Montana Dream Homes

montana

2013

ownership decorating improvements outdoors

DREAM HOMES

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dream house Every

includes a

PERFECTLY PLUSH LAWN.

Whether you are a landscape professional in need of a truck load of sod, or a private homeowner in need of either a complete lawn or just a few rolls, Tvetene Turf can provide you with superior quality sod at an affordable price.

Our Kentucky Bluegrass, Bluegrass-Fescue Blend and new this year, Bella BluegrassTM sods are grown locally. These hearty, perfectly-plush grasses have been specially formulated to thrive in the diverse climate conditions found in the region we serve. The new Bella BluegrassTM has minimal growth which requires 50-80% less mowing, and uses

1/3 or less water and fertilizer.

Want to seed instead? We carry the same Kentucky Bluegrass, and Fescue seeds we use in our fields. We also carry fertilizer for already established lawns and for newly seeded or sodded lawns.

Tvetene Turf has set the pace for growing the areas highest quality sod for over 40 years. Our dedication to quality product and outstanding customer service has made us the leading sod producer in south central Montana and northern Wyoming for decades.

652-8485 or toll free 1-800-448-5568 -- 6844 South Frontage Road, Billings, Montana 59101 -- www.t-turf.com Montana Dream Homes 2013 Montana Dream Homes 2013

Montana Dream Homes 2013

Montana Dream Homes 2013 Montana Dream Homes 2013

Billings Best

Mortgage Lenders!

Absarokee 328-4512

Banks off Service since 1907

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DREAM HOMES decorating

improvements

Tackling common carpet stains............................ 8-9 Trash vs. treasure ......................................................11

outdoors

Patios an extension of the home ............................12 Install the perfect lawn.............................................13

The windows homeowners want.............................6 Home evolution .........................................................10 We fix ugly ..................................................................14 High-tech homes to make life simpler ............ 15-16

ownership Private Mortgage Insurance .....................................7

Montana Dream Homes is a yearly special advertising publication of the Billings Gazette.

Sales & Marketing Director Dave Worstell

ClassiďŹ ed & Digital Sales Manager Ryan Brosseau

Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Duty

Editorial Coordinator Mo Lucas

Section Designer Katherine Jore Access Montana Dream Homes at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections

Montana Dream Homes 2013 Montana Dream Homes 2013

Montana Dream Homes 2013

Montana Dream Homes 2013 Montana Dream Homes 2013

We invite you to work with a bank that actually helps you get what you want.

Joe Kurkowski Vice President Home equity specialist 406-869-6734

Laurie Hufnagel Real estate loans 406-869-6706

Work with a decision maker who can back you up from start to finish.

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What homeowners want quality, craftsmanship and service that have been the hallmarks of this family-owned and operated company for more than 100 years.

With that in mind, Marvin once again turned to its customers, dealers and builders to find out what’s on their minds as they create their own vision for their homes. Here are Marvin’s top consumer trends in the homebuilding industry.

With the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, issues of accessibility are coming to the forefront. Some boomers are moving to new homes designed especially for easy living.

Yet the majority, according to a survey by AARP, will remain in their existing homes.

Making these existing homes Universal design and “aging accessible through smart design in place” is a key issue facing homeowners Marvin’s promise to customers and homebuilders today. Yet even is simple: every window and door non-Boomers appreciate the conwill be Built Around You™, with the venience and safety offered by uni-

most innovative window has recently become available with the classic beauty of wood inside and outside: Marvin has introduced the Wood Ultimate Casement window. This new addition to the Ultimate Casement and Awning Collection will continue to add to Marvin’s value and offer important features for builders, remodelers, architects and homeowners.

Marvin also offers a full line of classic double hung windows that tilt in effortlessly for easy cleaning or allow the option of removing the sashes entirely for cleaning. And like all Marvin windows, each one is custom-made to order.

The Courtesy of Marvin Windows Company

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How do you know how far you can go with your windows and doors, if you don’t know the possibilities?

Visit our showroom for the full Marvin Design Gallery experience today.

We can make all the difference.

versal design principles, such as Lever-style handles, low- or no-sill doorways, even home elevators – all are responses to this challenge. Another smart home solution is installing windows like Marvin Windows and Doors’ Ultimate Casement line.

The Ultimate Casement and Ultimate Replacement Casement swivel 40 degrees in wash mode, allowing homeowners to wash the outside of the window from inside the house.

No more climbing ladders – an activity that sent more than 220,000 Americans to the emergency room last year.

Historic looks with modern performance Consumers love classic styles, but they demand modern technology and performance. Give them the best of both worlds, and you’re bound to please.

As Americans invest in their current homes, they’re keenly interested in maintaining the integrity of the existing architectural style. Marvin customers are more interested than ever in gaining the efficiency and performance of modern windows while matching the current look of their homes.

One popular option is Marvin’s Ultimate Casement Collection that can simulate the look of a double hung. Marvin’s round top window is another classic style that delivers timeless elegance with modern performance standards.

Marvin Entry Doors are handcrafted from solid Honduran mahogany, Honduran cedar, white oak, walnut and cherry woods. With stiles and top rails engineered from solid wood, mated with multi-point locking systems, Marvin Entry Doors provide both security and beauty.

Let our experts guide you through the showroom, where architecturally-designed displays will inspire you with the beauty and quality craftmanship of Marvin Windows and Doors. Our services include: ■

Energy-Efficient production options

■

Personalized consultation

■

Professional installation, if desired

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In-house service professionals

■

The protection of Marvin’s 20/10 year Warranty

call for estimates

2474 Overland Ave.

Billings 59102

406-294-8075

Tax Credits • Professional Installation • Maintenance Free Montana Dream Homes 2013 Montana Dream Homes 2013

Montana Dream Homes 2013

Montana Dream Homes 2013 Montana Dream Homes 2013

What is Private Mortgage Insurance?

Mortgage Insurance, also known as PMI, is extra insurance that lenders often require from homebuyers who obtain home loans that are more than 80 percent of their new home’s value. In other words, buyers with less than a 20 percent down payment are normally required to pay PMI.

Private Courtesy of Little Horn State Bank

What Purpose Does PMI Serve?

PMI plays an important role for the lender by partially protecting the lender against loss if a borrower defaults on a loan. The potential benefit for the cash-strapped borrower is that it heightens the possibility of homeownership. With this type of insurance, it is possible for you to buy a home with as little as a 3 percent to 5 percent down pay-

ment. This means that you can buy a home sooner without waiting years to accumulate a large down payment. Under the Homeowner’s Protection Act (HPA) of 1998, the lender or loan servicer is required to provide certain disclosures to the borrower concerning PMI. Additionally, the HPA includes provisions for the borrower’s cancellation and automatic termination of PMI.

Termination of PMI Coverage Under HPA, you have the right to request cancellation of PMI when you pay down your mortgage to the point that it equals 80 percent of the original purchase price or appraised value of your home at the time the loan was obtained, whichever is less. You

Take over your space with style.

also need a good payment history, meaning that you have not been 30 days late with your mortgage payment within a year of your request, or 60 days late within two years.

Your lender may require evidence that the value of the property has not declined below its original value and that the property does not have a second mortgage, such as a home equity loan.

In the past, most lenders honored consumers’ requests to drop PMI coverage if their loan balance was paid down to 80 percent of the property value and they had a good payment history. However, consumers were responsible for requesting cancellation and many consumers were not aware of this possibility. In many cases, people failed to make this request even after they became eligible, and they paid unnecessary premiums rang-

ing from $250 to $1,200 per year for several years. With the new law, both consumers and lenders share responsibility for how long PMI coverage is required. Under HPA, mortgage lenders or servicers must automatically cancel PMI coverage on most loans, once you pay down your mortgage to 78 percent of the value if you are current on your loan. Special rules apply for “high risk� loans, and you should consult your lender regarding insurance rates, cancelation of insurance, and “high risk� mortgages.

What if I need an FHA Guarantee?

The Fair Housing Administration (FHA) has programs to help buyers who otherwise could not purchase a home.

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AN AFFORDABLE HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT For Home Improvement, Debt Consolidation or Major Purchases

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Simple Steps to Tackling Six Common Stains

can be hard on a home. House guests, parties, cooking and baking combined with a busy schedule often result in spills, stains and frustrations. Carpet One Floor and Home has comCourtesy of piled six common stains along with simple cleaning Carpet One steps to relieve additional stress.

“Stains don’t have to add stress to an already busy schedule. The keys to handling stains with ease are being prepared and responding quickly,” says Randy Mostad of Carpet One. There are a few basic techniques to learn: • Apply: Wet a clean, white (not printed) paper towel with a cleaning solution. Then dampen the carpet with it. Avoid wetting the carpet through to its backing.

• Blot: Absorb the excess liquid from the carpet by pressing straight down with a clean, dry, white paper towel. Do not rub. Place a half-inch thick pad of clean, dry, white paper towels with a weight on top and leave overnight if necessary.

• Scrape: Gently scratch the soiled area with the blunt edge of a spoon. Scrape from the outside edge of the spot toward the center.

Putting together a stain “emergency kit” to have on hand can also help relieve some stress when accidents happen. A good “emergency kit” should include: • White Vinegar • Baking Soda • Unprinted White Paper Towels • Clear Dish Washing Detergent – Mix 1/2 teaspoon detergent with one cup of warm (not hot) water when you need it.

• A Laundry Pre-soak Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon enzyme laundry detergent with one cup of water before using.

• A Dry Powder Carpet Cleaner.

• Dry Cleaning Solvent: Non-oily, non-caustic type sold as spot removal for garments. Caution: May be flammable.

With the techniques and tools ready, a holiday stain is easier to handle. The steps below cover six of the most common household stains that occur all over the house.

1. White Glue. Kids’ craft projects sometimes go awry. When the glue ends up on the floor instead of the project, first scrape or blot up excess spill. Then apply the detergent solution using a damp towel. Blot the stain -- don’t rub. Next, apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel and blot again. Apply water with a damp sponge. Blot again and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

Socializing

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2. Lipstick. In a hurry to get ready, the lipstick gets dropped on the carpet. Start by scraping or blotting up the excess spill.

Apply the detergent solution using a damp towel and leave 3-5 minutes. Blot and apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel. Apply water with damp sponge. Blot again and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture. Leave overnight if necessary.

3. Candle Wax. Candles make any celebration a little more festive. When the wax drips on the carpet, first scrape off excess wax. Cover the stain with brown paper and apply a warm iron until remaining wax is absorbed. Be sure paper is large enough to cover the stained area. Take care never to touch the iron to the carpet as the fiber might melt. Change paper or rotate to clean area and repeat until all material is absorbed.

You can also try scraping the spill and then freezing it with ice cubes. Shatter the frozen wax with a blunt object like the back of a large spoon. Vacuum chips away before they melt.

4. Red Wine. Instead of limiting yourself to drinking only clear beverages, be ready with these steps. Blot up excess spill as quickly as possible. Apply the detergent solution using damp towel and leave 3-5 minutes. Blot and apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel. Blot again. Finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture.

Leave overnight if necessary.

5. Cooking Oil. Cooking projects often involve the whole family. A greasy stain shouldn’t ruin the fun. First apply a dry cleaning solvent, using a dampened towel. Blot the stain, as rubbing will embed it further. Then repeat these steps, first applying a solvent

and then blotting. Lastly, apply water with a dampened towel and blot-finish with a weighted pad of towels.

6. Chocolate. Who doesn’t love chocolate? But when a piece of chocolate candy gets dropped, it can cause a big mess. First, finish your remaining treat, and then scrape up excess spill. Apply detergent solution using a damp towel and blot. Apply white vinegar (undiluted), using a damp towel, blot and apply water with a damp sponge. Blot and finish by weighing down a half-inch thick pad of white paper towels to absorb all the moisture.

Leave overnight if necessary. * Note: Not all carpet fibers react the same way when treated for stains. Before proceeding with any of the preSpilling red wine doesn’t need to be a disaster ceding cleaning procedures, for your carpeting if you’re prepared. we recommend you contact the For more information visit appropriate fiber company for warranty. For more informatheir suggested maintenance tion, please contact your Car- Carpet One at 505 So. 24th St. West, Billings or visit the website guidelines. Failure to follow pet One retailer. at www.carpetonebillings.com. these guidelines may void your

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Y H E our

Dungeon Basement

ome

VOLVES...

Dream Basement

Life changes - you change — and so do the dynamics of your home.

It’s where family and friends gather. Freyenhagen Construction works with you through the entire process of making any room in your home functional and new again. We’re with you from the initial design to final completion. We’ll transform any room in your home making it that special space you’ve always dreamed of.

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FREYENHAGEN CONSTRUCTION, Billings’ leading design-andbuild company, can help you increase the value of your home.

Your home evolves. Make the most of it. Call us Today!

1343 Broadwater Ave. Ste 4 Billings, Montana 59102 • (406) 652-6170 www.freyenhagenconstruction.com Montana Dream Homes 2013 Montana Dream Homes 2013

Freyenhagen Construction recently finished this remodel of a Billings home.

Home Evolution happens suddenly. You go about life and one day you realize, “My Courtesy of house doesn’t fit me anymore!”

This is a common issue that I Jeremy Freyenhagen see on a regular basis. As a remodeler, I consult homeowners.

I give you options. Life changes —you change—and so do the dynamics of your home.

It

Do you have kids and need more room? Perhaps the kids are grown and you want to change up the extra space. Or, you’re enjoying grandkids and your desire is having the entire family gather at your house.

If a parent or in-law moves in with you the dynamic changes again. Also, as you age, you realize that you may not want to move, however, staying put requires some accessibility modifications. Such is the evolution of home.

Life has its seasons…your wants and needs change. So what do you do? Some people move. But for those of us who have become attached to our neighbors, yards, locations or views, staying put is the only real option. So, where do you start?

Montana Dream Homes 2013

Here are some ideas: 1. Make a list of likes and dislikes. (I love the view but the room is too small).

2. Decide how long you plan to stay. Until the kids are out of school or for the rest of your life? This determines how much to invest and for what purpose.

3.

Prioritize. Rank your list of likes and dislikes from most to least important.

4.

Make a master plan.

What’s your vision for your home? Do you want to add a family room, redo the kitchen, update the bathrooms or build a new deck?

5.

Get some help.

Find someone you can trust who is knowledgeable about design and construction. Listen to their recommendations.

With some planning, you can adapt your home so that it evolves with you.

Jeremy Freyenhagen is the owner of Freyenhagen Construction in Billings.

Montana Dream Homes 2013 Montana Dream Homes 2013

Trash vs. treasure: America’s favorite pastime relics isn’t a hobby just for Grandma and Grandpa any BPT more. With the explosive popularity of TV shows centered around unearthing historic memorabilia and valuable pieces of Americana, searching for knickknacks and artifacts that make one-of-akind home decor is now a popular pastime for people of all ages. But how do you know the difference between what’s really treasure and what’s simply trash?

Larry Singleton, decor manager at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., is an expert when it comes to collecting historic relics. Singleton and his family have been collecting for more than 40 years, providing real American artifacts, memorabilia and signage to the more than 600 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations nationwide. He offers these insightful tips for the next time you’re

Collecting

3. Keep a smartphone close. on the hunt at a garage sale, flea A smartphone can be a treasure market or thrift store: hunter’s best friend because you 1. Research and learn. Re- can conduct research quickly search and learn as much as you while on location. You can also can before you shop. Watch TV research similar items to compare shows, search on the Internet, visit prices and see if the price is realocal collector’s stores. Discover- sonable or inflated. ing what’s valuable and knowing 4. Know an expert. Keep an what’s currently in-demand helps guide you in making that “big dis- expert’s number on hand — every covery.” It’s important to be willing collector runs into questions and to invest the time and never be having a knowledgeable contact you can call or to whom you can afraid to ask questions. send a picture is invaluable. Good 2. Know your interests. If you resources include community ashave an interest in a particular sociations, historical societies and type of item — such as vintage ad- friends or family members. vertisements, folk art or children’s 5. Network. One of the best toys — familiarize yourself with what makes a piece authentic and ways to learn about items as well what might indicate a reproduc- as where to find them is to talk to tion. Plus when you have a per- likeminded people. Treasure huntsonal interest in the item you’re ers and collectors love to share seeking, the hunt becomes that info on what they collect, buy and sell. Use this information (and camuch more fun.

maraderie) to your advantage.

6. Know the story. While some items might have plenty of monetary value, other historic relics might be valuable simply because of the story they tell. Seeking historic artifacts and memorabilia provides a piece of decor that is more than just pretty; it’s a conversation piece when guests visit your home.

These expert tips are what Singleton follows to find the authentic memorabilia that decorates all Cracker Barrel locations. Each store has about 1,000 artifacts displayed, giving patrons a taste of American history. You, too, can create an interior space that pairs modern comfort with the panache that only unique historic relics can bring to a home’s decor. Start your own treasure hunt today.

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Now is the perfect time to plan for next year’s patio season, and with the right improvements, you can make it the most comfortable one yet.

How to truly make your patio an extension of your home you’re like many homeowners, you consider the patio an BPT extension of your home. So it’s fair to ask: Would you be just as comfortable nestled in with your favorite book or preparing a meal in your outdoor space as you would in your living room or your kitchen? As you contemplate ways to improve your outdoor area, think about projects that can both extend the hours you spend outside and make the time you spend there more relaxing.

Just as technology continues to make life indoors easier, more sophisticated awning systems, heating options and lighting can make your outdoor space that much more pleasant. Here are a few areas to consider as you plot your next round of improvements for your outdoor living space:

If

Temperature control: One of the best ways to make your patio pleasant for more of the day—and more of the year—is to add simple temperature control features. If you live in a place where it gets uncomfortably hot during the summer, install misters around your favorite sitting areas to cool things down. Likewise, if you often find yourself heading inside because it gets too chilly in the spring and fall, a few strategically placed overhead heaters can extend your patio season.

have to worry about damaged awnings on a windy day with Somfy’s motorized awning systems and wind sensors that work together to automatically retract your awnings when winds become too high. Retractable awning systems powered

by Somfy can also be accessorized with sun sensors that signal motorized awnings to open as soon as the sun rises, keeping your outdoor space cool from the start of the day.

If adding a hint of warmth is needed, simply install an awning heater. All of these accessories can be managed by the same remote that controls your motorized awning. With a system like this, you can leave the days of fiddling with fussy patio umbrellas behind.

grill, but do you find yourself making frequent trips inside for other prep work? Make outdoor cooking easier by adding a prep island that can be placed near your grill. And if you really want to go all out, look for options that feature outdoor sinks or small refrigerators hidden under the countertop.

Entertainment connectivity: Well-placed speakers can bring the stereo sound of your indoor system out.

By upgrading your system so it can be controlled from your wireless device, you can bring the conveniences of your digital music system outdoors and eliminate the need to get up to turn up the volume or flip to the next song.

Shade matters: Awnings and umbrellas also play a huge role in regulating the temperature and comfort of your deck or patio. And now, shading options have become more sophisticated An outdoor kitchen: No Take look at your lightand easier to maintain than ever before. You’ll never patio is complete without a ing: High-powered outdoor

Montana Dream Homes 2013 Montana Dream Homes 2013

Montana Dream Homes 2013

lights on sensors might be helpful when you’re bringing in the groceries at night, but patio entertaining calls for a little more subtlety when it comes to lighting.

Consider zero-energy solarpowered fixtures around the perimeter of your patio for a gentle ambiance to light up your evenings. Somfy’s motorized systems can also be connected to your lighting, allowing you to adjust brightness as needed from the comfort of your patio lounger.

Now is the perfect time to plan for next year’s patio season, and with the right improvements, you can make it the most comfortable one yet. For more ideas and products that can make your outdoor space that much more hospitable, visit www. somfysystems.com.

Montana Dream Homes 2013 Montana Dream Homes 2013

Install the Perfect Lawn turfgrass sod allows you to enjoy a lawn of instant beauty and maturity without the usual timeCourtesy consuming aggravation of seedof Don ing. Follow these easy steps to a Tvetene perfect lawn.

Installing

Step 1 – Soil Preparation

For optimum results, till or spade the area to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. At this time, you may want to add soil amendments, such as topsoil or compost, to improve soil structure. Eliminate drainage problems by sloping away from foundations. Rake in quality starter fertilizer and smooth the soil. Be sure to move any debris and rocks, as well as any low spots. Keep the grade approximately 1 inch below sidewalks and driveways.

Step 2 – Measuring and ordering

Measure the area of your planned lawn, and draw a detailed sketch of the lawn area, noting the length, width, and any unusual features. Your local sod producer can assist you in determining the amount of turfgrass sod you will need from your sketch. After your preparatory work is finished, schedule your turf order. You are ready to install!

Step 3 – Turf Installation

Begin to install your turf immediately upon delivery. It’s easiest to begin installing turf along the longest straight line, such as a driveway, fence or sidewalk.

Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly, without stretching. Avoid gaps or overlaps. Stagger the joints in

each row in a brick-like fashion, using a large sharp knife to trim corners or pieces. Avoid leaving small strips at outer edges as they don’t retain moisture. On slopes, lay the turf rolls across the slope.

Step 4 – Watering

Newly installed sod should be thoroughly saturated (squishy soaked) immediately after installation. Unless there is standing water, it is virtually impossible to overwater sod during the first week after installation. The second week, it should be kept constantly moist. Then, less frequent and deeper watering should begin. Be sure that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry or windy periods of time.

avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn. This gives the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with the soil, and insures that the turf will remain smooth.

Maintenance

Your new sod lawn increases your property value immediately and significantly. With good care, it will remain a great asset, providing beauty, a clean playing surface, and a cooler, improvement environment.

When you mow, be sure that you do not remove more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Keep your mower blade sharp. Fertilizer and chemical applications will depend on climate, sod type and other factors.

For more information or to order your new perfect lawn, conCaution During the first three weeks, tact Tvetene Turf at (406) 652-8485.

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We fix ‘ugly’ a home owner, what are the two scariest rooms to update? Most people agree that the kitchen and the bathroom are Courtesy the most difficult.

If you are getting ready to tackle a kitchen of Miracle Method or bathroom update or remodel project, Miracle Method of the Bighorns offers a full range of products and service that come with a five-year warranty.

Miracle Method of the Bighorns can refinish bath tubs, counter tops and tile shower surrounds, as well as repair fiberglass and porcelain.

They can also install bathroom safety packages, including such features as Easy-Step tub to shower conversion kits, slip resistant surfaces and grab bars.

“Other refinishing companies use acid to etch fiberglass or porcelain. We don’t because acid is dangerous to us and our customers,” coowner Mark Phipps said. “Miracle Method uses a proprietary adhesion promoter — a non-toxic liquid that is applied just before the top coat goes on.”

The refinishing process starts with prepping the surface by cleaning and fixing damaged

As

areas and imperfections. “The majority of our time is spent preparing. If the prep isn’t done correctly the end result will show it. That’s part of the reason why the do-it-yourself products fail,” Nelson said.

Another major difference between the DIY products but also the process other refinishers use, is Miracle Method’s bonding agent. The bonding agent takes the place of the acid that other re-finishers use to etch the surface.

“We offer a range of solid colors, or natural accents for a stone look,” Phipps said.

“We do free in-home estimates, and we bring sample books with us,” he added. “We can help you find something you like, which goes perfectly with your existing floors, cabinets or fixtures.

Miracle Method of the Bighorns has technicians in the basin and in Billings.

“Our original plan was to add a third technician in the third year of business, but growth has been going so well, we’re ready to add that position before our 1st anniversary. “God is amazing; he has definitely blessed our business.” Co-owner Trevor Nelson said.

To schedule an estimate call Miracle Method at (307)-271-5240.

50

Easy-Step tub kits are one of the items available from Miracle Method of the Bighorns.

$

OFF!

a complete countertop or bath & tile refinishing job through 12/31/2013 Limit one coupon per project.

Valid only at participating locations.

BEFORE

After!

After!

All Work GuArAnTeed

“Yesterday, my counters were ugly.

Today, they’re beautiful!”

All Work GuArAnTeed

We Also Repair and Refinish: • Countertops • Tile Showers & Walls • Sinks & Vanities • Fiberglass Tubs & Showers Call for a FREE Estimate!

CALL 406-272-0099 FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

Each Miracle Method franchise independently owned and operated.

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See our work at MiracleMethod.com/

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High-tech devices make entertaining and staying secure much easier.

High-tech homes make everyday living simpler you find yourself wondering how you ever got along beBPT fore your smartphone, laptop and GPS, you’re not alone.

Technology is so much a part of how we go about our days that we often take it for granted. However, in many cases, houses haven’t caught up to the same technological standards as the gadgets people carry with them 24/7. But that’s all about to change, as new ideas begin to revolutionize the way we view our homes.

Technology can do two things: First, it can make everyday tasks simpler and faster. Second, it can enable us to do things that weren’t possible before. So when it comes to your home, having technology on your side can

If

music up or down, or switch to a new track. The Aud 5, also from iLuv, features a dock that accommodates Lightning, the next generation connection port on the latest iPhones and iPods.

Entertaining made easi- Since you can charge your er: Part of the fun of owning device while using Bluetooth a home is inviting friends and family to come over. Because everyone has a busy schedule these days, planning and hosting a party needs to as easy as possible.

With the help of some smart new audio systems, setting the mood with music is a snap. Bluetooth-streaming stereos like iLuv’s MobiRock let you control the music from wherever you are, right from your smartphone — no more having to leave your conversation to go turn the make a big difference — in terms of time, energy and money savings. If you want your home to join the world of high-tech living, consider these solutions:

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to control it, there’s no worry better ways to do it. While about the music stopping in everyone wants protection, the middle of your party. in the past state-of-the-art home security technology Staying secure: Protect- has been well out of many ing belongings and family homeowners’ budgets. But in the home has been a pri- that was then — today, proority since time immemorial, but now there are far See High-tech, page 16

Are you stArting your building project or remodel?

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High-tech, from page 15

tecting your home is becoming much more affordable, and the average homeowner can install high-quality security cameras that make it easy to always keep an eye on your property. Polaroid’s line of Wireless IP security cameras include both indoor and outdoor models, can be operated via computer or smartphone and even let you send snapshots via email. Whether you just want to check in while you’re at the office or during a weekend getaway, security cameras make it easier to know that your home is safe.

The automated home: It’s inevitable - a few hours into what’s supposed to be a relaxing vacation, you’ll wonder, “Did I leave the lights on?” or “Were the window shades left open?” The stress of not knowing — and not

being able to do anything about it — might soon be a thing of the past. Reasonably priced home automation systems that allow you to take care of those little household chores remotely are already available. TaHomA, from Somfy Systems, enables you to schedule and supervise window coverings, lighting and thermostats. Using an iPad, iPhone or computer, you can make adjustments from within or outside the home in just a few clicks.

Technology has changed virtually every facet of business and communication — it only makes sense that our homes will be the next frontier of innovation. As you consider all the ways to make your life simpler, keep in mind that a high-tech solution will be able to help, now and in the future.

Security cameras can be operated via computer or smartphone.

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