Builder's Digest

Builder's st

id ge

A reference guide to building professionals throughout the lakes area

An advertising supplement to the March 20, 2011, Becker County Record

BUILDERS DIGEST 2011

“Your Hometown Quality Builder & Remodeler”

Quality

Experience Unique Dave, Dan, Nick, Scott and Lee

Offering...

• State of the art construction materials and techniques • High quality workmanship • Complete satisfaction guaranteed

We specialize in...

• New Homes • Steel Siding • Remodeling • Garages • Replacement Windows Replacement

Professional

• Additions • Decks • Sunrooms • Infrared Thermal Imager

!

NewInfrared Thermal Imaging using a Fluke Imager

Unlike a regular camera this camera takes images of heat differences thus letting you know where there is heat loss or heat gain. For example...in the summer it shows an image of heat gain from a lack of insulation. In the winter it shows a lack of insulation allowing cold in.

Francis construction

of Detroit Lakes, Inc.

Dave Francis - 218-847-4054 Scott Francis - 218-847-3556

Lic. #20266607

Visit Your KOHLER® Registered Showroom

Builders digest 2011

Dealer Name

LOCATION 1 | 555-555-5555 | www.123kitchenbath.com

Visit Your KOHLER® Registered Showroom OHLER® Registered Showroom Dealer Name LOCATION 1 | 555-555-5555 | www.123kitchenbath.com Dealer Name | 555-555-5555 | www.123kitchenbath.com

"For Your Family's Comfort" 1040 Randolph Rd. Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-7459 www.modernheatingandplumbing.com

W

e specialize in custom glass shower doors.

• Custom Custom Glass Glass Shower Shower Doors Doors • Structures Structures Wood Wood Care Care for for Exteriors Exteriors • Floor Floor Covering Covering

Benjamin Moore • Benjamin Moore Paint & Stain Paint & Stain • Hunter Hunter Douglas Douglas Window Window Treatments

919 Washington Avenue • 847-7582

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Builders Digest 2011

— Index — Ace Electric & Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 ACS - Arvig Communications Systems . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover Air Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 AireServ Heating & Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Al Clark Construction, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 B&M Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Budget Blinds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Country Fields Greenhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Custom Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 D&D Repair & Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Deco Crete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Detroit Lakes Overhead Door Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Detroit Lakes Public Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Detroit Lakes Water & Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Detroit Paint & Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 DL Disposal Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 DL Window & Door, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Don Teitz Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Dynamic Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Enercept - Curt Olson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Exteriors Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 EZ 2 Build, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Foltz Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Foltz Drywall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Francis Construction, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover G&R Hill Construction, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Glenz Plumbing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Goodin Wholesale Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Builders Digest 2011

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— Index — Hough, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Laney’s Plumbing-Heating-Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Lightowler Johnson Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Lund Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Manning’s Lakes Paving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Marty Solmon Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Modern Heating & Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Moore Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Nodsle Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Northland Painting & Drywall, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Ottertail Power Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Painters Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 ProBuild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Schatts Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Schiller Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Seamless Gutters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Sonnenberg Plumbing & Heating, Excavating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Speciality Concrete, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 State Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Stelter’s, Inc. of Detroit Lakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Stenerson Lumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Twin City Garage Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Ulteig Engineers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

published by

D E T R O I T L A K E S N E W S PA P E R S 511 Washington Avenue • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218.847.3151 • www.dl-online.com

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Builders Digest 2011

Checklist for Hiring a

Builder or Remodeler

Do your homework before having work done on your home.

Use this checklist to help you select a builder or remodeler to work on or build your home.

Does the builder or remodeler have a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers?

How long have they been in the building business? It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business.

Will they be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties?

Have you called your local Better Business Bureau? They can alert you to any complaints.

Does the builder/remodeler have sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.

Will the builder/remodeler provide you with names of previous customers? Ask

them if they would hire the builder/remodeler again.

Have you seen the builder/remodelers work, both completed and in progress?

Check for quality of workmanship and materials.

Are you able to communicate with the builder/remodeler? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.

Will the builder/remodeler provide you with a complete and clearly written contract?

The contract will benefit both of you. Review it carefully.

Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids. If the builder/remodeler is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem.

Call the Lake Region Builders Association 218-847-0699, for the names of member builders and remodelers.

Builders digest 2011

5

Our Homes Are OUR HOMES ARE So Energy Efficient…

SO ENERGY EFFICIENT...

You Won’t Believe Your Heating Bill!

QUALITY SYSTEM-BUILT

Dynamic Homes are more energy-efficient than stick-built: Air infiltration

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Energy efficiency

30% greater

Space heating costs

35% less

Overall operating costs

Less than stick-built

Rebates & reduced energy rates

Eligible

Quality DYNAMIC system-built HOMES Dynamicprovide Homes enhanced thermal performance

and provide enhanced thermal performance energy-efficient features to save you money when and energy-efficient save you buy, andfeatures for years to to come. you moneyAnd when you buy, and Dynamic Homes arefor years to come. built green, to reduce environmental impacts.

And Dynamic Homes are built green, Unlock the advantages to reduce environmental impacts. of energy-efficiency a new homeof energyUnlock thewith advantages from aDynamic efficiency with new home from Homes.

Dynamic Homes.

Josh Muzik of Best Bilt Homes, your local Dynamic Homes Authorized Independent Builder, can help you design the home you want with the custom features you desire.

Or, we’ll adapt and build from your plan. The choice is yours. Get started. Call525Best Bilt Ave. | Detroit Lakes, MN | 800-492-4833 | 218-847-2611 Roosevelt Homes today and ask for your free Custom Home Planning Kit! Dynamic Homes Featuring Royal Passage Exterior Doors By...

To locate a dealer near you call Dynamic Homes at 800-492-4833 30856 Care Free Lane • Frazee, MN 56544 or visit us online at www.dynamichomes.com.

218-234-8161

www.dynamichomes.com

To located a dealer near you call Dynamic Homes at 800-492-4833 or visit us online at www.dynamichomes.com

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Builders digest 2011

Foltz Drywall Nathan Foltz, Owner

Hang - Drywall Tape - Texture Custom Painting - Epoxy Garage Floors Commercial and Residential

218•841•9837 9837

Builders digest 2011

7

We believe . . . in delivering on

promises and keeping eve��thing you value Safe. Sound. Secure®.

Learn how you can save by insuring your life, home and auto with Auto-Owners Insu�ance.

Call or visit us

AGENCY NAME Brooks Larson

Piph K[g_ 222*222*2222 817 Washington Ave. • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218-847-5696 website www.shillerins.com

Paul Weber

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Builders Digest 2011

Five things new home owners should DO RIGHT AWAY LAKE REGION BUILDERS ASSOCIATION You’ve gotten through shopping for a home, the closing process, and even unpacking your boxes. But it’s not time to put your feet up and relax just yet! There are a few more things you should do shortly after moving into a new home to make sure you and your family will have a safe and healthy place to build lifelong memories in.

1. Create a home maintenance checklist.

To make sure your home stays safe and healthy for you and your family, you should regularly check, clean and/or test a wide variety of interior and exterior systems and structures. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a Home Maintenance Checklist that you can download from their website www.hud.gov.

It provides basic guidelines for keeping your

home dry, clean, well-ventilated, free from contaminants, pest-free, safe and wellmaintained.

2. M ake sure you have enough insurance coverage.

At a minimum, you need to purchase a home owners insurance policy to cover the house and all of your family’s belongings inside. To determine how much insurance you need, find out how much it would cost to rebuild your house today on your existing lot. Your personal property coverage should then be anywhere from 55 to 75 percent of that amount.

Damage caused by natural disasters such as flooding, earthquakes and hurricanes are not covered by regular home owner’s policies, so depending on where you live, you

FIVE THINGS to page 10

Builders digest 2011

9

Something’s Missing...

we can help you find it!

D&D

repair & 1050 Hwy 59 S, Detroit Lakes • 847-9775 appliance www.dl-online.com/marketplace/dandd

• Building Custom Homes & Remodeling in the Lakes Area for 30 Years.

• Timber Frame Accents • Building Lots Available

218-847-2975 mmsolmon@tekstar.com Lic. 20225226

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Builders Digest 2011

FIVE THINGS FROM page 8 may want to consider additional coverage. Your insurance agent can help you figure out the right amount of coverage and suggest upgrades or additional policies that would be appropriate for your specific situation.

3. Protect your home from break-ins.

If you bought an existing home, you should rekey the locks right away. You never know who the previous owners gave keys to. The National Crime Prevention Council recommends that every exterior door should have a dead-bolt lock with a one-inch throw. They should be at least 1 3/4 inch metal or hard wood with the hinges on the inside.

Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer—not a chain—in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door. Sliding glass doors can be secured by placing a long piece of wood at least one inch thick in the track. Keep all entrances and doors well-lit, and prune shrubs so they don’t provide hiding space for someone who wants to break in.

4. Prepare an emergency kit.

In the event of a disaster, local officials and relief workers may not be able to reach your home immediately, so you should have an emergency kit on hand.

Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even weeks, so you should be prepared. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends stockpiling at least three days’ worth of food and water for your family. Their website www. ready.gov offers a list of items to include in a basic emergency preparedness kit, as well as guidelines on food and water storage and protecting yourself from airborne contaminants.

5. Improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Even if you’ve purchased a brand new

home with the latest energy-efficient building materials and techniques, there are still some improvements you can make to save even more money on utility bills. For example: • Replace incandescent light bulbs with longer-lasting CFL or LED bulbs.

• Install a programmable thermostat that can be set to automatically adjust the heat or air when the home is most or least used.

• Increase the insulation in your attic, on exposed water pipes and around your water heater.

The U.S. Department of Energy has an online Home Energy Saver™ tool for home owners at www.hes.lbl.gov that recommends energy-saving upgrades that are appropriate for the home, the climate and local energy prices.

Even if you haven’t just moved, these suggestions will help you protect your family and maintain your investment for years to come. For more information on homeownership, contact the Lake Region Builders Association.

Builders digest 2011

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Call us and save

up to 50%

with electric heating

Brenda & Mike Eidenschink — owners —

This winter, keep more money in your wallet with an off-peak electric heating system. Stop worrying about volatile fossil fuel prices and heat your home with the benefit of Otter Tail Power Company’s low off-peak electric rates. Call us today and we’ll help you find the best electric heating solution for your home.

INC.

30614 SunSet Road detRoit LakeS

218-847-1946

Featuring Wayne Dalton Doors

OPR.1202.09

Detroit Lakes Overhead Door Services Expert Ga rage D At Your Co oor Repairs nvenience The Serv ice Y

Locally owned and operated by Tim Lamb Servicing the Lakes Area for over 20 years

ou E From Yo ur Loc xpect Compan al Door y

experience iS the key to your garage Door

Same Day emergency Service Residential First to Serve You CommeRCial 847-2129 • 1-888-847-2129 CaRRiage dooRs Located on Tower Road

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Builders digest 2011

Formerly Insulating Concrete Forms Discovering a new way to build customer satisfaction with: • Big savings on heating and cooling costs, • High energy efficiency, and • A cost-effective and faster build.

• Redefining building.

EZ 2 Build, LLC

218-847-5222 • 218-841-2756 David & Sherry DeLair Distributor & Installer, Detroit Lakes

More Power Same Location, Same Fine

To Ya! Service for 3 Generations

Commercial & Residential Wiring Licensed Electrical Contracting Free Planning Service

(218) 847-5255

Don & Joe SchattSchneiDer 521 South Shore Drive • Detroit Lakes, MN

Builders Digest 2011

13

33732 182nd St. • detroit LakeS

decoCRETE

Chuck Ruel 218.849.2615

Patios

Epoxy Garage Floors Walkways

Driveways

Beautify & Improve any Concrete Surface New Stenciled Concrete & Decorative Resurfacing

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Builders Digest 2011

Test your ELECTRICAL SAVVY

On February 11, 1847 the genius inventor of the electrical age, Thomas Edison, was born. Over 160 years later, his most famous invention, the light bulb, still has an essential place in the home. With often no more than four hours of sleep per night and his personal creed of, “Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration,” his work with electricity is legendary.

For all the work done by Edison and his predecessors, most people know only as much about electricity as is absolutely necessary to go about their daily lives; in other words, not very much. But ignorance isn’t always bliss. A little information can prevent shocks and reduce power bills.

Here are a handful of true/false questions to test your electrical IQ: 1. If lights flicker or dim repeatedly, you should call an electrician.

TRUE. Anytime you’re getting flickering

or dimming lights, there is a problem and you should call your electrician. Power outages due to power line accidents, strong wind, storms or extreme heat can cause brief interruptions. Customers can call their power company to find out details on the situation, or check their circuit boxes for those outages.

But flickering or dimming lights signifies an overload, and a professional should be contacted. You should also call your electrician if you are constantly resetting circuit breakers or changing fuses, smell burning electricity or need to replace faulty wiring.

2. It’s cheaper to leave fluorescent lights on when exiting a room than it is to turn them back on when you return.

FALSE. This is a commonly held belief, based on the erroneous notion that fluorescent bulbs use a lot of power to get

Test to page 16

Builders digest 2011

sa v h e e G co at re o in en li G n & on G

15

Bu W Pr Gr it ild odee h ucn t

structural insulated Wall & roof Panels www.enercept.com Curt “Ole” Olson Enercept Dealer

Ron Soberg, Dave Soberg & Jon Johnson

colson@arvig.net Home: 218-847-8295 Cell: 218.849.2665

• Locally Owned & Operated • Residential & Commercial Service • Recycling Services Offered Give us a call today, we CAN SAVE YOU MONEY on your garbage service.

Serving Detroit Lakes & the Surrounding Area

For Businesses

For Homes

218-850-9944

Seasonal rates available. Call for rates and information.

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Builders Digest 2011

Test FROM page 18 started. While it is true that a compact fluorescent bulb does require a brief surge when switched on, it works out to be around the same amount of energy as five seconds of normal use, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). So turning the lights off for more than five seconds will save more energy than leaving them on.

3. House wiring never needs replacing.

FALSE. Depending on the amount of use, insulation on house wires can become frayed or broken, creating a fire hazard. If you have any doubts about your wiring, have a qualified electrician perform a complete inspection. Houses built between 1965 and 1973, in particular, are at risk because many were built with aluminum wiring, which the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says is 55 times more likely to reach “fire hazard conditions” than regular copper wire.

4. A circuit breaker is not designed to protect against a ground fault.

TRUE. Circuit breakers are designed to protect against high levels of electrical current caused by a short circuit. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) protect against ground faults, when current leaking from an appliance goes to ground through a person touching the appliance. Even a small amount of current passing through a person this way can be lethal; a GFCI will trip if there’s a ground fault, whereas a circuit breaker won’t.

5. A two-parter: Computer screen savers save energy, and your computer will last longer if you leave it on all day, instead of shutting it off when you’re not using it.

FALSE AND FALSE. Screen savers only save screens, not energy. If you want to save energy, turn the monitor off. In fact, the EPA recommends you turn the computer off, too, if you aren’t going to use it within a half hour. They claim the lifetime of the hard disc is limited by use, rather than start-ups.

6. You can damage a power tool by using the wrong size extension cord.

TRUE. If your electric lawn mower, hedge trimmer, or leaf blower doesn’t get enough power, either because the extension cord is too thin or too long to deliver it, it can damage and eventually destroy the motor. Also, overloading an extension cord can cause a fire or shock hazard. Be sure to use a cord rated to provide the proper amperage the tool requires, listed on the tool.

Remember, when dealing with electrical issues in your home, safety should be your number one priority. We’ve seen home owners put themselves in dangerous situations by thinking they could do a job cheaper by themselves. If it’s more than changing a light bulb, call a professional. Or take a how-to class at a local community college.

Just a little electrical knowledge can go a long way.

Builders digest 2011

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yOu’LL LIKe whAt GOes IntO A fOLtZ BuILDInG cOmmeRcIAL InDustRIAL BuILDInG hORse cAttLe BARns InsuLAteD shOp GARAGes mAchIneRy stORAGe cOmpLeteLy eRecteD wIth wARRAnty license #2500

EnginEErEd dEsignEd buildings For a FrEE EstimatE Call

218-847-3281 • 1-800-255-9981 "Models open 7 days a week" hwy 10 west • DetROIt LAKes quality workmanship, dEsign, matErials & ConstruCtion

ALL unDeR One ROOf

w w w. f o l t z b u i l d i n g s . c o m

Talk to the experts in construction loans and permanent home financing.

Mark Hagedorn

0310 DL Builders Digest.indd 1

920 Lake Avenue, Detroit Lakes 844.3000 MEMBER FDIC

statebanks.com

3/12/10 3:58:45 PM

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Builders digest 2011

a Division of Stenerson Lumber

We Install

• Vinyl & Steel Siding • Windows • Soffit & Fasci • Seamless Gutters

..

g.

Featurin

SEAMLESS SIDING

Call today for a FREE no-obligation estimate for all your exterior siding needs.

MN Lic# BC20037734

555 Hwy. 59 North, Detroit Lakes 218-846-1778 • Toll Free 1-888-339-4480

Whatever your passion or style,

Stenerson’s has cabinetry ideas to feed your imagination. Whether you’re a seasoned home improvement expert or just thinking about your first project, we’re here to help inspire you.

Tracy

Cabinet Specialist

~ Installation Available ~

STENERSON LUMBER 218-847-2188

555 Hwy. 59 North Detroit Lakes, MN

Builders digest 2011

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20

Builders Digest 2011

Home Owners: Help Keep Local Waterways Healthy LAKE REGION BUILDERS ASSOCIATION and the National Association of Home Builders There’s no question that everybody wants healthy streams, creeks and green spaces in their community for their family to enjoy safely.

Stormwater management — keeping excess runoff from rain and snow and the contaminants that they carry from polluting local water sources — is essential to maintain the health and well being of native fish and

wildlife, as well as the quality of water that your family uses every day.

Home builders install silt fences and dig retention ponds to control stormwater runoff during construction. But once a community is completed, the way it is maintained makes a big difference to the health of nearby waterways.

Consider the following ways that you can help keep your community clean and

WATERWAYS to page 22

Builders digest 2011

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Specializing in

POST FRAME STORAgE, cOMMERciAl & OFFicE BuilDiNgS, gARAgES & iNSulATED SHOPS • • • • • •

New Homes Remodeling & Additions Shingled Roofs Steel Roofs Doors & Windows Decks & Siding MN lic# Bc-20460621 ND lic# 32002 Detroit lakes, MN Home (218) 846-0079 cell (218) 849-4489

• Annuals & Perennials • Vegetables, Trees & Shrubs • Hanging Baskets, Pots & Bowls • Landscape & Perennial Design & Installation • Paver Patios, Retaining Walls, Rip Rap • Permeable Pavers • Driveway Pavers

Paving your way into spring.

Experienced & Certified ICPI Certified Level 1 & 2 OUR 15th SEASON!

1 mile North of Detroit Lakes on Richwood Road • 19165 County Hwy. 21

218-847-7520

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Builders Digest 2011

waterwAyS FROM page 20 healthy for the enjoyment of many generations to come.

Fertilizing When it rains, lawns that are over-fertilized can wash pesticides and herbicides into the storm drains on your street, eventually carrying it to the local water source — possibly the source of your drinking water.

According to the Center for Watershed Protection, more than 50 percent of lawn owners fertilize their lawns, but only 10 to 20 percent of those home owners actually perform a soil test to determine the fertilization needs of the lawn. Before you buy your first bag, take time to do the soil test — you may find that you don’t even need to fertilize.

If you do need to fertilize your lawn: • Keep it on the grass, use it sparingly, and consider using organic products • Hold off if there is a chance of a rain storm shortly after applying it to your lawn • When you mow, don’t bag the grass.

The clippings will naturally fertilize your lawn. But sweep those fertilizer-rich clippings off the sidewalk and roadway so they don’t go down the storm drain.

Trees Planting a tree is a great way to help keep polluted stormwater from reaching storm drains. The roots help rain water filter back into the soil, cutting down on excess runoff.

As an added benefit, trees can help cut summer cooling costs by providing shade to the home, and in many cases they help the increase the value of your home.

Gardens Plants that are native to your region require less water and nutrients to survive and are more resistant to pests and disease — therefore less fertilization is required.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin has a

searchable database to help get you started — visit www.wildflower.org/explore to see what flowers, trees and shrubs work best in your community.

Rain Barrels Rain barrels collect stormwater runoff from a home’s roof via the rain gutters. They hold the water temporarily, cutting down on the amount of water that reaches the sewer system. The water can then be used to water lawns and gardens.

Purchase your rain barrel at a local home and garden store or build it yourself — stepby-step instructions are available on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website, www.epa.gov.

These are just a few suggestions to help get you started on the road to a cleaner and healthier community. Get involved in your local watershed organization to find out how you can make a difference. Visit www.epa. gov and search for “surf your watershed.”

For more information on stormwater management and other environmental initiatives, contact visit the National Association of Home Builders at www.nahb.org.

Builders digest 2011

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NORTHLAND

PAINTING & DRYWALL, LLC Detroit Lakes, MN

CommerCial and residential • • • • •

Drywall Hanging • Deck Refinishing Texturing • Insured Wood Finishing • Spray Foam Insulation Taping We DO m Painting-Inside or Out FOa

Owner: Mike Paul

218-849-0649

to w o n l l Ca your plan ject! pro

SPRay TIOn InSula

• Asphalt Driveways • Seal Coat Driveways • Asphalt Parking Lots • Residential/Commercial • Free Estimates

Manning’s Lakes Paving, Inc. Detroit Lakes

218-847-7164

24

Builders digest 2011

Lund Roofing "Quality Starts at the Top"

Trevor Lund - Owner MN Lic# 20631551 Lake Park, MN email: lundroofing@loretel.net

Cell: 701-238-2531

Builders Digest 2011

25

Over 50 years in the Lakes Area

NO

S N TRUCT O C E L IO DS EstabLishED 1955

N

New Construction & Remodeling

Residential • Commercial • Cottages • Cabinets Perry Nodsle

847-7603

1473 Legion Road • Detroit Lakes • Res. 218-847-8347 • Lic. #1834 Wholesale Showroom.

All Purchasing Coordinated with your Contractor.

Appointments recommended Discover a world of ideas from our vast selection of kitchen & bath fixtures.

Allow us to help create the room of your dreams.

Detroit Lakes

620 Davis Avenue Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

218•847•9211 www.goodinco.com

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Builders Digest 2011

HOW TO Ensure a Stress-Free Settlement OR CLOSING Settlement — also referred to as closing — is the final stage of making your dream home your own. The final settlement meeting will usually involve the closing agent, the seller, both real estate agents and you.

Before you sit down at the table to sign the final papers, make sure you have covered all of your bases so that the settlement goes as smoothly as possible.

Prior to closing: • Your lender is required to give you a booklet explaining the closing costs, a “good faith estimate” of how much cash you’ll have to supply at closing, and a list of documents you’ll need at closing.

• Have your real estate agent or the

lender conduct a title search. A title search involves looking through public records to see if anyone else has a claim to your property.

• Determine if you are required to purchase lenders’ title insurance to protect your lender from claims. This insurance can guard against a faulty title search, as well as other issues that can pop up such as liens or development restrictions that even the most thorough search will not reveal.

• Purchase your own title insurance. The lender’s and previous owner’s title insurance will not protect you against a claim.

STRESS FREE to page 28

Builders Digest 2011

27

Making the grade • Demolition • Site Clearing • Dewatering & Soil Correction • Site Grading

218-847-7391 800-726-7643

• Erosion Control: sales installation • Site Utilities: sewer water storm sewer We are located 1 mile north on Hwy. 59 and west on Old Pit Road just over the railroad tracks.

18262 OLD PIT ROAD • DETROIT LAKES, MN 56501

Seamless Gutter Systems

FREE S ESTIMATE CALL WAYNE AT 218-841-0232 or 218-334-4425

28

Builders Digest 2011

STRESS FREE FROM page 26 • Arrange for a home inspection. A home inspection will let you know the condition of your cooling and heating systems, pipes, structure, grade of the land and electrical system. It is strongly suggested that the buyer hire the home inspector. You also should schedule a personal inspection of the home at least 24 hours before settlement to ensure that there has been no recent damage and that the seller has fixed prior agreed-upon issues with the home, if any existed.

Once you get to the settlement table, you will find yourself signing a lot of forms.

Most of these forms will be supplied by the signing agent; however, you will be responsible for bringing a copy of your home owner’s insurance policy with proof of payment and a certified check for closing costs and any remaining portion of your down payment. Check with your agent to see if any other forms are required by the state or local government.

A day or two before the settlement appointment, you will receive a HUD-1 Settlement Statement from the closing agent. This will show you all of the fees associated with the purchase of your new home — which will include the application fee, appraisal fee, closing cost fee, taxes, etc. —and tell you how much money you will have to pay at closing.

Before leaving the table, make sure you are clear on when your first mortgage payment is due and where it should be sent.

A few weeks following settlement you will receive a payment coupon book to send in future payments, or you may be able to arrange to have your payments automatically withdrawn from your bank account each month.

This is just a brief look at what you can expect during your settlement meeting.

Your real estate agent will be able to answer specific questions and concerns that arise during this process.

The Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD) Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) helps consumers become better informed home buyers. You can learn more about RESPA at www.hud. gov/respa.

Contact the Lake Region Builders Association or visit the National Association of Home Builders at www.nahb.org for more information on buying a home.

Builders Digest 2011

We Provide Peace of Mind!

Residential Commercial New Construction We Provide We Provide Service & Installation Peace of ofMind!

Mind!

24Peace Hour Service - 7 Days a Week Residential • Commercial Residential Residential Guaranteed Satisfaction New Construction • Service & Installation Commercial Commercial 24Construction Hour Service - 7 Days A Week New New Construction Never an Overtime Charge!

Service & Installation Service & Installation Guaranteed 24 Hour Service Satisfaction - 7 Days a Week 24 Hour Service - 7 Days aSystems Week Water Softening and Purification Guaranteed Satisfaction

29

W Pea

Reside Comm New C Servic 24 Hou Guara

Guaranteed Satisfaction

Plumbing - Heating - Air Conditioning P Water Treatment - Duct Cleaning - Fireplac Wate Plumbing - Heating - Air Conditioning

847-1309 847-1309 847-1309

Plumbing - Heating Air Conditioning Water Treatment - Duct -Cleaning - Fireplaces Water Treatment - Duct Cleaning - Fireplaces

Come visit our showroom at 1034 Hwy 59 South, Detroit Lakes

Come visit our showroom at 1034 Hwy 59 South, Detroit Com Lake Come visit our showroom at 1034 Hwy 59 South, Detroit Lakes

30

Builders digest 2011

“Licensed Area Contractors Trust Us. Rest Assured, You Can Too!”

Prefinishing Shop & Retail Showroom We sell...

• • • • • • • •

Interior & Exterior Doors T&G Paneling Come Millwork visit our Showroom!

Windows Knob & Lever Locksets Jambs Unfinished or Prefinished Painting or Staining

Commercial & Residential, Interior & Exterior Painting SHANE & TAmi HEiLLE About 1 mile West of 59 on Cty Hwy 6 • “Look for the sign!”

15555 Heille Ridge Lane • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

218-847-5295 Work • 218-847-0005 Fax

Builders Digest 2011

WINDOW WELL COVERS

CUSTOM

31

Clear acrylic allows maximum light.

Unique design keeps water out of the egress well.

Custom made to fit galvanized, cement & timber egress frames.

Custom Plastics Since 1985

We make custom collectibles display cases.

701-280-1993 • 800-380-1993 2310 3rd Avenue N, Fargo, ND 58102

We’ve Got You Covered

When the elements get tough, so does the CertainTeed Roofing Collection. Searching for an extra tough shingle tailor-made for howling winds, driving rain and snow, bonechilling temperatures? CertainTeed has just what you’re looking for. Every CertainTeed asphalt shingle meets or exceeds the performance standards established by ASTM and UL.

For the best in beauty, quality and value, there’s only one choice – CertainTeed roofing products from ProBuild.

We have it all, and we do it all!

• Design Service • FREE Estimates • Installed Services • Boom Delivery • Rooftop Delivery

950 Randolph Road • Detroit Lakes, MN • 218-847-2688

32

Builders Digest 2011

Americans Happy with Homeownership LAKE REGION BUILDERS ASSOCIATION The value of homeownership has been questioned by the media as Americans struggle in the current recession. But the truth is that most families are happy about their choice to buy a home.

Bankrate, Inc., a financial publishing company, recently surveyed more than 1,000 randomly-selected adults about their home purchase and 90 percent responded that they don’t regret buying their home.

Even during tough economic times such as these, many home owners realize that the benefits of homeownership are overwhelming — especially in a time where housing affordability is at its all-time high. Accord-

ing to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), 72.3 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the second quarter of 2010 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,400. At the end of 2007, only 46.6 percent of homes were affordable to families earning the median income.

What are some of the other benefits?

An immediate benefit is that interest rates are at record lows and there is a wide selection of homes on the market to choose from. It’s a buyer’s market. Purchasing a home now will allow you to negotiate for more items on your wish list than when

happy to page 34

Builders digest 2011

Cy Field / Dan Paul Master Electricians

33

•Commercial •Residential •Farm •Industrial

Serving the Detroit Lakes, Waubun and Mahnomen area Office 847-9900 Toll Free 888-856-5676 Cy 849-5564 Dan 218-401-0143

Service available 24-7 Licensed - insured - Bonded

SALES - SERVICE - INSTALLATION The Complete Overhead Door & Rolling Steel Door Company 324 Main Ave East West Fargo, ND 58076 (701) 281-4759 Fax (701) 281-4592 1-800-726-4029

SALES - SERVICE - INSTALLATION

34

Builders Digest 2011

happy FROM page 32 the housing market recovers and you may have to compete with others for your dream home.

A little further down the road, when filing your federal tax returns, you will be able to claim two deductions — the mortgage interest deduction and the property tax deduction.

Much of your monthly payment, especially in the first few years after buying a home, goes towards the interest on the loan and not the principal. The federal government allows you to deduct those interest payments from your taxes in most cases.

State and local property taxes paid on the assessed value of the home are also deductible on your federal return.

For many home owners these combined

tax deductions can result in a tax savings between $5,700 and $11,400, depending on filing status.

Also, homeownership is the biggest source of net worth for most families. It is the one investment that not only can help you put your kids through college or retire comfortably in the future , it can also be used to house your family and create lifetime memories and a strong, healthy community in the meantime. You can’t get that from a stock or a bond.

These are just a few examples of the financial savings and other advantages of homeownership. Learn more in the free “Opportunity Knocks” brochure available from the National Association of Home Builders at www.nahb.org/homebuyerbrochure.

Builders digest 2011

35

Specialty Concrete.

Inc. Concrete, • Driveways • Sidewalks • Patios • Pavers John Bergquist • Walls • Foundations • Tearout & Replace Footings • Colored, Stamped & Decorative Concrete

Specialty Concrete, Inc.

14693 West Lake Sallie Dr. Detroit Lakes, MN Office • (218) 847-3817 Cell • (218) 841-8484

We’ll beat any COMPetItORS WRItten bId by 10% • Service Service All Makes and Models All Makes and Models • Service Gas Fireplaces • Change Outs, Remodel, Additions

• New Construction New Construction Residential & Commercial • Duct Work Installation

801-420-1010 Offer expires December 3, 2011

Builders Digest 2011

36

G & R HILL CONSTRUCTION INC. FOUR GENERATIONS OF QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

Serving the Lakes Area Since 1946 Randy G. Hill 218-841-3490

Gene A. Hill 218-849-7391

LIC. #20062224

FAX: (218) 847-5947 BUILDING TOWARD QUALITY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Insured • Licensed • Bonded • Free Estimates

Plumbing & Heating Rick Sonnenberg Owner • Vergas

218-342-2135 Master License #60657 PM New Construction • Remodeling Jobs Cabin Opening & Closing • Furnaces Heat Pumps • Unit Heaters • Boilers Fireplaces (Gas Piping) • Water Heaters Drain Cleaning • Service/Maintenance

Excavating

Torey Sonnenberg Owner • Vergas

218-342-2135

Septic Systems • Gravel Black Dirt • General Excavating Water Lines • Retaining Walls • Rip Rap Landscaping • Demolition • Tree Removal

CommeRCial and ReSidenTial

Builders digest 2011

37

DETROIT LAKES PUBLIC UTILITIES providing quality electrical, water, wastewater, data/communications and internet services

When building or remodeling your home or business, make sure you contact us for latest services and cost saving programs being offered.

• Up to $200 rebates on new energy efficient electric water heaters • $300 rebates on new qualifying energy efficient central air conditioning or air-to-air heat pumps.

• Low cost rental security and yard lighting • Special off peak electric heating rates • Separate metering option for outdoor watering • Broadband Data Communications & Internet Services

City Owned and Operated Utilities offer Consumer Protection City of Detroit Lakes at its very best.

1025 Roosevelt Avenue, Detroit Lakes City of Detroit Lakes 218-847-7609

y of Detroit Lakes

dlpublic@lakesnet. net

LakesNet Internet and Broadband Communication Services City of Detroit Lakes LakesNet • Detroit Lakes Public Utility • 1025 Roosevelt Avenue P.O. Box 647 • Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56502-0647

Your hometown Internet provider.

Serving the City of Detroit Lakes and surrounding area since 1997.

Connections include: • Dial-up Internet beginning at $9.95 per month • Fiber Optics • High Speed Internet

High Spee d pa start at juckages $36.50 pe st r montH For addit ! iona

l informa contact L tion, akesNet at 847-76 or info@ 09, lakesnet. net

Builders Digest 2011

38

Questions to ask before hiring a contractor for your

building or remodeling project How long have you been a contractor?

Do you have references?

Do you have liability insurance?

Have any complaints been filed against you?

What is your role in the company?

Will you be my contact on this project or will it be someone else?

Do you participate in a local trade association?

Are you involved in any local civic organizations (e.g., chamber of commerce)?

Your building or remodeling project is important. You want the highest quality product, which you can only expect from licensed contractors.

Talk to prospective contractors to find the person who is right for your project.

Ask for estimates Ask for a written estimate of the work to be done based on a set of plans and specifications. This is a time-consuming process for the contractor, so you should be prepared to pay for this package.

Apples to Apples Make sure that you’re comparing apples to apples. Estimates from different contractors need to be based on identical project specifications. Make sure each bid includes everything you’ve asked for. Change orders (that is, changes to your project after you’ve begun) can be very expensive.

Should I make my decision based on price?

Conventional wisdom states that you should “get at least three bids” before hiring a contractor. But it’s a mistake to let price alone drive your selection. If you like a contractor and are confident that he would do a good job, don’t automatically switch to another contractor (who may not rank as high in customer service, competence, communication, etc.) if the estimate is more than you can afford. You may be able to scale down by making a few modifications - using quality stock rather than custom designed cabinets or selecting less expensive appliances or fixtures.

Builders Digest 2011

One contractor start to finish...

39

• Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Painting • Drywall • Steel Stud Framing INSULATION:

• Blow in • Fiberglass Batts • Spray Foam

218-847-3329 If your patio doors stick, squeak or leak, these could take some getting used to.

If your patio doors have seen better days, it's time to replace them with Andersen® 400 Series Frenchwood® gliding patio doors. They give you custom sizes, seven hardware selections and your choice of pine, oak, maple or prefinished white interiors. With low-maintenance exteriors and new High-Per formance™ Low-E4™ glass, these doors are the per fect combination of beauty, convenience and energy efficiency.

DL Window & Door Inc. (single dealer)

Dealer Imprint Area 914 8TH ST. S.E., DETROIT LAKES, MN 56501

andersenwindows.com © 2007 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

218-847-8708 www.dlwindow.com

Discover the difference an Andersen patio door can make.

Visit our showroom today.

Builders digest 2011

40

Info from your DL City Utilities...

Don’t Put Down Your Sewer

Safe for Your Sewer System Wastewater from washing up. laundry, bathing or other personal uses.

Milk (in small amounts).

Out of date juice.

Paper and plastic.

Fats, oils and grease from cooking.

Solvents, paints, polish removers.

Sanitary products.

Motor oils, transmission fluids, anti-freeze or other toxic chemicals.

City of Detroit Lakes www.groundwater.org

1044 West Willow Street • Detroit Lakes

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 10am to 5pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 27 11am to 4pm

KENT FREEMAN SPORTS ARENA DETROIT LAKES

and

Show

Sponsored by Lake Region Builders Association

$1.00 FROM EACH ADMISSION IS DONATED TO THE BECKER COUNTY FOOD PANTRY

BUILDERS DIGEST 2011

Protect Your Home and Family Choose from a wide variety of security options: • Residential Security Systems • Remote Temperature and Water Monitoring • 24/7 Alarm Monitoring Service • Video Surveillance

Protect your Home and Family today.

866-937-4227 security@arvig.com

Security Solutions www.arvig.com

Your Neighbor With The Right Connections!

• • • • •

Internet Digital TV HDTV DVR Phone

• • • •

Security Solutions Telephone Systems Verizon Wireless and More

340 Hwy 10 W • Detroit Lakes • 844-4ACS • www.arvig.com

BUILDERS DIGEST 2011

Quality Homes Crafted with Care. 

For unparalleled craftsmanship, innovative design and good old-fashioned service, make us your builder of choice.

Lic. #20164882



• General Contractors • New Homes • Remodeling • Residential • Commercial

DON TIETZ CONSTRUCTION, INC. “The name built on quality”

439-6271

Over thirty years of excellence

Don & Coleen