A hands-on approach Father, son shape kitchens, bathrooms at Mountain Oak Cabinetry By Rocky Hulne
sports@austindailyherald.com
At Mountain Oaks Cabinetry in Austin, Dick Weaver gets a chance to work side by side with his son John every day as the father-son duo helps provide cabinets for the surrounding area and beyond. Dick, who opened the business 20 years ago, once had nine total employees at the store, but now its just Dick and John on the staff. Together, they provide kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, entertainment centers and counter tops. John started working for Mountain Oaks Cabinetry in 2009. “We got along real good,” Dick said. “We haven’t had any real issues yet. Everything works out pretty good.” Mountain Oaks Cabinetry provides mostly kitchen cabinets and it provides service in the Austin area.
See WEAVERS, Page 3 Dick Weaver and his son, John, are the heart of Mountain Oaks Cabinetry in northwest Austin. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
BBB can help find reliable contractors Better Business Bureau
BURNSVILLE — Fall is all around us suddenly, and the leaves are falling in earnest. Between now and when the first batch of snowflakes hit the ground is when a lot of property owners aim to get their yards in order. This includes pruning trees and removing fallen leaves, debris and branches. Though there are many reliable companies that provide these services, there are also a few that are looking to be paid in full for services they have no plans to provide in full. Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) reminds people that there are steps to take to ensure your yard is in good hands. In the past year, BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota received 100 complaints on tree trimming businesses. However, 41 of those complaints were closed as unanswered. “We advise people to take the same amount of care finding a business to perform work outside their homes as they do when they’re preparing to remod-
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el,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota, in a press release. “Things often go wrong when that guideline isn’t followed.” When you’re looking for a tree trimmer or a yard service, keep these tips in mind: Hire a professional. Research companies for free at www.bbb.org or use our online directory to find BBB accredited businesses. Make sure you know who you’re dealing with and how to reach them if problems arise. Ask for references. Be wary of door-to-door solicitations. Each year, countless homeowners have tree trimming companies knock on their door and offer to provide their services at a discount. In too many cases, the work performed is shoddy or only partially completed — and the company fails to return, as promised — forcing property owners to hire a reliable company to do the job right. Ask if they’re listed. In Minnesota, all companies and individuals that provide tree care or tree trimming services and/
or who remove trees, limbs, branches, brush or shrubs for hire should be listed with Minnesota’s Tree Care Registry. This includes public, private, and governmental entities. To verify this, visit www2.mda.state.mn.us/webapp/lis/default.jsp. It’s also a good idea to ensure tree trimmers and brush removal services have any necessary city permits. Request an onsite inspection. The inspection should include the entire tree, not just parts that appear to be damaged, in poor condition or in danger of falling. The risk assessment can be done at the same time and it helps consumers with multiple trees deter mine which are categorized as higher-risk, therefore needing immediate attention. Estimates should be given only after an onsite inspection. Companies that give an estimate without a visual inspection cannot be sure of the scope of the work involved and consumers run the risk of paying more than they were quoted. Estimates should include all labor, clean-up and disposal charges. Get everything in writing. A contract should clearly state the services you will
receive, as well as when the job is expected to be completed, payment terms and conditions, contact information for the company — phone number and address — as well as any refund or cancellation policy. Verify insurance coverage. Confirm that the company has insurance that covers worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability in case of accidents. Remember, you’re the customer; it’s your home. Never feel pressured to choose a business just because someone is standing on your doorstep. The mission of Better Business Bureau is to be the leader in building marketplace trust by promoting, through self-regulation, the highest standards of business ethics and conduct, and to instill confidence in responsible businesses through programs of education and action that inform, assist and protect the general public. We are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact BBB at www.bbb.org or 651-699-1111, tollfree at 1-800-646-6222.
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Weavers: Family has seen styles change over the years From Page 1 But Dick said he has gone as far as Cambridge, Minnesota, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for jobs in the past. “Our philosophy is if someone wants to pay us, we’ll go anywhere,” Dick said. Styles of cabinets have changed over the years as Dick said that cathedral arches used to be big and now the mission shaker style is big. When purchasing cabinets, It is important for customers to know what they want and sometimes a photo can be very helpful to to assist with the design. “We see a lot of different things. If people are unsure what they want, we can help design something,” Dick said. “We try to use the highest quality of materials and hardware. We warranty everything that we do.” Cabinet projects can sometimes be very expensive, but Dick feels his company has prices that compete with the big box stores. Mountain Oaks Cabinetry customers also have the advantage of working directly with the owner of the business, as Dick stays very busy on the job. “I am the owner and I am hands on in every kitchen that we do,” Dick said. “I help build and I help install. I’m involved with all of it. It’s not like I just hire a guy to do the work.” To learn more about Mountain Oaks Cabinetry in Austin, visit their website at www.austincabinetsservice.comor call them at 507-396-4987.
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
ABOVE: Kitchen cabinetry done by Mountain Oak Cabinetry. BOTTOM: LEFT: An example of the work from Mountain Oak Cabinetry around a fireplace. Bottom RIGHT: Unique cabinetry work by Mountain Oak Cabinetry. Photos provided
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Save on energy before spending on remodels Audits can help families gauge utilities usage By Kelly Lady Austin Utilities
Home improvements can really take a bite out of your budget. Sometimes it is difficult to decide the best investment for your money. Are you better off getting new windows/doors, a new furnace or air conditioner? Maybe all those items are in great shape and you can spend your money
on that granite countertop you wife has always wanted. Decisions like these can be difficult to make without the proper information. That is where a home energy audit, also known as a home energy assessment, can really pay off. The home energy assessment, is the first step to assess your home energy usage and evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. The assessment will prioritize action steps that will save you significant amounts of money over time and reduce your environmental impact.
A home energy assessment provides a whole-house approach that looks at your home as a system. The detailed written report lists energy saving recommendations specific to your home. Most utility companies have some type of energy audit program for their residential customers. At Austin Utilities our program is called Conserve & Save House Call. Customers who choose to get a Standard House Call audit receive a $300 value for a co-pay of only $50. To sign up simply complete a pre-audit questionnaire and return it to our office. Our auditor will call
and set up an appointment that is convenient for you. Taking advantage of the Conserve & Save House Call will provide action steps to cut your utility costs, make environmentally conscious decisions, make use of valuable rebates, and take advantage of technological improvements. So be sure to make a Conserve & Save House Call part of your home improvement plan. Who knows, after making all your energy saving improvements you may save enough on your utility bill to install that granite countertop next year!
An energy audit will:
• Evaluate your energy usage history to provide a breakdown of appliance and equipment costs • Blower door diagnostics to analyze your home’s air tightness and insulation performance • Basement-to-attic inspection determining insulation and air sealing performance • Diagnostic safety test water heater and heating equipment • Directing the installation of energy saving devices
Improve your home’s energy efficiency this fall with these smart winterizing tips Brandpoint story and photos
Cooler temperatures and shorter days can only mean one thing — winter is on its way. January and February are typically considered the coldest months in the Northwest, Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. It can be tough for homeowners to stay cozy inside without running up monthly heating costs. Building professionals say fall is the ideal time to consider winterizing your home for a more energy efficient and comfortable winter. •Look for simple, affordable fixes: There are some simple, inexpensive measures that homeowners can do to ensure their homes remain energy efficient, warm and comfortable. For less than $100, weather-stripping for windows, a door sweep strip and some caulking can help fill any air leaks to limit energy loss. Replacing the furnace’s air filter every three months can also help create a more comfortable environment since a clogged filter can reduce the unit’s overall efficiency and lifespan.
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thermostat to increase the temperature when everyone arrives home, annual heating costs can be reduced anywhere between 5-15 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The same principle can be applied during summer months to help save on cooling costs. •Prevent ice damming: If ice damming on the roof is an annual problem, consider taking measures to completely stop dams from for ming. Major damage can result from ice damming, so it’s never too early to start thinking about a longter m solution. Ice damming occurs when warm, indoor air escaping through the roof melts snow on the shingles. The water then refreezes as it runs off the roof, creating a barrier of ice at the edge. Shoveling snow or chipping ice away can threaten life, limb and roof, so it’s best to consider more permanent solutions. • Ke e p w a r m a i r i n s i d e : Simple fixes can make a big difference on utility bills. While weather-stripping and •Set the temperature: Invest- their home remotely via a smart caulking can help address air ing in a programmable thermo- phone or online. Keeping the leakage, the U.S. Department of stat allows homeowners to mon- temperature low when no one Energy’s Home Energy Saver itor the indoor temperature of is home and programming the website says that proper air seal-
ing insulation and attic venting are the best methods to stop ice damming from occurring. Spray foam insulation is a moder n solution that both insulates and seals to help stop ice damming. Installed by licensed professionals, spray foam insulation, like that available from Icynene, works well in all climates and fills in gaps and cracks to help stop air leakage as well as ice dams formation. As a long-term solution, spray foam insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature year round while helping to control monthly heating and cooling expenses. Thanks to spray foam insulation’s air-sealing qualities, homeowners can reduce the size of their heating and cooling equipment since less effort is required to heat or cool the home. While air leakage can play a role in higher-than-average heating and cooling bills, a well-insulated home and economical winterizing can help you get through the cold winter months. Homeowners can learn the five easy steps of selecting the right insulation for their home on icynene.com.
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Tips for a cozy home this winter Keep the heat in and the cold out
ing standard tools around the house. Unlike many other insulations, rigid foam boards are thin and easy to handle, without messy fibers to clean-up. “EPS is a professional grade insulation that even DIYers can install,” says Savoy. To get started insulating your basement, you will first need to figure out how much insulation you will need, based on its “R-value.” R-value is the measure of an insulation’s ability to resist heat flow, with higher numbers meaning better performance. A quick call to your city or county building department will let you know what R-value is appropriate, and if you’ll need to take anything else into account with your insulation project.
Brandpoint story and photos
Winter this year promises to be harsh across much of the U.S. The Farmers’ Almanac predicts conditions will be “bitter cold,” “unseasonably cold,” “very chilly” and “frigid” for states east of the Mississippi River. In a word, brrrrrr! Autumn is the perfect time to make sure your home stays warm and cozy, in preparation for when the bitter blasts of January and February come pounding. With some simple DIY insulation projects, you can keep the heat in and the cold out this winter, while also saving on your heating bill.
Check the basement
One of the first places to check for proper insulation is the basement. “Up to 25 percent of a home’s heat loss is through the basement,” says Tom Savoy, technical director for Insulfoam. Many homes in the U.S. were built with fiberglass batts between wood wall studs, which is notoriously leaky, providing a bridge for heat to pass through the wall, says Savoy. Such insulation can also trap moisBrandpoint story and photos
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he rituals of fall include sending kids back to school, raking leaves and cheering on the hometown football team. In addition, a new fall tradition has emerged for America’s nearly 74 million homeowners — home improvement. This fall promises to be particularly popular for home projects. Lower gas prices are boosting people’s discretionary income and Metrostudy’s latest Residential Remodeling Index points to a continued rise in activity. Like many trends, there isn’t one particular reason fall has emerged as a popular time for home improvement, several factors play a role.
Energy efficiency is top of mind
With colder weather on the horizon, homeowners shudder at the thought of higher heating costs. They upgrade windows, layer in more insulation, service or replace old furnaces and, in some cases, do all of the above. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Take a look in the attic
In addition to insulating the basement, another leaky area to check is attic hatches. As heat rises, these hatches often have gaps around them, allowing the warm air to escape. Properly sealing them with weather stripping and adding a layer of rigid foam to Several easy tips can help keep the cold out this winter. the hatch will help keep heat in your living area. To get ready for the coming shivery weathture in the walls, causing a musty basement A simple solution is adding a layer of consmell. tinuous insulation to the home’s basement er, the Farmers’ Almanac suggests stocking “Even if you don’t spend time in the base- walls using rigid foam boards, such as ex- up on “sweaters, long johns, and plenty of firewood.” Part of your preparation should ment, it’s crucial to insulate it right to help panded polystyrene (EPS). manage the heating throughout the rest of Available in home improvement stores, also include an easy weekend or two of addyour home,” says Savoy. EPS insulation is easy to cut and install us- ing insulation to your home.
Fall: The best season for home improvement
when they welcome family and friends during the holidays. Completing a home improvement project during the fall sets up a big reveal when the holidays roll around.
Falling prices
Fall is an excellent time to save money by finding great deals on home improvement supplies and service. Year-end sales begin and discounts can be steep. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators, with their annual Yard Sale in October, often have discounts to clear inventory before the New Year. Also, contractors are busiest during the warmer months — their business cools as the weather does. Facing tight timelines and tighter budgets, homeowners often need to prioritize their projects. Installing hardwood floors often provides a high return on investment, both from a quantitative (home value) and qualitative (pride in ownership) getting things done (and rhetorically keeping standpoint. The weather is nice No matter what a homeowner chooses to Home improvement projects can be hard your cool when obstacles inevitably arrive). do during the fall home improvement seaand even grueling work, particularly for DIYers. Lower temperatures and humidity cre- The holiday entertaining wow factor son, it will help reduce cabin fever during Everyone wants their home to sparkle the winter months. ate a much more comfortable environment for FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015
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Projects bust the winter blues er, clothes washer or dryer with Energy Star-qualified appliances can help reduce your energy and water consumption — and bills. It’s also an improvement that you can feel good about because it’s the perfect marriage of practicality (you really need appliances that function well) and enjoyment (all those bells and whistles just make the work more fun).
Brandpoint story and photos
Three percent of the U.S. population suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) every winter, according to “Psychology Today.” But you don’t have to be diagnosed with an actual disorder to suffer a bad case of the winter blues — it can happen to anyone. Since climate and environment have a lot to do with causing winter doldrums, you might find engaging in some home improvement projects can make you feel happier and healthier this winter. Freshening your space can feel good any time of year, but certain projects are perfectly aligned to give you a much-needed mood boost when it turns cold or wet weather sets in. Here are four projects that not only can brighten your outlook, they can also be good for your wallet:
4. Declutter and add organizers
1. Install skylights
Avoiding SAD is preferable to treatment and skylights can help you maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home this winter. More natural light is good for you on many levels. Sunlight stimulates the body’s production of Vitamin D and increases the levels of serotonin in your brain; lower serotonin levels are thought to be associated with depression, lack of energy, elevated appetite and excessive sleepiness. What’s more, if you opt for Energy Star-qualified solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux America, you can also help improve indoor air quality. These skylights open, providing passive ventilation to allow stale indoor air to escape and fresh air to enter, and they close automatically in case of rain. Skylights can also be good for your financial health. Solar powered skylights, along with solar powered blinds, as well as installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. Also, more natural light in your home on a dark winter day can help decrease your need for artificial lighting. And sunshine can help warm the interior of your home and support the work your furnace does to keep the house comfortable. Skylights can be installed in many areas of your home with kitchens and baths being among the most popular choices for more natural light, fresh air, and privacy. Even areas without direct roof access, like hallways and closets, can benefit from more natural light through tubular Sun Tunnel skylights. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.
2. Replace your garage door
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your garage door or the impact it has on how your home looks and feels. Yet the garage door is a huge surface area that directly affects your home’s curb appeal
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ABOVE: Enjoy more natural light from above and fresh air in your home during the winter months and year-round. Energy Starqualified VELUX no leak solar powered fresh air skylights and blinds are operated by programmable touchpad remote control and they close automatically in case of rain. The skylights, blinds, and installation costs are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. Details at www.whyskylights.com. LEFT: VELUX Sun Tunnel skylights bring helpful daylight into areas of the home where traditional skylights may not fit and where window are sometimes scarce. These tubular skylights are particularly useful in inside areas including hallways, closets and laundry room. They can be installed in a matter of hours and electric light kits are available for 24/7 convenience. Details at www.whyskylights.com. and its ability to retain heat in the winter. A great deal of warm air can escape a home through an uninsulated garage door. What’s more, when the garage gets cold, it can affect the comfort of rooms around and above it. Have a game room over the garage that’s chilly in winter? The garage door could be to blame. Replacing an old, uninsulated garage door with a new insulated model can improve heat retention. And a new garage door is a great way to update your home’s facade.
You may not think of cleanup as a legitimate home improvement, but decluttering and organizing your environment can definitely boost your mood. In American homes, the problem of clutter has reached staggering proportions. More than half of Americans (54 percent) say they feel overwhelmed by the amount of clutter in their homes, and 78 percent have no idea what to do with it, according to a recent survey by the National Association for Professional Organizers and Declualsottr.com. Grab some trash bags and start cleaning house. Trash the things that are clearly junk, donate things that are still usable but not by you and set aside the things you want to keep. Invest in some closet, cabinet and drawer organizers. Add storage cubbies to a mud room or entryway and create storage space in your garage.
will only add to your frustration. Plus, older appliances generally use more electricity and water than newer models. Replacing an old refrigerator, dishwash-
3. Replace an old appliance (or as many as you can afford)
If you’re already bummed by winter, having to live with old, beat-up, inefficient appliances AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
5 tips for creating fall curb appeal You don’t have to stop enjoying beauFor entry door inspiration check out Pinterest, your resident showroom or tiful plants and flowers simply because Soon, all things pumpkin spice will be your local home improvement store. summer is over. Add pops of color by arhere, including the home visitors that ranging pots filled with hearty fall flowAccessorize with new hardware ers like mums, sedum or asters around bring them. Replace your front door hardware your front door, or on a porch or deck. In preparation of the door bell ringing, create a little spice of your own for a quick, easy facelift. Choose hard- Incorporate planters or container garwith some seasonal curb appeal. You ware finishes that compliment light dens of varied sizes, shapes and colors don’t have to limit yourself to pumpkins fixtures, mailbox and house numbers to add visual interest. and hay bales — below are tips and proj- for a polished, cohesive look. You’ll be ects for sprucing up your home’s view delightfully surprised what a difference Accent with lighting As summer light fades into shorter, new hardware can make in creating an from the curb this season. darker days, add exterior accent lightupdated look to your home. Front door, first impressions ing to the front of your home. Illuminate Your front door is one of the first Refresh exterior body and trim a walking path with ground-insert solar lights. things people notice about your home. colors For a dramatic change, repaint your Or consider solar spotlights to bring Give your door a fresh face with a coat of paint in a bold fall color to draw the eye home’s exterior. It’s bold and can make out landscaping or to shine on your upyour home stand out from other homes dated front door. Install matching light to this focal point of your home. Another project is to replace the door on the block. Not up for the bold change? fixtures outside your front door, garage entirely. Consider options with decora- To make an impact with a smaller door or patio door to provide well-lit entive glass accents, and stunning side- change, add new trim colors. When trances that are stylish and inviting to lights (windows on either side of the updating trim, choose color schemes neighbors and guests. For more curb appeal inspiration, door) to add more natural light while that match your home’s primary extemaintaining a sense of style and priva- rior color, or complement it with a fresh follow Pella on Pinterest and Houzz and visit Pella.com to connect with your cy. Plus, as temperatures start to drop, twist. local Pella representative for ideas on Energy Star-qualified entry doors, like how to transform the look and comfort those from Pella, will help maintain Create points of interest with plants of your home inside and out. your home’s energy efficiency. Brandpoint story and photos
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Six style tips to prepare your home for the holiday season Brandpoint story and photos
Bored with the whirlwind of red and green decor that inundates every home during the holiday season? This year, more homeowners are thinking beyond the traditional when decorating for winter celebrations. Expert insight into the year’s top decor trends can help anyone create impressive, elegant holiday style with minimal effort. “Red and green will always be classic, but when it comes to holiday decor, rules are meant to be broken,” says Kirsty Froelich, design director for The Tile Shop. “Anyone can use inventive color schemes, fun patterns and smart home updates to create spaces that embrace the essence of the season.” Froelich notes six top trends to keep in mind when decorating for the holiday season:
1. Feel festive with florals
An easy first step to bring your home into the holiday season is to add festive fresh or dry floral arrangements. Evergreens and poinsettias always convey the essence of the season, but blooms in hues of rich purple, crisp white and even funky fuchsia will add cheerful energy to any room. A small floral arrangement on a bathroom vanity, for example, adds warmth and color — a particularly
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theme or pattern, you can easily create temporary window treatments that bring a space 3. Be merry with metallics together. Simply visit your local craft store, To create a show-stopping visual effect, use pick out a bolt of two of fabric that blends metallics in details throughout your home. with your holiday aesthetic, and have the Chrome and nickel are hot, and there’s a appropriate lengths cut. Then simply drape current resurgence of brass and gold. If you and enjoy. have metal in your backsplash tiles, add a centerpiece in the same metal to tie the en- 6. Give your fireplace a facelift tire room together. Keep in mind that less is A fireplace is the quintessential gathermore. Thoughtful touches of holiday decor ing spot for friends and family during holwill have bigger visual impact than an over- iday celebrations. A sleek stone makeover load of figurines and frills. will update any drab or dated fireplace into a stylish focal point in your home. Add exThe fireplace is often a focal point during any 4. Get jolly with geometric patterns tra ambiance with candles, flowers and othholiday. Designed by KTM Architect, this fireFrom gift wrap to seasonal fabric, geomet- er simple decor on the mantel to make the place renovation has a neutral color palette ric patterns are on trend for the upcoming space feel special. that integrates seamlessly as holiday decor holiday. A gorgeous geometric tablecloth is “There’s no better time to let your home changes throughout the year. the ideal backdrop for a big family feast. Geo- shine than the holidays,” says Froelich. “Addmetric mosaic backsplashes, like the Penny ing holiday greenery, a few metallic touches nice touch if you’re hosting guests. Round Gloss White Porcelain Mosaic Tile, and whimsical window updates will make leave a lasting impression during the holiday your home feel festive. Now’s the perfect 2. Beautify with backsplashes season and into the new year. Finally, geomet- time to get that tile project done that’s been Tiling your backsplash is an easy update ric wrapping paper in vivid colors like teal on the back burner, so you can show off your that instantly upgrades a kitchen or bar or chartreuse, make for an extra stylish tree. hard work and the amazing new space to all space, and serves as a great conversation visitors.” starter for guests. Start this project in the fall 5. Wow with window treatments For more home design inspiration as you Don’t overlook the potential of your win- prep for this holiday season, view the 2015 so you have plenty of time to finish before the thick of the holidays. A backsplash also dows when adding holiday pizzazz to your Fall/Winter Design Book or visit one of The can be a relatively inexpensive project with a home. By using fabrics that feature a festive Tile Shop’s more than 100 showrooms. stunning impact.
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT