Spring Home Magazine

SPRING

M A G A Z I N E

DIY or don’t even try?

The Trend Toward

Less Lawn Upcycling trash to treasure

Supplement to the April 24, 2014 Perham Focus

Test Your

Water Spring

Cleaning love it or hate it

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SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2012 2014

1

4 24

10

CONTENTS Features

ess (lawn) is more diversity in 24 Lyour home garden: The trend toward less lawn pcycling: One person’s trash is 10 Uanother’s treasure home: Home automation 14 Smart

goes beyond security to

convenience and energy savings

16 18 22

Well worth it: Water from private wells should be tested regularly

Spring cleaning: A long-held tradition, love it or hate it DIY... or don’t even try?

Projects that are better left to the professionals

24 Get the dirt on septic systems nnual HVAC maintenance: 26 ASpring’s the time to do it 29 Building & Remodeling Directory 2

SPRING SPRING HOME HOME MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 2014 2014

Save some green by planting some green Trees and shrubs not only beautify your property, they also can help reduce your annual energy costs by up to 25 percent. To save some green, follow these tips: • Create a windbreak by planting dense evergreens to the north, west, and east of your home.

• Plant trees close to your house on the east and west sides to keep out the hot summer sun and let the sun shine in during the winter.

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3

by LINA BelaR

Less (Lawn)

is more rsity e v i D ome h r u in yo den: gar oward t trend n e h T aw less l

Perham area residents Jean and Dennis Johnson decided to forgo grass on a berm at their lakeshore property in favor of shade-loving perennials.

A

grass lawn has many advantages – it offers a place to play croquet, have a picnic, or just plain relax.

The uniform green of grass, whether it’s a small strip or an expanse, has an aesthetic appeal to it. The sight of an attractive, healthy lawn can instill a sense of pride and stewardship in its caretakers.

In addition, a healthy lawn can benefit human health. According to Deb Brown, a garden writer and former extension horticulturalist with the University of Minnesota, lawns act like enormous sponges, absorbing pollutants like pollen, dust and soot. When it rains, grass helps the soil absorb and filter water, storing it for later use. That reduces runoff and prevents erosion, particularly on slopes, which keeps soil out of storm sewers and, ultimately, out 4

SPRING SPRING HOME HOME MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 2014 2014

of our waterways.

Brown says that, like other plants, grass takes in carbon dioxide and gives off large quantities of oxygen, which is good for humans and other living things. A lawn also absorbs and muffles noises and provides a safe, cushioned surface on which children can play.

Another benefit? Grass can provide natural air-conditioning around a home.

On a summer day, a lawn is 40 to 60 degrees cooler than a concrete sidewalk or asphalt driveway.

But a grass lawn has disadvantages, as well, and today’s trend toward less lawn is a reflection of that awareness.

Airie Middlebrook is president and founder of Middlebrook Gardens, a California landscape company that specializes in native garden landscape. In her article, “Lose the Lawn,” Middlebrook points out that it’s not grass itself that is the problem, but a perfectly manicured lawn that has nothing but grass. Monoculture is the

enemy.

“Turf grass is a monoculture,” says Middlebrook, “developed to suppress and out-compete all other species that would normally germinate in its place.

If you choose to plant and maintain turf grass, you are essentially eliminating diversity in your home garden.”

Diversity is not just an issue of political correctness. Diversity is the very nature of nature, and to tamper with it brings dangerous consequences.

Middlebrook says, “The lawn monoculture cannot survive without an elaborate life-support system, which is deadly. Phosphate-based fertilizers, garden pesticides and herbicides have been showing up increasingly in our streams and bays, carried there by overwatering and storm runoff... Herbicides can also be blamed for contaminating ground water and poisoning fish, bees, and birds.”

Many landscape designers today suggest replacing the traditional lawn with

At the Perham area home of Wayne and Bobbi Sachs, a former grassy hillside has been transformed into a rock garden, complete with pond. The Sachs’ property is jam-packed with gardens, and there’s only enough grass to store their boat and dock.

native plants, which, once established, will require no water, no pesticides, no fertilizer and only minimal care.

Many gardeners have already embraced diversity simply because they love to garden.

Wayne and Bobbi Sachs, for example, have transformed the once empty lot around their Perham area home into a series of small gardens, leaving just enough lawn to put their dock and boat on.

While theirs is hardly a garden requiring minimal maintenance, the many flowering plants attract a wide variety of birds, butterflies and other insects.

Similarly, Jean and Dennis Johnson’s Perham area lakeside lot has very little grass – just enough to create comfortable paths from which to browse an impressive selection of hostas and daylilies. In recent years, rising lake water levels have inspired them to replant their lakeshore with more native vegetation. The result has been as

beautiful to them as it is practical.

Taking a similar, but less labor-intensive, route is Sally Hausken. Hausken has been doing natural landscaping since 1974, when she purchased her property near Detroit Lakes. Since then, she has encouraged the growth of native plants, and, as a result, wildlife in the area has flourished.

In a prior interview with Hausken, she advised anyone interested in restoring their shoreline to begin with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The DNR’s website, www. dnr.state.mn.us, contains information about practical features designed to support shoreline restoration projects, as well as a Native Plant Encyclopedia, which provides in-depth information and photos for hundreds of native plants recommended for shoreland settings.

But what if you are neither a passionate gardener willing to spend countless hours in the garden, nor a confirmed

naturalist, able to just let nature take its course? There are still some great ideas for creating a more diverse environment.

One suggestion is to let other things grow with the grass. Dandelions and creeping Charley are sure to show up on their own. Try adding creeping thyme or chamomile for added beauty and fragrance. From a distance, the grass will still look uniformly manicured, but up close it will become a garden all its own.

Everything will look neat and precise at first, but as you get closer, the individual treasures appear.

In addition, avoid herbicides on the lawn. There is no compelling reason for homeowners to use them. When lawns are planted next to curbs and in parking strips, the run-off from these areas tends to flow directly to storm drains, and eventually to our streams and lakes.

If noxious weeds are present – that’s not just an aesthetic opinion, but an actual designation from the Minnesota SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

5

Department of Agriculture – use Roundup, as it breaks down when it hits the soil. Note: That is not the case for Roundup Extended Use, because it has another chemical in it that acts as a pre-emergent.

Regular Roundup is a post-emergent, killing only the plant material it touches. Plain white vinegar will also work.

Another suggestion is: Don’t water your lawn. When a monocultured lawn is joined by native prairie grasses and weeds, it will be more tolerant to drought.

For a good example of the difference between a watered and unwatered lawn, take a drive past the History Museum and library in Perham. The library, which was built in 1998, has an underground sprinkler system that waters the grass all summer long. On the other end of the block, the History Museum is in a building that was erected in 1887. Its lawn has never been watered, except by nature, and even in the driest summers, the dividing line is difficult to see.

And finally, consider planting boulevards with native grasses and wildflowers that are useful and/ or decorative. After all, there are “Little Free Libraries” in many locations throughout the nation. Why not “Little Free Gardens,” too?

Animals that are good for your gardens Hummingbirds like to sip on the nectar of flowers, helping to pollinate plants.

I

n an effort to rid a garden of unwanted pests, gardeners may unwittingly scare away animals and insects that might just protect their garden from more ill-intentioned animals.

Not every creature that scurries is out to get prized petunias or to devour tomatoes. In fact, many can prove beneficial to gardens.

BATS Bats have a bad reputation, as people unnecessarily fear bats because they believe them to be carriers of disease. But many bats feed off of insects or fruits and will not harm a human. The average brown bat can eat 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour, so it’s easy to see why bats are good to have around. Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also harbor potentially dangerous diseases. Bats also may eat certain rodents, which can cut down on the number of animals burrowing in a yard.

FROGS Frogs and toads will prey on insects and make the local insect population more manageable. Toads eat mainly slugs, who feed on the leaves and fruits of many plants. Frogs and toads are attracted to water, so including a pond or another water feature in the garden will provide them with a habitat they like.

BIRDS While it is true that some birds can

damage crops, many birds are content to feed on insects attracted to a garden, which helps to keep insect numbers in check. Chickadees, for example, will dine on aphid eggs, while larger birds may prey on mice or other rodents or simply scare them out of the garden.

Jays are known to be feisty and can even deter dogs and cats from a yard.

Hummingbirds will sip on the nectar of flowers and help pollinate plants.

SNAKES Snakes in a garden can be disconcerting to some people, but snakes are ideal predators who feed on insects and rodents several times their size. Snakes are the right size and shape to invade the burrows of pest animals.

BUTTERFLIES AND BEES Butterflies and bees are responsible for pollinating the vast majority of plants. Avoid using pesticides that may diminish butterfly or bee populations. A beehive right next to a garden may not be practical, but don’t make attempts to destroy it. Consult with a professional beekeeper to see what can be done to move the beehive without destroying it.

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SPRING SPRING HOME HOME MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 2014 2014

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SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

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by DARLA ELLINGSON

Upcycling

s c

A 1950s hairdryer is used as a statement piece of bathroom art.

Odd pieces collected, found and contributed wait to be upcycled into original home décor pieces.

One person’s trash is another’s treasure

B

eing invited into a friend’s barn – packed to the rafters with antiques, junk, building materials, and oddly enough, custom-made outhouses – I was in picker’s heaven. While salivating over a piece of ornate antique door molding, my friend handed me some vintage painted ceiling tin and said, “Why don’t you see what you can do with this, Darla?”

With joy in my heart, I packed up my treasures of tin, chipped trim and odd wooden crates and headed down the road.

Pick up any country design magazine or turn on HGTV and you’ll see there are quite a few of us junk heap junkies out there, combing flea markets, thrift stores, auctions and barns for treasure to upcycle into wall art, furniture and accent pieces.

10

SPRING SPRING HOME HOME MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 2014 2014

s A broken bath cabinet picked up for a quarter at a garage sale is transformed into a French country armoire with chicken wire replacing the glass.

s The sharp corners were trimmed from a vintage wooden ironing board to shape it like a surfboard.

Painted with an original design with a matching stool, it’s a pop-up bar for one when set up, or wall art when stored. s

Thrift store finds like a bright yellow enameled metal pitcher and ceramic pineapples add to an eclectic vignette on top of the Ellingson’s kitchen cabinets.

An old rusty piece of woodstove, hung above the modern kitchen stove, was given a patina treatment and coat of polycrylic sealer.

s

Reclaimed painted tabled legs were also used on this custom game table, which was wrapped in vintage ceiling tin. The glasstopped lid lifts off for ample storage inside.

Jessica Thompson, wanting to change her home décor in New York Mills more times than she could afford, turned her creative skills toward furnishing her home with vintage finds updated with color and flair.

“I ended up with extra pieces that my friends wanted to buy,” said Thompson, adding that her blossoming business took off from there. “Then I bought out the inventory of a friend’s store, bid on

forfeited storage units and went to auctions.”

Thompson soon outgrew her garage workshop, and joined her parents in opening PS: I Love You in downtown Perham, an eclectic marketplace showcasing the work of 15 country-inspired vendors, artists and craftspeople.

My family and I had more practical needs. Leaving all of our furniture behind when we moved across the

country, we used a cardboard box with a tablecloth for a coffee table when we first arrived in Minnesota. Having done woodworking, fine art painting and interior design in the past, I started combing garage sales and thrift stores for things I could re-purpose, like a 25-cent broken bathroom cabinet that became a French country armoire.

Picking, upcycling and turning trash to art is now more stress relief than SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

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RECORD: 1, PAGE: 1

Inside the PS: I Love You store in Perham, Jessica Thompson provides upcycled furniture as the base for the store’s product lines of vintage-inspired country accessories.

necessity, but I’ll still screech on the brakes to check out curbalert furniture with a ‘Free’ sign, so keep your distance if you are following my car during garage sale season.

Editor’s note: Darla Ellingson is a local ‘picker’ and home décor upcycler. Her work can be viewed on www.behance.net/darlaellingson.

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SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

13

by Darla Ellingson

Smart

home

A touch screen in the home can control the Friesen’s home automation system, or the system can be controlled anywhere in the world from a smart phone or computer via the Internet.

Home automation goes beyond security to convenience and energy savings

A

contemporary residence equipped with smart home technology won’t do your laundry or make your grocery list.

Not yet at least.

Today’s home automation equipment goes far beyond security systems, putting the control of what goes on in your home in the palm of your hand, even if you’re miles away.

“Most of our customers are homeowners and seasonal homeowners,” said Eric Pilgrim, a security sales consultant for Arvig in Perham. “Most people are looking to protect the home, control the thermostat, unlock doors and turn on lights. Today’s systems can do much more.”

Smart homes, or homes equipped with home automation, connect devices and appliances in your home so they can communicate with each other and with you via a command you give. That com14

SPRING SPRING HOME HOME MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 2014 2014

mand can be entered through a touch pad, tablet or smart phone, a computer in your office or on the other side of the world, or from a fob on your key ring as you come up the driveway.

For seasonal homeowners and those traveling away from home, the benefits can be especially considerable.

“Customers will request a sensor near a hot water heater, under a sink or near the washing machine to detect floods or frozen pipes,” said Pilgrim.

“Sensors are available for smoke and heat, carbon monoxide and water temperature. If one of those sensors is triggered, a message will go out to your security call list.”

An added benefit is cost savings.

Monitored systems will generally be eligible for a discount on homeowners insurance. There are energy savings, as well.

“You don’t have to worry about whether you left the garage door open during the winter or lights were left

on, because you can check it remotely,” Pilgrim said. “Other features, like a seven day programmable thermostat set to fit your lifestyle, will adjust heat and air conditioning after everyone leaves for the day.”

Arvig customer Kari Friesen uses home automation to help manage a busy household. As a business owner, wife and mom with kids ages 14 to 25, she appreciates being able to remotely keep the home secure and efficient.

“I didn’t think we would use it much, but we use it all the time,” Friesen said.

“Turning lights on and off, checking the garage door remotely, checking on the dogs. Ninety-nine percent of the time when I get to the office, I grab my phone and make sure all the lights are off and the doors are locked.”

But perhaps the most unusual feature is the home’s one-of-a-kind teenmonitoring system. Friesen says it helps kids follow the rules.

“When we’re out of town, we can

Kari Friesen has an Arvig home automation system that allows her to unlock doors and turn on lights from her smart phone as she is coming up the driveway.

make sure the kids didn’t take a vehicle out,” Friesen said. “Or they say they got home at 10 and we see they really got home at midnight. My kids say, ‘You ruined it for me, Mom, we can’t have parties anymore.’”

Friesen adds there are significant safety features for her family, as well.

“We don’t want kids to swim alone in the pool. If I see they have a friend with them, I can unlock the pool from my phone.”

She added that having a camera in an area like the pool helps her monitor activities even while she is home: “If I’m upstairs and I see that kids are getting tired in the pool, I can tell them it’s time to take a break.”

Secure entries and cameras are also helpful when service workers come to the house.

“I was able to remotely unlock the garage for a repair person and monitor their work,” said Friesen. “When he found the problem, I said ‘Show me what you are talking about.’”

Having different access codes for people like Friesen’s mother helps with the efficiency of the home.

“My mom likes it a little warmer in

the house. The system is set to alert me when the room temperature goes above 73 degrees,” Friesen explained. “When mom leaves, I can remotely reset the temperature. If the kids leave and didn’t shut a door all the way, I will know it needs to be shut – that saves a ton of money in the winter” Overall, the security features give the Friesens peace of mind.

“We live on a busy highway, and have come home and found people in our driveway,” Friesen said. “With our security system, we know when someone is coming up the driveway, and I can monitor the entire house from my phone or laptop. Even on vacation where my cell phone didn’t work, I used the resort’s internet connection to check on things at home.”

Customizable features mean the Friesens can set different scenes for lighting and security if they are at home, asleep or away.

“We customize every system to fit the needs and lifestyle of each individual customer,” said Pilgrim. “An Arvig security expert will come out and look at the property or blue prints and do a free design consultation.”

A smart phone can check or change home automation settings on the go.

Pilgrim adds that older homes can be easily outfitted with home automation, too, since the equipment is wireless. Each system comes with a back-up in case the power goes out.

Entry level equipment and monitoring prices for the average homeowner start out lower than you might think, and go up based on features and how many devices are controlled. “$495 gets into basic intrusion package of equipment or $695 with home automation,” Pilgrim said. “Average monthly monitoring can range between $19.95 for security to $46.95 for remote systems with cameras.”

From security to whole home systems, automation can help you be safer, smarter and more energy efficient in your home, and puts an easy-to-control system in the palm of your hand.

Now if it could only take out the garbage...

SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

15

by MARIE JOHNSON

Well

worth it

S

ometimes it’s easy to know when there’s something wrong with your water. Maybe there’s a funny sulfuric smell, like rotten eggs, or it tastes like salt, or is staining all your sinks and toilets bright orange.

Often, though, the signs of a problem are more subtle, or nonexistent.

Contaminants such as arsenic and nitrates are not uncommon in the groundwater in west central and northwestern Minnesota, and they’re invisible, odorless and tasteless. When ingested over long periods of time, or in levels that exceed federal safety standards, they can cause serious health problems.

The water from most municipal systems is safe to drink, as it has to comply with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and is regularly tested for potentially harmful contaminants. Federal drinking standards don’t apply to private wells, however, so rural residents who use private wells are responsible for testing their own water.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), one million Minnesotans rely on private wells as their primary source of drinking water.

In rural parts of the state, such as Otter Tail County, where a high percentage of the population lives outside city limits, a large number rely on private wells.

Wells drilled in Minnesota in 1974 or later have had to meet location and construction requirements of the Minnesota Well Code, and the water is immediately tested. But as wells age, they will deteriorate and eventually lose their ability to keep contaminants out of the water.

If your well is old, or has not been inspected for many years, the MDH recommends that you have the well inspected, 16

SPRING SPRING HOME HOME MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 2014 2014

and your water tested.

In areas like rural Otter Tail County, where it’s not uncommon for higherthan-average arsenic and nitrate levels to be present in groundwater, frequent testing is recommended, even with newer wells.

It’s something not all homeowners think about, or want to pay for, but the effort and expense are well worth it.

Ben Holzer, of Ben Holzer Unlimited, a water purification company in Perham, said that, in his 20 years of business, he’s seen some examples of the negative health effects that water contaminants can have on people.

One woman, he said, suffered severe allergies and sensitivities after drinking water with high levels of arsenic in it over a number of years. She couldn’t tolerate carpet, and had to leave the room if she got a whiff of cologne. After getting her water tested, and a filtration system installed, her symptoms cleared up.

The ill effects are different for everyone, and for some people, they’re much worse. The MDH says long-term exposure to arsenic, even at low levels, is associated with various cancers and cardiovascular diseases, developmental and reproductive effects, diabetes and skin changes.

High levels of nitrates are also known to produce ill effects, especially in babies and pregnant women, causing blue baby syndrome or headaches, dizziness, weakness and difficulty breathing.

In addition to arsenic and nitrates, other serious — and common — contaminants in drinking water include bacteria, viruses, lead and other chemicals.

“Everybody thinks, ‘I’ve been drinking this water for 20 years and it hasn’t killed me yet, but there are things going on now that there weren’t before,” said Holzer. “Not all water’s the same as it was 20 or 30 years ago.”

Water from private wells should be tested regula rly

Sewer systems can leech, for example, and flooding can have a significant impact on a well. Nitrates can also leech into the groundwater, and even prescription drugs that get flushed down the toilet can have an effect.

In many cases, Holzer said, a home purification system is the best and most cost-effective solution to ensure safe drinking water over the long-term.

Reverse osmosis systems are one of the most popular and effective methods of purification.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reverse osmosis systems are highly effective in removing bacteria, protozoa, viruses and common chemical contaminants such as copper, lead and chloride. These systems also help reduce arsenic and nitrates, but in some more extreme cases, a secondary, supplemental nitrate or arsenic filtration system may also be needed.

“The best thing is to get your water tested, and then you know what you’ve got,” recommends Holzer. “It costs some money to get it tested, but it’s well worth it. It’s nothing to mess around with.”

WHO TO CALL TO HAVE YOUR WELL TESTED Water testing services are available from state and county health agencies and private laboratories. Make sure you’re getting your water tested from a lab certified by the Minnesota Department of Health. RMB Environmental Laboratories, Inc., in Detroit Lakes, is an accredited lab near the Perham area. Contact RMB at 218-846-1465.

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17

by LINA BELAR

Spring cleaning A long-held tradition, love it or hate it

A woman scrubs the carpet, the old-fashioned way, as shown in an old newspaper advertisement.

“Housework, if you do it right, will kill you.”

-Erma Bombeck.

T

hat’s a point of view many of us can empathize with.

And yet, when spring rolls around, there’s something that makes us want to start cleaning and organizing. Maybe it’s an innate desire to prepare for that day when our windows can finally be opened and the smell of spring flowers can be let in.

With that thought in mind, spring cleaning almost sounds fun.

But perhaps that’s going too far.

Love it or hate it, spring cleaning is a long-held ritual that’s taken place in households across the U.S., year after year, for centuries.

In pre-industrial societies, the goods necessary for the maintenance of the household were provided by both men and women. In those days, nearly everybody worked, and hardly anyone got paid. The work, however hard, was clearly a part of the common purpose of 18

SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

the household, and thus cleaning and other housework were not necessarily just ‘women’s work.’

The industrial revolution changed things.

According to “Women Have Always Worked: A Historical Overview,” by Alice Kessler-Harris, production began to move out of the household and into factories, and there was a shift in the perception of what constituted work.

Those who got paid were clearly workers. The remaining tasks of the household, such as caring for children, food preparation, cleaning and laundering were not so clearly defined as work.

That state of affairs continued up until World War II, when women took over the income-generating activities of men serving in the armed forces.

After the war ended, women were encouraged to stay at home, but by then technology had changed the nature of housework. Cook stoves, vacuum cleaners and refrigerators made life simpler.

Processed and canned foods became standard household fare. Bread was easier to buy than bake and clothes could be purchased ready-made.

By eliminating household drudgery, technology offered the possibility of liberating some women from household tasks altogether. At first, most women

did not take advantage of this. Instead, they raised their standards of cleanliness, entertained more at home, cooked more elaborate meals, and probably increased the hours they spent working in the home.

Eventually, despite strong pressures urging women to stay at home, more and more women found that the cost of buying and maintaining the new technology required an extra income.

In today’s economy, nearly all family members work, and, like the preindustrialized societies, both men and women contribute to the upkeep of the household. Therefore, spring cleaning is not a gender-specific activity.

It is, however, a great deal easier than it was for previous generations.

For one thing, houses are cleaner to begin with. Most are heated with gas, rather than wood, and lighted by electricity rather than kerosene or oil lamps. And today’s vacuums remove the dust from the house rather than just push it back in the air again.

A hundred years ago, the best way to clean a carpet was to take it outside and hit it repeatedly with a rug beater. The rug beater was either made of woven cane or a steel wire curled into various designs and held together with a wooden handle. To avoid repetition, each was

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Top: These advertisements, from a 1910 Montgomery Ward and Company catalog, show an assortment of carpet sweepers. Bottom: An old advertisement for steel wire and woven cane carpet beaters, available for 11 and 12 cents each.

formed a little differently.

Later, there were carpet sweepers. These were basically a box containing an assortment of brushes and rollers that was pushed about by a handle. Like the rug beater, there were a variety of designs and improvements on the original idea.

The portable electric vacuum, invented by a janitor in Ohio, heralded a brand new way of cleaning. He sold his patent to William Hoover, who financed improvements to the design and implemented an innovative marketing plan: a 10-day, free home trial. By 1919, there was a Hoover cleaner in nearly every home as salesmen crossed the country selling their wares door-to-door.

About a generation later, salesmen for Electrolux would go door-to-door offering free demonstrations. Rather than search people’s homes for conspicuous spots of dirt or dust, some would drop heavy steel balls on the carpet, plug in the vacuum and proceed to demonstrate its strength by sucking up the balls, one after the other. Those who were convinced by this sales pitch could purchase an Electrolux cleaner for $85, payable at the rate of $5 a month.

Today, there is a whole range of new equipment designed to make cleaning easier. There are also incredible new products which make cleaning not only easier but safer than before.

The process of spring cleaning, however, still takes time and dedication.

Erma Bombeck’s advice was to avoid it, but if you’re determined to do it anyway, check out the online Complete Guide to Imperfect Housekeeping, at imperfecthomemaking.com.

The website has a thorough spring cleaning checklist to download, and some useful advice.

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19

Left: The underside of an old carpet sweeper, showing its system of rollers and brushes. Carpet sweepers were used for a period following carpet beaters, but before electric vacuums became popular in the late 1910s. Right: A hundred years ago, a steel wire carpet beater like this one, on display at the Wadena County Historical Society, was the best way to clean a carpet. The user would take the carpet outside and then hit it repeatedly with this tool, watching the dust fly.

Set aside at least a week for spring cleaning, the site suggests, and work from one end of the house to the other. Plan easy meals for those days. As you clean, keep a list of any little repair or touch-up jobs you notice that need to be done around the house. Don’t get distracted by these chores during your cleaning; instead, save them for when you are done (otherwise, you may never be done). Keep another list of things you notice you need to restock. And finally, take an empty basket with you and fill it with anything you or other family members can go through later.

Happy spring cleaning!

Lina Belar is the founder and retired executive director of the Friends of the History Museum of East Otter Tail County.

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21

by Marie Johnson

DIYor

don’t even try?

S

eemingly simple home projects gone awry... it’s a tale often told by regretful homeowners.

From plumbing to construction projects, landscaping to home décor, the list of potential Do-It-Yourself improvements – and possible mistakes – is a long one.

Maybe putting in that new faucet, for example, didn’t turn out quite like you hoped – and now there’s water leaking onto the floor. Or you tried to add an ‘artistic finish’ to the new paint job in your bathroom – and it didn’t end up looking at all like it did in that online tutorial you watched.

While some ‘weekend warriors’ are skilled (or lucky) enough to pull off home projects on their own, there are a number of things that are better left to the professionals.

Some are obvious, such as major home structural changes or electrical work. Anything that requires a permit or inspection is probably too big a job for the average Do-It-Yourselfer, and a professional should at least be consulted, if not hired to do the work.

Some are less obvious, smaller or more specific projects, for which a homeowner’s experience and level of expertise may or may not be sufficient to get the job done right. A good rule of thumb in these circumstances is: If you’re not sure if you can do it yourself, don’t do it yourself. At least not without 22

SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

Projects that are better left to the professionals

talking to an expert first.

While a DIY project can be a fun, satisfying and money-saving endeavor, if things go wrong, it can end up costing you more money in the long run, and giving you one big headache in the meantime.

Jason Storo, of JBS Builders LLC, sees a lot of DIY-gone-wrong in his line of work.

“Some people can do the hard things, and some people just can’t,” said Storo.

“There are homeowner ‘weekend warriors’ at every level. Some are really good at it; some are really horrible at it.”

Storo said the important thing is for people to know their talents and limits.

A DIY job doesn’t have to turn into a disaster, but without careful planning and honest consideration of a project’s feasibility, it can quickly turn out that way.

To hear what Storo and other local home improvement professionals have to say about projects that don’t always work out well for the DIYer, read on.

Roofing Roofing is more complicated than it may seem. For homes within city limits, roofing is regulated by a building inspector, but in the country, people have more freedom to do what they want.

Unfortunately, Storo said, what they want isn’t always what’s right. And an improperly-patched or redone roof will leak, leading to problems and expense down the road.

“A lot of homeowners will try to save a couple bucks and put a second or third layer of shingles on,” said Storo. “We see tons and tons of roofing issues, where people don’t understand that roofing isn’t just putting shingles on a roof.”

After the major hail storm that swept through the Perham area last fall, he said, there were a number of homeowners who tried to repair their roof damage themselves. Now, a lot of those people are having issues, and are calling in the pros for repair jobs.

Pruning, landscaping and gardening One of the most common mistakes the professionals at Jean’s The Right Plant Place see people make when it comes to their lawns and gardens is improper pruning – either pruning too much, too little, or at the wrong time.

Mary Dertinger, the manager at Jean’s, and Carol Rethemeier, an East Otter Tail County Master Gardener, both recommend that any non-experts consult with a pro before doing any pruning.

A lot of people will prune evergreens up, for example, when they should be left low to the ground. Otherwise, as snow piles up on the bottom branches, the weight can cause them to snap.

Shrubs, too, can be hazardous to prune.

If you do it at the wrong time, “then you’re pruning off that year’s flower buds,” Dertinger explained.

Major landscaping projects, they mentioned, also deserve a call to a con-

sultant. Larger projects involve a lot of time and financial investment, and you want to make sure to get it right the first time around.

“People thinking about landscaping should definitely call to get some ideas, professionally, because that’s a big undertaking,” said Dertinger.

Canning, too, is something novices shouldn’t mess around with. Improper canning of fruits and vegetables can lead to bacteria buildup, and people who unknowingly eat improperly canned goods can get seriously ill. The rules of home canning have changed over the years, so those who are new to it, or who want to start up again after taking a long hiatus, need to talk to a pro first.

In any of these cases, Dertinger and Rethemeier recommend calling the nearest University of Minnesota Extension office to get in touch with a local Master Gardener. In East Otter Tail County, that office is located in New York Mills, and can be reached at 218-385-3000.

Painting and home décor Danielle Glorvigen, at Refreshing Designs in Perham, said the top three mistakes she sees people make when DIYing on home décor are painting, buying furniture and doing drywall.

Painting is something everybody thinks they can do, she said, but in reality, not everybody can do it well.

Since a less-than-stellar paint job is the first thing people notice when walking into a home, she said, it’s worth a little extra cost to get it done right.

“People spend thousands of dollars on new homes and then try to do the painting themselves,” said Glorvigen.

“I like to say it’s like taking Cindy Crawford, this beautiful woman, and then just slopping some lipstick on her.

She’s still beautiful, but you notice that lipstick, you know?”

Buying furniture is another seemingly ‘everybody can do that’ task that’s actually pretty easy to do wrong.

Glorvigen said a lot of homeowners perceive large pieces such as sofas and sectionals as being smaller than they actually are because they see them on display inside large stores. Then they bring the furniture home, only to discover it’s too big for their living room.

The lighting is also different at stores than in the home, which makes color matching difficult.

Sometimes, Glorvigen said, people end up spending more to return the

furniture and buy a new set than they would have spent on a decorator to help them out. And a decorator would have saved them a whole lot of hassle.

Glorvigen’s third ‘top three’ DIY mistake is drywall. If it’s not done just right, she said, it shows. Badly done drywall is obvious, even to the untrained eye, and then you have to call in a professional to straighten it out.

“Some people know they’re not qualified to do this kind of work so they hire out right away,” she said. “Others will often try, only to call later and say, ‘Oh, we should have just had you do it.’”

Plumbing When it comes to DIY plumbing, Joe Guck says the trick is to do your research beforehand.

Guck, of Esser Plumbing and Heating in Perham, said he’s not at all against DIY, because he considers himself a DoIt-Yourselfer. People can get themselves into trouble, though, “when they just jump into a project.”

“The biggest thing is to look at what you’re doing beforehand and make sure you have the knowledge to do what you’re doing,” he said. “And if you make a mistake, make sure it won’t cause more trouble and expense. If you’re not sure you can do it, hire someone who’s qualified to do it.”

Regardless of the skill level of the DIYer, though, there are some things Guck believes are almost always better left to a professional.

Gas piping, for example, can be a dangerous endeavor unless you really know what you’re doing. Something seemingly simple, like hooking up a cook stove, can have major safety concerns.

“Certain things you don’t want to be doing, because if you don’t do it right, it can turn into a bad situation,” says Guck.

He’s seen cases where homeowners end up spending more to have their DIY mistakes fixed than they would have if they had called a professional at the getgo. Anything from plumbing in a sink to hooking up duct work can become a painful experience, if you haven’t done thorough research.

If you do decide to DIY, Guck says, “Make sure you have a plan. And make sure you have a back-up plan in case that doesn’t work.”

IF YOU DO DECIDE TO DIY, follow these simple tips to help ensure things go smoothly:

Measure twice, cut once.

Perhaps this is the best-known mantra of home improvement, yet many still ignore it. Take the time to measure twice before cutting.

Learning that you’re a hair too short later will prove frustrating and timeconsuming and often necessitates a last-minute run to the store for more materials.

Enlist a helper.

Having a partner help with the work is the most efficient way to tackle a project. This person can assist you with heavy lifting or moving things, or by holding the ladder or simply passing tools your way. He or she also can manage work while you make another run to the home center for more supplies. Having a helper around also provides companionship during tedious projects.

Lighten the load.

You run the risk of injury, both to yourself and your belongings, if you attempt to move heavy items on your own. When moving heavy items, take steps to lighten your load. For example, empty or remove drawers from desks and dressers before moving them. Rely on sliding pads when moving furniture so items can be slid into place instead of lifted. Always ask a buddy to help move especially heavy items.

Prime before painting.

Painting can be a time-consuming task. In an effort to save time, some people will look for painting shortcuts, and these may include skipping the priming portion of painting.

Priming helps to cover existing paint color and prevent bleed-through of stains or darker hues to the next coat of paint. Failure to use a primer could mean having to paint coat after coat, which can become costly and take up a significant amount of time. Always rely on a priming product, or look for a paint that blends a primer within to achieve better coverage. And while you are ensuring a proper paint job, remember to use painter’s tape or an edging product to help keep paint off of moldings and trim.

SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014 23

by ELIZABETH HUWE

Geton septic the systems dirt W

hen was the last time your septic tank was cleaned and pumped?

Septic systems aren’t typically brought up in everyday conversation, but keeping up with your system’s maintenance can save you time and money. It can also keep you from getting into a, well, stinky situation.

Wayne Johnson, an Otter Tail County Commissioner and owner of Super Sucker Septic Service, said septic maintenance should be a habit for homeowners.

“Maintenance of your septic system is critical,” he said. “It’s like your car. If you wait to change your oil until after the oil light comes on, you’re beyond the point when adding oil will help.”

The same goes for a septic system – once you start to smell it or have other problems, a simple pumping will not fix the problem.

Septic systems are responsible for holding and treating all of the water and waste which go through a house’s plumbing.

Over time, scum and sludge build up in the underground holding tank as the waste breaks down. This is what needs to be pumped out every so often.

“Every home is different,” Johnson said. Generally, a home with a family of four will need to be pumped every other year. However, other factors such as garbage disposals, water usage and the size or age of the system can change that time frame.

If a lot of water is used or if there is a garbage disposal, Johnson recommends an annual pumping.

24

SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

“Unless it goes through the human body, the septic can’t break it down,” Johnson said.

Substances like toilet paper, laundry lint and vegetable bits from the garbage disposal just settle into the sludge because the tank’s bacteria can’t break it down.

“I’ve had people say they were told that the tank would never need to be pumped,” said Johnson.

Gunk plugs everything to the point where it can’t be salvaged. That’s when “You’ll get to get a new system,” after 10 to 12 years, Johnson warned.

A new system could cost anywhere from $4,000 to $14,000, depending on a host of factors.

On the other end of the spectrum, Johnson said that a properly maintained system can last decades longer, upwards of 35 years.

Products that claim to reduce how often pumping needs to be done, such as Rid-X, do not offer any benefit, according to Johnson.

“The good ones do nothing, where the bad ones will actually harm a system,” Johnson said of the products. “If they do anything, they shorten the life of a drain field by clogging the lines.”

Johnson said that, in Minnesota, it is actually illegal to add a product intended to reduce the need to empty a septic tank.

Other problems with septic systems can come up when the components are damaged from above, said Shanon Klien of Sewer Service in New York Mills.

“Never drive over a drain field or septic tank with a full-size vehicle,” Klien said. Smaller vehicles, such as a riding

lawn mower, do not weigh enough to do damage, but a pickup could crush drainfield pipes.

In Otter Tail County, property owners now have another reason to keep an eye on their septic systems and maintain them. The county recently updated its sanitation code to require point of sale certification for septic systems on any property that changes hands.

A valid Certificate of Compliance must be given to the buyer by the seller, before the closing date, and then be filed with the county.

In order to get the certificate, a system must be inspected by someone certified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to ensure it is in compliance with the local code. If the system passes, the certificate is good for three years.

Johnson said the inspection can range from a couple hundred dollars to $500, depending on how much work needs to be done to locate the system.

From there, the inspection process can vary, but, the objective is to ensure that the tank itself is watertight and that water draining from the drain field is at the correct depth.

“It all depends on what’s there, how old it is and where it is,” Johnson said.

“They’re not all the same.”

Ultimately, the county has one goal in mind with these inspections, Johnson said: protection. It’s to protect people, the environment and groundwater from contamination.

So now, let’s ask again… when was the last time your septic tank was cleaned and pumped?

Chad anderson

218-346-7767

www.

Broker 218-640-0068

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SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

25

Annual HVAC maintenance:

Spring’s the time to do it

Y

ou wouldn’t drive your car year after year without maintenance or a tune-up. According to Stuart Fleischauer, of All Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning in Ottertail, the same principle applies to your home heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

age, increase humidity levels and breed mold in your home.

- Check oil and gas connections on your heating unit for leaks.

- Inspect gas pressure, heat exchanger and burner combustion as applicable to your system. A cracked heat exchanger or dirty burner can significantly affect efficiency and proper operation of your equipment.

Without regular service, heating and cooling equipment wastes energy and becomes more likely to break down. To keep your system running at peak efficiency and energy bills in check, annual maintenance is a must.

Yearly service from a professional HVAC contractor will uncover any problems before they occur, helping avoid damage to equipment and potential failures at the height of summer heat or winter cold.

Scheduling preventive maintenance each year will save you money in the long run. Without it, dirt and other particles build up in your system, and over time can reduce your equipment’s ability to operate efficiently and optimally. This can result in significantly increased operational costs, repairs and even premature replacement.

You can expect HVAC contractors like Fleischauer to perform certain preventive services during annual tune-ups. They will: - Inspect, clean and replace the air filter in your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump.

- Clean the evaporator and condenser coils on your air conditioning unit. Dirty coils can greatly reduce efficiency.

- Check your thermostat to ensure your system is working properly.

- Check for proper refrigerant levels.

Low levels indicate a leak that needs to be found and repaired. Low refrigerant levels can burn out your compressor, resulting in costly repairs.

- Oil motors as needed.

- Inspect and clean the drain in your air conditioner, heat pump or furnace. If this drain is plugged, it can cause water dam-

SELECTING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR You don’t want to put your heating and cooling system in the hands of just anyone. Identifying a reputable contractor to service your equipment is as important as the maintenance itself. The right partner will be invaluable for years to come, maintaining your current system now and guiding you through repairs and replacements in the future.

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WHERE TO LOOK Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Many contractors rely on positive word of mouth to grow their businesses, so if someone you trust is willing to back them, chances are the work will be good. Also consult online tools such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (acca.org), for further recommendations and research.

INTERVIEWING AND EVALUATING Talk to at least three contractors to find the best fit for your situation. Here’s what to look for during your first meeting: - Does the contractor know your system? The contractor needs to have the proper permits, and have experience with the kind of system you own. Also make sure to get bids in writing and get guarantees on bids and work to be performed.

- Is the contractor fully licensed?

Licensed HVAC contractors are tested on a wide variety of areas, from basic refrigeration components to piping.

Using a licensed contractor will not only protect your investment, it will protect you against liability issues. Reputable contractors won’t hesitate to show you their

An HVAC contractor checks the refrigerant on an air conditioner. Spring is a good time to schedule an annual maintenance appointment for your HVAC system, as you’ll avoid the long waits and higher prices that come with peak season repair visits.

credentials if you ask.

- Does the contractor understand the big picture? Your contractor should want to help you understand maintenance and the right way to improve your heating and cooling system. He or she will be familiar with advances in technology. Even if you’re only scheduling maintenance now, a good contractor should identify and offer ideas on future improvements that can increase efficiency and home comfort.

- Does the contractor listen to you? A good contractor will always take the time to fully answer your questions and make sure you understand his or her recommendations.

- Does the contractor maintain a professional appearance? A good contractor and those who work for him or her will be prompt and courteous. They will be respectful of you and your home.

COMPARING BIDS A good contractor will always submit a written estimate that documents details, dates and deliverables. The lowest bid is not always the best deal. It’s more important to consider the overall value of the proposal. The contractor’s experience, reputation and willingness to stand behind his or her work are all factors to consider beyond price to ensure you hire a company that will do a quality job and perform to your expectations.

Fleischauer says the time to schedule maintenance with a contractor is in the spring. You’ll avoid the long waits and higher prices that come with peak season repair visits, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your system won’t fail you when temperatures become extreme.

218-347-1075

bachmanncarow.com 48208 Luce Street ~ Perham, MN Vince Bachmann & LuAnn Carow, Brokers/Owners Alisyn C. Keil, Austin Bachmann and Anthony Bachmann, Agents Priceless views of Long Lake w.

150’ of frontage, great elevation, a beautiful yard & rip rap shoreline!

Includes this 4 bedroom 2 bath home with a walkout basement, large deck and plenty of space for entertaining. $430,000

Parcel 1: Walk around this piece of land and you will Nice 3 bedroom home is neat as a pin. There is a large cedar deck for entertaining, an above ground pool with deck, Jacuzzi and play yard for the kids. Multiple outbuildings include a Pole shed and Garden Shed. $173,000

This 2 bedroom (could be 3) rambler style home has a 2 stall attached garage, fenced in back yard, and is conveniently located near the schools in Frazee. Also included is a 8x7 storage shed! $84,900 Corner lot 3 bedroom home with lots of updates available in Frazee. Updates include remodeled master bedroom in 2012, new flooring in kitchen & full bath with new vanity, tub and cabinets. $90,000

5 Lots remaining with Highway 10 Exposure and access from Hwy 228. Each lot is 5-10 acres in size.

Great Commercial location.

Between Perham, Frazee & Vergas. Owner/Agent

want to buy it! 57+ acres of mostly wooded land that has great hunting potential. Lots of deer sign and priced right for your next piece of land! The property has recently been surveyed. Menahga area $84,500 Parcel 2: 38.12 acres of land that can be used for hunting or a building site! There has been plenty of wild life on this property and as a bonus it also attaches to 44 acres of State of MN DNR land. Convenient & Affordable!

Frazee area $74,900 3 Bedroom 2 Bath home built in 2009, the basement is newly finished with a single tuck under garage, nice neat, & clean home. Detroit Lakes $139,900 This genuine 2 story home features many updates like new flooring and electrical upgrade to breakers. Home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a fenced in yard and attached oversized double garage.

Frazee $95,000

Upcoming Real Estate Auctions:

Thurs., May 8th @ 3pm: 3 bdrm Rambler Home in the City of Frazee th May 9 @ 5:30pm: Leech Lake Home in Walker, MN May 10th @ 3pm: Split Level 4 bdrm Home on 3 Ac. near Cotton Lake. Personal Property Auction at 10am.

Check our website for more Real Estate Auctions.

SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

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BOLL REALTY

Lake Shore Specialist

Ph. 218-367-2716 217 MN. Hwy 78 N. Ottertail MN. 56571 email: boll@arvig.net website: bollrealty.com

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

36349 ROUND LAKE LOOP OttERtAiL, MN 56571 • Well kept Round Lake home with 187’ of sandy frontage • 2 bedrooms, 2 baths • 1-1/2 attached garage and 3 stall detached garage $217,000 MLS#20-1427

221 MN-78 OttERtAiL MN • Award winning bakery in Ottertail • Completely equipped for a full line bakery • Seller will train $180,000 MLS#20-5353

33472 tURtLE ViEw tR AiL UNDERwOOD, MN • 2 bedroom, 1 bath year around home w/walk out basement • Located on South Turtle Lake • Dock included $169,000 MLS#20-10631

44814 CRiMsON DRiVE OttERtAiL, MN • Buchanan Lake in the heart of Otter Tail County • Comfortable 3 season cabin on level north shore lot • Sandy beach and mature trees $269,900 MLS#20-12350

wADENA MN 56482 • 3 bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths with mud room, family room and wet bar • 4 stall insulated, heated garage • New metal roofs $148,900 MLS#20-12334

45658 375th PERhAM MN 56573 • 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom stylish log home • Stone fireplace • Level lot with 200’ frontage $299,000 MLS#20-10738

48907 PAiNtED LEAf hENNiNg MN 56551 • Custom built lake home on sandy beach on West Leaf Lake • Full custom kitchen with second kitchen in walk-out • 3,834 total square feet. Quality built! $439,000 MLS#20-12002

39323 CO. RD. 1 RiChViLLE MN 56576 • Affordable Ottertail Lake Property • 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom • 3.5 acres include 150’ of Ottertail Lake frontage $134,000 MLS#20-6312

111 sAwMiLL OttERtAiL MN 56571 • 3 bedroom 2 bath home in the pines was built in 2005 • Cathedral ceiling in the large great room with exposed log beams • In-floor heat in house and garage $153,000 MLS#20-10451

D L SO sUgAR MAPLE DRiVE OttERtAiL MN 56571 • $18,000 under tax market value!!!

• 182’ of shoreline on level lot on 1,173 acre Long Lake $44,900 MLS#20-10387

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SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

40788 iNDiAN OttERtAiL MN 56571 • Custom built log home on 2.5 acres with 172’ of sand beach • 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths • 34 X 64 toy shed $749,000 MLS#20-12590

41818 RiViERA DRiVE OttERtAiL, MN • Nearly new custom home on quiet cul-de-sac road • Beautiful landscaped 110’ level lot with a sandy beach • 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a lot of nice amenities $749,900 MLS#20-12332

contact: Sarah Herron Email: boedyappliance@yahoo.com Phone: 218-346-2936 Fax: 218-346-2963 200 West Main Street, Perham MN 56573 New appliance sales. Parts for all major brands. In home appliance repair. GE, SP Queen, Maytag & Frigidaire.

Architect/Designer

BHH Partners

contact: Tony Stoll email: office@bhhmn.com Phone: (218) 346-4505 FAX: (218) 346-4507 650 3rd Ave. SE Perham, MN 56573 www.bhhpartners.com BHH Partners has provided excellent architectural services for several hundred custom residences. These range from small additions and remodels to high end luxury homes.

BUILDERS/REMODELERs

Barry Marthaler Renovations, LLC

Contact: Barry Marthaler Phone: 218-334-2341 12779 Co. Hwy 39, Frazee, MN 56544 Siding & trim, soffit & fascia, roofing, windows & doors, decks, remodeling. Free estimates!

BUILDING & REMODELING DIRECTORY

APPLIANCES

Boedy Appliance, Inc.

Gary Wagenman Construction, Inc.

Contact: Gary Wagenman Phone: 218-346-6756, 218-758-2757 40416 County Hwy 34, Perham, MN 56573 Residential & Commercial. 36 years experience with Concrete, Poured Walls, Basements, Foundations, Sidewalks, Garage Slabs and Aprons.

Hemmelgarn Builders, Inc.

Contact: Jim Hemmelgarn Email: hbi@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-2377 Cell: 218-371-1228 Fax: 218-346-3242 202 Fox Run, Perham, MN 56573 Hemmelgarn Builders, with three generations serving the surrounding area since 1967, offer services in all areas of home construction, from concrete work to interior woodwork.

Harmonious Architecture

Contact: Kelli Wegscheid Email: kelli@harmoniousarchitecture.com Phone: 218-251-0081 40195 Aerovilla Rd Perham, MN 56573 www.harmoniousarchitecture.com Work with Kelli, a licensed architect, to navigate lakeshore regulations and design your new lake home or remodel. Beautiful.

Sustainable. Innovative.

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BUILDING & REMODELING DIRECTORY

BUILDERS/REMODELERs

Joe Foltz Construction, Inc.

Contact: Joe Foltz Email: joefoltzconstruction@gmail.com Phone: 218-371-9229 Fax: 218-346-2648 39362 Sandy Lane, Perham, MN 56573 New construction, custom cabinets, Minnkota Windows, remodeling, interior finish work.

Richard Lausten Construction, Inc.

Contact: Richard Lausten Email: rklausten@arvig.net Phone: 218-385-3780 Fax: 218-385-3901 36865 535th Ave, New York Mills, MN 56567 40 years experience building or remodeling homes & offices, remodel of old barns and many other unique structures. New or remodel – we’ve done it all!

RL Miller Construction, LLC

Contact: Rick Miller Email: rlmiller@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-6401 43453 County Hwy. 53, Perham, MN 56573 You dream it, we’ll build it! New Construction, Custom Homes, Remodeling, Decks. Residential and Light Commercial.

RW Stucco

Contact: Ron Wacker Email: rw-stucco@hotmail.com Phone & Fax: 218-385-3860 Cell: 701-367-0229 38246 500th Ave., P.O. Box 321, New York Mills, Mn 56567 www.rwstucco.com Stucco, Plaster, E.I.F.S. Residential & Commercial

Schepper Custom Builders, Inc.

Contact: Tom Schepper Phone: 218-346-5725 Fax: 218-346-5721 40887 Highway 78 S., Perham, MN 56573 Residential and Commercial, Brick, Concrete, Wood, Installer of R.P.I. Rubber Roofs and Conklin Coating. Equipped to include up to three story buildings.

Walt Seifert Construction

Contact: Walt Seifert Email: walt_seifert_constr@yahoo.com Phone: 218-346-7062 43932 Mosquito Heights Rd, Perham, MN 56573 General Contracting Work, New & Remodeling Construction, Residential & Commercial. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates.

Wedde Construction:

Contact: Mike Wedde Email: mmc3@arvig.net Phone: 218-385-2880 44024 Co. Hwy 67, New York Mills, Mn 56567 Industrial, Commercial, Residential.

Building, Remodeling, Welding.

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BUILDING MATERIALS/LUMBER

Ottertail Home Center

Contact: Duane or Linda Monson Email: othc@arvig.net Phone: 218-367-2265 Fax: 218-367-6025 108 West Main St., Ottertail, MN 56571 All your building materials under one roof! Lumber, Hardware, Plumbing, Heating, Paint, Glass, Electrical. Marvin Windows & Doors. Free estimates and delivery.

CONCRETE/MASONRY

Tom Lex Construction LLC

Contact: Tom Lex Email: tomlexconstruction@yahoo.com Phone: 218-346-1326, cell 218-849-1326 48158 400th St., Perham, MN 56573 www.tomlexconstruction.com For all your CONCRETE needs! Driveways, sidewalks, patios, foam ICF-basements, tear out and replacement of concrete, dirt work, pole sheds, garages and storage buildings.

CABINETS

Silver Leaf Cabinets, LLC

Phone: 218-844-7458 Fax: 218-844-7459 Email: info@SilverLeafCabinets.com www.SilverLeafCabinets.com 1004 Randolph Road, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Luxury Cabinets Within Reach. Counter Tops, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Offices, Bars, Entertainment Centers, Finishing of Trim and Doors

ELECTRICIANS

Januszewski Electric

Contact: Jan Januszewski Email: januszewskielectric@gmail.com Phone: 218-346-6006 37211 S. Little McDonald Dr., Perham , MN 56573 Residential, commercial, and farm electrical wiring - no job too big or small.

JC Electric, Inc.

Contact: Robert Kalina Email: kalina_robert@hotmail.com Phone: 218-346-5560 Fax: 218-346-5561 615 Pinewood Lane, Perham, MN 56573 We have been serving the Perham area for over 37 years in electric service and installations. Please call JC Electric for all your wiring needs.

Zitzow Electric, Inc.

Contact: Jeff Zitzow Email: jitzow@arvig.net Phone: 218-342-2871 Cell: 218-841-8643 49605 Co. Hwy 17, Vergas, MN 56587 Voltage Specialists! Residential, Farm, Cottage & Commercial Wiring. Electric Heat Installation. Free Estimates.

GLASS

Visions Glass

Contact: Deb Anstadt Email: dmanstadt@bremer.com Phone: 218-346-1316 801 Market Street, Perham, MN 56573 www.bremer.com Mortgage financing to fit your needs: Fixed rate, FHA, VA, Vacation Home, Refinance, Construction, Rural Development, Minnesota First Time Home Buyer.

Contact: Clyde and Donna Stephens Email: Visions@lakesplus.com Phone: 218-346-2075, Toll free 800-550-2447 507 East Main St., Perham, MN. 56573 www.visionsglassrepair.com Over 20 years experience with auto and home glass, mirrors, Plexiglas, flat glass, screens and more. Repair damaged windshields. Buy local from people you know!

Farmers & Merchants State Bank

GUTTERS

PHONE: (218) 385-2300 FAX: (218) 385-9303 11 N. Walker Ave. New York Mils, MN 56567 www.fmbanknym.com Whether it’s a purchase, construction, or a remodel, we’ll be there from start to finish to help you with your dream home!

FLOORING

Buck’s Flooring LLC

Contact: Trent Buck Phone: 218-846-3449 Cell: 218-849-5159 23850 E. Common Rd, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Carpet, Tile, Vinyl, Laminates. Sales & Installation.

Winkels Carpet

Contact: Rich Winkels Phone: 218-346-2924 Fax: 218-346-2964 145 2nd Ave., SE Perham, MN 56573 Shawmark Carpet, Mohawk Carpet, wall coverings and borders, ceramic tiles, hardwoods, Armstrong Linoleum, professional installation. FREE ESTIMATES!

FURNITURE

Smith Furniture & Carpet

Phone: 218-631-2301 Toll Free: 888-557-6484 Downtown Wadena Serving our area with pride for over one hundred years!

Garage Doors

Detroit Lakes Overhead Door Service

Contact: Tim Lamb Email: tlamb@arvig.net Phone: 218-847-2129 www.detroitlakesoverheaddoor.com 1711 North Tower Rd./P.O. Box 171, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Sales, service, installation of garage doors and operators, broken springs, cables, damaged sections.

GARBAGE/DEMOLITION

Seamless Gutter Systems

Contact: Tom Watson Email: tom@ltrans.lakesnet.net Phone: 218-334-4425 Cell: 218-841-0232 11273 363rd Ave., Frazee, MN 56544 We provide quality gutter systems & downspouts. Featuring Rollex products. 5” & 6” gutters.

Clog-free covers. Fast, reliable, friendly service 7 days a week!

HEATING/PLUMBING AIR CONDITIONING

Esser Family of Companies

email: quotes@esserinc.com phone: (218) 346-3530 fax: (218) 346-3524 542 W. Main St. Perham, MN 56573 www.esserplumbingandheating.com The experts at Esser Plumbing & Heating build on decades of exceptional serice and experience to meet all of your plumbing, heating, air conditioning and geothermal needs.

HEATING/ PLUMBING RETAIL

Januszewki Plumbing

Contact: Randy Januszewki Email: draaski@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-5389 P.O. Box 322, Perham, MN 56573 Over 20 years experience! New Construction, Remodeling, Cabins, Service, Drain Cleaning, Water Heaters, Softeners.

Bonded and insured. Lic # 060559-PM

BUILDING & REMODELING DIRECTORY

FINANCING/BANKING

Bremer Bank

Phil’s Plumbing

Contact: Phil Esser Email: pjesser@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-5977 Cell: 218-849-8224 46414 390th St., Perham 56573 Specializing in New Home Plumbing, Repairs, Remodeling, Water Softeners & a Complete line of Fixtures. Licensed and Bonded Master Plumber.

Steve’s Sanitation

Contact: Steve Melgard Email: stevessanitation@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-4834 Fax: 218-346-4799 140 6th Ave. NE., Perham, MN 56573 For all your garbage & demolition needs!

Commercial & Residential garbage and roll off service.

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BUILDING & REMODELING DIRECTORY

LANDSCAPING/LAWN SERVICE

Aqua Lawn

Contact: Dan Brauch Email: aqualawn@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-3890 East Industrial Park, Perham, MN 56573 www.aqualawn.com Lawn Sprinklers, Start Ups, Sales & Service, Professional Design & Installation, Complete Line of inventory, Installation of SkeetR-Gone/Fertigation Systems, Commercial & Residential.

Contact: Joe Honrud Email: honrud@eot.com Phone: 218-347-3888 Perham, 218-758-3888 Dent, Toll free 877-201-4896 Fax: 218-758-2292 333 3rd Ave. SE, Perham, MN 56573 Specializing in Maintenance Free Windows, Bay, Bow, & Garden Windows, Patio & Exterior Doors.

Cutting Edge Lawn Service

Lakes Area Overhead Door Company

Contact: Ed Delaney Email: eddelaney@cuttingedgeperham.com Phone: 218-346-5004, 218-346-4511 Fax: 218-346-7019 745 2nd St. NE, Perham, MN 56573 www.cuttingedgeperham.com Lawn Fertilizing & Weed Control.

Licensed Chemical & Fertilizer Applicator

Contact: Alan Johnson Email: alanj@lakesareaoverheaddoor.com Phone: 320-763-3667 4925 State Hwy 27 E., Alexandria, Mn 56308 www.mnoverheaddoor.com Residential, Commerical, Parts & Service.

24 hour emergency service. Providing the right products backed by exceptional service for over 70 years.

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Dynamic Homes LLC

Contact: Paul Okeson Email: Paulo@dynamichomes.com Phone: 218-846-3130 Fax: 218-847-2617 525 Roosevelt Ave. Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 www.dynamichomes.com Dynamic Homes is your premiere lakes area system-builder of custom homes. Located in Detroit Lakes, MN, our craftsmen have been making dreams come true since 1970.

SEPTIC/SEWER

Sewer Service

Contact: Lane Kline Email: sewerservice@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-7436 or 218-385-3880 37151 Co. Hwy. 67, New York Mills, MN 56567 Septic and holding tank pumping. Lift pump replacement.

Jetting. Line thawing. Serving Perham, Dent, New York Mills, Bluffton and surrounding area.

WATER CONDITIONING

Ben Holzer Unlimited

Contact: Ben, Char or Adam Holzer Email: benchar@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-6445 42604 State Hwy 108, Perham, MN 56573 www.BenHolzerUnlimited.com Independent Water Systems, Water softeners, Reverse Osmosis, Arsenic Removal, Bottled Water, Water Coolers and more! Quality & Service at an affordable price!

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WINDOWS/DOORS

Custom Windows

SPRING HOME MAGAZINE 2014

At The Window

Contact: Carol Myhre Email: attwind@hotmail.com Phone: 218-758-2486 www.hdspd.com/atthewindow A complete line of blinds, verticals, soft shades and shutters.

Priced to fit your budget!

Woodworking

Tectonic Woodworking

Contact: Bruce Johnson Email: tectonic@arvig.net Phone: 218-346-2331 640 3rd Street NE., Perham, MN 56573 Custom Cabinetry, Commercial & Residential, 29 years of experience!

Picture it...

Free Corian solid surface kitchen upgrade.

See your Dynamic Homes dealer for details.

Ends May 16th!

525 Roosevelt Avenue • Detroit Lakes, MN

218-847-2611 • 1-800-492-4833 www.dynamichomes.com

Whether it’s a Remodel, an Addition, or a neW Home, let us help you make the changes you want!

Farmers & Merchants State Bank

• More Outdoor Living Space!

• Energy Efficient Windows!

• Beautiful Hardwood Floors!

Let us help you take the next step towards your Dream Home!

we’re there with you, every step of the way!

Check out our website and MOBILE BANKING

www.fmbanknym.com ADDRESS:

11 North Walker PO Box 278 New York Mills, MN 56567

Check with us about a MN Housing Finance Agency Fix-Up Fund Loan!

PHONE NUMBERS:

218-385-2300 Telephone 218-385-9303 Fax 800-469-0055 Telebank

BUSINESS HOURS LOBBY: 8:30am - 4:30pm M-F

WALKUP & DRIVEUP:

8am - 5pm M-F | 8:30 - 11:30 am SAT

New York Mills Since 1916