury, owner of Bury’s Lawn and Landscaping in Maple Grove, agreed that people are moving toward outdoor living spaces. Many want to include kitchens and outdoor grilling bars in addition to sitting areas, he said. Firepits and fireplaces also are popular. The outdoor spaces can be small, such as a grill with a counter on each side, and a freestanding wall built around the grill. “We put in water features for some clients, but not as much as we used to,” Bury said.

Outdoor rooms are becoming increasingly popular. Landscaping and lighting projects can be done in a week’s time, or can take months, depending upon the scope. “It adds value to the home for entertaining purposes,” he said. “The quality of materials makes a difference.” Low maintenance is the number one consideration for landscaping, including shrubs and trees, he said. “Ornamental grasses are still popular,” Lee said. “Hydrangeas are really popular. They’ve been around forever, but people still like them.” Dean Bjorkstrand, owner of Dean Bjorkstrand Inc. in Richfield, is another landscaper who is finding that many of his clients want outdoor places “to relax and hang out with their family and friends.” “Patios with gardens surrounding them are still very popular,” Bjorkstrand said. “Water features are popular. I get asked about pergolas a lot.” A pergola is an archway in a garden consisting of a framework covered with climbing or trailing plants. Bjorkstrand finds that more people

are interested in shade curtains, shade sails or screening, too. “Lighting is pretty popular,” he said. Noting that mosquitoes have been especially prevalent and annoying this summer, Bjorkstrand said, “Everyone is talking about the bugs. This year is absolutely horrible. The last six weeks have been ridiculous. But people still want outdoor spaces.” People seem to be able to manage the bugs by using sprays and tiki lights, he said. Firepits may also help to keep the bugs at bay. Today’s continuous theme in landscaping seems to be low maintenance, according to Bjorkstrand. “Ornamental grasses are popular, and also naturalized settings and native plantings,” he said. “Informal gardens are more popular.” Money-wise, people can get started with landscaping on a budget of a couple thousand dollars that will buy plantings and the beginning of a garden. “People are willing to put money into landscaping,” Bjorkstrand said. “This

year especially, I’m seeing people willing to invest more, between $15,000 and $25,000.” It isn’t necessary to have a large yard to have attractive landscaping, he said. “We do a lot of city lots in Edina and Minneapolis,” he said. “In many ways a small Minneapolis lot can be transformed more easily.” People generally have features in mind when they begin a landscaping project, Bjorkstrand said. “Most have something in rough draft form and I help them mold and shape ideas.” One of his goals is to try to get year-round interest in the garden. “Evergreens and conifers give winter interest to a yard,” he said. His firm uses a lot of natural stone products, such as bluestone, flagstone and limestone. “People have always enjoyed the natural stone look,” he said. “Natural stones are a big part of what we do.” Permeable paving, a more environmentally friendly way to do things, is increasingly a consideration, he said. Permeable paving includes a range of sustainable materials and techniques for permeable pavements with a base and subbase that allow the movement of storm water through the surface. In addition to reducing runoff, it filters pollutants from the water. “People have become more aware of it in the last five years,” Bjorkstrand said. “People started to understand it and started implementing it. It’s the environmentally smart way to do things.” His firm does a lot of grading, sloping from a house to get water away from the home. “Waterproofing homes is a big part of what we do,” Bjorkstrand said. “Water is very powerful and can be a menacing thing. Especially this year, with all the rain we’ve had, we’re putting in a lot of retaining walls and drain tile.”

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Thursday, September 22, 2016 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

Address air leaks to save energy and money Rising energy costs coupled with the continued adoption of eco-friendly lifestyles are two factors driving homeowners to seek ways to reduce energy consumption in their homes. Reducing energy consumption is reason enough for many homeowners to make changes around the house, but saving energy sometimes means saving substantial amounts of money as well. Energy-efficient appliances and ecofriendly building materials can help homeowners reduce energy consumption. But homeowners looking for additional ways to cut cooling and heating costs can address air leaks around the house to make their homes more energy efficient. • Identify air leaks around windows and doorways. Autumn is a great time of year to identify air leaks. Fall, and particularly late fall, tends to be characterized by cold air that makes it easy to detect air leaks. Feel for leaks around windows and doorways, ideally conducting such tests on cold, windy days when you can quickly detect if air is flowing in from the outside. Leaks around windows and doors waste energy because the interior of the home is either colder (in the winter) or warmer (in the summer) than it needs to be, prompting homeowners to turn up their thermostats or rely more heavily on air conditioning units. • Look for leaks elsewhere around the house. While windows and doorways are where many leaks are found, leaks also may be found around plumbing, electrical fixtures and dryer vents. Inspect such areas by feeling for drafts or looking for signs that insects and critters might be entering. • Look up and down. Evidence of air leaks may be noticeable on both the floor and the ceiling. Dirty spots on carpeting and the ceiling may be indicative of air leaks at interior wall/ceiling joints and wall/floor joists. Fixing such leaks may be as simple as applying some caulk. • Go with gaskets. The United States Department of Energy recommends

Page 7

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Air leaks around doorways can waste energy and cost homeowners substantial amounts of money. installing foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls. Outlets and switch boxes on exterior walls provide another place for air to leak into a home and drive up energy costs. Properly installed gaskets can cut back on air infiltration, providing an inexpensive way to save energy and money. • Cover the kitchen exhaust fans when you are not cooking. Kitchen exhaust fans can help prevent fires and unfavorable indoor air conditions when preparing meals at home. But such fans provide opportunities for air to enter a home, so make sure they are tightly closed or covered when no one is cooking in the kitchen. Air leaks around a house can waste energy and contribute to high energy bills, particularly during the winter and summer when temperatures outside tend to be at their most extreme.

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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Thursday, September 22, 2016

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Paint your home’s exterior like a pro Painting is an inexpensive way to transform just about any space. Many people paint the interiors of their homes, but home exteriors also can undergo dramatic makeovers with fresh coats of paint. Timing the job right and heeding some tips from professionals and do-it-yourselfers who have tread the painting path before you can make the job go smoothly. CONSIDER THE TIME OF YEAR Consider local weather patterns and forecasts when planning an exterior painting project. Choose a time of year when there is little rain and low humidity, such as autumn. Keep in mind that the paint will require a couple of days to dry completely and cure, and that can be difficult in damp weather. Don’t hamper the final outcome with poor timing.

PREPARE THE PAINTING SURFACES Resist the temptation to start painting straight away. Paint may not adhere to unprepared surfaces, and dirt and other debris may show through and mar the finished product. Repainting a home’s exterior will likely involve removing peeling or chipping paint prior to making your first strokes. Wear protective gear when scraping, sanding or brushing old paint, as such tasks can generate dust that can be dangerous to inhale, particularly if the old paint contains lead. Employ a chlorine bleach solution to kill any mildew and to scrub any dirt from the house. In addition, repair any cracks or imperfections. For example, if you’re painting stucco, you may have to fill in any pitting or holes. Use this opportunity to inspect caulking around windows and doors. Recaulk as needed to seal up drafty areas or those that may cause water infiltration prior to painting.

Painting: To Next Page

Home exteriors can undergo dramatic makeovers with fresh coats of paint.

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Thursday, September 22, 2016 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

Page 9

Painting From Previous Page

PRIME AND COVER STAINS It may be a little extra work, but apply a quality primer as the first coat to hide any imperfections, such as wood knots or discoloration from weathering. Primer provides a smooth, even surface upon which to put your paint color. Once you have applied the primer, test your paint color in a small, inconspicuous spot to see how the color looks in the daylight. You do not want to paint the entire home only to find out you dislike the color. TRY THESE PAINTING TECHNIQUES Rent a paint sprayer for large surface areas. The sprayer will produce a more uniform application and is less time-consuming than painting everything with a brush or roller. Make sure you’ve chosen a high-quality paint, as the added expense is worth it if the paint lasts

longer and coats more evenly. Also, if you have purchased multiple cans of paint, mix them all in one large bucket to ensure the same color; otherwise, the colors may not match perfectly. The experts at HGTV recommend working your way from top to bottom in a smooth, controlled manner, overlapping each stroke by eight inches. Trim and hard-to-reach areas should be left for brush work so you can maintain control over your tools. If you are painting areas like steps or staircases, consider adding a little finegrain sand to the paint to improve traction, as paint can be slippery when wet. If painting your home’s exterior is beyond your capabilities, hire a professional. He or she will get the work done in a timely manner, and you can rest assured that the job will be done correctly.

Budgeting home improvement projects Home improvements can add value and aesthetic appeal to a home. However, to reap the rewards of a remodeled room, home addition or any home improvement project, homeowners will have to invest both their money and their time. Establishing a project budget can be helpful and prevent overspending. According to Visually, a marketing information service, nearly half of the homeowners surveyed said the cost of their renovation projects did not exceed their budgets. However, more than one-third of those surveyed reported going over budget on their projects. To keep costs down, consider hiring a contractor. He or she will

have industry contacts and may be able to get materials at a lower cost. While you will pay for labor, working with a contractor greatly reduces both the time spent on the project and the risk of costly mistakes being made. In addition, think about the way you finance the renovations. Industry experts have found that homeowners who finance their home improvement projects with lines of credit end up spending more money on average than those who use their savings to fund projects. While it may be tempting to take out a line of credit for a home improvement project, spending only money you already have may be the more responsible route to take.

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Page 10

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Thursday, September 22, 2016

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Home improvement projects for your fall to-do list Homeowners know that maintaining a home can be a yearround job. No home is immune to wear and tear, and homeowners who want to protect their real estate investments should try to stay two steps ahead to ensure their homes do not succumb to the elements or become outdated and unappealing to prospective buyers. Fall has become a season that’s synonymous with home improvement, but homeowners need not wait until the leaves begin changing colors to start planning their next projects. The following are a few items homeowners can add to their fall home improvement to-do lists. ROOF INSPECTION Less precipitation tends to fall during the warmer months than during the late fall and winter. As a result, homeowners may not be aware of leaky roofs until autumn has come and gone. But

waiting until winter to inspect the roof can prove disastrous, as weather conditions will not be conducive to inspection and increased precipitation may result in potentially costly damage. Leaky roofs can be easily identified by looking for water stains on interior ceilings. Once you see a stain, you can climb onto the roof to identify the location of the leak and fix it before winter rains and snowfall turn the problem into something much larger. Inspect your ceilings for signs of leaking after a strong rainfall, and then address any leaks immediately. GUTTER CLEANING While some homeowners prefer to delay their gutter cleaning projects until late fall, those whose homes are surrounded by trees may need to schedule two such projects. Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris can cause serious roof damage, and that damage can extend all the way inside a home. In addition, clogged

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gutters make great nesting areas for insects or critters. Always stand on a ladder when cleaning gutters, wearing gloves to remove items by hand and dropping leaves and debris into a trash can below. Standing on the roof and leaning over gutters greatly increases your risk of injury. If the gutters are clear when you first examine them in early fall, you can wait until later in the season to give them a complete and thorough cleaning. Once you have finished clearing the gutters, you can use a hose to run water through them and the downspouts to confirm everything is functioning properly. WINDOW & DOORWAY INSPECTION Before temperatures start dropping once again, homeowners will want to inspect their windows and doorways for leaks. Over time, cracks can develop around windows and doorways, and while such cracks are rarely noticeable when the weather outside is warm, they can

be quite obvious and very costly if they remain unsealed come the start of winter. Cold air can enter a home through cracks around windows and doorways, and many homeowners who don’t suspect leaks may respond by turning up the thermostats in their homes. That can prove quite expensive over a full winter. Choose a windy autumn day to place a hand by windows and external doorways in your home to see if you can feel drafts. If you can, seal these cracks as soon as possible. PATIO CLEANUP Patios are popular hangouts during spring and summer, and that can result in a lot of wear and tear. Once you store patio furniture for the winter, inspect your entire patio to determine if it needs any refurbishing. While certain patio projects may be best left for spring, you can still clean any stained areas around the grill and look for cracks in the sidewalk that need to be addressed.

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Thursday, September 22, 2016 • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Page 11

Page 12

FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Thursday, September 22, 2016

current.mnsun.com

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