Spring 2018 home improvement

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 8

WINDOWS & DOORS TO ELEVATE YOUR EVERYDAY!

IMPROVEMENT How to Transform a Room Weekend Home Projects Creating a Healthier Home Improve Your Outdoor Living Experience Creating a Sale-Worthy Showplace Turn the page to find help with these ideas and more!

971 Plaza Street W Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-377-4284

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper

SPRING 2018

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 2

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 7

Complete These Home Improvements Over The Weekend Home improvement projects ramp up when the weather warms up, as homeowners channel the rejuvenating feelings of spring and tackle their home to-do lists. Largescale renovations can greatly affect a home, but smaller projects can yield impressive results and be completed over the course of a single weekend.

If time is of the essence, these weekend or one-day projects may satisfy homeowners’ desires to fix up their homes.

• Create an accent wall. Painting a focal wall in a home can create a serious impact. The bonus is it will not take as long or require as many materials as painting an entire room. Accent walls frequently feature a bold color, so decide on placement and tackle this project in less than a day.

• Install stair runners. Dress up hardwood stairs with decorative carpet runners. Runners come in elongated pieces of carpeting or individual pieces that can be placed on each step. If carpeting doesn’t fit with the home’s design, painting individual stair treads also

can create visual appeal.

space.

• Dress up the entryway. An entryway is a guest’s first impression of a home. Many entryways can use a minor overhaul, both inside and outside. Paint the front door a different color so it pops from the curb. Install a new mailbox or decorative house numbers. A new welcome mat can change the look as well. Inside, consider laying a new floor. Resilient vinyl tiles come in many different patterns and can mimic the look of wood, travertine or marble.

Installing a floor can take a day or two.

• Install a fresh light fixture.

Improve drab spaces with a little illumination. Better Homes & Gardens suggests replacing an existing fixture with something new and vibrant. If hanging a new fixture is not within one’s skill set, free-standing table or floor lamps also can cast a new glow on a space.

• Install a new faucet. Instantly improve a kitchen or a bathroom with new fixtures. New faucets can provide aesthetic appeal and lowflow faucets can help conserve water.

• Add molding. Molding can add instant aesthetic appeal to a room. Molding is appropriate near the floor, at the top of walls where they meet the ceiling, or even mid-wall as a chair rail. Some homeowners like to create framed molding on walls in formal living spaces.

• Update kitchen or bathroom hardware. Replacing hardware is a fast and easy project, but

one that can have immediate impact. Swap out tired or outdated hardware for newer brushed metals and more impactful shapes and designs.

Home renovations do not need to take weeks or months. Many projects can be completed over the course of a weekend.

• Create a gallery on the staircase. Gather and arrange framed photos, artwork or wall accents so that they ascend the wall of a staircase. This creates a designer touch and can dress up an often barren area of wall

• INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • AGRICULTURAL

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Use Renovations to Create Healthier Homes Home renovation projects are done for several different reasons, whether to update styles, repair damaged or broken items or to achieve more living space.

More than ever before, homeowners are choosing improvement projects geared toward making their homes healthier.

Establishing a healthy home means different things to different people. For example, to an environmentalist, a healthy home may incorporate eco-friendly or green products. To those with young children or mobilityimpaired seniors, a healthy home may be one free from potential hazards. Others may view a healthy home as one that alleviates allergies.

The World Health Organizations says inadequate housing conditions, such as poor ventilation, radon, urban pollution, and moisture issues, can contribute to many preventable diseases and injuries — especially respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as a top five environmental risk to public health. EPA studies have found that indoor air pollution levels were roughly two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels.

People interested in making their homes healthier can embrace these renovations and lifestyle changes.

• Be aware of furniture materials.

Toxic PBDEs, which are chemicals used as flame retardants on furniture fabrics produced prior

to 2006, can send toxins into the air. Some manufacturers may still use these flame retardants in new forms, but with similar risks.

Before purchasing furniture, ask if a product is treated, and select naturally fire-resistant materials like wool and cotton.

• Lighten up. Lighting is often under appreciated but can have a dramatic impact on whether a home feels inviting, warm and/ or uplifting. Experiment with different types of bulbs and lighting fixtures to turn drab and dreary environments into brighter places.

Lighting may improve mood and productivity.

• Let the sun shine in. Modify window treatments to let more sunlight into the house. There is evidence that the sun, particularly UV light, is a potent bactericide.

The Sunlight Institute advises that there’s no harm in letting natural sunlight do its work, as bacteria within eight feet of low-intensity UV light can be killed in 10 minutes.

published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology has found regular inhalation of wood smoke limits immune activity and function, and anyone who burns wood indoors should be aware of these potential health risks. Ensuring proper ventilation of smoke and routinely cleaning the chimney can help cut down on particulate matter.

• Turn to nontoxic cleaning products, pesticides and insecticides. Always opt for nontoxic, natural products when cleaning in and around the house.

• Declutter the home. A cluttered, hectic space can affect emotions and mental state, never mind attracting dust and making a home harder to clean. Spending time in spaces that do not elicit stressful feelings is healthier and can help residents to rest and recharge.

Making a home healthier can be on the list of this year’s renovation plans.

• Inspect and service woodburning appliances. A study

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Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 6

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 3

Items to Improve Outdoor Living Spaces

Spring Home Improvement...Changing a Room...

A room’s design can literally affect your mood. When you start getting sick of looking at your home décor, or just want to feel different about your home for an upcoming get together, you can instantly transform a room without overspending. We’re not talking about a full makeover mindset, but instead investing in a few statement pieces that will make a large impact.

DIM THE ROOM A room dimmer for all lamps and lighting sources allows for flexibility depending on the time of day, event or mood, plus they provide energy savings.

Turning the light level up or down or investing in various lampshades can

instantly change the feel of a room.

TRANSFORM WITH RUGS Adding an area rug with a pattern or color is a budget-friendly instant statement that can be put over carpet or wood floors to create a new look or warmth.

ADD CANDLES Candles are a very inexpensive way to instantly change the space by adding a table centerpiece or strategically placing them around the room for a soothing, mellow effect.

REARRANGE THE WALL A gallery wall is a great way to change

your decorating strategy. The great thing about them is that every single one of them is different. Family photos or artwork can be hung in several different ways to create a completely different look.

USE YOUR MANTELS There are several places throughout your home that can easily be changed.

When the mood strikes for a holiday or season, one of the easiest things to change is a mantel. It doesn’t have to be complicated or filled with many things. Usually you can start with one larger item placed in either the center or to one side, then add things to suit your taste.

SWITCH UP ACCESSORIES The accessories, knickknacks and table displays you use in a room are all super effective ways to change the vibe of a space. Adding some trim or a band of fabric is great when spicing up curtains.

Couch cushions, pillows, or throws can instantly tie together a color scheme.

DO SOME REARRANGING Remember that the arrangement of the room’s contents are nearly as important as the contents themselves. Unexpected items placed throughout the home can keep a room fresh.

For All Your Electrical Needs

The popularity of outdoor living spaces has been growing for years.

Outdoor living spaces may also be sound investments for homeowners looking to improve the resale value of their properties. Outdoor living spaces can return between 55-71 percent of homeowners’ initial investments at resale.

When planning an outdoor living space, homeowners with ample backyards have much to work with. However, to make the most of the space while simultaneously hoping to get as strong a return on their investments as possible, homeowners should look to create spaces that offer broad appeal and are not too personalized. The following

Outdoor kitchens Outdoor kitchens allow homeowners to prepare more than just traditional backyard barbecue fare. A standalone charcoal grill in the backyard might get the job done, but a built-in gas grill complete with burners and surrounding granite countertop makes for a more functional outdoor entertaining space.

Warming features

Bars Indoor entertaining areas often include bars, so it makes sense that homeowners want to include a place to prepare

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and serve beverages to their guests.

Homeowners with room in their budgets may want to install wet bars where they can rinse mixers, glasses and other items needed to prepare drinks for their guests.

are some popular outdoor living space features homeowners may want to consider.

Features that can keep homeowners and their guests warm after the sun sets include outdoor fireplaces and firepits.

Fireplaces and firepits were the most popular outdoor design element in the past few years. Such features can provide a focal point in the backyard while also extending the outdoor living season into autumn and even early winter.

Porch space Outdoor living spaces are often found in the backyard, but homeowners with bigger front yards than backyards may want to expand or open their porch spaces to create more space outside. Porch swings and rocking chairs provide a great place to relax, and porch spaces are covered, meaning homeowners can continue to enjoy time outside even when it begins to rain.

Outdoor living spaces are growing in popularity. Homeowners who want to capitalize on this trend can do so in various ways.

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Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 4

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 5

Create a Sale-Worthy Showplace The sentiment “don’t judge a book by its cover” can be applied to many situations. When it comes to selling their homes, homeowners should remember this adage as they prepare their homes for prospective buyers.

Homeowners who want to make their properties stand out can take the following steps.

Improve the exterior.

De-personalize the home.

Homeowners fill their spaces with family photos, heirlooms, personal interests, and other conversation

Creative

pieces. Prospective buyers may not be able to see past personal belongings and may even be distracted by them. For example, buyers who have strong beliefs about animal welfare may not buy a home displaying hunting trophies. Remove personalized items where possible, replacing them with generic items.

HGTV says that curb appeal is crucial to making a strong first impression. A messy or lackluster

DO IT THE RIGHT WAY THE FIRST TIME

concrete concrete Creative

www.Granicreteminnesota.com

www.GranicreteMinnesota.com

507-373-3547 Free Estimates • Bonded • Insured

424 Bridge Ave. | Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-3547

507-373-0409 Cell 507-391-2362

2315 Louisianna Ave. | Golden Valley, MN 55427 424 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN 2315 Louisianna Ave. 71338 180th St. • Albert Lea, MN Golden Valley, MN MN License #20037743

Root River Hardwoods, Inc.

landscape can turn buyers away even before they reach the front door. Mow the lawn and make sure shrubbery has been trimmed.

Seasonal potted flowers and plants can help make the house look polished. Repair cracks or damaged walkways, and consider a fresh coat of paint on trim around windows and doors. Pressure-wash siding if necessary.

Put things in storage.

Rent a storage unit to house items that can make a home appear

cluttered. Clean out closets and cabinets, so that when buyers “snoop” during appointments or open houses they see orderly storage areas. If closets are brimming with stuff, buyers may assume the house doesn’t have enough storage space and move on.

Make it light and bright.

Open up all of the drapes and blinds, and turn on overhead lights so the house is well-lit. Add table lamps or other fixtures to especially

Custom SOLID Cabinetry WOOD PRODUCTS and Custom Cabinetry & Furniture Furniture

dim rooms.

Use common ‘scents’.

Create a hotel experience.

Skip the fish, bacon or other aromatic meals for a few days, as such foods can leave lingering aromas. Baked goods, vanilla and cinnamon might make for more appealing scents.

Forbes suggests making bathrooms look like a spa. Stack a few pretty washcloths tied with ribbon, add some scented candles and faux plants and buy bathmats and towels in coordinating tones.

Remove extraneous items from kitchen counters and replace them with vases of flowers. In addition, set up dining spaces as if one were sitting down to a meal, and ensure appliances are sparkling clean.

Albert Lea, Minnesota

507-884-0200

Making a home sell fast involves preparation and the knowledge that buyers are often greatly influenced by their first impressions.

DESIGN | INSTALL | MAINTAIN New Construction, Residential, Commercial 24 HOUR SERVICE – FREE ESTIMATES

www.platinumplumbingmn.com

Ohnstad Painting.com

Licensed & Insured #20573223

we do it all

Steve Schulz Steve

507-826-3161 Home Make-Up Artist

115 1st Street NW

Schulz New Richland, MN“For 56072 All Your Construction Needs”

507.383.2876 Roofing • Decks • Siding steve@solidwoodproducts.net 507.383.2876 www.solidwoodproducts.net Additions • Garages Custom Built Homes

Property Maintenance

115 1st. St. N.W. New Richland, MN

SOLID WOOD PRODUCTS steve@solidwoodproducts.net www.solidwoodproducts.net

• Taping • Dry Wall • Plaster Repair • Painted Woodwork Happy to be in Albert Lea. • Remove Old Popcorn Texture As your new natural gas supplier, Minnesota Energy

KEVIN OHNSTAD, Protecting Surfaces for 20 Years Resources wants you to know about rebate programs CALL TODAY FORairYOUR on appliances, heating systems, sealing FREE and insulation, water heaters, and much more!

CALL MARK AT

(Red Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Etc.)

Also: Trim, Paneling, Flooring, Stair Parts, Doors & Plywood

If you have questions, call our customer service at 800-889-9508.

507-383-0339

Albert Lea’s Most Experienced & Reliable Full-Service Residential & Commercial

TREE CARE &

REMOVAL PROVIDER Come Visit Our Showroom 1300 Energy Drive • Preston, MN 55965 1.507.765.2284 • preston@rootriverhardwoods.com ____________________________________ 404 Airport Road • Albert Lea, MN 56007 1.507.377.8781 • albertlea@rootriverhardwoods.com

www.rootriverhardwoods.com

507-369-8388 ROOTED IN INTEGRITY

ESTIMATE

Visit minnesotaenergyresources.com.

Shopper

The

Services Roofing Siding Windows Doors Garages Additions Kitchens Bathrooms Decks Flooring Tiling Waterproofing General Contractor New Construction Additions Barn Restoration AG Buildings Pole Buildings Barns Roofing Siding Windows

Concrete Services Stone Patios Driveway Basement Block Wall Repair Color Concrete Waterproofing Foundation Walls Landscaping Co mplete Landscaping & Services Design Installation Maintenance Prompt, Reliable Services at Competitive Rates!

Licensed, Bonded & Insured Lic. #BC270500

Albert Lea, MN

Over 20 Years Experience Call 507-318-0928 or 507-383-2719 MN License #BC688031

Freeborn County

A_ME15-0615 Freeborn County Shoper Ad_Final.indd 1

Suppliers of Quality Kiln Dried Hardwood Lumber

Siding • Windows • Roofing Gutters • Gutter Protection Doors • Decks • Drywall General Residential Carpentry

www.minnesotacustomremodelers.com 6/19/15 8:43 AM

Locally Owned & Owner Operated

Means Personal & Timely Service ~ No BS with TS! (No Bad Service) ~

We Have Over 100 Roll Off Dumpsters In 12 yd, 20 yd, 30 yd and 40 yd Sizes to Fit Your Needs!

THOMPSON SANITATION OFFICE 256-4370 108 W. MAIN, PO BOX 154 • CLARKS GROVE, MN

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 4

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 5

Create a Sale-Worthy Showplace The sentiment “don’t judge a book by its cover” can be applied to many situations. When it comes to selling their homes, homeowners should remember this adage as they prepare their homes for prospective buyers.

Homeowners who want to make their properties stand out can take the following steps.

Improve the exterior.

De-personalize the home.

Homeowners fill their spaces with family photos, heirlooms, personal interests, and other conversation

Creative

pieces. Prospective buyers may not be able to see past personal belongings and may even be distracted by them. For example, buyers who have strong beliefs about animal welfare may not buy a home displaying hunting trophies. Remove personalized items where possible, replacing them with generic items.

HGTV says that curb appeal is crucial to making a strong first impression. A messy or lackluster

DO IT THE RIGHT WAY THE FIRST TIME

concrete concrete Creative

www.Granicreteminnesota.com

www.GranicreteMinnesota.com

507-373-3547 Free Estimates • Bonded • Insured

424 Bridge Ave. | Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-3547

507-373-0409 Cell 507-391-2362

2315 Louisianna Ave. | Golden Valley, MN 55427 424 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN 2315 Louisianna Ave. 71338 180th St. • Albert Lea, MN Golden Valley, MN MN License #20037743

Root River Hardwoods, Inc.

landscape can turn buyers away even before they reach the front door. Mow the lawn and make sure shrubbery has been trimmed.

Seasonal potted flowers and plants can help make the house look polished. Repair cracks or damaged walkways, and consider a fresh coat of paint on trim around windows and doors. Pressure-wash siding if necessary.

Put things in storage.

Rent a storage unit to house items that can make a home appear

cluttered. Clean out closets and cabinets, so that when buyers “snoop” during appointments or open houses they see orderly storage areas. If closets are brimming with stuff, buyers may assume the house doesn’t have enough storage space and move on.

Make it light and bright.

Open up all of the drapes and blinds, and turn on overhead lights so the house is well-lit. Add table lamps or other fixtures to especially

Custom SOLID Cabinetry WOOD PRODUCTS and Custom Cabinetry & Furniture Furniture

dim rooms.

Use common ‘scents’.

Create a hotel experience.

Skip the fish, bacon or other aromatic meals for a few days, as such foods can leave lingering aromas. Baked goods, vanilla and cinnamon might make for more appealing scents.

Forbes suggests making bathrooms look like a spa. Stack a few pretty washcloths tied with ribbon, add some scented candles and faux plants and buy bathmats and towels in coordinating tones.

Remove extraneous items from kitchen counters and replace them with vases of flowers. In addition, set up dining spaces as if one were sitting down to a meal, and ensure appliances are sparkling clean.

Albert Lea, Minnesota

507-884-0200

Making a home sell fast involves preparation and the knowledge that buyers are often greatly influenced by their first impressions.

DESIGN | INSTALL | MAINTAIN New Construction, Residential, Commercial 24 HOUR SERVICE – FREE ESTIMATES

www.platinumplumbingmn.com

Ohnstad Painting.com

Licensed & Insured #20573223

we do it all

Steve Schulz Steve

507-826-3161 Home Make-Up Artist

115 1st Street NW

Schulz New Richland, MN“For 56072 All Your Construction Needs”

507.383.2876 Roofing • Decks • Siding steve@solidwoodproducts.net 507.383.2876 www.solidwoodproducts.net Additions • Garages Custom Built Homes

Property Maintenance

115 1st. St. N.W. New Richland, MN

SOLID WOOD PRODUCTS steve@solidwoodproducts.net www.solidwoodproducts.net

• Taping • Dry Wall • Plaster Repair • Painted Woodwork Happy to be in Albert Lea. • Remove Old Popcorn Texture As your new natural gas supplier, Minnesota Energy

KEVIN OHNSTAD, Protecting Surfaces for 20 Years Resources wants you to know about rebate programs CALL TODAY FORairYOUR on appliances, heating systems, sealing FREE and insulation, water heaters, and much more!

CALL MARK AT

(Red Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Etc.)

Also: Trim, Paneling, Flooring, Stair Parts, Doors & Plywood

If you have questions, call our customer service at 800-889-9508.

507-383-0339

Albert Lea’s Most Experienced & Reliable Full-Service Residential & Commercial

TREE CARE &

REMOVAL PROVIDER Come Visit Our Showroom 1300 Energy Drive • Preston, MN 55965 1.507.765.2284 • preston@rootriverhardwoods.com ____________________________________ 404 Airport Road • Albert Lea, MN 56007 1.507.377.8781 • albertlea@rootriverhardwoods.com

www.rootriverhardwoods.com

507-369-8388 ROOTED IN INTEGRITY

ESTIMATE

Visit minnesotaenergyresources.com.

Shopper

The

Services Roofing Siding Windows Doors Garages Additions Kitchens Bathrooms Decks Flooring Tiling Waterproofing General Contractor New Construction Additions Barn Restoration AG Buildings Pole Buildings Barns Roofing Siding Windows

Concrete Services Stone Patios Driveway Basement Block Wall Repair Color Concrete Waterproofing Foundation Walls Landscaping Co mplete Landscaping & Services Design Installation Maintenance Prompt, Reliable Services at Competitive Rates!

Licensed, Bonded & Insured Lic. #BC270500

Albert Lea, MN

Over 20 Years Experience Call 507-318-0928 or 507-383-2719 MN License #BC688031

Freeborn County

A_ME15-0615 Freeborn County Shoper Ad_Final.indd 1

Suppliers of Quality Kiln Dried Hardwood Lumber

Siding • Windows • Roofing Gutters • Gutter Protection Doors • Decks • Drywall General Residential Carpentry

www.minnesotacustomremodelers.com 6/19/15 8:43 AM

Locally Owned & Owner Operated

Means Personal & Timely Service ~ No BS with TS! (No Bad Service) ~

We Have Over 100 Roll Off Dumpsters In 12 yd, 20 yd, 30 yd and 40 yd Sizes to Fit Your Needs!

THOMPSON SANITATION OFFICE 256-4370 108 W. MAIN, PO BOX 154 • CLARKS GROVE, MN

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 6

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 3

Items to Improve Outdoor Living Spaces

Spring Home Improvement...Changing a Room...

A room’s design can literally affect your mood. When you start getting sick of looking at your home décor, or just want to feel different about your home for an upcoming get together, you can instantly transform a room without overspending. We’re not talking about a full makeover mindset, but instead investing in a few statement pieces that will make a large impact.

DIM THE ROOM A room dimmer for all lamps and lighting sources allows for flexibility depending on the time of day, event or mood, plus they provide energy savings.

Turning the light level up or down or investing in various lampshades can

instantly change the feel of a room.

TRANSFORM WITH RUGS Adding an area rug with a pattern or color is a budget-friendly instant statement that can be put over carpet or wood floors to create a new look or warmth.

ADD CANDLES Candles are a very inexpensive way to instantly change the space by adding a table centerpiece or strategically placing them around the room for a soothing, mellow effect.

REARRANGE THE WALL A gallery wall is a great way to change

your decorating strategy. The great thing about them is that every single one of them is different. Family photos or artwork can be hung in several different ways to create a completely different look.

USE YOUR MANTELS There are several places throughout your home that can easily be changed.

When the mood strikes for a holiday or season, one of the easiest things to change is a mantel. It doesn’t have to be complicated or filled with many things. Usually you can start with one larger item placed in either the center or to one side, then add things to suit your taste.

SWITCH UP ACCESSORIES The accessories, knickknacks and table displays you use in a room are all super effective ways to change the vibe of a space. Adding some trim or a band of fabric is great when spicing up curtains.

Couch cushions, pillows, or throws can instantly tie together a color scheme.

DO SOME REARRANGING Remember that the arrangement of the room’s contents are nearly as important as the contents themselves. Unexpected items placed throughout the home can keep a room fresh.

For All Your Electrical Needs

The popularity of outdoor living spaces has been growing for years.

Outdoor living spaces may also be sound investments for homeowners looking to improve the resale value of their properties. Outdoor living spaces can return between 55-71 percent of homeowners’ initial investments at resale.

When planning an outdoor living space, homeowners with ample backyards have much to work with. However, to make the most of the space while simultaneously hoping to get as strong a return on their investments as possible, homeowners should look to create spaces that offer broad appeal and are not too personalized. The following

Outdoor kitchens Outdoor kitchens allow homeowners to prepare more than just traditional backyard barbecue fare. A standalone charcoal grill in the backyard might get the job done, but a built-in gas grill complete with burners and surrounding granite countertop makes for a more functional outdoor entertaining space.

Warming features

Bars Indoor entertaining areas often include bars, so it makes sense that homeowners want to include a place to prepare

The More You Buy The More You Save!

Call Now and receive

3 or more= 10% OFF 6 or more= 15% OFF 9 or more= 20% OFF Renewal By Andersen Windows

HEATH REINDAL

7-874-3863 507-473-0345

*special promotion not valid with any other offers or pre-approved projects. valid through March 31st, 2018

HOME EQUITY LOANS

HEATH REINDAL

and serve beverages to their guests.

Homeowners with room in their budgets may want to install wet bars where they can rinse mixers, glasses and other items needed to prepare drinks for their guests.

are some popular outdoor living space features homeowners may want to consider.

Features that can keep homeowners and their guests warm after the sun sets include outdoor fireplaces and firepits.

Fireplaces and firepits were the most popular outdoor design element in the past few years. Such features can provide a focal point in the backyard while also extending the outdoor living season into autumn and even early winter.

Porch space Outdoor living spaces are often found in the backyard, but homeowners with bigger front yards than backyards may want to expand or open their porch spaces to create more space outside. Porch swings and rocking chairs provide a great place to relax, and porch spaces are covered, meaning homeowners can continue to enjoy time outside even when it begins to rain.

Outdoor living spaces are growing in popularity. Homeowners who want to capitalize on this trend can do so in various ways.

SEE FSB FOR

FOR FastSEE &FSB Local

Fast & Local HOME IMPROVEMENT FINANCING! HOME IMPROVEMENT FINANCING!

07-874-3863 507-473-0345

507-874-3863 • 507-473-0345

BUYERS OF ALL SCRAP METALS

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Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 2

Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 7

Complete These Home Improvements Over The Weekend Home improvement projects ramp up when the weather warms up, as homeowners channel the rejuvenating feelings of spring and tackle their home to-do lists. Largescale renovations can greatly affect a home, but smaller projects can yield impressive results and be completed over the course of a single weekend.

If time is of the essence, these weekend or one-day projects may satisfy homeowners’ desires to fix up their homes.

• Create an accent wall. Painting a focal wall in a home can create a serious impact. The bonus is it will not take as long or require as many materials as painting an entire room. Accent walls frequently feature a bold color, so decide on placement and tackle this project in less than a day.

• Install stair runners. Dress up hardwood stairs with decorative carpet runners. Runners come in elongated pieces of carpeting or individual pieces that can be placed on each step. If carpeting doesn’t fit with the home’s design, painting individual stair treads also

can create visual appeal.

space.

• Dress up the entryway. An entryway is a guest’s first impression of a home. Many entryways can use a minor overhaul, both inside and outside. Paint the front door a different color so it pops from the curb. Install a new mailbox or decorative house numbers. A new welcome mat can change the look as well. Inside, consider laying a new floor. Resilient vinyl tiles come in many different patterns and can mimic the look of wood, travertine or marble.

Installing a floor can take a day or two.

• Install a fresh light fixture.

Improve drab spaces with a little illumination. Better Homes & Gardens suggests replacing an existing fixture with something new and vibrant. If hanging a new fixture is not within one’s skill set, free-standing table or floor lamps also can cast a new glow on a space.

• Install a new faucet. Instantly improve a kitchen or a bathroom with new fixtures. New faucets can provide aesthetic appeal and lowflow faucets can help conserve water.

• Add molding. Molding can add instant aesthetic appeal to a room. Molding is appropriate near the floor, at the top of walls where they meet the ceiling, or even mid-wall as a chair rail. Some homeowners like to create framed molding on walls in formal living spaces.

• Update kitchen or bathroom hardware. Replacing hardware is a fast and easy project, but

one that can have immediate impact. Swap out tired or outdated hardware for newer brushed metals and more impactful shapes and designs.

Home renovations do not need to take weeks or months. Many projects can be completed over the course of a weekend.

• Create a gallery on the staircase. Gather and arrange framed photos, artwork or wall accents so that they ascend the wall of a staircase. This creates a designer touch and can dress up an often barren area of wall

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Use Renovations to Create Healthier Homes Home renovation projects are done for several different reasons, whether to update styles, repair damaged or broken items or to achieve more living space.

More than ever before, homeowners are choosing improvement projects geared toward making their homes healthier.

Establishing a healthy home means different things to different people. For example, to an environmentalist, a healthy home may incorporate eco-friendly or green products. To those with young children or mobilityimpaired seniors, a healthy home may be one free from potential hazards. Others may view a healthy home as one that alleviates allergies.

The World Health Organizations says inadequate housing conditions, such as poor ventilation, radon, urban pollution, and moisture issues, can contribute to many preventable diseases and injuries — especially respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as a top five environmental risk to public health. EPA studies have found that indoor air pollution levels were roughly two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels.

People interested in making their homes healthier can embrace these renovations and lifestyle changes.

• Be aware of furniture materials.

Toxic PBDEs, which are chemicals used as flame retardants on furniture fabrics produced prior

to 2006, can send toxins into the air. Some manufacturers may still use these flame retardants in new forms, but with similar risks.

Before purchasing furniture, ask if a product is treated, and select naturally fire-resistant materials like wool and cotton.

• Lighten up. Lighting is often under appreciated but can have a dramatic impact on whether a home feels inviting, warm and/ or uplifting. Experiment with different types of bulbs and lighting fixtures to turn drab and dreary environments into brighter places.

Lighting may improve mood and productivity.

• Let the sun shine in. Modify window treatments to let more sunlight into the house. There is evidence that the sun, particularly UV light, is a potent bactericide.

The Sunlight Institute advises that there’s no harm in letting natural sunlight do its work, as bacteria within eight feet of low-intensity UV light can be killed in 10 minutes.

published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology has found regular inhalation of wood smoke limits immune activity and function, and anyone who burns wood indoors should be aware of these potential health risks. Ensuring proper ventilation of smoke and routinely cleaning the chimney can help cut down on particulate matter.

• Turn to nontoxic cleaning products, pesticides and insecticides. Always opt for nontoxic, natural products when cleaning in and around the house.

• Declutter the home. A cluttered, hectic space can affect emotions and mental state, never mind attracting dust and making a home harder to clean. Spending time in spaces that do not elicit stressful feelings is healthier and can help residents to rest and recharge.

Making a home healthier can be on the list of this year’s renovation plans.

• Inspect and service woodburning appliances. A study

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Supplement to The Freeborn County Shopper/Tuesday, March 6, 2018/Page 8

WINDOWS & DOORS TO ELEVATE YOUR EVERYDAY!

IMPROVEMENT How to Transform a Room Weekend Home Projects Creating a Healthier Home Improve Your Outdoor Living Experience Creating a Sale-Worthy Showplace Turn the page to find help with these ideas and more!

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Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper

SPRING 2018