2016
What’s Trending Here & Now TO BUILD, OR TO BUY & RENOVATE Never an easy decision
CABIN VS. LAKE HOME
From simple, unplugged time away to luxurious lakeside living
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Welcome... to Minnesota Home Magazine — Imagine yourself sitting on your deck, sipping your morning coffee surrounded by the sounds of the whispering pines and gentle waves of the pristine lake just footsteps from your back door. Imagine yourself surrounded by friends and family cooking in your dream kitchen filled with laughter and making memories that will last a lifetime. Imagine yourself nestled up in your favorite chair reading a book next to the fireplace adjacent to the huge picture window that boasts the view of the moonlight shimmering on the water. Imagine yourself after a fun filled day on the lake or around town, retreating to your cozy master suite — a room filled with elegant touches of your own personal style to enjoy. So relax, wind down and appreciate the amazing craftsmanship of this place you call home — your dream home. This is Minnesota Home and we welcome you to get inspired and make plans for how you see yourself living in this beautiful area in the future.
Project Managers Nikki Lyter & Linda Hurst reviewing the final touches on this inaugural issue of Minnesota Home Magazine.
4 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
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2016
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Contents 2016
FEATURES
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
10 The Minneapolis Lake Home & Cabin Show
PHOTO BY RICK HAMMER, COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT
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12 To Build, or to Buy & Renovate
What’s Trending Here and Now
One place to see it all by Linda Hurst & Nikki Lyter
Never an easy decision by Carissa Andrews
20 So You Want Your New Home to be Fully Automated...
A countdown of the top 15 design trends in the lakes area by Danae Blanck Anderson, ASID, CID
Today’s smart homes by Chris Schucker
31 Dream Boards
Inspiration, upgrades and efficiencies by Nikki Lyter
40 His & Her Master Bathrooms
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Cabin vs. Lake Home From simple, unplugged time away to luxurious lakeside living by Nicole Stracek
Personal. Private. Luxury. by Sarah Herron
44 Outdoor Living in the Lake Country
Spaces to gather from April into October by Sheila Helmberger
50 Construction Loans
Avoid the pitfalls by Kathleen Krueger
53 Home Buyers Guide ON THE COVER
This Northern Minnesota lake home was designed and built by Nor-Son, an integrated architecture plus construction services firm. The craftsman style home is sided in seamless steel and complemented with cedar shakes. A flagstone patio is detailed with stone based columns and a standing seam copper roof for an impressive entrance. PHOTO BY SCOTT AMUNDSON PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY OF NOR-SON 8 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
The right steps to your home purchase by Linda Hurst
59 Distinctive Lighting
Bringing a home to life by Rebecca Flansburg
The Minneapolis Lake Home & Cabin Show BY NIKKI LYTER & LINDA HURST
One place to see it all Spring is undoubtedly the kick off to the building season for many, and with home shows going on throughout the state, they are a great place for those who have the itch to get started with their home buying search, building or renovating project. The Minneapolis Lake Home & Cabin Show brings in those looking to get ideas for their upcoming projects and allows potential clients to determine the professionals they want to work with. We spoke with vendors and consumers alike at this year’s Lake Home & Cabin Show and one thing is consistent, these folks mean business. Although a few people we spoke to were new to the show, most exhibitors have been working at this particular show for several years. They find people are attending this show who are beginning their journey in building or remodeling a home. Matt Schmidt from Wes Hanson Builders notes this is the only show they do and have had really good success. “People attend to start getting ideas and prospects usually come through in two to three years.” Andrew Ranweiler of B-Dirt Construction told us they’ve been coming to this show for nine years. “Homes are trending bigger again. Back in 2008, people were designing smaller, more compact houses, now the square footage is going back up.” We asked about industry trends and this was surprisingly consistent. You’ll see many featured in this magazine: Outdoor living spaces have been a growing area of interest for home builders as are reclaimed wood, natural stone and use of copper and other metal details. Kevin Litman of Vercon Construction talked about trends in bathroom design and layout. “People are going away from curtain rods and glass shower doors and opening everything up, bringing the rustic touches in.” Tim Davis from People’s Security talks about upcoming technology: “Home automation is really starting to take off, lots of door locks, lighting control, etc. — an app on your phone to control whatever you need.” If you have not had the opportunity to attend the Lake Home & Cabin Show in years past, we highly suggest you do next spring, especially if you are looking for ideas, new trends or are in the beginning stages of your next project. 10 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
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To Build or to Buy & Renovate? BY CARISSA ANDREWS
Never an easy decision
The Brainerd lakes area is full of natural beauty. It’s not only a vacation destination – but a destination many would love to live in year round. Depending on the area you’re looking at, it can limit your options for whether or not you can build a new home, or must buy and renovate. Luckily, there are a number of great contractors in our area to help you navigate these waters, regardless of whether you build your dream home or renovate an exciting one. Here are some things to consider when deciding which route to take. Upside to Building New — Get exactly what you want. When you decide to build, you’re in the position of getting exactly what you want when all’s said and done. This ranges from the location of the home, the way it sits on the property, the overall look and feel of the home, and even the way the grounds are established. You control the design. Having the ability to craft your home with the look and feel you want is very important to some people. When you build your own home, you have the ability to control exactly how you want your home to be built. This means the essence of your new home is only limited to your imagination and budget. The perfect piece of land. Building a new home grants some pretty awesome perks. One of them being the fact you won’t have to limit yourself to land with homes already built. You can broaden your scope to find the perfect piece of land with all the features you’re dreaming of. Everything is new. This may seem obvious, but unlike buying a new car off the lot, your new home will appreciate over time. In addition, you won’t have the stress of having to fix, replace, or remodel as soon as you move in. 12 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
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Up to code and more efficient. Moving into a brand new dream home gives you peace of mind in knowing your home is more energy efficient and safe. Building codes are constantly changing, so your new home is going to be far more efficient than one previously built. Downside to Building New — Can’t afford it. Sometimes, building a new home is simply not an affordable endeavor right out of the gate. Working with your lender will help you uncover whether or not building is an option. Timelines can be brutal. Building a new home is time consuming. From the moment you break ground on that gorgeous lake home, to the moment you move in can be a year or more out and some may not be able to wait it out. “People always underestimate the time involved in building new,” says Jason Thiesse, Construction Estimator for Baratto Brothers Construction. Land. When you work with a qualified contractor, they’ll be able to help you 14 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
avoid pitfalls in purchasing land for building. There are special considerations that need to be taken into account like utilities, road access, among others. Sometimes building on the perfect piece of land can come with an added cost, if you’re not careful. More upfront expenses. While this could be debatable, upfront costs are certainly going to be more expensive. For starters, everything is going in brand new; foundations, electrics, plumbing, the lot.
“People always underestimate the time involved in building new” Jason Thiesse, Construction Estimator Baratto Brothers Construction.
Upside to Buying & Renovating — Renovating offers a way to move into an area without the large up-front costs
that come with building. It’s a great way to buy low and give yourself some room to grow. This works especially well with lake homes. Budget considerations. In addition, the scope of work for your remodel in relation to your budget needs to be a consideration. If the home you’d like to renovate requires more work than you can afford, and it cannot be done in phases, you’ll be sitting on a property that doesn’t meet your needs for longer than you’d like. A good market. When the market is good, it may make sense to buy a home to increase its value and sell on (flipping). This works very well when you buy low in an area where other homes in the neighborhood have a higher value. Neighborhood. If you’ve got your heart set on a specific neighborhood, sometimes building new simply isn’t possible. This is one of the times when buying and renovating makes sense. In addition, there are times when you’re looking for
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a new home, but you can’t find one that meets all your needs. Phase in the work. When it’s feasible, you may be able to work your renovation in phases, easing up the budget and amount of time your home is in disarray. Do it yourself. For the do-it-yourselfers, it may make sense to renovate. Not all homeowners are able to build a home from scratch, but you may be able to knock out a wall, or finish a basement. In doing so, you could save yourself some money and perhaps learn some new tricks along the way. Downside to Renovating — Surprises. Finding something you weren’t expecting during renovation 16 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
can hit your wallet hard. According to Jim Baratto, owner of Baratto Brothers Construction, “Hidden circumstances or damage in existing or older homes is often discovered once a home is opened up, which drives the cost up.” The value may not go up enough. Depending on the location and the value of homes nearby, even if you remodel you may not increase the value of the home enough to cover the costs of construction if you plan to sell it on. Unlivable during renovation. No matter how you try to contain the construction zone, there will always be dust and commotion happening during a remodel. Sometimes, this can make your home un-
livable. In addition, it may require you to move furnishings while construction is underway; possibly incurring storage costs on top of everything else. Codes can be expensive. As we discussed, building codes change a lot through the years. This helps us create homes that are built safer, healthier, and have more efficient living environments. Once renovation begins, upgrading older homes to code can become very costly. Demolition costs. Sometimes the money spent just to get to your starting point can be more than you expect. “There’s a certain degree of lateral movement, work that needs to occur before you
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even get to start on the new work, such as demolition, material removal and disposal, hazardous material consideration such as lead and asbestos that can be costly,� says Jim Baratto. In the end, there are a number of factors to weigh and consider before you move forward to build your dream home or buy and renovate. Many of them come down to your own personal preferences and budget.
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North Country Custom Builders believe that what they do is more than a job and are dedicated to crafting state-of-the-art homes from the sincere desire to bring people’s dreams to life. They are passionate about the many beautiful homes they have constructed throughout the Brainerd Lakes area. With each custom-home project they design and build, they keep the homeowner’s dreams at the forefront at every stage in the process. Whether your project is large or small, a new construction or a remodel, North Country Custom Builders will do whatever it takes to make your vision a reality. That’s why they’re called “Custom Builders”...they make sure your perfect dream home is designed and constructed to your specifications. There will never be another home identical to yours.
North Country Custom Builders
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4349 72nd St SW • Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 Barry Frieler Cell: 218.820.7795 E-mail: barry@nccbinc.com Dennis Blosberg Cell: 218.232.1681 E-mail: dennis@nccbinc.com www.nccbinc.com
20 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
SUBMITTED BY: WAUSAU HOMES
So you want your new home to be fully automated... BY CHRIS SCHUCKER
Today’s smart homes The smart home of today is a series of various systems that work together and communicate with one another. If you asked someone to describe the features of their ideal home technology system, it would surely include 4K televisions for watching movies from Netflix or their favorite sports team.
Proper planning is crucial to successfully completing a project It would also have smart thermostats that help manage your home’s temperature in the most efficient manner possible and allow you to make changes while you are away. It might also contain an immersive audio system for listening to your favorite tracks from iTunes or for alerting you someone is at the front door via an enhanced doorbell. The success of all of these systems, now more than ever, is reliant upon one thing: the wiring. 2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 21
SUBMITTED BY: DIGITAL HORIZONS
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Proper planning is crucial to successfully completing a project – whether it is a task at work, a bathroom renovation or building a new home. Through proper planning, the components of your home technology system can be placed in optimal locations where they perform their best and do not interrupt the aesthetic of your home. Often times technology is not discussed until Sheetrock has been installed and your options are severely limited or are only possible with lots of added costs. Proper wiring goes by the term “structured wiring” or “structured cabling,” which basically means all of your home’s wiring will originate from one location in the home – in Minnesota this is often the basement, but it can also be an unused closet or garage. With everything starting from one point, it is much easier to manage the wiring – placing it within wiring enclosures and labeling it – allowing for easy changes or additions in the future.
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Perhaps the biggest benefit of this structured wiring is the ability to remotely locate your audio/video and networking components. No longer are you required to have several ugly “black boxes” in each room (amplifiers, disc players, cable/satellite boxes, modems, routers, etc.), all of these devices can be “centralized” in your home and then shared to each room. Not only does this improve the aesthetics of your home, but because all of these components are all in a single location, that means they can be installed in such a way that ensures they receive the proper amount of ventilation and their related wiring and interconnects can be properly managed.
SUBMITTED BY: DIGITAL HORIZONS Part of the job of a “systems integrator” is to ensure that the technology systems we install are blended seamlessly into our clients’ homes. Ultimately it is the unseen wiring that allows them to interact with what they do see and hear from the system. Only with careful planning can these technology systems function seamlessly within the home.
We believe that truly superior homes are built by people of high character, whose values are marked by honesty, accountability, and a dedication to doing things right the first time. 001387729r1
24 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
TRENDS
What’s
TRENDING Here and Now
BY DANAE BLANCK ANDERSON, ASID, CID
A countdown of the top 15 design trends in the lakes area
SUBMITTED BY: NOR-SON
So, 2016 is in full swing. In fact, it really feels like I have cabin fever; it’s time to look to spring and new beginnings. It’s possibly even time to rethink building a new home, renovating, remodeling, recycling or renewing your space. You might be asking yourself where you begin? How do you know what is “trending” or where do you go to make the best choices here in the lakes area? Interior designers, decorators, vendors, buyers and tradesmen alike flock to shows in HighPoint, N.C. (where the largest furniture show happens), Atlanta (furniture, lighting and accessories), Dallas (home/gift and lighting) and Las Vegas (also home/gift, lighting and furniture) to name a few. All are hoping to bring back the latest in design trends and innovation to share in their hometown. To view trends without traveling so far, one can drive a short distance to Minneapolis and visit International Market Square. The building was built in 1905 and modeled after the San Francisco Design Center. It houses more than 60 showrooms, shops, galleries and more for those interested in seeing trends up close. The main floor is open to the public and to visit other floors, one must be affiliated with an interior designer or architect. The Umaga Gift Mart, also in
2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 25
SUBMITTED BY: LANDSBURG LANDSCAPE NURSERY
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Minneapolis, showcases many of these trends as well. They have shows open to the trade during various times of the year exhibiting furniture, gifts, art, rugs and home decor. I’d like to share some of the design industries Trends for 2016 relevant to us here especially in central Minnesota. Since trends are truly more regional, here are the Top 15 “share worthy” popular trends from the trade that I think represent lake life in our beautiful region.
lies and friends to move their living room and kitchen experience outside and take full advantage of the beautiful seasons that Minnesota can offer,” said Raisanen. Lipke chimed in by saying, “Being able to use these outdoor spaces for entertaining well into the off season brings a lot more value to not only your home but your quality of life. Pizza ovens, grills and even outdoor TVs are just a few of the features that really make an outdoor room function for your family. There are endless options and choices for how to create your space whether you are on a budget or not. The only limit is your imagination.”
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The Sliding Door — The sliding door has gained popularity through television shows like HGTV Property Brothers or Fixer Upper, it seems they are a staple. But truly the sliding door can be an awesome focal point, add interest to a room but function with ease as you gain space with lacking the need for extra room for a door swing. The fun hardware that is available can really jazz up an area as well. Joe Paine with Brainerd Hardwoods Incorporated said, “The sliding barn door is a good way to add something unique to a home that is also functional. The nice thing is it is something you can use in any existing opening with little or no modification to the wall.” For more great door ideas talk to your contractor to see how to incorporate a sliding door, they can be customized to coordinate with your style.
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Outdoor Living Spaces — These spaces have become an added bonus to homes creating an area for your family to hang out together, eat and relax all while enjoying the great outdoors. It truly adds on more square footage to your living space. Although here in Minnesota we don’t always get to enjoy sitting on the deck in the winter time, there is something to be said for the outside fireplace that can be warmed up to on a chilly fall night or the large grilling area to gather around to enjoy picnics in the summer. These outdoor spaces usually incorporate some landscaping to beautify the exterior too. Andrew Raisanen and Jamie Lipke from Backyard Reflections located in Nisswa both mentioned how important the outdoor living space has become. “Outdoor spaces are a big attraction as they draw together the home and our outdoor areas. They allow fami-
Using Reclaimed or Repurposed Items — Incorporating items that are worn, old or shall I say vintage into things of beauty has currently been a common design theme. This can be seen with the use of reclaimed timber beams, mantles or flooring in homes to create old world charm. It can also be found with wonderful lights, furniture and accessories. From large dining tables to handmade Ball jar chandeliers and funky colored open frames, the choice is yours. Mixing old with new is just a cool thing to do. The Industrial Look — This look can be seen from furniture to lighting and everything in between. It
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usually combines wood with metal and maybe has some gears or gadgets incorporated into the pieces. It has made its mark and is here to stay for awhile. It is edgy with a familiar surprisingly warm feel. It can add a touch of roughness or character to any space. The industrial look can even be seen with exposed light bulbs and the ever present trend, the “Edison bulb” showing the inner workings of a bulb reminiscent to early electric days. Clear glass tags along with this style as does seedy glass. Sue Knudson, long time Light Depot employee and lighting guru stated, “The industrial look is hot! Customers really like looking at this in the store and it is selling well.”
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Mixing Metals — Combining many different colors of metals can be done and is considered chic. Metals are being used for hardware, artwork and various accents in the home like added details to a mantel or furniture piece. Another note of importance is brass is back, people. Yes, a new call for gold is here with a more matte look but definitely here. Not to mention still the use of oil rubbed bronze, black, stainless steel, satin nickel or pewter. Really whatever metal you find precious to you, you can use with confidence knowing it is in vogue.
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Farm to Table — This idea of using what we grow, harvest what we sow or eating locally grown is truly coming to life even in design. It can be seen with popular farm style kitchens with the old apron front large sinks to fit big kettles in and open shelving or cabinets like the settlers once had (I think a bit more refined, of course). But this idea is pushing its way into design since there is an ever increasing push to support our local farmers or even try raising chickens and planting a garden. Things that seem so simple have been forgotten too long
and this new excitement is creating a buzz in the industry with accessories, artwork and more. Jennifer Tihanyi co-owner of the Christmas Point Wild Rice Company commented, seeing the “farm to table” trend all over the Atlanta gift show this January. “I can’t tell you how many showrooms and major vendors were selling this look. The focus is on farming, pigs, cows and growing your own food. Kind of a cool look,” said Tihanyi.
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Color — The Pantone Color Institute, which provides color forecasting globally, selected a blend of two colors for the first time ever for this year’s color of the year. The colors combine pastel Rose Quartz and Powder Blue Serenity celebrating gender equality, tranquility, compatibility, balance and wellness. So look for pastels, especially blue and pink to be making their way back into fashion, decor and more. Although here in the lakes area, I foresee more of the neutral tones with hints of green or touches of deep red and splashes of light turquoise still playing a role. Both Sherwin Williams (SW7008 Alabaster) and Benjamin Moore (OC-117 Simply White) paints have stated that a special white is their color for the year bringing back warmth with simplicity. Check out our local dealerships for color swatches. 2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 27
SUBMITTED BY: WAUSAU HOMES
OPEN & AIRY
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SPACES
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Organization Stations or Command Centers — This is all about creating an area in your home to get organized with hooks, cubbies, drawers, baskets, files, tables, lockers and all your daily essentials before walking out the door. Or when the kids come home from school, this organized space is a never ending need. Now, more than ever, it seems families are trying harder to do it all by juggling a variety activities and events while multi tasking work, studies and charging their technology of choice. Chalkboard or dry erase walls have become super popular as an organization tool for these spaces. They aid in personalizing it with special calendars and messages of importance or even fun quotes or bible verses for the day. Putting a focus on the family is where these walls play a role.
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Mixing and Matching — Personalizing a space by blending opposing styles is very “in” right now. It is fun to mix and match colors and styles of cabinets, even wood species for a kitchen or bathroom. Countertops in solids for the perimeter and a more patterned island are often mixed together in different mediums like granite with solid surface material as an example. One must do this carefully however, so that the space still flows nicely with repetition and has visual balance with the correct pieces. Call on an interior designer to steer you in the right direction with the perfect blend of materials.
Maintenance Free Exteriors — Spending more money up front for materials that last longer and are low maintenance or even advertised as maintenance free seems to be the general
trend these days. Typically that initial cost is recouped due to not having to stain or maintain down the road. There has been more of a focus on making the exterior as warm and inviting as the interior with great curb appeal still by using low maintenance products. That can even mean blending materials together to achieve this. Jeremy Johnston of Northland Construction has noticed the exterior of our homes have become a blend of many materials including stone, metal, cement, glass, fiberglass, composites and wood. Yet, “the number one request is maintenance free as much as possible, our time is valuable and the last item we want to think about doing on a beautiful spring day is restaining the deck,” said Johnston. He continued by saying that deck surfaces are a composite material generally and most of the railings tend to be a metal spindle or even cable railing
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Open and Airy Spaces — The open floor plan continues to ring true in designing floor plans in remodeling and new construction. Less defined spaces with walls turn into large open built environments with furniture dividing how the living space is used. Part of the draw to this sort of plan is the benefit of being able to see what is happening all around you. The busy work at home mom can read an email, make dinner, help an older child with homework and keep an eye on her toddler all at once without worrying about not seeing someone is a huge perk. Open floor plans also make spaces seem larger even when they may lack in actual square footage. This trend in design has broken the boundaries of what has been expected in a home and made way for what can be possible to meet all of your personal design needs.
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Tiled Backsplashes — Adding some “bling” to your kitchen or bath with a tiled backsplash is definitely all the rage! The simplest kitchen layout can be empowered by the perfect pairing of just the right tile to blend all of the elements of the space together. There are a wide variety of options in the marketplace to meet numerous styles and maintenance preferences. Real stone is gorgeous yet porous so it must be sealed and maintained. Porcelain is being used more often due to its durability. It is a great option, easily maintained and offers an abundance of colors or patterns. There are metals, resins, ceramics, glass and a slew of other options as well. Mixing media can be tricky but when done right truly sets off the space remarkably well. Be sure to work with the correct type of setting materials and grout to achieve a solid installation.
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Locally Sourced — This is a hot topic these days, especially for sustainability. We are lucky to have so many qualified trades people in the lakes area. Using local craftsmen to work on your project is a great benefit not only for achieving a quality handmade product but also for this area’s economy. Another benefit of going with a local craftsman is customizing your product and knowing where the items come from to fabricate it. It is important to know the companies’ values and practices. Many local custom cabinet makers have a knack for creating wonderfully solid pieces that are customized for each client. They work on kitchens, bathrooms, office cabinetry … you name it they can incorporate the design you are dreaming of into the space.
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Focal Point Fireplaces — This is definitely not a new trend but I do see this continuing as a staple in the industry here. Depending on the spaces, square footage and the look the customer wants to achieve there is a ton of options that are available to choose from. Like stone, tile or wood surrounds and big chunky rustic mantels or ornately
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SUBMITTED BY: NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
depending on how important the view. “When we add wood to the exterior of a structure we typically like to keep it as reduced maintenance as possible so tucking it up under a large overhang and keeping it high off the ground is great way to keep from having to stain or paint it year after year,” said Johnston.
detailed wrap around mantels, the design choices are endless. Be sure to incorporate a style that ties into the rest of your space so the focal point is not “out of place” but instead adds the perfect touch of beauty and warmth to carry out the rest of the design.
2 2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 29
You see a front yard. We see a constant, renewable source of heating and cooling. 1
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3D Printers — A surprising number one trend…today’s world of 3D printers have become a powerhouse in the design industry. This amazing new technology which basically takes a computer aided design (CAD) idea from a concept into reality. We are seeing real science fiction come to life basically — from an idea to a model we can touch in minutes. Due to these high tech printing devices we have wonderful new large patterned wallpapers, ceramic or porcelain flooring looking like wood, vinyl flooring that looks like metals, fabulous laminate countertops resembling stone and much more. Having this technology at designer’s fingertips makes the possibilities endless. With all of these ideas to choose from, you should be able to find something that fulfills your individual design style, one trend at a time.
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Contact us today to learn what Geothermal can do for you!
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE 218.828.4337 | Baxter, MN www.BrainerdGeothermal.com 001393446r1
30 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
Dream Boards BY NIKKI LYTER
SUBMITTED
DERS
BY: EL BUIL
Inspiration, upgrades and efficiencies Research shows that people who are going to build a new home or remodel their current home start planning months or even years in advance. They are looking for those details that will make their project special with personalized and unique touches. They don’t want their home to look like any other. Since we are an extremely visual world with websites and apps available like Pinterest and Houzz at the tip of our fingers, creating our own dream boards or vision boards is easier than ever. Not to discount your collection of home and garden magazines with Post-It notes and folded corners, you’ve probably amassed quite a collection full of ideas which have caught your eye. Trying to determine your own design style by mixing and matching certain things you like from a collage of different images can sometimes be a challenge and quite time consuming. However, it is where many people start their building or remodeling project well before meeting with a contractor or setting foot in a store. While your current board (if you have one) may be filled with pretty pictures of kitchens, bathrooms, different color pallets and furniture styles, many do not consider key home items such as windows, blinds, gutters and insulation as your typical “dream board” collection. This is why we wanted to showcase a new spin on different aspects of your project to take into serious consideration at the front end of your project as opposed to an afterthought. Why not be thinking of the efficiencies and soundness your home will have at the same time as dreaming about those big accent timber beams and high-end finishes? Ready for some new inspiration? Good. Let’s take a look…
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SUBMITTED BY: VERCON, INC 2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 31
HOME PROTECTION FROM THE OUTSIDE IN
Seamless Siding For a true maintenence free exterior, seamless siding is a classic and timeless option.
Rain Chains
Gutter Protection In unsurpassed quality, the Valor line of gutter protection from Advantage Seamless is the leader in your homes defense against clogged gutters.
This dream board brought to you by... Advantage Seamless, Inc. 218-270-2663 or 888-570-5778 7419 Forthun Road | Baxter, MN 56425 4901 Co Rd 82 E | Alexandria, MN 56308 www.advantageseamlessgutters.com
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Oversized Downspouts At Advantage Seamless all downspouts are large to handle the up north rains and leaves. Not only are gutters functional home protection, you can also enhance the aesthetics of your home with new copper half round gutters.
Rain chains are a great accent piece next to an entry for an elegant touch.
“EXPERIENCE THE ADVANTAGE�
SEAMLESS
HOME VALUE ENHANCEMENTS
Sunrooms & Screenrooms
The Renewal by Andersen Experience is a start to finish process that provides professional installation, innovative Fibrex material and complete customer satisfaction.
Retractable Window & Patio Awnings Create the comfort you want while protecting the investment in your home and furnishings. Block the harmful UV rays of the sun and reduce your air conditioning cost at the same time.
This dream board brought to you by... Better Living Concepts Renewal by Andersen 218-829-5590 • 888-829-5590 11316 State Hwy 210 | Brainerd, MN 56401 betterlivingconcepts.net
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Replacement Windows & Doors
There’s no better way to enjoy and add value to your home - indoors & out, whether it is three-season, extended season or enclose an existing porch or screenroom.
INTERIOR DECOR
Signature Illusions速 The line features an attractive collection of innovative transitional shades that give you a higher degree of control over light and privacy levels.
Explore the exotic beauty of hand woven wood shades made from natural materials such as bamboo, wood, reed, bark, grasses and jute.
Interior Masterpieces速 Carved Corner Headboard with Rolled Border and Nailheads, Pillow Shams with Flange, Square and Rectangle Reversible Pillows and Bolster, and Duvet Slip Cover
This dream board brought to you by... Budget Blinds of Brainerd 844-7Blinds - 844-725-4637 jlarsen@budgetblinds.com www.budgetblinds.com/brainerd
Schedule Your Free In Home Consultation today!
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Mahn Truc Flat Roman Shade
HELPING YOU DO IT ALL
Duct Cleaning
Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. When your HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used.
Performs as both insulation and an air sealant, or air barrier, closing those nooks and crannies that let air escape and add dollars to monthly energy bills. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program estimates that by adding insulation and sealing air leaks, you could save up to 20% on your monthly energy bills.
Seamless Gutters Seamless gutters are superior to their sectional counterparts because they minimize leaks. Even well-constructed seams with ample sealant can start to wear away over time, allowing water to escape the gutter system.
This dream board brought to you by... Build-All Lumber Co. 13204 Fawn Lake Rd. Crosslake, MN 56442 218-692-3025 - 218-838-0795 insulation@crosslake.net www.buildalllumber.com
Full Service Lumber Yard Professional Installed Services FREE Estimates & Quotes Competitive Pricing Boom Truck Delivery FREE Job Site Visit
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Spray Foam Insulation
SUBMITTED BY: NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTION
Cabin vs. Lake Home
lake is where the magic When the loons return, happens. With summer their song is a reminder BY NICOLE STRACEK approaching, the lake to those who live on the will beckon cabin ownlake that summer is finally ers to come out of their here. Sunsets are always winter spell; the need to better after a long busy get away from it all pulls day of boating or fishing, like gravitational force. reminding everyone that Lake home owners easummertime in Minnesota gerly wait for the lake to is the best. Whether you enjoy spending long summer days camped out on the front thaw, waiting steadily for summertime to come, both cabin life porch with a good book, or a day on the lake, the end of the and lake homes bring a special lifestyle full of memories and day gives way to night time bonfires, where those who are love. lucky enough to own a cabin or lake home spend their eve- Cabin Life Unplugged — nings making memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a cabin on the lake or one nestled deep in the
From simple, unplugged time away to luxurious lakeside living
Living the Minnesota dream is different for everyone. Whether it is a lake house, summer cabin or full time residence, the 36 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
wilderness, or purchasing lakeshore property to build your very own cabin life is more than just a weekend excursion, it is a cov-
eted lifestyle. Cabin life blossoms in the summer, bringing families together to unwind and unplug. They come in all shapes, sizes and styles, but the one thing that remains the same is the memories that are made during those few summer months each year. Memories that are often cherished throughout generations, leaving a legacy that incorporates more than just a place to getaway, it is a place where everyone can find solace. Cabin owner Lee Maher says, “It’s a great way to spend time with the family with no TV, video games or electronics. The kids are always really excited to go and some of our best memories are from our trips to the cabin!” Cabin owners often find the luxury of cabin life means more than just getting away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle of life, it becomes a vacation from reality. Cabin owners often get by with less, making the most out of the weekend by just letting go. For the DIY pros, designing their own space brings joy and offers a chance to get creative. Cabin life brings a unique atmosphere to bond with family and friends, making summertime something to look forward to. Generations gather at the lake, celebrating life in slow motion. The decision to own a cabin is different for everyone. Lee says, “We bought the cabin because a lot of my favorite childhood memories are from time spent at my parents’ cabin and I wanted to give my kids the same experiences.” Cabin life also comes with some minor drawbacks. Depending on what type of cabin you own, maintenance and upkeep
can be cumbersome. Finding someone you can trust to check in on your cabin during the winter months can be key to ensuring your peace of mind. Traveling can also take a toll, but the rewards are priceless. When asked about the best aspect of owning a cabin, Lee states, “Family time! I don’t know that we’d spend as much time together as a family if we didn’t have our trips to the cabin.” The Lake Home Lifestyle — For lake home owners, the weekend comes early with no travel time required in order to get away. Spending the weekend boating, or roasting marshmallows by the lakeshore bonfire each moment is there to enjoy every day. Lake homeowners might say the world slows down just a little, leaving moments in time captured all year long. A unique sense of community comes standard with lake life. Neighbors, family and friends will gather during the summer months to celebrate the warmth that comes from the lake home lifestyle. Often generations of family members will have a great story to tell about a weekend getaway at the lake visiting family and friends. Whatever your future holds, if living on the lake is where you belong, you’ll know it when you get there. For lakehome owner Jacki Zahler, the benefits outweigh any downsides of living on the lake. Jacki says, “I love that I can enjoy the best parts every day. I don’t have to leave it at the end of a weekend, or travel far to take a vacation.” She goes to say that her favorite aspect of lake home life is,
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Value, Quality & Service - It’s what we do... www.e-lbuilders.com 1840 Hidden Loon Trl SW - Pequot Lakes, MN email: info@e-lbuilders.com
2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 37
“The summer evenings, sunsets and the wildlife, especially the loons.” For some, the idea of living on the lake year round can be too much. With everyday chores as a constant element of life, often lake home owners will say it is hard to really get away living on the lake full time. A common myth about owning a lake home is too much activity. But for Jacki she says it’s worth it even with the drawbacks. “I think that many people assume that there is activity and people around all summer, like it is on a weekend or holiday, but in reality there are many days around here that there are not many people up at their cabins and it is quiet.”
SUBMITTED BY: LANDS END DEVELOPMENT
Whether it is a cabin on the lake, a full time lake home or even a second home, lake life is grand.
38 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
SUBMITTED BY: VERCON, INC.
— His and Her —
Master Bathrooms BY SARAH HERRON
Personal. Private. Luxury.
SUBMITTED BY: NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS 40 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
Shower Doors • Tabletops • Custom Mirrors • Plexiglass Window Glass • Cabinet Glass • Replacement Screens & Storms Aluminum Store Fronts & Doors • Automatic Doors • Auto Glass Commercial Lock & Key • Door Closures & Hardware 001383322r1
Your Only Locally Owned Full Service Glass Company
829-2881
1-800-726-8445 18441 State Hwy 371 • Brainerd MN
800-692-2177 | 218-692-2177
CrosslakeSheetmetal.com
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The woman’s sanctuary and, arguably, a man’s favorite place to spend his time — yes, we are talking about the bathroom … or bathrooms. One of the current building trends being seen is a bathroom for her and a separate one for him. Matt Schmidt, Design Principal at Wes Hanson Builders in Crosslake, gives us some insight about why some homeowners are choosing this somewhat lavish trend. “Some couples simply can’t agree on the style they want the master bath to reflect. With this approach, each will be able to have the style they prefer. Others have voiced a desire to have their own space to escape and unwind,” Schmidt said. This is certainly taking it up quite a few notches from the outhouse or the utilitarian water closet. No longer is the bathroom just a small perfunctory room, but instead it can be akin to bringing the spa home. In fact, according to the National Association of Home Builders website, today’s bathroom trends are “Clean, uncluttered lines, energy and water-efficient features, the open and accessible aesthetics of universal design, materials and colors drawn from nature, and a spa-like feel of comfort and relaxation.” This is similar to the growth the kitchen has seen in the last couple decades, which was also once a small, purely functional space and has become, well, kind of a big deal. Consider hers … it could truly be that peaceful sanctuary. Picture a large soaking tub with beautiful built-in tiled shelving to accommodate everything needed for that candlelit bubble bath. Add a vessel sink that doesn’t have to be shared next to a lowered vanity with a cushioned stool and plenty of natural light. Imagine cabinets that have a place for everything, eliminating clutter and maybe even creating space for a coffee maker. Or perhaps a bidet in the water closet and heated floors to emphasize that spa-like feel. His bathroom could really be his favorite place. Visualize an over-sized shower with a cascading rainfall shower head, six massage jets and a steam generator. This shower head could also have built-
in speakers. A heated towel rack and a higher counter top would also be excellent additions. Maybe a built-in magazine rack by an elongated toilet. Want to totally indulge? Install a total immersion whirlpool, complete with a neck pillow. And why not add a fireplace crackling nearby with his favorite tunes playing on a surround sound entertainment system. There are definitely pros and cons to such an extravagance. Schmidt said, “Cons are mainly budget and the space it takes to accommodate a comfortable and functioning his and her bath. Pros include the ability to have differing aesthetics in each bath as well as varying amenities based on each owner’s preferences.
SUBMITTED BY: NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
&
His
EcoWater Systems of Brainerd While the first known instances of water treatment date back to ancient times, the water softening business began in the early 1920s. EcoWater was founded in 1925.
Our water treatment units are built in Minnesota.
Jesse Huber
office: 218-270-2900 cell: 218-831-7228
1309 S 6th St., Brainerd, MN
Ecowaterminnesota.com
42 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
Your Local EcoWater Professional, Jesse Huber, has almost 20 years experience.
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&
Hers
SUBMITTED BY: BARATTO BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION
“There is a lot to like about the idea of a his and her bath but the reality of it is a tough pill to swallow. If budget and square footage aren’t points of concern, have at it,” Schmidt said. If doing completely separate bathrooms isn’t for you, there are many other ways to improve your current bathroom or design. Some homeowners opt to share the shower and tub but have their own toilet and sink off to each side. Another interpretation of the his and her sinks is to do them facing opposite each other so each person still flosses and plucks privately. There are plenty of unique, innovative ideas to help you create your own sanctuary, whether you share that space or not.
2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 43
Outdoor
Living In the Lake Country
Spaces to gather from April into October There probably aren’t many people who appreciate the luxury of a day filled with sunshine or a warm summer night as much as those from Minnesota. As soon as the sun emerges in the early spring and temperatures start creeping up we find our way with friends and family to tables and chairs with comfortable cushions ready to enjoy everything the delicious days have to offer. The seasons arrive and then go again so fast that no one can blame us for looking for ways to spend as much time outdoors as possible. For years a fire pit in the back yard sufficed as a gathering place when friends would come to call. Today the fire pit might include some unique accent lighting, an outdoor sound system and so much more. The current trends in landscaping and outdoor design are offering more ways than ever for us to let our lives spill out into our yards. Brett Thompson of W.W. Thompson Concrete and Jamie Lipke, landscape designer at Backyard Reflections, say they are seeing more customers interested in creating outdoor living areas. For all of their warmth and delight, the summer days still end with chilly evenings and a heat source of some kind is a welcome part of an outdoor living space. There’s something about a fire, not only for the warmth, but the sense of relaxation and ambiance that it offers. When you surround a fire with comfortable seating and some seasonal blooms, you’ve created your own personal mini paradise.
Build yours Today!
LANDSCAPE NURSERY
16460 Hwy 371 N. Brainerd • 218-829-5519 LandsburgNursery.com
For the best tips, advice, and coupons, sign up for our e-newletter at LandsburgNursery.com 001388710r3
Our store features a wide variety of fireplaces, inserts and stoves. We offer gas and wood fireplaces and inserts as well as gas, wood and pellet stoves. A large selection of real and cultured stone, mantels and fireplace accessories are also available to create a warm, up north, cozy atmosphere in our customers’ homes.
We Add
Comfort Convenience and
To Your Home
www.upno rthfireplac egaller y.com 218-454-1040 - 14322 Dellwood Drive - Baxter upnorthfireplace@brainerd.net
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BY SHEILA HELMBERGER
Social Circles
SUBMITTED BY: BACKYARD REFLECTIONS Thompson and the staff at W.W. Thompson Concrete say they have seen a variety of their materials purchased for use in outdoor living areas, from stone and brick to a variety of pavers, each offering a different look and function. They say people are looking to create areas that allow them to stay home to entertain more these days. They find it relaxing, and more affordable. Being able to offer a great atmosphere is a bonus. They say they have seen designs from the very basic of outdoor spaces, with a grill, a fire pit and some seating, to areas that are much more elaborate. Something new
SUBMITTED BY: BACKYARD REFLECTIONS 46 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
Relax
they say customers are looking to include in designs is a pizza oven as well as a grill. The heartiest of souls will continue to fire
People are looking to create areas that allow them to stay home to entertain more these days.
up the grill for cooking all year around. Lipke says Backyard Reflections has
had designs on order since last fall for projects to be completed this spring. She says a complete outdoor kitchen will be every bit as functional as the one you have indoors. Spaces are included for preparing the food, cooking it and enjoying it. They include refrigerators, counters, wine coolers and sinks. Gone are the days while the host makes trips in and out while the guests sit by themselves. “We are doing a ton of kitchens,� she said. Some customers are including bar areas. Fire pits run by gas offer easy maintenance and little work. Besides refrigerators for keeping food and bev-
SUBMITTED BY: LANDSBURG LANDSCAPE NURSERY
WE CREATE OUTDOOR DREAMS LAKE PROPERTY LANDSCAPING SPECIALIST
877.365.4034 | www.backyardmn.com
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Annandale, MN | Nisswa, MN
SUBMITTED BY: W.W. THOMPSON CONCRETE
48 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
Lighting features are another way you can extend the hours your space can be used. Built-in lighting can be subdued and placed around the perimeter or in other places it may be needed such as walkways or in spaces where outdoor games might be played. Finish the design of your outdoor living space with blooms or greenery in pots or built in planters that will add a splash of color and an eye pleasing way to complete the final look. When planning your own outdoor living space there are many things to consider including the budget you have to work with, whether you will hire the work out or do some of it yourself, and how you want to use the finished space. Consider the traffic patterns to the area and how you will move within it. Consider pathways and trails. When you decide on the allimportant fire source, it’s time to determine whether seating will include patio sets with cushions or built-in benches and how they will be seated around the fire. Today’s outdoor structures can offer
SUBMITTED BY: BACKYARD REFLECTIONS
erages cool, drawers can be built in offering other storage. Lipke said a sink is a nice addition for a host and helps with the cleanup. Natural materials weather well and fit into the rural landscape of this area said Lipke, “Concrete pavers are popular for patios and walkways as well as boulders, natural stone and flagstone for pathways and walls. “The only real downfall is the summers aren’t quite as long here as they are in other parts of the United States,” she says, “but we take the precautions we need to as far as footings to protect from frost. For the most part, if you add a heat source you should easily be able to use those spaces from April into October.“ Lipke said natural swimming pools are another possible addition. “Installed much like a pond, these natural swimming pools use their own eco-system to filter and clean the water naturally versus using chemicals. They offer a whole new scope on swimming pools.“
so much more than shelter from the elements. Our yards offer an overlooked canvas that can be used for so much more than a lawn. They provide an inviting place to gather with friends, and a spot to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s a smaller petite patio or something more elaborate, when it’s finished, there might not be any reason to go back inside until winter.
Serving the Lakes Area for Over 27 Years Crow Wing, Cass, Morrison, Todd
• Refinances • Purchases • New Construction
• 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges • Lot Splits • Commercial Closings
www.Cygnetureonline.com 218-828-0122 13432 Elmwood Dr, Suite 1, Baxter MN 56425 001384641r1
Construction Loans BY KATHLEEN KRUEGER
Avoid the pitfalls. Do you understand the difference between a construction loan and a home mortgage? If you are unclear on the differences, you are not alone. The specific requirements, procedures and potential pitfalls involved with the construction loan process are often misunderstood, not only by property owners, but also contractors and sometimes even lending institutions. A construction loan is generally a short-term loan, usually for three months to a year, which is used to finance payments to contractors and suppliers during the construction process. These loans are often interest-only loans; meaning, the borrower does not make payments against the principal, only the interest that is accrued on funds paid out during the construction period. Once the construction is completed, the construction loan is closed and a home mortgage is put in place to finance the full purchase price of the home. “Construction loan procedures can be confusing and the amount of detail involved overwhelming to many property owners and their contractors,” states Suz Pohl of Cygneture Title & Abstract Inc. Title and Abstracting companies provide funds disbursement and closing services for both construction loans and home mortgages. They are the professionals who work at the center of home finance transactions dealing with lenders, homeowners, contractors, insurance underwriters and mortgage companies. It is their job to make sure that all the T’s are crossed and I’s dotted, so that every party in these transactions are dealt with fairly and have their interests protected. There are three main areas of the construction loan process that cause the most confusion, according to Pohl: Early starts, sworn construction statements and lien waivers. Early Starts — One of the biggest issues that closers deal with on construction loans is early starts, Pohl tells us. The term “early start” refers to a construction project that begins prior to securing title insurance or recording the construction loan. The issue this creates is that a Title Insurance Company has no way to determine if there are outstanding payments due for work completed to date. When it comes time to close on your home mortgage, the mortgage company will want title insurance that shows no exceptions. With an early start situation, your title company may not be able to provide full insurance on your title, thereby jeopardizing your mortgage approval and your ability to pay for your home. 50 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
The lesson? Get all your paperwork in order before a shovel is put in the ground or any part of the work is started on your new construction, remodel or addition to your property. Construction Loan Draws — Prior to beginning the project and the approval of your construction loan, the contractor should have provided a document known as a Sworn Construction Statement. This document should list the costs included in your construction contract along with the names of all subcontractors working on the project and their total bid amounts. Major building supply vendors may also be listed, such as the window supplier or cabinet supplier. As work progresses on your construction project, your contractor will submit payment draw requests for work completed. Often this is done on a monthly basis. The contractor will usually be required to provide proof of payment to subcontractors and suppliers in the form of lien waivers. Without lien waivers showing that the contractor has made payment for work completed to his vendors, disbursement of funds should not be released to the contractor. This process
SUBMITTED BY: VERCON, INC.
helps protect the property owner from liens against their property in the event the contractor doesn’t pay the vendors supplying labor and materials for your project. Choosing Your Lender — Pohl also encourages property owners to do some comparisons between different lending institutions. “There may be some differences in how some financial institutions handle construction loans and mortgages,” Pohl explains. Jim Kraft, President of Frandsen Bank & Trust in Baxter, echoes this sentiment to compare lenders and their knowledge of the local construction process. Dealing with a local bank has strong advantages, according to Kraft. Local bankers have experience working with the different contractors and title companies in the area. They can offer very specific professional guidance on what to expect during the process, depending on the entities involved. Many lenders have been through the building process themselves. One of the most common mistakes made during the construction process is the financing or major purchases such as vehicles or the purchase of furniture. Anything that can af-
fect your personal financial situation should be discussed with your lender prior to making a decision, Kraft warns. Changes to personal savings, debt or income always have the potential to jeopardize the mortgage options available to you. Some banks have a single close construction loan program which can save customers thousands in closing costs by converting the construction loan into the long term, fixed rate loan once construction is complete. Becky Eckelman, Real Estate Lender with Deerwood Bank says that local servicing is a huge factor in a customer’s decision-making process, “People can speak with a real person and not dial have to dial an 800 number to ask questions about their payments or escrow accounts – it’s a big advantage we have to being local – we’re small enough to work with people one to one and face to face, but large enough to offer all the secondary market loan programs available.” Take time to learn about construction loans and how they should be handled to avoid risk for the property owner, the contractor and the lender.
2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 51
SPECIALIZING IN L AKESHORE
KURILLA REAL ESTATE LTD. NISSWA
www.kurilla.com 888.876.7333 Located in Nisswa, Heart of the Beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area.
Since 1964
Home Buyers
GUIDE BY LINDA HURST
The right steps to your home purchase You are a homebuyer. You’ve probably been online scrolling through Trulia and Realtor.com, analyzing prices, neighborhoods and lakeshore. Armed with a fair amount of research, you’re ready to start the search for the perfect home. But do you know what to expect from the myriad people you will encounter between finding your new home and being handed the keys? Working with the right experts cannot only save you time and money, they can also save you a lot of frustration. Here is your guide to the experts in the field and what to expect from each.
SUBMITTED BY: NOR-SON
Start With Your Lender — The time to talk to your lender is before you start the process of looking for a home. Coming off the recent economic downturn it’s common for people to have some dings
SUBMITTED BY: BARATTO BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION 2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 53
Building or Remodeling?
Do you have an upcoming building or remodeling project taking place over the summer of 2016? We want to follow your journey for the 2017 issue of Minnesota Home. Please email your contact information, details and timeline for your project to: info@minnesotahomemagazine.com 15-3572_Ad Design Her Voice.qxp_Layout 1 7/6/15 8:26 AM Page 1
J. BRADLEY RENE PERSON MILLNER
124 N. 6th 35253 County Rd.Street, 3, Brainerd, MN Crosslake, MN
218-828-1248 218-454-2159
REAL ESTATE • TITLE INSURANCE • CLOSING SERVICES ESTATE PLANNING • TRUST/WILLS GUARDIAN/CONSERVATORSHIP • BUSINESS LAW ESTATE PLANNING • BUSINESS LAW • PERSONAL INJURY
54 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
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brad@breenandperson.com rene@breenandperson.com
on their credit. Your lender will let you affects the level of representation you reknow if any are serious and what steps ceive. They will ask you to sign the form. to take to clear them from your credit re- This doesn’t mean that you agree to any port. Your lender will also be able to talk of the types of agency listed, only that with you about how much house you can they’ve explained them to you. This form comfortably afford. Typically, it’s three to is important to your agent because they five times annual household income, but are audited to ensure they are complythere may be factors, including current ing with the law. Give your agent your wish list - what debt, that vary that amount. When you are ready to write an offer size house do you need and where? How you’ll be glad you took the time to get many bedrooms? Do you need acrepre-approved. This will put you into a age or are you looking for lakeshore? Are stronger position when making your offer, there any specialty requirements such as handicap accessibility or single level livletting the sellers know you are serious. Darlene Hardy from Blackridge Bank ing? What is the budget? The right agent knows your local maragrees saying, “They should get in and see a mortgage professional first - before ket and which homes fit the parameters they make decisions like paying off loans you give them. Will every house fit exor picking out a house that might be actly? No, but it’s rare to find a house that matches evout of their price ery item on your range.” wish list. In most Sam Horn and cases you’ll make Carol Donato with a compromise. Brainerd Savings in In a “hot market” loan caution that you need to be “the ‘Dodd-Frank’ prepared to write act has had an an offer if you see impact on lenda house you want ing. Regulations because it might coming out of not be there toWashington have morrow. made it more difWe asked ficult for people to agents “What is qualify for a mortthe one thing you gage and have wish buyers knew extended the time Brett Streiff, Associate Broker when they begin needed to get to Weichert Realtors the process of closing. Contact buying a home?” your lender early Brett Streiff, Associate Broker at in the process, provide requested documentation as soon as possible and work Weichert Realtors says, “If buyers find a ‘good one,’ don’t mess around and try with local professionals.” to ‘play the game.’ Buy it because they Find Your REALTOR® — will spend the next several months trying Selecting a REALTOR® is second only to find that home again and it won’t be to finding your new home. Pick an agent there.” you enjoy working with because you’ll be Rebecca Sellnow, REALTOR®, GRI from spending a fair amount of time with them Kurilla Real Estate offers another perspecthrough this entire process. tive. “It can take time to find the right The first time you meet with your agent property, but regardless of the time, it is they will go over a form called “Agency out there. It just comes down to timing.” Relationships in Real Estate Transactions” which details the differences between Writing Your Offer — The standard Purchase Agreement a Seller’s Broker, a subagent, Buyer’s Broker, Dual Agent and Facilitator. Pay can be more than 10 pages, especially attention to your options because this once you include a Financing Adden-
Strictly Custom
“If buyers find a ‘good one,’ don’t mess around and try to ‘play the game.’ Buy it because they will spend the next several months trying to find that home again and it won’t be there.”
(877) 825 - 4955 greatriverdoor.com Brainerd, Minnesota
2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 55
dum and required Disclosures. It will detail the parties to the contract, a legal description for the property, the price you are offering, a proposed closing date and other particulars such as any appliances and personal property included in the sale. The Seller’s agent and the Buyer’s agent will also be disclosed. They are not party to the contract, but they want you to know who is representing whom so there is total transparency. Make sure your agent explains all of the details in the contract. This is legally binding so it’s imperative you understand what you are signing. Don’t let your agent tell you “it’s boilerplate” and skip ahead to the fill-in-the-blanks. You need to understand every paragraph. After you sign on the bottom line, get out your checkbook. You’ll send along an earnest money check made out to the Listing Company’s trust account. This won’t be cashed until there is an accepted offer. Now that your offer has been accepted, it’s time for the rest of the team to jump in. The Bank Sends Out the Appraiser — Appraisers are hired by your bank to do a market analysis of the house you want to purchase. The bank is ensuring their risk is covered by their investment in the property on the off chance you default on your loan. The appraiser will inspect the property and compare it to similar properties which have sold within the past 6 months. Contrary to popular belief, they are not provided with a copy of the purchase agreement and told to match it. The bank needs an honest, unbiased assessment of the property. Did You Request a Home Inspection? — Purchase Agreements contain an optional home inspec-
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The Title Company Pulls It All Together — Your title company will research the history of the property. They’ll look for any outstanding judgements and liens, unpaid taxes and any other issues which might affect your ownership. Your closer will be ensuring inspections were done, that the funding is coming through on schedule and preparing your closing documents. This will be the person who will ultimately set the actual closing date for your property if everything is in and ready to go. They do their best to match the date listed on the contract. They’ll handle all the notarized documents and ensure everything is filed correctly with the courthouse. In addition to writer’s cramp, they’ll provide you with a complete copy of every paper you just signed. Your title company is important because if issues arise later regarding the chain of title, easements or lot lines, this is who you will contact to clear the problem. All of these professionals are working on your behalf. It’s in their best interest, as well as yours, to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that you are a satisfied client. So pull your research together, make your wish list, and happy house hunting!
’s Largest Seamless Siding Company” “The World • • • • •
Seamless Steel Siding Seamless Steel Log Siding Custom Replacement Windows Metal Soffit & Fascia Steel Shake Roofing
Seamless Steel Gutters/ Downspouts
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tion contingency which allows you to do proper due diligence with regard to the structure of the home. You hire an inspector and they will dig right into the bones of the house. They’ll go spelunking through attics and crawl spaces; they check out the roof and the exterior surfaces of the siding and fireplace. They’ll inspect for water damage and proper drainage. In the end, they’ll provide you with a checklist of everything they find. Their job isn’t to torpedo your purchase agreement, rather it’s to let you know exactly what it is you are buying - warts and all. This is a good thing - especially when they discover a hidden defect. In most cases you’ll have about 10 days to send them to the property plus a few days beyond that to consider what they found. Some lenders will require certain repairs be made before they can proceed with a loan.
218-829-5999 800-590-5855 abcbrd@brainerd.net www.abcseamless.com License #BC385330
Financing Available
MY WORD IS MY DEED. AND IT’LL HELP YOU GET YOURS.
Our Code of Ethics is at the core of everything we do. It’s a Realtor®’s promise to treat everyone honestly, and to promote your best interests. So you can be sure we’re helping you find the best home for you.
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Greater Lakes Association of REALTORS® Baxter, MN 218-828-4567 www.greaterlakesrealtors.com
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SUBMITTED BY: NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
Distinctive
Lighting BY REBECCA FLANSBURG
Bringing a home to life The process of adding illumination to a home is a necessary part of everyday life, but it also a way of harnessing the elements of design, style, inspiration and flair to reflect personal taste and creativity. Lighting for a home in all forms is critical to the function of daily lives and home dwellers need quality lighting for obvious reasons like safety and the performing of household tasks. But if standard lighting, with standard bulbs, is simply not your style, the lighting industry is filled with incredible ways to use distinctive lighting to enhance ambiance, showcase individualism and provide unique design flair. Distinctive lighting and unique lighting alternatives cannot only work well in pulling together a homeowner’s overall design vision, it can do so in a way that brings a home to life.
2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 59
“Lighting is more than just illumination,” shared Julie Gowan, owner and designer at J.A.G. Interior Solutions of Crosslake. “Distinctive lighting does the job of lighting up a home, but it does so in a way that is expressive as well. When I think of the term ‘distinctive lighting,’ I think of elegant and high-end fixtures like chandeliers or wall torchieres. But I also think of the artisans who create one-of-kind lighting out of repurposed items. I recently met an artist who creates gorgeous household lighting out of airplane parts. To me, those design pieces are just as distinctive and innovative as anything that comes from a manufacturer. The industrial look for a home is very popular right now and some of these hand-created and repurposed lighting options are not only works of art, but can create a memorable focal point of a room and become true conversation pieces.” Even light bulb styles are shifting with the times. Homeowners, home builders and designers are opting for the vintage look of Classic Filament Light Bulbs and Edison Bulbs to help reflect a nostalgic look in their unique lighting pieces. These “old style bulbs” work beautifully with modern lighting, but are even more complimentary to repurposed lighting options made from vintage faucets or old pulleys. “For us, the term ‘distinctive lighting’ is really based on what the customer’s perception of ‘distinctive’ is,” noted Menard’s Light department team member, Kevin Brown. “One person’s idea of what might be imaginative and innovative when it comes to lighting might be completely different than the next person. We encourage the customers who come to share their vision of what their dream lighting is and then we work with them to bring that to fruition. Bulbs are another piece of this process that is very important. Different bulbs can achieve different effects when paired with the many kinds lighting. Again, it goes back to the preferred look and style, what the application is, which room they are needing lighting for and what ambiance and effect they desire. Lighting allows homeowners to exercise imagination, but also get what they need to properly illuminate their house.”
60 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
When it comes to choosing the correct bulbs that work to get the most out of distinctive lighting, homeowners have many choices. Two of the more common options are daylight bulbs and soft light bulbs. Daylight bulbs produce a brighter light, much like the natural light, which is perfect for areas like offices and kitchens. Those who are looking for ambiance over brightness will appreciate the gentler illumination of soft white bulbs. These softer bulbs provide the peaceful sanctuary-like feel many homeowners prefer in rooms like living rooms or bedrooms. So if your style is an urban feel, a sleekmodern with clean-lines or the rustic charm of a warm and cozy Minnesota lake place, the unique and expressive lighting options for your humble abode are endless. Whether you are looking to enhance the look of your current home, are dreaming of new construction or contemplating remodeling your current home, distinctive lighting is an effective and affordable way to express individualism.
Dan J. Heid
Planning & Design, llc
SUBMITTED BY: VERCON, INC.
Designer of Unique Homes & Creative Structures Custom Homes C H
and
Remodeling R
218.851.7091 | WWW.DJHPLANNING.COM
SUBMITTED BY: NOR-SON 001388319r1
Endless Possibilities.
Let us bring the showroom to you!
Arlean’s Drapery & Window Treatments 218-568-8280 218-839-2349 cell arleansdrapery.hdspd.com Serving the Brainerd Lakes Area
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“Lasting Beauty through Quality Craftsmanship”
Custom Mouldings & Doors Radius Millwork Stair & Railing Systems Paneling & Flooring FSC Certified Material 001393608r1
218-828-4824 • 13844 White Pine Drive Brainerd, MN 56401 sales@brainerdhardwoods.com • www.brainerdhardwoods.com
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LAKESMAG
SOLD Guaranteed Your Home SOLD Guaranteed or
Chad Schwendeman Broker/Owner
I’LL BUY IT!
*
One of the biggest dilemmas when selling a home is deciding whether to hire a real estate agent or try to sell it yourself. Hiring the wrong real estate agent is risky because your home could end up sitting on the market for a long time without an acceptable offer or you could be forced to sell and compromise your bottom line. You could even end up owning two homes or none at all! Well, our Guaranteed Sale Program solves this dilemma.
How Does This Help You?
This means that when you see a home that you like, you can immediately place an offer on it. Also, if you’re not completely satisfied with our customer service or marketing efforts, then you can cancel the listing at any time with no cost incurred to you.
What Is Your Home Worth? Interested in a free over-the-net-price evaluation? Want to know what your Guaranteed Price would be today? Go to www.ChadWillSellYourHome.com and fill out the brief questionnaire, including as much info about your home as possible. We will get back to you shortly with an evaluation! We compare your home to the hundreds of other homes on the market so we can get you the most accurate picture of your home’s selling price.
How Does It Work?
Homes Purchased Through Our Guaranteed Sale Program
After we evaluate your home, we will set a Guaranteed Sales Price. We will have 99 days to sell it above that price, and if it does not work out, we buy the home from you! Consider the Guaranteed Sale Program as our way of giving you a fail-safe selling plan, so you don’t have to stress about buying your next home. The Guaranteed Sale Program is our proven way of providing the best in customer service to those who need to sell for top dollar, and fast. The Guaranteed Sale Program works great for those relocating, building a new home or making an impromptu move. Don’t miss out on your dream home by placing a Contingent-Upon-Sale offer - our Guaranteed Sale Program will put you in a stronger position when writing your purchase agreement.
Gull Lake Chain Bought by Chad!
What is our trick to guaranteeing a sale? A strong, tried-and-true marketing plan.
What If My Home Sells For More Than Our Agreed Upon Guaranteed Price? You keep the higher sale price, less commissions and the guarantee becomes void. The guaranteed price is lower than the current market value, but provides the homeowners with the assurance of knowing their home will be sold. Many homeowners choose to take the guarantee because they feel comfortable that they will sell for a higher dollar and be able to keep the higher amount when the property does sell. Best of all, it gives homeowners peace of mind.
Discover the Difference What better way to sell your home than with the award-winning experts at The Chad Schwendeman Real Estate Group at EXIT Lakes Realty Premier. We’ve made selling homes in central Minnesota our top priority and we’re committed to making yours sell quickly. Offering a Guaranteed Sold program is our way of showing our loyal clients they can trust in our marketing skills. We’re willing to take away the risk, so you can sell stress-free. Learn about our recent achievements and see how we can help make the difference in your real estate journey. • • • •
#1 Agent Worldwide for EXIT Realty International One of the Top Real Estate Teams in Minnesota One of the Top 100 Agents for closed transactions in Real Trends Top 1,000 as named by the Wall Street Journal One of the Top 500 Real Estate Marketers in 2015 Presented by NAEA (National Association of Expert Advisors®)
Upper Mission Lake Bought by Chad!
Lake Hubert Bought by Chad!
The cornerstone to our Guaranteed Sold program’s success is the top tier marketing our team brings to the table. We spend tens of thousands of dollars each month advertising our listings. The old days of putting a sign in the yard, placing it on the MLS and then sitting back and waiting for an offer to come in are long gone. Today it takes an aggressive marketing plan to get the results you are looking for. Our innovative marketing strategy incorporates print advertising, online marketing and networking. This three prong approach has enabled our team to sell more homes in the Brainerd lakes area than any other agent or team. To learn more about our Guaranteed Sale Program, please call 218-831-HOME (4663) or go to ChadWillSellYourHome.com. * Some conditions and restrictions apply to the Guaranteed Sale Program. Not all homes qualify for this program.
or I’LL BUY IT!
218-831-HOME (4663) • ChadWillSellYourHome.com
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Our Marketing Produces Results
ADVERTISERS
Be sure to thank our advertisers for their support in bringing you this publication. Elite Title & Escrow Corp.................................................................................................2 Jim Christensen - Kurilla Real Estate..............................................................................3 Wausau Homes...............................................................................................................5 Sunesta.............................................................................................................................6 Vercon, Inc......................................................................................................................7 Nor-Son, Inc.....................................................................................................................9 Mattson Lumber Company.........................................................................................11 Knife River Materials......................................................................................................11 Natural Tones Furniture.................................................................................................13 Simonson Lumber..........................................................................................................13 Baratto Brothers Construction......................................................................................15 Brock White....................................................................................................................17 Foy’s Custom Cabinetry...............................................................................................17 North Country Custom Builders, Inc.......................................................................18-19 Digital Horizons..............................................................................................................22 J.A.G. Interior Solutions - Julie A. Gowen...................................................................23 Brainerd Savings & Loan...............................................................................................23 Northland Construction, Inc........................................................................................24 SCR - Northern Division.................................................................................................30 Advantage Seamless Gutters......................................................................................32 Better Living Concepts.................................................................................................33 Budget Blinds - Jane Larson.........................................................................................34 Build-All Lumber.............................................................................................................35 EL Builders.......................................................................................................................37 Lands End Development..............................................................................................39 Gull Lake Glass..............................................................................................................41 Crosslake Sheet Metal..................................................................................................41 Ecowater Systems.........................................................................................................42 Nhance..........................................................................................................................43 Landsburg Landscape Nursery....................................................................................45 Up North Fireplace Gallery..........................................................................................45 Backyard Reflections....................................................................................................47 Mosquito Squad............................................................................................................47 Cygneture Title & Abstract...........................................................................................49 Frandsen Bank & Trust...................................................................................................49 Kurilla Real Estate..........................................................................................................52 Breen & Person LTD.......................................................................................................54 Deerwood Bank............................................................................................................54 Great River Door Company ........................................................................................55 Hirshfield’s.......................................................................................................................56 ABC Seamless of Brainerd............................................................................................57 Greater Lakes Association of Realtors........................................................................57 Positive Realty................................................................................................................58 Dan J. Heid Planning & Design, LLC...........................................................................61 Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union..........................................................................61 Arlean’s Drapery...........................................................................................................62 Brainerd Hardwoods, Inc..............................................................................................62 Gutter Helmet................................................................................................................63 Exit Lakes Realty - Chad Schwendeman...................................................................64 Rebecca Sellnow - Travel............................................................................................66 W.W. Thompson Concrete...........................................................................................67 Schroeder’s Appliance................................................................................................68
Thanks
2016 | MINNESOTA HOME 65
Chris Schucker
Carissa Andrews
Nikki Lyter
Nicole Stracek
Sarah Herron
Sheila Helmberger
Linda Hurst
Rebecca Flansburg
Danae Blanck Anderson
Kathleen Krueger
“Home is the nicest word there is.” Laura Ingalls Wilder
Dreams to Memories Turn Your Travel Dreams into Lifelong Memories!
Rebecca Sellnow
218-537-0293 | RebeccaLSellnow@gmail.com 66 MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
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CONTRIBUTORS
Supplying the Lakes Area with all your landscape and masonry needs!
Borgert Paving Stones
Keystone Retaining Walls
Logix ICF
Concrete Block
Boulder Creek Stone
Natural Stone Landscaping & Veneers
Quality and Service Since 1909 218-829-9674
702 Industrial Park Road Brainerd, MN
218-732-6633
18813 Eagle Bend Road Park Rapids, MN
www.wwthompson.com
218-210-7000 5151 Hwy 2 West Bemidji, MN
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MINNESOTA HOME | 2016
®/TM ©2016 Jenn-Air. All rights reserved. ®/TM ©2016 Jenn-Air. All rights reserved.
COMPLIMENTS ON YOUR NEW KITCHEN. COMPLIMENTS ON YOUR NEW KITCHEN. There’s never been a better time to outfit your dream kitchen. For a limited time, our
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SCHROEDER’S SCHROEDER APPLIANCE CENTER ’S
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