Northern Michigan Home and Outdoor Living Show at North Central Michigan College

★ HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN

HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Building Homes, Building Business, Building Community

Build.Refresh. Renovate.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN REGIONAL

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan

MARCH 13 & 14, 2020

North Central Michigan College, Petoskey Exhibitors • Kids Activities • Seminars www.UpNorthHomeShow.com MAJOR EVENT SPONSORS

TA B L O I D S P O N S O R

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Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan

LIVE LARGE WITH NATURAL GAS.

Take your living space outdoors with clean, reliable energy. From grilling to decorative lighting, fire pits to swimming pool heaters, natural gas makes it possible to enjoy outdoor spaces longer.

Find out all the ways at dteenergy.com/gashouse.

Extend your favorite Michigan season.

Nothing says summer like a warm night outside with burgers on the grill, cooking s’mores over a fire and enjoying a swim or a soak in a pool or hot tub at just the right temperature.

What you may not realize is that there’s an easy way to make all those things possible using the same fuel that warms your house and cooks your food in the winter: natural gas.

Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are increasingly popular ways to create a focal point when enjoying a deck or patio, but traditional wood-burning pits and fireplaces generate smoke and ash that require cleaning

and constant tending. A natural gas fireplace or fire pit, however, starts and stops at the push of a button and burns just as cleanly as the burners on your stove.

Natural gas can also power outdoor lighting for a soft, warm glow to make your outdoor space more inviting.

Whether it’s for looks, for light or for toasting marshmallows, natural gas lights, and a fire pit or fireplace makes your outdoor space more inviting.

Not only is natural gas perfect to enhance your outdoor living area, it’s also more economical – costing 30 to 50 percent less than other energy sources. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and the cleanest naturally occurring energy source.

So make your Michigan summer extend further into fall, and begin sooner in spring with natural gas!

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0March 2020

Welcome T he Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan is excited to present the 2020 Northern Michigan Regional Home and Outdoor Living Show on March 13 and 14 at at North Central Michigan College!

This year’s theme, “Build.

Refresh. Renovate,” will showcase 70 exhibit spaces showcasing contractors, outdoor living and related businesses.

Our participants are ready to meet you whether you are in the market to build a new home, ready to refresh your existing home or considering a major renovation.

In addition to getting great ideas from vendors, attendees may want to attend one of our educational seminars and do-it-yourself workshops. These will cover raised bed gardening, installation of shiplap and engineered laminate flooring and

to the Northern Michigan Home and Outdoor Living Show!

other topics. A list of the programs is found on page 7 of this publication.

New this year is a garden shed building contest by local building trades students. Students will be working all day Friday on their projects. Attendees can meet the students on Saturday and also buy raffle tickets to win one of the garden sheds.

To help entertain children attending with their parents, we have a self-paced scavenger hunt, DIY craft table and Home Depot is sponsoring a children’s building project on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Sincerely,

Christine Cole

2020 Home and Outdoor Living Show Chair 2020 HBA of Northern Michigan President

As a third generation builder, Craig brings more than 27 years of experience to each project. Contact Master Builder Craig Boyd for a consultation on your home ideas.

Home Show hours »» $5 admission (age 17 and under are free) »» Friday, March 13, 9—10:30 a.m.

Breakfast meeting (For vendors and HBA of Northern

Michigan members. Announcements and booth awards. $10 fee) Breakfast sponsored by Hastings Mutual Insurance

»» Friday, March 13, 11 a.m.—6 p.m. »» Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m.—4 p.m.

Bring the kids! The Home Show is a family-friendly event with fun activities for all ages!

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HOME SHOW COMMITTEE Christine Cole, DTE Energy – Chair The Northern Michigan Regional Home Show is a huge undertaking. North Central Michigan College has been the show’s home for many years and we are grateful to be here once again. The show could not happen without the dedication and work of our Home Show Committee and other supporting partners. The Board of Directors of the Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan would like to express their deep gratitude to those listed on this page.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Stephanie Baldwin, Edgewater Design Group

Christine Cole, President DTE Energy

Lindsey Bur, Edgewater Design Group

Brad Denoyer, Vice President Denoyer Remodeling

Robyn Rakoniewski, Harbor Brenn Insurance

Cheyenne Smith, Secretary Surfaces

Doug Byron, Home Depot, Coordinator of the Student Building Project

Stephanie Baldwin, Treasurer Edgewater Design GroupArchitecture & Engineering

Kay Griffin, Lite 96.3 Radio/Garber Broadcasting

Greg Burroughs Peterson McGregor and Associates

Patrice Carlson, DWS Construction

Craig Boyd Boyd Construction Company Inc.

STAFF Janet Begrow Chambers, Executive Officer Lyn Ann Reid, Administrative Assistant

Dustin Hart RenewIt Decks & Outdoor Living Jeff Grantham Grantham Build & Remodel, LLC

F

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0March 2020

LORY

Residential Building Specialist Economical Code Compliance Innovative Problem Solving Professional Project Management

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan 5

Thank you to Our Tabloid Sponsor

ConstruCtion serviCes

Kevan Flory

CALL TO SCHEDULE

(231) 420-1790 kevanflory88@gmail.com

A FREE

DISCOVERY SESSION!

Try Emmet County’s Homegrown Compost Available bagged, BYO bucket or by the cubic yard. Bulk discounts available.

Learn more at EmmetRecycling.org

Wolverine Cabinet Company is built on integrity, expert knowledge and unsurpassed service.Featuring our own brand of Amish-built cabinets and furniture, “Handcrafted For Your Life,” the way master craftsman and company founder, Brian O’Connor started.

More info at: Wolverine Cabinet Company, 311 East Mitchell St., Petoskey, MI 49770 (231) 347-8766 | www.wolverinecabinet.com

Thank you to Our Show Sponsors MAJOR SPONSORS

Pleasantview Road Drop-off Center 7363 S. Pleasantview Road, Harbor Springs

When Quality Matters

PARTNER SPONSORS

EDUCATION SPONSOR Lake Michigan Credit Union VENDOR AND HBANM BREAKFAST SPONSOR Hastings Mutual Insurance Company At Eden-Valders Stone, we pride ourselves in producing the best limestone products on the market today.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES SPONSORS Edgewater Design Group | Home Depot | DTE MEDIA SPONSORS

EMMET

BRIC K BLOCK

&

SPECIAL THANKS TO

CO.      

    

F or use of the Community Room, which HBANM contributed to when it was built.

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Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan

March 2020

2020 HOME AND OUTDOOR LIVING SHOW

Exhibitors

Please check our website for an updated list of exhibitors with links to exhibitor websites. Go to HomeShowUpNorth.com

All-Phase Electric All Weather Seal American Legion Post # 194

Emmet County Building Department Emmet County Recycling Fireside Hearth & Leisure

American Metal Roofs

Flory Construction

American Waste

Great Lakes Energy

Ayers Basement Systems

Great Lakes Seamless Gutters

Bell Fork Lift Berkshire Hathaway

Home Depot

Boyne Country Propane

Impact Building & Renovations

Outdoor Adventures, Inc.

Renewal by Andersen

Builders First Source

Kruskie Construction

Owens Soft Water

Coveyou Scenic Farms Market

Lake Michigan Credit Union

Pella Windows

Sheren Plumbing & Heating

Dog Watch by K-9 Fence

Lowes of Petoskey

Preston Feather Building Centers

Drost Landscape

McCardel Culligan

Pure Water Works

DTE Energy

Rainbow Seamless Systems

DWS Builders

Michigan Department of Environment and Great Lake Energy

Edward’s Electric

Michigan Gutter Systems

Emmet Brick & Block

Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity

Real Estate One Renew It Group, LLC

SludgeHammer Tailored Living of Northern Michigan Your Designs, LLC Youth for Understanding

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Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan 7

EDUCATIONAL & DIY PROGRAMS Sponsored by Lake Michigan Credit Union These programs are free and open to any show attendees. Check our website for times and updates to these program at www.HomeShowUpNorth.com

• DIY Shiplap Installation and Projects

by Home Depot

• DIY Engineered Floor Installation

by Home Depot

• Raised Bed Gardening

by Coveyou Scenic Farms

• So you want to remodel your home, now what?

• Demonstration

on drones

by Harbor Springs high school students

• Trends

in Kitchen and Bath Design

by Preston Feather Building Centers & Design Showrooms

2018

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Build.Refresh. Renovate.

March 2020

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan

Construction trades students to compete in garden shed building at home show we have some resources to assist with this task. All proceeds from the shed raffle tickets will go to the HBA of Northern Michigan’s Workforce Development Initiative, a program that helps students and young adults connect to training resources, apprenticeships and jobs in the construction industry in Northern Michigan.

Materials for the garden shed builds were provided by Builders First Source, Home Depot, Lowes and Preston Feather. The student lunches at the event are sponsored by the Northern Michigan Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. A Golden Hammer Award for the best garden shed design and construction is sponsored by Birchwood Construction.

By Doug Byron, Home Depot, competition coordinator

W

e are very excited to have students from several local high school building trades programs compete on Friday, March 13, in a garden shed building competition.

Attendees can watch the students in action on Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and see the completed sheds on Saturday where they will be judged based on design and construction criteria. The garden sheds will be raffled off on Saturday at 4 p.m. Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 each, or five for $20. Winners will be responsible for getting the sheds home, but

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Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan 9

SAVE THE DATE

Parade of Homes June 27, 2020

The HBA of Northern Michigan has made great strides in the last few years. We had a splendid Parade of Homes event last June that showcased five homes and one garden in Northern Michigan, as well as a very successful home show in March 2019.

Our members have been involved in our Workforce Development Initiative where we are pulling together the resources in Northern Michigan for construction job training and apprenticeship programs and reaching out to students, parents, young adults, school counselors and other resources, to match people to careers in construction.

In October, 2019, we host-

ed 21 booth spaces at the MiCareerQuest event representing landscaping, construction, HVAC, plumbing, tile and floor installation, interior design, and other areas.

More than 500 students attended this program sponsored by the Char-Em Intermediate School District.

We also host monthly meetings for members and prospective members at locations throughout our area.

Companies that hosted events in 2019 include Preston Feather, Harbor Design, TJ Marble and Granite, McBride Remodeling and Jarvis Restoration, to name a few. Another goal of our organization is to provide continuing education so we offer CE credit courses needed by contractors, as well as product and business workshops for our members.

You can find out more about our organization at hbanm.com.

Hickerson Floor and Tile Haus

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PN-625206-1

A message from Janet Chambers, Executive Office, HBA of Northern Michigan

PN-624878-1

Home designed by Edgewater Design Group and voted the “Peoples Choice” award in 2019. Built by Legacy Construction Inc.

The Home Builder’s Association of Northern Michigan (HBANM) will once again be putting on the annual Parade of Homes event from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 27. The event showcases newer homes in the area and is a wonderful venue for local residents and visitors to get ideas on home design, kitchen and bath remodeling and building materials, as well as, talk first-hand to area contractors. The list of properties is still in the works, but the committee is expected to have from 5-8 properties on the tour. The Parade of Homes event in 2019, which featured five homes and one garden, was a great success. We hope to have more wonderful homes this coming summer.

“We are working with our builder members to locate a variety of homes for the tour this year,” said Janet Chambers, executive officer of the HBANM. “We hope to showcase several properties in Charlevoix, Petoskey, Boyne City and Harbor Springs.”

Tickets will be available in advance by May 15 at www.HBANM.com.

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Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan

March 2020

PROFILE

before

after

Little Traverse Bay kitchen update

by Brian O’Conner, President, Wolverine Cabinet Company

U

pdating a home isn’t always easy, especially when changing a home your grandfather designed and built. Our client wanted to update their home and bring in a fresh new look without losing the character or memories of the grandfather’s work. When our client selected Wolverine Cabinet Company to design the kitchen and provide high-quality custom cabinets, she told us she could not have found a better company to understand her vision. She explained that she found professionals who listened to her story about her home and was pleased with the kitchen we designed. Our client said she felt

the home embodied the spirit of those who lived in the home before her while greatly improving the kitchen’s functionality and style. We worked together to make the kitchen more open and let in more light to the entire space.

This remodeled kitchen project is located in a home on the shores of Little Traverse Bay. While the home has an unassuming presence, when you enter the home the WOW factor hits you!

The interior of the home incorporates large laminated beams shaped like a rib of an old wooden ship and huge windows that practically bring the lakefront right into the living room. The 50-year-old kitchen, handcrafted onsite back in the day, was dark and closed in. It was time to take the leap into a more

functional and modern space.

Wolverine Cabinet Company’s (WCC) design team went to work and the results are a beautifully functional kitchen that is light, open and airy. White cabinets— with subway tile backsplash and all stainless steel appliances—are a classic look that perfectly fits the vision the client described to us.

Designers at WCC believe in the old design rule that “form follows function.” The first thing we did for this project is design a functional kitchen by locating the sink and appliances so that they work well with each other. Next, the cabinets were designed to include plenty of big drawers and some open shelves, so everything is easy to access. Five-piece paneldrawer fronts, end panels and a peninsula back panel add a touch of class to this otherwise simple

kitchen. Brushed nickel hardware and faucet tie in nicely with the stainless steel appliances. A white subway tile backsplash completes this simply beautiful classic kitchen. The lifetime warranty on the cabinets will keep this family cooking happily for generations to come.

About Wolverine Cabinet Company: The Wolverine Cabinet brand cabinets are built by our Amish affiliate in southern Indiana. These high-quality cabinets are built to owner and Master Craftsman Brian O’Connor’s exacting specifications.

The WCC’s professional design team of ten ensures clients receive thoughtfullyexecuted design plans that offer functionality while meeting client vision and standards. Showrooms are available in Wolverine, Petoskey, Traverse City and Royal Oak, Michigan. More info at: WolverineCabinet.com.

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Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan 11

A modern farmhouse with functional flare

By Adam Vertican, Impact Building and Renovations

H

ome buyers today are looking for great open-concept floor plans and energy efficiency in one package. They want the latest in functionality with easy maintenance finishes, stylish and well-made cabinetry, and easy-flow floor plans.

Our company, Impact Building and Renovations, is focused on providing mid-priced homes in Northern Michigan. My wife, Kelly, and I work as a team to design functional spaces for today’s families. Together, with our two young boys, we are living in a home we built in 2019 in a nice neighborhood just south of downtown Petoskey. The home has an open concept with a large farmhouse kitchen connected to a spacious family room with a fireplace. Large windows overlook the yard and deck where we enjoy entertaining.

Custom built-ins offer organization

and storage in the large mudroom as well as other spaces throughout the house.

To ensure a low cost of ownership, we installed a TRANE high-efficiency HVAC unit, including central air.

Closed-cell spray foam insulation is installed in all exterior walls for added strength and a superior thermal barrier. A premium IFC

Foundation and quality windows — rated for our harsh Michigan winters — are all part of the standard materials used in homes we build.

Our designs feature fresh ideas, trending finishes, and the latest innovations in energy efficiency.

Our newest homes also use updated advancements in technology for thermostat control, internet connectivity

and other systems. We offer creative, custom design for the entire project and help clients with product selections for their new home. Flooring, cabinetry, countertops and even hardware, all need to be coordinated for visual appeal as well as easy maintenance. We work with clients to maximize space and flow with built-ins, sliding barn doors, and other multi-use flex spaces.

We work closely with our suppliers to select products that fit within the budget on every home build.

Local suppliers like Preston Feather work with us and our clients on construction materials, like exterior finishes and roofing. Our suppliers often suggest materials that fit our price points so we can stay within budget.

Our newest spec home in Petoskey is now available for tours or purchase. It features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open floor plan, on a full ready-to-be-finished basement. For more information, call us at (231) 373-7244.

SIMPLY. SMART. HOME.

We implement creative ideas that focus on energy efficiency with a smart and simple flow for everyday life, while always bringing a personal touch to each design. Modern charm means lots of light, easy maintenance, and utilizing the latest tech ideas for security and comfort controls.

Adam and Kelly Vertican, owners of Impact Building Renovation, are offering this home they built in Petoskey for $340,000. Call for details.

231.373.7244

ImpactDifference.com

Visit our booth at the Home & Outdoor Living Show March 13-14

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Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan

March 2020

Earth-friendly

Deck furniture from recycled materials

By Dave Coveyou, Coveyou Scenic Farm

W

e are only a few weeks away from pulling the deck furniture out of storage and getting ready for another wonderful year of relaxing outside. For years it was a bitter-sweet task. We would get excited for spring weather and pull out the aluminum and glass table set we acquired when we moved into our home.

Each year there would be a little more rust on the frame joints and the chair cushions would not be as vibrant. Out came the wooden Adirondack chairs for the front porch too. Then I would remember that I hadn’t refinished those Adirondack chairs that had started peeling.

The excitement would fade as my to-do list increased in length.

That was how spring unfolded for us for several years. But then in early spring my wife suggested that we just upgrade the whole set to the new craze in outdoor patio furniture, poly furniture.

Poly is the red-hot craze of making some of the most comfortable furniture you will ever sit in not out of wood, nor metal, but out of recycled plastic milk jugs. The evolution in plastic lumber is changing the industry. The furniture we purchased, and then began to sell, is made from poly-lumber that is 95% pure melted down milk jugs with color pigment mixed in to create a great variety of colors. It takes around 550 milk jugs to make

enough lumber for a typical chair.

We were thrilled to discover that this furniture will never need painting so nothing will peel or flake. The color is solid all the way through making fading almost non-existent. Best of all, it will last a very long time. We no longer have to worry about the rain or cold. We just cover ours to keep the leaves off and don’t even need to bring it inside. We have found that in the spring, we

can clean the furniture with a little water to rinse it down and it’s as good as new. And its heavy enough to not blow around.

The patio furniture we decided to sell at our farm store is made by an Amish group called Berlin Gardens from the Midwest. The new wood-like grain in the plastic has a texture look that is really impressive. It’s hard to tell from a distance that it is plastic.

We hope you will stop by our

booth at the Northern Michigan Home and Outdoor Living Show on March 13 and 14 to see the variety of Amish made poly furniture we sell.

About Coveyou Scenic Farm Market: Coveyou Scenic Farm Market carries a full line of Berlin Gardens poly furniture along with organic produce. The farm is run with solar and geothermal technology as well. More info atCoveyouScenicFarm.com

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Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan 13

How to choose a building contractor

By Janet Chambers, Executive Officer, HBA of Northern Michigan

A

s you think about remodeling projects or building a new home, you will want to do your homework before hiring your contractor.

Here are a couple of tips to help you choose the best contractor for your project.

Once you have an initial concept for your project, you will want to research contractors that focus on the type of work you want done.

Ask any friends for referrals if they have worked with local contractors on projects or contact the Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan for a list of contractors that specialize in the work you want to have done.

The HBA of Northern Michigan has members in all of Northern Michigan, from Gaylord to the bridge. Find a list at HBANM. com.

The local building supply companies work closely with builders in our area and may also have some good recommendations. Most of these companies have project managers assigned to specific builders. Real estate agents can also be good referral sources since they work with builders on a regular basis in our market.

Once you have a list of potential contractors, check out their websites for photos of projects they have completed, testimonials from customers, and other information on the company. Make sure the company is bonded, licensed, and insured.

After you meet with a contractor and feel comfortable that the company might be a good fit for your project, it is important to get references from past clients and even visit a few of projects in person. Ask clients about the communication process used by the builder, what they liked

and did not like about working with the builder, and other questions.

Once you select a contractor, make sure you have the entire project scope in writing, with timelines, pricing, what is included in the estimate, what is not included in the estimate, and allowances for purchases like kitchen cabinets, hardware or related materials.

Make sure to take detailed notes of your meetings with the contractor, and once underway, make sure you have written change orders for any alterations to the original estimate.

It’s a good idea to have clear and precise payment terms and it is recommended that you withhold part of the payment until the project is completed to your satisfaction For more information, the National Association of Home Builders’ website, nahb.com, has many great articles about how to hire a contractor.

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March 2020

CHAR-EM ISD CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Awareness, Exploration,

PREPARATION!

By Jim Rummer, Director of Career and Technical Education, CharlevoixEmmet Intermediate School District

“W

hat do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question asked of many young children when they first begin to express interest in the jobs they see around them.

It can take just the right spark to light a fire of inspiration in a child about their future career path; perhaps it happens when they hear a guest speaker at school talk passionately about their work, or during a career fair when they learn about jobs they hadn’t considered before.

Often times, the spark is lit by programs offered by local districts in collaboration with the Char-Em ISD’s Career and Technical Education Department.

With the important role of CTE programs receiving more attention than ever, there has never been a more supportive or exciting time to be bringing CareerTech Education to our students, from elementary through high school.

Traditional CTE courses such as woodshop and automotive are being enriched by innovative and cutting-edge classes, such as drone technology, aviation and lineworker training.

Students throughout Char-

Em are learning how to become building contractors, veterinarians, welders, CNC machinists, pilots, doctors, nurses and more.

The ISD’s CTE staff and local districts’ teachers are working to reach students at a young age. In elementary school, students begin to hear about career options through awareness events, such as invited speakers.

They are introduced to the idea that they’ll need certain skills to pursue careers that interest them.

Career Academy for Kids is a popular summer camp, hosted by the ISD at Boyne City and Harbor Springs school districts, for 2nd-8th

graders to explore numerous courses across a spectrum of interests, including robotics, cooking, photography, videography, public safety and more.

In middle school, career exploration opportunities are presented, including the new and exciting MiCareerQuest, job site visits and volunteering.

Students are encouraged to think about a handful of careers that interest them most, including construction trades.

Exposure to Career and Technical Education programs during the school day begins in high school, when a range of classes

becomes available to prepare students for post-secondary life. Students hone in on specific areas of interest by enrolling in CTE programs.

Today, 42 programs (with duplication) are offered in the 11 Char-Em public school districts.

The programs follow state-approved curricula, which identify current and emerging needs in the Michigan workforce.

More than 1,500 students locally participate in CTE programs: Agriscience and Natural Resources; Automotive; Aviation Science and Technology; Business Administration

and Administration; Construction Trades; Culinary Arts; Drafting and Design Technology; Energy Fundamentals: Lineworker Emphasis; Graphic and Printing Technology; Health Occupations; Information Technology; Machine Tool Technology; Marketing; TV and Film Production and Broadcasting; Welding; and Woodworking and Furniture Making.

Students from any ISD school can enroll in any program held at any CharEm ISD district.

A new lineworker training has attracted students from all across the ISD to the training grounds and classroom in Boyne City; this is a field that will see an increasing demand for workers in the years ahead. Local students will be ahead of their peers

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0March 2020

in securing these high-paying, family-supporting jobs thanks to their training during high school.

Likewise, students in Harbor Springs, Ellsworth and Pellston are learning to operate drones for a variety of professional applications. An aviation program has taken flight.

To ensure local students are at the front of the pack, Char-Em ISD’s CTE Department and our local schools invest in the most cutting edge tools available. One of the best ways for students to learn is by doing, and several large equipment simulators are helping high schoolers get a feel for bulldozer and excavator operations; flight and drone simulators help train students before taking flight; welding simulators give teens the chance to learn the touch and precision of welding; and lineworker students learn by climbing actual poles in real equipment at the Great Lakes Energy training field in Boyne City. While the future is full of promise for new careers, the skills of

today remain in high demand. Building construction skills are crucial, particularly in rural areas such as Northern Michigan.

Many manufacturers are desperate for skilled machinists, welders and equipment operators, which are critical to the regional workforce. In this area that relies heavily on tourism, courses in hospitality, customer service and marketing are especially helpful

for keeping our local economy strong.

Each program plays an important part in the overall picture we are developing of career and college readiness. Char-Em will continue to look at new and exciting offerings as the needs of our communities and our workforce evolve as we strive to meet the demand by 2024 for more than 500,000 open jobs in the skilled trades in Michigan!

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan 15

About Char-Em Intermediate School District: We serve the counties of Charlevoix, Emmet and northern Antrim with a total of 11 school districts. The Char-Em ISD student population is 9,100 (2019-20 school year figures) with enrollment in CTE courses of approximately 1,500 students. The ISD covers 1000 square miles and offers 42 state-approved programs (with duplication).

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March 2020

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan

A modern home on Lake Charlevoix designed for family enjoyment Crafted by Boyd Construction Company, Inc.

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raig Boyd, owner of Boyd Construction Company, Inc., has been in the building trades for more than 27 years. As a third-generation builder, Craig started visiting construction sites when he was very young.

These early beginnings fueled his passion as a builder today where he focuses on using unique materials and offering great floor plans with interesting details.

The Vogelheim home on Lake Charlevoix, built by Boyd Construction Company Inc., is visually pleasing with an abundance of windows and various wood and stone exterior materials. “I like modern homes and my wife Christie wanted it to feel warm, so we designed a home that fulfilled both of those characteristics,“ said Joe Vogelheim, an Associate Broker/ Realtor in Charlevoix with O’Brien Real Estate. “We also like nature so it was important to have a lot of windows to bring the outside into all the rooms and have great views of the lake.”

The Vogelheim home has a modern yet rustic feel with a mixed-angle standing-seam shed roof, LP SmartSide lap siding and interesting materials throughout.

At 2600-square-feet, the home has four bedrooms and two-and-ahalf baths. It is on a wonderful lot with great views of Lake Charlevoix and a setting of birch trees and native grasses. Special features include French doors to access the expansive concrete patio, a seven-inch walnut plank ceiling in the living room and horizontal grain-matched custom walnut kitchen cabinets. Floor-toceiling porcelain tile from Italy flanks the gas fireplace. Upstairs,

a catwalk-like hallway with open railings looks down to the living room.

Christie is credited with designing the home, with input from the builder and friends, and working with the many material suppliers on selections. She wanted a home that included an open floor plan for entertaining family and friends. Two great selections are the Pella Architectural Series windows throughout the home as well as the stunning oak plank flooring and stairs.

The Vogelheims enjoyed working

with both Craig Boyd and his 30-plus-year veteran foreman, Tim Borst.

“They listened to our ideas and worked alongside us to bring our vision to life. They helped us make selections that kept us within our budget and made the entire building process a lot of fun,” said Joe. As with any project, Boyd relies on keeping open lines of communication to meet and exceed client expectations.

The company excels at scheduling the many trades people, like

plumbers and electricians, on the job in a coordinated fashion and running a tight timeline.

“Christie and I had a lot of fun with the design and building process for our home and couldn’t wait to move in!” said Joe. About the Builder: Boyd Construction Company, Inc., owned by Craig Boyd, services Northern Michigan and specializing in new home construction.

Craig Boyd is a board member of the Home Builder Association of Northern Michigan. More info at 231.373.4170 or BoydConstruction.com.

Build.Refresh. Renovate.

0March 2020

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan 17

Northwest Habitat for Humanity celebrates 30 years

The Amish Advantage

WOLVERINE PETOSKEY 12909 S. Straits Hwy 311 E. Mitchell St. 231.525.8766 231.347.8766

TRAVERSE CITY 444 Cass St. 231.943.1114

ROYAL OAK Coming Soon!

231.881.8638

wolverinecabinet.com

Bring the Outdoors Inside

with a Sunroom or Patio Enclosure • • • •

Sunrooms Patio Enclosures Screen Enclosures Bathroom Remodeling

FREE PATIO SET with Sunroom Purchase Expires 3/31/2020 Ask for details.

• • •

Kitchen Remodeling Cabinet Refacing Three and Four Season Rooms

Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 30 years of building homes and hope in Emmet and Charlevoix Counties! Since opening in 1990, NWM Habitat has partnered with over 50 households to provide homeownership opportunities and home repairs. With the 30-year mark on the horizon the local affiliate is looking to expand the number of yearly home-builds and increase their capacity to serve the residents of Northern Michigan. Last year Habitat completed 4 new homes in Alanson and Boyne City, as well as several home repairs. They have also partnered with the Pellston High School Trades Program, who has taken on building one home a year in partnership with Habitat.

While Habitat works to build affordable housing, they also aim to create successful homeowners. Program Partners are required to attend educational courses, perform 200 hours of volunteer time on their home-build, and work to strengthen their finances.

By the end of the program, Partners not only have the tools they need to maintain their home and their finances, but are financially ready to obtain an affordable, long term mortgage. The affiliate also offers a highly affordable Home Repair Program, allowing those who already own a home to maintain its safety and efficiency.

Through this program residents can get a wide variety of repairs done at a highly discounted price.

Northwest Michigan Habitat thanks the community for 30 years of supporting their work to build safe and affordable homes. For more information about NWM Habitat and their programs please visit northwestmihabitat.org

Long Lasting Polywood Superb Amish Made Quality Come experience the best!

Flowers, Patio Pots and Hanging Baskets Potting Soils, Compost and Lawn Fertilizers

YOUR DESIGNS, LLC

Call Bruce Reese at 989-370-6511 or 248-250-3356 YourDesignsLLC.com See us at the Home & Outdoor Living Show, March 13 & 14, NCMC, Petoskey

Organic Produce / Produce Memberships

Berlin Gardens Patio, Deck and Dock Furniture

and now...Deck Furniture that will have you amazed!

4160 US Highway 131; Petoskey (231) 347-4056 Coveyouscenicfarm.com

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Build.Refresh. Renovate.

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan

Renew it Decks set to open showroom in Charlevoix Renew it Decks and Outdoor Living is the creation of builder Dustin Hart who formed Renew it Decks in 2005. Once starting his business, Hart focused on decks and deck design almost immediately because he saw the need for a specialist in decking in Northern Michigan. “The showroom is the result of customer requests for one location to view installed materials, designs and various outdoor living features like fire pits, deck furniture and outdoor kitchens,” said Hart.

“This is the first showroom of its kind in all of Northern Michigan and we know customers will enjoy seeing installed materials firsthand.”

The 2,500 square foot showroom will feature decking from top manufacturers like Trex and Azek, as well as deck lighting, hardware, railings, BBQ’s, fire pits, and other deck-related products.

Renew it Decks also designs decks and outdoor living spaces with special features like pergolas, outdoor kitchens and built-in seating.

“The showroom is designed to appeal to contractors and architects as well as homeowners,” commented Hart. The company plans to create videos of projects and interviews with contractors profiling projects and design ideas. The Renew it Decks Showroom will open in the spring on the southside of Charlevoix on US 31.

More information is available on Renew it Deck’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/renewitgroup or at renewitdecks.com.

March 2020

Build.Refresh. Renovate.

0March 2020

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan 19

The 4 biggest mistakes to avoid when buying your first home

By Roger Briggs, Real Estate One

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uying a home can be an anxiety-ridden process, and that potential anxiety gets amplified for anyone who’s embarking on homeownership for the very first time. There’s so much to do and so much you don’t know that “being overwhelmed” hardly seems like an appropriate description of how it feels.

If you’re aware of these four potential mistakes — and able to keep yourself from making them — then you’ll be saving yourself some significant stress on your home buying journey.

1

Mistake No. 1: Not Understanding your Down Payment Options The biggest headache for so many first-time buyers is the down payment. If you’ve ever bought a car, then you’re probably familiar with the concept — it’s money that you contribute to the total cost of the purchase.

A down payment of just a couple thousand dollars can get you a head start on your car. If you don’t have a certain amount to put down on your home loan, however, you might find yourself paying private mortgage insurance (PMI) on the lifetime of the loan.

Depending on your credit score,

the bank and other factors, PMI could cost between 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the total loan amount.

Most banks require at least a 20% down payment before they will waive the need for PMI on the loan.

However, there are loans that allow you to put as little as 3% down on the home, which may be more reasonable for a firsttime buyer, especially if you can accommodate the annual cost of $1,500 to $3,000 in PMI into your monthly payment amount. And Veterans could be eligible for zero-down loan programs with no PMI through the Veterans Administration (VA) loan program, so that’s something else to think about.

Also, some government organizations and lenders try to incentivize first-time homeownership by offering free down payment grants or loans to qualified buyers. Depending on your age, income level, credit score and other factors, you could qualify for free money to wrap into your down payment; a full rundown of programs is available at downpaymentresource.com.

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Mistake No. 2: Not Getting Prequalified for a Loan Between the amount of money you plan to put down on the home, the potential PMI and other cost factors, your monthly

cost could be significantly more (or, possibly, less) than some of those calculators will show you online.

So, before you trust those “estimated monthly mortgage loan amount” numbers that you see popping up next to your potential new dream home listed on online sites, it pays to figure out what you can actually afford — and that means getting prequalified for a home loan.

3

Mistake No. 3: Not Finding a Qualified Real Estate Professional

It’s so easy to find homes online these days that you may wonder why a real estate professional is even necessary. After all, isn’t the hard part — finding the place you want to buy — something you can do yourself ?

Well, maybe. But the process of buying and selling a home is filled with hundreds of details that need to be planned for and navigated to a successful outcome. A qualified agent can help!

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Mistake No. 4: Not Understanding What’s Fixable and What’s a Deal-Breaker Those drop panels in the ceiling are hideous, and you can’t imagine how anyone can fit into that minuscule bathtub.

Not enough bedrooms, bathrooms or area for the dogs to run?

Are those annoyances that can be fixed or deal-breakers that mean you should pass on the property entirely?

None of these mistakes will keep you from buying a home of your own — but they could delay the process and cost you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars at the end of the day.

But if you’re able to avoid them, you’ll be signing the closing papers on your dream home before you know it!

About the Author: Roger Briggs is a real estate agent with Real Estate One in Petoskey. He can be reached at (231) 838-1151 or RBriggs@REOPetoskey.com.

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Build.Refresh. Renovate.

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan

March 2020

How to grow a great lawn H

By Dave Coveyou, Coveyou Scenic Farm

aving a nice green lawn all season is something we all desire. For some it is the landscaping guys job to create the magic and we just pay the bill.

For others, it’s the pastime and pride of our summer evenings while for others it’s the elusive goal that optimists would say can only get better next year.

The methods of growing a great lawn are changing with the years too. Synthetic chemical fertilizers that give your lawn a short lived “sugar high” with the five applications each summer are not as acceptable anymore.

The leaching of those very soluble nitrogen and phosphorus synthetic components into our water systems is guiding more environmentally focused people to move away from them. The real elephant in the room is the 2-4D weed killer that is in most synthetic fertilizers. Farmers need to be licensed and get ongoing training to apply 2-4D to their fields.

Your landscaper puts the small flags on your lawn for the liquid sprays to keep loved ones away.

You, on the other hand, may be buying bags of fertilizer that contain the same weed killer and are putting it on your lawn without noticing the small print warnings on the bag that request you keep your pets and family off the lawn.

Across the country we are seeing more schools and golf courses (where people spend many hours) move away from these synthetic inputs.

But we want nice lawn that are safe, what are we to do? Great work and education are slowly taking hold to create products that are closer to what our grandfather would have used instead of our father. It all starts with building healthy soil, healthy roots and sustainable robust lawn

grass. Ironically, the new methods involve less application and lower costs than some of the synthetics.

Here is the system we found works well: ­— In early spring, prior to green up, aerate the soil to punch holes in the lawn surface. Spread a compost material like Dairy Doo compost, a product we sell, to about 1/8” thick across the surface. You can just fling it with a shovel and then rake it over to even it out.

Then, spread grass seed over the entire lawn. The best defense against weeds is to crowd them out. Assure the lawn gets water if there has not been enough rain.

— In early summer (Mid-June), use an organic slow-release granulated fertilizer like Dairy Doo

Safe Green Lawn, a product we sell. It spreads easy in any fertilizer spreader. Keep your lawn watered!

— In mid-summer (Mid July), again use a granulated fertilizer.

— In late summer (late August), apply a granulated fertilizer at half rate.

Here are some other tips: — Weeds love short grass.

Raising your mower deck will leave your grass longer creating a canopy that shades out weeds.

Longer grass also creates deeper root systems.

— Leave mulched grass clippings on your lawn to break down into the soil naturally returning nutrients and improving water retention.

— If you prefer liquid fertility versus using a spreader there are some great liquid options including a Turfblaster liquid spray bottle that can attach to the end of your garden hose.

We invite you to learn more about healthy lawns, healthy soil and all the Dairy Doo organic products that you can use to make your lawn, yard and flower beds wonderful and healthy by stopping by the Coveyou Scenic Farm Market booth at the Northern Michigan Home and Outdoor Living Show on March 13 and 14 in Petoskey.

About the author: David Coveyou is the owner at Coveyou Scenic Farm located just south of Petoskey. The farm specializes in organic options to grow healthy plants.

Build.Refresh. Renovate.

0March 2020

APRIL 16TH 5-8 PM

Bring the beauty of outside in Screened in areas and expansive decks help homeowners enjoy the outdoors. Visit Your Designs LLC at the Home and Outdoor Living Show for great ideas to expand your home’s outdoor living areas.

Love Your Home More Every Season

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan 21

OVATION HALL, ODAWA CASINO Over 75 Exhibitors and Taste of Petoskey! $10 admission includes Taste of petoskey food samples!

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Start a conversation about your next project.

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231.348.5866 Find us on socials!

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Build.Refresh. Renovate.

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan,

March 2020

What is your style?

Build.Refresh. Renovate.

0March 2020

Dana Lacuesta, left, and Trisha Keller, designers from Preston Feather.

By Dana Lacuesta, Preston Feather

“I hope you like lake motifs!” joked a

friend of mine, when I told her I intended to continue practicing interior design here in Northern Michigan.

My husband had been offered a dream job as a director of a new program at Interlochen Arts Academy, and, together with our daughter and our mutt, we decided to try on a new life Up North. In Nashville, a metropolitan area of around 3 million people where I’d lived most of my adult life, I had the

distinct privilege of serving clients from all over the United States, each with their own vastly different aesthetic.

The city itself, growing more rapidly each day, demanded work that was fresh and cutting edge from every artist and creative, and I loved the thrill of that challenge. Every project was a breathless, exciting new adventure.

What would it be like to design in a place that is smaller, more isolated, and less diverse? Would I be stuck in a beachside design vortex, talking people out of fake shiplap and word art?

As I packed up my studio and my home, I realized that these

thoughts came from a place of some subconscious internal bias against small town tastes, and I felt ashamed. My real fears weren’t of shiplap, or beachy pastels. The thing that scared me the most was the idea of feeling like an outsider—and that, as an outsider, no one would want me as their designer.

As luck would have it, Preston Feather in Traverse City saw fit to hire an outsider, and I have been working there alongside another fabulous designer, Trisha Keller.

She’s teaching me a lot about the general aesthetic of Northern Michigan.

Some of it comes as no surprise to me—crisp, nautical palettes of white, navy, and driftwood; smooth, reflective textures that mirror the lake and the sky; casual, cottagestyle casework in even the grandest homes—but much of it is unexpected. For instance, clients here show an openness to elements of modernism in their approach to design, which is rare in the more stylistically traditional South.

Why is that? Well, I haven’t been here long enough to know for sure, but I have a working theory: modernism isn’t just an aesthetic, it’s a set of values

Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan 23

based around a single idea: good design isn’t just about creating a look, it’s about taking care of people.

Just like palettes of white, blue, and grey reflect our beautiful Northern Michigan surroundings; clean lines, simplicity, and casual textures reflect the culture here, and in my brief experience, that culture has been open and friendly—people-centric! Instead of being treated like outsiders, my family has been invited over to homes for dinners, included in community events, and warmly welcomed at our church and places of work. I’m not sure why I expected anything different.

There is still a lot for me to learn about Northern Michigan’s aesthetic, but I welcome the challenge. Every new project is another piece to the puzzle, and--even though it will take some time to get there-I’m looking forward to seeing the complete picture. I’m sure it will be beautiful (and maybe just a little bit beachy).

About the author: Dana Lacuesta is a designer with Preston Feather in Traverse City. She can be reached at 231-943-1180.