2016 Montana Dream Homes

2016 MONTANA

DREAM HOMES DECOR AT I NG • OW N E R SH I P • OU T DOOR S • I M PROV E M E N TS

2016 MONTANA DREAM HOMES

FEATURES DECORATING Reclaimed wood adds instant appeal to home projects............................5 The relationship between paint and mood.........................................................6

OWNERSHIP The not-so-obvious benefits of buying a new home.....................................7 Tips for purchasing your dream home................................................................. 8 What to look for in an investment property.....................................................9

OUTDOORS Lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun............................................................10 Plants for window boxes..............................................................................................11

IMPROVEMENTS Add value to your home with these renovations.........................................12 Super charge your curb appeal with a garage door makeover..........13 Choosing the right HVAC contractor..................................................................14 Update your windows or exterior door.............................................................15

BEHIND THE SCENES General Manager Dave Worstell Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Special Sections Coordinator Spencyr Schmaltz Montana Dream Homes is a yearly special advertising publication of The Billings Gazette

Access Montana Dream Homes at billingsgazette.com/specialsections

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2016 Montana Dream Homes

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2016 Montana Dream Homes

Reclaimed wood adds instant appeal to home projects Metro Services

learn that such wood can serve various functions aside from benefitting epurposing salvaged wood is the planet. a popular trend in the home Match old-growth wood. New improvement industry. Not regulations may prevent certain only can using salvaged wood species of trees from being cut down. give a home a one-of-a-kind look, That means it can be challenging to but it’s a handy way to incorporate match old wood in a home, particuthe three Rs of green living into your larly if you’re looking to maintain lifestyle: reduce, reuse and recycle. historical value and authenticity.

Reclaimed wood is often used in Relying on salvaged wood items can flooring, beams, wall treatments, alleviate this concern, ensuring that and doors, but it also can be turned you can find rare woods that are no into furniture or home accent items. longer available brand new.

Reclaimed wood adds warmth and Salvaged wood has character. historical interest to a home’s decor It’s difficult to mimic the natural age that newer materials may lack. marks and character that older wood Although finding wood that can may have. Instead of being raised on be salvaged takes time and some farms, wood harvested decades ago legwork, such efforts can quickly pay probably grew in natural environoff. Many businesses are now devoted ments, making the wood both durable to reclaimed timber, which can help and strong. The color and grain of make the process of finding and using salvaged wood may also be unique. salvaged wood even easier.

Look at objects in a new way.

Homeowners considering reDoors are versatile pieces of reclaimed wood may be interested to claimed lumber because they’re al-

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ready flat and rather large. Doors can be turned into headboards, tables or benches. Staircase or porch posts can be turned into candlestick holders, and wood shutters can dress up walls and provide a place to hang artwork and other wall items.

Reclaimed wood can be found everywhere. Most people do not have to look too far to find wood they can salvage. Check salvage yards, landfills, dumpsters in front of older homes being renovated, or older, unused barns in rural settings. You also can collect driftwood or discarded shipping crates.

While some reclaimed wood can be used as-is, some pieces may require millwork, including sanding, cutting, shaping, and finishing. If you do not have these skills, you probably will have to hire someone who does.

The Internet is awash with ideas for putting salvaged wood to use. Get inspired and then find the pieces that will fit your project.

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2016 Montana Dream Homes

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The relationship between paint and mood

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ainting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a space. The colors homeowners choose for their walls can give rooms their own unique feel and even affect the moods of the people within them.

Finding the right shade for a bedroom or kitchen involves more than just selecting the fi rst color that catches your eye. Design experts and psychologists alike say it may be worthwhile to choose a color that helps you feel good rather than just following design trends. The paint color you pick may add energy to a space or create a tranquil retreat where you can unwind at the end of the day.

Blue To create a spa-like environment and a more serene space, look to shades of blue in soft variations. Cool blues are soothing colors that can help lower stress levels and promote sleep. That’s why blue is a frequent fixture in bedrooms and bathrooms. Just be advised that too much blue can make a room appear cold and stark, so balance out blue with some warmer accents.

Orange

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choice for a bedroom, as the color may prove overstimulating.

Green Green can evoke composure and tranquility and works in any room of the house. Since green is the primary color of nature, it also works well for those people who want to bring some of the outdoors inside and work with the fresh starts and new growth that green can inspire. To make green feel less subdued and sleepy, work with its complementary opposite, red, by using a few bold red accents here and there to balance out the tranquility of green.

Purple People have long related purple to royalty, and this dramatic color can add a formal, regal aspect to a home depending on the hue. Purple also may help stimulate the creative side of the brain. In paler shades of lavender, purple can seem almost ethereal and spiritual. Some designers suggest avoiding purple in a bedroom because that is a place you want your brain to rest rather than be stimulated.

Yellow

Few colors are more vibrant than yellow, which can help stimulate conversation and make thoughts more focused. A luminous shade of yellow is an ideal way to make any space more welcoming and bright. Just use it sparingly, as too much yellow may not be a good thing. Yellow accents mixed with touches of purple can offer the balance needed to prevent yellow rooms from overwhelming residents and guests.

Home decorators should keep in mind that colors can be blended to create the desired environment. A color scheme based on complementary Red colors, or those opposite on the color Red stimulates energy and appetite, wheel, may fit. Otherwise, analogous which is why the shade is so popular in color schemes, or those colors that are restaurants and home dining spaces. next to one another on the color wheel, Red is a good choice for social gather- can create a variation that suits your ing rooms but may not be the wisest design needs Many people do not immediately consider bright orange for their homes, but when used as an accent shade, orange can really brighten up a home. Orange is considered a shade that expands creativity and imparts a youthful appeal to a space. Consider an orange accent wall or a burst of color with orange throw pillows. If pumpkin orange is a little too bold for you, tone it down by choosing a more pastel, peachy hue, which is equally warm and energizing.

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2016 Montana Dream Homes

The not-so-obvious benefits of buying a new home KIMBERLY WELZENBACH, Home Builders Association of Billings

additional opportunities for interaction among neighbors of all ages. Often new communities are comprised of home ome buyers planning to buy a owners in the same stage of life, such brand-new house often cite en- as young families or active retirees, so ergy efficiency, open layout, a neighbors can get to know each other warranty, and being able to se- through carpools, PTA meetings, tennis lect appliances, flooring, paint colors and matches or golf games. other design elements as factors driving their choice. However, buyers can be Entertaining drawn to a new house for reasons not so Throwing a party in an older home obvious. Here are a few more benefits of a brand-new home that you may not see in can be a challenge because smaller, distinct rooms make it difficult to entertain the sales brochure. guests in one large space. Today, new home layouts feature more open spaces Building a Community Together and rooms that flow into each other A new community is one of the builtmore easily. While you are preparing in benefits of many new homes. When dinner, you can still interact with guests families move in to a subdivision at the enjoying conversation without feeling same time, they often form lasting bonds closed off. of friendship and neighborliness right The feeling of spaciousness in today’s away. Nobody is the “new kid on the new-home layouts often is enhanced block.” with higher ceilings and additional winPopular amenities like pools, walking dows that bring in more light than you would find in an older home. trails, tennis and basketball courts offer

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A Clean Slate For some buyers, parking the car in a sparkling-clean garage or being the first to cook a dinner in a brand-new kitchen is part of the appeal of new construction. In addition, you won’t have to spend time stripping dated wallpaper or repainting to suit your own sense of style — creating your own home décor from the get-go!

The advantages of being the first owner extend to the outdoors. Instead of inheriting inconveniently or precariously placed trees, or having to tear up overgrown shrubs, you can design and plant the lawn and garden you want.

Outlets, Outlets Everywhere Homes built in the 1960’s and earlier were wired much differently than houses today. Builders had no way of anticipating the invention of high-definition televisions, DVRs and computers that we enjoy today — and the very differ-

HBABillings.net

ent electrical requirements they would introduce. New homes can accommodate advanced technologies like structured wiring, security systems and sophisticated lighting plans, and can be tailored to meet the individual home owner’s needs.

Anyone who has ever lived in an older home can also attest to the fact that there are never enough outlets, inside or out! Today, home builders plan for the increased number and type of electronics and appliances used by today’s families, so you can safely operate a wine cooler, Christmas lights and your laptop — and more.

When you’re thinking about a new home, selecting the right builder is a key step in creating the home of your dreams. Check with your local Home Builders Association as a starting point in your search for a reputable and professional builder. In Billings: 406-252-7533 or www.HBABillings.net

406.252.7533 Home Builders Association of Billings, Inc.

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Tips for purchasing your dream home

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uying your dream home is an exciting period in a person’s life. Deciding to buy a home often indicates buyers are ready to establish firm roots in a community where they can see themselves living for years to come.

The process of buying a home is rarely easy, and buyers may feel overwhelmed at times. Such feelings are perfectly normal and felt by everyone regardless of their budgets or home preferences.

But there are a few ways to make buying a home more enjoyable than it is nerve-wracking.

Examine your finances. The first step toward buying a home has nothing to do with deciding if you prefer a craftsman- or Tudorstyle home. Before you even begin your search for a home, carefully examine your finances to determine how much is coming in and how much is going out of your household each month. Figure out how much debt you are currently carrying, be it student loan, automotive, consumer or any other types of debt. Order a credit report so you can see how prospective lenders are likely to see you, and address any errors you find on the report before meeting with any lenders. Peruse past bank statements to track your spending habits, looking for areas where you might be able to scale back if need be.

Be prepared when visiting lenders. Prospec-

spend less time at the bank and more time finding the right home for you.

Secure financing before you begin house hunting. Many home buyers might not realize the benefits of securing financing before they begin looking for a home. Mortgage preapproval lets buyers know how much a mortgage lender will loan them, meaning they won’t spend time looking at homes they can’t afford. In addition, preapproval means buyers won’t lose out on their dream homes as they scramble to secure financing after making an offer.

Work with a local real estate agent. Real estate agents are an invaluable resource to home buyers and are especially valuable to those buyers who have never before purchased a home. Agents can help home buyers navigate the often confusing and, at times, disappointing process of buying a home. Choose an agent who is established in the area where you want to buy a home. He or she can provide information about local property taxes and schools tive borrowers can make the home-buying process go as well as a multitude of additional issues that firstsmoothly by having all of the necessary documentation time buyers may not think of. Agents also know the lay ready when visiting potential lenders. Many mortgage of the land regarding home prices, which can ease home lenders will want to see some recent pay stubs (from both buyers’ fears about overpaying for their first homes. borrowers if buying with a spouse or partner), a couple A home is the biggest purchase many people will ever years’ worth of W-2s and tax returns, as well as your re- make. Home buyers may be intimidated as they begin cent bank statements. You can always call ahead and ask searching for their homes, but there are several ways to lenders what they need to see when applying for a loan. make the process go smoothly. The first step is to find an Having these materials ready in advance means you will experienced local lender.

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What to look for in an investment property

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istorically, the appreciation rate for real estate is very strong. Even when the housing market declines, long-term investors in real estate can rest easy knowing that property values tend to rebound rather quickly, rewarding patient investors in the process.

Looking at real estate as a long-term investment is just one way approach a potential investment property. The following are a few additional considerations prospective investors should contemplate before buying an investment property.

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Location Many people are familiar with the real estate industry axiom, “location, location, location!” When buying an investment property, location is everything. A great location should outweigh your own personal feelings about the home, especially if you do not intend to live at the property. You will likely define a great location for an investment property differently than you would a property you intend to live in, so don’t let your own desires in a home cloud your judgement when choosing an investment property.

Properties in safe neighborhoods that boast good schools and offer easy access to public transportation tend to make great investment properties.

Décor Décor is another thing to consider when looking for an investment property.

If you don’t plan to reside in the property, your opinion of the décor should not carry much weight. When viewing a property, try to imagine how much it might appeal to prospective tenants.

Quirky properties typically do not appeal to as many prospective tenants as properties whose décor are similar to other homes in the area. Though you might find a tenant who prefers properties with unique interiors, a property that appeals to as many prospective tenants as possible often makes for a better investment and a lot less stress when the time comes to find tenants.

Condition The condition of the property also must be considered before buying an in2016 Montana Dream Homes

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vestment property. Some investors want a fixer-upper, while others prefer turnkey properties that won’t require any elbow grease. The former type of property likely won’t cost as much as a fully renovated property, but those cost savings might be lost when it’s time to renovate. Find a property that’s in the type of condition you’re comfortable with. If you decide to go with a fixer-upper, learn the cost of your potential projects before submitting an offer.

Cost Real estate makes a great investment, but don’t go overboard when buying an investment property. Before making an offer on a property, research rents in the area and the cost of insurance in that particular neighborhood. You want a property that essentially pays for itself, so make sure the rent you’re likely to collect is enough to cover your monthly costs, including the mortgage on the property, insurance and the costs associated with managing and maintaining the property.

Real estate investors often reap great rewards when selling their properties.

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Lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun

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is the season for making changes in and around the home. The arrival of warmer weather renews homeowners’ vigor for various home improvement projects, and many have grand plans for interior and exterior renovations as they prep their living spaces for comfort, beauty and entertaining opportunities. While there are many worthy projects to pursue, adding outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer and more attractive in the evening hours.

According to the American Lighting Association, with a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night. Adding outdoor lighting is easier and less expensive than many homeowners may know, allowing them to transform an existing patio, deck or pool area into an enjoyable nighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners on the patio or barbecues with neighbors become even more memorable when outdoor lighting is added or improved. But homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips, courtesy of ALA.

Improve navigation Lighting is typically layered into a room or outdoor space in three ways: overhead, task and ambient. Even outdoors, where there are no typical boundaries and borders, those three layers are necessary. Outdoor overhead lighting should improve visibility on steps, paths and walking surfaces, especially where there’s a bend or an intersection. Task lighting can be used around cooking or gardening areas.

Ambient light will cast a comforting glow around any outdoor space.

Add decorative elements Just as arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting contribute to a well-designed landscape. Lighting should play up decorative features of a yard and add the ambience that homeowners desire.

Step lights make passage safe while also highlighting molding or trim details.

An outdoor chandelier can make for a wonderful accent during dinnertime on the deck or under a pergola. Patio lights provide atmosphere as well as illumination for cooking outside.

Enhance security To improve visibility and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim lights away from the door to improve visibility. Lanterns on either side of the door can give a home a warm, welcoming appearance and improve the safety of entryways.

Create outdoor rooms Outdoor lighting at the borders of a space is a great way to create barriers, both vertically and horizontally. Lights in a tree create something akin to a chandelier hung in the middle of the sky, and

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Enhance views from inside even accent lights in the general area of the edge of a patio, deck or porch will shine across the space and provide enough of a comfort level for people to understand where things are.

Reduce glare Outdoor lighting that casts a glare

can be blinding, as can light that’s too bright. Lighting along paths should be cast downward, with fi xtures that are hooded. A variety of lighting options will create layers, allowing you to add or subtract as necessary. Exterior-safe dimmers also can provide flexible control over the level of light, as can movable fi xtures added to a patio or porch.

Outdoor lighting can make the view from inside pleasant and enjoyable. Use a variety of lights, including spotlights on trees, lights dotted along pathways and accent lights on unique landscape features, to create an idyllic landscape visible from inside the home.

Outdoor lighting enhances functionality of yards and landscapes while making such areas safer for homeowners and their guests once the sun has gone down.

2016 Montana Dream Homes

Plants for window boxes Green Shoot Media

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indow boxes make for the perfect design elements to the exterior of your home.

With the right flowers, they can serve as a downright stunning focal point of your backyard.

Whether you choose a collection of colorful annuals spilling over your box or a row of cute miniature flowers, window boxes are sure to catch some attention this spring. Before filling your boxes, it is important to know the growing habits and requirements of the plants you plan to use.

Factors such as sunlight, shade, watering and bloom time all must be taken into consideration. They key to any awe-inspiring window box is to have fun. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine as you build your collection of flowers.

Sunlight If your window box is exposed to full sunlight, you have a bevy of flower options at your disposal. From vinca to marigolds, you can find flowers with gorgeous combinations of green foliage and colorful petals. Geraniums are low-maintenance bloomers that 2016 Montana Dream Homes

can generally reach about 12 inches tall — the perfect option if you’re looking to add a little height to your flower box. A slightly shorter option that is just as colorful is the petunia.

These beau-ties grow to a height of 4 to 12 inches, and like the geranium, come in a trailing variety that can help you put together a flower box overflowing with vibrant colors.

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Shade If your window box will be located in partial or full shade, be sure to choose shade-loving plants such as impatiens, begonias or caladium for maximum impact.

All of these varieties are available in a full range of colors and tones, making your job of matching the flowers to the hue of your home an easy one. Find flowers that give off pops of bright pinks and purples if you’re looking to make a dramatic statement near your home’s entry or any other prominent spot. Be sure to maintain your flowers throughout the year to keep your window boxes in striking form.

Window boxes make for the perfect design elements to the exterior of your home.

With the right flowers, they can serve as a downright stunning focal point of your backyard.

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Add value to your home with these renovations

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omeowners choose renovation projects for a variety of reasons. Although many improvements are made to increase functionality and comfort of a home, several others are seen as worthwhile investments. These investments can add up to a higher resale value when the time comes to sell a home.

Certain projects have a history of providing a greater return on homeowners’ investments than others.

The following renovation tips can add beauty to your home and generate great returns when you put the home up for sale.

Invest in your kitchen. Kitchen remodels are a safe bet when it comes to putting money into improving a home. Residents tend to spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, but a dated, poorly functioning kitchen can detract from the value of a home, even if the rest of the home is in good shape. It’s possible to recoup between 60 and 120 percent of your kitchen remodel investment, especially if the kitchen matches up well with the rest of your home. Homeowners should know that a deluxe renovation may not be necessary, as relatively moderate improvements can create a whole new look for a kitchen.

Look to paint. One of the least expensive improvement materials, but one that has a significant impact, is paint. Neutral, modern colors can easily liven up any space. If you paint with low-VOC paint, you also can advertise an eco-friendly home, which is very desirable these days.

Put in another bathroom.

Multiple bathrooms are an attractive selling point, particularly in older homes that may not have been equipped with more than one bathroom. Finding extra space for a bathroom can be tricky, but consider closets, areas under stairs or even taking some space away from another

room. Popular home-improvement television channel HGTV advises that half-bathrooms require at least 18 square feet of space, while full baths need 30 to 35 square feet for a standup shower or bathtub.

Renovate the HVAC system.

Aesthetic improvements aren’t the only ones that add value to a home.

Many home buyers are eager to purchase a home that has a new heating and cooling system, as buyers understand that furnaces and air conditioning units are substantial investments that can last for years.

Other improvements, such as adding attic insulation or replacing older windows and doors with more energy efficient options, also are smart bets.

Add illumination to rooms. A dark home is a dreary home. Adding light can mean including more overhead and accent lighting. Undercabinet task lighting is a nice touch.

Inclusion of skylights and sun tubes can bring natural light into rooms that may not have south- or westfacing windows.

Put a deck addition outdoors.

Outdoor living spaces have become more desirable, especially as the “staycation” has grown in popularity.

Decks and patios can make backyards more appealing. The scope of your investment will depend on the size of the deck and design. Doing the work yourself can cut the cost of decks in half, but only if you have the specific tools or experience to tackle such a project.

Improve curb appeal. Adding attractive landscaping and freshening up the entryway to a home can add considerable value to your home, as buyers judge homes by their exteriors. Completely renovated interiors may never be seen if buyers pass up your home because of a less attractive exterior. Classy, subtle changes, like well-placed shrubbery and a green lawn, can work wonders. An inviting front door and well-lit entryway also add curb appeal to a home.

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2016 Montana Dream Homes

Super charge your curb appeal with a garage door makeover

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JANEE WEBER, Alpha Overhead Door

eplacing your garage door ranks as one of the top five home improvement projects that generates the highest return on investment at resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2016 Cost vs Value report. Homeowners can expect to recoup 91.5 percent of their investment in a new garage door. Statistics show that by updating your garage door you can increase the value of your home by 4%.

The trend has changed for new homes in the last 15 years placing the garage door facing the curb, however, we have not updated the way we plan the facade of our homes. Up to 40% of the façade of a home is now garage doors. This should alert us that more care and planning should be put into choosing the right style and color of the garage door first. It is much easier to find siding, windows, entry door and rock designs that will complement the garage door.

Most homeowners are surprised

Safety Tips

If you’re concerned about security you may want to consider an opener with an option to monitor your home from your cell phone. This can give a consumer peace of mind that their home is secure when they are away, and alert them if the door gets opened.

Automatic garage doors include safety features meant to protect kids and pets from becoming trapped under a closing door. Be sure that your garage door’s safety features are working properly by doing these two easy tests regularly: 1. Wave a broom handle under your garage door as it is closing. The door should “see” the broom with the built-in motion sensor and roll back up immediately.

2. Test pressure sensitivity by placing a roll of paper towels under the door before closing. As soon as the door reaches the paper towel roll, the pressure sensors should “feel” it and roll the door back up.

If your door fails either of these tests, call your garage door installer as soon as possible to fix the issue.

when they discover the wide range of garage door designs and options that are now available. A professional door company can help with guiding you to make an educated decision regarding the best choices for your project. Plus, if you don’t want your house to look like so many others with stark white garage doors in a plain design, there is no reason not to update it with all the great

options now available.

A professional door designer can help guide you to find that “perfect look” for your home or business, as well as improve energy efficiency and security.

They will take into consideration the window styles, siding, roof and front entry door so the garage door enhances the whole home and doesn’t look like an after-thought. A home looks quite nice

when the front entry and garage door match.

You may also want to consider other great new options like a garage screen door. These screens work with your existing garage doors on a fully retractable spring loaded system. It can transform your garage into an airy, pest-free space in a snap.

After looking at photos of options online, it’s easy for your eyes to start glazing over. An in-person visit to a showroom is a quick cure for that. What looks good online doesn’t always look good in person. Being able to walk right up to various door styles can help you rapidly eliminate styles you don’t like and start focusing on the styles you do.

By visiting a local showroom homeowners and builders can get a feel for different materials and styles. Or schedule an on-site appointment. With the latest technologies a professional can utilize a photograph of your house and display different door options via tablet. This is a great way to ensure your satisfaction with the end results.

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Choosing the right HVAC contractor Courtesy of Central Heating

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o, you come home from a long day at work one July afternoon to find your air conditioner is not working. It’s 90+ degrees outside and inside your home feels like a sauna. You think to yourself, now what? I don’t know the slightest thing about heating and cooling and I don’t know anyone in the heating and cooling business. Your air conditioner is old, really old. Who do I call? How do I find a HVAC contractor that does good work at a fair price? This problem will happen to nearly everyone in their lifetime and finding the right company to work with is the most important decision you can make when looking for a new furnace or air conditioner. Here is a guide to finding the perfect HVAC contractor.

Referrals

Accreditation

Ask a family member, friend, or coworker if they know any good HVAC contractors. Chances are if their experience was good then yours will be as well.

Good companies will have ongoing training programs for their installer and technicians. The HVAC industry is ever changing and having ongoing training for technicians and installers is a must.

Ask their salesman about accreditations and training they offer their employees.

Look Online If you decide to look online, look for companies that have been in business for a long period of time and have great customer reviews. If a HVAC company has been in business for 40+ year then they must be doing something right. Most quality companies that have been in business for a while will sell quality products with low breakdown rates. Quality high efficient equipment from well know manufacturers will break down less and have less cost of ownership.

on and off will create excessive ware on equipment that will shorten its life span and cost more in repairs down the road.

Warranty

Most manufacturers offer a 5 year parts warranty with an extra 5 years for registering equipment. Look for companies that offer 10 year parts warranties with at least a 2 year labor warranty. The Home Survey labor warranty means they back up there Good companies will have a salesman work. Also, look for companies that offer that performs load calculations. This 24 hour service 365 days a year. is one of the most important steps in Following these guidelines will help replacing existing equipment. If an air you make a more educated buying decision. Remember that the lowest price conditioner is undersized it will not be able to maintain temperature when out- is usually not the best option. Cheap side temperature exceed 90 degrees. If it companies will not be in business long is oversized it will cycle too many times enough to honor their labor warranty or per hour creating indoor temperatures be there when your furnace breaks in the that vary from room to room. Cycling middle of the night.

ON CALL WHENEVER YOU NEED US Meet the ULTIMATE Comfort System.

A ground-breaking Heating & Air -Conditioning System that makes Perfection Possible.

www.centralheatingandairmt.com 1428½ GRAND AVE • BILLINGS 245-5424 14

2016 Montana Dream Homes

Before

After

Update your windows or exterior door BRETT DIPASQUALE, Reynolds Window and Door

W

indows and Doors from years past require maintenance and repair to keep them in good working order. Many times these repairs get delayed. Over time, the condition, look and efficiency will begin to suffer. When the comfort and function of the windows become degraded and the curb appeal of the home becomes faded, it is time to consider replacement or repair.

5. According to the 2016 Remodeling Magazine national survey, replacement windows and doors have above average cost recovery. Vinyl or wood replacement windows will recoup about 73% of the cost in added home value and a front door can recoup 91.1% of the cost.

Often it comes down to this, you get a better product for less cost by replacing, but it is based on your specific situation.

How to buy a window or door

There are an overwhelming number of options when it comes to purchasing a product that provides good value: Replacement or repair?

1. Start with internet research and an The reasons homeowners do not reindependent web site such as American pair their windows and doors as often as Architectural Manufacturers Association (http://www.aamanet.org) or replacing them: cost and efficiency.

NFRC (http://www.nfrc.org). This web 1. Often the original manufactured research will give you facts about energy parts are not available. However there efficiency and finish options. are remanufactured parts available at a 2. Look at the facts. NFRC provides super-premium cost. window and door manufactures with 2. There are very few people that are labels based on independent testing of experts with window refurbishing and windows. These scientific facts provide their hourly rate is high. information about U-Factor, Solar Heat 3. New replacement windows offer new technologies, particularly with glass, Gain Coefficient, Visible Transmittance and Air leakage. Use this information which are much more energy efficient. for a preliminary factual comparison of 4. CURB APPEAL. New replacement windows can bring an amazing facelift to windows and window types.

3. Find a window that you think is atthe exterior of your home.

2016 Montana Dream Homes

tractive. There are many options available for the appealing look- both inside and out.

4. The warranty will generally give you a guideline to how the manufacturer thinks the window will perform in the long run. If the manufacturer is willing to provide a long warranty, this is because their engineers and testing prove it will last.

5. Find a local dealer or that you can earnestly trust. There always has to be a person to back up the promises of the manufacturers and salesman. Make sure that the person who stands behind the organization is someone you can trust.

How to buy installation A quality installation job is as important as the type of window or door that you select. An excellent product that is installed improperly may be subject to excessive draft, operate poorly, and have a sloppy appearance inside or out. Additionally, poorly installed windows can cause failure of the surrounding structure and costly repairs.

The following information is a guide for hiring an independent contractor or using the installers from the dealer.

1. Hire a licensed/registered contractor that can provide proof of general

liability workman’s compensation insurance coverage, and is EPA certified to deal with possible lead in older homes.

2. Hire experienced craftsmen. Installing a window or door can involve many following carpentry disciplines: framing, siding, drywall, interior trim and exterior trim and sometimes there are complications. Hire an organization who cares about their work and has window installation experience. Someone who can solve difficulties. Look for value, not just inexpensive price.

3. Always get references from the installing organization. Ask the company what they will do if there is a problemhow will they resolve it. Ask them about their workmanship warranty.

4. Ask them if they follow the AAMA recommended window installation practices. Ask them if they use method A or method B for window install.

Research. Compare. Choose.

A window that you think is attractive and has the factual testing to back up the claims may be from a company that is not as heavily advertised, look at your options. Most important, choose a dealer and manufacturer that you trust.

Someone who will back up the warranty and promises made.

15

In Business Since 1993 • Custom Replacement From Experienced Craftsmen • New Construction Windows and Doors

Window well covers that are strong, light, and will fit any window.

High quality residential window installation.

Give us a call for a quote and let our family help your family.

314 9th Street West Billings, MT

(406) 259-5581

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2016 Montana Dream Homes