JACKIEHOLTE
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320.763.0220
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MIKEMOHR VPResidentialLender
320.460.7136
mile.mohr@glenwoodstate.bank
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JOANNEBLIESE SrVPResidentialLender
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JeromeJ.Duevel VPResidentialLender
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Remodeling with a return on investment in mind can be a smart strategy for homeowners, whether one is thinking about moving in the next few months or further down the road. Though this approach is an inexact science, in many instances, it’s savvy for homeowners to consider what buyers may want when planning home improvements.
Homeowners may be surprised to learn which renovations garner the best ROI at resale. The home loan and refinancing company, RenoFi, indicates that overall home improvement projects provide a 70% ROI on average. Many high-ROI projects add functional space and improvement. The following are some exterior renovations that help homeowners recoup the most money at resale, according to Remodeling magazine’s “2022 Cost vs. Value Report.”
1. Garage Door Replacement: 93.3% recouped of $4,041 cost
2. Manufactured Stone Veneer: 91.4% recouped of $11,066 cost
3. Siding replacement (Fiber Cement): 68.3% recouped of $22,093 cost
4. Window replacement (Vinyl): 67.5% recouped of $20,482 cost
5. Siding replacement (Vinyl): 67.2% recouped of $18,662 cost
6. Window replacement (Wood): 66.3% recouped of $24,388 cost
7. Deck addition (Wood): 64.8% recouped of $19,248 cost
8. Entry Door Replacement (Steel): 63.8% recouped of $2,206 cost
The majority of renovations on Remodeling magazine’s list of the best investments are exterior renovations, making this area of a home a particular point of interest for homeowners. The only interior project that cracked the Top 10 ROI for projects was a minor midrange kitchen remodel.
Exterior renovations perhaps add the most bang for your buck because they’re not only functional, but also because they
add immediate curb appeal. Much in the way it has been said people eat with their eyes first – which is why chefs spend so much time on elaborate plating – buyers will judge a property by how it looks when they arrive, even before they’ve stepped inside a home. In essence, home buyers often judge a book by its cover. A worn exterior may indicate to potential buyers that the home was not maintained, however false that assumption may be.
It’s important for homeowners to consider all factors before beginning a renovation. Certain projects offer a stronger return on investment than others, and that’s a significant consideration for homeowners thinking of selling their homes.
The French Riviera interior design trend has been gaining popularity in recent years. This style combines a variety of influences, such as bohemian, Mediterranean, retro and art deco. If you are plannig to revamp your home decor, here’s an overview of the essential elements of this sunlit style you should consider.
•Materials. French Riviera decor is a perfect blend of sophistication and simplicity. It incorporates elements such as rattan, wicker, marble, brass, raw pale
wood, wrought iron, plaster, ceramic and stone, each chosen carefully to enhance the overall design with texture and depth. The preferred textiles used in this style are linen and cotton.
• Accessories. Key aspects of this style include macrame such as plant hangers, wall-mounted plates, works that evoke the sea like photos and canvases, colorfuldishware,hand-paintedceramics, reproductions of works by famous artists inspired by the Côte d’Azur like Matisse, and fringed decorations.
•Colors. White is undoubtedly the star color of the French Riviera trend. Stripes are also a must in this style, with the Mediterranean blue and white combo being a classic choice. Earthy colors such as terracotta and bright shades like lemon-yellow and orange represent this trend.
Lastly, this style utilizes columns, alcovesandnichestotheirfullestpotential. The latter is perfect for showcasing handcrafted objects or plants, including living greenery and dried flowers.
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What to know about reseeding or replanting your lawn
Spring and summer marks the return of flowering plants and warm weather. And homeowners know this time of year also ushers in the return of home renovation season.
Homeowners undoubtedly have an extensive list of projects on their to-do list, and that may include helping their lawns and gardens recover after a long winter. Unpredictable weather, which can include drought and excessive rainfall and everything in between, can take its toll on a lawn.
In certain instances, the best solution may be planting new grass. But homeowners can consider these tips before they begin the process of reseeding or replanting their lawns.
Scarify the lawn. Scarifying a lawn can help to create a clean slate, but the timing must be right. Various lawn and garden experts recommend scarifying in spring or early autumn. But don’t jump the gun when scarifying in spring by scarifying before the lawn has started to grow after a dormant winter. Scarify when the soil is a little wet and the grass is once again actively growing. Scarfiying can remove any lingering weeds from last season and also pull up any moss that might have taken hold over the winter. Without weeds and moss to contend
with, freshly planted seeds are in a better position to thrive.
Work with a landscaping professional. Homeowners with manageable lawns can likely scarify their own lawns with a relatively inexpensive plug-in scarifier. However, scarifying can be a strenuous physical activity, particularly for homeowners with large lawns. In such instances, homeowners can benefit from working with a qualified landscaping professional. Such a professional can scarify the lawn and subsequently reseed or replant new grass. The latter task is not so simple, as the lawn care experts at Scotts¨ note that choosing the correct seed is a vital part of reseeding or replanting a lawn. Choosing seed may sound simple, but it’s a potentially complex decision that requires knowledge of the existing grass, including when to plant it. Certain grasses are best planted in spring or early fall, while others are best planted in summer. A qualified landscaping professional can identify the existing grass and plan the seeding or planting around this important detail.
Preparetowaterthelawn. Watering is vital to the long-term success and health of freshly planted grass seed. Scotts¨ urges homeowners to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist, but not soggy. That requires a daily commitment, and setting a multi-function hose nozzle or sprinkler to the mist setting once per day or more if it’s hot outside can increase the chances grass will grow in thick and strong. Scotts¨ recommends keeping the top two inches of the soil moist until the new grass reaches a mowing height of roughly three inches. Once that benchmark has been reached, watering frequency can be cut back to about twice per week, but now the soil should be deeply soaked instead of misted. The soaking will help roots grow deep into the soil.
Spring is a great time for homeowners in various regions to reseed or replant their lawns. With the right approach, homeowners can enjoy a full and lush lawn throughout summer.
The kitchen is ideal for a coffee bar, but you can also create one in your dining room, living room or on a sideboard in the hallway. It’s a great way to display your most beautiful furniture, such as an antique wooden chest of drawers. Additionally, a retro glass-door sideboard could help maximize available space, especially if you don’t have much counter space.
Barista accessories can quickly accumulate, creating a cluttered look on your coffee bar. Consider placing shelves above the machine to hold jars and other items. You can also install hooks on the wall to display your collection of mugs. These simple solutions will help tidy your space while creating an appealing visual effect.
Have you recently purchased the coffee machine you’ve had your eye on for a few months? Do you want to add a modern touch to your decor? Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect coffee bar.
Your coffee machine may be the hub of your coffee bar, but your choice of mugs adds a unique touch. Handmade ceramic mugs are perfect if you prefer a minimalist or natural look, while clear glass cups are a great option if you like the classic Italian style.
Whatever your style, setting up a coffee bar can enhance the look of your home. Make yourself an espresso and draw up your plans.
Many homeowners think they have to spend tons of green to get green in their landscape, but that isn’t necessarily so. Homeowners can improve their landscapes without digging themselves into financial holes. These strategies can help anyone save some cash and still end up with attractive gardens and more.
Use stones or gravel for a walkway. If commercially installed pavers or cement walkways are not within your budget, there are some affordable alternatives. Flagstone or individually purchased and spaced pavers and pea gravel can be used to create pathways. Some construction sites even offer free stones when asked. Soften the look with moss or other plants on the perimeter.
Remove some lawn. Lawns can require hours of upkeep that may involve the application of expensive fertilizers and weed-killing products that are not always so eco-friendly. Reduce the size of a lawn by putting in a mixed planting bed of perennials or ornamental grasses, or use landscape fabric and mulch.
Look for free mulch. Municipal recycling centers may offer residents access
to free mulch made from grinding up leaves, branches and other plant debris collected throughout the town. Simply bring a few containers to the recycling center.
Repurpose old items into planters. Old wheelbarrows, barrels, watering cans, and other items can be repurposed into container gardening vessels. Figure out if items marked for the garbage bin can be incorporated into garden features instead.
Invest in plants that are easy to propagate. Perennials are the gardener’s friend when it comes to saving money. These plants sprout anew each year, and many can propagate by division. Figure out the best times of year to divide the plants and start growing them in individual containers.
Shop end-of-season sales. Garden centers may begin to make room for holiday items come the fall. Take advantage of reduced costs on remaining plants and landscape accessories during this time of year. Plants can be covered or allowed to thrive indoors until they can be planted in the spring.
Pool your resources. Homeowners planning on a big landscaping or revitalization project may want to speak with neighbors to see if they’re interested in doing the same. Contractors guaranteed business from a few homes in the same neighborhood may be willing to negotiate lower prices for the volume of work on things like driveway repaving, deck- or fence-building, or installation of paver patios.
Is your basement dark and gloomy?
Here are a few clever tips to shine some light on the situation:
1. Use thin, full-length curtains. Sheer, lightweight curtain fabrics allow light to pass through while adding texture to your space. Long curtains can help create the illusion of bigger windows. Use wide curtain rods mounted close to the ceiling to help accentuate this sense of grandeur.
2. Multiply your light sources. In
addition to overhead lights, invest in floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces to brighten up your space. Recessed ceiling or floor lights are also worth considering.
3. Opt for reflective materials. Consider a glossy stretch ceiling, polished concrete floors or metallic accessories, such as gold frames, to help maximize light reflection.
4. Choose light colors. Light shades are a great option whether on the walls, ceilings, floors or furniture. In addition to
reflecting light, they help visually enlarge the space. Choose a contrasting color for the walls to make the ceiling appear higher.
5. Install mirrors. Whether practical or decorative, mirrors are unparalleled when it comes to reflecting light.
6. Use glass partitions. Glass doors and partitions are ideal for dividing your space without compromising brightness. Use textured or frosted glass to add a bit of privacy.
Backyards are ideal places to spend warm afternoons soaking up some sun. Lazy days in the yard are a big part of what makes warm weather seasons like spring and summer appealing.
But those afternoons can quickly go off the rails when an unwelcome visitor makes its presence known.
Ticks can be found throughout the world, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that only a select few types of ticks transmit bacteria, viruses and parasites, or pathogens, that cause diseases in people.
Human beings can come into contact with ticks in their own backyards. But humans can take various steps to make their lawns less welcoming to ticks.
Cut your grass short and keep it that way. Blacklegged ticks are transmitters of Lyme disease, which is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Black-legged ticks do not like environments that are dry and hot, so short grass makes lawns less attractive to this type of tick. Consumer Reports advises homeowners who have let their grass grow a little too high (around five or six inches) to bag their clippings.
Create a tick barrier if yourpropertyabutswoods. Woods provide a cover from summer heat that blacklegged ticks crave. So properties that abut the woods need a barrier of dry mulch made of wood chips between a property and a bordering wooded area to help repel ticks.
Plant with infestation prevention in mind. Some plants can help to repel ticks because they boast certain characteristics that ticks cannot tolerate. The fragrances, textures and oils of plants like garlic, mint, lavender, marigolds, and others create less welcoming conditions for ticks. Homeowners can speak with local garden centers for advice on tick-repellant plants that can thrive in their particular climate and on their properties.
Remove yard debris. Piles of wood, leaves and brush can make for good conditions for ticks that transmit disease. After raking leaves and gathering brush, discard the resulting piles immediately.
Asphalt driveways do not last forever. Over time, weather and general usage can degrade the driveway surface, resulting in cracks, pitting and more. Ultraviolet rays, salt and automotive fluids also can affect the appearance and functionality of a driveway. An unsightly driveway can adversely affect curb appeal and resale potential.
Homeowners have to consider various factors when it comes to repairing driveways. They may have the option of getting the driveway resurfaced, resealed or repaved, and each project is unique.
According to the home improvement price comparison site Kompare It, resurfacing is simpler and faster than installing a new asphalt driveway. With resurfacing, any cracks are filled in to create an even base. Then a new layer of asphalt is applied over the existing one. That new layer can range in thickness from 1.5 to 3 inches. A heavy rolling machine will then smooth and flatten
the layers together. If the driveway has minor pitting or cracking, then resurfacing can be a cost-effective strategy, as it may be a $3,000 to $6,000 job as opposed to $5,000 to $10,000 with repaving.
Resealing a driveway, also called sealcoating, is another repair strategy. HGTV says resealing can be a do-it-yourself project. Resealing helps the driveway last longer.
The driveway needs to be clean and dry, with holes and cracks filled prior to sealcoating. Start at the far edge of the driveway and seal that area by “cutting-in” by hand for a neat edge. Afterward the rest of the driveway can be sealed using a squeegee or broom. This project can be completed within two or three days if no precipitation is forecast.
A project best left to professionals, repaving typically involves the removal of an existing driveway and the installation of a new one. The sub-grade layer is essential in the process for a smooth look. Contractors also will assess soil and grading when doing work. The construction blog Main Infrastructure says the new asphalt driveway can
vary in thickness between two and six inches, depending on budget and need. The contractor also can advise if full-depth asphalt application or an aggregate base is practical.
Assessing the condition of driveway can give homeowners a better idea about which type of repair project best suits their property.
Does your home have a spacious porch that’s lacking a little love? Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful, comfortable outdoor space you’ll love spending time in.
Flooring. A stylish and durable floor provides the perfect base for your porch design. You can explore a variety of options specifically designed for outdoor use. There are many materials to choose from, including engineered fiberglass, treated wood, composite wood and aluminum slats.
Railing. Enhancethelookofyourporch with a brand-new railing. Depending on the degree of privacy you want, you can opt for solid or frosted panels, balusters or spindles. You can choose from various materials, including steel, aluminum and wood — and styles ranging from
contemporary to minimalist or rustic. The choice is yours!
Carpet. You can find a variety of lowmaintenance rugs and carpets specially designed for outdoor use. You can cover your entire porch or just a portion of it. Choose the patterns and colors that appeal most to you.
Furniture. A bistro set is an excellent addition to your porch. It consists of a smalltableandtwomatchingchairs.Ifyou have enough space, add furniture like a bench, storage box, chaise lounge, pouffe, rocking chair, porch swing, hanging chair or hammock. Just make sure you choose furniture that can withstand the elements.
Decorations. Decorative accessories are vital in creating a living space that reflects your personality. Visit your local
home decor stores, antique shops, hardware stores and artist studios to find sculptures, mobiles, string lights, decorative flags, cushions, throws and more. Let your true colors shine!
Plants. Whether in pots, flower boxes or hanging planters, plants add life and freshness to your outdoor decor. Visit your local nurseries and garden centers to choose species that are beautiful and easy to care for. Don’t have a green thumb? No problem! You can easily find magnificent and convincingly real artificial plants and flowers.
Accessorize. A variety of accessories can enhance your experience on your revamped porch. Colorful patio umbrellas, UV-resistant canvases, electric barbecues, and mini-fridges are just a fewoptionstoexploreatyourlocalstores.
In 2024, the world of interior design is experiencing a new wave that will transform our living spaces. The trend is to balance elegant functionality with optimistic expressiveness.Herearesome trends worth considering.
1.Maximalism. A departure from recent minimalist esthetics, maximalism celebrates boldness and extravagance. It encourages homeowners to combine various textures, colors and accessories to create visually captivating interiors. Let your unique style shine through!
2. Multifunctional living
As the demand for adaptable living spaces grows, multifunctional furniture is becomingmorepopular.Items like Murphy beds, folding tables and modular storage units can serve multiple purposes, allowing homeowners tomakethemostoftheirliving areas for different activities.
3. Curvy esthetic
Curved furniture, rounded archways and circular décor create a fluid and comfortable space, making the home environment more welcoming. These elements celebrate traditional décor without unnecessary embellishment and soften the harsh lines associated with modern architecture.
4. Antique and retro accents. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a connoisseur of trends, antique and retro accents are a hot choice in décor. Features like mid-century modern chairs, vintage wallpaper and antique mirrors bring nostalgia and sophistication to modern interiors, creating a timeless appeal.
5. Gold, gold and more gold. Gold accents add a touchofluxuryandsophistication to any room. For example, you’ll see gold-plated fixtures, gilded mirrors and metallic gold accessories everywhere
this year. The warmth of gold helps create an inviting atmosphere in your home.
6.Geometrics. Geometrics express the epitome of balance in décor. Simplistic in design, these patterns can be combined or stylized to create complex — even abstract—looks.Fromhexagonaltilesand geometric wallpaper to triangular shelving units, this trend can add a modern and dynamic touch to your interior.
7.Hometechnology. With the increasing popularity of smart bulbs, motion sensors and integrated lighting, technology is becoming a major focus in homes. Total home automation platforms provide homeowners with a truly futuristic experience. Modern, unimposing design helps prevent your devices from overpowering your home’s esthetics.
8. Close-to-nature spaces. In 2024, interior design continues to prioritize organic elements, such as indoor plants, wood and stone. Earthy color palettes also help bring the natural world indoors, promoting relaxation, well-being and sustainability.
There’s something for everyone! Explore these exciting interior design trends and talk to a contractor in your area about how you can embrace a new look for your home.
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How to recognize when it’s time to replace your windows
Windows are a major component of a home. Window installation professionals will tell homeowners that the average lifespan of residential windows is between 15 and 30 years. Most well-maintained products can last 20 years, so homeowners who have windows approaching that age may want to schedule a window assessment and possible replacement.
Replacing windows is a job that requires advanced skill, and this is not a do-it-yourself project. There are many qualified professional window installation companies that will work with homeowners to measure, order and install windows that will fit with the style of a home and local weather, all while provid-
ing features the homeowner desires.
For those wondering when to replace windows, Pella and Renewal by Andersen, two of the premiere window manufacturers, offer these guidelines.
Difficulty opening and closing windows. A window that does not operate as it should can aggravate homeowners. If windows are sticking shut or cannot be securely closed, it’s probably time for something new.
There’sapparentwindow damage. Accidents happen, and if a rock is kicked up from a lawnmower and cracks a window or if spring baseball practice has gone awry with an errant throw, windows may require replacement.
Drafts in the window are common. If heating and cooling systems are working overtime, drafty, poorly insulated windows could be to blame. Various agencies can perform energy efficiency tests in a home. Windows that aredeterminedtobetheweak spots should be replaced.
Dated windows are present in the home. Older windows may pose safety hazards, especially those in older homes. A larger window may be needed to comply with fire safety codes allowing for window egress. Dated windows also may simply look “old” and compromise the aesthetics of a home.
Outdoor noises are noticedquitereadily. Newer windows can help reduce noise transmission. So those leaf blowers, airplanes, bark-
ing dogs and kids playing basketball up the street won’t disturb homeowners as they try to enjoy some peace and quiet indoors.
Fading indoors is noted. Windows that do not feature low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatingswillnotblockUVrays. Those rays can cause fading to wood floors and furniture or pretty much anything the sunlight touches. Replacing existing windows with Low-E coating alternatives can safeguard belongings and improve window efficiency.
Window replacement may be necessary when existing windows are showing signs of aging or damage.
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