Siouxland Life - April 2015

What to do in case of fire

Want a cool look?

Start in the kitchen

Do you know if you’re insured?

A GUIDE FOR LIVING IN SIOUXLAND

HOME IMPROVEMENT NOW’S THE TIME TO GET THAT WORK DONE

WHAT $700 IN RENT GETS YOU IN SIOUX CITY AND BEYOND

APRIL 2015

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April 2015

Siouxland life

CONTENTS April

2015

Just as we spring ahead with time, we also spring ahead with home projects.

This month, the Siouxland Life staff looks at changes you can make in your home, innovations on the horizon and things you should know. Are you a do-ityourselfer? Some of those projects aren’t worth tackling. We talk to experts and, hopefully, get you in the mood for changes indoors and out.

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LIFESPANS How long do appliances last? We’ve got timetable

Photo by Justin Wan

ON THE COVER Nick Kuchel of Kuchel Roofing, Sioux City, works on a roof on Silver Lane in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, on a warm day in March. Read about the roofing life on page 32.

FEATURES 4 HOME planting roots 9 HOME IMPROVEMENT what you get 12 HOME IMPROVEMENT lifespans 16 HOME IMPROVEMENT security 18 HOME IMPROVEMENT emergency 22 HOME IMPROVEMENT fire safety 24 HOME IMPROVEMENT electricity 26 HOME IMPROVEMENT kitchen trends

30 32 36 40 42 46 47

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CALL THE PLUMBER What tasks can you handle by yourself? And when do you need to get a pro?

HOME IMPROVEMENT plumbing HOME IMPROVEMENT real estate HOME IMPROVEMENT insurance HOME IMPROVEMENT roofing HOME IMPROVEMENT 20 questions HEALTH doc answers Parting Shot

PUBLISHER Steve Griffith EDITOR Bruce Miller EDITORIAL Dolly A. Butz, Tim Gallagher, Earl Horlyk, Nick Hytrek, Ally Karsyn, Michelle Kuester PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Hynds, Jim Lee, Justin Wan DESIGN April Burford ADVERTISING SALES Nancy Gevik ADVERTISING DESIGN Kayla Fleming

32 BUYERS’ (AND SELLERS’) ©2015 The Sioux City Journal. Siouxland Life is published monthly by The Sioux City Journal.

For advertising information, please call (712) 224-6275. For editorial information, please call (712) 293-4218.

MARKET Three top Realtors talk about the housing business in Siouxland.

SIOUXLAND LIFE

APRIL 2015

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HOME planting

roots

Judy Sabag shows off her walk-in pantry, which was a must-have feature in the townhouse.

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APRIL 2015

SIOUXLAND LIFE

The townhouse features an open concept design with a pocket office off of the living room.

REALTOR

PLANTS ROOTS IN NORTH SIOUX CITY’S RIVER VALLEY DEVELOPMENT

j

Text by Ally Karsyn | Photographs by Jim Lee

Judy Sabag never thought she’d like to live so close to corn.

It’s growing on her since she traded her view of the fairway for farmers sowing seeds on the edge of North Sioux City.

“The area is really starting to take off,” she said. “I’m going to lose my view of the cornfield soon. I’ve always lived on a golf course, but I like the cornfield.”

On South Churchill Circle, her townhouse stands alone.

Sabag is a pioneer in the River Valley development, located among the former site of Sodrac Park, which ended 38 years of greyhound racing when the track closed in 1995.

The Dunham Company out of Sioux Falls, S.D., invested in the area in 2008, planning to create a mixed-use

SIOUXLAND LIFE

APRIL 2015

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living room.

For those who want their kitchen to truly stand out, GE now offers Slate, a rich matte finish that harmonizees with today’s colors and materials to deliver sophisticated style.

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April 2015

Siouxland life

development, spanning 142 acres, along the west side of Interstate 29. Growth was stalled by the slow economy, flooding and the unexpected death of company founder and CEO Don Dunham two years ago.

Sabag, a minority partner in River Valley, decided to lead the charge in settling on the sparsely populated land, south of Hampton Inn. She left a larger house in Dakota Dunes for a low-maintenance lifestyle in a newly built townhome in North Sioux City.

DeRocher Brothers Construction, based out of Akron, Iowa, drew up the floor plan based on what Sabag wanted and built the 1,900-square-foot townhouse.

The design is mirrored in the adjoining unit. The other homeowners had the chance to pick their finishes and went with a style that is a little more contemporary and colorful.

Sabag still likes to entertain and have friends over.

“I wanted smaller and easier to take care of, but I didn’t want to be cramped either,” she said.

She didn’t want to give up some of the luxuries of a larger home, either, like a walk-in pantry in the kitchen and an oversized closet in the master

Ceramic tile made to look like wood extends from the entryway into the kitchen and dining area.

bedroom.

The two-bed, two-bath home features a modern country kitchen with white cabinets, subtly contrasted by an island in warm gray. The neutral color palette gives the entire living space a light, airy feel.

The Sonos sound system, controlled from Sabag’s smartphone, fills the silence with the sounds of oldies music and soft rock.

The home plan has a pocket office off the living room that can be closed off by glass French doors.

Sabag is looking forward to the summer – barbecuing on the deck and enjoying other outdoor activities.

North Sioux City is buffered by Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve to the west with 10 miles of walking and biking trails and Stone State Park to the east.

Before relocating, Sabag discovered standup paddle boarding at McCook Lake. When her grandchildren came to visit, she called the instructor and she came out with five boards to give yoga lessons out on the water.

“I’ll buy a paddle board and maybe a little lightweight canoe,” she said. “It’s just a fun thing to do.”

Sabag and her husband moved to

pocket office off the living room.

Siouxland Feature Home DeRocher Brothers Construction Kevin Odell Electric, Inc. Tom Hultquist Heating & Plumbing - HVAC Total Plumbing Arturo Vazquez Sheetrock A Team Irrigation Todd’s Sod Farm Ryan Installation, LLC Siouxland life

April 2015

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Derocher Brothers Construction, based out of Akron, iowa, built the townhouse located in North Sioux City’s river Valley development.

the area at the beginning of December, quickly decorated for Christmas and had the family over for a holiday celebration in their new, slightly smaller home.

The Sabags downsized and decidedly cut down on clutter – for an edited, easyto-clean interior design.

“Many things I carried out to give to Goodwill or Catholic Charities. Then, I looked at them and carried them back in again. Then, I’d carry them out. Sometimes “The area is it took me three really starting trips out before it stayed in the to take off. I’m car,” she said. “I hate to get rid going to lose of things, but I know you can’t my view of the be a packrat.”

While she’s cornfield soon. nearing 70, SaI’ve always bag continues to work as a lived on a broker associate with United Real golf course, Estate. But she’s planning ahead but I like the for a time when she might slow cornfield.” down or just Judy Sabag travel more.

“Everything’s taken care of,” she said. “It’ll be low maintenance.”

The amenities make it easier to get away, giving Sabag and her husband peace of mind when they escape Iowa’s cold winters for a while in favor of warmer climates. They like to spend some time in Phoenix each year.

Until then, they’ll watch the changing seasons from their kitchen, seeing crops sprout and maybe some houses, too.

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April 2015

Top: Master bedroom. Above: The master bathroom features a modern soaking tub and doorless, walk-in tile shower, designed to be easy to clean.

Siouxland life

HOME IMPROVEMENT what

you get

Here’s wHat $700 IN RENT gets you in sioux City

d

and surrounding areas

Text by Ally Karsyn

Do you think you’re paying too much for your apartment?

Sioux City’s fair market rent is $696 per month for a twobedroom unit, compared to $852 in Kansas City and $790 in Omaha, according to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Depending on location, there are bargains and budget benders to be had.

WalToWeR lofTS, 823 Walnut, Kansas City, Mo. City population: 467,007 Median home value: $131,700* Built in 1929, the Waltower once housed insurance companies and investment firms. Plagued by the Great Depression, ownership changed hands a few times over the years. The 12-story

building was converted into luxury lofts a decade ago.

Now, you can live in a one-bed, onebath unit for $676 per month. The lofts offer a modern industrial feel with trendy stained concrete floors and exposed beam ceilings.

Waltower also provides easily accessible laundry facilities on each floor.

Just blocks from Kansas City’s Power & Light District, tenants are steps away from shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment found at the heart of the city.

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April 2015

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INDIAN HILLS APARTMENTS, 3915 Winona Way, Sioux City City population: 82,459 Median home value: $91,900* Indian Hills tied with Ridge Oaks for third place in the Siouxland’s Choice Awards. Candlewick and Glen Oaks

claimed first and second, respectively, in the apartment complex category.

Starting at $700, you can get a twobed, one-bath apartment in this dog- and cat-friendly community. (As long as Fido

weighs less than 80 pounds.) Amenities include a fitness center, laundry facility and swimming pool. Nestled on Sioux City’s north side, the tree-lined complex is within walking of the Sioux City Country Club.

TIMBER FRAME APARTMENTS, 3380 400th St., Sioux Center, Iowa City population: 7,308 Median home value: $168,708* Coming in at $780 per month, the low cost of utilities might be enough to offset the budget bending rent.

Landlords Gregg and Brenda Hooyer say the apartments are energy efficient 10

APRIL 2015

with electric bills running $6-$18 per month. The base rate includes water, garbage and insulated garage with an automatic opener.

Located three miles east of town, the rental property is made up of six uniquely-styled apartments in

SIOUXLAND LIFE

renovated timber frame building. The spacious living area shows off massive oak beams, custom cabinets and millwork. And did we mention heated floors?

Timber Frame Apartments offer a taste of luxurious country living.

FOXMOOR APARTMENTS, 5007 W Equestrian Place, Sioux Falls, S.D. City population: 164,076 Median home value: $150,100* You’ll be paying a little more than a dollar per square foot at the Foxmoor

Apartments. Rates start at $695 for a onebed, one-bath apartment, measuring up to 649 square feet. Just enough room for you and your cat. The pet policy lets in

those furry friends but no dogs.

Amenities include a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, community room and theater room.

OLD MAIN APARTMENTS, 320 N Lawler, Canton, S.D. City population: 3,274 Median home value: $130,368* This one may remind you of Sioux City’s Castle on the Hill, which was originally home to Central High School. Here’s another example of repurposing a former educational institution into apartment living.

Located in the former Augustana Academy, which closed in 1971, these renovated apartments are a bargain at $650 for a two-bedroom apartment with more than 840 square feet, which includes heat, water, garbage and cable.

Tenants get an assigned parking space and have access to a community room with a kitchenette.

The Romanesque building is on the National Register of Historic Places. *According to city-data.com

Courtesy of Jake DeGroot

Old Main Apartments, 320 N Lawler, Canton, S.D.

SIOUXLAND LIFE

APRIL 2015

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

how long

By working with a consumer to test the refrigerator in her home, GE was able to identify and correct any small issues in developing the new Café French door refrigerator with built-in Keurig K-Cup brewing system.

FIND OUT HOW LONG THINGS LAST

FROM MAJOR HOME APPLIANCES TO PAINT

i

Text by Ally Karsyn

IT’S ONLY A MATTER of time before your house starts falling apart, piece by piece. But how long do you have?

The National Association of Home Builders gives a general guideline for the life expectancy of home components.

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APRIL 2015

If you’re budgeting or about to become a first-time homebuyer, it’s worth taking a closer look at some of those big ticket items that appear to be humming along just fine but may be closer to breaking down than you think.

For those in the market to buy, after

SIOUXLAND LIFE

a home inspection, you may be able to negotiate a cash credit from the seller to repair or replace a pricey component that’s on its last leg. Don’t get left in the lurch. See how long appliances and other home essentials are supposed to last.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association expects top design trends for 2015 to include contemporary styling, complete with Europeans-inspired cabinetry.

Above: The GE Café Series refrigerator with Keurig K-Cup brewing system features pre-programmed settings in six, eight and ten ounces for the perfect cup of coffee. Right: LG created a front loading washer with a Twin Wash System, which allows two separate loads of laundry to be washed at the same time. The mini washer at the base offers a whole new array of options.

APPLIANCES Gas range ovens have the longest life expectancy among appliances at 15 years, followed by refrigerators and dryers at 13 years, washing machines at 10 years, dishwashers and microwave ovens both at nine.

However, the NAHB study found that changes in styling, technology and consumer preferences tend to push major home appliances out the door long before they’re worn out.

For example, earlier this year, GE introduced the Café Series French door refrigerator with a built-in Keurig K-Cup brewing system, available in stainless steel with an MSRP of $3,300.

When there’s a refrigerator that can make a single-serve cup of coffee or tea, well, that sure makes it look like there’s something wrong with your current fridge, right? As in, it doesn’t make coffee or tea. A selling point of the appliance is

that it frees up counter space since you’ll no longer need your coffeemaker.

CABINETRY AND COUNTERTOPS Kitchen cabinets are expected to last up to 50 years, but these too may be replaced much sooner. A recent Houzz survey found 41 percent of respondents are remodeling kitchens 16 to 30 years old. While still functional, cabinets may fall out of style.

New trends emerge each year. Chief among them for 2015 include a clean contemporary look, European-style frameless cabinets, standard kitchen tables replaced by counters or tall gathering tables, TVs and docking stations, along with the rise of steam ovens, outdoor kitchens and wine refrigerators, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Design Trends report.

Also, white is the most common color scheme for kitchens, followed by gray.

Natural stone countertops remain popular, and they’re expected to last a lifetime.

FAUCETS AND FIXTURES Kitchen sinks made of modified acrylic will last 50 years while faucets will work properly for about 15. Bathroom fixtures nearly mirror these numbers with the average life of a bathroom shower enclosure being 50 years. Showerheads should last a lifetime, the study found.

Shower doors, on the other handle, will make it to about 20.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning These systems need to be properly maintained for maximum efficiency.

But even in the best case scenario, most HVAC components only last 15 to 25 years. On average, furnaces last 15-20 years, heat pumps 16 years and air conditioning units 10-15 years. Thermostats

SIOUXLAND LIFE

APRIL 2015

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ROOFING The life of a roof depends on local weather conditions, proper building and design, material quality and maintenance. Often unseen in Northwest Iowa, copper and clay roofs have the longest life expectancy – over 50 years. Roofs made of asphalt shingles last for about 20 years while roofs made of fiber cement shingles have a life expectancy of about 25 years. Roofs made of wood shakes can be expected to last for about 30 years.

And while you’re outside and looking up, expect to replace aluminum gutters once they’re about 20 years old.

FLOORING All natural wood floorings have a life expectancy of 100 years or more. Tile floors last 75 to 100 years, laminate 15 to 25 years and carpet eight to 10.

PAINT Both interior and exterior points can last for 15 years or longer. Here again, homeowners often paint more frequently than that to keep pace with changing trends.

Jamie Lindemann, AKBD Designer 715 East Ninth Street South Sioux City, NE 68776

402-494-5411

creative-cabinetry.com 14

APRIL 2015

SIOUXLAND LIFE

Ready for new paint? Behr identified four on-trend themes with 20 all-new paint colors for 2015. Shown here, “Social Brights” features a blend of blue, red, purple and orange to create lively space.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

secure and safe

Sioux City police Officer Chad Sheehan says locking windows and doors and trimming shrubs are good ways to project your property from home invasion.

HOME SECURITY MORE INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS THAN EVER

s

Text by Dolly A. Butz Photographs by Jim Lee

SIOUX CITY, IOWA | Locking doors and windows and adequately lighting your home are good ways to keep would-be-burglars at bay, according to Chad Sheehan, Sioux City Police Department crime prevention officer.

“External motion lights are always

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APRIL 2015

good as people approach,” he said. “Burglars don’t want attention drawn to them.”

Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed off the ground around your home, so neighbors can identify anyone suspicious lurking on your property, he said,

SIOUXLAND LIFE

is another good way to protect your home.

“When neighbors know each other, we’re more likely to get them to call in,” he said.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there were an estimated

A home security control panel is shown.

“External motion lights are always good as people approach. Burglars don’t want attention drawn to them.”

CHAD SHEEHAN Sioux City Police Department crime prevention officer 2,159,878 burglaries in the United States in 2010. Residential burglaries accounted for 73.9 percent of all burglary offenses, yet only between 13 and 17 percent of homeowners have a security system.

Peace of mind is the most common reason why homeowners purchase a security system, according to Brian Duffy, president of electronic security for Per Mar Security Services.

Home security systems are smarter than they used to be. They can control lighting, heating and cooling systems, which Duffy said is driving their popularity. He said he only expects the market to grow in the future.

“It used to really be a luxury item to buy a home security system,” he said.

“With advances in technology it’s become much more common.”

Per Mar Security Systems, a family owned company based in Davenport, Iowa, serves various communities in the Midwest including Sioux City.

Per Mar Security Services offers security systems in many colors, styles and varieties. Systems consist of a keypad located by an entrance and sensors placed by doors and windows that detect fire, smoke, motion and broken glass. When the sensors are triggered, an alarm sounds and the company’s central monitoring station is notified. Dispatchers and service technicians are available 24/7 for Per Mar Home Security customers.

“Our most basic system now is

The electrical panel of a home security system is shown.

actually an all-in-one unit, where the keypad is also the brains of the system,” Duffy explained.

Duffy said customers no longer need a land-line phone to link to the security company. Radio monitoring allows the security system to wirelessly connect to Per Mar’s central monitoring station through wireless technology.

Installation of a security system, he said, takes about four to five hours. Prices, he said, depend on the system’s application, the size of the home and how many doors and windows it has.

“The systems are as low as $99, but it’s very important to us and the customer that they’re getting the proper

protection. Usually that’ll end up being an amount more than that,” he said.

More than half of Per Mar Security Company’s customers, Duffy said, opt to control their home security systems with an Internet connection. They can use their mobile devices to access and operate their systems from wherever they might be physically.

This mobile technology, Duffy said, is rapidly changing the home security industry.

“Now the security system is used to control other aspects of the home like locks and light,” he said. “Even cameras can be attached to it now, so people can watch from anywhere.”

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HOME IMPROVEMENT emergency

FIRST AID KITS TO EVACUATION STRATEGIES ARE KEY TO HAVING

A SAFE HOME

s

Text by Michelle Kuester Photographs by Justin Wan

SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS BE at the forefront of homeowners’ and renters’ minds, whether it’s for small emergencies that require a first aid kit or natural disasters that require evacuation plans.

According to the Tammy Lee, executive director of the Northwest Iowa Area American Red Cross, having a plan in place for all levels of emergency is imperative to a successful outcome.

Have an emergency kit stocked with plenty of water (one gallon per person, per day), non-perishable food, flashlight, battery powered radio, medications and medical items, tools, sanitation and personal items, copies of personal documents, an emergency cell phone with charger, emergency contact information, money, blankets and a map of the area.

Personalize the kit to meet the specific needs of the family, considering small children, seniors and pets.

“It’s important to keep those in mind with special needs,” said Lee. “The emergency kit is unique to every family.”

Identifying what roles everyone has in the event of an emergency is also important in ensuring everyone works

Tammy Lee, executive director of the Northwest Iowa Area American Red Cross, talks about the content of a first aid kit.

“The No. 1 thing that we want people to think through is their communication plan. If they are impacted by a disaster, who needs to have info about their safety and how will they get that information out?”

It pays to know what a good first aid kit should contain.

TAMMY LEE Executive director of the Northwest Iowa Area American Red Cross

together efficiently as a team. Make a plan of where to go for different types of emergencies and also have back up locations in case something prevents access to the original location.

“It’s always good to have a back-up,” Lee said.

Communication with both family and those who are on the outside matters in keeping everyone safe.

“The No. 1 thing that we want people to think through is their communication plan,” Lee said. “If they are impacted by a disaster, who needs to have info about their safety and how will they get that information out?”

Also, don’t worry about possessions unless everyone is safe, Lee said.

“You want to make sure you are getting people out of harm’s way before being concerned about possessions.”

The American Red Cross also has a mobile application geared toward children that teaches about safety in the home.

“We still have traditional ways of educating kids in schools and educating kids on safety when they are home alone, but we are also embracing technology,” Lee said.

Monster Guard, made for Android and Apple products, focuses on how to handle, fires, floods, earthquakes and severe storms and what to do with emergency kits.

“It can also help them learn about disasters in other places in case the family moves or they have family or friends in other places,” Lee said.

Expect the unexpected, Lee said, to keep homes and families safe. Even if it’s not a specific season for a natural disaster doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

“Things can happen anytime,” Lee said. “People need to stay vigilant to the conditions.”

outdoor

living at its best

Free Outdoor Estimates 322 West 7th Street | Sioux City, IA 51103 712-258-3388 | www.foulkbrothers.com SIOUXLAND LIFE

APRIL 2015

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Proud to Live & Work in Siouxland

DOUGLAS A. WHEELOCK, DDS, PC

Dr. Wheelock established his own dental practice in 1977. It originally was only 2 blocks from its current location at 4100 Morningside Avenue.

Dr. Wheelock was born and raised in Sioux City graduating from Sioux City Central High School in 1969. He went on to receive his Bachelors of Science degree from Briar Cliff College in 1973. He attended dental school at the University of Iowa and earned his Doctor of Dental Science degree in 1976. After graduation Dr. Wheelock returned to Sioux City.

Dr. Wheelock is involved in his community & church. Dr. Wheelock is married to his college sweetheart, Marilyn, and has three adult sons and three daughters in law. He is the proud grandfather of five incredible grandchildren.

Dr. Wheelock is proud to call Siouxland home and enjoys providing quality dental care to the community.

BRIAN B. BURSICK, DDS Dr. Brian Bursick is a Sioux City native growing up in the Crescent Park area. He attended West High School and graduated in 1986. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Nebraska Dental School in 1994. After graduation he practiced briefly in Sergeant Bluff, IA. In 1997 he joined Dr. Wheelock as an associate.

In 2004 he became a business partner.

Away from the office Dr. Bursick is busy with his family. He and his wife Kristy have three young sons.

Dr. Bursick is devoted to delivering quality comprehensive dentistry to the people of his hometown, Sioux City, IA.

RYAN JENSEN, DMD

Dr. Ryan Jensen was born in Idaho and lived most of his life in Idaho Falls. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology with minors in business management and chemistry from Brigham Young University. In May 2013, Dr. Jensen graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio with his DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). Dr. Jensen and his wife Kara have three children, ages 6, 4, and 2. They welcomed their fourth child in November 2013.

When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Jensen enjoys the outdoors, especially wake boarding, snowboarding, and whitewater rafting. He is also active in his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dr. Jensen joined Wheelock and Bursick Dentistry in July 2013.

Our hOme-grOwN prOfessiONals have iNsight aNd experieNce tO make aN exceptiONal cONtributiON tO Our patieNts aNd cOmmuNity

Where Quality, Comfort and Value Meet.

New patients are welcomed!

DOUGLAS A. WHEELOCK, DDS, PC BRIAN B. BURSICK, DDS RYAN JENSEN, DMD 4100 Morningside Ave. • Sioux City, IA 51106 Phone 712-274-2038 Fax 712-274-0648 20

April 2015

Siouxland life

Your care

is our specialty At UnityPoint Clinic, getting you healthy and keeping you that way is important to us. Because your health is important to you. By working together as a team and involving you in the decision making, we create a plan based on your goals and then coordinate the care you need to achieve them. Providing you with the quality care you need - close to home.

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April 2015

21

HOME IMPROVEMENT fire

safety

iStock

AWARENESS IS KEY TO PREVENTING

Text by Michelle Kuester Photographs by Tim Hynds

HOUSEHOLD FIRES 22

APRIL 2015

SIOUXLAND LIFE

t

An improper use of an extension cord.

THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD HAS about five fires in its lifetime, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Most of these fires are small and result in little damage, but all fires cause anxiety to the homeowner.

“They’re all devastating to the people going through it, even if it’s from smoke damage or water damage caused from it,” said Lt. Joe Rodriguez, deputy fire marshal.

The best weapon that people have against fires is smoke alarms, said Rodriguez. The devices last for 10 years, so test them monthly to ensure that they are still working. Also, change the batteries in them when it’s time to change the clocks in the spring and fall.

“They have their limitations,” said Rodriguez, “but they are so important to have.”

Also, Rodriguez recommends keeping a fire extinguisher in a visible location in the kitchen and being trained to use it.

“The time to learn how to use it is not when you need it,” he said. “They’re meant for small fires. There are different sizes and types of extinguishers. If you buy one, buy a multi-purpose one.”

The most common area for fires is the kitchen, said Rodriguez.

“The reason is we’ll be cooking and forget about it, we thought we turned something off but we actually turned it on when we’re in a hurry. That kind of thing,” he said.

If a fire starts and there’s no fire extinguisher nearby, grab a damp towel to smother the flames or a properly fitted lid if the fire is in a pot, said Rodriguez.

Having an escape plan in place is an important step to ensuring safety for everyone in the house. Designate one place where the family meets in the event of an emergency so that a headcount can be taken.

“That way when the fire department comes, they can tell us if someone is missing,” said Rodriguez. “It all starts with that meeting plan so we know if anyone’s inside.”

If trapped in a room, close the door and put towels underneath to prevent

A spliced cord that resulted in a fire.

A melted smoke alarm.

Lt. Joe Rodriguez shows a fire extinguisher and smoke alarm at Sioux City Fire Rescue headquarters. The melted smoke alarm at right was functioning at the time it was in a fire.

A burnt section of carpet, caused by a curling iron.

An electric stove heating element with a melted butter container on it.

smoke from drifting in.

Staying diligent about fire hazards is key to preventing them.

“Most fires are preventable because they are often caused by something we aid, whether it’s a candle left or an overloaded electrical plug-in,” Rodriguez said.

Knowing what to look for when it

comes to fire safety isn’t easy to the untrained eye. Because of this, a member of the fire department will come out to homes and apartments in Sioux City to check for fire hazards and make suggestions for improvements.

Those who are interested can call the fire department at 712-279-6377.

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APRIL 2015

23

HOME IMPROVEMENT the

right spark

Lonnie Kneifl, owner of Kneifl Electric of Sioux City, is shown in his shop. Behind Kneifl are the building plans for a motel complex under construction near Singing Hills. He and his crew are supplying the power for that facility.

UNCLE IGNITED A SPARK FOR YOUNG ELECTRICIAN

s

Text and photographs by Tim Gallagher

SIOUX CITY | LONNIE Kneifl uses an electrical term when describing the genesis of his interest in his chosen field.

It came more than 30 years ago when Kneifl, 43, was a 10-year-old growing up on a farm near Newcastle, Neb. “My uncle, Neal Schulte, had gone to school to Northeast Nebraska Community College (in Norfolk, Neb.) to be

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APRIL 2015

an electrician,” Kneifl says. “We had this old three-way switch at our farmhouse that would work if you flipped the switch downstairs. It didn’t work if you flipped the switch upstairs.

“He came back from school and fixed it right away so that it worked from both switches,” Kneifl says.

“I was 10 at the time and it really

SIOUXLAND LIFE

sparked an interest in me.”

Kneifl went through the electrical program at Northeast Nebraska Community College. He worked for an electrician in Norfolk while going to college. He then worked for an area electrical firm for 17 years before establishing his own firm, Kneifl Electric, in 2009.

Kneifl oversees three electricians and,

Lonnie Kneifl opens a heating blanket to be used for PVC pipe. He’s shown at his shop east of Sioux City.

Kneifl owns Kneifl Electric, the business he founded in July 2009.

together, they get the juices flowing – literally – in a range of residential, industrial, commercial and agricultural projects in a 50-mile radius.

When it comes to residential updates, Kneifl has seen his share of well-intentioned mishaps when it comes to outlets, extension chords, fuses and more.

Generally, his advice comes down to this: Contact a professional.

“I’ve seen where people can take a problem and make it worse,” he says. “It’s best to call someone in the field to get their opinion.”

Case in point: A breaker is tripped at a home. The homeowner turns the breaker switch back to the “ON” position and nothing happens.

“That’s the kind of call I get frequently,” Kneifl says.

In these cases, he asks the homeowner to turn the breaker switch to “OFF” before turning it back to “ON.” It’s a small, but mighty important detail.

“When a breaker is tripped, it moves the switch the middle position,” he says.

“People think they just need to flip it back to the ‘ON’ position, but that’s not the case. You have to turn it to the ‘OFF’ position first.”

Other common hangups involve ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) receptacles installed in kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoors.

“I get calls where you have a GFI that feeds an outlet that doesn’t work and the GFI gets tripped,” Kneifl says. “You must find the GFI and hit the reset.”

A GFI’s purpose is to trip a breaker if

Tools of the trade are shown at Kneifl Electric east of Sioux City. The business handles electrical needs in a range of residential, industrial, commercial and agricultural projects.

“My uncle, Neal Schulte, had gone to school to Northeast Nebraska Community College (in Norfolk, Neb.) to be an electrician.”

LONNIE KNEIFL owner, Kneifl Electric moisture is present, a safeguard against dangerous electrical shock.

Kneifl also deals with many residential customers who experience problems with extension cords, most notably when those cords are supplying power to space heaters and window air conditioners.

“People run a heater in a cold room, sometimes in an older home that maybe has only 10 total outlets,” he says. “If the wires and breaker aren’t updated, you might get damage to wiring.”

Worse yet, you might have a fire.

“I would not use extension cords for heaters,” Kneifl cautions.

Same goes for cords to air conditioners as those cords aren’t always built to sustain the heavy electrical load.

Other common mistakes involve not “pig-tailing” wires to an outlet, or not twisting wires together before applying a wire nut.

The power behind harnessing electricity doesn’t come easy. Kneifl had four years of schooling in addition to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, which takes

4-5 years to complete. Kneifl, as a business owner, now has a hand in training those who work for him.

“On Saturday, I took six more hours of continuing education through the Nebraska-Iowa Electrical Council,” he says. “We have a 910-page manual that is our bible.”

While he’s got 20 years of experience and 910 pages upon which to lean, Kneifl understands he doesn’t know it all when it comes to shocks, surges, outages and sparks.

“I get stumped, absolutely,” he says.

“That’s why I’m talking to contractors and other electricians all the time, sharing information.”

And keeping the power “ON” for the folks they serve.

SIOUXLAND LIFE

APRIL 2015

25

HOME IMPROVEMENT what’s

new

A kidney-shaped corner drawer pulls out for easy access to items in the back.

FROM TRADITIONALLY ELEGANT TO SLEEK SOPHISTICATION,

KITCHENS GET A ehorlyk@siouxcityjournal.com

By EARL HORLYK

MAKEOVER

s

Text by Earl Horlyk | Photographs by Tim Hynds

SIOUX CITY | A kitchen represents the heart and soul of every home, according to Central Kitchen & Bath sales manager Naomi Anderson.

“It’s the room where a family prepares a meal together,” she said, inside the business’ 844 Gordon Drive showroom.

“It’s also where we can have fun and talk about everything that happened during the day.”

This is one of the reasons Anderson loves designing kitchens for her clients.

“Whether they want something

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APRIL 2015

practical or something spectacular, we always strive to meet our client’s needs,” she said.

Still, Anderson acknowledges kitchens are often the most expensive rooms to renovate.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED “A major kitchen renovation can cost anywhere from $5,500 to more than $35,000,” she said. “And that’s not including labor.”

In addition, kitchen construction can

SIOUXLAND LIFE

easily take months to complete.

“Customizing cabinetry and countertops are usually the things that take the most time to finish,” Anderson noted.

She advises clients to have a cushion – approximately 25 percent of a budget – to accommodate unforeseen “surprises.”

“Sioux City has its fair share of older homes,” Anderson allowed. “That means some houses may have water damage or unexpected electrical issues that must be addressed.”

Beyond that, she said kitchens can be

Naomi Anderson, showroom sales manager at Central Kitchen & Bath, says staggered height cabinets are popular.

a perfect way to add value and personality to a home.

‘MORE CHOICES THAN THERE ARE STARS IN THE SKY’ When designing kitchens, Anderson strives for a classic “triangle.”

A kitchen triangle regulates flow, she explained. A cook should be able to move unimpeded between three points – the sink, the stove and the fridge.

The distance between these points shouldn’t be far.

Once the basics have been

accomplished, Anderson said, the fun can begin.

“Everybody has different tastes and needs,” she said. “With kitchens, there are literally more choices than there are stars in the sky.”

Anderson said clients are often influenced by designs they see on TV networks like HGTV as well as social media websites like Pinterest.

“The Midwest used to be behind on some trends,” she said. “Now, we’re beginning to catch up with the rest of the country.”

“A major kitchen renovation can cost anywhere from $5,500 to more than $35,000. And that’s not including labor.”

NAOMI ANDERSON Central Kitchen & Bath sales manager

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APRIL 2015

27

Naomi Anderson, showroom sales manager at Central Kitchen & Bath, shows a corner drawer in a display kitchen.

A LITTLE BLING WILL DO A WORLD OF GOOD Anderson said you can still make a big statement on a limited budget.

For instance, she recommended a colorful backsplash to add a bit of sparkle to a kitchen or new hardware to re-energize cabinetry.

“I know of some really bling-y hardware that costs between $20 - $30 a piece,” Anderson said. “That will add up if you have a lot of doors.”

Quartz and concrete countertops are both trendy and durable while two-tone cabinetry provide a sleek and urban pop.

“Gray seems to be a popular color for tile and paints,” Anderson observed.

“They can give a kitchen a very luxurious look.”

Quirkier looks can be achieved with unique corner drawers which comes in fun triangle or kidney-shapes.

EVERYTHING PLUS THE KITCHEN SINK From farmhouse stainless steel sinks to ones shaped like martini glasses, Anderson said a kitchen can be made personal with a distinctive sink.

“A martini glass-shaped sink may not be practical for a kitchen, but it would be lots of fun for a wet bar,” she reasoned.

This is why Anderson enjoys designing kitchens so much. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all model.

“Everyone has different expectations,” she said. “This makes design fun and challenging.”

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A martini glass-shaped sink provides a pop of surprise in a home.

SIOUXLAND LIFE

IT’S ALL WORTHWHILE IN THE END A newly renovated kitchen will usually increase the value of your home, Anderson said.

“Though I don’t think your home’s resale value should be the only reason to renovate,” she said. “After all, you want to be able to enjoy your dream kitchen for a little while.”

Which is exactly what Anderson is doing with her own recently renovated kitchen.

“There’s nothing better than having the kitchen you always wanted,” she said, smiling. “It’s wonderful.”

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www.whatakitchen.com 16 Central Ave SE Lemars, IA. 51031 111 Market St. Lake Park, IA. 51347 Siouxland life

April 2015

29

HOME IMPROVEMENT call

the plumber

Bill Foulk of Foulk Brothers Plumbing and Heating says “do-it-yourself” projects could be more work than the homeowner expected.

SINK OR SWIM: ehorlyk@siouxcityjournal.com

KNOWING WHEN TO DO-IT-YOURSELF OR WHEN TO CALL IN THE PLUMBER

By EARL HORLYK

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Text by Earl Horlyk | Photographs by Tim Hynds

SIOUX CITY | EVEN though he’s been in the plumbing and heating field for more than 45 years, Bill Foulk said he’s also a student of human nature.

“If guys think they can do it themselves, they’ll try to do it themselves,” the owner of Foulk Bros. Plumbing & Heating

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said, smiling. “Wives will sometime call us the next day, asking us to repair the stuff their husbands tried to ‘fix.’”

Foulk said while certain things (like fixing a faucet, repairing a toilet or changing out fixtures) are often within a person’s comfort zone, other jobs are

SIOUXLAND LIFE

best left to the professionals.

“Chances are a guy’s ‘comfort zone’ isn’t being flat on his back, underneath a heavy sink,” he reasoned.

That’s why Foulk has some tips for die-hard do-it-yourselfers hoping to fix a faucet.

Bill Foulk holds a piece of copper pipe that had been removed from a home.

A bin of salvaged pipe and fittings at Foulk Brothers Plumbing and Heating.

“If guys think they can do it themselves, they’ll try to do it themselves. Wives will sometime call us the next day, asking us to repair the stuff their husbands tried to ‘fix.’”

BILL FOULK Owner of Foulk Bros. Plumbing & Heating

TIP #1

Choose the right faucet “The most expensive thing in your house may end up being a cheap faucet,” Foulk said. “It won’t do you any good if you need to replace it all the time.”

That’s why he recommends investing in a faucet that comes with standard parts. This will help you if a company goes out of business or discontinues a line, making your faucet obsolete.

Most new faucets also require you to do some assembly before mounting it to your sink. If that’s the case, follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.

TIP #2

Having the tools of the trade You can’t do the work if you don’t have the tools, right?

That’s especially true for plumbing jobs.

“Plumbing is becoming increasingly technical,” Foulk admitted. “That means things will last longer and equipment is becoming much more complicated to fix.”

This is why he recommends investing in a quality basin wrench – an adjustable wrench that can reach into the deep, dark, hard-to-get-at-parts of your sink.

TIP #3

Picking the proper piping “Sioux City has many older homes,” Foulk said. “It’s always a mystery to see what’s hiding in the pipes.”

Often times, it’s heavily-corroded copper piping, since he said “our community has extremely hard water.”

That’s why Foulk prefers to work with plastic piping.

“Plastic is less expensive and easier to work with than copper.” he said, though his business still uses plenty of copper piping.

there’s someone around with the right answers.”

That’s especially true when the guy with the right answers happens to be a plumber.

“I think guys are just hard-wired to want to do things themselves,” Foulk said. “Some will be successful while others will be better off calling a plumber to do it for them.”

“There’s nothing wrong with calling the professionals,” he added. “It may be cheaper and safer in the long run.”

TIP #4

Give yourself enough time “Do not start a faucet project at 5 p.m. Sunday, expecting it can all be done quickly,” Foulk said. “Installing a faucet will take three or four hours. If you have a problem, you want to know SIOUXLAND LIFE

APRIL 2015

31

HOME IMPROVEMENT expert

opinion

Realtors Anita Small, Barb Maxon and Barb Kimmel talk during a round table discussion at the Sioux City Journal office.

HOME, SWEET

HOME REAL ESTATE TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS Text by Earl Horlyk | Photographs by Jim Lee

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SIOUXLAND LIFE

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SIOUX CITY | It’s a great time to buy a house and a great time to be selling one.

That’s the contention of United Real Estate Solutions’ Barb Kimmel, Century 21’s Barb Maxon and Woodland Realty’s Anita Small, who all participated in a recent roundtable discussion on Sioux City’s real estate market.

“First-time home buyers are really taking advantage of this extended period of low interest rates,” said Maxon, a Realtor with more than 30 years experience.

“In addition, sellers are selling their homes for as close to their asking price as possible,” Kimmel, a top-producing agent, added.

“The bottom line is that people are getting more house for their dollars,”

“Home buyers see these real estate shows on television but (the shows) don’t truly represent the local market place. Real estate’s a lot more challenging than the TV shows portray it to be.”

ANITA SMALL Woodland Realty said Small, who is involved with both real estate and home construction.

“That’s good news for everybody.”

Still, it’s difficult to find the “perfect” house when there doesn’t seem to be much of a surplus.

According to Maxon, there are currently 434 local listings. That’s down from the 618 listings from just five years ago.

Likewise, the average cost of a home has risen from $153,000 in 2010 to today’s $180,000.

“The typical family home will be in that $150,000 - $200,000 range,” Kimmel said. “That’s what everybody seems to want.”

Yet Small said a person’s expectation isn’t always a realistic one.

“People want perfection,” she said.

“That comes with a cost.”

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APRIL 2015

33

Barb Maxon

Anita Small

Barb Kimmel

Small calls that the “HGTV effect.”

“Home buyers see these real estate shows on television but (the shows) don’t truly represent the local market place,” she said. “Real estate’s a lot more challenging than the TV shows portray it to be.”

This is why Maxon recommends buyers consider real estate as a team activity.

“It’s always best when we’re working in tandem with bankers, closers, home inspectors, you name it,” she said. “It’s important to have everyone on board.”

That stands to reason, Kimmel said, since buying a house is typically the largest investment a person will ever make.

“You can’t underestimate the importance of a home to a person,” she said.

“It’s where they’ll raise their family and

live their lives.”

In Sioux City, a typical person will spend at least seven years in a house.

That’s a little longer than the five-year stay in other parts of the country.

“Midwesterners tend to stay put longer than usual,” Kimmel said. “But, eventually, a family will grow or a job change will require moving. Then, it’s time to hit the housing market again.”

Maxon said a relatively low unemployment rate and industry expansions into Sioux City have helped the real estate market.

“I think it’s a sign that the economy is improving,” she said. “We seem to be going in the right direction.”

The same might be said of the three Realtors participating in the round table.

Maxon, Kimmel and Small have all

had at least 25 years each in real estate.

In addition, all three remember a time when a female agent was considered a “novelty.”

“We used to be in offices full of guys,” Kimmel said. “Now, the women outnumber the men.”

Small speculated that’s because women buy (and sell) based on emotion.

“It’s definitely a soft-sell approach,” she said, “but we know what will appeal to the ladies.”

In the end, Maxon said purchasing a house should never be considered a daunting task.

“Everybody wants to buy their ‘dream home,”’ she said. “There are plenty of people in the industry who want to make the experience as pleasant as possible.”

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SIOUXLAND LIFE

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Siouxland life

April 2015

35

HOME IMPROVEMENT insured

right

THERE’S A LOT YOU NEED KNOW ABOUT

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HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE Text by Dolly A. Butz | Photographs by Justin Wan

SIOUX CITY | MARLENE Gallardo, senior account manager for Pioneer Wooldridge Insurance, encourages homeowners to come to her office and discuss their insurance options face to face.

Gallardo gives an “insurance 101” lecture. Most people, she said, don’t understand the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value or that they have to add water or sewer backup by endorsement for an additional premium or the damage won’t be covered under their policy.

“They also don’t know if valuables should be scheduled and what the difference is in the coverage if they are scheduled. There’s so many things they don’t understand,” she said. “They come off understanding, hopefully, what their choices are and what they bought.”

Tim McClintock, agency manager of McClintock Insurance, said previous homeowners have an idea of the coverage they need. First-time home buyers, he said, don’t.

“A lot of time they’ll come in and say, ‘The bank says I’ve got to have this’ or ‘The loan officer says I have to have this’ and they’ll give you a figure,” he said.

“They won’t have an idea of market value, replacement-cost value. A lot of time we have to kind of go through an education process with them.”

How much a homeowner paid for their house, McClintock explained, is different than the amount of money it will take to put the house back together in today’s market after a fire or tornado. The latter is how much insurance companies want to insure the home for.

“There’s a depreciation. There’s what they call market value versus replacement cost; and then there’s what they call an actual cash value policy, meaning I paid this, this is all I want to insure it for,” he said. “Both styles of policies can lead to some issues when there’s a loss.”

McClintock said 99 percent of the insurance polices he writes are replacement cost to value. He said liability coverage of $300,000 to half a million is also advised.

“They worry about the house itself, but they forget about the liability that comes if you don’t shovel your sidewalk, 36

APRIL 2015

Tim McClintock, agency manager at McClintock Insurance, says first-time home buyers should educate themselves about necessary coverage.

if you have a dog or a cat that gets out and hurts somebody or bites somebody,” he said.

A typical homeowners policy doesn’t cover water line or sewer line backups.

Gallardo recommends that homeowners purchase additional coverage. That coverage, she said, could cost anywhere from $30 up to more than $100 per month depending on the limit of coverage the homeowner wants. Through a partnership between the City of Sioux City and HomeServe USA, water line protection is available for $4.49 a month and sewer line protection for $7.99 a month.

“They should definitely have it on there,” Gallardo said.

THINGS HOMEOWNERS SHOULDN’T HIDE Homeowners need to be aware of how trampolines, swimming pools and dogs considered “aggressive breeds” could affect their insurance policies. Both Gallardo and McClintock said they need to know if any of these animals or recreational objects are on the property.

Gallardo said a lot of insurance companies don’t like pools. Homeowners, she said, have to show that they have fencing

SIOUXLAND LIFE

of the proper height surrounding the pool and gates that are locked and secure.

Small dogs and cats with no bite history, Gallardo said, shouldn’t be a problem.

A Doberman pinscher or Rottweiler can be an issue if the homeowner doesn’t tell the insurance company that they have the dog. Not every company, she said, will insure a home with an “aggressive breed” on the premise.

McClintock said insurance companies consider trampolines a “nightmare” because of the injuries they can cause. “(Kids) will put a yard sprinkler up underneath the trampoline and the canvas will get all wet. They can slip and fall or break an arm or fracture their skull,” he said.

He recalled an incident where a neighbor kid of one of his clients lost two teeth when they became caught in a trampoline spring. He said the insurance company might pay for the dental bill, but then cancel the policy or decline to renew it if the trampoline remains on the property.

Installing a net around the trampoline might satisfy some insurers, but McClintock said that can be problematic, too.

“The net just catches people and

hangs them up,” he said. “They’ll be jumping around with a hoodie on and those strings get caught and someone gets choked.” aRe MY ValuaBleS CoVeRed? Insurance policies provide limited coverage for jewelry, money, antiques, guns, sporting equipment and artwork.

Collectables such as Precious Moments, McClintock said, require an appraisal in order to schedule them under a homeowners policy.

“Those are endorsements added on to provide better coverage,” he said. “For example, a situation where you’ve got a diamond wedding ring that’s worth $5,000, there’s only a certain amount of coverage for theft under your homeowner’s policy.”

If the stone falls out while you’re working in the yard and the ring isn’t a scheduled item under your policy, McClintock said stone replacement won’t be covered.

McClintock urges clients to take photos and videos of all of their possessions to store in a safety deposit box.

“It’s amazing how many people after a fire or a tornado will go, ‘What was on that wall? I know I had something on there,’” he said. “When you’re going through trauma you don’t remember everything off the top of your head.”

Tim McClintock in his Sioux City office.

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April 2015

37

ask a professional Dr. Joel Pistello, DC

Q: Hey doc, I’ve been working on the house over the weekend, drywalling and mudding. My low back and shoulders are really sore, any chance you could give me a quick adjustment and have me back to normal again?

A: At our clinic we get questions like this a lot as the summer approaches and we start working outside more, and start opening the windows and doing some spring cleaning. Let’s talk about what you did to get here: all of the bones and joints in your body need the same thing as your house: regular maintenance. If you find that you’ve got a leaky roof, you typically get up in the attic, and decide what’s to be done: do we re-tar, re-shingle, or replace the roof? Our goal is always to protect on of our biggest monetary assets: the house. For you, now that the drywalling is done, and the roof’s fixed, it’s time to worry about the next biggest asset (if not your bigger asset) – your body.

When was the last time that you did some simple stretches to keep those joints loose? Are you doing something simple every day to keep those shoulders tuned up? Sometimes when these patients come in, it is a simple job to tune them up. Much more commonly, instead of being a simple “fix the leak”, it’s a “re-shingle the roof” type of job. Typically they have noticed the slight aches and pains and ignored them, which makes a small job – a big job to correct.

Whether it’s a small job, or a big job, or you don’t know where to start, MultiCare’s got the blueprints to keep your body up and running at full health. We’ll let you know what it’s going to take to get you back to your growing projects – and keep your body off of that list. As always, stay safe out there Siouxland!

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April 2015

Siouxland life

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April 2015

39

HOME IMPROVEMENT time

for a new roof

Kevin Kuchel, left, owner of Kuchel Roofing, stands with his son Nick Kuchel atop a roof in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa.

WITH RISK GROWING, CONTRACTOR PITCHED

A ROOFING PLAN

s

Text by Tim Gallagher | Photographs by Justin Wan

SERGEANT BLUFF, IOWA | The pun maybe isn’t intended by Kevin Kuchel, owner of Kuchel Roofing, Inc., when he says he turned to roofing because his company’s previous risk exposure was high.

“Through the roof,” is the expression he uses to describe the risk.

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APRIL 2015

Kuchel once built homes and condominiums. He exited that line of the construction business after suffering periods of inactivity during and following the U.S. recession a decade ago.

“We’ve done all kinds of construction for 25 years,” says Kuchel, a Kingsley, Iowa, resident who is constructing two

SIOUXLAND LIFE

buildings for his roofing enterprise in Sioux City’s Yards Business Park. “But we got caught in a financial downturn and our risk exposure was through the roof.

We went two years without selling a lot or a condo.”

A hail storm swept through Moville, Iowa, in 2008, and it put Kuchel and his

Octabio Garcia, left, and Danato Perez.

Kevin Kuchel, left, owner of Kuchel Roofing, of Sioux City, supervises as his son, Nick Kuchel, right, works on a roof in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa on a warm day in March.

“If you see granular loss in your gutter or in the yard after a rain, you may need to call us.”

KEVIN KUCHEL owner of Kuchel Roofing, Inc. crew to work fixing roof units all across the Woodbury County community.

“We struggled, but once we got through it (the recession), a hail storm in Moville set us up,” Kuchel says. “We found that you do a roof one day and you get paid the next. The roofing seemed a lot safer against the elements of the economy.

“It’s a great business,” he says.

Kuchel, who now has four roofing crews working in the enterprise, advises homeowners to be vigilant in looking for roof damage. When shingles begin to curl or lose their granules, it might be time to contact a roofing expert.

“If you see granular loss in your gutter or in the yard after a rain, you may need to call us,” he says.

Wind, hail and the on-again, off-again snow-and-ice cycle of a Siouxland winter can take a toll on what protects you while you’re sleeping.

Algae growth, which often appears on the north side of a home, shouldn’t compromise a roof, although it’s not the most pleasant visually. Newer shingles are often treated with a ScotchGuard product

from 3M that prevents discoloration.

“Twenty years ago it was normal to have algae growth,” Kuchel says. “It doesn’t hurt the shingle, just the aesthetics.”

A class-action lawsuit involving one manufacturer of shingles a decade ago is still working its way through the residential community. Kuchel has worked with dozens of homeowners who have settled claims with that shingle maker. Thankfully, he says, those issues in the composition of shingles have been worked out.

“Last year, 60 to 70 percent of our business involved working with insurance claims,” he says.

A wind storm the day before Labor Day and two hail storms in Sioux City

(June 20 and July 26) have kept Kuchel’s crews busy ever since.

The shingles his company uses now feature a lifetime warranty of 65 years.

If there is a problem within the first 15 years, the manufacturer will pay replacement costs of 100 percent, including labor. In year 16, the percentage drops to 98 percent. There is a 2-percent drop for each year until year 50.

“They say that nobody can outlive this warranty,” Kuchel says.

Again, if homeowners or business operators suspect their shingles are curling or losing their granules, Kuchel advises them to call a roofing expert. His firm, like most others, is happy to provide an estimate free of cost.

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PROFILE Q&A

20 QUESTIONS with a construction instructor

Bob Wilcke

text and photographs by Dolly A. Butz

Bob Wilcke graduated from Western Iowa Tech Community College’s construction program 40 years ago. For the past 16 years he’s been teaching students at WITCC how to build homes. Wilcke answers 20 questions about what he’s teaching students today, what the current construction marketplace looks like and what people looking to build a home need to know.

1. Did you build houses?

A few. Mostly remodel and repair. I lived in a very agricultural area around Battle Creek, Iowa, so there wasn’t a lot of new housing going on. It was mostly agricultural buildings and remodeling houses.

2. Why did you make the move to eduction?

That was kind of my second love. ...

In 1996 I had the opportunity to teach down at Dension in a high school class through Western Iowa Tech. I kind of took a leap of faith. I drove to Denison which was 35 miles each way to teach for an hour and a half. I knew it could potentially lead to something bigger.

3. What are students in the construction program at Western Iowa Tech learning?

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Our program is pretty much what we call a residential program, which is housebuilding. Our curriculum follows the progression of building a house from start to finish.

4. Do they work on a project home?

We have a project home that they build each year. They learn virtually every phase of the construction as far as the carpenter’s side. Our electrician students come and do the electrical wiring.

5. What jobs can students expect to get when they graduate?

The world keeps getting more and more open all the time. Since September I have probably had between 30 and 40 job opportunities come across my desk. They range from being a field salesman to lumber

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yards from a distributor point of view.

I’ve had areas in Sioux Falls, S.D., that are looking for carpenters in precast concrete in making truss rafters. I have residential carpenters that want workers. My students would qualify for any of these jobs.

6. What are the occupational risks associated with construction work?

It’s among the most dangerous occupations. OSHA has a general industry standard and they have a construction standard. It is a dangerous occupation.

Old contractors have worn out knees, sore shoulders and bad backs. It is very wearing on the body.

7. What are the rewards?

There’s nothing like being able to

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drive down the street and say, ‘I built that house.’ What I just love for my students to do the last day we’re at the project house is to walk away and then I invite them back for an open house on graduation day. When they walked off it was a worksite. When they come back, it’s a home. It’s the same building. Hardly anything was done. Maybe carpet was put in, but it changes. It was a place we got dirty and worked and now suddenly somebody’s place to call home and to enjoy a family.

8. Is now a good time to build a home?

It’s always a good time to build a home if your marriage can withstand it.

Probably the sooner the better. Demand is increasing. Housing is up, which is going to drive prices up. At this point the future points to housing continuing to be strong for the next few years.

9. Is the construction industry facing a shortage of workers in the future as the welding and electrical industries are?

We don’t have enough workers in the industry. The last time I looked on the Department of Labor’s website about a year ago, they projected by 2022 we will need another 22 percent of construction workers and in that same time probably around 22 to 25 percent of current workers are going to be retiring. The 15 community colleges in Iowa can’t supply enough workers to keep up with the new demand much less retirees.

10. What are the requirements for a construction major?

Our program here is a shorter course than most of the community colleges in Iowa or in the area. A lot of them are two-year programs. Ours is just a two semester program. It’s really a fast track but we get a huge amount of material into it. We teach all phases of building a house. We don’t get into some of the specialty things like cabinet building.

We don’t do carpet laying. We do some other types of flooring. We don’t do a lot of the management or supervision-type things that some programs might do.

11. Do students have to have any prior experience in building before they enter the program?

We come in with the assumption that they don’t have any background.

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Bob Wilcke, a construction instructor at Western Iowa Tech Community College, is shown in the shop where he teaches students.

Actually the trend is that I have more and more students that don’t have a background. My student population has changed over the years from a very traditional clientele to very non-traditional and very diverse.

12. Are your class sizes growing?

Yes. I have 17 students currently. For as long as we had the program with one instructor, the cap was 18 students. The last couple of years we have expanded that cap to more than 18.

13. What’s a question that

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students frequently ask you?

Probably if they can get a job or what kind of job they can get.

14. How do you choose a contractor?

I’m the past president of the Home Builders Association and I have bias toward looking at professional organizations as far as references and reputation. In rural areas and even Sioux City, word of mouth is much more powerful than glamorous advertisement. Talk to your neighbors. Talk to people. Stop at a job site that somebody’s working on.

Talk to the contractor that’s working.

15. Are houses better built today than they were in the past?

Yes, for the most part. Sometimes we get in a hurry. There are contractors that just go too fast. Sometimes the quality is a drawback. I think with the green building agenda and energy efficiency and all of those things that our customers are demanding, there has to be a better quality to it.

16. Are there regional differences in home construction, building economies?

Right now I think Sioux City or the Upper Midwest is probably the hotspot of the nation, actually. I have one student from last year that’s in San Diego.

Typically the work ethic of the Midwest is very marketable throughout the country. The majority of my students don’t want to leave. That becomes a little bit of a challenge.

17. Sioux City has a lot of older homes. Is there a market for new homes?

The permits that have been pulled the last year and a half have been at a

very fast pace. I don’t think we’ve had record years as far as new home construction, but it’s been very, very good considering what it was in 2008, 2009.

You see the City Council struggling with it as well – whether they save these older homes. Just the geographical way that Sioux City lays, it’s kind of hard to find places for mid-range homes.

“At this point the future points to housing continuing to be strong for the next few years.”

18. What are some telltale signs a home isn’t constructed properly?

Probably some of the biggest issues in homes these days are with moisture as far as whether the insulation is done properly, whether the ventilation is done properly and that comes all under the building science. Sometimes

if the building contractor doesn’t communicate with the plumbing and the HVAC, holes can come and problems can happen. We have a reputation with my students of building a very tight house. That can lead to some moisture problems if you don’t run your bath fans.

19. What are some mistakes people make when picking a contractor to build their home?

There’s a misconception that it’s a lot quicker and easier than what you’d think. There’s no substitute for planning ahead. Most of the headaches that a contractor would have are changes that happen too late in the game. It causes you to go back and tear a wall out or change the size of a window or move a door over. When you look at the blueprint, put your furniture in there. Look at your traffic flows. What I like to do when I’m building is visit with my families before we draw up anything and just find out what their lifestyle is and what their needs are.

20. Did you build your home?

The house I’m in now, no. The one I had previously, I did build it. I finished it in 99’ and lived in it until 2011.

Defining Design: Aging in PlAce vs. UniversAl Design Select the design concept that’s right for your home.

Families looking to customize their homes for their personal needs and comfort have a wide variety of products and design elements to consider. Two of these concepts, aging-in-place and universal design, are both focused on making a home more comfortable for individuals of different abilities.

Here is how to distinguish between the two concepts.

Aging in Place Aging-in-place design is most often used for individuals requiring home modifications in order to be able to safely and comfortably use their home as their physical abilities change over time.

There is a high demand for aging-in-place remodeling, as the more than 76 million people born in the U.S. from 1946 to 1964 are now starting to reach retirement age. Many of these “baby boomers” are looking at remodeling so they can stay in their homes and neighborhoods.

With aging-in-place, the design is convenient and comfortable but the modifications may be noticeable. Some examples include installing grab bars in shower stalls and putting in a ramp to replace steps.

Universal Design Universal design is applicable to all home owners, regardless of age or ability. It is useful to meet the needs of many, from a multigenerational family to first-time home owners.

Universal design augments traditional design by incorporating elements that offer comfort, convenience and ease of use. However, unlike aging-in-place, universal design elements are transparent and not immediately identifiable in a home.

Some examples of universal design include choosing counters with contrasting borders to increase visibility for home owners whose vision may deteriorate over time, making hallways wider to accommodate strollers or relatives who might use a wheelchair, and

building a stepless porch entry that will increase access and convenience without compromising aesthetics.

An additional component of universal design is adaptability. A home being built with universal design might include added blocking inside the shower stall walls so that a grab bar can be easily installed at a future date, a common aging-in-place update.

For more information about aging in place design or to find a certified remodeler, visit nahb.org/forconsumers and siouxlandhba.com.

Rich Callahan President Heritage Homes of Siouxland

SIOUXLAND LIFE

712-255-3852

www.siouxlandhba.com APRIL 2015

45

ADVICE Medical

Answers

‘DOC, I’VE GOT A QUESTION…’ answers to your medical questions

If my children were vaccinated for the measles, do I have to worry about these outbreaks? What about me? How long do they last?

Should we have an update over a certain age?

Getting your children vaccinated against measles with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the single most important thing you can do to prevent your child from developing the disease. However, when some individuals choose not to vaccinate their children, this puts others at risk, even those who are vaccinated. This is because vaccines, although very effective, are not 100 percent effective. One dose of MMR vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus and two doses are about 97 percent effective. So in short, you do not have to worry about these outbreaks if your children are vaccinated because you are doing your part to protect their health. What you should do is encourage others around you to vaccinate if they haven’t because this puts everyone else at risk, including those who are vaccinated. Healthy children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine; the first dose should be given at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Children can get the second dose earlier, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose. The following are the current guidelines for other populations, including adults, as related to measles and the MMR vaccine. Students at posthigh school educational institutions without evidence of immunity against measles need two doses of the MMR vaccine. Individuals born during or after 1957 without evidence of immunity against measles should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Before traveling internationally, infants 6-11 months of age should receive one dose of the MMR vaccine. Children 12 months of age or older, adults born during or after 1957 without evidence of immunity, and healthcare workers without evidence of immunity should have documentation 46

APRIL 2015

of two doses of the MMR vaccine. You are considered protected from measles if you have at least one of the following: one or more doses of a measles-containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children and adults not at high risk; two doses of measles-containing vaccine for school-age children and adults at high risk, including college students, healthcare workers, and international travelers; laboratory evidence of immunity; laboratory confirmation of measles; and/or birth in the United States before 1957.

What does a strong heartbeat mean?

It’s not related to exercise. It just kicks in and I’m not sure what causes it. Can you help?

The feeling of a strong heartbeat, or palpitations, can be from a number of causes. The list of possible causes is quite extensive and can be categorized.

Palpitations can be related to problems with the heart such as an arrhythmia, rapid heart rate, or heart valve problem; anxiety or excessive stress; certain medications or substances such as caffeine;

SIOUXLAND LIFE

MEET THE DOC Jesse Nieuwenhuis is a first-year family medicine resident physician at the Siouxland Medical Education Foundation in Sioux City, Iowa. He grew up on a farm near Primghar, Iowa, and chose to attend the University of Iowa and Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, for his undergraduate college education, graduating from Northwestern with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry in 2009.

He then chose to work at the Iowa Neonatal Newborn Screening Program in Ankeny, Iowa, as a microbiologist for a short time after graduating from college. He then attended medical school at the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Ill., graduating with an M.D. in 2014. Upon graduating from medical school, he chose to pursue his graduate medical education in Family Medicine at the Siouxland Medical Education Foundation in Sioux City.

and/or metabolic disorders such as thyroid or adrenal problems. Typically what your doctor would do to determine the cause or at least rule out some particular causes is take a good medical history and do a physical exam. Most likely your doctor would order an EKG to check for any heart arrhythmias at that exact moment in time that might explain your symptoms. Some lab tests might be ordered to rule out metabolic disorders such as thyroid disease. If the EKG comes back normal and your doctor still suspects a heart arrhythmia, your doctor may consider monitoring your heart rhythm with a small device for an extended period of time, anywhere from 24 hours to several days, in order to catch the arrhythmia if it comes and goes. Again, I would recommend seeking an appointment with your doctor in order to come to a diagnosis for the cause of your palpitations, because the management depends on and differs according to the most likely cause.

WHAT KIDS OF HEALTH QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE? Submit your questions and they may be used in this monthly feature. Write to Siouxland Life at 515 Pavonia St., Sioux City, Iowa 51102.

PARTING SHOT Bruce

Miller

MY FIRST ADVENTURE IN

JOURNALISM

i

IF IT WEREN’T FOR a grade school teacher looking for something to occupy my time, I might not have gone into journalism.

Probably tired of me asking for something to do, she suggested I create a classroom newspaper – “little stories about the boys and girls in fifth grade.”

Game for anything, I set out on the journey and quizzed them like I was Edward R. Murrow.

Taking my hand-written stories and typing them onto a stencil, she served as my first publisher. After she mimeographed and stapled them, I handed them out to the class.

The kids first sniffed the pages (yup, that’s what we did back in the day), then dug into the stories.

“What do you think of your first newspaper?” she asked.

“It’s pretty good,” I said, smiling.

“But it needs something more.”

“What would that be?” she asked.

“A critic,” I responded. “Every good newspaper has a critic.”

“But who are you going to get to do it?” she said.

“I guess it’ll just have to be me,” I said.

That week, teachers in my school were performing in “Picnic.” Why, I have no clue. (Is that what teachers did for fun?) But it was something that needed to be reviewed and I, as the fifth-grade newspaper critic, had to be there.

As the teachers emoted like Hollywood stars, I furiously took notes.

Filling at least three pages of loose-leaf binder paper, I was convinced I had the stuff of which careers are made.

At home, I carefully combed the adjectives I had written and tried to produce a review that would get the school to sit up and take notice. “This play is no picnic,” the oh-so-clever headline read.

In blunt terms, I said the teachers were awful. They weren’t entertaining. They didn’t know how to act. They needed to stick with teaching.

Rough, right? But the strangest thing happened. We printed the review, distributed it to the students and teachers – and no one got mad.

“Good review,” a friend told me.

“You really nailed ‘em,” a sneaky kid said, then laughed.

One of the actor/teachers even told me I made some good points. I made some good points?

This has got to be the greatest job in the world, I thought.

And, yes, I continued to write reviews while I was in grade school.

And high school.

And college.

When I realized it could lead to a career, I made sure to take classes in criticism (yes, there are such things).

That led to a life in a business that never stops changing, a window onto a world few get and access to people I never dreamed I would meet.

When I interviewed Fred Rogers – Mr. Rogers to those who remember him from children’s TV – he wouldn’t let me go without asking a few questions of his own.

“How did you get interested in journalism?” he asked in that slow, but deliberate way. He asked about my college years and my first job. He wanted to know what I wanted to do with my life.

“Will you do me a favor?” he asked. “Will you close your eyes and think about the person who had the greatest impact on your life and, in your own way, say thank you?”

I said yes, and didn’t have to think twice.

Without that teacher who just wanted to keep me quiet, I knew none of this would have been possible.

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