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The Remodel Cautious homeowners still want upgrades
Appliance Savvy Energy savings, quality still remain important to shoppers
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2 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 29, 2011 – www.MinnLocal.com
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BUDGETING...BEFORE THE BUILD Home improvement projects have become de rigueur for today’s homeowners. Be it a kitchen remodel or the ever-popular man cave project, home improvement projects remain a goal for many homeowners. As enticing as a home improvement project might be, no project can be successful until a budget has been established. The right budget will keep homeowners from going deep into debt when improving their homes, ensuring that, upon the project’s completion, they can fully enjoy their revamped castles without the specter of significant debt hanging ominously over their heads. Before beginning a home improvement project, homeowners can take the following things into consideration. • Personal finances: It sounds simple, but homeowners must examine their finances before starting a home improvement project. Just because a bank will loan out money for a project doesn’t mean the project is affordable. Homeowners should compare their
monthly expenses with their incomes, and then determine what’s left that might be able to go toward a project. Monthly expenses include everything from groceries to mortgage payments. When the comparison between monthly expenses and monthly income has been made, homeowners can get a grasp of just what they can and cannot afford. • Credit score: Many homeowners finance home improvement projects with loans from the bank. Particularly in the current economy when banks are being forced to tighten lending requirements, securing such loans isn’t easy. Homeowners with significant credit card debt should eliminate such debt before beginning a project. Doing so serves multiple purposes. First and foremost, eliminating outstanding debt will free up more money to allocate toward the project. Eliminating debt will also make loan applicants more attractive to prospective creditors, increasing their chances of securing a loan and a lower interest rate.
• The project’s priority: Budgeting a home improvement project also involves being honest as to just how necessary the project is. For example, a man cave might be a dream project, but should it be a priority over other things around the house? If wear and tear is taking its toll on the roof, for instance, the money going toward the man cave should probably be allocated to replacing the roof instead. • Overrun costs: Not every home improvement project will come in at or under budget. Many, in fact, go over budget due to a host of factors. Homeowners should not be caught off guard when a project goes over budget. Instead, plan for the project to go over budget and expect such frustration. Allocate extra money in the original budget for overrun costs. This will reduce stress and frustration, and if the project comes in under budget, then there’s extra money when the project is completed.
My kitchen cabinets are dirty, sticky and just plain ugly. Is there anything I can do? Do I have to replace them? If you like the color and the style of your cabinets then they can just be restored to the original finish. Many times this can be done in one day and done for as low as $600. It does take some effort on the part of the do-it-yourselfer, but with some careful planning, it can be handled during a normal weekend. If you do not like the color or style of your cabinets, then refacing would be a good option. There are many professionals who can provide this service. It can be done in almost any wood type and door style you can imagine. This service usually takes less than a week and starts at around $3,500. Steve LaRose, Kitchen Tune Up
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www.MinnLocal.com – Thursday, September 29, 2011– Fall Home Improvement 3
Cautious homeowners still want kitchen and bathroom upgrades — and garages! BY PEGGY BAKKEN SUN NEWSPAPERS Today’s homeowners are watching their budgets, but still want to upgrade their homes. There’s a lot more to be gained through remodeling besides increased functionality, new appliances, efficient systems, updated décor, additional space or the pure enjoyment of making your home your own. There’s also the increased value your home receives when you make improvements, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Kitchen and bath renovations remain popular — and for good reason, according to NARI. Homeowners continue to see the value in updating areas of the home that are used frequently and are high functioning. Nicole Durocher, co-owner of Ashlann Builders, Inc. of Minnetonka, sees many area residents interested in kitchen and bathroom remodels. Consumers are also looking for the practical, too. “We are seeing a lot of homeowners concentrating on what the home needs, maintenance more than thinking about their wish lists.” Some are looking at partial projects – replacing the shower and tub surround with new tile, but not gutting the whole bathroom. Durocher has seen another trend that might surprise you: Remodeling and upgrading garages. “We’ve got a lot of interest in garages. We are doing a lot of them.” When renovating a residential garage, sheet rocking or finishing sheet rocking the garage is par for the course. Then comes the floor coating system, and custom cabinetry. Garages are outfitted floor to ceiling with cabinets that have four-inch, stainless steel legs to keep them off the ground and a corresponding stainless steel handle. Extras that might top off a garage remodel are fillers, built-in refrigerators, customize cabinets to hold hockey
This garage interior was recently completed by Ashlann Builders of Minnetonka. The steel cabinets have four-inch legs to keep them up off the floor. sticks/gear, golf gear, snow wear, garden items, and general storage. Some garages get the “man cave” touch with a television and comfort chair. Ashlann Builders use a polyaspartic polyurea system (similar to what they use for truck bed liners). It is much more sustainable than epoxy, Durocher said. It has a very high UV resistance. It does not fade over time. It is resistant to salt, oil, gas and other contaminants. It has a 15year warranty and can be used in commercial areas, laundry rooms and similar high-use rooms.
Women are as interested in the garage upgrades as men, Durocher said. Women are especially drawn to the expansive storage that can be created in existing space. Both are drawn to the added curb appeal. “There’s the great feeling when you open the door,” Durocher said. “So many times, we meet our friends and neighbors at the front of the house. When the garage door opens, everyone gets to see the improvements.”
Ashlann Builders is approaching its 20th anniversary. It is located at 18700 South Lane, Minnetonka. Phone: 763-5310320. Online at tophomeremodel.com.
4 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 29, 2011 – www.MinnLocal.com
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Appliance Savvy Energy savings, quality remain important to smart shoppers ‘One in 10 people who come in to buy appliances don’t know how much room they’ve got to work with. There is no standard size for refrigerators. They weigh 300 to 400 pounds, and you still need two men and a truck to move them, so you want to get it right the first time.’ Dave Carlson Owner, A.C. Carlson Appliances
Double wall ovens with a separate cooktop nearby are high on homeowners’ “wish list.” BY SUSAN WEBBER SUN NEWSPAPERS Most of today’s appliance shoppers are mindful of energy savings, according to metro area appliance dealers. “Almost everybody wants to hear about energy savings,” said Carla Warner, director of sales at Warners’ Stellian, which has locations in Edina, Maple Grove, Apple Valley and Falcon
Heights. Energy Star has come on quite strong, Warner said, especially with appliances that run constantly, such as a refrigerator with a big compressor, or anything with water usage, including dishwashers and washing machines. Energy Star is an international standard for energy-efficient consumer products originated in the United States of America in the 1990s. Appliances carry-
ing the Energy Star logo, generally use between 20 and 30 percent less energy than required by federal standards. “They pay for themselves within the first year or two,” Warner said. Dave Carlson, owner of A.C. Carlson Appliances in New Hope, agreed that energy efficiencies are here to stay. “It’s getting to be the norm,” he said. “I liken it to light bulbs. Eventually, there will be no choice.” Kitchen decor Shoppers are still interested in stainless steel refrigerators, but many are moving toward customized, panel-fronted appliances that will blend in with their kitchen décor, Warner said. “People are fronting refrigerators with wood,” she said. “That’s become a lot more popular.” Appliance dealers also are seeing more of a trend to built-in appliances, as well as double wall ovens and cooktop surfaces that offer chefs more capacity for meal preparation. Some appliance shoppers opt for induction cooking, where the cooking vessel generates the heat through friction between the pan and the range surface. “It’s very safe and energy-efficient,” Warner said. Homeowners who may need to conserve space are choosing convection microwaves, which offer the choice of microwaving as well as a convection oven to augment their standard oven. Outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity, Warner said. “With the economy, people are staying in their homes and putting more money into their backyards to make the outside more a part of their lives,” Warner said. Outdoor refrigerators and ice machines are joining outdoor grills in popularity, she said. Similarly, some homeowners are remodeling to put more into the lower levels of their homes, and then adding
special wine coolers and bar areas, she said. “People who have become more conservative find that some things can be added to their homes without a huge expense,” Warner said. A new wrinkle in the laundry room is washers with an infusion of steam that promise to help in removing stains, and dryers with added steam designed to cut the need for ironing. Carlson still sees a big interest in stainless steel appliances. In addition, some people are interested in under-counter refrigerators that can accommodate as much as 16 bottles of wine or 60 cans of pop, he said. “People are going to Costco and loading up on vegetables,” Carlson said. “They don’t have room in the refrigerator for a lot of extra beverages.” Trash compactors have waned in popularity, especially since most cities have active recycling programs, Carlson said. One of the biggest changes Carlson sees is the interest in freestanding double ovens. “People who like to entertain like to have two ovens,” Carlson said. To homeowners who are remodeling their kitchens, Carlson has three words of advice: “Measure your space.” “One in 10 people who come in to buy appliances don’t know how much room they’ve got to work with,” Carlson said. “That even goes for contractors and designers. There is no standard size for refrigerators. They weigh 300 to 400 pounds, and you still need two men and a truck to move them, so you want to get it right the first time.” People are interested in efficient appliances, but they’re also interested in quiet appliances, such as dishwashers, Carlson said. “It’s all about efficiency and quiet; that’s what people want,” he said.
6 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 29, 2011 – www.MinnLocal.com
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Street appeal also important Forget what the inside of your home looks like for just a bit and focus on your home’s exterior. “The exterior of your home makes a lasting and daily impression on your friends and family, along with your neighbors,” says Mark Clement, professional contractor and host of MyFixItUpLife home improvement radio show. “While the weather is good, my advice is to get outside and fix up problem areas, work on the landscaping and invest in products that make your home’s exterior not only look great, but work great.” Clement, who is in the middle of an ongoing renovation of his 100-yearold home in Pennsylvania, recommends assessing your needs and then diving in on projects. “On the exterior of the home there are three big, critical areas I recommend people evaluate every year — the roof, the windows and the entry door. Those are key areas because, along with being visual focal points of the home, they help protect a house from severe weather. And, if you have problems
with older windows, doors or roofing tiles, you’re looking at higher energy bills and growing problems that can affect your wallet long-term.” Clement offers these recommendations for keeping your home exterior in top shape: Roofing Tips: 1. Check your roof yearly (from a ladder or from a neighbor’s home with binoculars) to determine the condition of your roof. Look for problem areas, such as missing or broken shingles, along with roofing tiles that may be “flapping” in the wind. These are all indications that a new roof may be in your future. 2. Don’t forget to check the sides of your roof. The southern exposure weathers significantly faster than the other sides of the roof, so make sure to carefully examine this one. Also, shallower pitches weather faster than steeper pitches. So again, if your roof has a shallow pitch — like a shed dormer — make certain you can clearly see it to get a true indication of the
condition of your roof. 3. Since the installation of a new roof exceeds the capabilities of most homeowners, make sure to research and hire a professional roofer. Check to make sure your roofer is insured, licensed and certified. Ask for a written job estimate and references along with warranty information for both the roof you select and his installation services. Entry Door Tips: 1. If you can see light around your main entry door from the inside, the door is hard to close or lock, or the door itself is warped, it’s time to consider a new door. 2. Even if you can’t see light, air may be moving through gaps in the weather stripping at a surprising rate. On a very cold or hot day, hold the back of your hand an inch or so away from the bottom and perimeter of your door. If you can feel air moving or a significant cold spot, that’s a signal your existing door could benefit from better sealing.
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What is the proper way to prepare my mower for winter storage to avoid starting and running issues in the spring? Try to anticipate the last time the machine will be used for the season so very little fuel is left in the fuel tank. Stale fuel can produce varnish and plug carburetor or injector components and affect engine performance. Add fuel conditioner or stabilizer to fresh fuel before filling tank. Mix fresh fuel and fuel stabilizer in separate container. Follow stabilizer instructions for mixing. Fill fuel tank with stabilized fuel. Run engine for a few minutes to allow fuel mixture to circulate through carburetor on gas engine or fuel injectors on diesel engine. Filling the fuel tank reduces the amount of air in the tank and helps reduce deterioration of fuel. Mark Nordrum, MN Equipment Solutions
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At M|A|Peterson, we see the outside of your home as an extension of the inside, both in the way it looks and how it should function for your family. We believe the front entry of your home should be warm and inviting - the view through your windows should look out onto beautiful beds of shape and color - doors to the outside ought to lead somewhere special - and your backyard should provide comfortable refuge where your family can enjoy fresh air, warm sun and an evening breeze. You can expect original design, precise installation and superior service. The result for you will be a finished exterior that is beautiful, functional and perfect for the way your family wants to live each day. The opportunities to transform your landscape and extend your living space beyond the walls of your house are endless… Plants Gazebos Porches Lawns Patios Walkways Shrubs Gates
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10 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 29, 2011 – www.MinnLocal.com
Proper winter storage of lawn and snow equipment insures your investment BY DAVID PEDERSEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER In this day in age of economic downturn, it is a good idea to store your investments properly. That includes lawn care and snow removal equipment. If you take care of vehicles and equipment that are gas or battery powered in the fall, you can avoid a fall-out in the spring. “Be proactive and get ahead of the game,” advises Mark Nordstrum from Minnesota Equipment Solutions, a dealer for John Deere, Gravely, Stihl and Ariens with five locations in the metro. When equipment sits for an extended period of time, the fuel and oil deteriorates, clogging parts like fuel injectors, carburetor jets and fuel valves. It is a big reason why equipment runs poorly or not at all come spring. “It goes back to not preparing fuel for winter storage,” adds Nordstrum, “Check your operator’s manual for the right mix of fuel conditioners or stabilizers. Run the tanks dry, and then mix fresh fuel with a stabilizer at the recommended rate. A full tank reduces the
amount air and deterioration. If a tank is empty there is no need for a stabilizer.” Nordstrum recommends keeping your mowing deck clean of rotten grass to help prevent the rusting process. He says to especially clean belts, pulleys and bearings. “We are in a time where we are seeing the repair business going up considerably than before,” said Nordstrum. “Instead of buying new, people are trying to keep equipment running longer. The best way is to get into a good habit for doing routine maintenance.” There is a benefit in removing batteries and storing them in a warm environment. Nordstrum says the cold saps the juice out of batteries, providing less cranking capacity. The other benefit is the cable connections get cleaned when the battery gets put back. To double the life of a battery, there is a little charger called a battery tender that you can leave on the battery all winter. It will not overcharge the battery, while sensing the level of charge, only working as needed.
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www.MinnLocal.com – Thursday, September 29, 2011– Fall Home Improvement 11
Autumn lawn Care October provides time for lawn and garden planting too, added that individuals should aerate and fertilize. For those wondering about their outdoor decorative items, such as lawn waterfalls, Geesaman said any action depends on the item itself. “Some need to be covered and some not,” he said. “The pumps need to be removed or they’ll freeze.” He said those at Otten Bros. have the resources to answer all questions regarding these items. He added Otten Bros. carries many types of covers for waterfalls, outdoor fountains and bird baths. For more information, Otten Bros. can be contacted online at ottenbros.com, while Bachman’s can also be contacted online at bachmans.com.
It’s important to know which species to plant BY MICHAEL RICCI SUN NEWSPAPERS Do you think that yard work season is now behind you? Not so fast — October provides ample time for late-season lawn and garden planting. This subject often raises questions for those wishing to maintain lawns and gardens, so it is important to know which species are most conducive to an October climate. It’s also important to know what steps should be taken to aid in maintaining healthy lawns and plantings: flowers, shrubs, and trees. A common question this time of the year is what kinds of plants, as well as shrubs and trees, can be added during the fall. Doug Geesaman, landscape manager for Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping, 2350 W. Wayzata Blvd Long Lake, said the best types of flowers to use are mums and pansies. These are annuals that provide good fall decorative coloring. Other cool-season annuals include asters, cabbage, ornamental peppers and kale. Susie Bachman of Bachman’s Floral Gifts & Gardens, which has seven locations throughout the Twin Cities area, said individuals ought to consider fertilizing during the late-season. “Use a fall fertilizer now to replenish the food source in the plant after a stressful summer and develop good root growth,” she said. Bachman commented on the timing of cool-season planting of trees and shrubs. “Now is the prefect time to plant new trees and shrubs because there will be ample time for them to develop a strong root system before winter,” Bachman said. “Plus, if you plant maples, euonymus, and sumac, they’ll add some great fall color to your yard.” Geesaman gave more examples of late-season trees good for planting, such as maple, oak, linden, locust, and fir trees. He added that the best shrubs are viburnum and euonymus. “Those two have a good red-to-purple fall color,” he said.
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What should I be doing right now for my yard/garden?
Geesaman, however, indicated the types of trees that people may want to avoid during this time of year. “The trees you don’t want to plant are birch and willows,” he said. “They don’t do well late in the year. I’d stay away from those.” Geesaman said that trees and shrubs should be watered through October, but they simply don’t need as much in November. And what about lawns? Is this the time to continue watering, mowing and fertilizing? According to Bachman, people should aerate their lawns with 20 to 40 holes per square foot at 2 to 3 inches in depth. She
added that individuals should also consider reseeding their lawns. “Do this immediately as it is getting later for the grass seed to germinate and establish itself prior to dormancy,” she said. “After seeding, make sure your lawn gets at least 1 inch of water each week.” Bachman continued by saying individuals ought to consider fertilizing during the late-season. “Use a fall fertilizer now to replenish the food source in the plant after a stressful summer and develop good root growth,” Bachman said. Geesaman concurred, saying individuals should fertilize late and keep their lawns mowed until the season is over. He,
R e m ove tired old annuals and replace them with the spectacular fall color of m u m s , asters, ornamental cabbage kale, pansies and other fall annuals. Don’t forget a b o u t bulbs! Now is the time to plant spring flowering bulbs like tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, crocus and alliums. Most deciduous shade trees can be pruned after they’ve lost their leaves for the year, but keep in mind trees and shrubs that flower early in the spring, such as a lilac, should be pruned after they are done blooming and not in the fall. Cori Johnson, Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping
12 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 29, 2011 – www.MinnLocal.com
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GONNA CALL?
Gopher State One Call should be at top of list before digging
BY DAVID PEDERSEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER One reason why Gopher State One Call (GSOC) is better able to help serve and protect homeowners is because it takes fewer calls. The E-ticket is a recent new online service. Minnesota’s one call center is for the excavating community, including homeowners and contractors who would like to dig in the ground. The phone number is: 800-252-1166 or 651-454-0002. To order online, use www.gopherstateonecall.org. The goal since the start in 1988 is to provide the service of notification of proposed excavation to utilities in an accurate and timely manner in accordance with the laws governing this process. As the communication link between the excavator and the underground facility operator, GSOC has increased public safety while decreasing underground facility damage, monetary loss and personal injury by coordinating the locating of underground facilities. A customer service representative enters information pertaining to the excavation site into a computer. The rep then applies that information to an online mapping system. This system indicates what facilities need to be notified of the excavation. Once the facilities are determined, the operator releases all information to the facilities affected. You are provided a ticket number as legal proof that you have notified Gopher State One Call of your intent to excavate. Retain this ticket number until the work is completed. “The advantage for us to process orders electronically is our operators can process more calls coming via the phone,” said John Eisele from Gopher State One Call. “This helps level the load. The free service prevents people from making a very costly mistake.” Because the call center receives millions of requests each year, Gopher State invests heavily in state-of-theart One Call technology. Along with requests for digging, Eisele says there are many questions about how it all works. He suggest residents submit information about any home excavation project you are planning, such as planting a tree, building a fence or any other circumstances that include digging in your yard. “Make sure to call for any project big or small because utility lines can vary in depth,” said Eisele. “This is only for public not private facilities. For example, it does not include underground sprinkler systems or lines going from the back side of the meter out to buildings such as a shed or detached garage.” Eisele has some reminders for residents who want to dig. Allow two business days before you begin digging. You should call by Wednesday for work to be done on the weekend, excluding holidays. The web service provides a list of private contrac-
Minnesota’s one call center is for the excavating community, including homeowners and contractors who would like to dig in the ground. The phone number is: 800-252-1166 or 651-454-0002. To order online, use www.gopherstateonecall.org. tors who can be hired by residents to do work not done by GSOC, which is a free service. The site also offers a color code card so residents understand what it all means. There are promotional items that can be sent free of charge, such as magnets and stickers. Eisele said there is a misnomer that Gopher State
One Call does the locating. The center processes the call, but the utilities locate their own facilities. It helps if homeowners can define the area of excavation with white paint, stakes or flags “so it is not such a guessing game.”
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www.MinnLocal.com – Thursday, September 29, 2011– Fall Home Improvement 13
Can you guess: What is the latest trend in flooring? Flooring options seem endless: Carpets in hundreds of patterns, piles and colors; ceramic tile in all shapes and styles; stone; laminate and hardwood floors made from every imaginable wood. Despite all of those choices, a new material is creating some big waves in the flooring industry. This material is renewable, easy to care for and durable. What is this brand new flooring material? Well, it’s not new at all, but the attention it is getting is new. It’s CORK. Yes, the same stuff that lined the walls at your elementary school, filled with pin tacks and that week’s art projects. Today, however, cork comes in a variety of styles and colors, and has become so popular because of its many “plus” qualities. Dawn Becker, principal owner of Innovative Flooring in Wayzata, is hearing the buzz about cork as she talks with consumers. “They want to know more about it, and when they do, they go ooh,” she said. Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree, which grows in the Mediterranean. The bark can be harvested every nine years, under strict rules. Cork trees can live for 250 years or more. This “green” factor is a big positive for consumers, but that’s not all that cork can offer. Cork has a lot of “give,” making it comfortable under foot. Cork has a natural resistance to liquids. (Think about how it can seal a wine bottle for many years.) It is warm and durable. Today’s cork floors offer selection, performance, and beauty and can be manufactured as tiles, planks, or even sheets in various thicknesses. The cork goes through a baking process that increases its durability, and is then sealed with polyurethane or wax, according to the World Floor Covering
Association. Many of the choices are based in natural earth tones, but cork can come in stained colors and also is available in bright primaries, perhaps for a child’s room or a preschool classroom, Becker said. Cork is finding its way into commercial markets, too. Becker said she had just worked with a new bicycle shop, which installed the comfortable cork flooring in its customer showroom. The Mayo Clinic has used cork for decades, and now has over 200,000 square feet of cork floors. The floors do have to be cleaned and re-coated, but they’ve held up over the years. Cork floor could be used in just about any room in the house except for a full bathroom. Kitchens and family rooms are ideal cork candidates. The flooring is easy to care for – similar to wood floors. Vacuum up the dust, then use a specialized wood floor cleaner. The price range is similar to wood – a cork floor can be compared price-wise to a mid-range wood floor or mid-range laminate. Cork can be installed by the do-ityourselfer if you go with the click and lock system. If you want the tiles that are glued to the floor base, it’s best to hire a professional, Becker said. While hardwood floors are still very popular, many consumers are taking a look at cork. “There are so many options. It looks different from what people imagine. But once people learn about it, they say, that’s pretty cool.” Learn more about cork flooring at the World Floor Coverage Association: wfca.org Innovative Flooring Design is located at 840 Lake St. E., Wayzata. Phone: 952476-0106. Online at innovativeflooringdesign.com.
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14 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 29, 2011 – www.MinnLocal.com
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Save the planet and your wallet Making home improvements doesn’t have to mean compromising environmental ideals in the process. There are numerous jobs that a person can do that fit with a green lifestyle. While these improvements help protect the planet, they’ll also help keep a few extra dollars in your wallet. 1. Conserve water. Turn off the tap between brushing teeth or rinsing off dishes. Better yet, install low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets that reduce the consumption of water in the household. 2. Motion detection: Motion-detector lights can be installed in different rooms of the home and outdoors. Lights will automatically turn on and off depending on the activity in the area, reducing the chances of a light being left on inadvertently and wasting money and energy. 3. Solar panels: You may have been toying with the idea of solar panels for years. They can be installed on the roof or in the yard to power various components of the household, like lights dur-
ing a traditional power outage or the swimming pool filter. Today it is possible to buy used solar panels, many of which still have a lot of life left to them and are considerably cheaper than new ones. 4. Aluminum-clad storm door: Insulate the entryway of your home with a storm door that will buffer against harsh weather conditions. While you’re creating a more air-tight space, caulk around windows and doors. 5. Replace air filters. Your HVAC system likely has filters inside that trap dirt and contaminants. Replacing the filters leads to cleaner indoor air and helps the unit run more efficiently. 6. Power strips: Stock up on power strips and plug all of your peripherals and computer equipment into these strips. This way when you want to power down everything completely, you simply turn off the power button on the strip. This ensures no devices are drawing power even in the off position, which many do. 7. Install fans. Fans aren’t just useful in the summer. In the winter, the blades
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can be set to rotate in the opposite direction and help draw warm air into the room, heating more efficiently. 8. Rainwater barrels: Set up rainwater barrels at the downspouts of your home’s gutter system. These barrels collect water that can be used to water indoor and outdoor plants, or even wash the car. Some feature a spigot to which you can directly connect a garden hose. 9. Plant trees. Trees are good for the environment in many ways, producing necessary oxygen for life and offering food and living areas for wildlife. Trees can also shade a home during the warm weather, helping reduce energy consumption. 10. Glass fireplace doors: Install glass fireplace doors, which are safer than fireplace screens. They’ll also help protect against heat loss up the chimney when there isn’t a fire lit. There are a variety of ways to go green with home improvements, whether extensive projects or small fixes.
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www.MinnLocal.com – Thursday, September 29, 2011– Fall Home Improvement 15
Gardner Construction prides itself on its foundation Pride in workmanship and an enduring history is at the core of Gardner Construction’s foundation. The company’s roots go back to the days just after World War II when Rob Gardner’s father started the business. Today, Rob and his brother, Jerry, run their own company, specializing in foundation repair, concrete repair, and installation for over 30 years. Their brother, Richard, is an important part of the team. “We repair deteriorating foundations, repair or replace walls, install drain tile systems, repair or replace steps, garage floors and sidewalks. We remove and replace floors, driveways, and patios,” Rob said. “We’ve done it a long time. We’re a second-generation
repair company, so we’re familiar with older houses.” The company has built a solid reputation based on professional craftsmanship, reliability and outstanding service to its customers. The brothers’ extensive experience and skill gives customers confidence that the job is in capable hands and will withstand the test of time. Rob and Jerry, as well as their nearly 20 employees, are committed to the company’s foundation and the satisfaction of its customers. The company’s teams are cross-trained in construction skills. Rob added, “Most of our top guys have done it for ten years. The majority of our employees have fami-
lies of their own. They’re all local people from the area.” Rob and Jerry know that, like their company’s family groundwork, it’s essential to have employees who understand the importance of a strong foundation, as well as employees who customers can trust. In addition to their good-natured characters, the employees of Gardner Construction are committed to providing customers with upfront and timely information, accommodating the customer’s schedule. When customers call, someone from Gardner Construction answers questions and sets up an appointment for an estimate. “We try to meet with the customer the same day, if
possible,” Rob said. If Gardner Construction is hired, they provide a detailed timeline of when the work will begin and when it will be completed. “Through the years, the company has grown due to satisfied customers giving referrals to their neighbors, friends and families,” Rob said. With Gardner Construction’s historic background, customers can rest assured the company isn’t going anywhere. Rob explained, “We’re a small enough company to offer personal service, but big enough to have strength behind it. It sets us apart.” For more information, call 612-850-6335 or 952-431-9970. Visit www.gardnerconstructioninc.com.
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16 Fall Home Improvement – Thursday, September 29, 2011 – www.MinnLocal.com
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