Saturday, April 19, 2014 A Special Supplement to the

Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 2

(763) 263-3602
FAX (763) 263-8458
29 South Lake Street,
Box 276, Big Lake, MN 55309
The West Sherburne Tribune serves as
the Official Newspaper for The City of Big
Lake; the Townships of Big Lake and
Orrock; the School District of Big Lake.
The Tribune is published every Saturday
& delivered within the communities of
Big Lake, Elk River & Monticello by ECM
Distribution, 4095 Coon Rapids Blvd.,
Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
Telephone: 241-8146.
COLOR ADS: The Tribune is not responsi-
ble for any misprints in color or registra-
tion problems beyond our control-once
pages are sent to press.
Gary W. Meyer
Editor & Publisher
Sue Emberland
Advertising Sales
Susan Nagorski
Advertising Sales
Mary Mayer
Graphic Designer
Ken Francis
Staff Writer
Jennifer Edwards
Staff Writer
Chris Meyer
Accounting
Gail Evans
Office Manager
OUR STAFF:
Website:
www.westsherburnetribune.com
e-mail:westrib@sherbtel.net
Just off Hwy 10 Big Lake 763-263-3400
Reg. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-5pm, Sat. 8am-Noon, Sun. Closed
Remodeling Garages Doors Shingles Pole Barns Decks Windows New Homes
Big Lake
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to better performance. Manufactured in the USA, AZEK has invested years of technical
expertise to develop decking that is...designed to last beautifully.
Lumber
www.biglakelumber.doitbest.com
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 3
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EXTERIOR:
Roofs & Siding
Windows & Doors
Additions
Gazebos & Patios
Garage & Sheds
Garage Doors
Stucco & Cultured Stone
Pole Buildings
Decks & Fences
Room Additions
Gutters
INTERIOR:
Basement Finishes
Bathroom Remodels
Kitchen Remodels
Sheet Rocking
HVAC
Floors
Kitchen & Bathrooms
Carpentry & Mill Works
Countertops
Back Splashes &
Surrounds
Plumbing
Cabinets
Electrical Services
SERVICES OFFERED:
In This Guide
Telecommunications...Page 4
BL home building...Page 7
Steves Nursery is 30...Page 8
Gary W. Meyers column...Page 10
Commerce energy advice...Page 11
Save with your roof...Page 12
New color trends...Page 13
Insulation cautions...Page 14
DSIRE...Page 15
Selecting Contractors 16
Asbestos 17
New technology 18
Paint tools matter 19
Home theater 20
Energy efficiency 21
Mold and windows 22
Your entryway 23
Stories:
Advertisers Index:
All Elements Inc....Page 13
American Family Ins....Page 20
Annandale State Bank....Page 9
Audio Communications....Page 3
B & D Plumbing....Page 10
Becker Sod....Page 10
Big Lake Hardware Hank....Page 5
Big Lake Lumber....Page 2
Bitzer Garage Doors....Page 18
Bob & Judys Farm Market....Page 14
Bogart, Pederson & Assoc., Inc.....Page 18
Boones Custom Cabinets.....Page 12
C & S Blacktopping, Inc....Page 18
Chuba Company....Page 22
Collegeworks....Back Page
Custom Door Sales Inc....Page 15
Elk River Municipal Utilities....Page 14
Grand Rental Station....Page 17
Greenscapes Landscaping....Page 17
Hassan Gravel & Sand....Page 19
Haus Construction Inc....Page 5
Edina Realty - Heitz Group....Page 10
J&A Glass Inc....Page 17
Ken Geroux Construction....Back Page
KleinBank.....Page 6
Liberty Savings Bank....Page 23
Lofgren Construction....Page 3
Long & Son....Page 5
Merit Drywall, Inc....Page 5
Metro Paving....Page 19
Midway Iron & Metal Co....Page 19
MNsota Real Estate....Page 16
Omann Brothers Paving Inc....Page 21
Plaisted Companies....Pages 9 & Back Page
Preferred Title, Inc....Page 23
Rays Abbey Carpet....Page 9
Reliable Energy Solutions, Inc....Page 21
Schillewaert Landscaping....Page 19
Sherburne County Taxes....Page 10
Sherburne County Haz. Waste....Page 11
TerraCare....Page 6
Trueman Welters Powersports....Page 18
Wausau Homes....Page 22
WestAir....Page 16
Wright Hennepin Security....Page 14
Our Staff
Gary W. Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Editor & Publisher
Sue Emberland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Advertising Sales
Susan Nagorski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Advertising Sales
Mary Mayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graphic Designer
Ken Francis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Staff Writer
Jennifer Edwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Staff Writer
Chris Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Accounting
Gail Evans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Office Manager
Office: 763-263-3602 Fax: 763-263-8458
e:westrib@sherbtel.net www.westsherburnetribune.com
ON THE COVER: (Top) STEVE EID owner of Steves Elk
River Nursery. (Photo by Gary W. Meyer) (Bottom) Audio
Communications Proprietor Dick Backlund and Salesperson
Diana Olson. (Photo by Jennifer Edwards). (Background)
Panoramic photo of a wooded development.
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 4
Big Lakers have many
choices to get connected
pany until it was sold to Iowa Telecom and
resold to Windstream a few years ago.
Now based out of state, Windstream pro-
vides digital voice, broadband, and entertain-
ment service for approximately 3.3 million
customer lines in 18 states, Alabama,
Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska,
North Carolina, South Carolina, New
Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.
They offer online assistance with installa-
tion, configuration, and management of
internet service. Customers can check for
firewall, antivirus, system updates, and
repair issues preventing an Internet connec-
tion.
Windstream offers 3, 6 12 and 24 Mbps
speed internet connections with or without
phone service at lifetime guaranteed prices.
It is also possible to purchase equipment
from Windstream and make payments on it
over six months. For anything over 12 Mbps,
customers must purchase a high-speed
modem. There are no locked-in contracts.
Visit them at www.windstream.com for
more information.
The downside is, there are no local sales or
support people to talk to if the service fails.
For many years, this company has been the
sole provider of these services.
Now there are some alternatives, especial-
ly for residents of the cities of Big Lake and
Monticello.
Cable
For them there is an alternative. Charter
offers cable television, internet and unlimit-
ed local and long distance calling with no
added fees.
Download speeds up to 30 Mbps, 10 times
faster than DSL, with bandwidth to support
more devices than other internet providers,
Charter offers a free internet modem and
security services, which includes automatic
detection of viruses, hackers, and spam.
They will also pay up to $500 in early termi-
nation fees for anyone stuck in a contract.
Internet service alone costs around $40 per
month. Bundle internet, phone and cable tel-
evision for around $30 each per month. In
addition, Charter has an office located in
Buffalo and local technicians to help with
any service issues.
We recommend people go on line and
enter their address to see if they are in our
service area or not, said Charter Senior
Manager Kimberly Noetzel.
Our trusted advisor team is available to
help our customers 24 hours per day, seven
days per week, 365 days per year, she said.
Find them online at www.charter.com to
compare plans and costs and find out if their
service is available in your neighborhood.
Satellite
For those who dwell outside the city lim-
its, Dick Backlund of Audio
Communications has satellite options avail-
able for homeowners.
Dish Network offers all the channels cable
networks offer via satellite, starting at
around $20 per month for their basic pack-
age, up to $45 per month for 290 channels,
with the hopper for recording programs
and skipping commercials.
Audio Communications is introducing
Exede, high speed satellite internet service
which offers 12 Mbps downstream and 3
Mbps for uploading. Fees are determined by
the amount of use rather than speed of serv-
ice.
The basic package starts at around $50 per
month for 10 GB of usage and goes up to
around $130 per month for 25 GB. All pack-
ages include 10 e-mail addresses and the first
three months of anti-virus, anti-spyware soft-
ware with installation by a certified techni-
cian. They aso offer phone systems.
Visit them online at www.exede.com for
more information or stop into Audio
Communications in the Big Lake Industrial
Park to talk to their knowledgeable sales
staff.
In Monticello, Stargate Satellite offers
Dish Network and online internet services
via satellite. Find owner Kevin Hall at the
corner of Hwy. 25 and Broadway. Monticello
also offers Fibernet phone, television and
internet throughout the city. AUDIOCOMMUNICATIONS of Big Lake offers access to satel-
lite television and high speed internet. Pictured are Proprietor Dick
Backlund and Salesperson Diana Olson. (Photo by Jennifer Edwards).
Jennifer Edwards
Staff Writer
Big Lake residents have some alterna-
tives these days when it comes to
telecommunications systems for their
homes.
The old days of one telephone compa-
ny having a monopoly on services are
gone, at least in more populated areas.
The computer and modern day technolo-
gy have blown the lid off the communi-
cations industry, opening up possibilities
our forefathers could never have imag-
ined.
Windstream took over Connections,
Etc., a family owned local phone com-
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 5
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Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 7
By Ken Francis
Staff Writer
Thinking of building a home?
Or thinking of buying a piece of land to
build a home?
There are a few things to consider before
taking that first step. Not all lots are build-
able, and some may not be right for the
type of house you may be thinking of
building.
Sherburne County Zoning Administrator
Nancy Riddle says there are rules that have
to be followed when deciding to build a
house outside cities - and its not just
building codes.
One way to find out whether a piece of
land is buildable is to visit the countys
zoning office.
Initially there will be discussion
between staff and the person about what
they want to do and what kind of house
they want to build, says Riddle.
Theres one person in our office who
looks at the site drawing - where the house
and septic system is going on the property.
Then theres another person who looks at
environmental issues. Is it on a shoreland
or a lake? Is there a wetland?
There are different rules about how close
a house can be to a lake, river or stream.
There are also rules about how much sur-
face area of the lot can be built on or paved
near a body of water.
Riddle says there are different rules for
different areas of the county depending on
what the property is zoned for.
Depending on what zone youre in -
general rural, agricultural district... there
are different setbacks from the property
line, she says.
The county also has regulations about
how close the foundation of a home can be
to the water table. Many areas of
Sherburne County have a high water table,
making it difficult to locate a septic sys-
tem. In some cases, homes cant have a
basement because of potential flooding
issues.
We never just like to say yes you have
a buildable lot, because it depends on what
type of soils you have, says Riddle.
All of those issues are discussed up front
to make sure a specific lot wont have
problems later.
Riddle says there are also issues with
access to the property. Someone might
own a beautiful wooded lot that is nowhere
near a road. Without road access, the coun-
ty cant issue a building permit.
They need legal access to a public
road, she says.
Some people have an easement to cross
other peoples land to get to their property.
But there are cases where nothing about
access was ever recorded.
Sometimes we run into people who
have been crossing a property for years
and never had a legal easement, says
Riddle. They have to show us that they
have a legal right to go across that proper-
ty.
And, some townships require a road
access permit to connect a driveway to the
road.
In the majority of cases, people who
come to the county zoning office looking
to build dont have major issues to deal
with. Or, zoning staff can work with prop-
erty owners about how to resolve issues.
Riddle says a good idea for anyone
interested in building a new home is to
contact a builder.
Most of them already know a lot of the
rules, she says. Theyre so used to deal-
ing with these things, usually its easier for
them to come here.
Once the lot and plans are approved, the
county issues a building permit. It is post-
ed at the building site. Every time a differ-
ent part of the construction is completed,
the county building inspector has to sign
off on the work.
For each inspection they call in we go
out and inspect it. We usually want 24-
hour notice, says Riddle. Once every-
thing passes, then we can issue a certificate
of occupancy.
For more information about the entire
process, contact the Sherburne County
Zoning Office at 763-765-4450.
Lots to consider
when building a house
Panoramic photo of a wooded development.
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 8
By Gary W. Meyer
Editor
It used to be - Steve Eid remembers - that
landscaping consisted of a bunch of trees
and shrubs, spaced nicely, in front of the
family residence.
Now, its quite different.
As peoples tastes have leaned to wide-
spread use of the yard - the back yard - that
has become the focal point for often-
extravagant displays of stone and living
things.
Eid, entering his 30th year as owner and
landscape artist at Steves Elk River
Nursery, sees the switch from front to
backyard as a main focal point for land-
scaping, as the key element of change in
his industry over the years.
Hes put in a few yards - and touched up
many more - as
well as commer-
cial work - to
know what hes
talking about.
The biggest
change in the last
five to 10 years
has been the out-
doors living areas
- the kitchens, the
pavers, the flag-
stone, the retaining
walls - along with
the live product,
he said.
And he esti-
mates the share
between hardscape
(the manufactured
products) vs. the
greenscape is
about 50-50 now.
And there has
been so much vari-
ety of hardscape
materials, he
says. There are
now so many manufactured products made
to look like natural products.
It makes for a lot of convenience and
variety in adopting a landscape project for
home owners. And fun, too.
Landscaping near the water has explod-
ed, he says.
People want to preserve the beach sand
or the rock. And the regulations (from the
DNR) are stronger, but are beneficial to the
property, he said.
Work around the water and drier yards
has allowed his crews the use of natural
plantings with flowers and native prairie
grasses. They are hardy, live through harsh
winters, and subsist on little rainfall.
And these plantings will get bigger as
the spaces in the backyards get bigger and
water is less available, he said.
He highly recommends plots of natural
native prairie grasses and flowers.
Half of the Business
Over the years, the landscape division
has consisted about half of Steves Elk
River Nursery business, the remainder
being retail from his store on Hwy. 10, four
miles east of Big Lake.
When they got their business underway
in 1985, Steves Nursery enjoyed boom
years of retail, as there were few on the
northwest side of the Twin Cities.
In the 1980s and 1990s, town homes
became very popular - and his crews found
a lot of work detailing projects around
them.
With the housing boom of the mid-90s,
things flourished. The box stores hadnt
grown yet, and it gave us a good chance
to grow.
All of a sudden, we had gone to three
landscaping crews and we were scurrying
to keep from getting behind schedule. And
the size of projects grew with that, too.
But the retail end of things has changed
over the last 20 years. The onset of the box
stores offering significant discounts on
retail products affected his business.
Still, his philosophy about treating the
retail customer has not changed. Whether
they want one flower, or are looking to
expand things in the yard, they are an
important customer.
And his staff treats customers that way,
whether they want help arranging product
in the yard are intent on doing it them-
selves.
Most landscape project owners are
looking for design and installation, he
said. And that will occur beginning in
April and running into November.
We have a program to fit their budget,
he says. A variety of plant sizes to help fit
their budget.
And he does the listening.
He Started Early
Steve was a junior in high school at
Willmar in the summer of 1974. He
thought he liked working with plants, so he
took a job with a nursery in that town.
It was entry level work. But I just liked
working with plants, he said. It lead to
work on a small landscape crew.
He attended junior college in Willmar
then was off to the University of
Minnesota School of Horticulture in St.
Paul, where he graduated in 1978.
In 1982, he had the opportunity to begin
a landscape crew out of the back of
Leonard DeChenes nursery and in 1985,
purchased DeChenes businesses, located
where it is today.
Help Is Near
Every business owner wants a son or
daughter who loves it as he does - and
could step in someday to take over things.
Its like that with Steve and his son,
Beau. Beau has actually been with the
business since 1985, working part-time in
Steve Continued On Page 9
Steves Nursery
celebrating 30 years
A GOOD SHARE OF landscape
projects now days have a 50-50 mix-
ture of hardscape (manufactured
product) and greenscape (trees,
shrubs and lawn). The explosion of
man-made products to look like nat-
ural items has caused for lots of
diversity in landscape plans. (Photos
by Gary W. Meyer)
STEVE EID, celebrating his 30th year as owner of
Steves Elk River Nursery, at his drafting bank.
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 9
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A GOOD SHARE OF landscape
projects now days have a 50-50 mix-
ture of hardscape (manufactured
product) and greenscape (trees,
shrubs and lawn). The explosion of
man-made products to look like nat-
ural items has caused for lots of
diversity in landscape plans. (Photos
by Gary W. Meyer)
between school sessions and fulltime since
his graduation from North Dakota State
University with a horticulture degree.
Beau is lead man on the job for the land-
scaping work.
And hes expected to help with our
landscape design, Steve said.
As for the future?
First, weve been blessed for the 29
years here. This is our 30th year.
Weve been treated very well by our
customers. We hope to have many more.
Steves Nursery can be reached at 763-
441-3090, or at his website,
www.steveselkrivernursery.com.
Steve Continued From Page 8__________________________________
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 10
REAL ESTATE TAXES ARE DUE MAY 15
TH
Sherburne County
AUDITOR/TREASURER
DIANEARNOLD
Sherburne County Auditor/Treasurer Diane Arnold would like to remind taxpayers that the first half of their
Real Estate taxes for 2014 are due on or before Thurs. May 15th. Postmarks are due on or before the 15th,
but a Penalty will be assessed after that date. There is an after hours drop-box by the WEST entrance (door
B) of the Government Center. Questions? Call (763) 765-4350 or 1-800-438-0575
Sherburne County Land Records & Property Information On-Line at www.co.sherburne.mn.us
Property Assessment & Tax Searches (by parcel ID or address) Plats/RLS Search Print Tax Statement
Maps & Aerial Views Property Tax Payment Options County Recorder Land Title Information
Zoning County Ordinances Zoning Building Permits Issued Direct Link to Property/Value & Taxes
The Sherburne County website is continually being updated to give you easy access to a
wide range of information. Everything youve been looking for... right at your fingertips.
Links to State Agency Websites
Links to City & Township Websites
Voting Precinct Boundaries & Polling Places
Chuck Heitz
Realtor
www.chuckheitz.com
Shirlee Heitz
ABR, CRS, GRI
www.shirleeheitz.com
690 Humboldt Drive
BIG LAKE
www.ShirleeHeitz.com
Serving Big Lake &
surrounding communities
for 28 years.
763-262-0123
SOD
BECKER
SOD
Premium Cultured Sod
Delivered, installed
Pick-up site - North of
Hwy 10 on CR 11 (7 miles)
Your Neighborhood Sod Farm.
1-(763) 261-5363 1-800-677-9356
www.beckersod.com
Arm of the law
not far away
for lot owners
I have a
property in
the township,
on the Elk
River.
Its a beauti-
ful, quiet
place - a courteous place where man and
nature can co-exist. Song birds and deer,
an occasional bear brushing about for
berries, a wonderful wildflower patch I
planted last fall. Am anxiously awaiting its
stunning assembly of colors and shapes
this summer.
Out back, alongside the gently-flowing
Elk River, is where the real peace at heart
occurs. Fish swim, snapping turtles browse
about the surface. Ducks and geese and an
occasional canoe or kayakers.
But my lot is about 15 feet above the
river - and the bank is treacherous to
maneuver about.
How about a deck, or a
ladder, to get down to
the waters surface?
Not so fast, says
the people from
Elk River.
The county
planning and
zoning adminis-
tration (I suspect
they do this each
spring) recently mailed
out an information piece on
manning shoreland lots and
improvements to them.
Mostly, its about things you cant do to
your own property. (Then, maybe theres
an issue as to who owns that bank doing
down to the river.)
Shoreland Rules, theyre called. And the
county will rigorously protect the rights of
others by ensuring I dont do anything to
that bank or encroaching backyard to vio-
late others rights.
If I were a fighting man, I would storm
into the county planners office ad demand
an interpretation of every one of their dic-
tates.
But I am no longer a fighting man, so I
will reinterpret their interpretations as
being all for the better, even though they
are infringing on my backyard style.
They offer their dictates to keep water
clean, maintain natural beauty and prevent
erosion of your shore. . .
Its also to minimize use of fertilizer and
encourage growth of native plants. to
attract butterflies, songbirds, fish and other
wildlife . . .
Etc.
Dont remove vegetation, place rocks or
sand along a shore, grade the lot or alter
the shoreland without a permit from
Sherburne County. You will also need a
permit from the DNR, the county contin-
ues.
A permit would cost $100 for a minor
project.
Failure to obtain a permit
prior to starting a proj-
ect can result in over
$6,250 in after-the-
fact fines, fees and
mitigation.
Government
does get the last
word, right?
Meanwhile, if you
are in the mood for a
rain garden or shoreland
buffer, a grant might be avail-
able to you.
For more details, contact the good folks
at the planning and zoning administration,
763-765-4450.
(P.S. This spring I will be transplanting
seeds from about 200 milk weed pods har-
vested last fall onto adjacent sites in the
front of my township property. Those are
for the Monarch butterflies. We do need to
help our Monarchs. Theyre gorgeous -
and were losing them.)
Gary W.
Meyer
Editor
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 11
Products accepted include: Adhesives, Aerosols, Automotive Chemicals (No Motor Oil), Car Batteries, Cleaners, Fuels (Gasoline, Diesel, Etc.),
Fluorescent Bulbs (limit 10 bulbs per vehicle), Garden Chemicals, Mercury, Mothballs, Paints, Poison, Pool/Spa Chemicals, Roofing Tar, Sealers, Solvents.
Products not accepted include: Appliances, Asbestos Containing Items, Business Waste, Commercial Waste, Demolition Debris, Drywall Compound, Electronics,
Explosives, Furniture, Household Garbage, Medical Waste, Motor Oil, Filters, Anti-Freeze, Pharmaceutical Waste, Tires, Unknown Items, NO DRUMS.
May 5th & 6th 3pm-6pm at Sherburne County Fairgrounds (Enter Across From YMCA)
May 7th 8-11am at Sherburne County Fairgrounds (Enter Across From YMCA)
May 12th from 11am-1pm at Baldwin Town Hall, 30239 128th St, Princeton
May 12th 3pm-6pm at Sherburne County Public Works, 12950 7th Ave. S., Zimmerman
May 19th from 3pm-6pm at Becker Public Works Bldg., 12002 Morris St. SE
June 23rd from 11am-1pm at Santiago Town Hall, 16655 20th St.
June 23rd from 3pm-6pm at Clear Lake Fire Hall (Empty Lot NE of Fire Hall)
Aug. 25th & 26th 3pm-6pm at Sherburne County Fairgrounds (Enter Across From YMCA)
Aug. 27th from 8am-11am at Sherburne County Fairgrounds (Enter Across From YMCA)
Sept. 10th from 3pm-6pm at KJs Refuge Bar & Grill, 26211 184th St SW, Orrock
2014 SHERBURNE COUNTY
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION EVENTS
For questions or directions, please contact John Exner, Sherburne County Zoning, 763-765-4466
or email john.exner@co.sherburne.mn.us www.co.sherburne.mn.us/zoning/sw/hhw.php
Events are FREE for all
Sherburne County Residents
(I.D. Required)
Unwanted Agricultural Pesticides? Pre-registered farmers may bring their unwanted agricultural pesticides to these collection events for free disposal. For transportation
planning purposes, pre-registration is required by calling John Exner at 763-765-4466 to inventory the amount of agricultural pesticides being delivered for disposal.
USED Motor OIL Disposal Used Oil, Oil Filters & Anti-Freeze may be delivered to one of seven disposal locations established throughout the County.
Visit www.eastsideoilcompanies.com/recycling/ to find a used oil collection site near you.
(Submitted by
Minnesota Dept. of Commerce)
Before embarking on home energy
improvements or remodeling, especially
major projects, the Minnesota Department
of Commerce strongly recommends hav-
ing an advanced home energy assessment.
An assessment, or energy audit, of how
your house is functioning can help you
decide what needs fixing or replacing. A
follow-up inspection after the work has
been completed can help document the
energy savings.
An energy assessment will identify
some simple low-cost measures you can
take, such as weather-stripping doors, and
it can help prioritize more expensive but
cost-effective measures, like adding insu-
lation and air-sealing or replacing a heat-
ing system. Analyzing the operation and
interactions of the various components of
the home upfront can save in the long run.
For instance, consider an energy assess-
ment before replacing major equipment
such as a furnace or boiler. Determining
and addressing air leakage, insulation, and
other issues can help to correctly size a
new heating system and ensure that it will
work as efficiently as possible.
An advanced energy assessment should
include the following:
A review of energy bills to help assess
home performance and identify savings
opportunities.
A blower-door test to determine air leak-
age.
Infrared scans to detect insulation levels
and sources of air leaks.
Efficiency and safety testing for com-
bustion appliances.
A thorough visual inspection for attic,
wall, crawlspace, foundation, basement,
window, door, and roof problems.
Contact your gas or electric utility to
arrange an advanced energy assessment.
More comprehensive assessments are
available from private contractors special-
izing in comprehensive home performance
reviews. Advanced energy assessments
range in cost from about $100 to several
hundred dollars, depending on the level of
detail. An energy assessment will be your
first step to saving energy and saving
money on your utility bills.
For more information on home energy
assessments and energy-saving improve-
ments, check out the Home Envelope
consumer guide on the Division of Energy
Resources website.
Minnesota Energy Tips is provided
twice a month by the Minnesota
Department of Commerce, Division of
Energy Resources. Contact the divisions
Energy Information Center at
energy.info@state.mn.us or 800-657-3710
with energy questions.
Commerce recommends an advanced
home energy assessment before making
major home improvements, upgrades
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 12
763-263-9388
17211 198th Ave. NW, Suite B, P.O. Box
144 BIG LAKE, MN 55309
We are a Local Shop with over 80 years of
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And
Article by StatePoint Media
One of the simplest ways to make a big
impact on your homes exterior is with
your front door. But if you are tired of the
old standards colors, youre not alone --
experts predict bolder trends this year.
Exuberant hues will be popular this year
as a way for homeowners to show the
world their energy.
For those going for a classic feel, colors
that are vibrant, yet at the same time, offer
comfort, warmth and reliability will reign.
For homeowners looking to express their
colorful selves, consider selecting a
paintable fiberglass door with a smooth
finish. For example, those from Therma-
Tru Classic-Craft Canvas Collection and
Pulse, feature clean lines, crisp angles and
attractive glass configuration options, and
are ideal for adding personal expression to
a home.
The top five door colors for the "exuber-
Article by StatePoint Media
Looking to add value to your home and
make it more sellable in the future? While
little fixes here and there can help a bit --
there is one single upgrade that can make
a huge impact -- a new roof.
To get the best return on your invest-
ment possible, experts say there are a few
things to take into consideration.
A roof that will add to the curb appeal of
your home, as well as withstand wear and
tear, is always an instant winner with
potential homebuyers.
Insights into what to look for in a roof:
Durability
Think back on the past several years.
What trials has your current roof faced?
Protect your home by opting for roofing
thats resistant to the natural disasters and
everyday weather to which your home is
most susceptible.
With an impact- and fire- resistant roof
thats virtually maintenance-free, you
wont need to fret when
you watch the weather
report. Pair those features
with a long-term warranty
and you even may be eli-
gible for a significant rate
break on your insurance
premium.
Curb Appeal
When it comes to form
vs. function, form often
wins out when it comes to
potential homebuyers.
After all, the power of
first impressions cannot
be overstated and a roof is
one of the first things people see when
they look at your home. Luckily, a high-
quality roof can also make a big visual
impact.
You may only be accustomed to wood
or slate roofing. But there are alternatives
to natural products that offer the same
authentic look without the problematic
associated maintenance.
For example, DaVinci Roofscapes man-
ufactures award-winning synthetic slate
and shake roofing that replicates hand-
split real cedar shakes and natural slate.
Each composite roof shingle is light-
weight, impervious to freeze and thaw
cycles, impact resistant, virtually mainte-
nance-free, color fade resistant, and rated
Class A for fire retardance, wind resist-
ance to 110 miles per hour, and is backed
by a 50-year limited warranty. More infor-
mation can be found at
www.DaVinciRoofscapes.com.
Energy Efficiency
By seeking out an ENERGY STAR
qualified synthetic roofing material, you
can improve your entire homes energy
efficiency, as well as reduce the carbon
footprint of your home. Look for eco-
friendly roof tiling designed to reflect sun-
light and heat away from your home and
reduce your cooling load.
For a home upgrade with a major return
on investment, consider taking advantage
of the season and give your roof a fresh
makeover.
How your roof can save you
money and help you sell your home
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 13
ALL ELEMENTS INC.
Your Local Residential and
Commercial Roofing Experts
Top of the Line Warranties
Certified GAF Installer
Master Elite Duro Last Contractor
Member of the Monticello Chamber
763-314-0234 or
1-888-ROOF-320
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Shielding the Elements
Voted #1 Roofing Company
by Readers Choice!
Article by StatePoint Media
One of the simplest ways to make a big
impact on your homes exterior is with
your front door. But if you are tired of the
old standards colors, youre not alone --
experts predict bolder trends this year.
Exuberant hues will be popular this year
as a way for homeowners to show the
world their energy.
For those going for a classic feel, colors
that are vibrant, yet at the same time, offer
comfort, warmth and reliability will reign.
For homeowners looking to express their
colorful selves, consider selecting a
paintable fiberglass door with a smooth
finish. For example, those from Therma-
Tru Classic-Craft Canvas Collection and
Pulse, feature clean lines, crisp angles and
attractive glass configuration options, and
are ideal for adding personal expression to
a home.
The top five door colors for the "exuber-
New color trends in home exteriors
ant homeowner" in 2014 include:
Capri: A tropical blue that wakes up nat-
ural woods and neutral surroundings, this
hue adds a splash of energy.
Raucous Orange: This color demands
attention with its energetic tone and makes
the perfect punctuation point for homes
with a modern look.
Dynamo: This flirty violet hue instantly
updates traditional color schemes for a
trendier home front.
Relic Bronze: A deep, almost brown mus-
tard color, Relic Bronze reflects aged
beauty.
Quixotic Plum: This sophisticated deep
purple is where trendy meets timeless.
The top five door colors for those fol-
lowing the more classic trend of comfort
include:
Georgian Bay: Brighter than dark navy,
this step-above reserved blue is a trusted
color when it comes to the welcoming
message it sends to family and friends.
Show Stopper: Like classic red at dusk,
Show Stopper adds a touch of mystery to
this bright hue. A slight spin on traditional
red, this color warmly welcomes people to
a home.
Polished Mahogany: The deep, rich shade
of brown has a staying power that travers-
es trends and captures a solid feeling for
homeowners.
Classic French Grey: Stepping out of the
shadows to stand on its own, this cool, neu-
tral grey will continue to rule the palette in
2014.
Gulfstream: This bright, modern blue has
an of-the-moment appeal. At the same
time, it still feels rooted in something
familiar and nostalgic for homeowners.
Whether you follow new trends or stick
to tradition, dont forget to take your entire
homes exterior into consideration. From
roof to door, a top down approach can
help you pick color combinations that are
eye-pleasing and flow naturally to create
curb appeal.
This year, dont conform or be bored.
With a paintable door, you can make fresh
updates as often as you like.
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 14
See Bob & Judy for all your landscape needs.
Trees, shrubs, perennials, decorative rock, mulch,
black dirt & much more! DELIVERY AVAILABLE!
GREENHOUSE OPENS SATURDAY, APRIL 26
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763-263-1171 or 763-370-3546
Before April 26th, call: 763-370-3546
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Submitted Article
Consumers should beware of insulation contractors
who offer to insulate attics without checking for and
sealing attic air leaks. If the offer to insulate does not
include sealing air leaks, then the contractor is in viola-
tion of the Minnesota energy code, which says Attic
insulation may not be installed unless accessible attic
bypasses have been sealed.
Before building science demonstrated the role that air
leaks play in energy loss, it was commonly believed that
insulation was enough to stop heat flow through a home
or building. Although insulation slows heat transfer, it is
easily compromised by air flow. The only way to stop
this air movementand associated heat lossis by
eliminating the air leaks between the inside of the house
and the outside. First step to tightening ones home:
Identify air leaks and seal them.
Adding insulation is a great way to reduce the amount
of energy that you use, but it only reduces energy costs
if it is installed per the manufacturers instructions and
in conjunction with air sealing activities.
Consumers should conduct careful research before
investing in any energy-efficiency technology or
improvement and before signing with a contractor. Get
at least three bids. Utility companies and nonprofit ener-
gy groups may have contractors they recommend, and
utilities may offer consumer rebates for insulation work.
Get references and check sources like the Better
Business Bureau of Minnesota (651-699-1111 or 1-800-
646-6222) to see if there are any complaints or actions
against contractors.
For more information on insulation and other energy-
efficient measures to improve your home, contact the
Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of
Energy Resources (DER) at 800-657-3710 or 651-539-
1882 or visit www.energy.mn.gov. DER provides a free
home energy guide called Home Envelope with detailed
information about air sealing and insulation, saving
energy, and selecting a contractor.
Beware the insulation
contractor who does
not include air sealing
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 15
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Battery Backup System guarantees access in & out of your garage, even when the power is out. The
safety and security features will continue to operate as well, ensuring your family is protected in a
power failure. And because it features soft start & slow stop to reduce noise when it operates, it is
perfect for homes with a room above the garage. Exp. June 30, 201
Both models equipped with built-in MyQ technology, enabling you to close
your garage door or turn lights on or off using a smartphone or computer
from anywhere in the world. LiftMaster internet accesory required.
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(Submitted by
Minnesota Dept. of Commerce)
Are you planning an energy efficiency
improvement project or a new renewable
energy system, or have you recently com-
pleted a project? You may be eligible for
incentives to help pay for or finance those
projects.
Check out the Database of State
Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
(DSIRE), the most comprehensive source
of information on financial incentives
and policies that support renewables and
energy efficiency in the United States.
DSIRE includes up-to-date information
on:
Federal tax credits
Federal grant and loan programs
State loan programs
State incentive programs
State sales and property tax incentives
Utility rebate, grant, and loan programs
For instance, at DSIRE you can learn
about the 30 percent federal Residential
Renewable Energy Tax Credit (good
through 2016) or the Residential Energy
Efficiency Tax Credit of up to $500 for
energy purchases made from 2011-2013.
DSIRE has information on the new 10-
year $250 million Made in Minnesota
Solar Incentive Program for new solar
electric and solar thermal installations.
The database provides a long list of
Minnesota utilities that offer rebate pro-
grams to residential and commercial cus-
tomers. Virtually every utility in the
statethe large investor-owned utilities
and the municipals and cooperativespro-
vides incentives on a range of energy-sav-
ing efforts, including energy audits, air
sealing and insulation, new high efficient
heating and cooling systems, and efficient
lighting.
Need financing for an energy-saving
project? Check out the low-interest Fix-Up
Loan offered by Minnesota Housing, as
well as other loan programs.
The DSIRE website is
www.dsireusa.org. The Minnesota
Department of Commerce, Division of
Energy Resources also offers financial
resource information.
Minnesota Energy Tips is provided
twice a month by the Minnesota
Department of Commerce, Division of
Energy Resources. Contact the divisions
Energy Information Center at
energy.info@state.mn.us or 800-657-3710
with energy questions.
DSIRE is go-to source on incentives for
energy efficiency, renewable energy projects
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 16
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Submitted Article
Whether addressing air leak-
age and insulation issues,
replacing your heating or AC
system, or installing a solar
energy system, selecting a con-
tractor for a home energy
improvement job should be
treated like any major purchase:
Be precise about the job expec-
tations and the products and
services being purchased and be
diligent in checking the creden-
tials and integrity of your con-
tractor.
Identify several potential
hires for your job via usual
sources such as the Internet,
Yellow Pages, word of mouth,
friends, professional associa-
tions, etc., and get bids from at
least three contractors.
Check with the Minnesota
Department of Labor and
Industry at www.dli.mn.gov to
make sure the contractor
is licensed (if licen-
sure is required) and
check with the
Better Business
Bureau to see if
there are any com-
plaints or actions
against the contractor.
Get references and check
out online consumer rat-
ing services to learn what
others have to say about par-
ticular contractors.
Tips on bids and contracts:
Only review bids that are in
writing and include detailed
information about the project.
Be sure you are getting what
you expect.
Dont be misled by sales or
deals that are available for a
limited time only.
Contractors should apply for
permits and are responsible for
meeting building codes and
arranging inspections.
Learn about the Three-Day
Cooling Off Law that gives
you the right to cancel within 72
hours of signing a contract.
Dont provide a check or down
payment until this period has
ended.
Require lien waivers from all
suppliers and subcontractors.
Make sure the job is complet-
ed, including all inspections and
cleanup, before making final
payment.
Selecting a contractor
for home energy
improvement projects
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 17
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www.jaglassinc.com
(Submitted by
Minnesota Dept. of Health)
Asbestos Awareness aims to make peo-
ple aware that asbestos is still a problem.
Each year in the United States, 2,000-
3,000 people are diagnosed with a deadly
form of lung disease caused by exposure to
asbestos and 10,000 Americans die each
year from all asbestos-related diseases.
While most exposures to asbestos occur in
the workplace, many victims of asbestos
disease were exposed in their own homes
and didnt know it.
The Minnesota Department of Health
(MDH), working with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
is increasing its efforts to make people
aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Increased awareness of asbestos in our
home and work environments is important
so that parents, health care providers,
housing authorities, building and construc-
tion interests, educators and others can
work together to prevent exposure, said
Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed
Ehlinger.
Asbestos has been used in thousands of
products because of its strength and flexi-
bility, acoustical properties and resistance
to heat, chemicals and electricity. When
building materials that contain asbestos are
disturbed, asbestos fibers can become air-
borne in the home or workplace. Breathing
in asbestos fibers over a long period can
cause serious illness, including malignant
lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Many symptoms of asbestos-related dis-
eases do not appear for 20 or more years,
making it difficult to diagnose.
For these reasons, we want
Minnesotans to know that if they are going
to renovate their home or commercial
property, they need to find out if existing
building materials contain asbestos so it
can be dealt with safely and properly, said
Dan Locher, asbestos and lead compliance
program supervisor for MDH.
In Minnesota, there are about 1.4 million
homes built before 1981 that could have
asbestos in a variety of building materials:
textured ceilings, floor and ceiling tiles,
linoleum, boiler and pipe insulation, duct
wrap insulation and seam tape, sheetrock,
plaster, roofing felt, shingles, and exterior
slate siding. Commercial and public build-
ings of approximately the same age range
could have asbestos in similar building
products. The only way to know for sure if
you have asbestos is to have building
materials tested. Asbestos inspections must
be done by a certified asbestos inspector.
Similarly, handling or removal of asbestos-
containing materials should be done by a
licensed asbestos abatement contractor.
Trying to do the work yourself could put
you, your family and the public at risk,
Locher said. For information on how to
find a qualified asbestos inspector or con-
tractor, visit the MDH website at:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/asb
estos/homeowner/howhire.html.
MDH has developed factsheets and edu-
cational materials that provide guidance on
testing, remediation and proper manage-
ment of asbestos-containing building
materials. They can be obtained from the
MDH website at
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/asb
estos/index.html or by calling 651-201-
4620.
Renovating a home
or building?
Avoid exposure to
dangerous asbestos
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 18
1600 Hwy. 55 & Co. Rd. 134, Buffalo
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LAND SURVEYING, CIVIL ENGINEERING & MAPPING FIRM
Article by StatePoint Media
Will you be remodeling your home or
doing any home improvement projects
this season? Planning ahead and using
new available technologies can help you
design and prioritize your updates and
projects.
Get Inspired
What does the ideal kitchen look like to
you? What does your dream bathroom
include? Whereas those with renovation
aspirations may have once scoured home
design magazines for the perfect idea,
clipping photos and filing them away,
new technolo-
gies are helping
people digitally
organize this
process.
No matter
what your style
is, finding an
example of the
design youre going for online can help
you communicate your vision to the con-
tractor or architect doing the work.
And there are many free resources
available to help you in your quest for the
perfect look. For example, the National
Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has
a gallery of free ideas that can help you
get inspired and free project planners to
help in every step of the remodeling
process.
Share
The major decisions that happen during
the home improvement process are rarely
made by one person alone. Its all about
collaboration between friends, family and
professionals.
Consider using a free iPad app such as
DesignMine to share your design ideas.
DesignMine allows you to create person-
alized albums and design boards by
browsing through thousands of high qual-
ity photos of exterior and interior spaces
of real homes.
These personalized design boards can
then be saved for later additions or shared
with friends, family and design profes-
sionals. Collaborating on ideas can
smoothly transition the project from
design to reality.
The most common cause for home proj-
ects taking longer and costing more than
budgeted is lack of planning.
Collaborating on ideas with a profession-
al from the beginning is key. It can help
you avoid these extra costs and time asso-
ciated with having to make changes in the
design halfway through the project.
Create
When youre ready to bring your vision
to life, you can find a local service profes-
sional.
Whether you remodel your home with a
fresh look, or return to a classic aesthetic,
let modern technology help you design,
plan, and create your dream home.
New technology can help
with home improvement projects
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 19
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Landscape Professionals with a
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Submitted Article
Youre ready to paint. You selected a
color, bought the paint and prepped the
room. Now its time to get busy, right?
Maybe. Before you crack open that paint
can, make sure you have the right tools. A
brush is not a brush. A roller is not a
roller. In order to get the job done right,
you need the best tools for the job.
Paintbrushes come in a vari-
ety of sizes to suit a vari-
ety of purposes. Wide
brushes work best
for large, flat sur-
faces. Narrow
brushes work
best in small,
tight spaces.
Generally, the
larger the brush,
the less control
and precision you
will have.
Along with size, you
need to pay attention to the
brushs bristles. Synthetic bristles
work best for latex paint. Natural bristles
work best for oil paint. Higher quality
brushes have flagged bristles. The bristles
are split to hold more paint and spread it
more evenly. Some brushes have tapered
bristles, which are good for getting into
corners and grooves.
In addition to brushes, you will proba-
bly need a roller or two. U-shaped roller
frames are very sturdy and easy to use.
Just insert the cover, and you are ready to
roll. Lambs wool covers work best for oil
paint. Synthetic roller covers work best
for latex paint. Foam covers work for oil
or high-gloss latex paint.
Quality, of course, matters. The best
roller covers retain their shape when
squeezed, have no obvious seams and
have very few loose fibers. Nap is impor-
tant as well. The smoother the surface you
plan to paint, the shorter the nap
should be. A nap of 1/8" to
1/4" works well on wall-
board and smooth
plaster, wood and
metal. A nap of
3/8" to 1/2" works
well on lightly
textured stucco,
concrete and
rough wood. A
nap of 3/4" to 1"
works well on heavi-
ly textured stucco,
concrete block and brick.
Depending upon where
you are painting, you may even
need a paint pad. Paint pads work great in
hard-to-reach places like behind a toilet or
radiator. Most are made of plastic foam
and suit both latex and oil paint.
Take the time to choose the right tools
for the job. It could make all the differ-
ence in the results, and it could save you
valuable time. Speak to a professional and
make sure you have everything you need
to get the job done right.
Paint tools matter
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 20
BUDGET US IN!
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Dont miss this opportunity to increase your businesss fall sales figures.
Contact our advertising department at
763-263-3602
and become a valuable addition to our
Fall Home
Builders Guide!
Publication Date is October 2014
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Insurance Agency
207 Jefferson Blvd Suite 203
PO Box 407
Big Lake, MN 55309
(763) 263-2163
kzwillin@amfam.com
Article by StatePoint Media
We are living in the midst of one of the
most exciting eras of television and tech-
nology -- from edge-of-your seat action
series to big game sports. And with more
great films becoming available at home
sooner, and gaming becoming increasing-
ly realistic, the need for superior home
entertainment systems is growing.
In fact, U.S. consumers spent $18 bil-
lion on home entertainment in 2013,
according to recent statistics from The
Digital Entertainment Group.
So if youre thinking about giving your
home any upgrades this season, one
change that will increase the enjoyment of
your family room or living room is
improving your home entertainment sys-
tem. There are a number of fun ways to
update your home entertainment system to
ensure family movie and gaming nights
are extra exciting:
Fun Ways to Improve Your
Home Theater Experience
Ambiance
To get the real movie theater experience,
set up your home theater system in a room
without windows, such as a basement or
interior rec room. If thats not possible,
consider a thick set of curtains to com-
pletely black out natural light. This will
give your room the right look and feel
while enhancing the picture quality of your
movies, shows and games.
When it comes to curtains, framing the
screen with a velvet red, gold or purple
curtain adds a touch of old time theater ele-
gance. Consider setting up an automated
system that simultaneously dims the lights
and draws back a curtain in front of your
screen.
If you want to go all out, paint the walls
black, maroon or another dark color and
install theater-style seating and red carpet-
ing.
Show Time!
Whether playing the newest video game
or enjoying a movie in your home theater,
remember that bigger is better. Luckily,
innovations in projectors are making them
a great bet for home use. A slim design
thats portable and starts up quickly is a
great versatile choice that can be used at
home, or on-the-go.
Look for options that are low-mainte-
nance and energy-efficient. By opting for a
hybrid laser and LED light source for your
projector, you wont have to worry about
brightness degradation over time as you do
with mercury lamp projectors, which lose
half their brightness after 3000 hours of
use.
Delight the Senses
Now that you have your eyes and ears
covered, consider the rest of your senses.
Offer family and friends traditional theater
snacks. To invoke the movie-going, con-
sider an old-fashioned popcorn maker.
You may also want to stock your rec room
with a mini fridge so you never need hit
pause on your game or movie for your next
beverage.
With a few tweaks to your space, you
can turn your ho-hum family room into a
superior home theater.
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 21
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THERMAL IMAGING SERVICE
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P.O. BOX 1022 ELK RIVER , MN 55330
OFFICE : 763-286-0817 218-281-1978
TOLL FREE : 888-658-1978 FAX : 763-390-0049
GREG@RELIABLEENERGYONLINE.COM WWW.RELIABLEENERGYONLINE.COM
Submitted Article
Are you considering a renewable energy
system to help power your home? Are you
planning to add solar panels or perhaps a
small wind system? Perhaps you are think-
ing about purchasing green power from
your utility, but you want to employ your
own clean energy source to increase your
energy independence and reduce
your carbon footprint?
Taking the step in
developing your own
renewable energy
system is an
admirable goal
and to help you
achieve this goal,
the Minnesota
Department of
C o m m e r c e
Division of
Energy Resources
recommends that
homeowners first
apply some simple,
energy-saving measures
before investing in a renew-
able energy system. By investing
first in energy efficiency and energy con-
servation up front, you can lessen your
energy demand, which will reduce the size
of the investment needed for your renew-
able energy system and optimize the
returns on your system.
Energy improvements such as air-seal-
ing, adding insulation, and replacing or
repairing home heating and cooling sys-
tems are some of the best energy-saving
investments. An advanced energy assess-
ment of your home is a good first step and
can determine your homes energy per-
formance. It can identify what needs fix-
ing, what needs upgrading, and what needs
replacing. It will identify some simple low-
cost measures you can implement, such as
weather-stripping doors, and it will
point out other cost-effective
measures.
Minnesota utilities pro-
vide advanced energy
assessments, and
many offer discount-
ed audits and
rebates for energy
i mp r o v e me n t s
( v i s i t
www.dsireusa.org).
Energy assessments
are also provided by
nonprofit community
groups, auditors listed
by the Minnesota
Building Performance
Association, and private con-
tractors.
After you implement those basic energy
efficiency measures, then explore what
renewable energy system is feasible for
your home.
For more information on home energy
assessments and energy-saving improve-
ments, check out the Home Envelope
energy guide on the Division of Energy
Resources website.
Before installing
renewables, do basic
energy efficiency
www.westsherburnetribune.com
Find this guide on
our website, NOW and
ALL through the year!
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 22
Wausau Homes Monticello
763.295.1860
W
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v
a
t
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n
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e
s
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B
u
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l
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d
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g
R
o
o
f
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n
g
For a free estimate:
763-441-4488
19276Vernon St.NW #100
Elk River,MN 55330
www.chubaco.com
License #BC628158
NewSiding,
Roofing & Windows
10% Project Discount
Up to $500 total discount, minimum order of $3,000. Valid
only for new roofng, siding and/or window orders placed
by May 30. Not valid on new construction or remodeling.
Limit one coupon per household.
Trusted
Local Experts
Since 1972
Article by StatePoint Media
What's growing on your windows? If you have
wood windows, or even dirty window sills, the
answer could be mold.
When materials in the home, such as wood
window frames or wood window sills, come in
contact with moisture for an extended period of
time, mold can grow. The key is the presence of
an organic food source.
And mold growth can be hazardous to your
health, causing respiratory problems and allergic
reactions. So how do you reduce your homes
risk for mold?
You may see your windows sweat during the
winter or summer months because of varying
humidity levels inside the home. Without proper
ventilation, moisture can accumulate on win-
dows and walls from daily household activities
such as hot showers, boiling water and opening
dishwashers after a cleaning cycle. Use ventila-
tion fans and dehumidifiers to minimize conden-
sation and help reduce humidity in the home.
If your windows have major air leaks, dont
close properly or are failing to act as a solid bar-
rier to the environment, then its time to replace
them. Opt for vinyl window frames, such as
those from Simonton Windows, which wont
provide an organic food source for mold.
Keep window frame surfaces clean. Even if tiny
particles of organic debris are found on or around
the surfaces of a vinyl window in a moisture-rich
area, you could potentially find mold growth.
What makes up this debris? It can be anything
from fragments of pollen to animal dander to
insect pieces to normal household dust.
Reduce the chance of condensation in your
home. Use ceiling fans, particularly in the
kitchen and bathroom to increase ventilation.
Leave interior room and closet doors open.
Consider reducing the number of house plants in
your home.
If your blinds or window coverings are closed
all the time, condensation can get trapped in
between the window treatments and the win-
dows, creating a damp environment that may
encourage mold growth. Routinely open window
coverings to increase ventilation near windows.
Additionally, ensure air vent deflectors are
placed on floor vents to reroute air into the room
rather than straight up against a window.
While installing vinyl windows in the home is
a smart start, homeowners also have to do their
part -- keep the home well ventilated and clean
during all seasons to reduce mold.
What every homeowner
needs to know about
mold and windows
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 23
Home Loan
Sale!
2014
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t
y

S
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v
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Great Low Rates!

NO Origination Fees!*
FASTER! CHEAPER! LOCAL!
763-464-1281
welle@libertysavings.com






Call or Email Me Today for Details!
















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47.206 subs 3 and 4.
not an offer to lend. Any such offer may only be made pursuant to Minn Sts.
Subject to income and special qualications and credit approvals. This is
or other risk factors. See us for additional information. Limited time offer
factors of the loan which could include the credit score, loan to value ratio,
are mandated fees some borrowers are required to pay based on certain
*Origination Fees does not include Loan Level Price Adjustments, which















not an offer to lend. Any such offer may only be made pursuant to Minn Sts.
Subject to income and special qualications and credit approvals. This is
. or other risk factors. See us for additional information. Limited time offer
factors of the loan which could include the credit score, loan to value ratio,
are mandated fees some borrowers are required to pay based on certain
*Origination Fees does not include Loan Level Price Adjustments, which
For more information
contact CINDY HEATON at
cindyh@preferredtitle.biz
ELK RIVER:
19230 Evans Street
Elk River, MN 55330
763.241.9905
MONTICELLO:
113 West Broadway P.O. Box 727
Monticello, MN 55362
763.295.6140
FULL SERVICE TITLE,
ABSTRACT AND
ESCROW SERVICES
www.preferredtitle.biz
At Preferred Title,
we value our clients.
We strive to always
put you first.
I invite you come and
see why we are
"The Preferred Way
to Close".
Cindy Heaton, Owner
Article by StatePoint Media
Impressions count when visitors arrive
at your homes front door. Its the first and
last space they see, and it has the power to
make a positive or negative impression.
This season, consider an easy, cost-
effective home improvement project that
can add value to your home and boost curb
appeal -- updating the main door and entry
of your home.
Upgrade the Door
Start with the basics. Evaluate the look
and condition of the front door to deter-
mine if it needs to be replaced. A front door
should have good energy efficiency fea-
tures, a snug fit to the frame, and an
appealing color.
While wood was once the most popular
material for doors, homeowners are shift-
ing to alternatives. And for good reason --
a secure fiberglass door, can resist denting
and scratching, is easy to maintain, is ener-
gy efficient and can help keep your home
quiet. Smooth fiberglass finishes are avail-
able for painting along with a variety of
woodgrain finishes that have the look of
wood, but all the benefits of fiberglass.
Trim the Door
Consider transforming a ho-hum home
entry into a stylish entryway in less than an
hour. With a door surround kit, you can
accessorize your entryway in various
architectural styles. Available in
Craftsman, Colonial, Stone and Empire
styles, each kit offers weather-resistant
polyurethane pieces that resist rotting,
warping, cracking, insects, moisture and
peeling.
The kits include trim, such as pilasters,
crossheads and keystones, and are a
dynamic and quick way to enhance an
entry door.
As an alternative to a kit, you can order
durable pilasters and pediment pieces indi-
vidually. This allows you to select from
dozens of decorative pediment designs to
top off your door, such as a sunburst, rams
head or peaked cap.
Add Some Flair
To complete the look of your warm and
inviting entryway, dont forget to stain or
paint your door to complement your
homes exterior, as well as select decora-
tive or privacy glass for the doorlites and
sidelites. Next step, add some potted plants
and a colorful welcome mat and youve
transformed the look of your home entry-
way.
With a few easy upgrades, you can give
your home a fresh new look that will leave
a lasting impression.
Ways to Make
Your Homes
Entryway Stand Out
Spring GuideApril 19, 2014Page 24
New Home Construction - On your property
or wooded acreage homesites available
Remodeling & Renovation - Our success in remodeling
comes from viewing the project from our clients perspective.
Design - Proper planning and design are the foundation
of a successful project.
Commercial Construction - Buildout services,
structural renovation, complete design and new construction.
A Cut Above Excellent Since 1989
Chamber of
Commerce Member
763-263-6878
BIG LAKE, MINNESOTA
www.KGCCorp.com
Lic. #BC002757
Their work is absolutely second to none. I think it is also
in part to KGC's high demands of their subcontractors
and workers. We can assure you, if Ken Geroux
Construction Corporation does your work, no matter
how big or small, you will be pleased. M.H.

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Paint Your House This Summer!
www.collegeworks.com
Dear Homeowner:
My name is Lucas Stefano and Im the local
branch manager for College Works Painting in the
greater Twin Cities residential area this year. I am
a Business Management major at the University of
Minnesota Twin Cities. In my free time I enjoy
sports, soccer, photography , being with family
and friends and outdoor activities. This summer I
will be managing crews of skilled
painters who will do high quality
exterior paint jobs for an affordable
price. Make your stand out amongst
those in the area by letting me paint
it! Please give me a call for a free
estimate or if you would like to know more.
Remember, a quality job at an affordable price is
just a phone call away! Thank you for your time
and I look forward to hearing from you!
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