SUMMER 2017
Storm Preparation Guide JUNE 2017
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ABOUT THE HBA The Home Builders Association of Billings is comprised of over 450 building industry members. This is important to you because their membership means they strive to maintain the highest standards in all aspects of their business and the building industry. Today’s home building industry requires skilled, knowledgeable professionals who are committed to quality and a solid code of ethics. Our members stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technology, innovative financing options, and changes in state and local codes and ordinances. This all benefits you when you choose to do business with an HBA member. As Billings’ primary resource for building industry professionals and affiliates, we are committed to maintaining the highest level of professionalism within the industry and continuously advocate for your right to have the home of your dreams. So before you build, buy, remodel, or redesign, we encourage you to utilize the HBA as a resource to find the professional you need for your project.
1645 Avenue D, Suite F • Billings, MT 59102 (406) 252-7533 www.hbabillings.net
INSIDE Protect Your Home from Severe Weather Don’t Get Scammed: Find a Qualified Contractor HBA Membership Directory Lawn Care During Arid Summer Months Keep Unwanted Summer Guests Away Get Your Home in Shape for Summer Protect Your Roof So It Protects You Preparing for Turbulent Summer Weather
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Content provided by the Home Builders Association of Billings
“The Home Builders Association of Billings is an incredible organization. The HBA is the voice of the Billings Residential Building Community. It is an important voice since one in five jobs is related to the home building industry in one way or another. I have been an active member for 10 years and truly enjoy working with the dedicated members who share our mission.“ - Wayne Nelson, President, Stockman Bank
HBA BOARD & STAFF MEMBERS
1st Vice President Brad McCall, McCall Homes
Bob Glasgow, Knife River Stan Helgeson, Helgeson Homes Ron Hill, Specialized Construction Mark Johnson, MJ Construction Jeff Junkert, Jeff Junkert Construction Ray Mehrer, R & R Builders
2nd Vice President Andrew Newman, Newman Built Quality Homes
MBIA DIRECTORS
HBA OFFICERS President Joe Bonini, Bonini Construction,
The HBA Storm Preparation Guide is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette Access the HBA Storm Preparation Guide at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections
UPCOMING HBA EVENTS 2017 Parade of Homes Twilight Tour Friday, September 15 Tickets on Sale August 1, 2017 BillingsParadeOfHomes.com
2017 Parade of Homes Saturday & Sunday September 16/17 & 23/24, 2017 BillingsParadeOfHomes.com
2018 Building & Remodeling Expo Saturday & Sunday January 20 & 21, 2018 MetraPark Pavilion BillingsBuildingExpo.com
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Immediate Past President Nick Ban, Ban Construction Treasurer Wayne Nelson, Stockman Bank
HBA BUILDER DIRECTORS Mark Allen, Trailhead Builders RD Kirkness, Brown Builders Cody Kisling, Kisling Quality Builders Sam Nelson, Cougar Construction Steve Wells, Wells Built Homes
HBA ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Kristy Berckmoes, Beyond the Box Randy Mostad, Carpet One Jeremiah Rouane, Stockman Bank Brian Williams, Yellowstone Bank
(MONTANA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASOCIATION LIAISON) Nick Ban, Ban Construction Kolten Knatterud, Territorial Landworks Ty Lantis, Image Builders Greg McCall, McCall Homes Jan Rehberg, Rehberg Ranch Beau Thompson, Thompson Homes
NAHB DIRECTORS (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS LIAISON) Quentin Eggart, EEC Eggart Engineering & Construction Clint Schultz, Newman Restoration Emily Stewart-Kreiger, Ferguson Enterprises
HBA STAFF
HBA LIFE DIRECTORS
Executive Officer/CEO Kimberly Welzenbach
Myles Egan, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Jeff Engel, Jeff Engel Construction, Inc.
Office Manager Valary Obert
HBA Storm Preparation Guide
When you need insurance, you need people too.
At PayneWest, we maintain a local presence in communities across the Northwest. So if something goes wrong, you have people to turn to. Connect with an insurance agent near you at PayneWest.com/Billings (406) 238-1900
HBA Storm Preparation Guide
Sunday, June 25, 2017
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PROTECT YOUR HOME from Severe Weather By KIMBERLY WELZENBACH CEO, Home Builders Association of Billings Imagine trying to stand erect and stay in one piece in the midst of high-speed winds and torrential rains. Your house may face this challenge, during summer storms or throughout the year. During Mother Nature’s wicked rages, you and your family can evacuate your home or, in less severe conditions, snuggle within its cozy walls. But your house must always face the elements and protect your family and possessions. Equip your home with the accessories it will need to survive a storm. Don’t wait until the forecast calls for severe weather because, at that point, you may not have enough time to take necessary preparations. Before you do anything else, look over your insurance policies to make sure you’re covered for losses incurred as the result of a natural disaster or brutal storm. Damage caused by flooding and earthquakes is generally not covered by your regular homeowner’s policy, but can be purchased separately. Make lists or videotapes of your belongings as documentation for the insurance company, and keep that documentation in a safe location away from your house. Try to prevent wind and water from entering through windows, cracks, entry doors and garage doors. Wind funneling through your house pushes upward, and could lift the roof, allowing heavy rains to damage the interior of your home. Especially in high wind-prone areas it is important to seal your windows and doors as tightly as possible. You can purchase and install special storm shutters to cover your windows. Or, make your own set of shutters out of ¾ inch marine ply-
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wood or metal storm panels. Make sure they overlap the windows on all sides by four inches. Then mark them so you know which window they fit. Don’t forget to make shutters for your skylight windows. Once made, the shutter panels can be stored and used when necessary. These shutters can help protect homes from all rainstorms accompanied by high winds. After you’ve made shutters for all your windows, start working on your doors. If you live in an area that frequently gets heavy storms, consider installing steel entry doors. High winds can easily tear through double doors, French doors and sliding patio doors that have no structural support between the two sides. You may need to purchase and install special hardware to more adequately secure the doors where they meet. Try bolts that fasten the door into the framing at the top and the bottom. If it’s in good condition, your home’s roof can shield its interior from the storm outside. So roof work is another essential step in preparing your house to withstand a severe storm. Apply sealing around your home’s chimney or vent pipes. This will help prevent water from seeping into your home. Hire a contractor to check the structural integrity of the roof system. Clean out clogged gutters and downspouts. If the rain that accompanies a heavy storm can’t run through the gutters and downspouts, it will spill over the sides, landing in areas where it can soak through to your home’s foundation, causing flooding and structural damage. Next, take steps to protect your home from objects that take flight during a storm. Do a little yard work. Remove all dead and dying
limbs from y o u r trees, and secure lawn furniture, trashcans, flowerpots and other yard ornaments. Disconnect and remove exterior television antennas from the roof. Then take all lawn furniture, grills, potted plants and other lawn accessories inside your house. If you can’t secure lawn furniture or other outdoor items, bring them inside as well. High-speed winds could transform any of these objects into flying missiles. Tie down the larger items such as sheds, doghouses, playhouses, swing sets and boats. Finally, stock your cupboards and closets with anything you might need if you have to take
shelter inside your house during a summer storm. Keep a batteryoperated radio, several flashlights in case you lose electricity, and plastic sheeting to cover exposed areas. And fill your drawers with brand new packages of live batteries for the flashlights. Stash canned foods and other non-perishable food items in your cupboards in case you can’t get out to the supermarket for a while. And pile blankets into your closets in case you lose electricity and your
house becomes cold. When you and your house are prepared, you’re more likely to weather the toughest storm. Taking time now to prepare your home for storm season could save you a lot of money later. For more information about protecting your home, contact the Home Builders Association of Billings at 406-252-7533 or online at HBABillings.net. HBA Storm Preparation Guide
CITY OF BILLINGS BUILDING & SAFETY DIVISION 2825 3rd Avenue North, 4th floor Billings, Montana 59101 Office (406) 657-8270 Fax (406) 657-8252 ci.billings.mt.us
Don’t Get Scammed: Find a Qualified Contractor By KIMBERLY WELZENBACH CEO, Home Builders Association of Billings There are thousands of legitimate, ethical contractors in business around the area. Unfortunately, there are also scam artists looking to cheat you out of your money who pose as legitimate contractors. These “fly-by-night” operators often called “storm chasers” show up in communities impacted by natural disasters to try to scam distressed home owners into paying for shoddy repairs or work that they will never show up to perform. Here are some warning signs to look out for: Doesn’t have license and insurance. All professional contractors should be insured and able to show their certificate proving such insurance. Although Montana does not require licensing, contractors in Montana should provide proof of insurance. Asks you to sign anything before you’ve hired them. If they want you to sign an “estimate” or “authorization” before you’ve made the decision to hire the contractor, look out. They may be trying to get you to sign what is an actual binding contract. READ CAREFULLY. Doesn’t write contracts. Professionals have clear contracts that outline HBA Storm Preparation Guide
the job, process, the cost, and helps clarify how problems will be managed. If you don’t have a contract, you are not protected when something goes wrong. Don’t hire anyone who tells you a contract “won’t be necessary.” Requires cash or payment in full before starting the job. Shady contractors demand cash and then run with the money. Many home owners have been stranded by paying in full up front. A deposit towards materials is common, but only pay it once you have a contract signed by both you and the contractor. It’s also suspect you’re asked to pay cash to a salesperson instead of a check or money order to a company. Vastly underbids all other contractors. They may have the best price, but that doesn’t guarantee the best work. Such contractors may cut costs on quality, which can end up costing you more when you have to have the substandard work redone. Offers “special” pricing. If you’re told you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project at a special, low price, or you’re told a low price is good only if you sign a contract today. Cannot provide customer references. Professional contractors should have current references they can provide from current and past clients — and you
should be able to reach those references, not just an answering machine. Difficulty contacting the contractor. Professionals have a physical office, mailing address, phone, and email. They should respond to your queries in a timely manner. Make sure you can verify the contractor’s business address. If they only have a post office box, be wary. Check with Home Builders Association for verification. Tells you to obtain the building or remodeling permits. Professional contractors go to the city, county or state offices and get permits for their work themselves. Asking the home owner to do it is a sign that they are not a legitimate contractor. Your best bet is to take your time, do your research and choose someone you feel completely comfortable with. The Home Builders Association can provide you with information as to the legitimacy of their business and they can inform you of any records of consumer complaints. You can also find list of reputable contractors in your area through the Home Builders Association. For more information about getting your home in shape for summer, contact the Home Builders Association of Billings at 406-2527533or online at HBABillings.net.
Building Code Reminder In accordance with the 2012 IRC and 2012 IBC, ice barrier has been required and fully enforced for all new construction and roof replacement/ re-roof’s, commercial and residential, as of May 1st, 2015. The ice barrier shall extend from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line. Building permits are required for roofing and siding. Roof inspections are required for new and replacement roofs/re-roof’s, and should be requested after ice barrier installation, and then a “mid-roof inspection,” i.e. after 8 or 10 courses of shingles have been applied, and all flashing is in place. Then a final inspection of the roof system after the job is complete. Siding and/or window inspections should be requested to verify window and flashing installation is in accordance with building code and manufacturer’s specifications. ALL inspections should be done prior to covering any work. Handouts and misc. information are available from the city of billings’ web site @ “ci.billings.mt.us” under “SERVICES” or “DOING BUSINESS” - “Building” - “Downloadable Forms.” Sunday, June 25, 2017
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HBA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2 Sisters Design (406) 697-9482 406 Window Co. (406) 656-9091 41 Realty Group (406) 860-2322 5 Star Pool & Spa (406) 647-8850 A & H Turf & Specialties (406) 245-8466 A-1 Drilling (406) 628-6364 AAA Lawn & Landscape, Inc. (406) 670-6590 AIH Manufacturing, Inc. (406) 894-2264 AQUA Systems of MT (406) 628-6059 Action Electric (406) 245-9551 Advanced Counter Technology (406) 248-7112 Aflac (406) 294-2529 Air Controls-Billings, Inc. (406) 245-6416 Albaugh Construction (406) 860-8769 All About Landscape Inc. (406)294-9273 All Kinds of Blinds & Window Film (406) 839-8055 Allegra (406) 248-6811 Alpha Overhead Door, Inc. (406) 652-5555 Altana Federal Credit Union (406) 651-2315 American Appliance Co. (406) 252-0188 American Concrete (406) 208-5465 American Glass, Inc. (406) 652-3020 American Title & Escrow (406) 248-7877 Arrowhead Marketing, LLC (406) 969-3150 Artcraft Printers (406) 248-1000 Artistic Iron (406) 656-7017 Ashley Furniture Homestore Billings (406) 259-5900 Askin Construction (406) 690-5666 B-Fit for Life Fitness Equipment (406) 245-0445 Bailey Garage Doors, Inc. (406) 656-2905 Ban Construction Corp. (406) 850-2138 Beartooth Bank (406) 294-6505 Beartooth Holding & Construction (406) 839-7661 Beartooth Ironworks, Inc (406) 655-9353 Benchmark Sash & Door (406) 969-1491 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services (406) 254-1550
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Better Building Technologies LLC (406) 206-5299 Beyond the Box, Inc. (406) 245-6981 Big Sky Backyards (406) 545-7327 Big Sky Disaster Restoration (406) 259-4460 Big Sky Exterior Designs (406) 259-7020 Billings Alarm Co, Inc. (406) 245-7219 Billings Association of Realtors (406) 248-7145 Billings Best Blinds (406) 698-8534 Billings Career Center (406) 281-5343 Billings Chamber of Commerce/CVB (406) 245-4111 Billings Construction Supply (406) 248-8355 Billings Federal Credit Union (406) 248-1127 Billings Gazette Communications (406) 657-1340 Billings Insulation Service, Inc. (406) 256-1956 Billings Marble & Granite (406) 248-6884 Billings Overhead Door Co. (406) 248-7785 Bloedorn Lumber Co. (406) 259-4534 Blueline Engineering (406) 294-2294 Bob Pentecost Construction, Inc. (406) 656-8658 Bobcat of Big Sky, Inc. (406) 252-0822 Boise Cascade (406) 652-3250 Bonini Construction (406) 651-4585 Border States Electric (406) 238-1318 Boyer Land, LLC. (406) 698-5455 Branding Iron Construction, LLC (406) 850-8877 Brey Industries (406) 697-2850 Brown Builders (406) 656-0772 Brownson Construction Inc. (406) 839-9066 Buscher Development, Inc. (406) 698-1488 C & L Service, Inc. (406) 252-8010 CC Insulation & Urethane (406) 245-3636 CDW Construction (406) 672-1448 CK Tech Security (406) 899-8076 CM Cleaning LLC (406) 690-4584 COMTECH Audio Theater Security (406) 373-8395 COP Construction, LLC (406) 656-4632
CRH US (406) 581-4970 Cabinet Center (406) 656-9300 Cabinet Works/Stone Wild Quartz & Granite (406) 655-8955 Calder Creek Cabinetry (406) 545-9556 Capp Construction (406) 656-8979 Carpet Garage (406) 652-5568 Carpet One (406) 656-9300 CarpetsPlus Colortile (406) 652-3262 Carrie Klein Designs (406) 860-9999 Century 21 Hometown Brokers, Inc. (406) 294-2121 Chapel Custom Handywork, Inc. (406) 591-7418 Chicago Title (406) 238-9999 Circle T Construction (406) 670-4924 City of Billings Building Division (406) 657-8273 City of Billings Engineering Division (406) 657-3095 CityService Valcon (406) 252-4661 Clark Marten Photography (406) 256-5555 Classic Design Homes (406) 294-2218 Cole Law Firm, PLLC (406) 294-5700 Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC (406) 656-5157 Conlins Furniture (406) 656-4900 Cooper Creative Advertising & Design (406) 655-0151 Cornerstone Exteriors Inc. (406) 200-0100 Cougar Construction (406) 861-3753 Covering Broadway (406) 446-4344 Cowles Montana Media Co. (406) 656-8000 Craigo Construction (406) 325-2005 Creative Vinyl Fencing, Inc. (406) 259-5200 Curb Box Specialists/ Montana Segway (406) 652-5523 D’s Insulation (406) 252-6688 DB Carpentry (406) 208-4760 DW Hill Flooring (406) 861-9658 Dan Fleury Construction Co. (406) 656-5638 Daniels Builders LLC
(406) 855-8680 Davidson Home Furnishings & Design (406) 656-9540 Dawson Builders, Inc. (406) 652-2924 Design Builders (406) 698-5454 Dirt Dynamics Excavation (406) 855-5521 Dorn Construction (406) 652-8232 Driftwood Designs (406) 850-8985 Duke’s Concrete Construction (406) 656-6791 Dustin Davison Construction (406) 697-3808 EBC Trusses (406) 259-1814 EEC Eggart Engineering & Construction (406) 839-9151 ERA American Real Estate (406) 259-3977 Eaton Electric, Inc. (406) 652-4733 Eco Built Homes (406) 256-0007 Econo Glass Company, Inc. (406) 245-2999 Econo Print (406) 252-7191 Emineth Custom Homes Inc. (406) 855-8109 Empire Building Material (406) 581-1243 Ernie Szillat Construction (406) 259-5200 Evergreen Builder Supply (406) 652-3610 Evergreen Paint, Inc. (406) 652-2305 Expert Excavation (406) 850-0377 FKF Concrete (406) 245-3110 Fabricators Unlimited (406) 245-6770 Ferguson Enterprises (406) 252-4442 Fireplace Center, Inc. (406) 259-9690 First Interstate Bank (406) 255-5101 First Montana Title Co. (406) 248-3000 Fisher Sand & Gravel Company (406) 657-9603 Fleury Concrete, Inc. (406) 252-6479 Floor to Ceiling (406) 855-0464 Fred’s Appliance Inc. (406) 894-2310 Freyenhagen Construction (406) 652-6170 Full Moon Enterprises (406) 206-4808 GPS Electric (406) 581-3536 Gayvert Construction (406) 962-3405
Gebhardt Insurance (406) 652-8464 Geck’s Garage Door Co. (406) 256-3413 General Shale Brick (406) 259-9222 Geo R Pierce, Inc. (406) 655-8000 Grand Lumber (406) 656-3588 Granite Realty (406) 591-9191 Green Realty, LLC (406) 839-9141 Guardian Building Products (406) 656-7710 Guild Mortgage (406) 252-2600 H2 Lawn & Snow LLC (406) 598-4612 HUB International (406) 652-9151 Habitat For Humanity/Re-Store (406) 652-0960 Halton Homes (406) 591-4123 Hanser Construction Company (406) 671-7301 Harper Masonry, Inc. (406) 248-3003 Home Theaters and More, Inc (406) 252-4928 IMPACT Drafting & Design, Inc. (406) 259-2110 Image Builders (406) 861-5803 Infinity Homes LLC (406) 591-0221 J & M Development (406) 698-3806 JD Construction (406) 656-4469 JDR Solutions (406) 371-7177 JKC Inc. (406) 698-5489 JMC Construction (406) 839-8100 Jares Fence, Inc. (406) 652-1924 Jeff Engel Construction, Inc. (406) 534-4655 Jeff Junkert Construction (406) 652-4873 Jeff Kreitzberg Homes, LLC (406) 698-1105 Johnstone Supply Co. (406) 252-1207 K & K Landscape & Deck Works (406) 860-8048 K2 Spas & Sports (406) 254-0102 KE Construction, LLC (406) 855-8004 KLJ (406) 247-2907 Kenco Security & Technology (406) 245-4946 Kirkness Roofing Co. (406) 256-1798 Kisling Quality Builders (406) 671-4749
HBA Storm Preparation Guide
HBA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY Kitchens Plus, Inc. (406) 652-5772 Knife River-Billings (406) 651-2483 Kosmann Furniture (406) 661-2684 L & L Construction, LLC (406) 869-2017 Lais Development (406) 655-1155 Langlas & Associates (406) 656-0629 Lansing Building Products (406) 256-3878 Laughlin Construction, Inc. (406) 259-6100 Leisure in Montana (406) 652-6500 Lines & Designs, Inc. (406) 698-3484 Link Construction Service, Co. (406) 670-3067 Lynnrich Inc. (406) 252-2020 M.R. Concrete (406) 896-1488 MJ Construction, Inc. (406) 698-6828 MJH Construction (406) 855-2365 Mac Leffler Construction (406) 855-5328 MacArthur Company (406) 652-8989 Magic City Granite (406) 252-1106 Magic City Real Estate & Business Consulting (406) 850-9858 Majestic Homes (406) 248-1412 Maple Falls Landscaping (406) 855-4356 Matt the Painter (800) 724-6846 May Mechanical, Inc. (406) 671-7954 McCall Homes (406) 651-5354 McFadden Construction (406) 652-5496 Merenz Insurance Agency (406) 294-9114 Meyerco Sprinklers (406) 652-3929 Moen, Inc. (800) 628-0723 Mont Vista Homes, LLC (406) 839-7661 Montana Contractors Association (406) 442-4162 Montana Dakota Utilities Co. (406) 896-4233 Montana Flooring Liquidators (406) 294-2955 Montana Glass & Shower Door (406) 690-6467 Montana Hot Spring Spas (406) 652-7727 Montana Real Estate Brokers (406) 869-2000 Montana Timber Products
HBA Storm Preparation Guide
(406) 539-2550 Montana-Dakota Utilities (406) 896-4241 Morrison-Maierle, Inc. (406) 656-6000 Moser Floors & More (406) 894-2370 Mountain Electric of Montana (406) 245-8658 Mountain Supply Co. (406) 543-8255 Mountain Vertical (406) 371-5588 Murray Floor & Window Coverings (406) 373-0055 My Handyman Service & Construction Inc. (406) 534-0018 Myers Custom Homes, Inc. (406) 259-1229 N.C.I. Northwest Custom Improvements (406) 670-2781 NewFields Mining & Energy Services, LLC (406) 702-2879 Newman Built Quality Homes (406) 672-2819 Newman Restoration & Cleaning (406) 672-2819 NorthWestern Energy (406) 655-2523 Northwest Floors (406) 651-8080 Northwest Glass, Inc. (406) 252-7196 Northwest Pipe Fittings / The Water Closet (406) 252-0142 Oakland Built Homes, Inc. (406) 248-3641 One Source Lighting (406) 655-7949 Opportunity Bank (406) 256-1891 Outdoor Expressions, Inc. (406) 655-3598 Overhead Door Co of S Mt (406) 259-8807 Pacific Supply (406) 254-8876 Paramount Log Homes (406) 373-5811 PayneWest Insurance (406) 869-4419 Pella Windows & Doors, Inc. (406) 656-1516 Picard Development, Inc. (406) 208-9440 Pierce Flooring & Design (406) 652-4666 Point Scape, Inc. (406) 860-9017 Precision Plumbing & Heating (406) 655-9240 Pride Industries (406) 655-1200 ProBuild North (406) 252-9395 ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings (406) 652-9406 Pyramid Cabinet Shop
(406) 876-1521 Quality Edge (406) 591-2885 Quality Foundations of Montana, Inc. (406) 860-5979 R & K Electric (406) 252-3297 R & L Painting & Remodeling (406) 855-5897 R & R Builders (406) 252-2181 R & S Concrete Pumping, Inc. (406) 855-8844 R & S Supply (406) 252-1626 R & T Services, Inc. (406) 655-9700 RDO Equipment Co. (406) 259-5536 REMAX of Billings (406) 896-2200 RJ Mac Homes (406) 860-4586 RL Schaff Concrete Construction, Inc. (406) 373-5832 Rec Room (406) 670-4325 Rehberg Ranch Marketing, Inc. (406) 656-6628 Republic Services (406) 896-7255 Reule Builders, Inc. (406) 281-1338 Reynolds Window and Door (406) 259-5581 Rich’s Modern Flooring (406) 248-3656 Rimrock Builders Inc. (406) 855-3497 Rimrock Cabinet Co. (406) 651-8109 Rimrock Lighting & Paint (406) 652-3574 Rocky Mountain Bank (406) 655-2792 Rocky Mountain Hard Rock Flooring (406) 652-6701 Rocky Mountain Roofing/ Brown Builders (406) 656-6173 Rocky Mountain Seamless Raingutters (406) 252-3419 Rollinger Companies, Inc. (406) 860-9786 Roof Depot (406) 652-1558 SAVI, Inc. (406) 855-3464 Sanderson Stewart (406) 656-5255 Selby’s (406) 652-4414 Shawn Nelson Construction (406) 860-4643 Sherwin Williams (406) 655-9801 Six Sigma Contracting (406) 850-5343 Smart Home Systems, Inc.
For a complete list of HBA members by their profession, please visit the HBA website at www.hbabillings.net
(406) 325-0676 Smooth Finish Inc. (406) 850-3512 Soft Touch Designs, Inc. (406) 656-3613 Southwestern Montana Financial Center, Inc. (406) 388-7633 Specialized Construction, Inc. (406) 256-8844 Sprague Construction Roofing, LLC (406) 534-1222 Spring Creek Landscape Co. (406) 652-5337 Stage to Sell Now, LLC (406) 672-2235 Stewart Title of Billings (406) 656-7200 Stockland Properties, Inc. (406) 591-4540 Stockman Bank (406) 655-2700 Stoneworks Landscaping (406) 839-9110 Streeter Bros Insurance, Inc. (406) 252-0551 Style Homes (406) 698-2099 Summit Cabinetry (406) 655-1610 Superior Concrete (406) 205-8151 Syverson Stone & Tile (406) 652-3354 TC Custom Building, LLC. (307) 250-0415 TW Enterprises (406) 245-4600 Terrell’s Office Machines, Inc. (406) 252-0055 Territorial Landworks (406) 248-9000 The Aspire Institute (888) 852-8998 The Blind Guy (406) 655-1611 The Countertoppers (406) 259-9433 The Home Center (406) 206-2717 The Masonry Center (406) 254-6696 The World Famous Carpet Barn (406) 656-2824 Thomae Lumber & Truss (406) 256-0740 Thompson Homes (406) 850-9765 Thompson Pools and Spas (406) 656-8511 Time Square Furniture & Mattress (406) 294-5266 Titan Machinery (406) 259-5500 Toad N Willow (406) 294-6040 Townsquare Media (406) 869-3661 Tractor & Equipment (406) 245-4426 Trailhead Builders Inc., Formerly
Kenmark Construction (406) 294-5355 Trails West (406) 702-1766 Tri-State Truck & Equipment (406) 245-3188 Tvetene Turf (406) 652-8485 Ty Nelson Construction (406) 534-8360 US Bank (406) 522-3293 Ultimate Custom Cabinets, Inc. (406) 256-9310 Urapeein Porta Pots (406) 252-3040 Van Leggalo Photography by Robb Vann (406) 697-4572 Ventling Building & Development, Inc. (406) 628-6849 Vertex Controls, LLC. (406) 294-4880 Vinton Construction, Inc. (406) 248-1984 WWC Engineering (406) 894-2210 Wallis Mechanical (406) 591-4512 Wausau Supply Co (406) 320-2252 Wegner Homes (406) 850-9842 Wells Built Homes, Inc. (406) 656-1301 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (406) 247-8315 Western Art Forum / Kira Fercho Inc. (406) 661-1030 Western Security Bank (406) 371-8337 White Heating & Air Conditioning (406) 248-2162 Wilson Cabinetry (406) 652-4671 Win-Dor Industries, Inc. (406) 248-2051 Wolf Construction (406) 256-3561 Yellowstone Bank (406) 652-4100 Yellowstone Basin Construction (406) 671-2287 Yellowstone County (406) 256-2701 Yellowstone County Implement (406) 248-7787 Yellowstone Polaris & Recreation (406) 259-7777 Yellowstone Valley Electric Co-op, Inc. (406) 348-3411 Yellowstone Valley Woman (406) 254-1394 Zach Besel Construction, LLC. (406) 794-1917 Zentz Lumber Co. (406) 252-4810
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Lawn Care During Arid Summer Months By KIMBERLY WELZENBACH CEO, Home Builders Association of Billings Care and patience makes the difference between a lush, healthy lawn and a coarse, brown eyesore, especially when rainfall is sparse. Most people take pride and care in maintaining their lawns, although weather conditions often hamper even a green thumb’s best efforts. And, it’s not just a matter of beauty — or friendly neighborhood competition. Maintaining your home’s landscape is important for property values. According to the Oregon State University Extension Service (OSUES), many people water their lawn more than necessary. As a result, lawns have developed a reputation for using a lot of water. Instead of following a predetermined watering schedule, check the soil moisture regularly. You can then alter your schedule to better meet your lawn’s needs.
To check soil moisture, the OSUES suggests inserting a screwdriver into the soil. If it penetrates the soil easily, it is moist. If not, you know your lawn is getting dry. During dry summers, consider watering half as much as usual. Lawns will stay mainly green, with a few brown spots, if they receive ½ to ¾ inch of water per week. Watering once or twice a week to apply this amount of water should be sufficient.
Another option, one that home owners may be reluctant to consider, is to forgo watering altogether and allow the turf to go dormant and turn brown during the summer. If having a brown summer lawn is not your idea of compromise, here are some additional lawn care strategies from the Agronomy and Horticulture department at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln: Minimize fertilization.
Over-fertilized, over-watered lawns tend to lack the wherewithal to thrive under stress. This spells trouble during a drought because the lawn hasn’t developed a deep root system. Heavily fertilized lawns also require more water, so home owners may want to wait until fall to fertilize. Mow your lawn properly. A good rule of thumb for each mowing is to never remove more than one-third of the height of the grass. Mowing higher forces grass to develop and use deeper roots. Try mulching — even if you don’t have a mulching mower. Let clippings remain on the grass. Lawns tend to lose more water and nutrients through evaporation when you remove clippings. If you didn’t aerate your lawn in the spring, consider doing so this fall. Aeration creates small holes in the ground that allow water to soak deeper into the ground and promotes root growth. Maintain your lawn care equipment. Sharpen mower
blades at least twice this summer. Dull blades tear grass, forcing grass to use 40 percent to 60 percent more water while it struggles to recover from stress. Finally, water during hours when the sun is not full strength, such as in the early morning or at dusk. Irrigating during the day wastes water, because much of it evaporates in the heat. Even if your community has imposed water limits, it doesn’t necessarily sentence your lawn to a long, brown summer. Follow them. Watering on alternate days can save 40-50 percent of water, and heeding these few guidelines will go a long way to helping you maintain and enjoy your lawn, even though the hot, dry summer. If you’re in need of a professional landscaper, be sure to contact the Home Builders Association of Billings to find a local and reputable professional. Visit the HBA online at HBABillings.net or by phone at 406-252-7533.
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Keep Unwanted Summer Guests Away By KIMBERLY WELZENBACH CEO, Home Builders Association of Billings
Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a few things you can do inside your house to control future infestations: Starve them out — keep a tight lid on the trash and empty it often. Clean up spills immediately and store food such as cereal, flour and sugar in plastic containers rather than in their original packaging. Dry them out — some pests, such as cockroaches, can survive a long time without food, but need water more often to survive. To shut off their supply, be sure to fi x leaky faucets, radiators, dishwashers, and washing machines immediately and empty flower pots and plant stands of excess water. Keep them out — seal cracks and openings along baseboards, behind sinks, and around pipes and windows. Repair holes in door and window screens.
Summer is a great time to entertain visiting friends and family. There are some guests, however, that you shouldn’t allow into your home — pests such as ants, roaches, rats and termites. Pest infestations are more than a nuisance. It is important to protect your family from disease due to food contamination and allergens and your property from wood and foundation damage. The cost for a home owner to treat an existing pest problem averages more than $1,000 — which doesn’t include the cost to correct the damage that has already been done. Termites alone have been estimated to cause $5 billion worth of damage in the U.S. every year, according to the National Pest Management Association. Here are some steps you Outside Your Home can take now to help keep Pests enter your home your home pest-free for from the outside, so you years to come. will also need to prepare the exterior of your house Inside Your Home to keep pests out: The U.S. Environmental Look for cracks and HBA Storm Preparation Guide
holes on the outside of your home and seal them up. Be sure to include points where utility lines enter the house. Also address damage to the basement foundation and windows. Check your landscaping. Rake mulch away from the base of your home and keep it to a minimum to allow for adequate drainage. Trim back tree branches and bushes so they do not make contact with the house. Remove tree stumps from your yard. Keep fi rewood piles stacked outside of your home neat, away from the house and off the ground. Make sure basements and attics are well ventilated and dry. Head up to the roof to look for any rotted or decaying shingles. When you’re looking at your roof, also check that your gutters are free of debris. These simple steps now can save you a lot of headache and money down the road from these unwanted visitors. For more information and tips visit HBABillings. net
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Get Your Home
INforSHAPE Summer By KIMBERLY WELZENBACH CEO, Home Builders Association of Billings The fitness levels of many of us tend to wane during the fall and winter seasons, and then a renewed motivation comes each spring as we endeavor to get ourselves “beach ready.” Similarly, a home endures a variety of harsh elements during the winter months, and springtime is typically a great opportunity to get it back into shape. The spring maintenance to-do list can be quite long for some, but the good news is that many of the items on the list can be completed— or at least initiated—by the home owners themselves. The following are a handful of critical areas to assess as you prep for the warm weather ahead.
Air Tightness
time of year to inspect your fi replace and chimney. Look around for visible cracks, nesting animals or other signs of damage. Use this opportunity to have a professional chimney sweep clean your chimney, check it thoroughly and make any necessary repairs.
Energy Efficiency
Take a look at all of your windows and doors for drafts and air leaks. Caulk any seams and reglaze windows if needed. It’s a good idea to clean all of your windows, inside and out, including the screens. Replacing any worn weather-stripping around doors will help keep cool air in the house and your electric bills down.
Spring is a great time to service your air conditioner. Don’t risk having it break down in the middle of a summer heat wave. A small amount of time spent cleaning the unit and nominal investment in professional maintenance now could save you days or weeks of suffering this summer.
Air Quality
Water Damage
Consider hiring a professional Inspect the outside of your to clean your ducts where dust house to ensure proper drainage. and air-borne particles are likely Some key areas to examine include to build up. Spring is also the ideal overhangs, awnings and exposed
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siding where snow and water tend to collect and cause materials to decay over time. If possible, venture outside during the next rainfall and observe how the rain rolls off your roof and down your gutters. The water should empty a good distance away from your foundation so that it doesn’t seep into your basement. Keeping gutters and downspouts clear of debris and in good working order will help eliminate water from pooling close to the house, which will not only cause damage but also attract insects like termites. Repairing leaky plumbing in and around crawl spaces, and properly ventilating those areas will help keep them dry and much less hospitable to insects.
General Safety Check the condition of stair railings, steps and sidewalks around your home. Tighten any loose connections and smooth out cracks or ridges in the walkways. If your steps have settled or shifted, consult a professional to have them repaired. Focusing on these small jobs now will save you time and money in the very near future. They’ll also give you added peace of mind so that you can enjoy a safer, cooler and healthier summer. For more information about getting your home in shape for summer, contact the Home Builders Association of Billings at 406-252-7533 or online at HBABillings.net.
HBA Storm Preparation Guide
Protect Your Roof So It Protects You By KIMBERLY WELZENBACH CEO, Home Builders Association of Billings A home is the biggest investment most people will ever make, which is why home owners often go to great lengths to protect that investment. But one of the more important components of safeguarding a home is also one of the most often ignored: the roof. It’s tempting to devote more time and attention to more fashionable maintenance and upgrades like updated kitchen appliances or new bathroom vanities. However, those improvements might lose much of their appeal if water be-
gins dripping through the ceilings or mold starts growing in the walls. The top of your to-do list should include what’s on top of your house. Take the time to ensure your roof is up to the task of protecting everything and everyone it shelters beneath by following these simple steps: Start by visually scanning the roof for any sagging or uneven areas, which can be signs of damage to the roof deck below the shingles. Clear the gutters of any branches, leaves or other debris that could clog downspouts. Water or snow that is left standing on the roof will increase the likelihood of leaking, which can damage not
only to the roof, but the interior walls as well. Ensure the gutters are fastened properly and securely to the fascia board, to minimize the risk of the gutters loosening or falling off after heavy snow and/or ice. Remove any debris from the valleys, including small branches and accumulating leaves, which can add weight to the roof and also inhibit proper drainage. Check the positioning and the condition of the flashings, which are the thin pieces of material, often made of aluminum or other metals, used to prevent water seepage between joints and seams around vents, pipes, skylights, and chimneys. When loosened or
damaged by high winds and heavy rains, flashings can actually cause leaks rather than prevent them. Examine the condition of the shingles and repair or replace any that might be missing or damaged. Look for curling edges or missing granules. Inspecting your roof at least twice a year (before and after
winter) by following these steps will help you identify potential problems before they result in costly repairs or even premature roof replacement. For additional home owner resources, contact the Home Builders Association of Billings at 406252-7533 or online at HBABillings. net.
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Preparing for Turbulent Summer Weather By KIMBERLY WELZENBACH CEO, Home Builders Association of Billings As summer sets in around the country, the likelihood for severe weather increases too. Tornadoes, heavy rains, and flash flooding all threaten to wreak havoc on homes and communities during the warmer months. Taking the time to prepare your family and home now will help ensure that you are ready when the forecast calls for ishable food, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, batteries, a firstturbulent weather. aid kit, family prescription medicines, pet supplies and important Create an Emergency family documents. For more ideas Supply Kit on stocking your emergency supHaving an emergency supply ply kit, visit www.ready.gov. kit ready and easily accessible will help you with any type of natural Develop a Family disaster. This kit will be imporCommunications Plan tant if you are in your home withSince your family may not all be out electricity or if you are forced to evacuate your home. Your kit together when an emergency ocshould contain: a three-day sup- curs, it’s important for everyone to ply of bottled water and non-per- know your communication plan.
place to meet if your neighborhood is evacuated. Practice evacuation drills during the day and at night so that everyone knows where to go.
Weatherproof Your Home
Ready.gov recommends choosing one family member for everyone to contact. Make sure children know their parents’ cell phone numbers. It’s also helpful to send text messages, as they are more likely to go through than phone calls during an emergency. Parents should also know the emergency plans in place at their children’s day care and schools. Your family should also have a meeting place if you are forced to evacuate your home. This includes a spot in your neighborhood and a
There are also a few steps you can take to protect your home against severe weather. Clean out clogged gutters and downspouts. If the rain that accompanies a heavy storm can’t run through the gutters and downspouts, it will spill over the sides, landing in areas where it can soak through to your home’s foundation, causing flooding and structural damage. Keep the elements out. Try to prevent wind and water from entering through windows, cracks, entry doors and garage doors. Especially in wind-prone areas it is important to seal your windows and doors as tightly as possible. Secure all doors. If you
live in an area that frequently gets heavy storms, consider installing steel entry doors. High winds can easily tear through double doors, French doors and sliding patio doors that have no structural support between the two sides. You may need to purchase and install special hardware to more adequately secure the doors where they meet. Try bolts that fasten the door into the framing at the top and the bottom. Check your roof. A strong roof is another essential element in preparing your house to withstand a severe storm. Apply sealing around your home’s chimney or vent pipes. This will help prevent water from seeping into your home. Hire a contractor to check the structural integrity of the roof system. To learn more about protecting your home during a natural disaster, contact The Home Builders Association of Billings at 406252-7533, hbabillings.net - or visit nahb.org/DisasterResources.
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