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BUYING • SELLING • IMPROVING

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2 | HOME IMPROVEMENT, April 2019, North Edition

10 staging TIPS FOR

YOUR HOME

Team at Holmers Real Estate Group knows how to do it

BY LARA BOCKENSTEDT lbockenstedt@swpub.com

for staging your home:

When staging a home, the goal is to minimize imperfections and elevate the best features.

Broker and Realtor Connie Castonguay works with Realtor Karla Haley to stage homes for Wayzata-based Holmers Real Estate Group. Their work has helped homeowners “make the most money they possibly can, in the shortest amount of time.”

They shared their top 10 tips

1. FRESHEN THE FRONT DOOR AND CURB APPEAL The first 10-15 seconds when a potential buyer approaches a front door is a make it or break it moment, Castonguay said. Everything thereafter is a justification of why they like the home, or why they won’t chase after it.

While replacing an older front door is a wise investment, event a fresh coat of paint is meaningful, Haley said. Other steps to consider

PHOTO BY CONNIE CASTONGUAY AND KARLA HALEY

Above: An “after” photo of the staged living room.

Right: A “before” image of a living room. in upping curb appeal: Trim trees and bushes. Put away the yard art. Power wash and sweep the steps.

2. WHEN IT COMES TO THE FRONT ENTRY, THINK OF THE SENSES The more important question to ask when thinking of first impressions isn’t just

what potential buyers see, Castonguay said. It’s what they smell.

“All of our houses have an odor,” she said. “We just don’t notice.”

People encounter scents ranging from residents’ pets, to whatever was baked the

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STAGING continued from 2

night before, to the heavy smell of candles and plugins.

Haley said they advise homeowners to use cleaning products steeped in essential oils so the home has a more natural perfume. Using a plugin or candle sends the message that the homeowners are trying to mask some other dubious smell.

3. DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER Decluttering is a finesse, Haley said.

“Take the personal items out, like family photos,” she said. “If you can, just make sure that it’s very neutral so people aren’t distracted.”

PHOTOS BY CONNIE CASTONGUAY AND KARLA HALEY

Left: An “after” image of the staged kitchen. Above: A “before” image of a kitchen the Holmers Real Estate Group duo worked on.

4. THINK OF THE DETAILS IN CLEANING Castonguay said washing the windows is a step that can make the home look new.

By deep-cleaning the home, potential buyers can focus on the features that sell.

5. BE SENSITIVE WITH COLOR Both Castonguay and Haley said trendy paint colors may not always compliment the home they’re in.

“Each house we go in and stage, the color is specific to that home,” Castonguay said.

“So we bring in a pallet of colors and say, OK, what looks good in here? Is it a warmer white? Is it a smoky gray? Is it a warm tone or cool tone?”

One hardline rule they enforce is steering clear of paint with shine. Flat paint works more at hiding imperfections.

When they paint homes, they tend to repaint rooms with heavy primary colors back to neutral colors.

and getting lost in people’s things. Or they’re getting a real warm and great feel.”

Decluttering and furniture placement work together. The Realtor duo recommends to get rid of worn furniture and to keep it simple.

“We want to avoid that,” Haley said. “We want them to go, ‘OK, that’s done. Check.

OK that’s done’ … and they just keeping moving on and go ‘Oh, we love this place.’”

6. WITH FURNITURE, LESS IS MORE

7. REPAIR AND REPLACE

Stainless steel is still a popular finish for bathroom appliances, the pair said. However, it’s more about what looks appropriate for the space. Appliances should be the same color, and should be the right size for the kitchen.

Investing in new appliances gives a generous return in the

Consider moving furniture so it makes the space feel open, and conducive to conversation.

“All of this is going through the buyers’ minds as they’re walking,” Castonguay said. “ T hey ’r e eit her lo ok i n g through the clutter and mess

Light fixtures, appliances and faucets are inexpensive items to replace that instantly add value, Haley said. Whatever a flaw may cost to replace or repair, a potential buyer will likely imagine it as double the cost and will deduct that from the value of the home.

8. GET CONSISTENT WITH APPLIANCES

listing price, Haley said.

9. DEPERSONALIZE THE BATHROOMS New towels, new rugs and mended features are what counts in the bathroom, Castonguay said. Spend $20 on a new set of towels and repair cracking grout, or fix the caulk in the bathtub. Personal items should be neatly tucked out of sight.

10. TIDY UP THE MASTER BEDROOM The master bedroom goes with the kitchen and bathroom for being one of the main

selling features.

“Make it an inviting place where someone can relax,” “It kind of gets back to that declut teri ng … orga ni ze things so that when somebody comes in, they’re not distracted by the mess.”

One of the frequent mist a kes homeow ners ma ke is to leave their bedroom closets as they were. Closets can appear suddenly small if homeowners have been constantly packing in knickknacks and clothing for a number of years.

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4 | HOME IMPROVEMENT, April 2019, North Edition

So many

COLORS So little time

BY UNSIE ZUEGE uzuege@swpub.com

PHOTO BY UNSIE ZUEGE

Color consultant Diane Casanova is one of five Hirshfield’s color specialists in the Twin Cities, who helps coordinate interior color and design palettes for homeowners.

Ever notice how the color palettes of home goods, home accessories and furniture all seem to be so complementary, no matter where you shop during a season?

It’s no accident. It’s carefully thought out.

Each year, Pantone, a leader in color for manufacturing and printing, announces the color of the year. This year’s color is Living Coral. So don’t be surprised if you’ve noticed shades of coral showing up in throw pillows, towels, fashion accessories and even makeup shades.

A nd paint companies like Benjamin Moore, Hirshfield’s, a nd Sher wi n Wi l li a m s a l so come out with their own colors of the year, often influenced by the fashion trends from Paris and Milan.

If you’ve ever tried to suss out the right colors for your living room, family room or bedroom, you know the array of paint chips is dizzying. That’s when it’s helpful to ask the advice of someone like Diane Casanova, one of Hirshfield’s five professional colorists. She is located at the Eden Prairie store.

Under Casanova’s guidance, homeowners can learn which paint colors are best suited for their homes.

“I don’t tell them what colors to choose,” Casanova said, “but

I work with them to help make the best choices.” She considers details the average person may overlook.

Did you know the type of lighting in your room — fluorescent, incandescent, ha logen, LED — each casts a different type of light that affects how the paint color can look in a room?

And, that the quality of natural light from a north window is different than light from a south window, and affects how a paint color will look?

Casanova said other interior details, like woodwork, can also affect the look of a color in a room. “Many sales pieces show rooms with white woodwork,” Casanova said. “But here in

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the Midwest, most people h ave home s w it h golden oak woodwork and that can change how a color will look in a room.

COLOR BOARD Casanova is available for color consultations with clients who’d like to coordinate their room makeovers with the rest of their home. A consultation costs $150 and involves Casanova visiting the home to see the current colors of furniture and home furnishings.

In addition to color recommendations and treatments, she likes to put together a color board for clients. Such a color board helps homeowners make good choices as they move ahead with other room remodeling in the future.

Casanova also does color consults in-store. Clients may bring in pillows, bedding, dishware or a small home accent piece they want to match or complement.

W hen planning a color theme for a room or a home, Casanova suggests a palette of three colors and the following ratio as a guide: 60 percent, main color; 30 percent, second tone; and 10 percent, a pop of color.

MIDWEST TASTE C u r r ent ly, A mer ic a n s seem to like grays in the home, and in the Midwest, the warmer gray tones, “because we have long winters and people want to warm things up.”

Currently, Magnolia Home paints, by Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s popular Fixer Upper show, is a popular brand, in colors reminiscent of painted furniture — “What we used to called Shabby Chic,” Casanova said. “Now it’s called Fixer Upper.”

As with other paint comp a n ie s , H i r sh f ield’s h a s its color of 2019 : Into The Stratosphere, described as “a captivating dark blue we can imagine a journey into deep seas and endless night skies.” It’s one of a family of five complementary colors in deep hues.

Hi rsh f ield’s has t h ree other color families for 2019: Craft Luxe, soft muted shades reminiscent of sun-faded furniture, barns and porches; The Happiness Project, colors reminiscent of nature; and Humanity Within, neutral shades of technology with a pop of vibrant color.

Outside of color trends, Casanova sees a lot of people going for white walls and accenting with pops of color in their homes.

PHOTO BY UNSIE ZUEGE

Above: Paint consultant Jacob Ewald selects one of his favorite colors.

Right: Millennials have made wallpaper popular again, especially for accent areas in the home.

Casanova said. “It’s not the old fashioned prints people remember.”

And, it helps that many now come in convenient peel and stick formats.

Casanova gets inspiration from HGTV and reading a lot of publications and visiting websites like Houzz. Her personal favorite brands?

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6 | HOME IMPROVEMENT, April 2019, North Edition

BACKYARD FARMING Five steps to create an edible garden

BY EDEN TELLER eteller@swpub.com

The fresh bursts of taste and color from summer vegetables are almost magical after months of winter produce.

From farmers markets to local restaurants, Minnesota’s fruits and vegetables dazzle the taste buds and inspire many to till their own backyard gardens.

But where to start? Here are some tips from Hennepin County Master Gardeners to begin your backyard garden.

PREP AND PLANT EARLY Many of your summer seeds — tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant — grow best when started indoors, according to the Master Gardeners website. In mid-March to mid-April, use a potting mix and plant seeds in 3- to 4-inch deep trays, covering them with a quarter inch of soil. As your seeds sprout, thin out seedlings to prevent overcrowding, the Master Gardeners website instructs.

To prepare your backyard, find a space that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight, preferably with southern or western exposure, the site says. In May, use a rake or shovel to spread mulch evenly over the area and remove any weeds and clear the way for your quickly-growing seedlings.

Hardier seeds, like beans and kale, can be planted directly outside after the garden is prepared, the Master Gardeners advise. Plant these in the last weeks of May through June, and be sure that the last frost of the season has passed before adding in your indoor plants.

FILE PHOTO

Lettuce is a leafy stable of the dinner table that can easily be grown in the yard.

The more sunlight an herb receives, the more flavorful oils develop in the leaves, creating an intense addition to soups, salads and dry rubs.

You can harvest herbs like oregano, mint, basil and thyme throughout the summer by clipping sprigs and leaves as you need them, the site says.

When storing your harvest, the best way to preserve their flavors is to gather a few stems and tie the ends together with string or thread, to hang in a warm, dark, dry room for a week or two until fully dried, the site advises.

A warning: Mint is a notorious invader of gardens, so be sure to keep it contained to a pot or separate bed to avoid waking up to a lawn of mint in late summer.

PLANT A SIDE DISH With direct sun, consistent watering and weed removal, many of your edible plants will thrive throughout the summer. The Master Gardeners have some tips to ensure that your main attractions will flourish and provide delicious fruits and vegetables.

Every plant absorbs a unique variety of nutrients from the soil around it, and planting one species in the same area for multiple years can deplete the soil, the site says. Make sure to rotate your garden from year to year, planting tomatoes where the beans used to be and lettuce where the sunflowers once were.

Tomatoes and eggplants need consistent moisture, but avoid watering from overhead, the site says. Wet leaves are more prone to disease, and when dirt splashes on to leaves, it can carry spores of disease

PLANNING FOR NEXT YEAR

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Eggplants provide a pop of dark color — and flavor — to the yard and dinner plate. with it.

Beans don’t need as much fertilizer as other plants, but the vine-y climbers need support as they send runners toward the sun, the site advises.

Put 3- to 4-foot tall stakes or supports in the ground next to each bean plant and string twine between them to create a trellis where the beans can climb.

Summer squash, like zucchini, have edible flowers as

well as tasty fruit. Their long vines need a lot of moisture, so make sure to soak the soil thoroughly when watering.

LEAFY GREENS Hardy greens like cabbage, collard greens and kale can be planted directly in the ground after the last frost of the season. Both collards and kale are cold-tolerant, the Master Gardeners website says, and will grow even after the first

SUBMITTED PHOTO BY AMY ANDRYCHOWICZ

In the vegetable garden, it’s best to use a light, seedfree mulch that will break down quickly, and can be tilled into the soil. frost of fall. After the leaves freeze, you can harvest and use the plant straight from the garden, the site notes.

More delicate greens like lettuce and endives are delicious but trickier to grow in Minnesota’s climate, the site says. Seeds should be cultivated inside and planted well after the last frost of the season. Once they’re in the garden, water them often and

harvest in midsummer, before the heat of late summer turns the leaves tough and bitter, the Master Gardeners advise.

GROW SOME FLAVOR Herbs add a zing to every meal and are just as rewarding to harvest as a juicy tomato.

Like vegetables, most herbs need at least six hours of direct sunlight and plentiful water, the Master Gardeners say.

When the weather turns cool again (still in the distant future), it’s time to wrap up the garden and say goodbye to the fruits of your labor. When doing so, you can preserve some seeds from your garden for next year’s planting.

Tomatoes, peppers, beans and peas all preserve easily, the Master Gardeners website says. After cleaning and drying the seeds, you can store them in sealed glass containers in a cool, dark environment, like the back of your fridge or a basement cupboard, the site advises. A small silicagel drying packet tucked into the containers will ensure that no moisture damages the seeds, keeping them safe until next year’s garden.

North Edition, April 2019, HOME IMPROVEMENT | 7

Are home improvements getting a return on investment?

(StatePoint) The warmer weather means it’s time to start thinking about home i mprovement projects.

Whether you’re getting your home in tip-top shape for your own enjoyment, or getting it ready to put on the market, not all home improvement projects are created equal when it comes to return on investment (ROI).

Here a re top a reas on which to focus:

INTERIORS The kitchen is the heart of the home and it’s one of the best areas to renovate in terms of ROI, according to Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, which puts the price tag of the average minor kitchen remodel at $22,507, with 80.5 percent of the cost recouped upon resale.

To give the kitchen an updated appearance, replace the f looring, countertops, sink and faucet. A fresh coat of paint in a trendy shade, such as Living Coral, Pantone’s Color of the Year, can add a vibrant pop of color to energize any kitchen. Not looking to go that bold? Consider an accent wall, or stick to a classic palate of gray and white in terms of cabinets and countertops. White on white is also a popular new style for kitchens and bathrooms.

SUBMITTED PHOTO BY TYLER OLSON/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Not all home improvement projects are created equal when it comes to return on investment.

Other features home buyers are paying close attention to are laundry rooms and such energy-saving elements as Energy Star appliances and windows, according to the survey “What

Home Buyers Want in 2019” by the National Association of Home Builders.

CURB APPEAL The popularity of outdoor projects remains strong and

it’s for a good reason. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, the biggest bang for your buck in 2019 will come f rom repl aci n g a ga r a ge door. The report says the average price is $ 3,611, and

97.5 percent of it is recouped when the house is sold.

Other outdoor projects with high ROI include addi n g m a nu f ac t u r e d st one veneer to the exterior (94.9 p erc ent) , add i n g a wo o d

deck (75.6 percent) and replacing siding (75.6 percent).

Looking for a simpler way to make an impact? Sprucing up the landscape by planti ng f lowers or bushes or even just clearing the yard of debris will make a big statement.

No matter what updates you end up making, it’s always a good idea to notify your insurance agent. “Certain upgrades may change t he va lue of a hou s e, so homeowners need to make sure they’re properly covered,” says Bob Buckel, vice president of product management, Erie Insurance.

“There are a few things to look for. A sk you r agent about guaranteed replacement cost policies that can cover the cost to rebuild a home in today’s dollars following a covered loss.”

Some upgrades may also make you eligible for discounts, Buckel adds, especially if they make the home more secure. “For example, Erie Insurance offers certain safety discounts such as for installing smoke alarms or an automatic sprinkler system.”

Now you have a checklist of DIY projects to focus on this spring. But before you start, take a moment to assess which ones are worth your time and money.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CENTER FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

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W

as your home feeling a little drafty last winter?

You’re not a lone, accordi ng to Josh Martin, Xcel Energy’s associate product por t folio manager.

Ice dam damage, severe weather and high energ y bills are some of the reasons homeowners have been scheduling Xcel Energy’s Home Energy Audits. The report generated can help ow ners understand their home and appliances better and make them eligible for rebates offered through the energy company.

“When people think their bi l ls a re rea l ly high, we can dig into why that is and what’s driving that energy,” Martin said. “The main perk of the audit is that when everything is said and done, the customer will receive a full report with recommendations on how to improve energy efficiency in the home.”

Here are four things to know about Xcel’s Home Energy Audits and how to save energy:

1

ELIGIBILITY

The program is open to all Xcel Energy customers, according to Martin.

Residents who do not use Xcel Energy in cities like Chaska and Shakopee can seek a similar energy audit programs through CenterPoint Energy, if they are users of that utility, he added.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CENTER FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

A blower door test can show homeowners where air leaks are in their homes.

2

COST

The cost of the program is $30 for a walkthrough audit and $60 for a standard service. A wa lk-through ser vice includes meeting with an auditor who can assess insulation levels, mechanical systems and review utility bills, according to Martin.

A standard audit also includes additional services, such as an infrared scan of ceiling and walls, to assess insulation levels, an ice dam check, a carbon monoxide test and a blower door test, in which a machine is fitted to the front door of the home and determines air loss within the house.

Ultimately, the service can save homeowners big bucks.

With an audit, homeowners become eligible for Xcel’s rebate program and during the inspection, auditors can advise homeowners where to get started. Auditors will have a list of prices and local contractors who have committed to the prices shown, Martin said.

“Often times customers don’t know where to get start-

ed,” he said. “An audit can help fill that gap.”

3

HOME ENERGY SQUAD

Home ow ners c a n also schedule a Home Energy Squad visit in conjunction with their energy audits with little investment, Martin said.

During the Home Energy Squad visits, the crews can install weatherstripping on doors, a programmable thermostat and LED light bulbs around the house. Both visits together are $100, if homeowners schedule the visits on different days it is $130.

4

OTHER WAYS TO SAVE

Until homeowners have their audits, they can do a number of things around the house to improve energy efficiency, Martin said.

Home ow ners c a n save money by turning down the water heater to 120 degrees.

“That’s still enough to do what you need to do and save on the gas bill,” Martin said.

He also recommends changing lights over to LEDs and installing a low f low shower head — which has a double effect of helping homeowners save on both their electric and water bills.

North Edition, April 2019, HOME IMPROVEMENT | 9

Gather ‘round the glamfire Fire tables are a hot trend in outdoor furniture

BY MICHAEL STRASBURG mstrasburg@swpub.com

As the first breeze of spring weather drifts across Minnesota, homeowners are quick to uncover and unpack their outdoor furniture.

Getting outdoor tables and chairs out can be a bit of a task, but Minnesotans know they’ll find the process well worth it by the time they are relaxing in the spring sunlight after a particularly brutal winter.

Some homeowners, however, don’t have to go through the additional step of unpacking and preparing their outdoor furniture. Those homeowners own “forever furniture” from By the Yard Inc., and are able to step outside once the snow melts and relax in their outdoor furniture, which conveniently sits right where they left it in the fall.

The Jordan-based company produces maintenance-free outdoor furniture, crafted out of recycled materials. The furniture, which requires no winter storage or shelter, is warrantied for 35 years and resists fading, peeling and cracking.

For 25 years, By the Yard has manufactured products using synthetic, furnituregrade lumber made from re-

Open House sales event extended By the Yard is extending its annual open house sale event this year. The event, typically held one day, will now run April 22-27.

Additionally, By the Yard will have extended hours during the sales week.

Hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

cycled high-density polyethylene, known as HDPE. Recycled milk and water jugs, the main ingredients, are combined with no fillers. While it is as dense as wood, the plastic lumber is naturally flexible and molds to an individual’s body for comfort. The color also lasts a long time thanks to a UV inhibitor, which minimizes fading for decades.

Since 1995, By the Yard has produced a variety of rockers, gliding chairs, benches and tables of various heights, shapes and sizes. But in recent years it has brought outdoor furniture to the 21st century with its popular fire tables.

The fire tables are gas powered, with room for a 20-pound propane tank underneath the table. Flames calmly emit at a

By the Yard’s maintenance-free fi re tables are made of recycled material and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and heights.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL STRASBURG

Fire tables are 100 percent s’more compatible. rate of 60,000 BTUs from the stainless steel fire bowl at the center of the table, providing a relaxing atmosphere for conversation, dinner or quiet relaxation.

“It’s great for getting together and socializing, it provides a little ambiance,” said Mark Voss, By the Yard marketing manager.

The stainless steel bowl is filled with glass beads to dazzle the eye and protect the bowl from warping. A tempered glass wind guard wraps around the bowl, maintaining a safe perimeter and keeping the flame bright. A fire bowl cover is included with every table, providing a full table surface for serving dinner or playing games.

“They’re really growing in popularity, we’re one of the few people that make a fire table in this kind of material,” Voss said.

Of course, anytime someone sees a relaxing fire in the summer, it begs the question:

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Surviving and buying Tips and tricks to buying a home

for each other, and learning about what occurs throughout the process can make for a more enjoyable buying experience” Schafer said.

BE CLEAR ON WHAT YOU WANT

BY MEG BRITTON-MEHLISCH mbrittonmehlisch@swpub.com

Let’s be clear: buying a house is far from the proverbial walk in the park. If anything, house buying is more of grueling marathon that eventually ends at the place you call home.

There can be many bumps along the way — dream homes that sell just as you find them, offers that fall through — but buyers don’t need to feel like they’ve stumbled to the finish line bruised and battered.

Here are some tips and tricks to get buyers on the path to a successful new home:

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE WALKING IN TO It’s not unusual to hear the phrase “seller’s market” today, though that doesn’t mean a buyer is at a total loss. Matt Schafer of Savage ReMax Advantage Plus says today’s housing market offers something to people on both sides of the transaction.

“Sellers can take advan-

It’s fine to dream of living in Paisley Park or having lake access, but buyers should know what they really can’t live without in their next home. Figure out which details you can compromise on and which you can’t.

For example, Schafer noted many first-time buyers are drawn to one-level, rambler style homes, but that doesn’t mean those homes come with an entry level price tag.

ASSESS YOUR PIGGY BANK PHOTOS BY RANDY MONNENS

An aerial view of a Shakopee neighborhood on a March morning. tage of the low supply of inventory which can lead to a quick sale,” Schafer wrote in an email. “Buyers are still taking advantage of historic low interest rates.”

That being said, getting a home in the region requires some agility. Schafer said the biggest change over the last 10 years has been the housing supply.

TALK TO AN AGENT Think of your real estate agent as your house hunting coach — someone who has brokered many home sales before you and can tell you what pitfalls to avoid. Realtors can help you get pre-approved for a mortgage, help you search for and locate the kind of home you’re looking for, fine-tune or even negotiate your offer and

get you in touch with a home inspector.

The average buyer tours four homes, attends two open houses, makes an offer on two homes and orders one home inspection, according to Zillow’s 2018 housing trends report.

Having a Realtor can help you through that process.

“Asking a Realtor questions, making sure you’re a fit

Schafer encourages buyers to see at least two different lenders to get a sense of what a home will cost in monthly payments. A good place to start looking is your bank or credit union or local mortgage broker.

“There are great resources online such as online mortgage calculators that can help you determine how much you can afford,” Schafer said.

“However, the best way to determine what you can afford is by speaking with a

reputable mortgage lender.”

BE A COMPETITIVE BUYER When you’ve finally found THE home, it’s time to make an offer that will turn the sellers’ away from other interested buyers. Schafer said the best way to do that doesn’t always come down to the biggest dollar figure.

“Make it personal: Prepare a letter with a photo of you or your family and write a short paragraph about who you are and why you chose that particular home,” Schafer said. “Often times sellers have poured their heart and soul into their homes and want to make sure the home is going into good hands with the next homeowner.”

He also recommends buyers include elements that keep the process moving for sellers. Schafer said reducing your inspection period to five to seven days, doing away with unnecessary contingencies or costs and offering a flexible closing date “could make the difference in getting the home you want.”

And if all else fails, money talks. Offering earnest money equal to 1 to 2 percent of the purchase price can also get the ball moving, Schafer said.

FURNITURE continued from 9

By the Yard’s “maintenancefree” fi re tables are made of recycled material and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and heights.

stainless steel fire bowl?

“I use one of those dishwasher bags and throw the beads in the dishwasher,” Ribar said.

Outside of the occasional spilled beverage or wayward marshmallow, the fire tables adhere to the company’s mission of producing maintenance-free furniture. The only storage they recommend is placing the fire bowl cover over the stainless steel bowl for the winter.

“It’s maintenance-free basically,” Voss said. “You don’t have to paint it, stain it, store it — you just leave it outside all

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL STRASBURG

Due to its 35-year warranty and long-lasting reputation, By the Yard produces furniture in only nine neutral colors that never go out of fashion. year. Even in the winter you let the snow pile on it. You set

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it and forget it.”

While some may miss the smokey smell of a summer bonfire, Ribar said the benefits of a gas fire table, in her experience, are cleanliness and convenience.

“We got tired of searching for wood to build a fire and we didn’t do it as often,” she said.

“Now we use ours every other weekend for sure, if not more often, in the summer ... This is a lot cleaner, a lot faster and you can easily eat around it.”

In addition to the fire tables, By the Yard has 25 years of experience crafting more than 300 products, which are available in their showroom in Jordan. In addition to a diverse product line, they offer extensive customization, including options for shape, height, size, color and add-on accessories.

North Edition, April 2019, HOME IMPROVEMENT | 11

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SUBMITTED PHOTOS

How to protect your home from ice dams next time

BY CHRISTINE SCHUSTER cschuster@swpub.com

A record amount of snowfall in February brought a homeowner’s winter nightmare to rooftops all over Minnesota — ice dams.

T he ic e b a r r ier s t h at formed around the roofs of homes a nd bui ldi ngs led to collapsed roofs, broken backs and countless insurance claims for water damage inside homes.

Ser vice Restoration, a local ly owned contractor service in Shakopee since 19 97, serviced more than 200 homes for water damage related to ice dams this winter. The company brought in additional support from all over the country to manage the calls this winter and spring.

Dan Schmitt, a partner with the company, said winter water damage is avoidable, and the summer months

are a great time to make sure your home is protected.

“Typically an ice dam is created because they don’t have proper insulation in the attic,” he said.

Ice dams become a risk to your home once the snow on the roof begins to melt, Schmitt said. The running water from the melting snow becomes trapped by the ice dam around the edge of the roof, which can cause damage to the shingles. Service Restoration replaces over 2,000 shingles a year, he said.

The good news is the effects of ice dams can be counteracted by removing snow from the roof. Sunlight will usually take care of the ice dams once the snow is removed, Schmitt said.

Schmitt said Service Restoration doesn’t do estimates because “we don’t know what we have behind the scenes” when it comes to repairing water damage on a home.

“People have been misled, thinking they will have an estimate,” he said. “We aren’t going to write estimates — we need to get to work.”

Instead, a certified restoration contractor will work a lon gside t he i n su r a nc e company through a service agreement to document the work being done.

Service Restoration offers free inspections to homeowners. Schmitt said it’s a good idea to have an inspection to identify the potential before filing an insurance claim.

Because ice dam issues start in the attic, summer is a great time to have an i nspection done to ma ke sure the home is prepared for winter.

“Human beings are procrastinators by nature so they will wait until the problem happens and then figure out what to do,” he said. “Get the fix done so it doesn’t happen again.”

12 | HOME IMPROVEMENT, April 2019, North Edition

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