THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2013
A special supplement to the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
Aren Crews, owner of Aren Crews Construction, saws boards last October in the apartments above the Martial Arts Fitness Center in Austin as part of the Main Street Project, which began in 2005. Herald file photo
Home remodels slow in Austin Contractor urges patience for homeowners scheduling a project putting in a deck, which people arrange for in anticipation of warmer weather and time spent outside. Austin residents are a little hesiWhile five years ago it was more tant to get that much dreamed-about common to remodel large chunks of remodel going. the house at a time, Crews said it’s Aren Crews, owner of Aren Crews typically split up now. Families will Construction, said it’s not unusual for work on one room per year, for examfewer people to aim touch up their ple, instead of doing it all at once. Part homes this time of year. Crews, a home of the reason for the change is the improvement contractor, said January economy. is a slow point in the year “The banks tightened for remodeling projects. up their lending,” he said. “There’s less of “It seems like everyThe Austin housing body rushes to get the splurge. It’s market is a little slower everything done for the this time of year as well, more holidays,” he said. according to data from the maintenance Southeast Afterward, there’s a lull Minnesota projects until months Association of Realtors. It issues.” later when people begin seems local residents are to get their tax returns -Aren Crews content with the homes and are looking for ways Aren Crews Construction they have, as new home to spend the money, he listings in Austin dropped added. slightly from 740 in 2011 to But even considering the season, 688 in 2012, with five more Austin Crews said most of the work being homes sold in 2012 compared to the predone is not going toward upgrades in vious year. comfort or luxury, but instead toward During other parts of the year the basic upkeep of the house. when remodeling picks up, Crews “There’s less of the splurge,” he said he sometimes will have three said. “It’s more maintenance issues.” such projects going on at once. That means new roofs, windows or His advice to those looking to siding are being put in out of necessi- remodel their homes is to get referty, not for the sake of making aesthet- ences and have patience when scheduling a contractor. While it may be ic changes. When remodeling projects are tempting to go with the first person done, the most popular ones include available to do the work, that may not kitchen and bathroom work as well as yield the best results. By Kevin Coss
kevin.coss@austindailyherald.com
“There’s less of the splurge. It’s more maintenance issues.” -Aren Crews
5 ways to take your home from bleak to chic this winter Associated Press
With temperatures plummeting and a snowfall always a looming possibility in the Northland, it’s understandable if home remodeling isn’t on your mind this season. But there are some easy ways to cozy up your home with some chic and affordable finds to suit your family’s lifestyle and your design style, all the while keeping your home warm.
1. The fireplace Nothing makes you feel more comfortable and cozy than a roaring fire on a cold winter day. A fireplace instantly infuses character and charm into any room and gives the space its personality.
But to give it the winter makeover you’re after, pack up the old accessories adorning the mantle and swap them out for some new seasonal ones. Be your own photographer and bundle up and head outside to capture some black-and-white photos of some winter scenes. Blow up your favorite image and frame it in a simple black, metal or white frame and set it upon the mantle. To one side of your new winter scene, cluster a collection of three antiqued, vintage silver, or other similar urns in varying heights — and include some eucalyptus, feathers or other greens to give the composition added volume.
See CHIC, Page 3-DH