2019
M AG A Z I N E
Trends of the Northland ECO FOCUSED HOMES
Building homes with the future in mind
UPDATING AN OUTDATED FIREPLACE
From potential hazard to a beautiful focal point for gatherings
DECKS AND PATIOS
Which is better for your lifestyle, budget and ROI
Elite 001822017
We realize your home is your most valuable asset and understand the stress associated with purchasing or refinancing a home.
13954 Cypress Drive, Suite 200 Baxter, MN 56425 218-829-4450 | www.elitetitle.co
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Guiding you through the entire process, assuring you are protected.
MAG A Z I N E
PUBLISHER
Pete Mohs PROJECT MANAGERS
Nikki Lyter Linda Hurst CONTENT COORDINATOR
Sarah Herron GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Lisa Henry
Possibilities
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
I walked into a lighting store a few months ago to pick out a new chandelier for the dining room. Well, that was an eye opener - there were so many options! I walked the aisles, looking upwards, trying not to trip. Styles had changed from when I’d built my house so finding something to “match” my current lighting was going to be tricky. My best hope was to go for “coordinating.” I’m not great at doing the visual transition from how it looks in the store to how it might look in my home, so even after I made a selection, I still wasn’t sure I’d made the right choice. Isn’t that the way it is with most of our building decisions? There’s nothing like looking at 50 faucets in a display. Or flooring samples the size of a business card. And yes, it looks great in the store, but what are we really getting? Once it’s in your home, is the color what you thought? Is the size what it needs to be? Does it work well with your space? Our goal at Minnesota Home Magazine is to show you real world examples so you can make the best decisions for your home. Dive deep into our articles and notice the photos—most provided by our local builders and contractors. Recreate them or take inspiration from them. The possibilities are endless.
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DeLynn Howard Contact us: Advertising:
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2019 4 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
LUXURY Lake Community
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• 3 Floor Plans - 2BR, 3BR, 4BR • All plans include private master suite • Optional 3rd stall garages, sunrooms & patios
Dave Mernin Dave@lakesareahomes.com www.Thomas-Allen-Home.com Both conveniently located in town just north of Essentia Center 2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 5 Weekly office hours (call 218-820-4669 or see our website for seasonal schedule)
Contents 2019
FEATURES
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
16 Before You Paint
8 PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS
Gravitate to Trends of the Northland Nostalgic lake-time retreat meets modern farm house. by Danae Blanck Anderson
Get these pro tips before taking on any painting project. by Sarah Nelson Katzenberger
24 Luxury Garages
From extreme lux like the Copham and Anderson garages out at BIR to simply upgraded organization, flooring and lighting. by Carissa Andrews
36 Updating an Outdated Fireplace
A well-designed fireplace can be a wonderful focal point year-round, but without proper care can become an eyesore or worse— a safety hazard. by Mike Spry
45 Decks and Patios
Decks and patios both add value to your home. Decide which materials and type are right for your lifestyle and budget. by Bryan Reeder
54 Hello Clean
30 PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS
Whitefish Renovation
Couple works with Nor-Son Custom Builders to create their dream cabin perfect for entertaining friends and family. ON THE COVER Wes Hanson Builders, a family-owned company based in Crosslake with a reputation for quality custom work. This photo has nostalgic Minnesota vibe running through and through. You can almost smell a hint of pine from the warm fire inside the beautiful stone fireplace. And just beyond the rustic timber-framed patio doors you can almost hear the happy chatter down by the dock and the lake lapping up against the shore. PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS 6 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
All homes could use a deep cleaning from time to time, but are we doing it correctly? We asked some of the pros. by Susan Smith-Grier
60 Ready, Set, Illuminate
2019 Lighting Trends by Danae Blanck Anderson
67 Eco-Focused Homes
From the process of the build to the materials and the way the home functions for years to come. by Nicole Stracek
73 10 Things to Think About Before You Build
Things homeowners wish they would have done differently when building their homes. by Linda Hurst
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2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 7
Gravitate to Trends of the Northland BY DANAE BLANCK ANDERSON
It’s always interesting to hear about what the design trends forecasted are for around the country each year. But this year I wanted to gravitate close to home to capture trends that are moving along here in our “neck of the woods.” I can’t wait to see where this year takes us in this journey of northern interior design.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS 8 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
Warm Neutrals
They reign here in lake country especially gray tones and anything that looks like natural stone. Just the right light warm gray like Metropolitan AF-90, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year, for example, can completely set off a room and create an instant update with a “facelift of warmth.” The modern farmhouse look has really inspired this trend to stay true no matter what style you lean toward.
2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 9
Welcoming Entryways The first impression of the home sets the mood and can either give a guest a warm fuzzy feeling to stay awhile or the opposite. Create welcoming spaces with hooks for hanging coats, a bench to sit on to take shoes off and on, along with some hidden storage. A nice piece of art or a mirror to reflect your space is always a good start to capture this feeling. People are using hall trees or benches with shelving above utilizing vertical space for function and aesthetics. This can all be achieved with custom or ready-made pieces. The key is to create an environment that invokes comfort. PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS 10 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
Staying Natural Using wood tones is a shift back to the basics. Really adding warmth to a space in making sure pure wood tones are used in some way throughout the design grounds it by adding an element of nature. Again bringing the outdoors in is a common goal in design. This is used with various styles too which is great to know that no matter what mixing wood is a good thing!
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Custom Pieces
Going custom with certain pieces or whole kitchens make a space more personable. It is an ongoing trend. Mostly it is ongoing simply because these special pieces typically transcend time when chosen carefully with precision and passion. The perfect custom piece(s) can be a focal point in a room that helps anchor the space. Luckily the lakes area has an abundance of talented tradespeople just waiting to help you. PHOTO COURTESY OF ID YOUR WORLD TAKEN AT BOB & FRAN’S FURNITURE
Using Natural Elements is a Must
2019 shouts out to do this by taking plants, twigs, stone, cork, woven rugs, baskets and any texture reminiscent of the outdoors to shape your house into feeling like a home. These can be incorporated in many ways including through art, fabrics, physical accessories, wall colors or wall coverings and much more. PHOTO COURTESY OF ID YOUR WORLD TAKEN AT THE GREAT FURNITURE GALLERY 2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 11
Bold Prints and Pops of Color You’ll find these bursting through art, fabrics, accent walls, pillows, tile and wall coverings. All are on the upswing — the bolder the colors and patterns the better. They can be seen in any room. Color is being used as focal points or accent walls in design spaces. Jewel tones in jade, hunter green and navy blue will be seen more often with hints of terracotta like Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay SW7701. Another color to capture is Pantone’s Living Coral or Behr Paint’s Blueprint S470-5. Many styles and colors on trend are reminiscent of the Art Deco (capturing pure Hollywood Glamour in the 1920s at the end of World War I) or the Mid-Century Modern (1950s and 60s streamlined organic forms) periods.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG WOOD TIMBER FRAMES
Accented Walls Create an eye-catching focal point in your space whether it is with tile or wood like shiplap or some other surface treatment. 2019 stresses the fun in impactful accents.
Color in Cabinetry
PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS 12 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
Whether it is painted, stained or distressed, gone are the days of everything honey oak. It’s been so fun to see the transformation to colored cabinetry. There is an abundance of white, beautiful creams and stunning forms of charcoal gray but 2019 is predicted to bring forth colors like navy blue, teal or hunter green to the forefront. Cabinets can be two-toned with islands one color and perimeter cabinets another, along with uppers and lowers having varying shades.
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Vintage Rustic This is an up north, more refined take on an old lodge look, and is popular in this area. People are getting away from heavy log furniture and moose or deer prints and finding barn wood, old painted items, lots of plaid, lake signs, buoys and vintage pieces to incorporate into their home to declare their love of all things Minnesota.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS
Metals Incorporating metals in your space is being used more than ever from metal headboards to iron light fixtures, funky art, lanterns and decorative strapping on furniture. Metals are ranging from transitional flat black to white, brushed gold and worn antiqued pewter.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG WOOD TIMBER FRAMES BY RICK HAMMER
Antiques Repurposed Maybe you have an old piece of furniture from a grandparent or something you found at a thrift shop that seems to call to you. Whatever the story is behind the piece of furniture, make it your own in whatever way you can. Paint it, swap out glass, change out hardware —have fun repurposing it just for you! PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS 14 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
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Before You
Paint BY SARAH NELSON KATZENBERGER
Painting is a messy job and comes with loads of decision making. Colors, sheens, finishes, latex, water-based, oil-based, enamel. It’s not just the paint fumes that will make you dizzy. Thankfully there are options to help make the process less overwhelming. “It’s a big job,” said Eric Craine of All-Ways Painting in Brainerd. “It can be done well if you have the right info before you ever start.” Craine has owned and operated All-Ways Painting in the Brainerd lakes area for more than 15 years and has worked on just about every kind of project imaginable. “You name it, there’s a good chance we’ve done it,” Craine said. When it comes to taking the task on yourself, or even hiring a painting contractor, Craine said there are some important tips to make any project go smoothly from beginning to end.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALL-WAYS PAINTING
PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
PHOTO COURTESY OF ISEMAN HOMES
PHOTO COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS
PHOTO COURTESY OF DOTTY BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION
PHOTO COURTESY OF ISEMAN HOMES
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
“The biggest thing is the prep work.” -Eric Craine, All-Ways Painting
2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 17
“Don’t cut corners. It’s not worth it.” Sanding wood product and drywall helps even out the surface area so the paint has the smoothest finish possible. “You want your top coat to stay in place and to last,” Craine noted. When it comes to selecting the right paint with the right finish, Craine said quality matters as much as finish. “Don’t settle for low-end flat paint,” he said, explaining lower quality paint marks up easily and won’t hold as well as the higher quality stuff. On his job sites, Craine sticks with an
eggshell finish or higher and always picks a scrubbable paint. “You don’t have to buy paint with a satin finish or semi-gloss anymore,” he said. “A good quality scrubbable paint is durable and lasting.” Craine also pointed out the old mentality of needing to use oil-based paint to protect trim work has given way to a newer trend of enamel finishing. “It’s all enamel finished wood work right now,” he said. “It’s not easy to work with, but it is super tough and lasts a lot longer than the oil-based products
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“The biggest thing is the prep work,” Craine said. “People might be surprised to know that it’s probably 80 percent prep and 20 percent painting — if you don’t prep well, your paint job is going to fail.” Felisha Moddes of Hirshfield’s, a Minnesota-based paint supply company with a location in Baxter, agreed — prep is key. “A lot of people try and cut corners,” Moddes said. “They don’t want to sand or prime, or they just want to do one coat to try to save some money.
18 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
“A lot of people try and cut corners... they don’t want to sand or prime.” -Felisha Moddes, Hirshfield’s
without yellowing over time.” For enamel projects, the key, as with every project, is the prep work. “We take a lot of time sanding, caulking, re-sanding, priming, re-sanding — the moment you skip a step, you’re in trouble,” Craine warned. In addition to doing the work on prepping, Craine said to find an enamel with UV inhibitors which helps extend the color life of the finish by minimizing yellowing caused by sun exposure — a common complaint of oil-based paint finished.
For new trim work, you can cut corners on both enamel and paint finish by allowing a painting contractor to do some of the prep work for you. For those looking to take their painting project outdoors, Craine and Moddes had the same advice — watch the weather. It’s important to double check the overnight temperature and be certain it will stay at least above 40 degrees so the paint has a chance to dry properly and set correctly. Moddes pointed out most paint
products say right on the can 35 degrees is the magic number, but the Hirshfield’s recommendation is between 40-50 degrees. “It’s always better to err on the safe side,” Moddes said. In addition to temperature, the time of day can make a big difference in a successful paint project. Too early in the morning or too late in the evening can impact the moisture level in the surface being finished — particularly in wood product. Moddes said the magic window for
2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 19
The magic window for exterior painting is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“Quality stains hold color longer. If you use a cheap red stain, it’s likely you’ll end up with a pink house a few years down the road.” -Moddes PHOTO COURTESY OF DOTTY BROTHERS
exterior painting is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also, avoid direct sunlight. “The sun expedites the drying process and can lead to noticeable streak marks,” Moddes explained. As with interior products, Craine said the quality of paint or stain used outdoors can deeply affect the quality of finish. “You can’t use a cheap product,” he said, noting the quality has a huge impact on color retention. “If you use a cheap red
20 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
stain, it’s likely you’ll end up with a pink house a few years down the road.” As far as what is trending right now in the painting world, Craine and Moddes agree — classic takes the cake. “People really like their grays and neutrals,” Moddes said. “We see a lot of grays and whites on walls, then they use their room pieces to add color.” Where deep red accents were popular a decade ago, Moddes
said the current trend is grays and beiges with pops of dark blue. Moddes said she’s always surprised at the different style and preferences of the customers who come through Hirshfield’s doors. “Besides the prep work and quality of product people choose, the most important thing is that they feel satisfied,” she said. “When all is said and done, you want your project to show off your style.”
Curb Appeal We guarantee a high degree of quality in every project we do.
Whether your dream is a remodeled kitchen or a new custom home we strive for excellence.
North Country Custom Builders Pequot Lakes, MN www.nccbinc.com Barry Frieler • Cell: 218.820.7795 E-mail: barry@nccbinc.com
Dennis Blosberg • Cell: 218.232.1681 E-mail: dennis@nccbinc.com 2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 21
22 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 23
Luxury
GARAGES Garages with Style and Function
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT BY RICK HAMMER
T
BY CARISSA ANDREWS
he Brainerd lakes area is known for our lakes and beautiful homes. However, there’s a new kid in town and you might not even know about them yet. For those of you with a passion for cars, you might want to take note on this one.
We’re talking about luxury garages and organizational systems for the automobile enthusiast. There are two kinds of people when it comes to giving their all to a garage. Those who go full on luxury, transforming their garage into more of a showroom or work of art. And then there are those who want to have a beautiful, functional garage space to store their tools, work on their cars and keep things organized and tidy.
24 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
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LUXURY TRACKSIDE GARAGES AT BIR
Photos: The Copham Luxury garage(top), and the Anderson garage at Brainerd International Raceway.
Racing enthusiasts may have heard about the latest project at the Brainerd International Raceway, but there’s a good chance not everyone has. The BIR Luxury Garages are a current gated development of condos, complete with showroom-style garages that will rev your engine while giving you front row seats to both racetracks. Currently, Nor-Son has built two luxury garages trackside at BIR, with plans to build up to eight more, all designed to the owner’s specifications. While the two current condos 26 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
have nearly the same floor print, they couldn’t be more different. The Copham Luxury Garage was built with more of a modern feel to suit the owner’s tastes and preference in cars. There is plenty of seating areas for guests to lounge around, taking in the sights and sounds. This one even comes with a turntable and an elevator for the cars on display. The Anderson Luxury Garage, on the other hand, has more of the typical Minnesotan rustic vibe. Just like with the Copham space, this one boasts plenty of room to entertain guests
while watching the races and admiring the cars both inside and outside the condo. Interestingly, according to Paul Maki, the architect from Nor-Son who worked on both luxury garages, they weren’t originally planned to be anything more than a show garage. But as luck would have it, the living quarters were added so the racers could enjoy their time at the track, while still being minutes away when it was their turn to race.
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Garage Organization Customized for You For those who are looking to transform their garage into an efficient, functional and organized extension of their home, you’re in luck. There are tons of options for customizing your garage space. From simply getting the overflow from your house cleaned up to creating a showroom garage like the ones at BIR, it all starts with organization and design. Your garage can become less of a dumping ground and more of an added living space when you have storage built for your needs. Some of the ways you can design the perfect garage include:
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTHLAND CUSTOM CLOSET AND GARAGE
Garage Cabinets
Garage Shelving
Workbenches
Storing stuff in your garage has never been easier or more stylish than with some custom cabinetry made especially for your garage and personal tastes. They come in powder coated colors, matte, wood grain and even metallic. There’s truly something for everyone.
Every organization system needs a place to store the everyday items you use. There are so many ways you can customize your shelves, racks and hooks to keep your tools and other accessories organized and looking great, as well as being completely accessible.
There are a number of choices on workbenches that can add style, while still being a functional workspace for all of your garage hobby needs. From stainless steel counters to laminate and even butcher block, you can design a workspace to match all of your requirements.
Overhead Racks Get those big bins and storage items off the floor and placed overhead. Not only do they keep your stored items safe until you need them, they protect them from water, ice and even pests (or children) who might want to get a peek inside.
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Garage Flooring We can’t leave out the garage flooring. If you really want to take your garage space up a notch, this is the way to do it. Gone are the days of plain old concrete floors. Why not add some pizazz with a garage floor coating or custom Swisstrax tile garage flooring, like the ones provided by Northland Custom Closet and Garage out of Grand Rapids.
EXECUTES.
EXCEEDS.
© 2019 Nor-Son, Custom Builders. All rights reserved. MN Lic.#BC001969
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See more award-winning homes at Nor-SonResidential.com 2019 | MINNESOTA HOME
29
Whitefish
RENOVATION PHOTOS COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS
On the shores of Whitefish rests a Lodge Pole Pine log home built in 1993 with breathtaking sunsets overlooking the lake. It was the intimate, private setting that brought the homeowners to purchase the rustic log cabin. But after using the cabin for
30 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
over four years, they determined there were a number of items they wanted to change to make it more accommodating for entertaining their family and friends. The successful renovation of this home is testament to a team’s determination to bring a client’s vision
to reality. Enter Nor-Son Custom Builders. The couple met with numerous builders before deciding on Nor-Son. Each challenge found a solution, and as you can see, the end result is nothing less than spectacular.
Exterior
Before: Multi-level decking on the lakeside had become a dangerous tripping hazard. After: The clients wanted a more permanent, single-level patio with a covered screened porch to capture the beautiful sunsets. Since the new porch would extend into the bluff impact zone, the zoning officials were concerned about how water runoff from the house would be controlled so it would not enter the lake. Nor-Son devised a plan to slope the patio to multiple drains which would then divert the water to a new rain garden and the variance was approved. Jamie Lipke, landscape designer with Backyard Reflections says, “One of the major challenges that we faced with this project was the steep hillside to the lake. They had an existing timber stairway that led from the multi-tiered deck down to the lake. Wood stairways have an expiration date and had to come out. We replaced the timber steps with natural stone, which are not only long lasting but beautiful and environmentally friendly. The new stone stairway will be used by many generations to come.”
“We replaced the timber steps with natural stone, which are not only long lasting but beautiful and environmentally friendly.” - Jamie Lipke, Backyard Reflections
2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 31
Entrance
Before: The previous entrance didn’t provide a grand first impression as you entered the home. The first thing you saw was a wall at the base of the stairwell rather than the beautiful lake view. After: The stairwell was moved to an exterior wall to create a two-story stair tower with full window wall to bring in more natural light. A structural log extended from the basement up to the second level that was
32 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
moved by jacking up this section of the building. A massive custom chandelier hangs in the stairwell extending all three stories and an LED strip of light is routered into each timber tread on the stairwell. A new 126-square-foot entrance was relocated to the south side of the home to enter the great room. A glass-walled wine cellar is quaintly framed in stone to give a modern detail to the rustic space.
Subcontractors:
Kitchen
Before: The kitchen and dining area was closed off from the great room and didn’t fit with the owners’ entertaining lifestyle. After: A log wall was removed from between the kitchen/dining room to open up the space to the great room. The floor system above was also removed to create a vaulted space. The kitchen range hood has a similar strapping detail design to match the sitting room fireplace.
Additions
The entrance to the master suite was changed by moving the existing stairwell to the previous entrance. This provided space for custom built-in cabinetry on each side of the twostory steel fireplace. Dramatic uplighting is concealed within the Knotty Alder bands. A second floor bedroom was relocated in order to vault the kitchen, dining and
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sitting room areas. Working with a structural engineer, two of the four log purlins were removed to give a more open aesthetic. A see-through fireplace serves both the screened porch and built-in outdoor hot tub, with foot shower at the base of the stairs to wash feet before entering. Phantom screens and vinyl are concealed within steel I-beams on the porch to
enclose the space when mosquitos or weather are not favorable. Concealing the lights within the steel beams was challenging. By adding a C-channel with an added plate, wires were hidden within, and then fabricated to look like the original steel I-beam. In the upper level, a bathroom was added to the bunk room since one was lost in vaulting the kitchen and dining
2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 33
room areas. A custom skylight to mimic a glass ceiling was added by modifying the existing trussed roof. The neighboring built-in bunk beds were protected in this area while work was being completed so they were not damaged. Nor-Son’s Paul Maki, architect, and Jeremy Bjorge, project
manager, mention that the homeowners didn’t want to lose any of the original logs and many had original custom carvings on them. If these logs were in the way of the new floor plan, we moved them to other areas. The modern elements of stone and steel were added to enhance the original log. A big
challenge for the team was simply working within the original log structure. The walls were often not square, the floor was sloped from settling, etc. There was a lot of hand-scribing and craftsmanship to get everything to fit seamlessly.
“The most significant praise we could add is that we wouldn’t change a thing on the final product.” - homeowner
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Updating an Outdated Fireplace BY MIKE SPRY
PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG WOOD TIMBER FRAMES AND BARATTO BROTHERS 36 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
A
fireplace can be a welcome refuge from Minnesota’s cold winters. Relaxing with a mug of hot cocoa and reading a great book or enjoying family time in front of the fireplace is an ideal way to while away a winter night. A well-designed fireplace can be the focal point of your living area the year round. But an outdated, poorly functioning fireplace can be an eyesore and do little to help your heating costs. Worse yet, an older fireplace can even be a safety hazard.
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Fortunately, a wide range of proven renovation methods exist to fit most budgets. Updating your fireplace can be as simple as applying paint or a whitewash to existing brick or stone, replacing the mantel or adding a decorative screen or glass doors. Prior to painting or whitewashing, it’s a good idea to wash down the brick or stone and remove soot and dust. For best results with paint, the surface should be primed. Another option is concrete stain, which is absorbed into the brick and won’t peel like paint.
Using a whitewash can let you control how much of the original color shows through. By adding more or less water or by wiping off the surface, you can experiment to find the exact look you want. For those with a larger budget, several options are available for updating the mantel. A more modern, cleaner look can be obtained by covering the existing mantel with a wood or drywall surround. To attach these materials, some basic framing may be required first. If carpentry isn’t your thing, you can purchase a prefabricated
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Using salvaged materials lets the fireplace tell a story that can have a personal connection to the homeowner. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG WOOD TIMBER FRAMES BY RICK HAMMER
mantel kit customized to fit your fireplace dimensions at a home improvement center. These kits come with complete instructions for installing the unit yourself with a few simple tools. Adding wood or drywall adjacent to the firebox needs to take into consideration potential fire danger. Consult your local building codes to determine setback distances. According to Pete Ryan at Pete Ryan Custom Fireplaces, using salvaged materials such as barnwood to create a one-of-a-kind surround has become very popular. One of his customers asked him to incorporate wood salvaged from a lightningkilled tree on the homeowner’s property. Using salvaged materials lets the fireplace tell a story that can have a personal connection
to the homeowner. If you want a classic look with architectural details consider installing a mantel salvaged from a demolition. Charming hand-carved wood mantels or classic cast iron mantels from an earlier time are widely available from architectural salvage firms. Several firms in the Twin Cities offer salvaged mantels, ranging in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on size and quality. An outdated brick fireplace can also be updated using tile or “cultured stone.” Using tile may require installation of backer board to provide a smooth surface and ensure adhesion. Backer board can be screwed directly onto the brick. As long as the brick is not painted or sealed, PHOTO COURTESY OF BARATTO BROTHERS
38 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
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cultured stone can be mortared in place directly over brick. Installing tile or stone may be an option for experienced DIYers, but a large or complex project may require hiring a contractor. Depending on the materials used, these projects can range in cost from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. Any of these design ideas can improve the look of an outdated fireplace. But if you plan to burn wood in a fireplace that has not been used in a few years, you should have it inspected by a professional fireplace installer or chimney sweep first. The fireplace should have a clay, ceramic or metal liner inside to protect the chimney
walls from the effects of heat and corrosion. If the liner is missing or damaged in any way, the chimney is not safe for wood burning. Also have the professional inspect the firebrick that lines the firebox. Cracked firebrick and crumbling mortar will require repair to reduce the risk of fire escaping the firebox. A damaged chimney liner might derail your plans to renovate and use the fireplace. However, installing a gas insert can allow you to continue to use the fireplace as a heat source. Gas inserts, which are around 80 percent efficient, can offer a huge advantage over traditional wood-burning
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
If you have not used the fireplace in a few years, make sure it is inspected by a professional before lighting.
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fireplaces. Gas fireplace inserts typically use a smaller diameter exhaust pipe that can be inserted up the existing chimney. A second pipe brings fresh air into the fireplace. Realistic log sets made out ceramic material are placed over the burners to give a traditional look. Barry Frieler and Dennis Blosberg at North Country Custom Builders find fireplace inserts to be the most common upgrade when remodeling 1980s-era homes. Fireplace inserts range in price from $1,500 to $4,000. Options to choose from include glass fronts and screen designs to match modern or traditional architectural styles. Other options include lighting, firebrick color, circulation fans and remote controls. Your local fireplace dealer can help you select an insert that will make your fireplace safe and useable for years to come.
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42 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
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Decks and Patios By Bryan Reeder Fabulous decks and patios can transform your home into an outdoor getaway. Backyards are no longer just a home’s exterior. They have become a welcoming extension of your home. These outdoor living spaces that many people use to entertain friends and family also provide a place where homeowners can unwind and relax.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT BY RICK HAMMER 2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 45
Decks and patios are both great options for a new outdoor living space, as each one can be designed to be durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain with a look that fits your style and budget. So how do you choose?
Decks
According to the Gallup Organization a good deck can increase a home’s perceived value by up to 10 percent by increasing the available living space. When it comes to costs, decks will always be the less expensive option than a patio. Even if you choose high-end materials, the labor required to install a deck is less, helping to reduce your overall cost. Installation is also a big benefit for choosing a deck. The way a deck is being built above the ground allows you more creativity. Tree roots, wet ground, even big slopes can be easily overcome without adding significant expenses. PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTION
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Material Choices - Decks
Pressure treated lumber: This widely available decking material is generally the least expensive option and therefore the most widely used. Homeowners enjoy pressuretreated wood for its durability and visual similarity to natural wood. It’s an ideal option for do-it-yourself construction because, unlike natural wood, it’s easy to cut and fasten with nails or screws. These are typically more susceptible to cracks, warps and splits over time, any of which could actually cost you more in repairs down the road. Natural wood: Many homeowners opt for natural wood decking, whether cedar, redwood or tropical hardwoods. These durable materials, which have a traditionally beautiful appearance and rich color, resist rot and insects. But such attractive qualities come at a cost — both financial and physical.
Both types have their pros and cons. Composite wood though less upkeep can be susceptible to cracks, warps and splits over time. Natural wood can cost in upkeep.
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Patios
Patios reign supreme when it comes to home Return-OnInvestment. With a perceived increased value of up to 12 percent according to the Gallup Organization, having a big and beautiful patio in the backyard is a fantastic way to make the most of your outdoor opportunities. While patios may be a large initial investment, a well-built patio can exceed 25 years with no maintenance, holding its value for the entire time. Lars Raisanen, president of Backyard Creations, recommends a patio over a deck due to the limited maintenance required. Raisanen asserts that with no pests, rot, molds or natural elements that quickly breakdown stone, a patio will outlast any other outdoor useable space. Patios can now tackle almost any front or backyard situation.
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Patios are usually a better choice around a pool or a hot tub where constant moisture will be a factor. PHOTO COURTESY OF LANDSBURG NURSERY
Patios are usually a better choice than decks in wet areas, such as around a pool or a hot tub, or where drainage is inadequate and constant moisture will be a factor. Patios can withstand the continuous water saturation and are often more slip resistant than decking.
Material Choices - Patios
Pavers: Raisanen prefers pavers over concrete for their patios. They are more durable with a longer life span, aesthetically pleasing, with more options that blend in superior to other material choices like concrete. Concrete: Concrete is a more economical option. Standard concrete slabs are generally lower in cost per square foot than the alternative. Typically, you will pay 10-15 percent less for concrete slabs. If you decide to upgrade to stamped concrete, paving stones will most likely cost you the same or even less in most cases. While a concrete slab is more
PHOTO COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT BY RICK HAMMER 2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 49
affordable upfront, the long-term costs for repairs and replacements will almost always outweigh the initial savings.
Conclusion
Whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your new outdoor living space. Whether you’re looking for a more customizable, elevated area or a private, durable patio, either option is a great choice. While it looks like a patio might win the debate, decks are actually chosen more often. In a recent poll, 67 percent chose a deck over a patio.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DOTTY BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION
50 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
Details matter That’s why we are “Custom Builders”. We make sure your perfect dream home is designed and constructed to your specifications. There will never be another home identical to yours.
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Hello Clean
PHOTO COURTESY OF NOR-SON CUSTOM BUILDERS
BY SUSAN SMITH-GRIER
People are often moved to get their homes in shape for company. Whether it’s the office party, wedding, graduation, holidays or some other event, getting things cleaned and spruced up becomes the priority. But, why wait for a big event? An annual deep clean is good for your home. It adds to curb appeal, can mean a hefty increase if you’re thinking of selling and extends the life of drapes, carpet, paint and more. Here are a few tips for cleaning the surfaces in and around your home.
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Outside Surfaces
No matter what type of siding you have on your home, keeping it clean will preserve its life and prevent problems from developing. You can clean it yourself with long handled brushes and a bucket of warm soapy water. Add 1/2 cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) to a gallon of water and you’re ready to go. TSP removes all types of dirt and grime. When mixed with a little bleach, it will also take care of the mold and mildew on the siding. Work in 10-foot sections starting at the bottom to eliminate the risk of streaking. Using a powersprayer is an option and rentals are available. Hiring a professional can save time and money. They will do the job correctly with a lower risk of harming your home. There’s the added advantage that professionals know what to look for in terms of repairs. Cement walkways and driveways will look good again when they get a good washing. Sweep the surface clean removing as much dirt and dust as possible. Use a mild soap and water solution when there isn’t much to clean. A stronger solution using TSP may be needed for tougher jobs.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTION 56 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
PHOTO COURTESY OF BARATTO BROTHERS
Indoor Cleaning
The first thing many people love to do in spring is open the windows letting in fresh air. The smell of spring does a lot to spark the cleaning streak. Windows, walls, carpets, drapes and countertops will benefit from an annual deep clean. If yours is one of the few homes still sporting Venetian blinds, you can give them a good spray down in the yard with the garden hose. All other types of blinds should follow manufacturers’ instructions for cleaning otherwise you’ll void the warranty according to Tate Newmann at Arlean’s Drapery. Newmann suggests using only mild cleaners for other types blinds and spot cleaning with Woolite. Wood blinds can best be dusted with a Swiffer. “It’s better than using a feather duster,” advised Newmann, “A feather duster just moves the dirt from one place to the other, but dirt clings to the Swiffer.” Newmann also had suggestions for cleaning drapes. Vacuuming them removes dust and dirt. Refresh them by putting them in the dryer on fluff or air dry with no heat. For deep cleaning, take
PHOTO COURTESY OF BARATTO BROTHERS
them to the dry cleaners. “Measure the length before you drop them off and let the dry cleaner know. Many people don’t know this.” Newman said that cleaned drapes can be returned as much as two inches shorter if the cleaner doesn’t know the original length.
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Floors Floors take a real beating during winter months with salt and sand and then there’s mud season during the spring. Sarah Hanson from Optimum Cleaning suggests regularly vacuuming your rugs and floors and giving them a good cleaning at least annually, or every 6-18 months depending on the number of people and pets in the home. “Most people don’t realize that steam cleaning isn’t really
using steam,” said Hanson, “It’s hot water extraction. This is what gets the deep grime and dirt out of your carpeting and makes it last longer. We use hot water extraction with a truck mount.” Hanson said, “The home machines like Rug Doctor are fine for spot cleaning but getting the deep clean that extends carpet life must be done with hot water extraction.”
“What a lot of people don’t realize is that those products that disinfect need to be left on the surface for at least 10 minutes to actually disinfect..” -Sarah Hanson, Optimum Cleaning PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTION
Hanson also had advice about cleaning countertops. “I recommend that people use the manufacturers’ suggestions. There are so many new materials used for countertops these days that it’s best to stick to the manufacturers’ instructions.” She also mentioned acidic cleaners such as vinegar can do harm to natural surfaces like granite and marble. “Hot water
58 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
and soap are usually all you need to get those surfaces clean. I use hot water in my own home.” With colds and flu making their way through schools and other public places, disinfecting the home is something many people do, or at least think they are doing. “What a lot people don’t realize is that those products that disinfect need to be left
on the surface for at least 10 minutes to actually disinfect. If you read the label, you’ll find most disinfectant products are only effective when you wet the surface then give them time to work. If you want a faster acting disinfectant, then you’ll need to use a hospital-grade product. You can make deep cleaning a ritual in your home. The beauty of a
rejuvenated home inside and out may give you something to look forward to. You don’t have to wait for some special occasion to refresh your home. Do it for yourself and bask in the satisfaction of a job well done.
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Illuminate Ready, Set,
Tried & True Lighting Trends for Today BY DANAE BLANCK ANDERSON
Lighting keeps evolving and every year it seems to get better, or dare I say, brighter. Light fixture vendors have development teams that push the envelope in product design. Industry standards are changing through innovative technologies that continue to stress new ways to save energy. What does this all mean to the average consumer? It means there are a lot of cool things on the horizon for lighting; from light fixtures to saving energy costs on an electric bill and more. As an interior designer myself I enjoy keeping up on the latest trends. I am always eager to see and learn more. So, I had a “light bulb moment.” I decided to check in with The Light Depot right in Baxter to get a few more details about the lighting industry and to check out some “electric” lighting design trends.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KICHLER LIGHTING BY THE LIGHT DEPOT 60 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
A basic trend that is not going away is the use of LEDs. Although Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are not new, what they can do for a living space is incredible. The key is to purchase the correct bulb and know what to look for. LEDs use about five times less the amount of power a regular incandescent bulb does — that’s where the energy savings comes in. The bulbs are labeled with a color temperature number listed as K on the packaging which stands for Kelvin, the degrees of temperature that is measured from a light source. Rick Mileski, president of The Light Depot said, “LED lamp technology is revolutionizing the lighting industry and consumers need to pay attention to the Kelvin temperature they are buying. 2700-3000K is a good range for home or residential use. I especially like the 3000K lamps. This temperature lamp has a crisp, clean, white light that is great for home use!” He warned customers in staying away from the brighter or harsher 4000-5000K PHOTO COURTESY OF BARATTO BROTHERS
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Mid-Century modern vibe
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KICHLER LIGHTING BY THE LIGHT DEPOT
“There has been a big shift to black metal fixtures, maybe the black stainless appliance market is driving that a little...”
lamps as these heavily wash out warm colors. Electrical contractors Jason Nolan and Trevis Vredenburg of Lakefront Electric said they are seeing a huge influx with retrofitting old fixtures to use LEDs. In the interior, LED disc lights can be used instead of recessed can lights. This saves on the worry of affecting the insulation and is a nice alternative. Besides the indoor benefits, outdoor lighting has changed drastically. “We can retrofit fixtures bypassing the ballast and have them go to LED,” said Nolan. No more metal halide or long warm up and restrike times are needed. LEDs have also made many fixtures easier to install and weigh less than fixtures of the past. Say goodbye to long fluorescent tubes and hello lightweight ballast-free fixtures. Nolan said, “For us, when we do shops and garages in long strip lights we don’t have to worry about ballasts any longer. They are direct wire.”
The fixtures are super light and easier to work with. “Plus, they are a lot more energy efficient,” said Vredenburg. Other bulbs flying off the shelf these days are vintage, early electric or Edison bulbs.These bulbs are interesting to look at and again can be found in varying K or wattage equivalencies. Fixtures that are part of the farmhouse, industrial or restoration craze use these style bulbs quite often and both are big sellers in our area. These fixtures typically have metal and wood combinations, seedy glass or iron and a cleaner more simplistic look. Nationally though, a push toward clean lines and a Mid-Century modern vibe is coming on strong. The use of shapes like lanterns, spheres and cascading pendant lights can be seen in a variety of spaces. Open framed pieces that are sleek and clean are prevalent with this look.
Pendant entryway lanterns PHOTOS COURTESY OF KICHLER LIGHTING
BY THE LIGHT DEPOT
- Holly Ruether, The Light Depot
PHOTOS COURTESY OF WES HANSON BUILDERS
62 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
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Grouped lighting
Textured glass
Clustering or multi pendant lights above islands is becoming more prevalent.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
Holly Ruether, sales and marketing for The Light Depot said the mix of black and brushed gold was all the rage at market this year. “There has been a big shift to black metal fixtures, maybe the black stainless appliance market is driving that a little but black finishes are really big,” said Ruether. Mixing metals is becoming
64 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
popular and she says it is here to stay for awhile. Kichler Lighting is my “go to” source. It is one of the nation’s major light fixture manufacturers and has been around since 1938. They always introduce great looking unique products. Another major player in hot lighting trends is a light
fixture accessory which usually means glass. “I am a glass freak, I just love glass and crystal,” said Sue Knudson, Lighting Consultant and Sales at The Light Depot. There are great new textured glass globes. Some fixtures display seedy glass and others with new geometric details like holophane, clear dot or thumb
print. These fun textures play with how the light is emitted and really add a stunning feature to any light. READY? 2019 is the year to get set with trendy fixtures, the correct bulbs and illuminate your space.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAND END DEVELOPMENT BY RICK HAMMER
More Note-Worthy Trends •The use of two or three blades versus the standard five for fans —a fresh new look for the old stand-by. •Also for fans, industrial looking slim line light kits are “in” instead of three or four separate lights. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KICHLER LIGHTING BY THE LIGHT DEPOT
•Clustering or multi pendant lights above islands. •The use of two larger scale pendants above islands is becoming more prevalent.
Gooseneck fixture and Edison bulb
•Gooseneck fixtures above kitchen sinks or outside the front door. •Outdoor dining pendant fixtures rated for exterior use. •Bathroom vanity lights with four or more fixtures being used adding more light to the space or hanging pendants in combination with other ceiling fixtures such as LED disc lights. •Using pendant lights alongside beds instead of lamps. •Entry ways with large scale open pendants in lantern or spherical shapes.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT BY RICK HAMMER
2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 65
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EcoFOCUSED HOMES
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
BY NICOLE STRACEK
W
ith the future in mind, sustainability and energy conservation has become more prevalent in our day-today lives. Resource conservation is not just a concept any longer; it has become a necessity. With climate change issues on the rise, and technology
providing the latest in innovative energy saving options building sustainable and energy efficient homes is taking center stage. From renewable options to lighting, reduced water use, to education, the concept is clear: sustainable and renewable building practices are the future.
2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 67
As many industries are incorporating energy efficient solutions into their bottom line the idea is to build a foundation for the future. And the construction industry is no exception. The lakes area is emerging as one of the leaders in renewable energy concepts and organizations like Hunt Utilities Group at the Resilient Living Campus in Pine River strives to promote, build and demonstrate sustainable living solutions that are ecologically and economically practical. Chief Operating Officer at the campus Bob McLean notes many people are still under the assumption energy conservation efforts are unattainable. However, he says, “There are so many things you can do that are very practical and affordable. Whether it’s including a reasonable level of insulation to help with heating and cooling needs, to
sun in the winter months to help with heating will require less energy. These may be simple ideas, yet provide a huge impact on energy conservation efforts,” shared Bob.
Building for the Future:
designing a new home that is harvesting the natural elements of the environment. Simply positioning a home that uses the shade in the summer to help cool a home will require less energy, and in turn using
New building standards, technologies and design are helping achieve significant improved housing performance and the construction industry has a big impact on how we build for the future. The same goes for homeowners who are passionate about sustainability and the environment. “One of the most important things we can do for the future of our planet is to be a good steward. By doing what we can to include energy conservation efforts into all aspects of our lives, it ensures we are getting the optimum benefits in terms of longevity,” shared Bob.
“One of the most important things we can do for the future of our planet is to be a good steward.” -Bob McLean
68 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
Building for the future is something Neal Lesmeister, general contractor and owner of Weathershield Homes in Brainerd, is passionate about. He is taking the concept of sustainable green building to the next level with his innovative eco focus home construction concepts and designs. After working in the oil industry as a petro exploration geologist, Neal recognized the severe impact the oil industry was having on the environment, specifically climate change. With a passion for the environment as the driving force behind his company, he has been building homes to address climate change issues for the past two decades.
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Often developing themes behind his home designs, his latest project centered around one goal: Build a home that provides the best response to climate change. Choosing locations that often have natural elements to compliment the homes he builds the idea is to blend modern building techniques while reducing waste. “I was drawn to this location because it was near a Great Blue Heron and Snowy Egret rookery. It really is a beautiful location. The rookery is really amazing and provides such a unique experience for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the beauty of nature,” said Neal. The home is a1,800-square-foot eco focused home located on 3 acres near the Mississippi River. (Photo featured on pages 70 and 71). “Solar energy has come a long way in the last
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“...the vast amount of energy saved can efficiently heat a home for only $200 to $300 per winter.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEAL LESMEISTER
-Neal Lesmeister 10 years. With solar technology continuing to transform the way homes utilize energy the vast amount of energy saved can efficiently heat a home for only $200 to $300 per winter.”
Behind the Scenes:
Aiming to address a variety of environmental issues that are commonplace in the construction industry Neal’s innovative building methods feature his own engineered designs. Creating a truly monolithic method, Weathershield Homes is one of the only companies in the world that uses this method to create foundations. “The monolithic poured insulated concrete form walls are poured simultaneously with the footings. This process greatly reduces energy and associated air pollution by eliminating the need to pour concrete more than once,” revealed Neal. Additionally, the monolithic foundation greatly reduces waste because the footing forms can be reused whereas traditional methods discard the footings
70 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
after one use. Not only are his designs tornado proof, but they also have no cold joints. This unique design element makes the home’s footings stronger while using less steel to reinforce the footings. Neal notes this type of design is virtually bulletproof while reducing the amount of waste and pollutants that often coincide with traditional construction projects.
Eco Focused Home Features:
To harness the power of the sun Neal incorporated an 8.4KW Photovoltaic
electric solar array virtually eliminating costly electric bills. “The solar energy produced is more than enough. In fact, the homeowners will be able to sell their excess power back to the power company. The array eliminates 12,000 pounds of CO2 pollution per year that would otherwise be generated by burning imported coal or gas,” shared Neal. The insulation throughout the home includes 4 inches of rigid foam under the slab of the home to contain the radiant heated floor. The walls surround 6 inches of concrete with 2.5 inches of rigid foam on each side for a total of
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Neal notes this type of design is virtually bulletproof while reducing the amount of waste and pollutants. R-30. Insulation levels are classified by an R-Value. This value is placed on the measure of the insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through a structure. The higher the R-Value, the better thermal performance. However, Neal’s designs are so well insulated that the R-Value acts closer to R-50. This is due to the high level of insulation included in his designs. The insulation harnesses the Earth’s temperature pulling the heat or cool air into the walls producing a steadier temperature year-round. In addition to the eco friendly building methods and materials, the home was also designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
“The roof trusses are individually strapped into the concrete. The windows and doors are all Energy Star Northland brand and designed to withstand storm winds in Minnesota,” shared Neal. This provides homeowners with peace of mind in the event of severe weather. Choosing to implement eco friendly building practices either in a home remodel or new construction can provide a vast array of benefits not only for homeowners, but for the planet. From addressing climate change to creating sustainable homes that withstand Minnesota weather conditions the benefits of going green are on the rise.
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Locally Owned & Operated 72 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
10
Things To Think About Before You Build
BY LINDA HURST
There is a special excitement when moving into a newly built house. It’s just the way you wanted it, right? I thought so too until I settled into my new home only to learn that I’d probably do a few things differently next time. I asked some of my friends who have also gone through the building process to see if they felt the same. That answer was yes. Some things can be remedied after the fact, others you want to pay attention to in the planning process so you get them right.
1 Window Size and Placement — It’s So Clear Now Brett: I couldn’t see the river from the jetted tub in the master bathroom. I wish I had lowered that window just a bit more. Even another 4 inches would have made a huge difference. Take into consideration views from each window, and where to put the patio doors and decks. I’ve seen patio doors on the back of a house looking right at the neighbors’ property when they should have moved it over to the end of the house for a meadow view COURTESY OF NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS
2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 73
2
Lighting Placement - Don’t Be Left in the Dark In my own house I made three major lighting errors. I have only one drop light in the center of the kitchen - and it doesn’t provide enough light to the stove area. I should have put in a multi-directional fixture. There are no drop lights over the bar — I thought the light in the kitchen would be enough— I was wrong. And I didn’t put lights in the entry closet. Big mistake. It’s not much fun finding coats in the dark. Keri: I put sconces on either side of the bathroom mirror, but in hindsight I wish I had included over-mirror lighting. The sconces are beautiful, but lighting is poor for putting on makeup and doing my hair. I thought they were going to give off more light, but the frosted glass gives off a softer glow.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BARATTO BROTHERS
3
Not Enough Outlets? Shocking! Kristi: We didn’t think much about outlet placement. We just placed them on the walls of a larger family room. But we learned we had a problem when we placed furniture in the center of the room and the outlets were feet away. A floor outlet would have been nice. Mike: I wish I had put a 50 amp outlet outside for visiting motorhomes or an outside hot tub. And I really wish I had allowed for an auto start whole house generator.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BARATTO BROTHERS
74 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
4
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2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 75
5 The Door Opens Where? Brian: I wish I had thought more about cabinet placement and furniture placement. Once we moved in we learned the only placed to put my big sectional was right in front of an under-stair cabinet. That now gets very little use.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT BY RICK HAMMER
6
Good? Better? Best? Upgrade Your Materials Larry: I would have gone with better building materials. Everything higher quality than “builder grade” including baseboard and crown moldings, better finishes and top grade paint. I would have installed triple pane glass, upgraded the furnace and added a home humidifier. My advice: Upgrade where you can.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BARATTO BROTHERS
7 Room Size - Have You Got Enough Elbow Room? Julie: Looking at blueprints doesn’t always give a good idea of the size of a home layout. Get a better feel by staking out the home (and rooms) on the lot. We wish now that we had added a couple of extra feet in width to make some of the rooms roomier. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALL-WAYS PAINTING 76 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
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8 The Laundry Room - Not Just for Basements Anymore Angie: I like my laundry on the bedroom level. When you change clothes you can put in a load and when a load is dry you can fold them and put them right away. No hauling baskets up or down stairs.
9 Color Change - The Tiny Swatch Looked Different Dawn: Exterior siding color was a challenge for us. Request a larger sample piece of siding to check the home color. We picked our siding color from a booklet and it turned out darker than we anticipated
PHOTO COURTESY OF LANDS END DEVELOPMENT BY RICK HAMMER
10 Exterior Details - Slopes and Valleys Mike: Be mindful about where you will pile snow in the winter. That plow has to push the white stuff somewhere and you don’t want them destroying landscaping. Summertime, think about how and where rainwater will drain off your yard. I wish I had paid more attention to how the land was excavated. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALL-WAYS PAINTING
2019 | MINNESOTA HOME 79
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MAG A Z I N E
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82 MINNESOTA HOME | 2019
371 FURNITURE...............................................................................................................37 ABC SEAMLESS............................................................................................................... 61 ABRA LANDSCAPING.................................................................................................. 48 ADVANTAGE SEAMLESS GUTTERS.................................................................. 34, 55 AITKIN HARDWOODS ............................................................................................... 59 ALDER CREEK CABINETS ............................................................................................ 39 ALL-WAYS PAINTING.................................................................................................... 15 AMERICAN DOOR WORKS ......................................................................................25 ARLEAN’S DRAPERY....................................................................................................... 59 BACKYARD REFLECTIONS.......................................................................................... 46 BARATTO BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION........................................................ 22, 23 BETTER LIVING CONCEPTS........................................................................................52 BIG WOOD TIMBER FRAMES...................................................................................27 BRAINERD GLASS .......................................................................................................... 71 BRAINERD HARDWOODS......................................................................................... 80 BRAINERD SAVINGS & LOAN.................................................................................. 69 BRAINERD SPORTS & MARINE................................................................................. 59 BRICHACEK STONE .....................................................................................................78 CAPITAL GRANITE...........................................................................................................77 CENTURY 21 BRAINERD ............................................................................................. 57 CROSSLAKE COMMUNICATIONS........................................................................ 71 CROSSLAKE SHEET METAL........................................................................................ 80 CROW WING CABINETS.......................................................................................... 57 CUSTOM DRAPERY AND BLINDS.............................................................................78 CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY & AWNING CENTER....................................................75 CYGNETURE TITLE SOLUTIONS, LLC...................................................................... 63 DAVID MERNIN - EDINA REALTY................................................................................ 5 DOTTY BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION....................................................................... 9 ELITE TITLE & ESCROW CORP....................................................................................... 2 FIKS-CON INC................................................................................................................ 81 FIRST NATIONAL BANK NORTH.............................................................................. 47 FRANDSEN BANK & TRUST........................................................................................77 GERHARD’S FIRST SUPPLY BRAINERD ..................................................................... 81 GRANICRETE MINNESOTA ..................................................................................... 55 GREAT RIVER DOOR COMPANY ............................................................................ 44 GULL LAKE GLASS..........................................................................................................77 HIRSHFIELD’S.................................................................................................................... 19 HOLDEN ELECTRIC CO., INC................................................................................... 63 HUDRLIK CARPET............................................................................................................52 HY-TEC CONSTRUCTION.......................................................................................... 71 ISEMAN HOMES...........................................................................................................43 JIM CHRISTENSEN - KURILLA REAL ESTATE............................................................. 3 JN TREE SERVICE ............................................................................................................72 KNIFE RIVER MATERIALS.............................................................................................. 66 LAKESIDE FIREPLACE & STOVE................................................................................... 41 LANDS END DEVELOPMENT.....................................................................................35 LANDSBURG LANDSCAPE NURSERY.....................................................................52 MATTSON LUMBER COMPANY............................................................................... 13 MID-MINNESOTA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION...................................................... 41 MOSQUITO SQUAD................................................................................................... 50 NEUMANN CONSTRUCTION.................................................................................53 NOR-SON, INC............................................................................................................. 29 NORTH COUNTRY CUSTOM BUILDERS, INC.............................................. 21, 51 NORTHLAND CONSTRUCTION............................................................................. 39 NORTHLAND CUSTOM CLOSETS & GARAGE....................................................25 RIVERWOOD BANK..................................................................................................... 80 SCHROEDER’S APPLIANCE........................................................................................ 84 SCULPTURE BY DESIGN.............................................................................................. 44 SERENITY COMPANIES INC.......................................................................................11 SHANNON’S AUTO BODY...................................................................................... 66 STRUCTURES WOOD CARE....................................................................................... 18 TOTAL WINDOW DESIGN........................................................................................ 55 TRI COUNTY FOAM INSULATION......................................................................... 69 VISION TECHNOLOGY INC .................................................................................... 13 WES HANSON BUILDERS ........................................................................................... 7 WILKENING FIREPLACE.............................................................................................. 44 W.W. THOMPSON CONCRETE PRODUCTS......................................................83 YOU ARE HERE DESIGN..............................................................................................42
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