Spring Home Improvement 2019

Spring HOME IMPROVEMENT

April 2019 A Special Supplement to

The Bemidji Pioneer and BuyLine

How to make a front door

Pop

Emerging

Deck Trends

Inside

• Outdoor improvements to boost home value............. H3 • Quick, simple ways to make a front door pop............ H3 • Kick off home improvement season with easy maintenance projects.......................................H4 • Gray is here to stay in home designs.............................. H5 • If you want the job done right, hire a professional remodeler............................................H6

218-308-7575

001717102r1

0

$

closing costs on home equity loans.

Todd Gabrelcik Agency, Inc. 2502 Hannah Ave Nw Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 444-5351

001855418r1

107 North Main Bagley, MN 56621 (218)694-6801

No closing costs on home equity loans and lines of credit up to $100,000 from April 1-30.*

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I., American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 011760 – Rev. 2/16 ©2016 – 10050436 001714197r1

• Commercial & Residential Plumbing • Mechanical Contractors • Plumbing Fixtures • Process Piping • Shop Fabrication • Welding • Certified Backflow Specialist • Water Softeners

• Hydronic Heat Specialist, Radiant Floor Heat, Design & Install • Hot Water Jetter • Sanitary Sewer Service Locating & Televising • Water Heaters

www.dicksplumbingandheating.com Phone (218) 751-4964 PO Box 833 After Hours (218) 308-0028 427 Mag Seven Ct SW Bemidji, MN 56601 License #058788-PM #059520-PM

Make your dream a reality!

A home equity loan or line of credit is a flexible way to borrow funds for anything from a kitchen remodel to that new boat. To take advantage of our no closing costs offer, schedule an appointment or begin your application today at fnbbemidji.com.

Talk to a lender: 218-333-4320 www.fnbbemidji.com *Home equity loans and credit lines are available on single family, owner occupied homes. The minimum loan is $10,000 and the maximum loan is $100,00. Normal underwriting guidelines apply and owners must provide property insurance. Rates on home equity LOANS are fixed for the term of the loan and start as low as 5.5% APR as of 4/1/19. The First Equity LINE OF CREDIT is a variable rate plan with a maximum APR of 21.75%. Current rates, as of 3/26/19, start as low as 6.5% APR.

2 April 2019 Spring Home Improvement

Bemidji Pioneer & BuyLine

Emerging deck trends

Metro Services Custom-built decks can expand usable outdoor entertaining spaces. Decks can surround pools and create outdoor patio areas that make it easy to establish multitiered living spaces, improving the functionality of outdoor areas.

Certain deck trends have emerged as industry experts’ top picks for the upcoming remodeling and renovation season. For those thinking of revamping an existing deck, or building an entirely new one, these trends are on point. ► Established perimeters: “Picture framing” is not a new trend, but one that has taken greater hold in recent years.

The term refers to aesthetically appealing designs that conceal the ends of deck boards for a clean finish. Some designs feature contrasting material colors on the ends for even more impact. This helps create refined perimeters for a polished look. ► Roof-top decking: Urban areas also can benefit from decking to create usable outdoor spaces. In fact, many new condominium and townhouse communities are incorporating roof-top decks into their designs, particularly in communities with water views or other impressive vistas. HGTV experts suggest roof-top decks feature light-colored materials and fixtures to help keep the area cool even in direct sunlight. ► Distressed hardwood: Builder and Developer, a management resource for profes-

sional homebuilders, says that the trend for using distressed hardwoods at home has migrated outside. Some decking manufacturers have recently introduced low-maintenance composite deck boards that mimic the look and feel of distressed, rustic hardwood flooring. This weathered appearance gives the look of age without the upkeep of real aged wood.

► Wooden walkways: Decking can be the more traditional design people envision with a patio table or outdoor furniture.

But it also can consist of wooden walkways or a low-laying patio to accentuate the yard. ► Mixed materials: Homeowners may be inspired by commercial eateries, breweries and urban markets in their exterior design choices. Decks featuring

Spring Savings Sale

composite materials and aluminum railings blend sophistication, urban appeal and comfort. ► Personal touches: Homeowners can customize their decks with personal touches.

It’s not unheard of to wrap columns in stone or glass tiles for more impact. And a vast array of decking colors now enables fun interpretations for outdoor areas.

it's a smart

MOVE!

Stop By Tod ay and Check Out our New Models!

Call Brenda

CSB

www.lakesidefireplace.com

► Fire pit conversation area: Many decks can incorporate water or fire elements for visual appeal. Gas-fueled fire elements can expand the functionality of decks beyond the warm seasons, or make enjoying them practical on nights when the temperature plummets.

Decks are reimagined in many different ways with continually evolving trends.

. ,. I

NMLS#460562

WWW.CSBMIDWEST.COM BEMIDJI (218) 444-3486

1060 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW � riil'I!

6482 Hwy. 371 NW, 1 mi. S. of “Y” Jct., Walker, MN 56484

Phone: 218-547-4328

Call us today for a Spring AC and Heat Pump Maintenance Providing Indoor Comfort for your Home and Business.

Heating, Cooling, Repair, Installation, Commercial Kitchen & Refrigeration Equipment Service

001419384r1

SERVICE AND QUALITY

Stop in or call us today to get a

FREE

ESTIMATE! We Take Pride in Your Comfort.

172 Spirit Ave Bemidji

218-444-4328 naylorhvac.com

001716022r1

Custom or Factory Cabinets | Countertops | Home & Office

Chris Keenan License #BC172896

1008 Paul Bunyan Drive SE • Bemidji • 751-2114

E-mail: ckeenan@paulbunyan.net • www.keenanscabinetsofdistinction.com

April 2019 Spring Home Improvement 3

Bemidji Pioneer & BuyLine

Outdoor home improvements that boost value

Quick and simple ways to make a front door pop Visitors’ impressions of a home are often dictated by the home’s entryway. Must as one may judge a book by its cover, the same can be said about the impression that a front door and entryway can create, regardless of how accurate that impression is.

Making certain changes to an entryway can go a long way toward improving curb appeal.

Entryways also can set the scene for a home’s interior. Whether one chooses to be classic or bold, modern or traditional, there are various ways to quickly transform a home’s entryway. ► Bold front door color: Color can dramatically enhance an entryway. Painting an existing door or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the trick. The DIY Network says certain colors stand out as favorites. These

include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, orange, and black. The door color should complement the other shades of the home, such as those on siding and trim. ► Custom walkway: Guide guests right to the front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway.

Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may fit the bill. This walkway can extend to the street or to the driveway. ► Contain plants. Landscaping around the entryway should be neat and well-tended. Overgrown plants or shrubbery may give off an air of neglect. Container plants and carefully curated shrubs can create a neat and inviting aura. ► Highlight the address. Make sure the home can be found easily with bold and decorative house numbers. Consider two different address signs: one illuminated

and easily viewed from the curb, and another closer to the front door. ► Utilize high-end materials.

The relatively small area of real estate by the front door enables homeowners to splurge on more opulent materials that can really add a feeling of luxury. These can include colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures. ► Add architectural details. Find out which architectural elements will meld with the style of the home and then incorporate them.

Moldings, columns, shutters, and trim are areas to consider.

The entryway to a home garners a lot of attention. Homeowners can enhance their spaces with entryways that really make a statement.

Whether home improvement projects are designed to improve the interior or exterior of a house, focusing on renovations that make the most financial sense can benefit homeowners in the long run. The right renovations can be assets if and when homeowners decide to sell their homes.

So how does one get started? First and foremost, speak to a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about trends in the community.

While a swimming pool may be something coveted in one area, it may impede sales in another. It also helps to study generalized trends and data from various home improvement industry analysts to guide upcoming projects.

The following outdoor projects are just a few renovations that tend to add value. ► Fire pit: A fire pit is a great place to gather most months of the year. Bob Vila and CBS news report that a fire pit realizes a 78 percent return on investment, or ROI. ► Outdoor kitchen: Many buyers are looking to utilize their yards as an extension of interior living areas. Cooking, dining and even watching TV outdoors is increasingly popular. Outdoor living areas can be custom designed and built. In addition, prefabricated modular units that require a much smaller commitment of time and money are available.

► Patio: Homeowners who do not already have a patio will find that adding one can increase a home’s value.

Patios help a home look neat, add useable space and may help a home to sell quickly.

The experts at Space Wise, a division of Extra Space Storage, say that refinishing, repairing and building a new patio offers strong ROI. ► Deck: Deck can be as valuable as patios. A deck is another outdoor space that can be used for entertaining, dining and more. Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report indicates that an $11,000 deck can add about $9,000 in resale value to the home, recouping around 82 percent of the project’s costs. ► Door update: Improve curb appeal with a new, highend front door and garage doors. If that’s too expensive, a good cleaning and new coat of paint can make an old door look brand new. These easy fixes can improve a home’s look instantly. ► New landscaping: The National Association of Realtors says an outdoor makeover that includes wellthought out landscaping can net 105 percent ROI. Installing a walkway, adding stone planters, mulching, and planting shrubs are ideas to consider.

Many different outdoor projects can add value to a home.

Landscaping needs?

BUILDING

trust

we can

help!

With our

Full Time Landscaping Staff

The experts at RiverWood are here to guide you through the entire HOME AND CONSTRUCTION LOAN PROCESS, step by step.

To see how RiverWood can build your trust with personal guidance and knowledge of the industry, call a RiverWood Banker today.

Locally owned and operated.

Aaron Kaiser

NMLS #696856 (218) 694-6153 Bagley, MN

Jeff Peltier

NMLS #897557 (218) 308-2206 Bemidji, MN

Tonia Sherwood NMLS #1601289 (218) 308-2257 Bemidji, MN

RiverWoodBank.com

HUGE SELECTION! of all nursery/ greenhouse stock, it’s easy to make Hill’s Country Greenhouse your one stop garden shop!

Open March - December

“Your One Stop Garden Shop!”

5 miles South of Bemidji on US 71 218-751-0534 www.hillscountrygreenhouse.com

MEMBER FDIC

PLANNING TO BUILD THIS YEAR?

Keep your local electric cooperative in mind! Contact us soon to start the process to get your new electric service installed.

One of the many decisions you will make when building a new home includes your heating system. A good heating system should provide comfort, be reliable and have low operating costs. Beltrami Electric Cooperative members: bring in a copy of your building plans and let our Energy Experts help design a heating system that you will be happy with for years to come!

Ask us about the many residential rebates available for new lighting, heating & cooling, appliances, smart thermostats and more!

YOUR SOURCE OF POWER. AND INFORMATION. 4111 Technology Dr NW

Bemidji, MN 56601 218.444.2540 OR 800.955.6083 www.beltramielectric.com

1632 Bemidji Ave N. Bemidji, MN

218-751-2801 Home Comfort and Air Quality Specialists • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL • CENTRAL AIR • HEAT PUMPS • MINI DUCT SYSTEMS • DUCTLESS A/C • COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION

HIGGINS HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. www.HigginsHeating.com

001714314r1

4 April 2019 Spring Home Improvement

Bemidji Pioneer & BuyLine

Kick off home improvement season with easy maintenance projects

By Scott McGillivray Metro Services As the days get longer and the weather improves, this is the time to make sure that our homes or rental properties are well maintained. Here are a few do-it-yourself projects to keep your home in tip-top shape: ► Top up your attic insulation. Many older homes have inadequate levels of insulation in the attic that wouldn’t meet today’s building code. Topping it up will help reduce energy consumption and keep your house cooler in the summer months. A great product for this task is Roxul ComfortBatt insulation. It’s easy to install, cuts simply with a serrated blade or bread knife and protects against fire, moisture and mold. Aim for a depth of 16 inches or an R-value of 50.

Insulating properly could also provide added benefits, such as improving the longevity of your air conditioner by reducing stress on the unit as temperatures rise. ► Inspect your roof and make minor repairs.

Winter can be especially hard on a roof. Look for ice, hail or water damage. Replace any cracked or missing shingles and clear any debris. ► Clean your gutters.

It’s not glamorous work, but your home’s gutters play an essential role in moving water away from your home and preventing damage. Consider installing gutter guards to ensure your gutters remain functional and free from debris. ► Inspect windows and doors and re-caulk where necessary. Because a proper seal is essential in both heating and cooling seasons, this job should be performed twice a year to protect against drafts and moisture, and to keep insects out. Worn weatherstripping should also be replaced.

Other simple jobs include fixing leaky faucets, repairing and resealing decks, inspecting the foundation and scheduling a checkup for your HVAC system. The key is being honest about what you can handle and, when in doubt, call in the pros.

Scott McGillivray is the

award-winning TV host of the hit series Income Property, a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author, and educator.

Follow him on Twitter @ smcgillivray.

• New Home • Remodeling • Additions • Cabins • Decks • Garages • Re-roofing

Office: 218.556.0447 | www.RitchieConstruction.com

- Full Service Design - Planting - Free Estimates and Consultations

Attention

Land Owners & Contractors

1½ miles south of U.S. Hwy. 2 on U.S. Hwy. 71 South Open: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 Days A Week • 444-2720

NORTH STAR PEST CONTROL

001721081r1

SERVING NORTHWEST MINNESOTA

Your local source for all your pest control needs

Refer to the MPCA website for the most updated information.

Locally owned and family operated since 1983

Our Services

• Need to have an Asbestos inspection done by a qualified inspector.

• Must notify MPCA 10 days prior to Demolition.

• Must do a Pre Demolition Environmental Checklist

We specialize in exterior and interior spraying in Homes, Cabins, Resorts, All Residential & Commercial Buildings for: • Asian Beetles • Bed Bugs • Bees • Cluster Flies • Ants • and whatever is • Spiders • Beetles “bugging” you!

1-877-685-9370 | www.northstarpestcontrol.biz

Requirements (Residential)

001715013r1

Common wastes that must be removed before demolition (Good Practice use the Pre-Demolition Environmental Checklist on the MPCA Website), an asbestos inspection is not required. If you are still concerned about asbestos you can have the structure inspected but there is no requirement to submit paperwork to MPCA for residential building having four or fewer dwelling units.

001715119r1

Now scheduling for all of your pest control needs. Call today for a FREE estimate!

Pre-renovation or Demolition

https://www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/construction-and-demolition-waste

- Locally Grown Plants - Friendly Local Employees

Grant Johnson Project Manager grant@naturesedgegardencenter.com 218-766-2668

Land owners and contractors MPCA Requires a Pre-renovation or Demolition Requirement for any institutional, commercial, public, industrial or residential structure, installation or building (This includes any structure or building containing condominiums or individual dwellings operated as a residential cooperative, but excluding residential buildings having four or fewer dwelling units.)

See MPCA Demo Checklist on the MPCA Website:

001716487r1

Make us step #1 when planning your landscaping project.

License# BC668778

• Appliances • Asbestos • Electronics • Environmental and safety controls • Hazardous Waste • Lead-containing items • Lighting Components • Oils • Refrigerants and halons • Solid Waste • Submersible well pumps

218-224-2419

April 2019 Spring Home Improvement 5

Bemidji Pioneer & BuyLine

Gray here to stay in home designs Decorating a home in neutral tones has long been recommended as a way to sell a home quickly. But the color gray also provides a blank canvas for homeowners who have no intention of putting their homes on the market anytime soon.

Beige and white have long been go-to colors for neutral living spaces. But many interior decorators now look to gray as the neutral color of choice.

Design experts advise that gray has a broad range. Gray can include everything from silver to charcoal to a dusty cloud.

According to the trendsetters at Glidden Paints, gray coordinates well with other colors. Plus, the neutral appeal of gray

boasts a timeless quality.

Gray is not a clearcut color that’s simply a 50-50 blend of white and black. Gray has subtle nuances that can lean toward blues, greens, taupes, and more depending on the lighting and surrounding furnishings.

That means that homeowners who are ready to replace their furniture or accessories need not necessarily repaint if they’ve previously decorated in shades of gray.

Individuals need only replace small items to produce a big effect in rooms where gray is dominant.

Because gray is so neutral, it works with soft, calming colors in various pastels, but equally as well with bright reds, yel-

low and oranges, according to Scott Bodenner, a Brooklyn-based textile designer.

Gray also is a predominant color in natural stones used throughout homes in entryways, bathrooms and kitchens.

It can make design sense to maintain continuity throughout by dabbling in gray elsewhere.

Designers have shown how gray does not have to be cold, industrial or gloomy. It can be sophisticated in just about any room of the house. More designers are now leaning toward warmer variations of gray, such as taupes and blends dubbed “greige,” that are beautiful but not as stark as pure gray.

No Matter What You Need...

We Have the Right Appliances for Your Home!

Large Selection • Scratch & Dent Specials • Friendly, Knowledgeable Service!

001772409r1

On

Build energy-smart solutions into your projects

Your customers count on you for smart solutions to their unique challenges. Keeping up with new technologies can be difficult. We can help when it comes to efficient electric heating and cooling equipment, low off-peak rates, and current rebates.

for you 418 BELTRAMI AVENUE, BEMIDJI, MN 56601 (218) 751-2420

mjbsales@paulbunyan.net www.mjbhomecenter.com

Call 800-493-3299 to learn about energy-smart solutions for your projects.

001719104r1

SPARKY’S CONSTRUCTION, INC. EXCAVATING CONTRACTOR

• BASEMENTS • SEPTIC SYSTEMS • ROAD BUILDING • DIRT

• • • • •

SAND GRAVEL BACKHOE BOBCAT STATE LICENSED

• BONDED • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • DEMOLITION • EXCAVATING

444-8181

Rates at an 18-Month Low!

Save

on closing MOVE costs FORWARD $200 off loans $50,000.00 to $200,000.00

001714192r1

$300 off loans $200,000.01 to $349,999.99

VISIT OUR RETAIL LUMBER and SUPPLY STORE FOR YOUR BUILDING NEEDS THIS YEAR! • Lumber • Doors • Decks • Windows • Shingles • Pole Buildings • Estimating & Design • Remodeling • New Houses & Garages!

We manufacture our own Trusses and Wall Panels, and pass the savings on to you!

580 Mahnomen Dr. SE, Industrial Park Bemidji, MN

218-751-1515 www.grizzlytruss.com

Will Tysver

$500 off

NMLS ID # 449216 loans Real Estate Loan Officer $350,000.00 william.tysver@bankforward.com or more 700 Paul Bunyan Drive NW Offer available for real estate Bemidji, MN | T 218.444.2393 loan applications received www.bankforward.com April 10 - August 1, 2019.

Present coupon at time of application. Loans available to qualifying applicants. One coupon per loan. Closing costs may vary. Offer excludes HELOC, Bareland, Home Improvement Construction, Investment Property and Junior Liens. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

NMLS #446402. Member FDIC.

6 April 2019 Spring Home Improvement

Bemidji Pioneer & BuyLine

If you want the job done right, hire a professional remodeler Headwaters Builders Association Any homeowner planning to remodel wants nothing less than a professional job. Who wouldn’t want the best quality in terms of workmanship and materials when it comes to improving their most prized and most valuable asset? However, when it comes to selecting a remodeler, too many buyers conveniently forget the time-proven adage that “you get what you pay for.”

The dilemma that confronts many homeowners is their desire for a top-notch job at the lowest possible price. With price as their primary focus, they ignore other criteria that may carry more weight in producing a successfully completed project and a smooth working relationship with the remodeler.

It’s understandable that price is a major consideration when it comes to remodeling. The cost of remodeling has increased as the demand for remodeling grows. Higher costs of materials (such as copper pipes) and scarcity of skilled labor are just two factors contributing to price hikes. A national trade magazine, Remodeling, reported in their 2018 Cost vs. Value survey that a mid-priced major kitchen remodel, a popular remodeling project, costs $63,829. For a minor remodel of the same 200-square-foot kitchen, the cost is $21,198.

Homeowners need to understand that remodeling is a service and not merely a product. This service encompasses the intangibles that make up the process of remodeling – how everything comes together and results in a satisfying experience and an acceptable finished product.

The materials and products that go into it can’t define a professional job alone.

The nature of remodeling as a service becomes even more pronounced when you consider that inevitably you’ll be sharing your home with the remodelers’ crews for weeks or even months, depending on the scale of the project. All remodeling involves some degree of inconvenience, but inconvenience can easily turn into a nightmare if your remodeler doesn’t put your family’s comfort and concerns first.

Rather than selecting a remodeler based on where one bid falls compared to others, shift your focus to finding a professional remodeler; then go about getting a bid on your job. If the bid is higher than what you budgeted, work with the remodeler

to decide where you can cut back or what you can postpone to keep the project on budget. For example, you can always have the remodeler frame in a fireplace to be installed later, but he can’t upgrade the company’s customer service if there wasn’t any to begin with.

Some important characteristics you should be looking for to ensure that you hire a professional remodeler are:

Experience

Ask how long the remodeler has been in business. Longevity suggests financial stability, which is necessary for the remodeler to finish the job and still be available if problems crop up after the job is completed. Also, the more jobs the company has completed, the more expertise the remodeler will bring to your project and the hidden surprises that remodeling typically entails.

Reputation

Look to the remodelers’ former and current customers to gauge the company’s reputation.

Obtain the names and phone numbers of customers you can call to get their impressions of the company’s work and customer service. Call them and make personal visits to see the work they had done.

Even better, get references from customers whose projects were similar to the one your family is planning. Also, go visit one of the company’s jobs in progress to evaluate how they manage the construction process and how tidy they keep the job site. Ask whether these homeowners would hire the company again.

out if there are any unresolved complaints against the company you might hire. It is also important to verify that the remodeler carries workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Have

the remodeler show you copies of both insurance certificates to protect yourself from liability in situations involving job site injuries or property damage resulting from the work being done on your

home.

If your goal is a professional remodeling project, then your best bet is to hire a professional remodeler.

The extra cost will pay for itself in the satisfaction you receive while the

project is in progress and during the many years you will enjoy the completed project.

To find a professional remodeler in your area, visit www.headwatersbuilders.org

See for yourself what Security BankUSA has to offer!

Business Credentials

A good place to start your search for a remodeler is with your local builders association and it’s affiliated local Remodelers Council. Groups like these help to keep their members informed about new products, construction techniques, business practices and industry issues. Participation demonstrates a remodeler’s commitment to professionalism and to the remodeling industry.

Many trade groups also confer professional credentials, such as Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), to those who meet their requirements, which is a positive indicator of the remodeler’s reputation.

License and Insurance

Ask to see a copy of the remodeler’s license, if your state has such requirements, and call the licensing agency to find

TG Lawn Care & Landscaping Sales & Services Fertilizer & Weed Control Putting a yard in or maintaining the one you have?

Hydro Mulching/Seeding Fertilizer Weed Control Tree Removal Stump Grinding Landscaping Services

Dirt Work Fire Pits Retaining Walls Walk Ways Patios Fencing

Spring Is Here! Let Us Help With All Your Lawn Care Needs!

CALL FOR A PRICE QUOTE TODAY

218-835-4515

Email: tgsales@paulbunyan.net www.tgsalesandservices.com

• Home Mortgages • Home Equity Line of Credit • Construction Loans • First-time Home Buyers

Equal Housing Lender

• Rural Development • Competitive Rates and Terms • Experienced Lenders

MyBank@SecurityBankUSA.com • (218) 751-1510 1025 Paul Bunyan Dr NW Bemidji, MN 56601