Home Style - Spring

Spring 2012

Meeker County Advertiser and Hutchinson Leader Shopper

Taming the

Closet

Solutions to maximize the potential of your home’s storage areas

pesky projects Finish Help with your major home project Three tools to spruce up exteriors Cleaning without harsh chemicals Q&A with DIY Network’s Jason Cameron

Cesar Millan advises dog owners to set appropriate boundaries

2 Spring Home Improvement

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If you are planning a home improvement project and are wondering if a permit is required... please call the Hutchinson Building/Zoning/Planning Department at (320) 234-4216; visit the City’s web site at www.ci.hutchinson.mn.us; or stop by the City Center at 111 Hassan St. S.E. Our friendly staff await your questions!

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Spring Home Improvement 3

What’s Inside Got a messy closet?

Planning a remodel?

Get motivated and finish those pesky projects / 8

Experts such as local building official Lenny Rutledge are here to help smooth the winkles in the next major project in your home.

If the space to store all your stuff has run dry, there are solutions to maximize the potential of your storage areas around the house.

Three tools to spruce up a dingy exterior / 10 Clean your home without using harsh chemicals / 12

Page 14

Page 4

Be the master of pets / 16 Home Improvement is published twice a year by ...

28,100 copies of Home Improvement are being delivered through the Leader Shopper and Meeker County Advertiser. Ads are also placed on www.hutchinsonleader.com and www.independentreview.net.

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4 Spring Home Improvement

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Sunday, March 18, 2012

Taming the closet IF FACED WITH INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS IN YOUR CLOSETS, IT MIGHT BE BEST TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL TO HELP ORGANIZE THE MESS

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Spring Home Improvement 5

By KAY JOHNSON Staff Writer oo much stuff and not enough room?

You’re not alone.

Closets are the catchall of living. People use closets to store everything from their clothes, shoes and coats to cleaning tools such as a vacuum cleaner, mop and broom to sports equipment, wrapping paper and cookware.

We’ve all seen the sitcom where the homeowner has guests ringing the front door bell while she’s trying to clean up by shoving stuff into an already overstuffed closet. Heaven forbid anyone should open it.

For many, out of sight is out of mind. If you don’t have to look at it, you don’t have to deal with it.

If you’re guilty of closet overdose, there’s help.

CarpetPlus ColorTile Design Showroom in Hutchinson offers Shelvi Storage Systems, which are manufactured by Cabinet Components & Distribution in Sauk Center.

You’re no longer stuck with what you have. You can change it up to fit your

T

STAFF PHOTO BY KAY JOHNSON

Decorating consultant Suzie Maki reccommends a drawer organizer to reduce bedroom clutter by organizing the smaller parts of your wardrobe.

The system’s flexibility allows you to reposition the components for the best use of your space.

“You can install it anywhere you need storage,” said Suzie Maki, a decorating consultant at CarpetPlus. “At our Feb. 6

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lifestyle and your needs by customizing your closets with accessories such as tie racks, belt racks, hanging rods, jewelry trays, valet rods, cubbies and dividers.

If your needs change over time, no problem.

open house, people were packed around the Shelvi representative. People really listened to him.”

Maki went on to say that Shelvi products can be used to customize storage space for hobby gear, too.

If you’re a sports enthusiast, imagine how great it would be to have storage for all your downhill skiing stuff. Or if fishing is your sport, how about a safe place for all your nets, rods and reels, tackle boxes and more?

Most typical home closets come equipped with a hanging bar and a mounted shelf above the bar.

It works, but it doesn’t maximum the available space. Wasted space can be found above the shelf and below on the floor.

Built-in closet components come in two styles: floor mount, which looks like builtin cabinetry and off-the-floor.

Maki’s colleague, Vicki Schuch, customized a closet 3 feet deep and 5 feet wide that was shared by two adults and a child.

“We go out and measure and take into consideration how you’re going to use it,”

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Closets Continued from page 5

STAFF PHOTO BY KAY JOHNSON

Convienent hooks, shown by Vicki Schuch, can help you while doing the laundry.

she said. “We have our own installers, too.

Wall-mounted units are available, so they’re off the floor for cleaning.” Floor mount components are also available for a built-in cabinetry look.

Schuch said Shelvi Storage Systems start at about $300 and go up from there depending on what you put in and the size.

Storage components can also be used in the home office, laundry room, entryway closet, living room, family room, basement, garage or workshop.

“It’s all personal preference,” she said.

“It can be whatever you want it to be.”

Litchfield Building Center and LBC of Hutchinson also offer customized closet organizers by Real Closet, a Duluth-based manufacturer.

Sales designer Dave Gorham, who works in the Hutchinson office, said they can create whatever a customer wants.

Like CarpetPlus, they will come out and measure your space and draw up a cus-

Sunday, March 18, 2012

tomized plan for your closet.

Getting organized If your budget doesn’t allow for built-in closet components, what can you do?

Maki is a big believer in “simplify and organize.”

“Make space for what you love and let go of what doesn’t serve you,” she said.

Maki suggests taking the time to think about your space and how you use it.

Begin your closet rehab project by taking everything out of your closet and then only putting back in what you really want and use.

For instance, most of us own more clothes than we ever wear. Experts cite statistics that people wear about 20 percent of their clothes 80 percent of the time.

A way to find out if this is true for you or not comes from organizing guru Peter Walsh, who offered this tip: Reverse all the clothes hanging in your closet, so the hangers are facing back to front. As you wear an item of clothing, reverse the hanger.

Do this for about six months and you’ll find out what clothes you are actually wearing. Don’t be surprised if you discover that you’re wearing only a portion of what

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you own.

Armed with this knowledge, you can sort your clothes into several piles: keep, repair, donate and discard.

If you’re saving clothes that you plan to diet into, forget it. Save a special pair of jeans if you have an emotional attachment. Otherwise, get rid of them. Chances are clothing from years past is out of style, plus wouldn’t it be more fun to buy something new in your new size?

Don’t throw clothes away unless they’re in poor repair, stained or damaged. Local organizations that will take your used clothing include: Twice as Nice, the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store and the West Central Industries Thrift Store, all in Hutchinson. The Disabled Veterans of America offer green bins in Hutchinson and Litchfield as well as in area communities for clothing collection. Heartland Community Action’s Threads of Hope thrift store in Litchfield also accepts used clothing.

Make it pretty Most of us spend time and money to decorate our homes, but then leave our closets painted white.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Spring Home Improvement 7

“Make space for what you love and let go of what doesn’t serve you.”

Suzie Maki, decorating consultant “Why not make them pretty?” Maki asked. “Decorate the whole space. People often don’t think about it. If you have a pretty closet, you are more apt to put things in place.”

Local stores such as Target, Walmart and Menards offer closet accessories such as shelving, shoe racks and full-length mirrors for do-it-youself installation.

Depending on the size of your closet, a small dresser may fit with the drawers supplying storage for everything from underwear and socks to wrapping paper and table linens.

Hooks and baskets come in all shapes and sizes. They’re handy for storing scarves, belts and jewelry.

Some hooks can be fitted over a door while others use two-way tape adhesive for mounting. There are plenty of options

out there, so pick what works best for you.

What can you do on a tight budget?

Organize your closet by using cardboard boxes. Boxes can be picked up at no charge or at a small cost. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be dressed up with wallpaper, wrapping paper or paint.

They’re cheap to replace and easy to recycle.

Closet accessories can also be found at flea markets, garage sales and thrift stores.

There’s nothing wrong with giving something you already own a new purpose. Put that stack of empty suitcases to work by using them for storage. A bowl can be used to hold earrings. Cardboard boxes can be cut down to become dividers for separating stacks of sweaters or T-

Closet sources For more information about Shelvi Storage Systems, call CarpetPlus ColorTile Design Showroom in Hutchinson at 320587-6070.

For more information about Real Closet products, call the Litchfield Building Center at 320-693-3616, or LBC of Hutchinson at 320-234-9663.

For do-it-yourself closet organizers such as shelving, shoe racks, tie and belt racks, brackets and so on, visit Walmart in Hutchinson or Litchfield; Target, Menards and Ace Hardware in Hutchinson; or Partners Hardware Hank in Litchfield.

For baskets, hooks and other closet accessories, visit Dollar Tree and Walmart in Hutchinson and Litchfield; ShopKo, Target and Menards in Hutchinson.

For low-cost closet accessories, visit garage sales, flea markets and thrift stores.

shirts.

All it takes is some creativity and elbow grease to get your closets in shape for spring.

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8 Spring Home Improvement

Q&A

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Sunday, March 18, 2012

with DIY Network’s Jason Cameron THE DIY NETWORK STAR GIVES TIPS ON HOW TO GET OFF THE COUCH, MAKE A PLAN AND FIX THAT HOUSE

By DAN RAFTER CTW Features icensed contractor and television star Jason Cameron knows how to fix just about anything inside (and outside) the home.

He shows off his expertise as the host of “Man Caves” and “Desperate Landscapes” on the DIY Network. But he went through plenty of career and life changes before he settled into this gig: he’s also worked as a personal trainer, actor and fitness model/spokesman for Men’s Health magazine.

Cameron dishes about his career, his passion for the DIY life and ways to make that big upcoming home-improvement project less intimidating.

L

PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON CAMERON

Q. You’re pretty much a home-

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improvement guru these days. Have you always been into the do-it-yourself lifestyle?

The whole home improvement thing has been a part of me for a long time, as long as I can remember. My dad was an electrician and he’d do roofing on the side.

He introduced me to that type of work when I was still young. I grew up in upper Michigan, spending a lot of my time outdoors. We heated our house by wood. This meant that we’d go out every fall and summer to cut down our trees for the wood.

As a kid, I hated it. As I grew older, I see that all that manual work has been a valuable lesson to me.

Q.

When did you make the move to the world of entertainment?

When I turned about 28 or 29 – I knew that I couldn’t live in upper Michigan and

pursue entertainment, so I went to New York. I ended up working as a fitness model, which was not my plan at the time. But fitness is the other side of my life, it’s my other passion. It was a good way to make ends meet.

[Eventually,] I landed a part as a carpenter on “While You Were Out” for TLC. I was amazed to realize that I could be on a TV show doing what I loved to do. When “While You Were Out” was over, the DIY Network people introduced themselves to me. Since then, I’ve had a great relationship with them.

Q.

It seems that very few acting careers happen the way people plan them.

I went to school to be a cop. You never know where life is going to take you.

Q. What do you enjoy so much about

Q. What advice do you have for homeowners who get around to completing their home-improvement projects?

I know that homeowners sometimes get nervous. They think they aren’t skilled enough to complete a home-improvement project.

Homeowners should spend the most time on a project to plan it out. They need to sit down and do some research. What tools do they need? Write that down. Will you have to borrow or buy tools? Who do you need to hire to help you complete the project? If you don’t have a plan, you’ll end up wandering around aimlessly.

Q.

What can homeowners do to make themselves more comfortable with tack-

To-do list Jason Cameron, DIY Network star and licensed contractor, gives a list of chores every homeowner should do after winter passes: Take a visual inspection of the roof. No need to get on top of it — use binoculars to get a good look from below. Any missing or cracked shingles or damage near the chimney needs to be fixed, or it will get worse with time.

Inspect the gutters and downspouts. During the winter, they can pull away from the house.

Look for cracks in the exterior walls, whether it’s brick or siding.

Make sure there is enough caulk around doors and windows.

Take a walk around the entire house to visually inspect it for any worrying features that catch the eye.

ling home-improvement projects?

When you go into a home supply or hardware store and you have time on your hands, walk up and down the aisles. The more you familiarize yourself with the store, the more you understand where everything is and what they have, the less time you’ll waste when doing the project.

Spring Home Improvement 9

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Home-improvement projects are a real chore for some people.

A lot of people don’t like working out, either, and I like that, too. I’m a very mechanical person. No joke, when I go to bed at night, I build stuff in my head. Then when I wake up, I draw it on paper. I’m just mechanically inclined. I love working with my hands. I love the act of bringing something from my imagination to fruition.

That’s a great feeling. I hope people get the opportunity to experience that, to create something, after they watch our shows.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

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3 tools for an exterior facelift TRYING TO BOOST CURB APPEAL? INVEST IN THESE MULTIPURPOSE TOOLS THAT WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE that stops traffic — for the right reasons.

By DAN RAFTER CTW Features t’s official. Your house has become an eyesore for anyone driving by – peeling paint, squeaky doors and dirtcovered siding attest to months, if not years, of neglect. But the toolbox is empty and you’re no home-improvement expert as it is.

Luckily, people who are experts know how to spruce up a house exterior without breaking the bank.

With three tools that are more than onetrick ponies, turn a run-down house into one

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Spray Lubricant: A tool of 2,000 uses For just a couple of dollars, a bottle of household oil/lubricant can go a long way.

The most ubiquitous of these lubricants is WD-40. In fact, the website for WD-40 lists 2,000 uses. Some might be repetitive, but some are surprisingly useful.

There’s the obvious: the product fights rust on porch railings, metal patio furniture, barbecue grills and more.

But Eileen Claar, Atlanta-based social

Sunday, March 18, 2012

media expert for Home Depot, says this is only the beginning.

A squirt of lubricant on a porch ceiling fan’s blades keeps it moving smoothly, eliminating any squeaks or squeals when they’re spinning. When the holiday season approaches, those animated reindeer or waving elves on the front lawn might need a tune-up. Spray lubricant can make sure that these animated creatures move as they’re supposed to.

“You don’t want reindeer that look like they have arthritis,” Claar says.

Some lubricant on the base of the garage door makes sure that it won’t stick to the bottom of the pavement underneath, potentially saving it from some unsightly damage if the garage door faces the street.

“Up to 30 percent of homeowners’ front exterior space is taken up by garage doors,” Claar says. “It’s important to take care of them.”

Angled Paintbrush: A new angle on painting Painting is a hassle. Painting the front porch railing, exterior trim or even backyard deck can seem even more daunting. But with the proper paintbrush, the perfect DIY exterior paint job is within reach.

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Spring Home Improvement 11

Pressure Washer: The power of water

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sik – who, along with her husband John, documents home repair adventures on the popular blog Young House Love – says that painting doesn’t have to be a hassle for homeowners who rely on a short-handled angled paintbrush.

Petersik prefers the 2-inch variety. The tool provides her with far greater control than flat paint brushes. And it allows her to reach into odd, tight places.

When painting exterior trim on windows, she gets far less paint on the windows, which she would have to scrape off with a razor blade later.

“A lot of people are afraid to buy houses for some very superficial reasons,” Petersik says. “They don’t like a certain paint color, for instance. If people know just

how simple it can be to fix these superficial things with the right tools, they’d be more willing to buy some of these wonderful homes that are out there.”

Nothing livens up a drab exterior like a fresh coat of paint. With this tool, Petersik can spruce up exterior trim, deck railings and her outdoor furniture. She estimates that where it once took her four hours to paint trim, she’s now cut that time in half thanks to her angled paintbrush.

“People tend to make painting a bigger deal in their heads than what it has to be,” Petersik says. “We’ve probably painted 30 rooms in the last few years… When you have the right tools, painting doesn't have to be a hassle at all.”

When Jason Cameron needs to provide a quick boost to a property’s exterior, he turns to one tool: the pressure washer.

And Cameron knows of what he speaks.

This licensed contractor is host of two shows on the DIY Network, “Desperate Landscapes” and “Man Caves.” He knows what’s easy and what isn’t.

“The pressure washer is such an important tool,” Cameron says. “There are so many applications for it. Unlike a regular garden hose, which won’t give you the pressure you need, you can use a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime and buildup from just about any exterior surface. And that’ll leave your home looking so much brighter.”

The pressure washer is also an economical tool when it comes to using water. Cameron says that it uses 70 percent less water to complete an average job than does a typical garden hose.

Cameron recommends using a pressure washer to remove the gray that builds up along concrete porches over the years. It can also remove green mossy patches that collect on house siding.

Cameron does advise homeowners to stay 12 to 16 inches away from their homes when using a pressure washer to clean siding; the fan tip gives a wider swatch of water

when the user stands farther away, which allows people to clean more area in less time.

Homeowners can also turn to pressure washers to brighten faded pavers, cinder block walkways and deck surfaces. Basically, any surface rugged enough to handle the pressure could benefit from a quick pressure wash, Cameron says.

He says that pressure washers that provide 1,800 pounds of pressure per square inch (psi) are best for washing down a house exterior.

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Easy cleaning essentials

By LINDSEY ROMAIN CTW Features othing says clean and green like everyday household items that double as cleaning supplies. When it’s time for a quick and inexpensive scrub down, turn to these fridge and cupboard staples to get the job done without the hassle or chemicals of store-bought products.

N

Hydrogen peroxide According to Karyn Maier, author of “The Naturally Clean Home: 150 SuperEasy Formulas for Green Cleaning” (Storey Publishing, 2008), peroxide can help remove rust stains from porcelain, which is a real plus for homes with high mineral content in their water. It also deodorizes.

“Bathing your dog in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and a

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KICK THE CHEMICAL HABIT AND TRY THESE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS THAT DOUBLE AS HEAVY-DUTY CLEANERS

squirt of natural liquid soap will break down thiols, the compounds that make the defensive spray of skunks have such staying power,” Maier says.

Baking soda

Vinegar

Essential oils

Vinegar is COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK.COM great at dis/ PICTUREPARTNERS solving dirty nuisances like soil, grease, soap scum and hard water deposits, according to Crissy Trask, contributor at green living website Green Matters.

Thyme essential oil will kill and prevent the growth of mold and mildew, according to Maier.

“Rosemary, basil, thyme and tea tree are just a few examples of oils with antibacterial and antiviral properties,” she says.

“And because you only need a few drops at a time, a small bottle goes a long way.”

Maier suggests mixing vinegar with lemon or lime juice to clean countertops and other surfaces. She also notes that white vinegar will remove grease stains and will reduce static cycling in the dryer.

Trask calls baking soda “mildly abrasive,” adding that it cleans, deodorizes and removes stains along with softening fabrics in the wash. Maier adds that combining it with white vinegar will further whiten a load of laundry.

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Citrus fruit Fresh lemon, lime and grapefruit can be rubbed on cutting boards and other kitchen surfaces to sanitize. Trask notes that the acid in the citrus is great at cutting through grease, and Maier suggests throwing the remaining peels into the garbage disposal to kill bad odor.

Sodium percarbonate While it may be a little harder to track down, Trask suggests using sodium percarbonate as a bleaching method.

“It breaks down in water, oxygen and soda ash, it is not a carcinogen and it doesn’t persist in the environment, so it is far preferable to chlorine bleach,” she says, but also points out that it’s very harmful if swallowed and can cause irritation to the eyes and skin.

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Spring Home Improvement 13

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Avoiding inspection issues HUTCHINSON BUILDING OFFICIAL LENNY RUTLEDGE OFFERS ADVICE TO DO-IT-YOURSELFERS

STAFF PHOTO BY TERRY DAVIS

Hutchinson building official Lenny Rutledge advises anyone contemplating a project to learn the answers to frequently asked questions by visiting www.ci.hutchinson.mn.us/faq.html#planzone.

By TERRY DAVIS davis@hutchinsonleader.com ith new home construction being almost nonexistent in Hutchinson for more than three years, local building official Lenny Rutledge’s inspection duties have consisted mainly of residential and commercial remodeling projects and additions.

Those inspections often have a common thread when it comes to problems he finds.

“Probably the biggest one we have is with stairs,” Rutledge said. “It is the No. 1 situation where someone can get hurt at.

W

We can almost always expect that (to be a problem area).”

The “it” he was referring to is the deviation he often finds in the rise of the steps.

Code requires that no step can be threeeighths-inch more or less rise than the others.

What often happens, Rutledge said, is that a do-it-yourselfer may buy pre-made stair risers at a big box home improvement store and then find the risers area a bit long. They then cut the top or bottom step to fit the riser in, but that creates a larger than allowed deviation.

“You pretty much are always better to have your stairs custom-made,” he said.

One tip Rutledge sometimes gives homeowners is to rectify their stair issues

by creating a landing at the bottom. The landing is considered a separate structure, thus its rise can deviate from the rest of the stairs.

A similar problem can arise when a homeowner switches flooring from carpeting to a hardwood. That usually adds depth which can change a step at the top or bottom of a stairway, putting it outside the allowed deviation.

Another issue that sometimes occurs in the basement is putting sheet rock on walls or ceilings.

“When you do that, it seals it, so you should remember to first put in any wires or pipes in you may want later,” Rutledge said. That avoids the time and expensive of having to rip into a wall to place a gas

fireplace gas line, or into the ceiling to run wires for lighting fixtures.

“And people often overlook the need for a return air duct (to the furnace) when finishing off a basement,” he added.

Today, homes are required to have a smoke detector in every bedroom and one in the hallway outside the sleeping area.

That requirement sometimes gets overlooked, but if the remodeling project is valued at more than $1,000, an inspection is required and detectors are among the crucial things Rutledge looks for.

“That $1,000 level is an inspection trigger,” he said.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Spring Home Improvement 15

When buying a new air conditioner, efficiency should be your #1 concern. After all, it’s how they system pays for itself. With air conditioners from 13 to 20 SEER, we have a wide range of efficiency options to fit your budget so you can save year after year, summer after sweltering summer.

79589 HI

BATHROOM REMODELS

• • • •

HOMES PORCHES DECKS BATHROOM & KITCHEN REMODELS • ADDITIONS • REMODELS

Attention Hutchinson Utilities Commission customers—

We’re offering our customers rebates for energy-efficient products. Rebate programs started January 1, 2012 and continue until funding is depleted. Applications for rebates are available at HUC’s office at 225 Michigan St. S.E., or online at www.hutchinsonutilities.com.

These residential rebate programs are available for 2012.

Natural Gas Furnaces, “High Efficiency” AFUE 92%........$150 Natural Gas Furnaces, “High Efficiency” AFUE 94%> ....$250 Natural Gas Furnaces Tune-Up (biennial) ........................$25 ECM motor for furnace/ac motor upgrade for new installs or existing unit ....................................$75 Natural Gas Boilers AFUE 85% ........................................$200 Central Air Conditioners “Energy Star” (14.5> SEER) ....$250 Central Air Conditioners Tune-Up (biennial) ....................$25 Gas Hot Water Heater (Tankless) EF .82> ........................$150 Gas Hot Water Heater (Storage Type) EF .62> ................$50 Heat Pumps (Air Source) “Energy Star” 14.5> SEER 8+ HSPF ..................................................$75/ton Heat Pumps (Ground Source) “Energy Star” EER 14.1> closed loop ................................................$150/ton Clothes Washers “Energy Star”........................................$75 Freezers “Energy Star”(must have disposal verification) ..........$65 Refrigerators “Energy Star” (must have disposal verification) ..$65 Dishwashers “Energy Star” ..............................................$50 Dehumidifiers “Energy Star” ......................................$35 Ceiling Fans “Energy Star”................................................$25 Programmable Thermostats “Energy Star” ....................$15 Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs “Energy Star” ........Up to $15 max.

Lic. #448188

Where Quality and Customer Satisfaction Matter!

You can get Rebates for Energy-Efficient Products!

Residential Energy Conservation items and Rebate Amounts are limited to:

320-587-6466

79595 HI

If you act before June 30, 2012 you can save up to $1,150. Ask us how!

ADDITIONS

We’re Hutchinson Utilities Commission.

We’re here for you.

Hutchinson Utilities Commission (HUC) is your locally owned gas and electric Public Power Utility. Hutchinson is one of 126 Minnesota cities that benefit from having a local municipal utility. A public power utility is a tremendous community asset.

Here are some of the reasons why:

We have great service.

We’re part of the community and our policy makers, managers and workers are part of the community. Our crews are always on hand in the event of an emergency. You don’t need to call an 800 number to talk to us.

We’re locally regulated.

Rates and service practices are set by members of the community who live in the community. If you have a problem, you know who to talk to.

We’re owned by our customers.

There is no tension between the interests of customers and the interests of stockholders. Our focus is Main Street, not Wall Street. We work for you.

We’re not in it for the money.

Municipal utilities are operated in the public interest. Our goal is long-term community benefit, not short-term gain. We work hard to save you money.

We’re the yardstick for the industry.

For generations public power systems have set standards for rates and service that other utilities have had to meet.

Hutchinson Utilities Commission 225 Michigan St. S.E., Hutchinson 320-587-4746 www.hutchinsonutilities.com

We’ll be there.

Hutchinson Utilities Commission has served their communities for more than 70 years. In an era when new competitors come and go faster than we can learn their names, you can count on us.

We will be there when you need us.

81194 HI

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

16 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

In the dog house

Sunday, March 18, 2012

NO MATTER HOW PAMPERED A PET IS, THE HOUSE SHOULD STILL BE— FIRST AND FOREMOST — COMFY FOR THE HUMANS WHO LIVE THERE

By PATRICIA RIVERA CTW Features ome people may not like the comparison, but dog-book author Ruth Strother insists that living with a pet is like living with children.

To maintain harmony — and to make the home more comfortable for people and their furry friends — it’s important to establish a routine and boundaries.

“Just like you wouldn’t let your kids play freely in a room with expensive furniture, you can’t let your pets play in there either,” says Strother, author of “The Dog Friendly Home: DIY Projects for Dog Lovers” (Creative Publishing International, 2011).

Those who don’t create boundaries and designated spaces for pets run the risk of knocking over water bowls or entertaining guests with an eyesore of a kitty jungle gym — or worse, a litter box — in plain sight. Dog behavior specialist Cesar Millan, who hosts “The Dog Whisperer” television show on National Geographic Wild, believes owners must claim their space — consistently.

“If you decide your dog is only allowed on the couch when you invite him, then you have to stick to that rule when you’re home,” says Millan, who is also author of three New York Times best sellers. “It’s all about discipline and consistency.”

Strother says living with a pet means dealing with occasional damage. But there are preventive measures for some common problems. Consider installing clear vinyl door protectors to prevent doors from being scratched.

Nail caps applied to dog’s nails help protect door and floors. Grooming is huge, experts insist. Nails should be kept short no matter what.

Strother says regular exercise and regular stimulation also keeps pets more at peace. “You need to dedicate time to them and think about their needs,” she says.

S

Cesar Millan, better known as the Dog Whisperer, says that dog owners must claim their space consistently to set appropriate boundaries in the home.

© CTW Features PHOTO COURTESY OF CESAR MILLAN

hen a pet has its own special space in a house, it’s easier to keep things organized and routine.

Not only does it make things easier for the four-legged ones to understand, but it keeps pet owners from ripping their hair out in frustration.

In “The Dog-Friendly Home,” author Ruth Strother offers some ideas to make a pet area more comfortable for all the occupants in a house.

Pet toy chest: Just as with children’s toys, she explains, pet toys can overtake a home and cause twisted ankles, and the mess can create stress. Instead of piling them in a corner, find or build a toy chest.

For a personal touch, paint the pet’s name on it or stencil pet symbols, such as bones and paws. “Take out two or three toys and a time – they don’t need more!

Rotate them and when they’re done playing, put them in the chest,” she says.

Grooming station: An in-house groom-

© CTW Features

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ing station makes it easy to maintain a regular grooming regimen, which goes a long way in keeping the home clean of animal hair and dirt. The grooming station is a designated area with a table and shelves or wirewall grid to keep grooming supplies and pet supplies in general.

Attractive beds: A stylish house shouldn’t have a sloppy pet bed thrown on the floor. Strother suggests some modern options: a platform bed made from Baltic birch plywood, sized to match the dimensions of the pet bed cushion, or a nightstand-bed combo for smaller pets that incorporates a small mattress into a piece of household furniture.

Insulated doghouse: If Fido or Lassie spends a lot of time outside, he or she may appreciate an insulated home that protects from harsh elements.

Strother explains that flat-roof doghouses with a slight slope to the roof are easy to insulate with insulation board. In warm weather, the roof can be propped open slightly for ventilation.

— Patricia Rivera

Fall Home Improvement 17

80637 HI

Pet projects

Sunday, March 18, 2012

83310

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

1001 E. Highway 12, Willmar 320-235-7415 • 800-981-3672 ———————————— 47-3rd St. NE, Waite Park 320-251-2717

Legacy outdoor Lantern valued at $399 from Outdoor Greatrooms

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Get one of the following items FREE w/purchase & installation of any fireplace or insert!

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Cook # grill valued at $399 Store Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00-6:00 Sat. 9:00-4:00

18 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Some carpet options might floor you NEW MATERIALS GIVE HARDWOOD FLOORS A RUN FOR THE MONEY

Sticking points

Green is growing

By CATHY CASSATA CTW Features

F

“Something made with a solution dye may not be natural, but it can give you better performance, depending on your household.”

or those who prefer the plush pile of carpet beneath their feet, new materials and innovative adhesive provide modern options.

A matter of material Nylon is the most durable of all carpet fibers, according to Valerie Ottaviano, vice president of product design at Bentley Prince Street, Inc., a California-based carpet and rug company.

When it comes to purely natural materials like straw, sisal and wool, she urges consumers to think twice.

“They look great but can be tough to clean,” Ottaviano says. Sisal rugs don’t react well to water or cleaners, for example.

Like all home industries, carpet makers are looking into sustainable options. Postconsumer nylon can be weaved back into new fibers.

“We can actually strip previously used carpet, shave off the top and put that back into a new fiber while still creating premium-quality carpet,” Ottaviano says.

There’s now carpet available that is made from yarn composed of used fishing nets.

The production process is fed by different streams of post-consumer carpets, used fabrics and fishing nets together with industrial discards from all over the world.

Mix and match Modular carpet tiles make it easier for those who don’t want to make a big, permanent decision about a large area. FLOR, a leading carpet tile company based in

COURTESY OF BENTLEY PRICE STREET

Gone fishin’: Used fishing nets are weaved together with post-consumer fabrics to create this eco-friendly carpet.

Chicago, has gained a lot of momentum in the past few years for its ease of installation, maintenance and durability.

These carpet tiles can be arranged according to each person’s preference for area rugs, runners or play areas.

This DIY solution may have a higher upfront cost, but the tiles are removable, washable and can be moved from home to home, which can make it a more costeffective option.

It might be unpleasant knowing there’s a bunch of adhesive under the carpet, so go ahead and ditch the glue. Some carpet tiles, like the FLOR system, connect to each other rather than the floor. Scott Coll, CEO of Austin, Texas-based Commercial Flooring Systems, says it’s a faster and cleaner installation process.

“There’s no adhesive involved. Instead you use a 3-inch-by-3-inch square that connects carpet tiles to each other in all four corners to create one massive rug,” Coll says of FLOR’s commercial counterpart, Interface FLOR Commercial.

Another concern for the underside of carpets is the potential tripping hazard.

Clint Schramm, vice president of marketing at Bentley Prince Street, Inc., suggests tapered rubber reducers, which are adhesively fused and mechanically stitched to the carpet’s edge to reduce the height of the carpet or area rug. This reduced edge eliminates tripping hazards and allows easy movement of wheelchairs.

Bldg# BC553039 RRP# Nat-25-245-1

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79610-HI

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Spring Home Improvement 19

LEADER/INDEPENDENT REVIEW SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

READER CONTEST

Here’s how to play:

Simply read all the business ads in this Spring Home Improvement edition.

Businesses can be matched up with a phrase, headline or sentence below. Businesses may only be used once unless they have more than one ad. Check ads carefully to match the clues below. Good luck! Winners will be notified by phone.

Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Fri., March 30 at the Hutchinson Leader, 170 Shady Ridge Rd. N.W., Suite 100, Hutchinson, MN 55350.

All decisions of judges are final. In the event of a tie, a random drawing of all correct entries will occur. You must be at least 18 years of age to win. Employees of the Hutchinson Leader and Litchfield Independent Review are not eligible to win.

1st PLACE :

Dinner & Show for Two at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

2nd PLACE :

$20 in Hutch Bucks

1. Your year around source for all your lawn & garden needs. _________________

30. See Us For All Your Plumbing & Heating Needs _________________________

2. “See the difference we make” ________________________________________

31. Geothermal Well Fields _____________________________________________

3. Renovate your homeowners policy. ____________________________________

32. 14755 County Road 9_______________________________________________

4. INSPIRING IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME _______________________________

33. Biggest Sale of the Year! ____________________________________________

5. 24 Hour Service ___________________________________________________

34. Deal Directory With The Builder! _____________________________________

6. Do I Need a Building Permit? ________________________________________

35. Rebates for Energy-Efficient Products! _________________________________

7. Quite simply the finest paint we’ve ever made ___________________________

36. Schedule your A/C tune-up now ______________________________________

8. friendly customer service to make you feel at home. ______________________

37. We Offer: Custom Rugs & Binding ____________________________________

9. “Helping You Create a Beautiful Home!” _______________________________

38. Schedule your spring and summer projects NOW._________________________

10. it’s worth the drive to visit our shop____________________________________

39. BATHROOM & KITCHEN REMODELS ______________________________

11. Commercial & Residential Systems____________________________________

40. 320-857-2235 _____________________________________________________

12. “Rain Gutters...Our Specialty” ________________________________________

41. Full line of contracting services _______________________________________

13. fast service and several affordable options! ______________________________

42. Expand Your Living Space Outdoors! _________________________________

14. 1467 Adams St. ___________________________________________________

43. PROTECTING What Matters Most! ___________________________________

15. 1-800-252-1166 ___________________________________________________

44. For all your construction needs...at home or on the farm ___________________

16. Let us help you piece it together. ______________________________________

45. Available at over 400 trusted building material suppliers.___________________

17. 18482B 202 Circle St. ______________________________________________

46. Fast approvals _____________________________________________________

18. Free Water Analysis ________________________________________________

47. We walk you through your floor purchase decision step-by-step _____________

19. whenever you need to rent...__________________________________________

48. Call us for your LP Gas needs... ______________________________________

20. BUY THE BEST, FORGET THE REST ________________________________

49. All of your Home Improvement resources are just a click away.______________

21. Our shelves are full for FREE Household products! _______________________

50. Where every window is a window of opportunity _________________________

22. a style for every point of view ________________________________________

51. Call our office for a free insurance quote _______________________________

23. Provide a Healthier Environment for Your Family _________________________

52. “The Decorating Store At YOUR Door!”________________________________

24. Take control of your heating costs... ___________________________________ 25. Where Customers Return & Send Friends_______________________________ 26. You Dream It...We build it! __________________________________________ 27. All In-Stock Inventory is on Sale! _____________________________________ 28. See Us For All Your Building Needs! __________________________________ 29. PO Box 217 ______________________________________________________

Name _____________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________ City ____________________________ Phone___________________________ Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2012 at the Hutchinson Leader, 170 Shady Ridge Rd. N.W., Suite 100, Hutchinson, MN 55350.

79607 HI

20 Spring Home Improvement

CTW Features hether it’s grimy, chipped, discolored or simply the wrong style, an old bathtub can be made to look as good as new. First, you might opt for a deep cleaning, but if that doesn’t do the trick, try one of these three methods.

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1. Resurface It You may have seen the infomercials on

late at night, but how much do you really know about resurfacing a bathtub? This product, also known as a bath liner or bath fitter, is created to match the dimensions of your tub and is placed directly on top of the existing area.

Resurfacing covers up any ugly remnants of the tub without requiring the work of completely removing it. “Our product is 100 percent acrylic and the walls are all one piece, so if you have mold or mildew issues, we would get rid of all of it and then put a liner over the existing [tub],” says Saiema Quadri, an event manager at Montreal-based Bath Fitter.

Bathtub resurfacing companies are increasingly adding options like grab bars, graphic art and other bathroom accessories attached to the liners. Bath Fitter, which operates in Canada and the U.S., offers an online tool where customers can design their own bathroom remodel virtu-

ECTRIC L E S ’ F F JE

Electrical Contracting and Service Work

Smart Strand • DuraCeramic • Flexitec

320-593-1648

Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon

www.litchfieldflooring.com QuickStep • Daltile • Alloc • Adura • AirStep • Johnsonite • Azuvi • Ultimate Step • Trends

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25 W. 2nd St. - Litchfield

There are two ways to talk about refinishing a tub. For an easy fix to a small problem, there are DIY products that can repair cracks and chips in a tub if it is made of acrylic or fiberglass/gelcoat.

For a full overhaul, though, refinishing is an inexpensive way to make a big difference in the appearance of a bathtub. “It’s

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Parts for most outdoor boilers available also.

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Prepare for the grilling season with a new Traeger or Louisiana pellet grill and flavored grill pellets.

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2. Refinish It

At Wood’s Edge we carry alternative heating options to fit almost everyone’s lifestyle.

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Designer Tile Bathrooms & Showers

Cons: If the product develops a crack, water will get between old bathtub and liner, creating problems In some cases, plumbing may need to be changed, which may require a permit and a licensed plumber

ally.

One sticking point for the bath liners is that customers can get overeager to jump in their new shower or tub. “If people don’t follow directions to let the product sit so the adhesive can stick to the wall, something might pop off a little bit,” Quadri says, “but we’ll go in and fix that.”

Search for bath liners or fitters for resurfacing companies in your area.

Pros: Cheaper than replacing the whole tub No caulking in the liner so it resists the problems of bathroom tiles Can be customized to turn a bathtub into a shower with a seat, etc.

Take control of your heating costs...

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SALES & INSTALLATION OF Carpet ~ Hardwood ~ Laminate ~ Vinyl ~ Ceramic

PHOTO COURTESY OF BATH FITTER

Refinishing an older bath tub, left, can cover up ugly remnants of a tub without completely removing it. The resurfaced tub, right, looks like new.

79594 HI

By BETTINA CHANG

to a better bath tub

80621 HI

TIRED OF THAT DINGY TUB? A TRIO OF OPTIONS MIGHT GIVE BRIGHTER OUTLOOK

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Expand Your Living Space Outdoors!

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3 ways

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Designers and Installers of: –Patios –Outdoor Kitchens –Outdoor Fireplaces

320-857-2520

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Spring Home Improvement 21

about being able to bring your bathroom up to date on a reasonable budget,” says Jim Pierce, senior account executive at Chicago-based Beautiful Finishes.

Refinishing typically involves first coating the existing surface in a base solution, sometimes known as an etching solution, which makes it easier for the new surface to adhere. Then a primer and topcoat are added. After the tub is refinished, it could take anywhere between four hours to seven days before it is ready for use.

Pierce says many of his customers have tubs with the bright retro colors of the ’60s and ’70s and want to neutralize the colors to prepare a house for sale. Finishes are available in a variety of colors to match with bathroom décor. Other common customers are landlords who want to make their properties more appealing to renters, according to Pierce.

The typical bathtub refinishing job, Pierce says, is about $300, though it can vary depending on the type of material, size of the tub and other considerations.

Pros: Usually the cheapest option No need to redo plumbing While you’re at it, you can refinish

Continued on page 22

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOWE’S

It is the most expensive option, but if you have cash to burn and want to make a major change, you’re better off completely replacing your tub.

Call Gopher State One Call at least 48 hours before you dig this spring!

Y ou may be planning a summer project now, such as building a deck or planting trees or shrubs. They’re great summertime projects, but we urge you to be careful. Many sites are on top of underground utility lines.

Cutting an underground cable or pipeline can be very dangerous and costly, so call Gopher State One Call before you dig. It’s the law!

Gopher State One Call is the clearinghouse to determine the location of all underground utility lines in Minnesota. After you call Gopher State, it notifies underground utility operators with facilities in the area. Locators are dispatched to mark where these underground cables and pipelines are located.

But this all takes time, so be sure to call Gopher State One Call at 1-800-252-1166 at least 48

hours before you dig, excluding weekends, holidays and emergencies. Calls are taken between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Gopher State One Call will ask specific questions, so please have the following information available when you call: • Type of work to be done • Location of the work site, including township, range, section and quarter coordinates. This is the property’s legal description.

• Estimated time needed to complete work.

Property owners should understand their full responsibility when digging.

• The property owner or excavating company

Open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

• The property owner is responsible for hiring a locator and paying for locating costs if the underground wires are on the property owner’s side of the electric meter, such as secondary wires running to a house or buildings.

Remember, call 1-800-252-1166 before putting one shovel in the ground!

1-800-252-1166 Hutchinson Utilities Commission

1725 E. Hwy. 12, Litchfield, MN 320-693-3231 or 800-232-6257

is responsible for calling Gopher State One Call at 1-800-252-1166 at least 48 hours before work is to be done so that locators can mark their company’s utilities.

McLeod Cooperative Power

225 Michigan St., Hutchinson, MN 320-587-4746

1231 Ford Ave., Glencoe, MN 320-864-3148 • 1-800-494-6272

www.hutchinsonutilities.com Open Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Open Monday–Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

80629 HI

22 Spring Home Improvement

Tub Continued from page 21 tiles and countertops, too Cons: Many abrasive chemicals are involved in this process; each company has its own claims to how safe the chemicals are Cannot change the size/shape/functions of the tub

3. Replace It If you’ve got cash to burn and want to make a major change, you’re better off completely replacing your tub. For instance, for those who want to add luxury features like massage jets, effervescence, built-in lighting and aromatherapy, a full replacement is the right choice.

“It depends on personal preference,” says Aaron Hoegle, merchandising director in fashion plumbing of Lowe’s home improvement stores. “Do they want a new experience? What’s the motive?”

A new tub can accommodate specific

Scissor Lifts

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requirements, like accessibility, the desire for a different style tub, high-tech features or green materials.

For an aging home, Hoegle recommends a Kohler tub with a side that raises and lowers and is still customizable with bells and whistles that homeowners want.

He cites accessibility as a growing concern for consumers looking to buy bathtubs.

Delta has also released a new tub, he says, that is made with low-emitting product for a healthier indoor environment.

“It’s exciting because it’s an acrylic material for a fraction of the typical acrylic price,” Hoegle says.

While he says that refinishing and resurfacing are viable options for many homeowners who are looking for a cheaper option, it all depends on the current tub and the customer.

Pros: Get the tub with the features you want See the final product at the store before you buy Long-lasting Cons: Removing and installing requires professional help unless the homeowner is particularly handy

3-Bobcats w/auger, jack hammer & many other attachments

50 Storage Units For Rent All Sizes Moving Trucks & Trailers

Sunday, March 18, 2012

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEAUTIFUL FINISHES

Refinishing an older bath tub can cover up ugly remnants without completely removing it and give the tub a brand new look.

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Log Splitters Post Hole Augers-Several Types Power Sod Cutter Roto Tillers Snow Blowers Stump Chipper Thatchers Tree Trimmers 2 Vermer Tree Spades, Pull-type & 3-pt, Rock Vac Tents (20x20, 20x30, 20x40) 3 pt., 6ft. Grass Interseeder Zero-Turn Mower w/baggers

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NEED IT? RENT IT!

Magnet - to pick up nails Metal Detectors Mobile Signs Paint Sprayers Paint Peeling Machine Rinse & Vac Rug Cleaners Sand Blaster Sewer Cleaning Equipment Sewer Jetter Tile & Carpet Remover Trailer-type Steam Cleaner Transmission Jack Utility & Moving Trailers Wallpaper Steamer Wet-dry Vacuum Wheel Pullers

CONSTRUCTION & PLUMBING RENTALS Shingles Flatbed & Enclosed Trailers Floor Sanders & Edgers Gas Water Pumps, including 6” Generators Genies-Portable Equipment & Personal Lifts High Pressure Washers Hydraulic Post Hole Auger 42’ Hydraulic Boom Lift Insulation Blowers Jumping Jack Knipco Heaters Ladders Lincoln Gas Driven

Welders Metal Detector Paint Sprayers Pipe Cutters & Threaders Post Hole Augers Post Pounders Power Buggy Power Mitre Box Power Sledges Rolling Scaffold Tower Rough Terrain Scissor Lift Scaffolding Skid Steer Loaders Sky-Hawk Scissor Lift Textured Ceiling Sprayers Tomcat Personal Lift Toro Dingo Vibratory Roller

FARM EQUIPMENT RENTALS 450 Items for Home, Farm & Construction Use

320-587-2162 Corner of Adams (Bluff) St. & Hwy. 7 Hutchinson Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 am-5:30 pm & Sat. 8:00 am-5:00 pm

Alfalfa Interseeder Bale Trailer Bin Jacks 3 Point Blade Brillion Alfalfa Seeder Brillion Grass Seeder Brillion Over Seeder 3-Pt. Broadcast Seeder Bush Hog Rotary Cutters Catte Squeeze Chute Chisel Plow Gopher Poisoning Equipment Grain Vaculator Large Bale Carriers Liquid Manure Equipment

Livestock Trailer Manure Spreaders Offset Wishek Disk Pasture Interseeder Portable Loading Chute Post Hole Augers PTO Rototiller Rock Pickers Skid Steers Earth Moving Scrapers Stalk Choppers Sukup Grass & Grain Interseeder Made to seed CRP acres

79611 HI

Air Hammers & Compressors Backhoe & Loader Belt Conveyor Bobcat with post hole auger, dozer blade, rototiller & jack hammer Bolt Cutters Bull Floats Cement & Steel Power Saws Cement Mixers Cement Power Trowels Cement Vibrator Chain Hoists Compact Dump Trailer Compactors Elevator to Elevate

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Spring Home Improvement 23

Stockmen's Greenhouse & Landscaping

We take pride in our selection of Minnesota hardy trees, shrubs, and evergreens.

We grow the flowers and vegetables to make your garden all that you desire. We are landscaping professionals and…

We do it all at prices you can afford.

Stockmen's

Your year around source for all your lawn and garden needs.

Greenhouse & Landscaping

82456

Monday thru Friday 8-5 Saturday 8-4; Closed Sunday

60973 W. U.S. Hwy. 12, Litchfield, MN 55355 “Look us up on Facebook!”

(320) 693-7787

www.stockmensgreenhouse.com

Largest

In-Stock Carpet & Vinyl Rolls in the area!

All In-Stock Inventory is on Sale!

FINANC ING AVAILAB LE

FREE

• Non-Electric • 24/7 Soft Water • Most Efficient Salt & Water Usage • Iron - Odor - Rust Removal • Free Water Analysis • We Service All Makes & Models

(320) 587-7199

80209 HI

®

Hwy. 7 E. 211 Garden Rd

Softeners • Filtration Drinking Systems

211 Garden Rd. Next to Slumberland 320-587-9223

Also offering unclaim ed freight

Hwy 15

82457

79603 HI

s Estimate

N

24 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 18, 2012