Fall Home Improvement 2016

LANDSCAPING • HOME REMODELING • NEW PRODUCTS • INTERIOR/EXTERIOR AND MORE!

23rd Annual

Fall Home Improvement Show September 9, 10 & 11

MetraPark Expo Center The largest trade show in a five state area with more than 400 exhibits!

OFFICIAL 2016 GUIDE

INSIDE ‌ ome improvement projects for your H fall to-do list................................. Page 4-5 Map and vendor list..................... Page 6-7 5 weekend projects to try now.......Page 8 Home safety checks to complete today............................Page 8-9 How to find great gifts for the family handyman................................. Page 10-11 The official guide to the Fall Home Improvement Show is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.

General Manager Dave Worstell Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Advertising Manager Shelli Scott Special Sections Coordinator Spencyr Schmaltz Content Editor Darrell Ehrlick

Access the Fall Home Improvement Show guide at www.billingsgazette.com/ specialsections Content provided by Metro Services unless otherwise noted.

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Fall Home Improvement Show 2016

Help for homeowners looking for ideas DARRELL EHRLICK dehrlick@billingsgazette.com ‌

‌When it comes to home improvement, where to start is sometimes an even bigger challenge than what to fix or how much it will cost.

For example, many homeowners are still in the process of making repairs from a huge hailstorm that swept through Billings this spring, the second large storm in three years.

But whether folks need a new roof or are looking at “nesting” away in their homes, the 23rd annual Home Improvement Show by Rimrock Productions at MetraPark brings more than 450 vendors, contractors and service providers, all under one roof during the same weekend, Sept. 9 through 11.

“Maybe folks weren’t planning on exterior projects like a roof, siding or gutters. Maybe they were focusing inside, but now have several projects,” said Beau Hedin, of Rimrock Productions. “It’s nice that they’re under one roof and you have a multitude of companies that can take care of the entire gamut.”

The show even brings in insurance agents who walk folks through the claims process or the repairs so they know what to expect.

“People are unsure about how to do it,” Drew Hedin said. “And they want to make sure they get it done right.”

This is an opportunity to interact with contractors and service providers, many of whom do not have a showroom or retail office space, but will have products on display.”

“You see the products they work with and you can pick their brains,” said Devon Hedin of Rimrock Productions. “You also get to see the latest products because they’ll be

bringing new things to see if they’ll do well, so it’s really great for the vendors and the customers.”

The fall show is also a great time to get a head start on next year’s projects — getting ideas or lining up contractors.

“That way, as soon as spring hits, the planning process is already done instead of beginning it,” Drew Hedin said.

But, Drew Hedin said many contractors still have room in their schedules before the snow flies.

“Sometimes, when you get into renovation, one thing leads to another and you have a renovation snowball,” said Drew Hedin.

In addition to having vendors who are working on repairing hail damage, many contractors are also taking advantage of the nesting trend. Nesting is the concept of enhancing your current home through remodeling, making the space even more usable and tailored to the family’s interests. For example, more home theaters, more exercise and hobby rooms and there’s an increasing trend in transforming outdoor space into more functional, usable space.

“For most of us, our space inside the house is limited,” said Drew Hedin. “If we want more space, we have to use different space.”

He said many people have opted to put money that would have been set aside for a vacation toward home improvements because it makes the space more enjoyable.

Making the outdoor space more livable isn’t just a matter of a hot tub, swimming pool or basketball hoop. Now, there are outdoor pool tables, theater systems, audio systems and even a kitchen — not just a deluxe barbecue.

“It’s customizable — that’s the

great thing about it,” said Beau Hedin. “Whatever is on the inside can now go outside. You get to make your house as functional and as customizable as you want.”

Customizable options at reasonable prices has meant that many homeowners don’t have to necessarily move to get the house they want. They can transform their current living spaces.

“Most of the time, we find that people who come to the show are amazed because they didn’t even know some of this was available,” said Drew Hedin.

And even if you’re not necessarily ready to do-it-yourself of pay someone to give your house a makeover, the show aims to be just that — a show. With about a dozen different food vendors and trucks, some people come to look around and eat their way through the event.

In order to do that, though, the show has to also appeal to families who may worry about dragging the kids to a show with “boring stuff.”

So, shows feature activities for the kids like a scavenger hunt and exhibits that allow them to build something while they’re there.

The Kid’s Workshop sponsored by Lowe’s will be in addition to a Centennial Ice Arena hockey puck shoot.

“The vendors also have candy for the kids — good candy,” said Drew Hedin. “It’s kind of like an early Halloween.

More than $25,000 in prizes and give-aways will also be featured during the how.

“One of the best things is that these are local businesses and the people are local. This is about the local economy,” said Drew Hedin.

“Billings is a big city but we have that small-town loyalty.”

2016 Fall Home Improvement Show ‌Date:

various times throughout the weekend.

September 9, 10 & 11

Zee Creative Scavenger Hunt:

Times:

Find the Zee logo at participating booths and you could win an I-Pod.

Friday—Noon to 8:00pm Saturday—10:00am—5:00pm Sunday—10:00am—5:00pm

Location:

MetraPark Expo Center

Kid’s Puck Shoot: New this year complements of Centennial Ice Arena

More Special Features:

Size:

Live demos, cooking shows, ethnic foods, Largest fall home show in a 5 state area. 400+ exhib- $25,000 grand prize package, “as seen on tv” its encompassing over 100,000 Sq. Ft. of space with promotional products, free custom balloon anian average attendance of 22,000 in the past 5 years. mals, free Pepsi mini-cans while supplies last.

Kid’s Workshop:

Admission & Parking:

Located in the rear of the Expo Center and gives Free kids a chance to hone their building skills by as- Website: sembling various projects. This will take place at www.billingshomeimprovementshow.com.

Fall Home Improvement Show 2016

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Home improvement projects for your fall to-do list ‌Homeowners know that maintaining a home can be a year-round job. No home is immune to wear and tear, and homeowners who want to protect their real estate investments should try to stay two steps ahead to ensure their homes do not succumb to the elements or become outdated and unappealing to prospective buyers.

Fall has become a season that’s synonymous with home improvement, but homeowners need not wait until the leaves begin changing colors to start planning their next projects. The following are a few items homeowners can add to their fall home improvement to-do lists.

Roof Inspection‌

Less precipitation tends to fall during the warmer months than during the late fall and winter. As a result, homeowners may not be aware

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Fall Home Improvement Show 2016

of leaky roofs until autumn has come and gone. But waiting until winter to inspect the roof can prove disastrous, as weather conditions will not be conducive to inspection and increased precipitation may result in potentially costly damage. Leaky roofs can be easily identified by looking for water stains on interior ceilings. Once you see a stain, you can climb onto the roof to identify the location of the leak and fix it before winter rains and snowfall turn the problem into something much larger. Inspect your ceilings for signs of leaking after a strong rainfall, and then address any leaks immediately.

Gutter Cleaning‌

While some homeowners prefer to delay their gutter cleaning projects until late fall, those whose homes are surrounded by trees may need to schedule two such projects. Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris can cause serious roof damage, and that damage can extend all the way inside a home. In addition, clogged gutters make great nesting areas for insects or critters. Always stand on a ladder when cleaning gutters, wearing gloves to remove items by hand and dropping leaves and debris into a trash can below. Standing on the

roof and leaning over gutters greatly increases your risk of injury. If the gutters are clear when you first examine them in early fall, you can wait until later in the season to give them a complete and thorough cleaning.

Once you have finished clearing the gutters, you can use a hose to run water through them and the downspouts to confirm everything is functioning properly.

Window and Doorway ‌Inspection

Before temperatures start dropping once again, homeowners will want to inspect their windows and doorways for leaks. Over time, cracks can develop around windows and doorways, and while such cracks are rarely noticeable when the weather outside is warm, they can be quite obvious and very costly if they remain unsealed come the start of winter. Cold air can enter a home through cracks around windows and doorways, and many homeowners who don’t suspect leaks may respond by turning up the thermostats in their homes. That can prove quite expensive over a full winter. Choose a windy autumn day to place a hand by windows and external doorways in your home to see if you can feel drafts. If you can, seal these

cracks as soon as possible.

Patio Cleanup‌

Patios are popular hangouts during spring and summer, and that can result in a lot of wear and tear. Once you store patio furniture for the win-

ter, inspect your entire patio to determine if it needs any refurbishing.

While certain patio projects may be best left for spring, you can still clean any stained areas around the grill and look for cracks in the sidewalk that need to be addressed.

Preparing for fall home improvement projects ahead of time can help homeowners complete projects in a timely manner and ensures they won’t be forced to brave the winter elements when refurbishing their homes.

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23RD ANNUAL FALL HOM ‌ ENDOR................................ BOOTH V 406 Property Inspections, Inc..........302 AAA Leather Doctor..........................060 Aarons Back Company....................... 123 Aaron’s Furnace & A/C....................... 327 ABC Seamless....................028-029-030 Accent Windows.......................... 147-148 Advanced Water Solutions............... 300 Aerus Electrolux..................................331 Air Controls...................................152-153 Aire Serv of Billings.....................198-199

All Star Custom Seamless................. 088 Allstate Insurance-Mike Hass........... 043 Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration..307 Alpine Window,Gutter, Dryer vent Cleaning...................Grand Prize Area American Exteriors............................333 American Graffiti Grill......Outside Space American Granite............. I-Demo Room Antone’s Musical Instrument Repair....P Artison Exterior Designs............. 241-242 Atlas Chirpractic................................. 183

Bailey Garage Doors..... L / Demo Room Balanced Diet...................................... 182 Beartooth Holding & Construction.......N Berkshire Hathaway Home Services............................245-246-247 Bernina Sewing Center...........................J Better Body Fitness.... 186-187 / 218-219 B-Fit for Life................297-298 & 311-312 Big Guy BBQ......................Outside Space Big Sky Exterior Designs................... 002 Big Sky Exterior Designs.......101-102-103

Big Sky Insulation, Inc.................163-164 Big Sky Natural Wellness Clinic.........202 Billings Bulls Hockey...........Exhibit Alley .....................................................001-002 Billings Central Vacuums..................008 Billings Insulation.......................070-071 Billings Overhead Door Company.....256 Billings Real Estate Professionals.....010 BillingsBestBlinds.com.......................239 Blacktimber Builders.........................146

Braun Assebile Home Building & Remodeling ...................................176 Breakers Billiards................................... F Brewer Dental Center....................... 304 Brices Masterclean.................................B Bridger Steel Inc.......................... 213-214 Buckaroo Organics............................ 062 Budget Blinds.............................045-046 Byo-safe Environment....................... 013 Cabinet Depot & Design Center........305 Cajun Phatty’s...................Outside Space

EXPO CENTER

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Fall Home Improvement Show 2016

ME IMPROVEMENT SHOW Camp Barkalot ...................................285 Caring Transitions..............................337 Carpet Barn...............................067-068 Carpets Plus Colortile................ 031-032 Celias Gournet Balsamics ..................157 Cellular Plus ...................................... 340 Centenial Ice Arena ............Exhibit Alley .....................................................001-002 Central City Remodelers ... 158-159-160 Central Heating & A/C .......................072 Chiropractic first........................ 235-236 Choice Floors .........................................D CK Builders .................................. 125-126 Ck Tech Security ................................154 Clark Marten Photo. ...................143-144 Cleary Building Corp.......................... 170 Collective Goods ................................338 Comfort Heating & Air, LLC......039-040 Comtech ....................................065-066 Connor Garage Doors ........................112 Cornerstone Exteriors ............. 099-100 Costco Wholesale ............................. 069 Craigo Const. .....................................190 Creative Magnetic Artists ................ 306 Creative Vinyl Fencing, Inc ..................... ...................................093-094 / 107-108 Cricket Wireless ................................ 257 C’s Exterior Designs ..................041-042 Custom Crafted Structures.......248-249 Cutco Cutlery...................................... 201 D & D Poppers..................... Outside 002 D & J Gypcrete................................... 038 D & T Creations ..................................077 David S Siding .....................Exhibit Alley Dawn’s Gifts, LLC ...............................293 Denver Mattress ..... 095-096-097-098 Dept of Labor/MT Contractors ...174-175 Diamond Clean ..................................287 Dish Network ...........268-269 & 272-273 Dogwatch of Montana .......................113 Donahue Roofing........................ 178-179 Dove Chocolate Discoveries .................P Dynamic Coatings...............................115 E & P Painting .....................................155 Eco Spas Sacramento Hottub Warehouse ...........................165-168 Edward Jones.................................... 007 Essential Oil Solutions-Doterra ........076 Expressive Art................... 033-034-035 EZ Thrive .............................................173 Fabricators Supply ....................023-024 Farmers Insurance-Susan Walters ........ ....................................................086-087

Fireplace Center, Inc... 118-120 / 149-151 Fred’s Appliance .........................129-130 Freedom Equity Group......................014 Freedom Windows, Doors & Siding ....... ..................................................... 021-022 G & J Enterprises...............................064 Guardian Mortgage .......................... 003 Gunn Enterprises ..............................084 Gutter Guys Seamless Gutters ............. E Hawaiian Moon .................................203 Healing Vibrations ............................. 136 Health & Beauty Max .................270-271 Healthmate International ..................215 Heart Mountain Hearing Aid, LLC .......... ......................................................224-225 Heritage Homes.................................280 Home Builders Association of Billings... ............................................................. 145 Hotsy WyMont ........................ 341 & 345 HRDC........................................... 335-336 I Q Technologies ................................284 I Spin-Wind Spinner...........................293 iDoctor ....................116 & Outside Space Intelligent Canine ..............................134 Invisible Fence of the Big Sky ........... 301 Isagenix ................................................. M It Works .................................................. C It Works ..............................................328 J and J Construction ...............139-140 & ...........................................Outside Space J and L Industries ..................................0 J C Penney Home Furnishings ..........334 J C Penney Portrait Studio................334 J W Synthetic Grass ....................188-189 JMC Construction................................181 Juro’s Pharmacy .........................250-251 K & K Lanscaping & Deck Works ......286 K&P Enterprises ................................ 015 K2 Spas & Sport ......016-018 / 047-049 K2 Spas & Sport ..... 051-053 / 080-082 K-Designers ................................073-074 Keller Williams Premier Brokers ........... ......................................................226-227 Kenco Security & Technology .... 054-055 KG Post Frame .................................... 00 Khanthaly’s Eggrolls..........................342 King’s Ace Hardware ..127-128 & 141-142 Kirby Company ..................................180 Kirkness Roofing ...................... 078-079 Kitchen Craft ...............................184-185 Kitchen Tune-Up ...............................090 Kleer Vu ..............................................205 KOB Enterprises ................................180

Show Hours

September 9, 10 & 11 Friday Noon to 8:00pm Saturday 10:00am—5:00pm Sunday 10:00am—5:00pm Ledgestone Hotel ..... Exhibitors Lounge Legal Shield...............................086-087 Leisure in MT... 288-292/317-326/ R & Q Levi’s Roofing & Siding.................110-111 Little Temptations ................................. T LJ Roofing...........................................303 Lynnrich .....................195-197 / 208-210 Magic City Meat Co .......... Outside space Magic City Real Estate....................... 133 Magiclean ...............................................G Majestic Roofing and Construction 308Malinski Construction .................161-162 Mary Kay ............................................260 Matt the Painter ................................104 MDU ................................Coffee Sponsor Meadow Green Sales........................009 Miche Bags .........................................279 Miller Farms ...........................................P Miracle Method of the Big Horn.......222-223 Mono Slab EZ Form ...........................025 Montana Piering & Concrete Lifting ...... 156 Montana Segway .....Outside Space 003

Montana Shed Center .....Outside Space Moonlight Construction ...................332 ....................................... & Outside Space Mountain States Buildings........343-344 Murphy Wall Beds..............................027 My Pillow ............................................228 NCI Windows ..........................050 & 083 ....................................... & Outside Space Nectar of the Vine ............................ 085 Newman Quality Built Homes . 056-057 Newman Restoration & Cleaning ........... .................................................... 056-057 Norse Construction ...........................059 Northern-Air ...................................... 138 Northwestern Energy ...............019-020 Norwex ..................................................P Off Leash K9 Training........................061 Paramount Log Homes ..................... 135 Peak Artisan Concrete ................ 121-122 Peak Contracting ......................... 121-122 Peak Marketing ..........................105-106 Phantom Retractable Screens ........006 Pierce Flooring & Cabinets .......058-075 Pinball Doctor ........................................H Post Frame Specialists..........................Q Precision Heating & Cooling ............. 132 Precision Plumbing & Heating...........131 Primerica................................................D Procrete.............................................. 169 RC Heating Cooling Refrigeration .......... ....................................................... 171-172 Rebath ..............................Outside Space REM Sleep Solutions 266-267 & 274-275 Republic Trash Services ........................ I Reule Builders..................................... 117 Reynolds Window & Door ................ 005 RIM Advertising .....................................A Rimrock Cabinet Co. ..................295-296 Rimrock Flooring ....................... 309-310 Rocky Mountain Hardrock Flooring 044 Rocky Mountain Rug Gallery .................. ..........................................K/Demo Room Rocky Mountain Seamless Raingutters ..............................................................137 S Bar S ...................... 229-230 / 243-244 Sam’s Club .......................................... 124 Satellite Guru ............................. 258-259 Scentsy ..................................................N Seder Construction and Metal . 254-255 Seder’s Fireplace Central091-092 & 109 Serv Pro of Billings ............................238 Sheets-R-Us........................................294 Shepherd Warrior Martial Arts ........001

Sheridan Tent & Awning .......................G Shinler Cabinetry...............................262 Sissies Cleaning Services ..................240 Sleep Number ............................206-207 Soda-Licious................................Outside Soft Touch Designs ......................216-217 Soil Shaker ......................................... 015 Solariums Direct ............................... 204 Sparkling Clean.................................. 281 Spraque Roofing ................................114 State Farm Insurance-Jeff Boyd/Diana Larsen..................... 063 Stillwater Building Company ............ 314 Stone Contracting..............................234 Stronghold Products .........................339 Stuarts House of Vacuums ..............008 Sunshine Infrared Therapy................... C Swift Roofing..........................................A Temptations Food............Outside Space Territorial Landworks .......................330 The Closet Guy ...................................026 The Coffee Mill .................Outside Space The Glass Doctor .............................. 200 The Greek Station ............Outside Space The Growler Girdles...........................329 The Log Guys........................231-232-233 The Nut Shack ...................................004 The Rollin Donut ..............Outside Space The Shop Dine Play................................ S The Tub Guys.......................................177 The Water Guy .........................O (Letter) Thompson Pools ........220-221 / 252-253 TNT Automotive & Marine ..... Small Bay Tool Potter and Jones ....................... 313 Touchstone by Swakovski .....................U TrueFinn Saunas ...........................110-111 Tupperware............................................H TW Enterprises ..................................... M U-Do Yogurt ........................Exhibit Alley US Health Advisors ............................ 261 Vertex Controls ............................191-192 Victory Organics ................................ 012 Vitality/Advocare........................ 315-316 Waddell & Reed .................................282 Wally World Satellite ..........................011 Watkins .............................................. 089 Weekly Real Estate Portfolio ................A What Daddy Won’t Do ........................... E White Heating & A/C.. 193-194 & 211-212 Win-Dor Industries ............................299 Yellowstone Roofing ................ 036-037 Young Livings Essential Oils ............. 237 Zee Creative ...................................Lobby

Fall Home Improvement Show 2016

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ome improvement projects range from major construction overhauls like bathroom remodeling jobs to smaller renovations that may entail something as minor as painting the walls. Smaller projects can often be conquered in a typical weekend but still provide a strong sense of accomplishment. The following are five projects tailor-made for weekend warriors.

1. Improve storage in the entryway.

Home entryways are the first places many people drop mail, shed their shoes and toss their keys upon arriving home. As a result, entryways can quickly be overrun with clutter.

Storage solutions can include putting in a desk or hutch with baskets underneath to store umbrellas and backpacks.

Or hang a coat rack and create a shoe rack to store shoes until the time comes to leave the house once again.

2. Shed new light. Add some design appeal to your home by replacing an old lighting fixture with something more modern. Such a task is relatively easy, and you need not possess the skills of a trained electrician.

3. Add molding for a finishing touch. Dress up spaces with crown molding or a decorative chair rail that goes around a room. You can even use molding to frame new or existing artwork.

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Budgeting home improvement projects

weekend projects to try now

Find a molding style that complements the architectural style.

4. Update hardware in the bath and kitchen. Switch the handles, draw pulls and knobs on cabinetry with new hardware. The time commitment is practically nil, but you might just give

Home safety checks to complete today ‌A new kitchen or a bathroom remodeling job might be dream projects for many homeowners, but the right home improvement project at a given moment is not necessarily the most glamorous project. Sometimes safety upgrades around the house must take precedence over more popular projects.

Accidents or injuries can occur in any part of the home, but homeowners who take certain preventative measures can greatly reduce their injury risk. The security resource A Secure Life points out that more than 18,000 Americans die every year from injuries that take place in the home. Unintentional injuries account for millions of

Please see Safety, Page E9

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Fall Home Improvement Show 2016

rooms a whole new feel.

5. Patch and paint walls. Spend a weekend filling in holes left behind by since-removed wall hangings. If the patches dry quickly, paint over them. If not, resolve to do your patchwork one weekend and paint the ensuing weekend.

Home improvements can add value and aesthetic appeal to a home. However, to reap the rewards of a remodeled room, home addition or any home improvement project, homeowners will have to invest both their money and their time. Establishing a project budget can be helpful and prevent overspending.

According to Visually, a marketing information service, nearly half of the homeowners surveyed said the cost of their renovation projects did not exceed their budgets. However, more than one-third of those surveyed reported going over budget on their projects.

To keep costs down, consider hiring a contractor. He or she will have industry contacts and may be able to get materials at a lower cost. While you will pay for labor, working with a contractor greatly reduces both the time spent on the project and the risk of costly mistakes being made.

In addition, think about the way you finance the renovations. Industry experts have found that homeowners who finance their home improvement projects with lines of credit end up spending more money on average than those who use their savings to fund projects. While it may be tempting to take out a line of credit for a home improvement project, spending only money you already have may be the more responsible route to take.

Check for frayed wires or faulty outlets.

Safety From E8

medical visits each year. Home injuries also are prevalent elsewhere in the world. In the United Kingdom, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reports that there are approximately 6,000 deaths every year that result from accidents at home.

Periodic inspections for potential hazards can keep everyone safe. The following are a handful of ways for homeowners to ensure their homes are as safe as possible.

Check for sturdy handrails and prevent tripping hazards.

Falls are one of the leading causes of home injuries. Falls can be a particular threat for youngsters and the elderly. To help prevent falls, make sure that staircases feature sturdy railings and that there is ample lighting in walkways. Remove obstructions from frequently used paths inside and outside the home. In addition, insert nonslip padding beneath runners or throw rugs.

Address any electrical problems around the house, including frayed wiring and faulty outlets. Sparks can lead to fires, and poor wiring may cause unforeseen problems behind walls. Repair or replace any loose or frayed wires on all electrical devices. Be sure that cords do not run under doorways or rugs. Replace outlets that are in disrepair and install ones with ground-fault current interruptors as an added precaution. If small children live in the home, use plastic safety covers over unused outlets.

Practice window safety.

Young children are curious and do not always recognize the inherent dangers around them. Children excited to see the great outdoors may climb up to peer out windows, and open windows are falling hazards. Screens do not offer an adequate barrier against falls. Consider locking windows or use safety bars to guard against falls. Test to see how easily screens can be pushed out, replacing any that do not provide adequate resistance to curious youngsters’ hands.

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

10 years. Battery-operated alarms may need to be replaced even sooner. Many carbon monoxide detectors work for five Replace the batteries in smoke alarms to seven years. Check the back of alarms for a date stamp that indicates how old and carbon monoxide detectors at least the product is and when it expires. twice per year, and test them to make Safety checklists are an important part sure they’re in good working order at of home maintenance. A proactive apleast once per month. The National Fire proach can prevent both injuries and damProtection Association recommends replacing hard-wired smoke alarms every age to the home.

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How to find great gifts for the family handyman

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or those people who don’t know a box cutter from a box saw, shopping for men and women who like to get their hands dirty around the house can be a difficult task. Home improvement projects are complex undertakings that often involve the use of complex tools, and novices may be lost in the proverbial woods as they look for gifts for their loved ones who can’t wait to swing hammers around the house.

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Fall Home Improvement Show 2016

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Though there’s always an element of risk when shopping for gifts for loved ones, the following hints might help shoppers with no knowledge of home improvement projects find gifts that will please their favorite handyman.

Take inventory of his or her existing tools.

When shopping for the DIY enthusiast in your family, try to take inventory of his or her tool chest before beginning your search. Make note of any tools that look new, checking those off your shopping list, and any that look like they need replacing. Use your phone to photograph any unfamiliar tools that you might want to replace so you know what to look for when visiting the hardware store.

that will make that hobby more enjoyable.

While multipurpose tools might make for welcome gifts, something more specific to his or her particular passion may make an even better gift.

Think outside the (tool) box.

While new tools might make a handyman’s day, they are not the only items that make great DIY gifts. Consider enrolling your loved one in an advanced class so he or she can learn more about a favorite hobby. Or gift a magazine subscription so he or she can stay abreast of the latest DIY trends and topics. Such gifts are great options for shoppers hesitant to purchase potentially costly tools that may or may not be hits with their relatives.

Speak with a professional.

If you can’t access your loved one’s workshop or simply don’t know what he Think of what your relative likes or she might want, ask a local contractor to do most. for gift recommendations. For example, The family handyman may have a para carpenter might know just what will ticular area of home improvement experelicit a smile from woodworking enthusitise or something he or she is especially asts, while landscapers might be able to passionate about. Does your loved one suggest items for gardening or lawn care prefer to work in the garden? Is he into enthusiasts. Advancements are always woodworking and making decorative items being made in the home improvement infor the house? Think of what he or she likes dustry, and those people who make their to do most and then look for something living in that industry might be great

resources as you try to find the go-to gift for your loved one.

Finding a gift for the family handyman might be difficult for shoppers with no DIY experience of their own. But a

little forethought and perhaps some professional assistance can be just what shoppers need to find gifts their loved ones will cherish for years to come.

Fall Home Improvement Show 2016

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It’s more than

a mortgage.

It’s your dream home. And whether you opt to build it from scratch or retrofit a pre-existing home, our dedicated team of lenders is here to offer advice every step of the way.

CINDY REISS, Mgr.

SARA MAINS

TASHA STRAIGHT

Downtown NMLS# 901291 406-255-5148

Downtown NMLS# 707785 406-255-5177

Downtown NMLS# 1423330 406-255-5189

NATALIE PIGG

TIFFANY McNEFF

IAN ULLMAN

TERESA GILREATH

YVONNE KELLY

ROBYN BARTA

RACHEL OSBURN

Downtown NMLS# 298633 406-255-5156

Downtown NMLS# 707795 406-255-5185

Grand NMLS# 1427776 406-255-6094

Heights NMLS# 707960 406-255-5833

Heights NMLS# 523512 406-255-6086

Shiloh Crossing NMLS# 609679 406-255-5874

West NMLS# 943338 406-255-6109

firstinterstate.com

E12

Fall Home Improvement Show 2016

Mortgage lending you can count on—it’s you and

together.