Home Ideas 23.3USE by Michels Communications Corporation

Craig Wynia

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Lighting & Electrical: Today’s Trends That Power a

Lighting and electrical design play a major role in modern home living, shaping how spaces look, feel, and function each day. Today’s homeowners are seeking solutions that blend style, comfort, efficiency, and smart technology, making lighting and electrical upgrades one of the most impactful investments in a home.

Current lighting trends emphasize flexibility and personalization. Layered lighting remains the foundation of good design, combining ambient, task, and accent lighting to support daily routines while enhancing visual appeal. Warm, natural tones are popular in living areas and bedrooms, creating inviting spaces to relax, while brighter, focused lighting helps kitchens and home offices function at their best. Dimmable and tunable LED fixtures allow homeowners to adjust brightness and color temperature throughout the day, improving comfort while reducing energy use.

Decorative lighting continues to gain attention, with sculptural pendants, streamlined chandeliers, and integrated LED features adding personality without overwhelming a space. Subtle details such as undercabinet lighting provide function and a refined finish. Outdoors, wellplanned landscape and architectural lighting enhances curb appeal, improves safety, and extends the use of patios and walkways after dark.

On the electrical side, smart home technology continues to grow in popularity. App-based and voice-controlled systems make it easy to manage lighting, climate, and security, while motion-activated lighting, automated schedules, and energy-monitoring systems help reduce wasted energy.

HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President: Craig Wynia, Jeren Homes/Red Rock Builders

Vice President: Kyle Cosand, Cosand Construction

Second VP: Ryan Brouwer, Choice Builders, Inc

Associate VP: Ruth Ann Scott, The Living Door

Secretary: Julie Redlin, Rainbow Restoration

Treasurer: Jim Dunham, Jim Dunham & Associates

Past President: Cory Hjellming, Hjellming Construction

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Adam Balding, Budget Blinds

Austin Katje, Veldhouse Construction

Daniel Glammeier, Glammeier Homes

Jason Whiting, Falls City Construction

Josh Johnson, Houston Engineering

Nick Mimmack, 1J Homes

Peter Ronning, Ronning Companies

Sabrina Meierhenry, Land Title Guaranty

Call us today at (605) 361-8322

Monday - Friday (8:30AM - 5:00PM)

6904 S. Lyncrest Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 hbasiouxempire.com

Executive Vice President: Teddi Mueller

Government & Safety Director: Todd Anawski

Director of Member Engagement: Lisa Contreras

Communications Director: Marissa Bertram

As lifestyles evolve, electrical needs are adapting as well. Many homeowners are planning ahead with dedicated power solutions, backup generators, or solar energy systems paired with battery storage for added reliability and efficiency.

Whether building new or upgrading existing systems, lighting and electrical improvements are best handled by experienced professionals. The Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire connects homeowners with trusted local experts who understand today’s technologies and building standards.

Sara Sandvig

Cory Johnsen

EDITOR

Heather Jordan

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Makenzie Jorgenson

Why homeowners trust us:

• Expert concrete lifting and leveling using modern PolyLEVEL™ technology.

• Comprehensive concrete protection with Nexus Pro® crack sealing.

• Durable surface safeguarding with SealantPro™ sealer.

• Skilled professionals with deep regional experience.

• Free estimates and reliable service from consultation to completion.

By Joseph Cottle

Think about your favorite time of year at home: a warm summer evening or a cool fall afternoon. Now picture it happening in a backyard you actually want to spend time in. A good deck does that. It pulls people outside, gathers chairs into loose circles, and turns ordinary weekends into the moments you remember years later.

DaleTree decks doesn’t want to be front and center in that story; they want you and your family to build memories that will outlast any deck or outdoor living space DaleTree could make.

“Some of my favorite memories were out on the deck of my parents’ house, talking to my parents, my brothers, my friends, and family,” Tim Schoffelman, the owner of DaleTree, says. “There were so many times spent joking around, eager to hear my dad’s iconic laugh one more time, or to see my mom’s smile as her favorite people are all around her. I really wanted to work for a company that

could help other families build these same moments for their friends and family.”

A new deck doesn’t just add square footage. Morning coffee moves outside. Weeknight dinners feel intentional. The grill finally gets used the way it was meant to.

Whether it’s a small family space or a larger area built for hosting, DaleTree starts by listening. They design with purpose, build carefully, and focus on details that homeowners notice long after the project ends.

Tim didn’t grow up planning to work in construction. He spent years in web development and project management after earning an IT degree. The work was fun, but the pull to do something different was becoming hard to ignore.

One of Tim’s last conversations with his father was an encouragement to start a business of his own. The timing

Photography by Drift Media Co. & DaleTree

didn’t work then, but the idea stuck. Years later, he took the leap, naming the company after his dad, Dale.

DaleTree Decks & Outdoor Living may be a young company, but the reason behind it is simple: help families create the kind of everyday moments people remember most.

Today, DaleTree operates with a small, focused crew, supported by subcontractors and seasonal employees, handling projects with a depth of experience that comes from doing one thing over and over again, obsessing over customers.

Tim still leans heavily on the skills he developed in tech, but now he applies them in a hands-on way. That analytical approach shows up most clearly in how Tim works with homeowners before a single board is ordered. He doesn’t start with a design pitch. He starts with questions.

“Square footage is usually the starting place,” Tim says. “And then it depends on what materials. What kind of deck boards do they want? What kind of sun exposure will the deck have?”

Tim often talks with clients about how different materials handle heat, especially on southern exposures.

“Composite tends to be really hot in the peak of summer,” he explains. For homeowners set on composite, DaleTree may recommend lighter

colors or PVC options, which perform better for heat management and longevity.

Maintenance is another question clients bring up. “The answer is usually, ‘We don’t want any at all,’” Tim says.

But Tim pushes those conversations further, into how people actually live. Who will be on the deck? What will they use it for? What kind of railing makes sense for their family?

“We ask them about pets as well,” he says. “Big dogs will tend to scratch up the deck, no matter the material.”

Even popular design features get careful scrutiny. Cable railing, for example, is often requested, but Tim makes sure homeowners understand what comes with it.

“The problem is it acts like a ladder for a lot of little kids and for pets,” Tim explains, “and then there’s a higher amount of maintenance on it because that wire stretches out. So,

you’re re-tightening it. And even before all of that, it tends to be four times more expensive.”

Once a homeowner decides to move forward, DaleTree’s process is built to be straightforward and organized, reflecting Tim’s project management roots.

“The first thing that a customer does is reach out to us and schedule an appointment or just call,” Tim says. “I’ll get on the phone with them and walk through the project. What’s their existing size? Do they want to keep it or change it? What materials are they thinking about?”

During that first call, DaleTree provides a realistic ballpark budget so homeowners know early whether a project aligns with their expectations. If it does, they schedule a site visit.

“We’ll go out there, take some measurements, maybe bring some samples, and talk about the project even further,” he says. “Once we’re done, we’ll email them an actual quote.”

If they move forward, DaleTree collects a planning and permitting fee to reserve a place on the schedule. From there, the company handles building plans, permits, inspections, and city coordination.

“About two to three weeks before the project starts, we invoice for materials,” Tim says. “Once construction is finished and the final city or county inspection is approved, we walk through the project with the client and invoice the remaining balance. Our process is designed to minimize surprises, establish clear expectations, and let homeowners focus on the finished result while we take care of the logistics.”

As for current trends, Tim is careful not to overstate them. The aforementioned cable railing remains popular, though often reconsidered once homeowners understand its costs and maintenance. Privacy elements, however, are becoming more prevalent.

“Maybe one side of their deck is too close to the neighbors,” Tim explains, “So we’ll do some privacy railing options there. It kind of becomes a windscreen slash privacy screen, and that’s becoming common.”

From its beginnings, DaleTree Decks & Outdoor Living reflects Tim’s desire to create something you can build memories on. It’s a company rooted in thoughtful design, honest education, and a process meant to serve homeowners well before, during, and long after construction ends.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, complete the schedule an estimate form online with details about your project.

How Does Radon Enter a Home?

• Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer

• 53% of homes in Lincoln County and 63% in Minnehaha County have radon levels that are too high

• Improve air quality with radon resistant features * * Data provided by the State Radon Office

Call Mike for a free consultation and quote

By Tanya Manus | Photography by Drift Media Co.

Entertaining at home takes on new meaning in luxury lakeside properties, where indoor and outdoor recreation options blur the lines between home and vacation.

A newly built dream home at 1425 E. Ninemile Court in Tea, South Dakota, beautifully blends functionality for everyday living with adult and kid-friendly amenities. This six-bedroom, five-bathroom home has 5,477 square feet of finished space spanning three levels.

BH Construction & Homes, a full-service general contractor and custom home builder in the Sioux Falls area, designed and built this home. Owners Brandon and Danielle Hoyer specifically designed this home’s floor plan to maximize the outdoor beauty in this neighborhood.

The home is constructed along man-made Nine Mile Lake in the Nine Mile Lake Development, where BH Construction & Homes purchased all the lots on an entire street. The development includes the 22-acre lake, a neighborhood beach, and a nearby city park.

“It’s situated on a great lot,” Danielle Hoyer explains. “The biggest thing was trying to capitalize on making every room capture water views. The master bedroom, living room, and kitchen have full water sightlines. We were mindful of laying everything out so we could capture that southern exposure. You’ve got perfect amounts of natural light.”

To complement the water views and natural light, this home incorporates modern, organic textures. Rich wood tones are used on cabinetry, railings, flooring, and shiplap and beams on the dining room ceiling.

“We went modern transitional with the interior finishes,” Danielle notes. “We are seeing much more of a push for those natural finishes and more muted tones. It’s an organic feel where mixing textures, wood, and natural elements is a little bit of an easier slate to work with. It gives you so many more options for finishes you bring into your home.”

Every floor offers distinctive features. The top floor is dedicated to three spacious bedrooms with large closets. In addition, a full bathroom with white oak cabinetry, double sinks, and separate toilet and shower spaces offers privacy.

A dramatic catwalk overlooks the foyer and great room. The main level’s two-story ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows frame attention-getting views of the water as soon as you enter the home.

The open-concept living room, kitchen, and dining room are anchored by a gas fireplace with a tall quartzite surround and built-in, featuring lighted storage for displaying books and collectibles.

White oak cabinets and quartzite counters in the kitchen are not only clean and contemporary, but also durable. A large walk-in pantry provides additional food preparation space and abundant storage, with another window to showcase the lake view.

Tucked behind the kitchen is a four-season, fully enclosed sunroom or den with more floor-to-ceiling windows.

Elegant architectural details, including curves and arches, accent the kitchen backsplash, the downstairs wet bar, and the and the primary suite. Toe kick lighting lends a subtle, practical glow to the kitchen, primary bath, and downstairs wet bar.

Vaulted ceilings in the primary bedroom and closet create an airy, relaxing atmosphere with more lake views. Heated tile floors, a soaker tub, and a smart shower you control at home or remotely create the ultimate in comfort.

The walkout basement serves as a central gathering location. A unique feature of this home is its connected loop of spaces flowing from the dining room to a screened deck with a roll-up door that accesses a wet bar with appliances in the oversized four-stall garage, to the patio outside the walkout basement.

“What we were seeing is a lot of people want to integrate their garage into outdoor living,” Danielle shares. “That’s why we needed to have garage entertaining space. It allows the area to function as an extension of the home and supports more ways to bring people together.”

In the family room/game room, guests can unwind by a cozy fire in the gas fireplace with a wood and quartzite surround. The chic wet bar is equipped with a microwave, ice maker, dishwasher, and beverage cooler, all complemented by a backlit quartzite waterfall countertop.

A star attraction is the multi-sport simulator, “which is increasingly in demand in luxury homes,” Danielle adds. The simulator offers golf, soccer, arcade games, and more. In large basements, homeowners are choosing to use space for indoor recreation, such as multi-sport simulators or home theaters.

There are also two lower-level bedrooms and a full bath for overnight guests. A half bath near the patio provides easy access for indoor or outdoor entertaining.

Owners Brandon and Danielle Hoyer strive to make customers feel like family throughout the process of designing and building each custom dream home because they are dedicated to quality, craftsmanship, and your complete satisfaction.

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By Jessica Evans | Photography by Mahlander’s Appliance & Lighting

You absolutely can. It's kind of fun until it's delivered and doesn't work. No harm, no foul with small items. Appliances though? Lighting? They really are a different product type that would be good to think of differently, despite the Amazon shopping appeal.

This is what we hear at Mahlander's, over and over. Buyers go online, and hours later, on the third or fourth time sitting down to search for lights or appliances, across multiple websites, they're fried, eyes crossed, and can't do it anymore with even more questions, and without decisions made.

That's frequently the start of the conversation when they walk through Mahlander's doors. Then, they say, "I thought I should just go into the showroom."

YES! Do! We are here. We do it all day, every day. We ask the right questions. We know the options. We can help get the creative juices flowing so that you can find what you love, works for your space, AND in your budget. Plus, save the time and unanticipated stress of searching on your own.

Our trained lighting and appliance teams guide customers through selections quickly and efficiently, ensuring products fit the space and deliver needed functions. Companies are seeing higher return rates for online purchases, and the worst scenario is an appliance package that's already delivered and installed, then you discover the dimensions are wrong, or it's missing a crucial feature. No one wants that hassle.

Mahlander's appliance team loves sharing new products, functions, and colors. KitchenAid now offers new colors in Juniper Green and Black Ore with additional shade and handle options, similar to the Café line. Popular features include GE's air fry and no-preheat pizza settings, while induction cooktops are increasingly budget-friendly.

Building or remodeling? Mahlander's appliance team reads cabinet plans, understands product specifications, and selects products that match. "The 30" cabinet opening does not mean that the 30" wall oven will fit," as Dustin Lovre from the appliance sales team states. "The product dimensions will vary, so we have to look at every item to make sure it works." The sales team prevents mistakes, and Mahlander's stands behind its service to make it right.

Our lighting consultants read house plans. Schedule an appointment to review plans, discuss locations and options, walk through our showroom, and let consultants bring your vision together. Mahlander's services extend across the tri-state area.

Customers often bring problem areas to troubleshoot. Our consultants listen to what doesn't work and provide solutions, whether a new fixture, a different lighting approach, or simply changing bulbs.

Mahlander's showroom has everything from top-of-the-line, luxury brands to those more recognized in homes. All products are high-quality, from reputable companies offered at the same prices as online retailers.

Mahlander’s has a complete service department with decades of experience. When you purchase appliances from us, you have a service team to call and depend on, a valuable part of your investment. Whether fixtures need adjustments for ceilings, or fans or lamps need repair, our service team will fix it.

Lighting presents countless variables. The challenge grew as trends moved away from complete matching packages.

Finishes have expanded dramatically as well. Black alone varies greatly: matte, glossy, enamel, hammered, textured, and oxidized. Which finishes work together? Our lighting consultants know.

They stay current on trends, return from market with beautiful showroom pieces, and focus on what you want: lighting you’ll love for years.

The service, exceptional design, and products have kept Mahlander's thriving since 1906. The customer experience has made lifelong customers and friends across generations.

It's worth it.

By Tanya Manus | Photography by Christian Holman with DVI Media

Imagine an affordable, move-in ready home that can adapt beautifully to fit a busy, growing family’s lifestyle.

A new-construction build from Van Buskirk Companies is ready for homeowners who want a home that can grow with them. The ranch-style home, at 5508 E. Claremont St., is located in Canterbury Heights, a lively, sought-after east-side Sioux Falls neighborhood that is near shopping, parks and walking trails.

Inside and out, a mix of wood, stone, and warm neutral hues creates a welcoming design aesthetic. There’s 1,696 square feet of finished living space, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the main level.

The heart of the home is its open-concept living room, kitchen and dining room. The living room’s captivating focal point is a gas fireplace surrounded by dry-stack natural stone. Tray ceilings enhance the spaciousness of the living and dining rooms.

Maple cabinetry in the kitchen, bathrooms and mudroom offers quality storage solutions. In the kitchen, the mix of whitewashed and darker wood is complemented by creamy white quartz counters, a glass mosaic backsplash, and durable LVP flooring. A massive island offers space for food preparation and casual dining, while the walk-in pantry’s open shelving provides customizable storage.

While the fireplace provides year-round ambiance, the covered deck off the dining room extends the living space outdoors for meals and relaxation.

“The deck is very large. It’s great for hosting,” shares Sydney VanWell, construction coordinator for Van Buskirk Companies. “It’s got mounted ceiling lights and outlets for grills, smokers, and whatever you need for hosting large parties.”

This home’s split floor plan ensures privacy, too. The master suite is nestled on one end of the home and is accented by a trayed ceiling and serene view.

Designed with comfort in mind, the master suite includes a spacious walk-in closet. Pampering awaits in the bathroom featuring heated floors, a custom tiled walk-in shower, and gorgeous dual vanities with Maple cabinets and onyx counters.

Two bedrooms and a bathroom with a soaking tub are located on the opposite side of the home.

Laundry and drop off zone with cubbies and storage are located in the mudroom, which connects to the garage. The oversized three-stall garage has finished walls and an epoxy floor with a drain.

The unfinished lower level is ready to be transformed to fit the homeowners’ lifestyle. There’s space for two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a walkout family room. Outside the family room is a generously sized covered, lighted patio that can easily accommodate a hot tub.

“The patio is one of my favorite features of the home. There’s no shortage of space,” Sydney adds.

Van Buskirk Companies serves Sioux Falls, Brandon, Harrisburg and has recently expanded to Mitchell. The full-service real estate, development, and construction company’s homes division focuses on custom builds that fit homeowners’ needs.

“We can cater to different price points from entry level all the way to luxury levels,” Sydney affirms. “We like to be a very inclusive company.”

Seykora Remodeling proudly uses:

By David Aeilts | Photography by Aidyn Baloun

For the second year in a row, Business Rate honored Midwest Ledgers LLC as the Best Bookkeeping Service in Sioux Falls.

“We don’t want to be a big accounting firm,” states co-founder Aric Baloun. “We want to help small and medium-sized businesses like builders, plumbers, handymen and remodelers, landscapers and small retailers with their bookkeeping, payroll and taxes.”

“My favorites are the small sole proprietors who bring their sales and expenses in every month,” says co-founder Brittany Spurling.

“We record these in a set of books and file any sales and payroll taxes they owe,” says Aric. “Then we generate a financial statement they can take to their banker.”

MEET THE CO-FOUNDERS

A self-confessed military brat, Aric entered the world in Myrtle Beach, S.C. His parents later moved to Alaska and then back to Highmore, S.D., where the family farm was located.

After high school, Aric earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and agribusiness from Dakota Wesleyan University.

Before Midwest Ledgers, Aric worked as a corporate Controller in the restaurant supply, plumbing, heating and e-commerce business.

Aric lives in Sioux Falls with wife Kirsten, their daughter Aidyn, and a field-bred English Cocker Spaniel named Eddie.

A small-town Iowan, Brittany graduated from AIB College of Business in Des Moines. Moving to Sioux Falls and married to husband Steven, she has worked in accounting and bookkeeping for Restaurant Supply, Investments, Banking and Bookkeeping.

“I once got a job by telling them my biggest strength is my impatience,” says Brittany. “I like to get back to clients in a timely manner.”

Steven and Brittany live in Hills, MN, with their pet rabbit, Lily.

Fun fact: both Aric and Brittany earned their master’s degrees in accounting from Emporia State University in 2022 and their CPA credentials in 2024.

A RELAXED AND EDUCATIONAL CULTURE

Midwest Ledgers is not a suit-and-tie organization.

“We loved attending a builders conference recently where people dressed in blue jeans and weren’t afraid to order a beer at lunch,” says Brittany.

“We keep our overhead low and dress our office and ourselves modestly,” adds Aric. “We want to keep our rates affordable.”

“We pride ourselves on education and clarification,” Brittany states. “Our goal is to provide as few or as many services as our clients need.

“Some people want to do more work themselves but have someone they can ask tough questions,” adds Aric. “We’re fine doing some or all of your bookkeeping.”

Call Aric or Brittany at 605-501-4541 to book a free consult or scan the QR Code below.

By Brandproint

Do you want a new look for your home? Perhaps you crave an update but you want to avoid the time and cost commitment of a complete renovation? You may be surprised how a few well-chosen elements can breathe new life into your home.

Interior designers know that strategic updates can revitalize a space without extensive construction. The key is to choose features with designs that speak to you. These items must have provenance and presence to create an atmosphere the moment you enter the room.

CURATED DESIGN

The preferred design aesthetic of a room is highly personal, but all good design follows certain principles. Take cues from experienced designers who know that by selecting a few well-chosen products, you can create ambience that impacts an entire space. The design of the elements should be memorable and draw the eye without being overwhelming.

For example, lighting can be a simple yet elegant way to transform any space. An elegant collection of sculptural metal frames with light-capturing ribbed glass shades that draw inspiration from the transformative designs of the early 1960s. This is a period of time when interiors were an intercontinental mix of bold color, tapestries, Japanese screens and other treasures to showcase the owner’s travels and interests.

A unique lighting collection is engineered with the same precision as that of fine jewelry making. The interplay between the faceted frames and the sparkling, multi-dimensional display of light as it cascades through the crystal ribbed shades results in forms that are bold yet sensual, with an undeniable presence.

STRATEGIC UPDATES

Lighting is an accessible and high-impact way to transform a room and stay on budget. Whether it’s an eye-catching chandelier, pretty pendants, perfectly placed sconces or

functional and fashionable flush mount lighting elements, there’s something for every space.

Beyond lighting, there are other strategies that can help you achieve an updated effect without taking on a renovation. Some other methods designers use to transform a room include thoughtfully selecting pieces such as a beautiful area rug, stunning wall art, graceful mirror or tabletop objet d’art.

You can add sophistication, create visual tension and add dramatic impact through color or sculpted form. Keep in mind, the provenance of the pieces selected can be anything from where each was found or made, the artist behind the design, the materials the piece is made from, or the craft employed to create the piece.

Above all else, it’s important to be selective. An artful form that has meaning or a story behind it elevates and redefines a space, allowing you to achieve a lot of impact without spending a lot of money. Whether curating the family heirlooms of tomorrow or simply giving your home a refresh by purchasing a pivotal piece, products that make a statement can take your interior to a whole new level in design.

Home Ideas 23.3USE

Thoughtful Design to Build Memories On

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