Home Spaces December 2019

NEED A CONTRACTOR?

Tips for selecting a home services provider

By Andrea Busche

It’s a bitterly cold day, and wouldn’t you know it? Your furnace goes out. The furnace was already there when you bought the home, and you have no idea who installed it. How do you find a reputable contractor to repair or replace it? Where do you even begin?

Arrowhead Builders Association (ABA), located at 5255 Maple Grove Road in Hermantown, can help. ABA is a non-profit organization, started in 1952, with a mission of advancing the building industry.

Although they have just two employees, ABA maintains a vast array of affiliated, local tradespeople who have all been stringently vetted to ensure they are licensed, insured, and their work will be done to code. ABA is also governed by a board of directors.

ABA-affiliated tradespeople cover just about every project a homeowner could need help with, from roofing and flooring to concrete, sheetrock, plumbing, electrical and many more. In fact, ABA can likely provide several contractor options for your project. ABA serves a six-county area, including Aitken, Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties in Minnesota, and Douglas County in Wisconsin.

Best of all? There is no charge to contact ABA for advice or assistance.

If you are looking for a home services provider, consider making ABA the first call you make in your research process. It could save you plenty of money, time, and hassle in the long run.

HOW THEY CAN HELP

Chelle Eliason, executive officer of ABA, said there are two primary reasons that homeowners call ABA.

“People call us primarily for referrals,” she said. “We can refer homeowners to a provider, such as a plumber or electrician, or to a supplier. All of our tradespeople are licensed; it’s a requirement. We also do the research to make sure they have insurance and bonding.

“But they also call us for assistance,” she added. “If the homeowner hired someone who is unlicensed, or left the job incomplete – they can call us and there is a process we use for reporting that person or company.”

It is important to note that ABA does not conduct homeowner-con-

tractor mediation. But they do provide a list of attorneys who specialize in these types of issues.

DIY – WITH CAUTION

Many people enjoy doing home projects themselves. But Eliason advises against it in a few instances.

“I would always recommend hiring a professional in a situation where a person could be seriously injured, such as with plumbing, electrical,

roofing, or working with natural gas,” she said.

If it’s a project the homeowner can safely tackle, however, Eliason recommends their first call be to their city’s building inspection department. Even for small projects, there are often codes to follow and permits required.

“In the city of Duluth, for instance, there are permits required even for putting up a fence,” Eliason said.

“Homeowners sometimes fear the officials working in government offices, but they are there to help. They are a good resource.”

COST COMPARISON

While ABA can provide a comprehensive list of tradespeople for you to consider, they cannot provide pricing. Eliason recommends calling around and getting multiple estimates before hiring a contractor.

“Don’t go by the estimates you find on the internet. You’ll need to call around for your individual situation,” she said. “And make sure the details of your project are specific, so you can compare apples to apples.”

HORROR STORIES

Eliason has heard plenty of horror stories in her seven years on the job. For instance, permitting.

“We always tell homeowners ‘do not pull your own permits,’” she said.

“The name that appears on the permit is the person ultimately responsible for the work being done correctly.”

“And all kinds of residual issues can happen down the line as a result of their name being on that permit –a lender might not be able to help a homeowner re-finance the property; the homeowner might not be able to get their full amount of homeowners’ insurance; or the homeowner might not even be able to re-sell the home if the work wasn’t done correctly.”

Ensuring that your contractor carries appropriate insurance is another important point. If your roofer, for instance, doesn’t have the appropriate insurance and they fall off your roof, you, or your homeowner’s insurance company, may be sued.

DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE

When selecting your next home services provider, keep in mind that the onus for a job well done ultimately falls on the homeowner’s shoulders.

So, make sure you do your research in advance to ensure the contractor you select is truly the best person for the job. This includes asking plenty of questions about their insurance, bonding, and licensure, along with knowledge of current coding issues. “It’s wise to invest more time upfront to make sure the work is done properly,” Eliason said.

For more information, call Arrowhead Builders Association at 218-722-5707.

Prevent the hazard of overloaded electrical circuits

A home is a safe haven for its residents. No matter what's going on at school or the office, many people know they can relax in comfort and safety when they arrive home at the end of a day.

Safety at home is something that can be taken for granted until it's too late. The National Fire Protection Association notes that each year more than 47,000 home fires in the United States are caused by electrical failure or malfunction.

Overloaded electrical circuits are a frequent culprit in residential fires. Fortunately, overloaded circuits are preventable. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, the following are some potential indicators that circuits are overloaded.

· Flickering, blinking or dimming lights

Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses

· Warm or discolored

Small kitchen improvements that maximize functionality

Many homeowners wish for expansive kitchens. Modernized kitchens that include sought after features and showcase the latest trends go a long way to improving the overall value of a home.

As desirable as such kitchens may be, some homes simply don't have enough space for a centerfold-worthy kitchen featuring an island, wine refrigerator and walk-in pantry.

However, homeowners with small kitchens can still improve the form and function of their existing spaces.

RECONFIGURE AND REVAMP CABINETRY

Homeowners whose kitchens are small often lament their lack of storage. Redesigning the layout of cabinets, and possibly adding some more cabinetry, may take care of certain storage issues. Try utilizing corner space with LeMans units, lazy susans and other gadgets to make access to these areas easier. Going vertical with wall cabinets that extend to the ceiling also can add more storage, as can roll-in work carts.

WORK WITH THE WALLS

Small kitchens require clever usage of vertical space. Vertical storage units, hooks, shelving, and more can move items out of drawers and off of counters. Consider an under-the-cabinet toaster oven and microwave to create more counter space.

USE SCALED-DOWN APPLIANCES

Shop with size in mind when looking at new appliances if you have a small kitchen. Compact versions won't take up as much space as larger

wall plates

· Cracking, sizzling or buzzing from receptacles Burning odor coming from receptacles or wall switches

· Mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles or switches.

Learning to recognize the signs of overloaded circuits is an important step in making homes safe, as the NFPA notes that home fires contribute to hundreds of deaths and more than 1,500 injuries each year. Such fires also hit homeowners in their pocketbooks, causing an estimated $1.4 billion in property damage annually.

Prevention is another key component when safeguarding a home and its residents from fires sparked by electrical failures of malfunctions. The ESFI offers the following tips to prevent electrical overloads. Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances.

· All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Only one heatproducing appliance should be plugged into a receptacle outlet at any given time.

· Consider adding new outlets to your home. Heavy reliance on extension cords indicates that your home does not have enough outlets. Bring in a qualified electrician to inspect your home to determine if more outlets are necessary.

· Recognize that power strips only add additional outlets; they do not change the amount of power being received from the outlet. Fires sparked by electrical circuit overload pose a significant threat. Thankfully, such fires are preventable. Learn more at www.esfi.org.

Modernized kitchens that include sought after features and showcase the latest trends go a long way to improving the overall value of a home.

space." Glass also can be reflective, visually expanding the space.

EMBRACE HIGHEND MATERIALS

alternatives. Homeowners should consider the ultimate function of the kitchen and then think about which appliances will serve them well. Homeowners with small kitchens may not need a large stand mixer or an oversized commercial stove.

ADD SOME GLASS

The DIY Network recommends incorporating glass to improve the perception of space in small kitchens. Glass lets you see through the objects, thereby enhancing the feeling of spaciousness or what designers call "negative

It costs less to renovate small spaces than bigger areas, so homeowners may be able to afford high-end materials that really add personality to a kitchen. Flooring, counter materials and quality fixtures can really set small kitchens apart. Small kitchens can be culinary havens with the right improvements to maximize the space.

Each year more than 47,000 home fires in the United States are caused by electrical failure or malfunction.

ome ownership is a dream for many people. In fact, buying a home is considered by many people to be a major life accomplishment.

Various factors determine what makes a home an attractive place to live. While some considerations may overlap, others may be unique to individual buyers. Those new to the real estate arena may want to consider the following factors as they search for a new place to call home.

1: PROPERTY TAXES

Property taxes can greatly affect the overall cost of living in a particular home. Property taxes are generally levied by each county and often include taxes paid to schools, utility companies and municipal governments. Property taxes will usually be factored into a monthly mortgage payment, and how high (or low) taxes are can turn an affordable mortgage payment into something that can break a budget. When calculating payments, be sure to include property taxes in your estimates.

“It’s also good to check into whether there are any upcoming communi-

Those new to the real estate arena will want to consider many factors as they search for a new place to call home.

ty projects that will add assessments to your property taxes,” said Jamie Sathers-Day of JS Realty.

2: JOB SECURITY/AVAILABILITY

The financial resource Fortune Builder says to consider your job security before taking the home ownership plunge. Before committing to an investment as substantial as a home, ensure that you are secure in your job. Similarly, if you are relocating for job

prospects, verify that the new location has a thriving job market.

“Buying a home is a long-term investment for most people,” added Julie Sathers of JS Realty, “so make sure you have a secure job and plan on being there for at least several years.”

3: LOCAL SCHOOLS

For potential homeowners with children or those planning on becoming parents, area schools should merit

significant consideration. Research school rankings and reviews, but know that rankings can change. Look at the school budget history of towns you’re considering as well, to see if residents prioritize funding for education. This can be a measure of how important education is in a given community.

“You can also plan a visit to the school for a tour and to meet the principal and faculty” advised Jackie Sathers of JS Realty.

4: COMMUTE TIMES

Home ownership involves both lifestyle and financial decisions. Calculate the time it will take to travel to and from work when considering a certain town or neighborhood. Find out if there is mass transit and what options are available for off-hour travel needs.

5: LIFESTYLE OPTIONS

Quality nightlife, arts and history, community events, proximity to cultural centers or cities, and other factors are at play in choosing a home. Make sure your new community allows you to still enjoy the things you’re passionate about.

Steps to take before leaving recyclables at the curb

Recycling will play a vital role in the future of the planet. As climate change continues to threaten the long-term health of the planet, the necessity to recycle and reuse only becomes more paramount.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, decomposing garbage, such as that which finds its way into landfills, generates methane. Methane is considerably more effective at trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere than carbon dioxide and contributes heavily to climate change. By recycling items rather than

discarding them, people can play an active and effective role at combatting climate change. In addition, recycling helps cut back on the release of harmful greenhouse gases that are produced during the manufacturing process. Community recycling programs have been around for decades in many communities, and these programs are only as effective as the people who recycle. Learning how to treat common recyclables before depositing them into designated recycling bins can help people ensure their efforts are having the impact

they intended.

RINSE JARS, BOTTLES AND CANS

Items that are not rinsed before they’re placed in recycling cans run the risk of contaminating everything within. While each community program is different, recycling bins deemed contaminated may be redirected to landfills. Residential Waste Systems, a Connecticut-based trash and recycling removal firm, recommends rinsing all jars, bottles and cans that contain visible resi-

due before depositing them in the recycling bin.

LEARN WHICH ITEMS CAN BE RECYCLED

Contact your local recycling firm for a list of items that can and cannot be recycled. Many people unknowingly deposit items that cannot be recycled into their recycling bins, potentially contaminating their bins and rendering them more likely to end up in a landfill than a recycling center. By contacting your recycling center in advance, you can reduce the risk that

all your hard recycling work will be for naught.

INSPECT PAPER PRODUCTS

If various paper products are accepted by your local recycling center, you must still inspect them before placing them in your recycling bin. For example, a pizza box may be recyclable, but likely isn’t if it’s covered in grease. Inspect each potentially recyclable paper product to make sure there’s nothing present that might lead to it being designated as contaminated.

(MS) - Finding more space to store and display all the “stuff” used for day-to-day living, as well as life’s pleasures, can be an adventure that ends with everything in its perfect place. Woodcraft can help you with a few ideas to kickstart your space hunt and then suggestions for tools and supplies to make your storage projects successful.

Small tables with enclosed storage underneath, chests and trunks that provide seating, benches with built-in storage, beds with built-in space underneath or in the headboard, and kitchen islands with concealed nooks are all options to manage “stuff.”

In the kitchen, add drawers to the space (toe-kick) beneath lower cabinets to store rarely used items. Shelving and bookcases, either builtin or freestanding/open or enclosed, will transform unused wall areas or sections of large closets into instant storage for a wide range of items. Nooks cut out of the wall and covered by pictures offer one of many concealed storage options that also include nooks or drawers in the sides of enclosed staircases.

The ideas for storage and display projects are endless and can be found through Internet searches and on Woodcraft.com in books like “Stanley Built-Ins & Storage” by David Schiff, in the Woodcraft blog, and in free videos and articles.

PLAN FOR PAINTING

UP FRONT

“When choosing where to develop storage and display space, you have the opportunity to rethink the colors in rooms where changes will be made,” Woodcraft Public Relations Manager and blogger Lori Harper said. “By using paint in building, buying or repurposing storage pieces, you can change or supplement an existing color palette.” Woodcraft stocks a wide selection of finishing and paint products, including the versatile General Finishes Milk Paint, General Finishes Flat Out Flat Topcoat, Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint, and Black Dog Salvage Guard Dog and Show Dog Topcoats.

BUILDING

MADE EASY

Pocket-hole joinery is

a quick, easy way to join wood pieces for building projects. Kreg makes it simple with a pockethole jig for every application to create very strong joints. Check out Festool’s CXS Compact Drill Driver Set for drilling pocket holes and adding pocket screws, as well as handling other day-to-day drilling and driving challenges with comfort. Tight spaces, dark spots, and corners are no match for it. For projects that require using nearly invisible fasteners, the industrial strength Grex 23-gauge Headless Pinner leaves only the tiniest of entry holes, making it ideally suited for finishing work, detailed woodworking, light wood assembly, decorative trim, dowel and joint pinning, and picture frame assembly. To provide air pressure for the pinner, Rolair’s JC10PLUS Compressor is a good choice. The oilless machine features a 1 HP, single-stage, twocylinder motor/pump and a stainless steel reed valve that runs on low RPM for optimum quiet operation.

Building drawers is easy with the Kreg Drawer Slide Jig that supports drawer boxes while mounting slides to the drawer. The jig works with ball-bearing, epoxy-coated, and undermount slides for

perfect positioning every time. Whether you’re boring shelf pin holes in a new entertainment center or adding adjustable shelving in an existing cabinet, the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig will help you get the job done quickly and accurately. The Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig makes it easy to install knobs and pulls on drawers and doors.

SHORTCUTS & SAFETY

To save time when building drawers, check out the Ready-to-Use Prefinished Birch Drawer Sides at Woodcraft. For some really madeto-order storage units, use WoodRiver Cubby Cube Connectors. Available in three configurations - cross-brackets, T-brackets or L-brackets -these handy connectors allow for quick and easy construction of multiple cube storage using 3/4”-thick material in any size you need. Protect your ears while using power tools with ISOtunes Professional Noise Isolating Earbuds - OSHA-approved hearing protection and Bluetooth technology so you can connect to a smartphone and listen to music. If protection is all you need, consider the Pyramex BP 3000 Banded Earplugs. To