What a strange winter we have had! It was nice to have a bit of a break this year. It made me feel like I lived out of state, but I was still able to be home. If anyone is guilty of being a homebody, it’s me. Home is a base and a launchpad. It is where we start and end each day, and oftentimes it centers and grounds us. March is our annual Home issue, and it is always a fun edition to put together. Even if the particulars of home look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds is undeniable. So, whether you have the perfect space, or are thinking about changes big or small, we hope you find inspiration in our pages this month.
Andy Fazendin, owner and broker of Fazendin Realty, comments on some real estate trends in the Minneapolis Lakes marketplace. He also shares about giving back to the community through two outlets that their company has worked hard to create.
Lyndsay Bussler, a 16-year veteran designer at FBC Remodel, touches upon what the company specializes in, including full-design and renovation services for basements, kitchens, bathrooms, gyms, home theaters, wine cellars, saunas and wet bars – and even the whole home.
In follow up to our December 2019 article on the Pillsbury mansion, we bring you up to speed on the renovations happening now, and what the neighborhood can expect later this year.
Kate Buckley & Sarah Balestri from Coldwell Banker share tips on how to make preparing your home for the market as stress-free as possible. And, if painting is in your future, Chileen can help with both interior and exterior options.
Our team feels like the lucky ones as we get to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise the Minneapolis Lakes community. As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you -- in your city, neighborhood and most all of -- your home.
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @MINNEAPOLISLAKES
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Boulevard Real Estate Photography, Lucy Hawthorne, Spacecrafting, Partners4Design
Schowengerdt
Thompson
OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
Klein AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
1-7: New Gild Jewelers hosted their first game night in January, offering fun for all along with dramatic discounts on
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Embark on a brunch adventure in the vibrant heart of Uptown. Imagine savoring a mouthwatering breakfast burrito at The Breakfast Club, surrounded by the lively beats of the city. Take your taste buds on a joyride with a flavored mimosa flight, a kaleidoscope of fruity concoctions that perfectly match the lively atmosphere. Minneapolis brunches just got a whole lot more exciting – join them for a morning filled with delicious bites, great vibes, and unforgettable moments. thebreakfastclubmpls.com.
We'll definitely see a very active luxury market as 2024 unfolds.
While Fazendin Realtors is happy to help people buy and sell homes in every price range, the luxury market in Minneapolis is really hot right now. “Listings increased 6.3% last year for million-dollar plus properties over the previous year,” says broker and owner, Andy Fazendin. “Meanwhile, for the rest of the market, there was a decline of 12.5%.”
With luxury homes, there are certain things that buyers insist upon such as large kitchens, primary bathroom suites, offices and even pools. But, there are many facets and details that go along with those needs.
“When we talk about luxury homes, we're seeing a lot more emphasis on locations that are on lakes or on pieces of land that have woods, hills or other appealing settings,” he says. “On the inside, fully loaded home gyms have become increasingly popular. People are even leaning more towards home spas with steam baths and saunas versus just home gyms.”
Andy believes much of this shift came as a result of COVID when gyms were closed. During that time many homeowners realized that having a workout space at home is a great convenience. This is also why, he says, indoor and outdoor sports courts have become very popular.
“A lot of builders, even the big national builders, are offering to put in a half gymnasium style room with high ceilings. We live with weather extremes in Minnesota. This makes an indoor basketball hoop, for example, a good option for winter training as well as space to practice hockey during the summer. Interest in building or installing indoor golf simulators has also spiked in recent years.”
When it comes to kitchens, changes are also taking place. “For several years, luxury buyers have been
moving away from granite countertops,” says Andy, “while Marble, quartz and quartzite are very much in demand.” High-quality white oak is still a popular and practical choice for flooring, but some people are also looking towards more exotic woods. Some luxury buyers are choosing natural wood cabinets to add warmth to kitchens, but white enameled cabinets remain popular and timeless. For appliances, built-in steam ovens, air fryers and flat-top griddles have also become much more popular.
An open-concept floor plan is still desired, but there’s also more of an appreciation for coziness and nooks that promote privacy. “We probably saw the open floor plan trend go somewhat too far a few years ago,” he says. “Now it's being scaled back a little bit.”
With the interest rates coming down, Andy expects the increase in market activity to continue. “There are some good deals out there, and even if you have to live with a higher interest rate right now, there will be an opportunity to refinance when they decrease even more. A lot of people who stopped looking for houses last fall when the rates reached 8% are going to be back in the market this spring. While we anticipate an active market in all price ranges, we'll definitely see a very active luxury market as 2024 unfolds.”
Andy is proud of the fact that Fazendin Realtors has been voted the number one luxury brokerage by the Star Tribune, but it’s not the only thing he’s proud of when it comes to his company.
“Giving back to the community has always been important to Fazendin,” he says. “I bought the company from my father eight years ago and one of my goals was to start a charitable foundation to increase our giving and make a bigger impact by being more organized.”
The biggest contributors to the Foundation have been the agents. “At every real estate closing we have, our agents have the option to contribute to the Foundation, which is then matched by the company. Basically, the Fazendin agents and company are contributing to the Fazendin Realtors Foundation on behalf of our clients that just bought or sold a house, so that's a feel-good moment for everybody.”
The mission of the Foundation is to provide financial support to members of the Twin Cities community in need of safe shelter or housing through the direct support of organizations providing these services. “We started this about a year and a half ago with a goal to raise a specific amount of dollars in our account before we started giving,” says Andy. “We want our giving to be impactful for the beneficiary, which requires a substantial donation, not a symbolic one”.
The company reached that threshold last November, and now the Foundation is in the process of soliciting organizations to complete the application process, which can be done through its website.
This foundation is in addition to Fazendin’s Community Cares Group, which hosts an annual Toys-for-Tots collection around the holidays and has supplied bedding to organizations that need them. Fazendin’s relocation department hosts a blood drive every spring, inviting agents, clients and members of the public to donate blood.
“Our biggest and most impactful project that we do every year is our brown bag food project,” he says. “I'm happy to report that last year we collected 6,500 pounds of food donations for NorthPoint Community Food Shelf in North Minneapolis. That was matched 100% by the company, bringing the total donation to 13,000 pounds.”
Having been founded by his grandfather 58 years ago, Fazendin and the company as a whole feel an obligation to give back to the community that has continued to make it a success over the years.
To find out how Fazendin Realtors can assist you with your real estate needs, go to FazHomes.com.
“ ”
Giving back to the community has always been important to Fazendin.
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPACECRAFTING AND BOULEVARD REAL ESTATE
to work every day with one goal in mind: making a positive impact on families.
“I have been with the company for almost 16 years now,” she says. “I’ve learned that sure, the glamorous projects we do are fun with the addition of structural beams and fancy materials, but the ones that create a more functional living space for families are what drive me.”
Lyndsay especially enjoys transforming smaller Minneapolis homes into something that feels grander.
“Sometimes we take the otherwise too-small kitchen and turn it into a family gathering place. Other times we create an extra bedroom for the kids, so they don’t have to share anymore. Our team can do a lot with a little.”
FBC Remodel has been in the business for over 25 years and is a design-build company committed to turning homes into spaces tailored to enhance every facet of a client's life.
CONTINUED >
Lyndsay Bussler, lead senior designer for FBC Remodel, goes
"Over the years, we have created strong relationships with our clients. Some of them have done up to four builds with us. We spend so much time with them, our clients truly become family.”
The team specializes in full-design and renovation services for basements, kitchens, bathrooms, specialty rooms – such as gyms, home theaters, wine cellars, saunas and wet bars – and even the whole home. No matter what the project, FBC guides each customer through every step, from the initial consultation through the end of construction.
As lead senior designer, Lyndsay works directly with clients and heads the entire design team.
“We emphasize our customer experience above all else,” she says. “FBC started as a basement-only remodeling company, but we continued to evolve because people kept coming back to us for other projects. Over the years, we have created strong relationships with our clients. Some of them have done up to four builds with us. We spend so much time with them, our clients truly become family.”
Even though each project is unique, they all start and end the same.
“We first set up a virtual call to dig into what the client wants and needs,” Lyndsay says. “We talk about their long-term goals, the budget, etc. After that, we get into the nitty-gritty of creating two concepts from which the client can choose while also adding their input. We really listen to what they want because they know what is best for them.
“Once the final design is chosen, construction begins and the design team is a little less present. However, we have production staff that assists during this time. No matter the stage of the project, there is someone on our team ready to help.”
At the end, the client is left with a perfectly crafted room just for their family.
“I always love seeing clients happy with their ‘new’ homes. It’s fun to imagine all the great memories they will make in the redesigned space.”
To start a project with FBC, fbcremodel.com or call 800-280-6550.
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Let’s step back in time for a moment.
It’s 1903 and you have been invited to a housewarming party at the magnificent Pillsbury Castle by the owner himself, Alfred Pillsbury, son of Pillsbury Co-Founder John S.
How did you get invited, you ask? Well, perhaps you are an up-and-coming artist that Alfred would like to introduce to society. You see, to many Alfred is best known as an enthusiastic promoter of the arts who would later go on to be the Minneapolis Institute of Arts’ most important patron during the first half of the 20th century. But we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves.
Right now let’s focus on the castle and its party. As you walk up to the property, the sheer size of the structure takes your breath away.
The four-level home was constructed by F.G. McMillan using the designs of architect Ernest Kennedy, costing $135,000. It was built using Platteville limestone and reflects the English Tudor Gothic style. Think pointed arches and a grand entrance.
Since it’s dusk, you can see right through the abundance of candle-lit windows to the glowing home within.
Alfred and his wife, Eleanor, welcome you inside and gather all guests for a tour of the “humble” abode. If you thought the exterior was rich with attention to detail, you are even more impressed to see how stunning the interior is.
As you move from room to room, you notice hand-carved wood paneling, a grand curved oak staircase, ornate plasterwork on the ceiling, a fireplace centerpiece and other intricate details.
Even though the magnitude of this castle could feel overwhelming to some, you get a sense of familiarity and warmth. This place reminds you of home. Which for Alfred and Eleanor, it is. A place to make cherished memories and live together in happiness.
This moment in time starts to fade as all echoes do, but the feeling of community and family stay rooted in the castle for generations to come.
It’s 2024 and although the castle has seen loving residents come and go, the structure itself has started to decay, needing some serious TLC.
That’s where partners Matthew Trettel and Ryan Hanson come in.
“We purchased the house in 2023, but I had been eyeing it for years,” Matthew says. “Every time it went on the market I was drawn to it. This time around, I convinced Ryan to take a tour and as soon as we stepped inside I knew it was our home.”
Right from the beginning, the pair wanted to do something big with the space.
“Ryan and I have been preparing to start a family and we feel confident we can raise some kiddos here,” he says. “As we think about the castle on a public scale, I think it holds an opportunity to share itself with the community: share the history of Alfred and Eleanor.”
A few notable moments of Alfred’s life include being considered one of the first great Minnesota football players, owning one of the first cars in the area and running the Pillsbury company for most of his life.
“With the help of Eleanor, he also amassed a large collection of Chinese bronze, jade and porcelain, which was donated to MIA after his death,” Matthew says. “This couple was truly remarkable. Their history needs to be told.”
So, Matthew got to work: planning just the right avenue to rediscover everything the castle has to offer.
“I knew I wanted to preserve the house as much as possible while also updating it for a modern family. Ryan and I want to live in this house as long as we can, but when another family comes along, we want to make sure they are accommodated as well.”
And so, The Pillsbury Castle Project was born.
“Preservation of the castle is the first and foremost purpose of the project,” Matthew explains. “It’s been around 120 years now, which means it requires a detailed level of preservation to maintain the integrity of the building structure, reduce the opportunity for water infiltration, and remove toxic and harmful elements currently found in the home.”
Some of that work includes repairing the slate roof, copper gutters and downspouts; repairing and reconstructing elements of the masonry, notably on the front facade where cracked lintels and window moldings are prominent; restoring the windows; and creating period-replicated storm windows.
“In addition to the preservation work, we are focusing on transforming the home into an exhibition of fine furnishings, art and technology,” Matthew says.
To do this, they partnered with the American Society of Interior Designers Minnesota (ASID MN), allowing 30 unique designers one room each to beautify.
“We are also collaborating with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry,” he says. “Which is super exciting because we are using eight general contractors. Each one gets to show off their skills. We started construction last summer, and so far so good.”
With the help of all partners, the project has been able to reinvigorate ASID MN’s Design Home showcase, which was on a seven-year hiatus.
“Design Home will use our house for its public tours later this year,” Matthew says. “The whole intention behind working with both the ASID and NARI is to give artisans, designers and contractors a place to showcase their skills on such a high-level project. I think it’s really important for the public to be able to fully experience their work in a contextual way, not just by looking at a picture through a screen.”
Let’s break down what’s being done to the home.
Since its inception, few permanent changes have been made to the exterior of the house, except for the addition of a four-car attached garage by past owners. Matthew and Ryan don’t plan on changing much either besides all the preservation work previously mentioned.
As for the interior – a full transformation is underway.
“It’s really a complete remodel of the entire building,” Michael Anschel, owner of OA Design+Build+Architecture, says. “We are touching every part of the structure.”
OA was selected as a general contractor overseeing construction for the entire Pillsbury Castle Project.
On the lower level, the basement is being completely redone to include a home theater, game room, workout room, home spa, wine cellar, billiards room and hidden speakeasy lounge.
Then on the main floor, there will be mostly large gathering spaces, such as a music room, grand entrance, living room, dining room and bar. This is all connected in the back by two kitchens, a primary one and then a scullery.
“We are beyond thrilled to see everything come together. We’ve been so selective in what we’re modifying because every decision we make is significant. I hope Alfred and Eleanor would be proud of the work we’re doing. We are just stewards of this space, the home really belongs to them.”
— Matthew Trettel
As one moves up the stairs, the two upper levels of the home will have a series of en-suites. The second floor will have a primary bedroom, guest bedroom, kid’s bedroom, laundry and office/library. Then on the top floor, there will be two more guest bedrooms, a large informal gathering space with a pizza oven, and a small apartment with its own cooking area.
Throughout the entire house, all bathrooms are being updated to modern standards and, as previously touched upon, every room will have a different interior designer putting together the finishing touches, including paint color, furnishings and lighting. They also have to find decor and artwork up to par with Alfred Pillsbury’s taste. He was an art connoisseur after all.
“There is even an elevator which goes across all four floors,” Michael says. “Most of the interior of the house
will be wrapping up construction and design in the coming months. Then we will have a little bit of work on the exterior to finish, but everything is expected to be complete by spring of 2025.”
Matthew adds, “We are beyond thrilled to see everything come together. We’ve been so selective in
what we’re modifying because every decision we make is significant. I hope Alfred and Eleanor would be proud of the work we’re doing. We are just stewards of this space, the home really belongs to them.”
For exclusive updates on the progress of the Pillsbury Project, visit pillsburycastle.com.
After rending.
Concerned about your home investment? We can help you see the bigger picture. Call or email now for a complimentary, no-obligation, in-depth property analysis. Simply email your name and home address or call it in to speak with an agent today.
Concerned about your home investment?
We can help you see the bigger picture.
Call or email now for a complimentary, no-obligation, in-depth property analysis. Simply email your name and home address or call it in to speak with an agent today. We’re here for you and your home.
We’re here for you and your home.
952-473-7000 | contactus@fazhomes.com
952-473-7000 | contactus@fazhomes.com
“
Awarded by the Readers of the Star Tribune
For years, Fazendin Realtors has consistently surpassed the local competition when it comes to getting our clients’ homes sold. Our success stems from our community of Realtors® who are personally committed to providing the highest level of service through customization.
A property such as yours requires a tailored and strategic approach to pricing, marketing, and negotiation. As a leading member of Luxury Portfolio International®, Fazendin Realtors represents a level of expertise that gives you the confidence that comes from working with the very best.
Join Fazendin Realtors.
Join Fazendin Realtors.
Learn more by visiting www.fazhomes.com/luxuryportfolio
Looking to partner with new and experienced real estate professionals, we offer new agent scholarships, in-person training, a full-time support team, and more.
Looking to partner with new and experienced real estate professionals, we offer new agent scholarships, in-person training, a full-time support team, and more.
Learn more by visiting: www.fazhomes.com/become-a-fazendin-realtor
Learn more by visiting: www.fazhomes.com/become-a-fazendin-realtor
- Andy Fazendin, Broker/Owner of Fazendin Realtors
- Andy Fazendin, Broker/Owner of Fazendin
RealtorsMinneapolis Lakes’ leading real estate professional with over 25 years of experience providing personalized marketing with a tailored, strategic approach to negotiation that delivers results.
www.fazhomes.com @fazhomes
Join Fazendin Realtors!
Scan to learn more about Fazendin Realtors and if a career in Real Estate is right for you!
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
So you’ve decided to sell your home. Big decision sorted. But now thoughts of prep work, staging, and dealing with all kinds of stressful tasks are running through your head. Your biggest concern is where to even start.
Okay now stop. Take a breath and sing Hakuna Matata. You don’t have to fret. Sarah Balestri and Kate Buckley, Coldwell Banker realtors, are in your corner. Here to answer all your home prep questions – they’re basically your real estate gurus. So sit back, relax, and listen to their experience filled-expertise.
An excellent first step is to reach out to a real estate professional. We can provide a road map for the home selling process and reduce your stress along the way. We’ll create an efficient plan for you, provide many resources and help you avoid bumps. For instance, some cities require a pointof-sale inspection. We can help you with this.
Other preparation projects include:
• Finish that list of repairs you have been putting off.
• Short-term projects like painting, updating light fixtures, etc.
• Declutter.
• Deep clean.
• Mitigate odors.
• Spruce up curb appeal.
According to Realtor.com, homes that are staged sell 88% faster and for 20% more than homes that are not staged. So in short, we recommend it.
A full staging company provides all the staging furniture, art, and accessories. If your goal is to maximize your sale price, this is the way to go. Seeing the home with
beautiful, up-to-date furnishings allows buyers to envision their new lifestyle. Besides maximizing sale price, it can be convenient as well.
A lot of companies perform an initial consultation, where the stager creates a “to-do” list of repairs and updates that will yield a high return on investment. Items on that list may include recommending paint colors, updating lighting fixtures, replacing kitchen cabinet hardware, identifying items to be removed or stored, and recommending placement of furniture, art, and accessories. We cover the cost of the consultation if you list with us.
WHAT DOES STAGING COST?
The cost of staging ranges depending on the extent to which you stage. The initial consultation is usually $200-300. A full stage of a very large home can approach $10,000. Most are in the $3,000-$5000 range.
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE THE MONEY TO INVEST IN REPAIRS OR STAGING?
Not every seller has the time or money to make a further investment in their home and would prefer to sell it with little effort on their part. Our broker, Coldwell Banker, offers a program called Realvitalize where qualified vendors get the repairs, remodeling, staging, landscaping, etc., done for you and the work is paid for out of the sellers' proceeds at closing. The homeowner gets the benefit of a higher sales price without having to do the work or pay out-of-pocket.
HOW DO I GET RID OF ALL THE STUFF IN MY HOUSE?
If you want to sell items, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are popular online venues. We can direct you to where items can be dropped off or arrange pick up of large pieces.
Interested in more expert advice? Call Coldwell Banker's Minneapolis Lakes Office at 612-920-5605 and ask for Sarah and Kate.
We’ll create an efficient plan for you, provide many resources and help you avoid bumps.
What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.
For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.
Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.
Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”
New York Times Best Selling Author and Netflix Producer, Dan Buettner, Inspires a Better Life Based on Research from the World’s Healthiest Cultures.
Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!
Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones for full insights and visit BlueZones.com to shop exclusive products.
What happens when two fashion-obsessed love birds run an optical shop? Amazing things! (And a few nights on the couch).
Stop by to view our current collection/labor of love.
4318 Upton Ave S. MPLS owloptical.com 612-367-4106
MARCH 2024
ALL MONTH
Children’s Theatre Company
Enter this wonderfully wacky world of rhymes and ridiculousness, checkerboards, cheeky cats, Mad Hatters, and mayhem as Alice chases the White Rabbit through the audience, attends the most absurd tea party in history, and faces off with the ragingly red Queen of Hearts, all amidst a melee of teeny tiny songs! childrenstheatre.org.
MARCH 1ST
Foci MN Center for Glass Arts | 11:00 AM
Join us in welcoming local stained glass artist Michael Lizama in his first solo exhibition “Wonderlands.” Lizama incorporates repurposed cathedral glass into his windows to depict futuristic and otherworldly characters. His windows narrate new stories inspired by his childhood growing up in Hawaii in the ‘60s. mnglassart.org.
MARCH 1ST - 3RD
Minneapolis Convention Center
Whether it's a resort or vacation rental hideaway, a teardrop trailer under the stars, or a beloved family cabin, you'll find everything for your getaway lifestyle at the new Up North Expo! Enjoy fun activities and connect with companies who embrace the Northwoods vibe with quality products or services. upnorthexpo.com.
MARCH 6TH - 10TH
The best of the Big Ten Conference returns to Minneapolis this season! For a second straight year, you can experience one of the nation's most prestigious postseason events at the Target Center. targetcenter.com.
MARCH 14TH - 17TH
Minneapolis Convention Center
The Midwest’s largest outdoors show, the Discover Boating Northwest Sportshow, in partnership with Progressive Insurance, makes its return to Minneapolis. Guests are invited to find inspiration for all outdoor adventures – both big and small – and peruse their favorite travel destination or sales on the newest products and accessories for fishing, hunting, camping, boating, and more. northwestsportshow.com.
MARCH 23RD
Nicollet Island | 9:00 AM
Shake off winter’s frost by celebrating community and movement – Minnesota-style. Bingo, pull tabs, meat raffles, and more! Enjoy post-race food, a free beer, firepits and outdoor fun. Choose from the Old Dutch Little Chippers Tator Trot (kids run free), the 5K or the 10K. Join friends, family, and community in our races for all paces! tcmevents.org.
Painting the exterior or interior of your home can be a big undertaking, especially if you don’t know where to start. That’s why Greg Chileen, owner of Chileen Painting, is here to help. Consider his tips and tricks for your next home project.
Painting the exterior of your home should be your number one painting priority. Painting seasons are short in Minnesota and keeping up the exterior of your home is very important as it helps prevent any future damages down the road. Get bids from local painters, and ask friends and local hardware stores for referrals.
Other tips include:
• Let the painters know if there are any shrubs, flowers, trees, etc., that need special care. Ladders are used and while the painters try to prevent any damage, mishaps can happen.
• Declutter exterior wires, such as old cable lines and window hardware that are no longer needed.
• If you’re painting yourself, make sure your house is dry. Invest in a moisture meter to check the surfaces that you are painting to help prevent peeling.
Most painting companies will help you move the big items out of your rooms in preparation. What you can do is remove any personal items or something of great value ahead of time. Accidents happen and professionals dislike them as much as you do.
Other tips include:
• Pick out color swatches and put them on the walls to make sure that is what you want with the lighting you have.
• Remove light switch and outlet covers.
• If you’re doing the painting, wash and clean all walls with TSP cleaner, such as kitchen areas where grease accumulates. Also, prime all patched areas with Latex All Purpose Primer.
chileenpainting.com | 612-850-0325
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
