Fall 2012 Home Iprovement

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, September 18, 2012/Page 8

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Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper September 2012

REPLACE. RETHINK your windows. Thinking of remodeling? Think about long-term beauty and and Thinking of remodeling? Think about long-term beauty durability. Think about energy efficiency, comfort quality durability. Think about energy efficiency, comfort andand quality craftsmanship. Don’t settle for anything Marvin craftsmanship. Don’t settle for anything less less thanthan Marvin® Windows Doors your remodeling project. Windows andand Doors for for your remodeling project.

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Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, September 18, 2012/Page 2

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, September 18, 2012/Page 7

Know what's on the Inside First Specialists in the industry suggest that any homeowner planning to renovate should not be too hasty in applying the 'cosmetics' of a renovation without investigating the home's insides first. Homeowners are advised to review the foundations of a home -- the insulation and the infrastructure -- beforehand. Adequately considered, these areas can add significant value to a home. Bringing in an energy rater, inspec-

tor or appraiser to examine the home will give a better sense of the required work and avoid any subsequent costly headaches. Replacing traditional insulation with a more energy efficient modern alternative like spray foam insulation can help homeowners address potential problems, such as air leakage and poor insulation.

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Homeowners hoping to spread their wings around the house are increasingly heading downstairs to create more living space. Whether it's for a home office, a home theater room, a playroom for the kids, or even a laundry room, more and more homeowners are turning their dark, damp and dreary basement into a brighter, more functional space.

moisture infiltration while reducing monthly energy bills. Inclusion of this modern material may even help increase the market value of the renovated home if put up for sale.

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basement. * Be wary when painting basement walls. Painting the basement walls will be high on your priority list, but you can't just use ordinary house paint down there. When painting the walls, use a waterproofing paint, which is both decorative and waterproof and capable of stopping water from entering the pores of the wall's masonry, preventing water damage as a result. * Take your measurements. Larger

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items, such as pool tables and refrigerators, can likely fit into the basement. But homeowners who have used their basement largely for storage should take some measurements before beginning their basement project or buying any big-ticket items. * Brighten things up. Though it might be best to have a darker or less flashy basement if the goal is to create a home theater experience, homeowners opting for a different kind of basement should look to

brighten things up. Basements can be somewhat drab, but they don't have to be. When it comes to remodeling a basement, homeowners are only limited by their own imaginations.

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Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, September 18, 2012/Page 6

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, September 18, 2012/Page 3

Tips For Weatherization To Save On Winter Utilities Did you know that about half of the 130 million existing homes in the U.S. were built before 1973? Older homes that haven’t been updated in the last few decades could be huge energy wasters that needlessly increase a home’s power usage and expenses. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy says the average family spends about $1,900 per year on home utility bills. Home owners can do some quick, inexpensive fixes to make their homes more efficient and reduce

energy bills, such as:

improve energy savings:

Apply weather-stripping around windows and doors;

Conduct an energy audit to find leaks or other efficiency problems;

Change air filters;

Add insulation in the attic;

Place draft dodgers inside exterior doors; and

Inspect and insulate ducts;

Install programmable thermostats to cut down on energy usage. Hire a professional contractor for these additional weatherization improvements, which are more expensive but may greatly

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These few weatherization tips will have you resting comfy and cozy in your house this winter--not to mention enjoying the savings on your utility bills!

In these tough economic times, we know that a major home improvement project must be considered very carefully. But the truth is that older windows can lose their efficiency, causing heating and cooling bills to soar. Vinyl windows that are Energy Star compliant qualify homeowners for tax rebates and

significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. The following tips will help you make your home greener by slashing energy costs, while improving the value of your home: Tip #1 – Choose energy efficient windows.

Check the roof and make sure ventilation is working properly; Replace windows and doors with EnergyStar rated products; and Upgrade to a more energy efficient furnace or boiler.

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Tip #2 – Know what tax credits and rebates are available. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 brings back the tax credits and deductions for energy improvements. All Energy Star qualified windows that are installed in the taxpayer’s primary resident are eligible to receive a

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New Energy Star qualified windows can help reduce your energy bill up to 15 percent. Estimated savings vary from region to region depending on current heating and cooling costs and are generally greatest where there are cold winters, hot summers, or both. Visit the Energy Efficient Window Collaborative at efficientwindows.org to compare actual energy costs by product.

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tax credit. Visit energystar.gov/taxcredits for more information. Many local utilities also provide financial incentives for purchasing Energy Star qualified windows and doors. Ask your local power company about free inspections and information about rebates. Tip #3 – Select windows that are maintenance-free. Love the warmth and beauty of wood but don’t want the hassles? Consider vinyl replacement windows which offer wood-like trim detail and come standard with double strength, high-performance Low-E, argon gas filled insulated glass. Tip # 4 – Select replacement windows that don’t look like replacement windows.= No one wants to sacrifice the beauty of their home when replacing their windows. Most folks prefer to buy a replacement window that provides superior energy performance but doesn’t look like a replacement window. This is an area where homeowners should carefully weigh the choices. Features such as detailed trim, low profile hardware and simulated divided lites are a few that can make all the difference. Tip # 5 – Do your homework. Always have your replacement windows and doors installed by trained professionals according to manufacturer instructions. Otherwise, your warranty may be void. When hiring a contractor, interview candidates and ask for references.

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, September 18, 2012/Page 4

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, September 18, 2012/Page 5

Tips on Choosing a Quality Builder Your home is one of your most valuable assets – financially and emotionally. You shouldn’t compromise; select a builder who is easy to work with and can guarantee you the best results.

2. Compatibility – Your project can take days or months to complete, so you want to find a builder who you can work closely with, someone who can be a partner throughout the process. To ensure success, you’ll want someone who is detailed-oriented, will keep a tight rein on the project to avoid cost over runs, is a good listener to your ideas and concerns, and someone you feel comfortable with and trust.

Many contractors have the skill to do your project, but there is so much more to consider when selecting a builder. Here are our tips for finding a quality builder: 1. Get references – A reputable builder should gladly give you several references of their current and past clients. Call some of the references and find out how the builder was to work with and ask the homeowner yourself about the following points.

3. Communication – Communication is vital to the outcome of your project. Find out how your builder will interact most efficiently with you – by phone, emails, in person. How are problems or changes handled? What is the timeline of when

Easy Fall Fix-Up

you need to make choices? A qualified builder should provide you with a written contract that specifically mentions the work schedule, change order policies, and payment schedule. To protect you, insurance related clauses and guarantees should also be included in the contract. If there is lack of communication, a successful, stress-free, and satisfying project is unlikely.

you will be getting for your money. Also ensure that the best brand materials you can afford will be used.

4. Quality – Try to go see a project completed by the prospective builder, notice the quality of the construction features that are similar to your project. Inspect the carpentry, sheetrock, paint, cabinetry, and trim work. Details matter, you will be able to measure what kind of quality

Whether it’s a remodeling, addition or custom new home project, you need a builder who has a great reputation, who you feel comfortable with, stays within budget and communicates well with you.

5. Cost – Compare “apple to apple” costs of several builders. Some builders may undercut others by making substitutions that only a very experienced person would recognize. Make sure you know what you will be spending up front so you can make an informed choice.

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This fall is a great time to get those projects complete because many area contractors have less lead-time during this time of year. Not only is the scheduling time shorter, if your contractor is experiencing a slowdown, he or she will have more time to devote to your project. Some of the projects homeowners typically want to complete before winter sets in include: Kitchen & bath remodeling—Since the

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Halloween is approaching, which means the unofficial beginning of the winter holiday season. Before goblins come calling and the wintry winds hit, now is the time to deal with any outstanding household maintenance projects.

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kids are back in school, a major remodel at this time of the year is less disruptive to the family. A one-room project can easily be finished before the holidays arrive. Roof repair/replacement—Be proactive and prevent emergency—and expensive—repairs. Find out about common trouble spots and ask your contractor how you can locate a leak from inside. Install a fireplace—Many homeowners dreaming of chestnuts roasting on an open fire will make that dream a reality this season. Ask your contractor about all the options available in fireplaces. Have interior rooms painted—Painting instantly freshens up a room and can even change its look and feel. It’s best to

Fall is here!

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Home

start interior paint jobs while it’s still warm enough to leave windows open. Replace carpets—If you’ve ever smelled carpet glue you’d agree that a replacement is also a great project to complete while it’s still warm enough to leave windows open. Install indoor & outdoor lighting—Indoor lighting adds an aspect of style to a home, and outdoors it can add an element of safety by lighting up a dark walkway or entry door. Insulate the attic—Insualting the attic is an excellent way to keep a home’s heating and cooling where it is meant to be—inside the home.

Replace windows—Poor quality or older windows are often a leading cause of high heating and cooling bills, so replacing them is another way to keep a home’s heating and cooling inside. Mount closet/garage organization systems—A great idea for the homeowner who wants to get the home organized before the holiday hoopla sets in. Replace gutters—Leaking gutters cause interior structural damage and the constant moisture promotes mold and mildew growth, so gutter replacement can save a homeowner from costly repairs in the future.

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