Spring Show & Home & Garden SHOWCASE
• 2025 Dickinson Area Builders Association Spring Show Event Details
• List of Spring Show Participating Businesses
• DABA Raffle Ticket Info & Prizes
• Dickinson Press Subscription Offer
• 3 Modern Kitchen Features to Consider
• Must-have Items for Summer Entertaining in the Backyard
• Signs a Home Exterior Needs Updating
• What to Know About Landscape Lighting
• How to find the right contractor for your next home renovation
• Information on becoming a Dickinson Area Builder Member
• Home Related Offers from Local Businesses
• And so much more!
2025 DICKINSON AREA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION SPRING SHOW!
Friday, April 4 3PM-7PM | Saturday, April 5 9AM-4PM
West River Ice Center | 1865 Empire Rd., Dickinson, ND
Visit with these businesses!
05 Motorsports
5 Star Roofing & Contracting
ABC Seamless
American Concrete
Arrow Service Team
Bierschbach Equipment
Blue Hawk Lawn Care
BSA Troops 32
Builders First Source
Caves
Century 21 Morrison
Clean Sweep Vacuum Center
Consolidated
Continental Real Estate
Cutco Cutlery
Dacotah Bank
Dean Kluver & Son
Denny's Electric/Blu Haven Spas
Fettig Millwork
Floor To Ceiling Carpet One
Gate City Bank
H.A. Thompson & Sons
Happy Camper
Greenhouse/Dakota Sew & So
Heart River Voice
Heartland Pella
Hellman & Sons Landscaping
Home and Land Company
Ironworks Welding
It's All Gutter Works
Jimmy's Burn n' Turn
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
Leingang Home Center
Liechty Homes
Martins Decorative Stones
Mary Kay
Meadowlark Tile LLC
Midwest Doors
Minards Electric
ND Contractor Supplies
ND Department of Environmental Quality
ND Senior Care Development
Next Level Lawn Care & Haul Away
Norwex
Oxi Fresh
PolyPro LLC
Prarie Barn Construction
Premier Fence LLC
Proximal 50
Red Rock Ford
Sasquatch Acres
Ser Wellness Light Therapy
Shetler's Construction
Steffan Saw & Bike
Summit Homes
Superior Spas
The Dickinson Press
The Window & Door Store
Top Branch Tree Service
US Bank
Western Cooperative Credit Union
Western Edge Surveying
Western Products
Yorktown Construction
Your Home Improvement Company
GET YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS!
Home Show
Why become a member of the Dickinson Area Builder Association?
We promote business and networking within the association for our members. We provide information on what is happening in the industry at our local level and also on state and national levels to keep our members updated. We hold monthly membership meetings for our members to create the opportunity to network and learn about any updates going on within the community and association. We also have a few fun events throughout the year for our members to participate in, including a picnic/trapshoot, golf scramble, and Christmas party. Membership is not limited to builders only, we have all kinds of members involved in this industry from electricians, carpenters, interior designers, car salesmen, loan officers, and many many more!
How to find the right contractor for your next home renovation
Home renovations are significant undertakings. Though some projects require more sizable investments of time and money than others, all merit homeowners' attention and inspire some excitement when pondering the finished product.
A finished product tends to offer more appeal when the project is overseen and undertaken by a professional contractor. Small projects may be in the wheelhouse of skilled do-ityourselfers, but most homeowners are best served leaving home renovations to the professionals. Finding the right contractor for a given job is of the utmost importance, and the following are some tips to help homeowners do just that.
• SEEK WORD-OF-MOUTH RECOMMENDATIONS. Word-of-mouth advertising has long been recognized as
on the state of the roofing industry provided by Roofing Contractor, the official publication for the International Roofing Expo¨, found that 79 percent of homeowners identify word-ofmouth as the top way to find a roofing professional. Word-of-mouth is so valued because homeowners can ask friends or neighbors about their experiences with a given professional in a pressurefree setting. Word-of-mouth also can help homeowners cut down on the pool of potential contractor candidates, which is no small benefit in markets flooded with renovation professionals.
• SECURE MULTIPLE WRITTEN ESTIMATES. It can be time-consuming to speak to multiple contractors and secure written estimates from each one, but such legwork is well worth the effort if the end result is finding the right contractor. Secure multiple estimates even if the first one provided to you
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Renovations
is below budget. Multiple estimates allow homeowners to compare what's included, and not included, in each one. Some contractors offering low estimates may not include materials costs or additional factors that will increase the price. Others may seem more expensive initially but may prove more affordable than competitors if their estimates include all of the costs associated with the project. Only a direct comparison of multiple estimates, which should include details specific to the project and an itemized list of what will be provided and performed by the contractor, can give homeowners an idea of what they're paying for.
• STAY LOCAL WHEN POSSIBLE. Hiring local contractors is beneficial for a number of reasons. Hiring locals keeps money in the community and thus supports the local economy. And working with local contractors can make it easier for homeowners to keep lines of communication open. Many projects also require a little
post-completion upkeep or even some tweaks, which is more easily accomplished when working with contractors based nearby. And finally, local contractors will be familiar with building codes and other details specific to a given town. That familiarity can ensure a project is done in adherence to codes and not stalled by permitor inspection-related delays.
• CONFIRM THEIR INSURANCE.
Travelers Insurance urges homeowners to confirm a contractor is properly insured and bonded prior to signing a contract. Contractors should be willing to provide a certificate of insurance (COI) that indicates their provider, policy number and coverage limits. Travelers also notes homeowners can contact insurers directly to verify coverage and ensure the policy is current. Never hire a contractor who is uninsured or unwilling to provide proof of insurance.
Hiring a contractor to perform a home renovation may be a leap of faith, but homeowners can take steps to ensure they find the right professional for the job.
modern kitchen features to consider 3
It’s well documented that kitchens are the most popular rooms in many homes. Kitchens are where families tend to congregate during holiday celebrations, and many a child has tackled their homework as mom or dad prepares dinner just a few steps away.
With so much time spent in the kitchen, it’s no wonder kitchen renovations are popular. In fact, data from the National Association of Home Builders indicates kitchens are the most popular room to remodel. Whether homeowners are planning a full scale remodel or a few tweaks to update the room, the following are three popular features of modern kitchens.
1. KITCHEN ISLAND
A recent survey from the interior design experts at Houzz found that kitchen islands are popular for a variety of reasons. Fiftyeight percent of respondents indicated they enjoy eating at kitchen islands, while 49 percent reported they like islands for entertaining. Forty-five percent of respondents like socializing around
kitchen islands. Islands provide a versatile functionality that comes in handy when preparing meals on typical weeknights and when hosting friends and family on special occasions like the holidays and birthdays. Islands come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be customized to fit just about any space. Mobile islands can be utilized in small kitchens when homeowners want the extra prep space but think the kitchen would be too cramped if a permanent island were added.
2. DEEP SINK
The popularity of farmhouse style sinks is proof that large and deep sinks are sought-after among today’s homeowners. Farmhouse sinks may be best suited to a particular aesthetic, but a 2021 study from the National Association of Home Builders found that side-by-side double sinks and walk-in pantries were the most popular of 30 listed kitchen features. That study surveyed more than 3,200 recent and prospective home buyers. Deep sinks are especially useful for people who love to cook, making them a solid addition to any kitchen where home chefs ply their trade most nights of the week.
3. STORAGE
As the NAHB study indicated, kitchen storage space is sought after among modern homeowners. As home cooks expand their culinary horizons and cook more elaborate meals, they need extra places to store specialty pots and pans, ingredients and other materials. Homeowners looking to add more storage in the kitchen can consult with a local contractor about how to create such space. A walk-in pantry can do the trick, but homeowners with kitchens where
space is more limited may need to get a little more creative. Sliding-door pantries and roll-out shelving in existing cabinets can add functional space in kitchens with close quarters.
Modern kitchens are visual marvels and highly functional spaces. A new island, a deep sink and some extra storage space can help homeowners transform their existing kitchens into spaces that cater to their every need.
Must-have items for summer entertaining in the backyard
Summer entertaining season provides ample opportunities to soak up some sun and have some fun with family and friends. Backyard barbecues and other get-togethers at home are even more fun when hosts ensure they have certain must-have items for summer soirees.
• FIRE FEATURES: The days when summer hosts only needed a few extra lawn chairs and some burgers and hot dogs on the grill for a backyard barbecue are long gone. Though those items still have a place at backyard barbecues, summer parties have taken a step up. Fire features, whether it’s a standalone fire pit, one built into a patio or a gas-powered fire table, are now wildly popular. Fire features provide a welcome place to relax and converse with guests after the
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sun goes down. And much to kids’ delight, a fire feature also paves the way for some post-meal s’mores
• INSULATED WINE COOLER:
Coolers are great places to store water, soda, beer, seltzers, and other popular beverages. But what about wine? An insulated wine cooler ensures wine stays properly cooled but doesn’t get too cold, which can happen when wine is stored in a more traditional cooler filled with ice. Bottles are simply placed in the insulated cooler (much like canned beverages slide easily into can koozies), and the bottle can be kept on the table much like you would for formal dinners indoors. Hosts can go the extra mile by pairing insulated wine tumblers with their wine cooler.
• GAMES: Summer entertaining season might be all about relaxation, but games can up the fun factor at backyard gatherings. Cornhole is a wildly popular game, and customized cornhole boards can help hosts come across as party professionals. Ladder toss, bocce and wiffle ball are some additional games that can make the festivities more fun. Hosts who don’t have a pool also can invest in an inflatable pool big enough to fit all the kids who will be coming to the party.
• OUTDOOR STORAGE CABINET: Hosts can save themselves the stress and effort of walking in and out for
dinnerware and other table accessories by investing in a sturdy outdoor storage cabinet. As meal time draws near, hosts will appreciate that all the plates, napkins, utensils, and placemats are already outside. The top of the storage cabinet can double as a small but convenient buffet station for sides that aren’t being cooked over an open flame.
• PROJECTOR AND SCREEN: A projector and screen can really up the
ante on summer entertaining, turning a backyard barbecue into a great place to watch a game or cuddle up after dinner for a movie night under the stars. Projectors and screens won’t bust the budget, but those who have more to spend may want to consider an outdoor television. Outdoor televisions are built to handle the glare of the summer sun, but a retractable awning may be a good safety net for hosts
who plan to spend many a weekend afternoon outside watching games or movies with family and friends.
These are just a handful of items that can up the ante on traditional backyard barbecues. Homeowners should know that there’s no limit to the number of items that can make summer entertaining season more special.
How to make a home more cozy
The meaning of the term “cozy” varies as it pertains to home decor. For some, cozy may mean intimate spaces with lots of quilts and throws. For others, cozy could indicate bright and airy spaces enhanced by plenty of fresh foliage.
Regardless of how they define cozy, homeowners typically want their homes to be inviting and comfortable. With that in mind, the following are some ways to impart a cozy vibe to any living space.
• MAKE USE OF A FIREPLACE. Flames lapping wood (or faux wood in the event of gas-powered fireplaces) can put anyone in a tranquil state of mind. Fireplaces add instant ambiance and make great places for people to congregate and engage in conversation. During warmer months when the fire isn’t blazing, decorative candles can be lit to mimic the same feel.
• ADD TEXTURE IN THE DESIGN. Texture can be anything from a raised pattern on wallpaper to a knotty area rug to a mosaic piece of artwork. A home with texture tends to create cozier
impressions than one with all sleek and smooth surfaces.
• ENJOY A SOFT RUG. Although many design experts say hardwood floors or laminate options are easier for allergies and keeping a home clean, a soft rug underfoot can be welcoming. Rather than wall-to-wall carpeting, place area rugs in spots that can use some cozying up, such as beneath beds and even under the dining table.
• LIGHT CANDLES. The warm, flickering light of candles adds cozy vibes in spades. According to The Spruce and Paula Boston, a visual merchandiser for Festive Lights, candles can be used throughout a home to create instant atmosphere. Exercise caution with candles and fully extinguish them before retiring for the evening.
• UPDATE BEDDING FOR THE SEASON. Crisp and light cotton and linen are cozy materials when the weather is warm. But when the temperature starts to dip, flannel or jersey bedding makes a bed that much more inviting, says Real Simple.
• INVEST IN LOTS OF PILLOWS. Pillows can instantly make a spot more cozy, whether it’s the living room sofa or an outdoor lounging nook. Look for materials that are durable for the space in which they’re being used.
• THINK ABOUT WARM LIGHTING. The transition from incandescent light bulbs to halogen and LED is beneficial from an environmental standpoint. However, LEDs illuminate with a more stark, blue light that can seem clinical in home spaces. Look for bulbs where the “temperature” can be customized. The more the color spectrum leans toward warm light, the more cozy a
space will feel. This can be enhanced by putting some lights on dimmer switches, and toning down the brightness as needed.
• INSTALL A BOOKSHELF. Even for those who are strict devotees of e-readers, a shelf full of actual books interspersed with some wellplaced knickknacks can make a room feel more cozy. Books add texture, the feel of hallowed halls and libraries, and visual appeal.
Making a home more cozy doesn’t have to be complicated. A few easy modifications can improve interior spaces.
Soak up these luxurious bathroom features
Kitchens and bathrooms are two popular areas to address when renovating a home. Modernize Home Services says 26 percent of sellers make bathroom improvements to their homes before listing. Midscale bath remodels will net a return on investment of about 64 percent, while a luxury bathroom overhaul has an ROI of about 57 percent. When considering bathroom renovations, homeowners may want to include some unique features that can add style and function, not to mention some muchdeserved luxury. With that in mind, the following are some luxurious features to consider.
• HEATED FLOORS: There is something to be said for stepping out of the shower and being met with warmth underfoot. Heated floors are not just for people who live in cold climates, either. When the air conditioning is pumping on hot days,
tile floors can feel chilly. Heated floors also are aesthetically appealing because homeowners don’t have to factor in baseboard heaters or forced-air vents.
• STEAM SHOWERS: There are many different steam showers on the market, and each can turn regular showers into steamy spa-like enclaves. A steam shower is similar to a sauna and utilizes a steam generator to produce steam in a single area, advises Badeloft¨ Luxury Bathrooms.
• SOAKING TUB: Although the majority of people shower as part of their daily hygiene routine, a deep soaking tub separate from the shower is ideal for those who enjoy a good bath.
• LUXURY MIRROR: Upgrading the bathroom mirror to one that offers features like defoggers, integrated lighting and a dimmer setting can elevate the bathroom.
• FLOATING VANITY: A floating vanity is mounted directly to the wall to leave space underneath. Better Homes & Gardens says a floating vanity can lend an airy feel to a bathroom.
• FRAMELESS SHOWER: A frameless (glass) shower door is not only luxurious but also functional for people who want to age in place. With no edge or lip to step over to enter the shower, anyone with mobility challenges can walk into a frameless shower safely.
• WATER CLOSET: If space allows, separating the toilet in a water closet from the rest of the bathroom space affords even more privacy. Plus, in couple’s bathrooms, a water closet enables two to use the bathroom at the same time for different functions.
• WALK-IN-CLOSET: Relocating the bedroom closet to right off the owner’s bathroom affords an immediate opportunity to dress comfortably, thus streamlining a morning routine.
Bathroom renovations are worthwhile investments. Choosing some unique upgrades can enhance the design and function of these important spaces.
Signs a home exterior needs updating
Renovations are a great way for homeowners to reshape their homes. Some may aspire to renovate so their home is more reflective of their personal taste, while others may do so in an effort to make their homes better align with modern styles and sensibilities. Regardless of why a homeowner chooses to renovate, the need to do so is often evident to the naked eye, especially when the time comes to update home exteriors.
Curb appeal is often discussed in regard to the effects it can have when selling a home. But curb appeal is equally important for homeowners who aren’t putting their homes on the market. A well-maintained, aesthetically appealing home is a source of pride, while a home with fading curb appeal can make homeowners feel a little sheepish. Homeowners who want their homes to maintain their curb appeal can look for signs that it’s time to update their home exteriors.
• CURLING SHINGLES: The roof may not be the first thing people think of when pondering curb appeal, but a damaged roof can contribute to problems that ultimately affect the exterior and interior of the
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home. Multiple curling shingles indicate it’s time to replace the roof. The sight of curling shingles is not pretty, but the larger issue in such instances is the potential for costly water damage when water gets in through the affected shingles.
• DATED ENTRY DOOR: Many home improvement experts insist they can determine when a home was built or most recently renovated simply by looking at the front door. Steel and glass doors are popular in modern homes, so homeowners with front doors with ornate designs and oval glass inserts can likely benefit from an upgrade to their entryway. A modern front door can make a statement and real estate experts note how popular updated front doors are among buyers.
• UNSIGHTLY LANDSCAPING: It’s not only the physical components of the home that may suggest an
update is necessary. Homeowners without a green thumb may have exterior landscaping that has seen better days. If a spring or summer day spent tending to your landscaping is not your ideal weekend pastime, then consider replacing unsightly landscaping with low-maintenance plants or hardscaping. These alternatives to more needy plants can create curb appeal without requiring any extra work for homeowners.
• CRACKED DRIVEWAYS/ WALKWAYS: If the driveway looks like a busy road at the end of snow plowing season, chances are that’s adversely affecting the impression people have of your home. In addition, cracked walkways indicate a need for renovations, as these areas are front and center when welcoming guests.
Updating a home’s exterior can restore curb appeal and help homeowners feel better about their properties.
What to know about landscape lighting
Home improvement trends come and go, and one trend that has become wildly popular in recent years is recognizable in yards every night. Landscape lighting has transformed how people see and enjoy their properties at night, making it one of the more sought-after upgrades among modern homeowners.
Curb appeal is often seen through the lens of how homes appear during daylight hours, but landscape lighting can make homes look better and more modern, and potentially safer, after the sun goes down. With such potential, landscape lighting is worth exploring for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LANDSCAPE LIGHTING?
When considering landscape lighting, homeowners should know that there are various options to consider. According to the lighting experts at Lumens, spotlights
project a concentrated and narrow beam of light that’s usually around 45 degrees. Spotlights are often chosen to highlight specific features on a property, like a component of the landscaping. Individuals who want to cast light over wider, more general areas may consider floodlights, which Lumens notes spread light up to 120 degrees.
Inground lighting is among the more sophisticated landscape lighting options. Lumens notes that inground lighting illuminates the whole of a tree or structure, often creating a dramatic look. These circleshaped lights also are great at illuminating walkways and driveways.
Post lights are another outdoor lighting option, and these are often used to light up long walkways and pathways so it’s easier and safer to navigate dark areas at night.
IS LANDSCAPE LIGHTING A JOB A DIYER CAN HANDLE?
Many homeowners consider a do-it-yourself
approach when pondering a potential home renovation, and a landscape lighting project is likely to inspire such curiosity as well. The home experts at HGTV note that the feasibility of DIY in regard to a landscape lighting project depends on the type of lighting homeowners want to install and where they want to install it. Replacing an existing electrical fixture may be well within the skill of a seasoned DIYer, but installing a new fixture is a job best left to the professionals. Homeowners whose homes currently have no or very little landscape lighting are almost certainly better off working with a professional. Solar lighting that does not require any electrical work can be installed quickly and easily by anyone, but such options may not provide the look homeowners are aiming for.
HOW MUCH LIGHTING IS NECESSARY?
The amount of lighting homeowners want to install is up to them. If the home currently has little or no landscape lighting, a consultation with a professional can help to determinehow much lighting to install
and where to install it. When discussing landscape lighting, homeowners may want to inquire about dimmers. Dimmers can increase or decrease lighting depending on the situation. For example, homeowners may want a little extra light during a party, but less when relaxing alone outside at night. Dimmers allow homeowners to adjust as necessary.
Landscape lighting is a popular home renovation trend. Homeowners considering adding landscape lighting to their property are urged to work with a skilled professional to devise and install a set-up that makes their homes more appealing at night.
