Builders Association Home Show 2018

HOME SHOW 25th Annual

Sponsored by the West Central Builders Association

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2 Monday, March 12, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

WEST CENTRAL BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 25TH ANNUAL

T

he West Central Builders Association will sponsor our 25th annual Home Show on Thursday, March 15th 4-8pm; Friday, March 16th 4-8pm and Saturday, March 17th 9am-5pm at the Willmar Civic Center. There will be Free Parking and Free Admission.

Please join us! You’ll meet exhibitors for all areas and stages of home maintenance, from repairs & remodeling to building

Welcome all! your dream home.You’ll see contractors for heating & cooling, roofing and plumbing & heating. There will be specialists for water, basements, landscaping, seamless gutters, cabinets, as well as experts from our local lumber company.

New this year, you can relax & enjoy a glass of Wine, Beer or a Bloody Mary during the show on Friday night & Saturday afternoon.

If you are planning on doing some work on, in or around your home or just thinking about it, come and see us at the Home Show!

Thank you!

David Monson,

2018 President West Central Builders Association

Nancy Lohn, Executive Officer PO Box 447, New London, MN 56273 320-295-6429 • www.wcbuilders.org • e-mail: westcentralbuilders@tds.net

WEST CENTRAL BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 2018 MEMBERSHIP LIST Builder Members Charles Construction LLC ..............320-894-6254 Collins Construction .......................320-264-8601 Energy Concepts .............................320-235-9079 Glacial Ridge Inc. ............................320-231-2231 Grefe Construction Inc....................320-796-5750 Mike Kompelien Custom Homes. ...320-235-7906 MN Home Improvements/ LeafGuard Gutters ...........................320-363-4435 Oakridge Construction Inc. ............320-354-2621 John Pulsifer Const. Inc. ................320-354-2602 Ridgewater College Carpentry .......320-235-5114 Roos Construction Inc. ...................320-679-4718 SafeBasements of MN ....................320-593-8729 Square Deal Const. Inc. ..................320-212-9839 Stonefield Construction ..................320-235-7530 West Central Home Solutions LLC. 320-424-0598

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Associate Members American Door Works ........................ 320-235-7688 Aquarius Home Services/Kinetico .... 651-777-0448 B & J Lake Region Electric Inc. ......... 320-796-6070 Benusa Appliance Sales & Service ... 320-252-2314 BK Plumbing & Heating ..................... 320-905-5542 Bremer Bank ....................................... 320-231-8131 Brock White ........................................ 320-251-5060 C & D Granite, Inc............................... 320-597-2398 Century 21 Kandi Realty .................... 320-235-7072 Chappell Central ................................ 320-235-2151 Concrete Products of New London ... 320-354-2311 Duininck Brothers .............................. 320-235-3318 Edina Realty........................................ 320-231-9102 Erickson Plumbing & Heating............ 320-995-6114 Excel Overhead Door ......................... 320-235-2971 Fenstra Insurance .............................. 320-235-6466 Floor to Ceiling ................................... 320-235-2317 Gatewood Electric, Inc. ...................... 320-235-2501 Heritage Bank ..................................... 320-235-5720 I & M Landscaping Inc. ...................... 320-235-4320

Insurance By Strehlow. ...................... 320-235-1091 Jerry Philippi Plumbing LLC .............. 320-894-3444 Lake Country Fireplace & Exteriors .. 320-235-0036 Magnuson Sheet Metal ...................... 320-222-4328 Monson Landscaping & Jet Black ..... 320-212-9635 Nationwide Glass Inc. ........................ 320-235-2612 Northern States Supply...................... 320-235-0555 Perkins Lumber .................................. 320-235-3242 Prinsco, Inc. ........................................ 320-222-6800 Southwest Assurance Corp. .............. 507-537-1448 Square One Building Center.............. 320-523-2845 Steffl Drilling and Pump, Inc. ............. 320-235-8484 Thein Well & Thein Water Cond. ........ 320-796-2111 Thermo Seal Insulation ...................... 320-905-7773 Wachtler Inc. ....................................... 320-796-5008 Walz Design Woodworks ................... 320-254-3529 Werder Home Inspections Inc. .......... 320-231-1614 West Central Roofing Contractors Inc. . 320-235-8748 Willmar Crane Service LLC ................ 320-235-0345 Willmar Wood Products, Inc. ............. 320-235-2474

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Monday, March 12, 2018 3

WEST CENTRAL BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 2018 EXHIBITOR LIST

MARCH 15 – 17

2018 Thursday 4pm-8pm Friday 4pm-8pm Saturday 9am-5pm

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25TH ANNUAL ABC Seamless * American Door Works *Aquarius Home Services BBBB’s Distributing * Chappell Central Inc. * Erickson Plumbing & Heating * Excel Overhead Door * I & M Landscaping Johanneck Water (EcoWater of Willmar)

FREE n

Admissio

at the

LeafGuard Gutters-MN Home Improvements * Mike Kompelien Custom Homes MN Solar and More, LLC * Monson Landscaping & Jet Black Nissen Slabjacking Inc. * Perkins Lumber Co., Inc. RetroGreen Energy *

New this year!

Relax & enjoy a glass of Wine, Beer, or a Bloody Mary during the show on Friday night & Saturday afternoon!

WILLMAR CIVIC CENTER

SafeBasements of MN Inc. * ThermoSeal Insulation * Walz Design Woodworks, Inc. Warrens Generators, LLC Western Products Inc. *

* West Central Builders Association members

C4 Monday, March 12, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Composite decking can be a smart choice Decks add character and functionality to a home, increasing outdoor entertaining space and oftentimes improving the resale value of a home.

Homeowners have various options when choosing decking materials, but one such option, composite decking, is growing in popularity.

Decks used to primarily be made from pressure-treated lumber. While lumber remains a popular material, more and more homeowners are opting for composite decking products.

As anyone who has pressure-washed,

stained and sealed wood decks can attest, such spaces require lots of upkeep to look new year after year.

Composite decks require much less maintenance, making them highly attractive to homeowners who would rather spend time using their decks instead of maintaining them.

Composite decking is any type of decking material that is formulated from different recycled materials. The majority of these materials include hard plastic and wood shavings of pulp. Unlike wood, which can

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Composite decks require much less maintenance, making them highly attractive to homeowners who would rather spend time using their decks than maintaining them.

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fade, crack and rot, composite decking, which has been available for roughly a decade, does not degrade quickly and requires very little upkeep.

Available in a variety of wood colors to match outdoor decor, composite decks also can feature artificial wood grains to make them look similar to wood planks. Although composite decks are not completely impervious to the elements, with some occasional washing to impede mold growth and new technology that has improved

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stain-resistance, many of the pitfalls of other materials can be avoided with composite decks.

Composite decking fits in with eco-friendly lifestyles. The planks are made from recycled materials that would normally end up in landfills.

Products from Trex, a popular composite decking manufacturer, are made from 1.5 million shopping bags and

COMPOSITE DECKING: C5

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Monday, March 12, 2018 C5

Minimize dust while renovating Even though dust is ever-present both inside and outside of a home, when renovations are in full swing, dusty conditions are often exacerbated. Whether a home is new or old, numerous substances can be stirred up when removing walls, refinishing floors, removing tile, or expanding living spaces. These include silica from drywall, lead, asbestos, paint particles, and even waste from bugs or rodents.

Homeowners who want to remodel with minimal construction debris floating through the air – both for health purposes and general cleanliness – may find these proactive steps helpful.

• Prepare dust-containment plans.

If a contractor is involved, it is often his or her responsibility to minimize dust. Do-it-yourselfers must make dust containment a priority. Protecting the floor and keeping the dust confined only to work areas can be achieved with plastic sheeting and other barriers.

• Designate an entrance and exit.

The experts at “This Old House” say it is best to choose one doorway as the only means in and out of a work area. Ideally, this doorway should lead to the outdoors. All other doorways should be sealed on both sides.

• Remove extraneous items. It’s best to remove clutter from the room, including any furniture that can be taken out of the space. This helps items from becoming dirty and haz-

ardous particles from settling into nooks and crannies.

• Close vents and registers. If forced air systems are part of the home, it’s best to divert air away from the work area. Block vents and intake registers so that dust does not clog the system or transfer to other rooms.

• Cut items outside. Design advice site Houzz says that some power tools have vacuum extractors to suck up dust at the point of contact, removing 90 percent of dust where it is generated. For those who do not have access to these tools, cutting and sanding can be done outdoors to keep dust outside.

• Open a window. If weather permits, an open window can provide ventilation. Another idea is to create an air vacuum in the work area.

Picking a window at the far end of the work area and mounting a window fan blowing outward can suck dust out and away from other areas of the house.

• Clean up daily. By keeping on top of dust, including sweeping and vacuuming the work area frequently, dust will not accumulate and migrate elsewhere.

Dust is a common side effect of home renovation projects, but it can be minimized.

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COMPOSITE DECKING From Page C4

wood mill waste. As composite decks do not rot away and are long-lasting, they will not need to be replaced frequently, which is another eco-friendly benefit.

When comparing composite decking brands, look mainly at the colors, materials used in the composition and the fastening systems. Many are fastened with regular deck screws, offers This Old House. The newer systems have channels for hidden fastening, and the composite deck tiles snap into place.

Composite decks do have a few

drawbacks. They can be expensive – nearly double the initial cost of wood decks. And although they don’t rot, composite planks can scratch. Without refinishing, damaged boards will need to be replaced. Harsh chemicals may fade color and damage the composite materials, so caution is needed.

Composite decking remains an in-demand choice for outdoor spaces. Low-maintenance and long-lasting, these decks have quickly become favorites among homeowners.

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Cutting renovation materials outdoors can minimize dust generated in work areas.

C6 Monday, March 12, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Innovative new looks for your kitchen renovation Renovating your kitchen?

Think about making updates that will add beauty and functionality to

including in your plans.

Add geometry

one of the most important rooms in

Geometric tile designs can create a

the house. Here are a few innova-

bold modernized look in your kitchen,

tive new looks and ideas to consider

whether you’re adding a backsplash or

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redoing the flooring. Get creative by adding a mosaic design as trim around the perimeter or as a central point of focus.

Create your focal point Enhance any kitchen with an impressive new range that combines the functionality and green energy features of a modern appliance with the charm of old-world design. If you want an opportunity to tailor this look to your own specifications, consider those from ILVE. Known for their handcrafted Italian appliances, they have added even more ways to customize their ranges with a new, traditionally inspired solid door option for the ILVE Majestic Collection. Completely windowless, this model features a decorative country-style handrail on the oven door(s) and is available in a range of sizes and colors, from neutral tones like gloss black and matte graphite, to custom statement colors like ultramarine blue or ruby red.

Three trims – brass, bronze and

chrome – give homeowners even more options when creating a look for the kitchen that is truly their own. For more information, visit ilveappliances. com.

Get cozy Create a lounge in your kitchen with some furniture that lets you kick back and relax. A nook that contains a loveseat or couch, along with a small bookshelf and side table, may become your new favorite place to look through cookbooks or read a few pages of a novel while you’re waiting for the dough to rise. If possible, create this area in a sunlit corner of the kitchen that’s convenient to where the main cooking action takes place, so that those giving the chef a little company will have a comfortable place to sit and chat with their host.

Innovative new looks for your kitchen can transform the space into one that’s more functional and beautiful.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Monday, March 12, 2018 C7

How much home can you afford this spring?

The chicken or the egg? Which came first continues to fuel philosophical debates. But when it comes to buying a home, experts are pretty clear about the proper order of things – agreeing you should fit your mortgage to your finances, not to a house.

“Before you even start your search for a home this spring, it’s crucial to know how much you can afford to pay each month,” says Freddie Mac Senior Vice President Christina Boyle, who stresses that there are a few important things to keep in mind as you calculate this figure.

Start by getting a handle on your finances.

What do you earn? What do you spend? How much do you have in savings? Answering these questions will help you better understand how much home you can afford. Make a budget and use free online tools and calculators to determine how much you can afford.

Remember that your monthly expenses go beyond mortgage payments, so leave some room in your budget. Whether it’s a new roof or a leaking faucet, homeownership can mean unexpected expenses. Be prepared to pay for such items, as needed. General maintenance, combined with utilities (an expense that can

vary by home depending on its size and other factors), are added expenses to consider. Some neighborhoods also have homeowners’ association fees to cover the cost of upkeep of common spaces.

Your lifestyle can also help you assess whether a particular home is right for you and your budget. Location is key in determining what you can afford. Some points to consider are whether you want to live in a suburban or urban setting, whether you need to be near specific schools and public transportation, and the potential length of your commute. These factors can affect the cost of a home and you should determine your priorities in advance of home and mortgage hunting.

Remember, getting pre-approved can help you act fast and make a confident offer, so talk to your lender now before you start shopping.

A full rundown on all things homebuying, including free tools and resources, is available at myhome.freddiemac.com.

This spring, be sure to prepare yourself for the homebuying experience by being well-informed and aware of what you can afford.

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C8 Monday, March 12, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Use renovations to create healthier homes Establishing a healthy home means different things to different people.

For example, to an environmentalist, a healthy home may incorporate eco-friendly or green products. To those with young children or mobility-impaired seniors, a healthy home may be one free from potential haz-

ards. Others may view a healthy home as one that alleviates allergies.

The World Health Organizations says inadequate housing conditions, such as poor ventilation, radon, urban pollution, and moisture issues, can contribute to many preventable diseases and injuries – especially respiratory

problems, nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as a top five environmental risk to public health. EPA studies have

HEALTHIER HOMES: C9

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Home renovation projects are done for several different reasons, whether to update styles, repair damaged or broken items or to achieve more living space. More than ever before, homeowners are choosing improvement projects geared toward making their homes healthier.

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Monday, March 12, 2018 C9

HEALTHIER HOMES From Page C8

found that indoor air pollution levels were roughly two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels.

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

• Be aware of furniture materials.

Toxic PBDEs, which are chemicals used as flame retardants on furniture fabrics produced prior to 2006, can send toxins into the air. Some manufacturers may still use these flame retardants in new forms, but with similar risks. Before purchasing furniture, ask if a product is treated, and select naturally fire-resistant materials like wool and cotton.

• Lighten up. Lighting is often underappreciated but can have a dramatic impact on whether a home feels inviting, warm and/or uplifting.

Experiment with different types of bulbs and lighting fixtures to turn drab and dreary environments into brighter places. Lighting may improve mood and productivity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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C10 Monday, March 12, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Appeal to house hunters with smart home upgrades is a good investment in their home, according to a recent survey by “Better Homes and Gardens.” Upgrading to include connected items can make your home more appealing to this “next generation” of homebuyers in particular.

If you’re looking to sell, here are

some of the latest and greatest smart home upgrades to have on your radar.

Climate control Your thermostat is responsible for half your energy bill — more than appliances and electronics — so make sure to choose one wisely. Consider installing a smart thermostat, which learns your temperature preferences, and can save energy by turning heating and cooling on and off, based on the weather outside, your home’s energy profile and more. Potential

homebuyers will love the energy savings, as well as the ability to control the thermostat from anywhere with their devices.

A hands-free faucet Imagine the convenience of having a kitchen faucet turn water on or off, without a touch. Faucets with handsfree technology, such as Moen’s MotionSense Wave single-sensor

HOME UPGRADES: C11

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From smart thermostats to remotely controlled showers, connected homes are all the rage for today’s homeowners and those looking to make a purchase, providing easy opportunities to boost your profit when you sell.

Over half of millennials (57 percent) believe that smart home technology

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Monday, March 12, 2018 C11

Laundry room renovation ideas

HOME UPGRADES From Page C10

models, allow users to easily activate the faucet with the wave of a hand.

Great for when your hands are too full or messy to turn on the faucet, the technology also minimizes the spread of dirt and germs, since there’s no need to touch the faucet to start the flow of water. It’s just the type of smart upgrade to attract house hunters of all ages — and easy on the wallet, with options available for under $300.

Bright lighting Smart lighting dimmer and sensor systems allow you to turn lights on and off remotely with a smartphone, and can be customized to perform certain actions, such as slowly growing brighter as you wake up or turning off automatically when you leave your home – providing added convenience and customization for prospective buyers. These systems are especially useful when you’re traveling – allowing you to turn your lights on and off remotely, so your home doesn’t look empty while you’re away.

Picture showing potential buyers how they can control all of the lights in the

home with one device, or turn off the lights after they’re snuggled up in bed – and get ready for the offers to roll in.

A digital shower An updated bathroom is a huge selling point for potential buyers. If you’re planning a renovation, enhancing your space with a digital shower can make a big difference for your family now and for future homebuyers. To provide the ultimate in personalization, select a system such as U by Moen, the first Wi-Fi/cloud-based digital shower on the market, which allows users to precisely set shower temperature and flow with an in-shower digital controller, or from the smartphone app. Plus, it can be voice activated with products like Amazon Alexa, for a connected home experience.

By swapping just one or two items – like your thermostat or a builder-grade kitchen faucet – you can achieve a sleeker, smarter home. And while the return on investment varies for each product, they’re all sure to appeal to tech-loving homebuyers whenever you choose to sell.

To former apartment dwellers or those who have never enjoyed the benefit of a dedicated laundry area, even the smallest washer and dryer space can seem like a luxury.

The benefits of dedicated laundry rooms abound. However, disorganized laundry rooms can nullify such benefits. Depending on the needs and preferences of each homeowner, laundry room designs can be customized for convenience.

Employ vertical space Floor space may be at a premium in a laundry room, especially for those who want to devote as much space as possible to bulk-size washer and dryer units. Therefore, utilizing wall space is key. Use shelving, wire racks, hooks, and other organizational tools to store items on the wall. Shelves can be tucked into just about any space, and there are different options that

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can fit into corners or shallow areas.

These are a great option for keeping detergent or other laundry essentials nearby.

Clean designs reduce clutter Simple, clean designs can be an asset in a laundry room. If budget and space permits, cabinetry built into the design will help keep items out of sight in the laundry room. Cabinets hung directly above the appliances can store detergent, bleach and fabric softener. Use cabinets elsewhere in the room as catch-alls for cleaning supplies used in various other rooms around the house.

Incorporate a sink in the design Some older laundry room setups

LAUNDRY ROOM: C12

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C12 Monday, March 12, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

LAUNDRY ROOM From Page C11

have a slop sink to drain discharged water from the washing machine. However, newer homes may have plumbing installed directly through the floor or walls. It is still a worthwhile idea to have a sink in the laundry room for rinsing out stains, handwashing items and having a go-to sink for messier cleanup.

room. Rely on task lighting, under-cabinet strip lighting and overhead lights as needed for efficiency.

Laundry room design can maximize the space available and make it more convenient to launder and sort clothes.

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Utilize a tension rod A rod installed between two cabinets or across a narrow width of space in the laundry room is a handy spot to hang shirts or pants to prevent wrinkling. Repurposing a ladder and suspending it from the ceiling also creates a spot to hang clothes.

“Living far away, it was nice to have a good contractor you can trust and rely on getting your project done right. Charles and his crew were quick and they made us feel comfortable. Charles Construction was the right choice and we were pleased with or new lake home.”

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An organized and efficient laundry room setup can make washing and drying clothes easier.

Lighting can be important in the laundry

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It’s important to select flooring materials that will not be damaged by contact with moisture or spills. Vinyl, tile and some composite products often make good laundry room floor materials. Resilient flooring that mimics the look of hardwood may add a classy touch, and give the appearance of wood without having to worry about damage. To alleviate fatigue while spending long moments in the laundry room, invest in a memory foam mat that can be placed underfoot.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Monday, March 12, 2018 C13

3 home projects that offer a great return on investment The warmer months present an excellent opportunity to get outdoors and spruce up your home’s exterior. But if you have limited time and resources, it’s important to prioritize the focus of your efforts.

For guidance, consider Remodeling Magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report, which shows that not all remodeling projects are equal.

Here are three spring renovation ideas that will give your property not only a facelift, but offer a great return on investment to boot.

Garage door National data from the 2018 Cost vs. Value Report shows that the project that delivers the highest return on investment is a new upscale garage door. This is a good choice for those looking for better noise control, greater security, curb appeal and convenience.

Newer offerings relying on smart home technology can sync with your mobile device to offer conveniences like voice control and notifications when you’ve left the garage door open.

Manufactured stone veneer In the number two slot for sound renovation investments, according to the same report, is manufactured stone veneer, which is a great way to add visual interest to your home exterior (or an interior room, for that matter).

Be sure to select products that mimic the

texture and color of natural stone, such as the choices from ProVia, which are molded and cast to look like stone harvested from various U.S. geographic regions and are offered in a variety of style and color palettes. The manufacturer offers resources that help make it easy to select and install the best choice for your home or get the look you’ve always wanted. Their visualizer tool, found at ProVia.com, allows you to upload a photo of your home to see how the stone will look on your exterior.

Entry door replacement Your home’s entry door is one of the first things prospective home buyers will notice, so it’s no surprise that upgrading yours could be a wise investment. The Cost vs. Value report named a new steel door as the third highest cost recouped. However, steel or fiberglass are both good choices for materials when it comes to functionality, durability, energy efficiency, security and versatility in style.

For more home renovation ideas and resources, visit ProVia.com.

When giving your home a facelift, make it count. Consider those upgrades and renovations that don’t just look good, but also are proven to increase the resale value of your home.

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304 US Hwy 12 104 1st Street SW 1106 Lincoln Ave 56378 61448 US HWY 12 (CORPORATE OFFICE) Murdock, MN 56271 Clara City, MN 56222 Sauk Rapids, MN Litchfield, MN 55355 3101 3rd Ave. SW Phone: (320) 875-2641 Willmar, MN 56201 Phone: (320) 847-2438 56379 Phone: (320) 693-2411 Toll-free: Phone: (320) 235-5200 Fax: (320) 847-3001 Phone: (320)-252-2110 Fax: (320) 693-3843 (888) 875-2641 Fax: (320)-252-1899 Toll-free: (800) 520-2466 Fax: (320) 875-2295 Fax: (320) 235-6163

320-243-4706 • 705 E Hwy 55 Paynesville, MN

Drive a little, SAVE a LOT

320.235.5200 | www.dooleypetro.com

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C14 Monday, March 12, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

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Simplify...

your next build with the right real estate agency!

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Serving Minnesota Since 1979 Don’t Risk Falling. Call BEFORE the fall!

Transform an existing tub into a shower.

JASMINE VIKSE REALTOR® 320.894.3862

JANE VIKSE BROKER®/OWNER 320.979.0632

• Bathtub Refinishing & Repair • Grab Bar Installation • Shower & Bath Slip Resistant Floor Texturing • Bathtub Cutdowns • Bathtub Door Installation • Install Premium Acrylic Tub and Shower Surrounds (available in simulated Before granite & marble)

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JALANNY RUPP BROKER/AGENT 320.894.4512

ww.surfacespecialists.com

145 Lake Ave. N, Spicer • 320.796.1000 | 1425 1st Street S, Willmar • 320.262.5474

Savoie Interior Design

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1995

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RENTALS

Deanna Savoie

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320-231-2692

WATER SOFTENERS NON-CHEMICAL FILTERS FOR -

Time for a Fresh Outlook? Spring window treatment sale ON NOW

Call for your In-Home Consultation

After

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See us on Facebook

Unique new styles available to update YOUR home!

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Monday, March 12, 2018 C15

Major home renovations that are worth the effort Building a new home? Overhauling an existing one? Here are three renovation ideas that will add beauty and value.

Expand your living space Don’t let that basement sit unfinished and unused. Substantially expand your home’s livable areas by turning your attention to the bottom floor. Finishing a basement is an involved project, potentially requiring electrical and plumbing work, insulation, drywall and more – but the end result is worth the effort and expense. What’s more, some of the less technical aspects of this renovation could even be DIY-ed.

Before getting started, consider what type of space would most benefit your household longterm. You may even be able to recoup some cost of the investment. For example, turning your basement into an at-home fitness center means ditching the costly gym membership. Want to reduce time and money on your commute? Your basement may just make an ideal home office.

Add a focal point Is your interior design in need of a little something? The right eye-catching elements can make a room pop while adding vitality to your living spaces. A fireplace, for example, adds ambiance and comfort while also creating a natural gathering space.

What’s more, new models pair the charm of a traditional open-front fireplace with the design flexibility of gas models. The Phoenix TrueView from Heat & Glo offers the convenience of gas without the glass, giving homeowners an unobscured view of the flames against the traditional brick or fade-resistant reflective black glass liner. An optional Bluetooth speaker system allows one to hear the fire as well as see it – making it a focal point for the ears as well as the eyes.

Boost the backyard If you find that your household spends very little time in the backyard, figure out why. Is there a lack of shade? Are there not enough places to sit? Take a poll so you can diagnose the problem and take steps to correct it. Consider also how to make this space usable for a larger portion of the year, such as adding a fire pit or an enclosed, heated patio. Lastly, consider aesthetics. A bit of landscaping can make your backyard as visually appealing as your home’s interiors.

This season, consider the renovations that will go furthest to boost your home’s livability, beauty and value.

StatePoint

Jim Kruger / Steve Herder - Landmark Photography / Herder Photography

“The ONLY Limitation is your Imagination”

L A N D S C A P E • HA R D S C A P E • I R R I G AT I O N 320-235-4320 Willmar, MN

FIND US ON FACEBOOK iandmlandscaping.com

WE EXTENDED OUR TREE SERVICES!!

10 Years Experience TREE REMOVAL • TREE TRIMMING • STUMP GRINDING

TJ GNIFFKE Certified Arborist

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Call Us TODAY, We’ll TREE’T You Right!

320-235-4320 imtreeneeds@gmail.com

An employee owned company who has proudly served this area for 57 years!

Quality products, Competitive prices, Experienced and Knowledgeable staff, 7 locations to serve you.

Look to Northern States Supply for nuts, bolts, power tools, hand tools, abrasives, chain, safety, janitorial and maintenance and much more!

600 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE, WILLMAR | 320-235-0555

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— COMPLETE GARDEN CENTER —

C16 Monday, March 12, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Mix and Match: Update your home with 2018 design trends Are you planning to refresh your home but aren’t sure where to start? Some of today’s most popular design trends encourage mixing and matching favorite home accents within the same space.

There is no need to feel limited by fixtures or finishes, according to design expert Colleen Visage, who is Progress Lighting’s vice president of Product Management.

“Homeowners today are not content to have the same look, the same finishes or the same collections throughout the house,” says Visage. “They really want to personalize their spaces.”

Coordinating complementary pieces creates a cohesive feel to the home. It can also reinforce a unique style because the ultimate outcome is a custom design. Here are a few ways to master the mix and match trend.

• Mix Monochromatic Accents: Tone-on-tone

designs are very popular in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and living areas. Countertops, cabinets and home accents in varying shades of grays and creams can create a sophisticated statement. These tones pair perfectly with gold, brass or brushed nickel finishes.

• Design with Dual Tones: Mixed metals or dual tones are on-trend and very popular in home design today. This look can be achieved through mixing fixtures with different, but complementary finishes.

For example, Progress Lighting offers fixtures that feature finishes with contrasting accents, such as antique bronze and brass, antique bronze and natural brass or polished nickel with silver ridge — adding visual interest.

• Pendant Groupings: Pendant groupings are commonly used in a foyer, over a kitchen island or above a dining room table. These versatile fixtures can be mixed and matched to create a custom cluster design for a statement-making look.

“I like to design areas that are so inviting, people don’t want to leave,” says Susan Wilson, designer and founder of Susan Wilson Interiors. “When a home features accents and lighting that work together seamlessly, it makes the spaces throughout memorable and relatable.”

Searching for more design inspi-

ration? Visit progresslighting.com to view images, collections and project ideas for every budget, style and space.

Take your design vision to the next level and personalize your home’s living spaces by mastering the art of the mix and match trend.

StatePoint

Rick E. Carlson Construction

Courtesy of Progress Lighting

Mid State Painting

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Specializing in exterior farm buildings.

Willmar, MN 56201

Willmar 001572550r1

320.354.5167

320.212.9603

320-220-1393

Master Plumber Lic#PM058647

License# BC185960

Est. 1987

Jeff Stadther 320-579-0849

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Professional Lawn Care 001548676r1

Billy Stewart - Owner bjlre@tds.net

Commercial • Residential New Construction Remodel • Trenching Office: 320.796.6070 Cell: 320.894.9202

Free estimates.

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-New London, MN MIKE & LISA MUELLER

Commercial & residential.

Interior & exterior.

Call for your Spring roofing estimate TODAY!

Taking care of all your Plumbing & Heating Needs.

Homes • Vacation Properties Commercial Buildings • Rental Properties Epoxy Floors

• Conventional Systems • In-Floor Heating • GeoThermal Systems • Ductless Mini-split Heating & Cooling

GreenLakePaint.com

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612.462.4155

•Residential & Commercial Mowing •Fertilizing

Quality work done by dependable people!

19 Years of Service Mark & Sophia Peterson, owners

320.905.7686

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Monday, March 12, 2018 C17

Prepare HVAC systems for warmer days ahead The arrival of a new season can be an exciting time.

Homeowners may have renewed vigor to start home renovation projects or even tackle some cleaning and organization tasks. Before the weather starts to warm up too much, homeowners may want to evaluate their home cooling needs and ensure that all equipment is in good working order.

Spring air conditioning inspections and tune-ups are essential steps in system performance. Homeowners should not take for granted that a system that performed optimally last year will do so this year when temperatures climb. Various factors, including weather damage, dust and grime, mechanical wear and tear, and even rodent or insect infestations, can compromise HVAC systems. Since HVAC systems have so many moving parts, a thorough inspection of

such systems can save headaches and money down the road.

According to Heating Ontario, the extreme weather conditions that come along with fall and winter can be especially taxing on homes and the systems that keep them comfortable. During a spring visit, an HVAC technician will perform maintenance on the air conditioner and make sure it is ready for the heat of summertime. This maintenance may include cleaning the unit, checking controls, calibrating the thermostat, lubricating moving parts, checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, and clearing any clogs. Homeowners are urged to also change the filter at the start of the cooling season.

Correcting any issues in the HVAC system well in advance of the arrival of warm weather can help ensure comfort when air conditioning is needed. As an added advantage, homeowners should install programmable thermostats if they do not already have them to keep cooling as cost- and energy-efficient as possible.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

MetroCreativeConnection

MetroCreativeConnection

Spring is an ideal time to have HVAC systems inspected and repaired, if necessary.

Atwater

320-214-9562

1020 Hwy. 71 NE Willmar, MN

Sam Schultz, Owner

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License No. 20420237, Insured

Lyndon Swenson - 320-212-9839 Mark Dethlefs - 320-894-3710

320-231-0727 001393591r1

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320-235-0452 If no answer call 235-2165 or 235-5324

Moser Construction

General Contractor Office 320.796.6840 Cell 320.220.1885 4153 132nd Ave. NE Spicer, MN

Restoring the past...

Building the future. ° New Construction

° Kitchen & Bath Remodels ° Tile & Stone ° Windows, Siding, Roofs

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1609 NW 16th Ave., Willmar, MN 56201 www.marcuswaterwell.com

320-220-3345 320-295-2888

KEVIN WELSH CONSTRUCTION

MARCUS WATER WELL COMPANY INC. • RESIDENTIAL • FARM • INDUSTRIAL

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Atwater, MN 001547855r1

Big or small, any or all, Give us a call.

Heating & Air Conditioning LLP

320-287-0360 Lic. #BC712371

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Lic. #BC637447

Call me for all your electrical needs!

2286 County Road 4 NE Atwater, MN 56209

320-894-0287 001547142r1

rbuerelectric@hotmail.com

18 Monday, March 12, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Monday, March 12, 2018 19

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20 Monday, March 12, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.