FEBRUARY 21-22, 2015
Ask A Pro
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MISSOULA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
THE Home Show for Homeowners! SPONSORED BY
Bank NMLS 472212
DIVISION OF GLACIER BANK
Tony Amaya
NMLS UI 712723
Kim LaPierre Don McGourty Chuck Schmautz NMLS UI 80605
NMLS UI 712737
NMLS UI 299961
Sheila Lund
NMLS UI 712736
Michael Scharfe
Scott Hansen
NMLS UI 1099729 Construction Lender
Debbie Casey
Loan Underwriter
Cindy Breckenridge Loan Underwriter
REAL ESTATE LENDING CENTER 2601 Garfield Ave. • fsbmsla.com • 329.1958
Joe Gabelhausen Dave Jacobson NMLS UI 441013
NMLS UI 83366
MISSOULA 1603 BROOKS 40 6 - 5 4 3 - 8 2 2 4 www.PierceFlooring.com
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Mortgage loans made in Montana that stay in Montana.
housing.mt.gov
2015 Missoula Building Industry Association
Home Show for Homeowners
- www.BuildMissoula.com -
Now in its eleventh year, the Home Show for Homeowners offers consumers a great opportunity to see a broad array of products & professional services - all in one place. Previously known as the MBIA Trade Show, we’ve changed it up to put the emphasis on you - the homeowner.
Missoula Building Industry Association Mission Statement
One feature we’re certain you will want to take advantage of is “Ask-A-Pro”. We have two booths dedicated for attendees to seek advice from industry experts on all things Home Improvement. Examples: how best to go about creating a building plan, re-tooling a workspace or even how to repair that family heirloom collecting dust in your attic for the past five years.
The mission of the Missoula Building Industry Association is to represent and promote the building industry through advocacy, high standards, integrity, education and investment in the community in which we live and work.
While the weather in Missoula this time of year is not always conducive to home improvement projects, this is the perfect time of year to begin thinking about what you want to accomplish in your home in the weeks & months ahead.
2015 MBIA Corporate Sponsors Gold Key BMC West First Security Bank Silver Key First Interstate Bank NorthWestern Energy Opportunity Bank of Montana Direct Source Bronze Key Culligan Water First American Title Company Missoula Federal Credit Union
A lot of hard work goes into bringing all these vendors together under one roof. Thanks to this year’s committee and to the University’s team of event planners for bringing it all together. The Missoula Building Industry Committee:
Co-Chairs
Heather Barnhart, Opportunity Bank Heather Nichols, Tamarack Construction Erika Close, PayneWest Insurance Sheila Callahan, Mountain Broadcasting Company Eric Dawald, Sierra Pacific Windows Josh Plum, Plum Property Management Evan Wilson, MBIA
Keep in mind that while you may not need a certain home project in the immediate future, there is a very good chance you may need a product or service in the near future that one of our vendors will be able to provide. Take a look around and see what’s available for your home.
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Remodel Within Tips on coming in UNDER Budget Your Limits Whether you’ve lived there for five months or 15 years, it’s not uncommon to find that you are delighted with your home — with one or two nagging exceptions. You’d really like to remodel, but the project often gets pushed to the end of the “to do” list, because it’s either too expensive or too inconvenient to be without a kitchen or bathroom for an extended period of time. Still, let’s face it, the harvest gold kitchen, worn carpeting, or the cracked bathroom tiles have got to go. In many cases, the reason your home may feel inadequate is that the average American house was built in the 1960’s and is now pushing fifty. In a sense, your home is in the throes of a mid-life crisis, and it’s up to you to address the situation with some remodeling. And, with interest rates at historic lows, there’s no better time to take advantage of home equity financing to fund your project. Your first steps are to determine how much money you can spend and to define your vision of the completed project. Working with a professional designer will help ensure your vision comes to life and will prompt you to define your goals. For example, do you want an innovative new design, or are you striving for functionality? If you’re having trouble getting started, there’s help. “Remodeling Your Home” offers valuable hints on how to set priorities, remodel within a budget, understand a contract, and apply for permits. In order to “avoid sticker shock” author Carol Davitt suggests hiring a design-build firm, which will significantly enhance communication between the designer and subcontractors. Using a design-build firm also will help you cut down on costs, and many companies will rebate a portion of the design fee, if you end
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up signing a construction contract with them down the road. When interviewing remodelers for your project, asking several key questions may enable you to save money. If you’re adding windows, see if you can use snap-in window grilles instead of windows with true divided lights. This could save you up to $200 per window. Need new flooring? Find out if you can substitute seamless vinyl for ceramic or unglazed tile; or if you can swap hardwood floors for laminate. Remodeling is a dirty business, and you may find yourself without the comforts you take for granted, such as hot water or a flushable toilet. When signing a contract to improve any room of your home, assess the capacity for makeshift spaces. You may find the disruption easier to weather if you can carve out room for a small refrigerator and coffee pot, while your kitchen is out of commission. If not, you may want to consider a temporary move to save both time and money. Moving out entirely also will speed up the remodeling process by allowing workers to forgo the meticulous nightly clean up. Whether your remodeling project is large or small, it’s important to carefully think through your options and talk to several remodelers before you get started. “Remodeling Your Home” provides home owners new to the process with helpful hints ranging from choosing a remodeler who is a member of NAHB Remodelers to writing a proper change order — and everything in between. To find a professional remodeler in your area, contact the Missoula Building Industry Association or visit www.buildmissoula.com.
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“Building is our passion. From design to completion we will continue topassion. share “Building “Buildingisisour our passion. From Fromthis design designto to enthusiasm with our clients to provide a great completion completion we wewill willcontinue continue to toshare sharethis this enthusiasm enthusiasm with with our our clients clients to to provide provide a a great great experience.” experience building theirexperience.” home.” experience experiencebuilding buildingtheir theirhome.” home.” -David -David Edgell Edgell -David-David Edgell -David Edgell Edgell
“Building is our passion. From design to completion we will continue to share this enthusiasm with our clients to provide a great experience.” experience building their home.” -David Edgell -David Edgell
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Bonnie Johnson, Home Mortgage Consultant Office: 406-728-2851, Cell: 406-544-1828
1800 S Russell, Suite 200, Missoula, MT 59801 bonnie.l.johnson@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/bonnie-johnson NMLSR ID 442549
Lynn Turner
Loan Doc Specialist
1410 Russell • 728-7100 • boycelumber.com
Photographer: Matt Rogers Builder: Encore Building
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Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMSLR ID 399801. AS1035096 Expires 7/2015
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2925 Palmer Street • Missoula, MT 406-721-1000 • PayneWest.com/Missoula
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Function & with edible landscaping Fashion
Combine
As Americans become more health conscious, farmers’ markets, produce coops and community gardening spaces are gaining popularity. Many families want to grow their own food, but may be challenged by a lack of space for a fullsized garden in their yard. But did you know that with the concept of edible landscaping, you can have an attractive-looking yard or patio that also provides fruits and vegetables your family can eat? According to the Ohio State University Extension Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, edible landscaping is the use of food-producing plants in the constructed landscape, principally the residential landscape. Edible landscapes combine fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, vegetables, herbs, edible flowers and ornamental plants into aesthetically pleasing designs. The designs can incorporate any garden style and can include just a few, or be completely comprised of edible species. Some reasons to include edible plants in your home’s landscaping include: • • • •
Ability to pick and eat fresh, fully-ripe fruits and vegetables Control the amount of pesticides and herbicides used on your food Save money by not buying fruits and vegetables at the grocery store Grow unique types of foods that may not be available in the store
Many edible species are not only functional from a food-on-your-table perspective; they are also attractive. For example, some flowers, such as begonias, day lilies, carnations, pansies, peonies and roses can be eaten. They also make a colorful addition to salads or as a garnish on plates. Red and yellow tomato and pepper plants add a splash of color to ornamental beds. 16
To help you get better use of your yard, raspberry or blackberry bushes make a great border, and fruit trees provide shade. Just make sure you consider where you are placing them, cleaning rotten fruit or berries that have dropped onto your patio can be a frustrating and messy chore. More ideas for edible landscapes include: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Put pots of herbs on the patio Include cherry tomatoes in a window box or hanging basket Build a grape arbor Grow nasturtium, violas, borage, or calendula and include flowers in salads Grow Red-jewel cabbage Plant colorful pepper varieties alongside flowers Tuck lettuce, radishes, or other short-lived greens into a flower bed Replace a barberry hedge with gooseberries Put basil together with coleus in a planter Try yellow or “rainbow” chard Grow chives around the mailbox Train raspberries up your fence
The amount and location of consumable plant varieties you choose to include in your landscaping is completely up to your tastes, both literally and figuratively. Make sure to do your research and know how much sunlight and water each plant requires, what type of soil will best support that species, and how much maintenance you’ll have to do to get the fruits and vegetables you desire. For more hints for homeowners, visit www.buildmissoula.com
LET US GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE WOODS
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QUALITY & CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME
Over 25 years experience • Worldwide Access to Exotic Stone & Tile • Full Service Designer Showroom • State of the Art Technology • Fully Licensed & Insured
SET IN STONE BY CORNERSTONE TILE & MARBLE, INC.
406.726.3278 phone/fax 17055 Hwy 93 N. Missoula, MT www.SetInStoneMT.com
MODERN CLASSIC Premium materials don’t need to come at a premium. From old growth lumber to vintage lighting fixtures to the nuts and bolts in between, Home ReSource has the materials and services you need to renew your home.
Store open 7 days a week Deconstruction Services Donation Pick-ups For over four generations, Boyce has been committed to offering exceptional service, quality products, and fair pricing. 1410 Russell • 728-7100 • boycelumber.com
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Shop. Donate. Volunteer. 1515 Wyoming St | www.homeresource.org
It’s more than
just a new porch. It’s a place without walls—where you can really listen to her. And where you both might just be a little more open. Home equity you can count on. It’s you and together.
call our local lenders for current rates DOWNTOWN
101 E. Front St., 523-4200 NORTH RESERVE
2500 N. Reserve, 523-4200 SOUTH
3502 Brooks, 523-4200
firstinterstate.com
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Name: Size:
Missoula MBIA Home Equity 10” x 7.5”
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Landscaping Tips: Choose the Right Tree! The trees you choose to landscape your home not only add beauty, they can help cut energy costs by providing shade in the summer and buffering cold winds in the winter. Trees clean the air, reduce noise, create privacy and can increase a property’s value by improving the appearance. It is important to consider a number of factors when choosing the right trees for your particular environment and the best locations to plant trees in your yard.
Environmental factors to consider: Temperature. Low temperatures, especially if they occur suddenly, can freeze and kill the living cells in certain types of trees. Factors that influence temperature such as elevation and which side of a hill the tree will be planted on also need to be considered. Moisture. Do you live in a dry or wet climate? Does your yard periodically flood, or is it continually exposed to the drying effect of wind? Watering can be modified on a dry site, but it is still important to know the optimal soil moisture requirements for your species. Shade. Some species, like white birch and most pines, require full sunlight. Other species, like most maples, hemlocks and yews, grow well in shade. Insects and disease. Every locality has its problems with particular insects or diseases. Although it is possible to buy varieties that have been bred for resistance to a disease, it is asking for trouble planting a species which is prone to local pests because it places the tree under stress. Soil. Soil depth, structure and pH, in addition to moisture, can make the difference between success or failure. For example, deep-rooted species will need adequate soil depth for their structural roots, whereas shallow-rooted species may be fine on sites with just a thin layer of soil over bedrock or hard clay. 20
Pollution. The accumulative effects of pollution can impact your trees. For example, some species are more sensitive to pollutants such as salt spray from the ocean or street de-icing. After choosing a species that will grow well in your environment, your next consideration is where the tree should be planted in your yard, depending on whether your goal is shade, protection, or purely for cosmetic purposes. Trees planted to provide shade provide a greater cooling effect than man-made structures because they not only block the rays of the sun, they add water to the air through transpiration. Position the tree where you want the shadow during the hottest time of the day and year. When planting trees as windbreaks and screens, low-branching conifers that hold their foliage are most effective for screening unsightly areas and providing privacy. Noise is best reduced by tall, densely planted trees with fleshy, broad leaves. Combining these two types can provide noise reduction as well as filter dust from adjacent street traffic year-round. To improve your property’s appearance, one good principle is to never locate a tree where it will split your lot or a view into equal halves. To give the lot an appearance of greater depth, plant on a diagonal line outward from the front corners of the house. Trees planted behind the house and to the side will provide background. Trees with color or some other showy feature can be used as accent points. Small, narrow-crowned species will define boundaries without invading your neighbor’s space. If you are unsure of what trees to choose to suit your goals, you can ask a certified arborist, nursery professional, urban forester, or extension agent. For more information on choosing the right tree, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org or contact the MBIA.
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We Make Residential Construction Loans Easy 543-8700 www.treasurestatebank.com
1410 Russell • 728-7100 • boycelumber.com
• Construction & end-loan financing available • Free consultation and pre-qualifications • No inspection fees 2 • Appraisal Fee refunded for end-loan • Land financing is also available
Andy
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Member FDIC 1. Credit approval required. Restrictions and fees may apply. 2. Refunded at closing of approved Treasure State Bank end-loan mortgage.
D&N Siding And Windows Serving All of Western Montana Since 1998
Old & New Houses Siding • Windows • Doors • Decks Free Estimates
www.montanasBESTsiding.com Dennis Borkholder (406) 961-4293
406.755.8114 Kalispell, MT
CentennialTimberFrames.com 22
CBS – Construction Building Services 2516 Riata Rd, Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 546-8468 | cbsmontana@yahoo.com
We make your home Smart Acoustic Vision specializes in bringing the space around you completely under your control. From the living room to the board room, the professionals at Acoustic Vision can work with you to design as simple or as complete a system as you need in your space. Control your audio, video, lights, thermostats, window treatments and more with a touch of a button. You can even control these systems based on the time of day from anywhere in the world. We help you design your ideal system, we install it, and we teach you how to use it. Come see us and we will explain what technology is available and how it can work for you.
A family-owned Missoula Company since 2008 Direct Source is Missoula’s source for kitchen and bath design featuring Huntwood Custom Cabinets. Offering over 60 door styles and hundreds of wood and finish combinations, Huntwood fits into virturally every budget. With 80 years experience, Direct Source’s designers are ready to help you create a space that’s perfect for you. Whether you are building the home of your dreams or rehabbing a rental. Direct Source is your perfect partner.
From Our Forest to Your Home
Sierra Pacific Windows is a vertically integrated company - we own and manage the forestland for sustainable growth, process the wood in our mills, assemble the parts into windows and doors, direct ship on our trucks and service the product with sierra Pacific’s personnel. With factory direct pricing, 50+ clad colors and wood species including Pine, Douglas Fir and Knotty Alder, Sierra Pacific is the obvious choice.
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A bright idea in savings If you’re not using CFL bulbs in your high-use light fixtures, you’re missing out on some serious savings. Change ONE bulb: You could save $20 or more over the lifetime of the bulb. Change FIVE bulbs: You could save $100 or more over the lifetime of the bulbs.
NorthWestern Energy will be distributing FREE Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) to qualifying electric residential customers at the Home Show this weekend. Come see us at Booth 44.
NorthWesternEnergy.com/Eplus
800-823-5995 24
And remember, always follow the 4 L’s of CFLs when shopping for new bulbs: (1) LOCATION (2) LIGHT (3) LABEL (4) LESS ENERGY
P 406.542.1711 F 406.542.1911 www.EPICsteelcorp.com 6574 US Highway 10 West Missoula, MT 59808
Rocky Mountain Truck & Trailer TRAILER SALES TRAILER SERVICE
CARGO AUTO MOTORCYCLE SNOWMOBILE RACING GOOSENECK
(406) 549-4243 • WWW.RMTTE.COM • Axles • Bearings • Brake Controllers • Brakes • Hitches
Hubs Lights Springs Tires Wiring
5680 EXPRESSWAY MISSOULA, MT 59808
1410 Russell • 728-7100 • boycelumber.com
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Home Financing for the First Time Buyer Buying your first house can be very exciting. But financing your home purchase can be a daunting experience. In both cases, knowledge is power, and if you do your research and shop carefully, you will have a successful home-buying experience. Advance preparation is key when getting ready to buy a home. You need to decide how much to spend on your home and which type of mortgage will work best for you, as well as understand the settlement process. Before you visit a sales office, model home or open house, you should take advantage of the many sources that can help you get prepared, and take some steps to ensure you’re in the best possible financial situation: Figure out what you can comfortably pay on a monthly basis. Write down all your monthly expenses including loan payments, utilities, insurance, credit cards and don’t forget food, clothing and entertainment expenditures. When determining the monthly payment you can afford, remember that in addition to the monthly principal and interest, you will also be paying into escrows for property taxes, hazard insurance and possibly mortgage insurance or a home owners or condominium association assessment. Many real estate-focused websites have mortgage calculators that are a great way to figure out what your monthly payments would be based on current interest rates and down payment amounts. Pay down your debts. Debt that you carry on your credit cards will limit the amount of a loan a lender will be willing to give you. Lenders typically want to see a total debt service ratio that is less than 40 percent of your monthly income. Attend a first-time home buying seminar or talk to a credit counselor who does not work for a lender. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers free housing counseling and seminars; visit www.hud.gov or call HUD’s interactive voice system at: (800) 569-4287 for more information. 26
HUD also has a booklet on its site called “Buying Your Home: Settlement Costs and Helpful Information.” It describes the home buying and settlement process and explains most of the expenses you will encounter. It is free and most lenders are required to provide their loan applicants with a copy of this document under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). When you have done your research, visit a lender and find out what loans would be available to you. Then, get pre-approved. This will tell you how much money the lender is willing to loan you, and you will know what price range you should be shopping in. Pre-approval also enables you to quickly make an offer when you find a home, and is attractive to sellers who are considering multiple offers. A lender’s pre-approval would still be subject to a final verification of your credit and a satisfactory appraisal. Once you have figured out the best way to finance your new home, get out there and go find it!
OWNING OWNING YOUR YOUR OWN OWN HOME HOME IS IS CAUSE CAUSE FOR FOR CELEBRATION... CELEBRATION...
Opportunity Bank of Montana. That’s our new name, though we’ve served Montana for over ninety years. We offer a full range of products and services designed to fit your personal and commercial lending needs. Contact an Opportunity Bank lender today to get started!
Opportunity Bank TM
O F M O N TA N A
FULL SERVICE BRANCHES • 200 N. Higgins • 1510 S. Reserve St MORTGAGE OFFICE • 2800 S. Reserve Street | www.opportunitybank.com 27
EASY WAYS to
Green Your Home
G
reen building, where new homes are built using materials that conserve energy and environmental resources, is one of the fastest-growing segments of the home building industry today. But for the owners of the millions of existing homes in the United States, remodeling is the only way to incorporate green.
3. SEAL EXTERIOR PENETRATIONS.
The Missoula Building Industry Association offers the following suggestions to home owners who want to increase their home’s efficiency, decrease costs, and take advantage of the other benefits that green offers:
You can reduce cold air drafts and heat loss by inspecting your home from the inside and outside and plugging cracks or openings. Be sure to check the areas where window frames meet the structure or siding of the house. Use caulking to seal small cracks on non-moving surfaces and install weather stripping on windows, doors and other movable parts of the home.
1. INSTALL MAXIMUM INSULATION.
4. PURCHASE ENERGY STAR-RATED APPLIANCES.
Forty percent of the energy consumed in a typical house goes to heating and cooling. Adding insulation is an easy way to increase efficiency. Insulation is rated by its ability to resist heat flow, known as “R-value.” The higher the R-value, the more effectively the insulation resists heat flow. Adding insulation will help save energy costs, increase comfort by better controlling temperature, and improve indoor air quality by eliminating gaps through which dirt, dust, and other impurities can enter. 2. INSTALL HIGH-EFFICIENCY WINDOWS. Ordinary window glass transmits ultraviolet heat rays from the sun, which can increase your air conditioning bill dramatically. ENERGY STAR windows can help control this effect. These windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the
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panes, improved framing materials, and microscopically thin metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on windows to reduce radiative heat flow.
ENERGY STAR -rated appliances, ranging from dishwashers and refrigerators to computers and televisions, meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. Qualified refrigerators, dishwashers and vent fans incorporate advanced technologies that use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models, more than making up for the slightly higher cost of these products. 5. INSTALL LOW-FLOW WATER PLUMBING FIXTURES. In the average home, flushing toilets accounts for some 30 percent of water usage. By using low-flow plumbing fixtures such as toilets, faucet aerators and showerheads, you can save up to 25 percent of that water compared to conventional fixtures while providing the same utility.
Life. We’re in it together.
6. UPGRADE TO AN ENERGY STAR-RATED OR TANKLESS WATER HEATER. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand at a preset temperature rather than storing it. Replacing an electric water heater with a solar model can reduce costs by up to 80 percent a year. Over its 20-year lifespan a solar heater will prevent more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. A low-cost option is to wrap insulation around your heater, which can reduce standby heat loss by 25 to 45 percent. 7. PURCHASE THE HIGHEST EFFICIENCY HVAC SYSTEM YOU CAN AFFORD. Over a ten year period, the average home owner spends more than $10,000 for heating and cooling. Installing high efficiency HVAC equipment can reduce costs on average by 10 to 30 percent over minimum efficiency equipment. It also can improve home comfort with better heating and cooling and a quieter operation, and often features higher quality components that result in longer equipment life. To find a qualified builder or remodeler visit buildmissoula.com or use the directory at the back of this publication.
Missoula Federal Credit Union
This is not about banking. It’s about finding the mortgage or home equity loan solution that fits your unique situation. Visit us in person or apply online.
REAL ESTATE LOANS Your loan questions are handled right here in Missoula by people you trust. All loans subject to approval.
www.missoulafcu.org 29
How to SPEAK REMODELING Remodeling is popular year-round, and the industry is growing every year. Whether it’s a small cosmetic remodel such as replacing bathroom fixtures, or a major down-to-the-wall-studs overhaul of your kitchen or adding new space to your home, understanding the terminology your professional remodeler is using can be very helpful to ensure you get the finished project you want. As you interview potential contractors, this glossary of common terms used by builders and remodelers will help you understand the language of your remodeling project — and help you avoid miscommunication with your contractor. Allowance: A specific dollar amount allocated by a contractor for specified items in a contract for which the brand, model number, color, size or other details are not yet known. Bid: A proposal to work for a certain amount of money, based on plans and specifications for the project. Building Permit: A document issued by a governing authority, such as a city or county building department, granting permission to undertake a construction project. Call-back: An informal term for a return visit by the contractor to repair or replace items the home owner has found to be unsatisfactory or that require service under the warranty. Change Order: This is written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. The change order should reflect any changes in cost. Cost-plus Contract: A contract between a contractor and home owner that is based on the accrued cost of labor and materials plus a percentage for profit and overhead — also known as a time-and-materials contract. Draw: A designated payment that is "drawn" from the total project budget to pay for services completed to date. A draw schedule is typically established in the contract. Lien Release: A document that voids the legal right of a contractor, subcontractor or supplier to place a lien against your property. A lien release assures you that the remodeler has paid subcontractors and suppliers in full for labor and materials. Mechanic’s Lien: A lien obtained by an unpaid subcontractor or supplier through the courts. When enforced, real property — such as your home — can be sold to pay the subcontractor or supplier. If a subcontractor or supplier signed a lien release, then this lien cannot be enforced. Plans and Specifications: These are drawings for the project, and a detailed list or description of the known products, materials, quantities and finishes to be used. Punch List: A list of work items to be completed or corrected by the contractor, typically near or at the end of a project. Subcontractor: A person or company hired directly by the contractor to perform specialized work at the job site — sometimes referred to as a trade contractor.
To find a professional builder or remodeler in your area, visit buildmissoula.com or use the directory at the back of this publication. 30
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