Saturday, October 27, 2012...

A Special Supplement to the

Inside This
Guide
Ken Geroux . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3
Fall Lawn Care . . . . . . . . .Page 4
Air Quality . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5
Property Values . . . . . . . .Page 6
Home Exteriors . . . . . . . . .Page 7
Backyard Reflections . . . . .Page 8
Winterize Your Home . . .Page 10
Cold Weather Rule . . . . .Page 11
Call Before You Clear . . .Page 11
Contest Announced . . . . .Page 12
Protect Your Deck . . . . . .Page 13
DIY Projects . . . . . . . . . .Page 14
Allergens . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 15
Stories:
Advertisers Index:
All Elements...Page 8
American Family Ins...Page 4
Audio Communications...Page 9
B&D Plumbing...Page 14
Big Lake Hardware...Page 2
Big Lake Lumber...Page 7
Bogart, Pederson & Assoc...Page 11
C&S Blacktop...Page 12
Elk River Municipal Util...Page 15
Foley Lumber...Page 11
Fyles Exc. & Honeywagon...Page 11
Haus Construction...Page 10
Heitz Group Edina Realty...Page 4
Insurance Specialist Team...Page 13
Keller Williams-B. Wiley...Page 12
Ken Geroux Construction...Page 9
KleinBank...Page 3
Lano Equipment...Page 13
Larson Companies...Page 15
Lofgren Construction...Page 5
Long & Sons...Page 16
Merit Drywall...Page 16
Meyer Bros. Electric...Page 16
Midway Iron & Metal Co...Page 16
MNsota Real Estate...Page 4
New Century Exteriors...Page 11
PDR...Page 12
Preferred Title...Page 4
Rays Abbey Carpet...Page 5
Veit/Vonco...Page 12
Wes Olson Electric...Page 10
WestAir...Page 16
Our Staff
Gary W. Meyer Editor & Publisher
Sue Emberland Advertising Sales
Susan Nagorski Advertising Sales
Mary Mayer Graphic Designer
Jennifer Edwards Staff Writer
Ken Francis Staff Writer
Gail Evans Office Manager
Office: 763-263-3602 Fax: 763-263-8458
email:westrib@sherbtel.net
www.westsherburnetribune.com
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 2
Cover
Lars Raisanen of Backyard Reflections, Inc.
(left).Ken Geroux of Geroux Construction (right).
(Photos by Jennifer Edwards.)
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Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 3
Jennifer Edwards
Staff Writer
There is a lot of pent-up demand for
projects in the construction trade right
now, says Big Lake builder Ken Geroux.
We have been as busy in the office as
we have ever been, designing projects and
giving estimates, Geroux said. But peo-
ple are still hesitant to do the major proj-
ects.
Geroux Construction has been staying
busy, doing the little things there cus-
tomers need to survive in the difficult
economy.
That is where we started, years ago,
said Geroux, Doing the little jobs that
nobody else wanted to do. Right now peo-
ple are only doing the things which have to
be done.
On a brighter note, Geroux says, he is
designing three new homes planned to be
built in the Big Lake area, although no start
dates for construction have been set yet.
That is a positive, he said. It means
people are looking at new construction and
they are at least considering it.
Creating accurate designs for his various
projects with detailed estimates is a lot of
work which does not always pay off,
Geroux said.
But it is the only way to give accurate
estimates. Some builders charge for this
service. We dont. There is a lot of debate
about it in the industry but I will maintain
my practices and my integrity level,
Geroux said.
While Geroux has made cutbacks to his
staff, his company is finding work to do.
We are not as busy as I would like, he
said. I have down-sized. There is always
room for more projects.
Replacing windows and doors, mainte-
nance and roofing and siding work is keep-
ing him busy and Geroux says he is grate-
ful for the work.
Its not much for bragging rights but I
am glad to have it, he said.
One of his larger projects right now
includes an addition requiring a variance.
That makes more work on the front
end, he said. I do research these projects
with the county before I take them on. I
usually do this myself although the proper-
ty owners could do it. They can get nerv-
ous and I am used to working with the
staff.
I am just thankful we are still in busi-
ness, Geroux said. And I notice a lot of
the contractors who were working when
we started, like Don Deuel and Paul
Becker are still here.
I can say there has been a dramatic
increase in the local area for new construc-
tion, at least on the design and estimating
side, he said. We just need a few more
things to fall into place, like employment
and financing.
Geroux said he would like to see the
construction industry move into a more
steady pattern.
There are pockets around the Twin
Cities, like Edina and Eden Prairie, where
nothing has happened. There have been no
slow-downs, he said. This area got hit
extremely hard but we still need quality
contractors.
Geroux says he believes the only reason
his company is still in business is because
of his customer base.
For two years we had no new cus-
tomers, he said. Every job was a repeat
customer or a referal from an existing cus-
tomer. I cant say how thankful we are for
them.
Gerouxs reputation for integrity and
standing behind his work is well-known to
the local community.
A house has 20,000 different parts
which have to be put together to create
excellence, he said. Its not too surpris-
ing if a door fails or a window sticks now
and then. What is important is that people
know we are there to stand behind our
work.
We have really good customers, high
integrity people and I became friends with
them years ago. When we go to do repeat
work it is like going to see friends, not
clients, he said. That makes the quality
of life go up a little bit.
Gratitude
and integrity
can pay off
KENGEROUX of Geroux Construction has been weathering the
economy with the help of his customers and is looking forward to moving
ahead with some larger projects in the near future. (Photo by Jennifer
Edwards).
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(Submitted Article)
Its time for raking leaves, pruning
shrubbery, and other seasonal fall lawn
care tasks.
Never has the old adage work smarter,
not harder been more apt than when tack-
ling yard work and preparing lawns for
next season.
After a long summer mowing lawns,
many people lose enthusiasm for lawn care
when fall hits.
There are several tips to streamline yard
work -- from knowing the best time to pull
weeds to using the right equipment to
make tasks simpler.
Here are some smart ways to handle fall
lawn care:
Be Body Smart
Good posture can prevent backaches
when raking leaves. Keep your head up
and back straight. Relieve back pres-
sure by raking using the
scissors stance:
whereby you place
one foot for-
ward and the
other back,
reversing
posi t i on
a f t e r
several
m i n -
utes.
When
mowing,
move the
m o w e r
with your
body weight
as much as pos-
sible, rather than
relying on your arms
and back.
And use ergonomically designed
rakes, shears and pruners that require less
hand strength than traditional ones.
Rake and Haul Easily
Put away the loud, smelly leaf blower.
Nothing is worse than raking leaves on a
windy day, only to have them blown
around.
Try an easier
approach.
Rake leaves
onto a tar-
paulin and
drag it
a w a y .
O n e
innova-
t i v e
t a r p
s o l u -
tion is
the EZ
L e a f
H a u l e r ,
which has
been dubbed
the giant dustpan
for leaves. Its a
modified tarp with sides
that holds up to five wheelbarrows
of yard debris. Stakes are attached and can
be pressed into the ground to hold it in
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 4
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How to make fall lawn care easier
place on windy days. Approved by the
Good Housekeeping Research Institute, it
uses tent construction technology to form
sides and a back, and has reinforced pock-
ets and stitched handles for easy hauling
and dumping.
And if you already have a tarp, you can
easily clip handles to it to make it easier to
haul when full of leaves. For example, the
EZ Tarp Tugger is a low-cost option that
combines handles with stakes, so you can
keep your tarp in place and then pull it
away when it is full of debris to bag or
compost.
Remember, dragging leaves away is eas-
ier on your back and environmentally
friendly.
Weed Wisely
Weeding can be made less painful if you
adhere to the old gardeners trick of weed-
ing after it rains. When earth is dry, its
harder to pull out the whole weed without
breaking off the top. After rainfall, the
ground is damp, making it easier to pluck
out entire weeds.
This way, weeds can easily be added to
leaves and other debris that need to be
hauled away.
More information on innovative tools
for raking, hauling and bagging yard
debris can be found at www.ezlawnandgar-
den.com.
Remember, fall is your last chance to put
your lawn in order before next seasons
warm weather.
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 5
EXTERIOR:
Roofs & Siding
Windows & Doors
Additions
Gazebos & Patios
Garage & Sheds
Garage Doors
Stucco & Cultured Stone
Pole Buildings
Decks & Fences
Room Additions
Gutters
INTERIOR:
Basement Finishes
Bathroom Remodels
Kitchen Remodels
Sheet Rocking
HVAC
Floors
Kitchen & Bathrooms
Carpentry & Mill Works
Countertops
Back Splashes &
Surrounds
Plumbing
Cabinets
Electrical Services
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(Submitted Article)
With so many people now optimizing
their living spaces for energy efficiency,
the risk for indoor air pollution in homes
can actually increase, say experts, as pollu-
tants can get trapped indoors as a result.
Clean air inside your home is vital.
According to the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), exposure to air pollutants
can cause health problems, including respi-
ratory dis-
ease, heart
disease and
cancer.
Here are
steps you can
take to pro-
tect your
family from
these risks:
Prevent
M a n y
sources of air
pollution are
preventable.
Start by
ensuring no
one smokes
inside, as
secondhand
smoke con-
tains nicotine, toxic chemicals and carcino-
genic agents.
Take care of water leaks immediately to
prevent mold and mildew from forming
around your home. Also, take steps to
reduce indoor humidity. The EPA and the
Department of Energy are offering tips on
how to do so at www.EnergyStar.gov.
If your home was built between 1930
and 1950, it was likely insulated with
asbestos. Make sure these materials are in
good condition, as damaged asbestos could
release harmful fibers into your home. Hire
a professional to seal, cover or remove
damaged material.
Emissions from gas stoves can worsen
asthma. If
anyone in
your house-
hold suffers
from asthma,
c o n s i d e r
r e p l a c i n g
your gas
stove with an
electric one.
Choose safe
h o u s e h o l d
cleaners that
dont contain
harsh chemi-
cals. Organic
and non-toxic
products can
do the same
job as tradi-
tional products, without irritating your
eyes, nose and throat.
Ventilate
No matter how many steps you take to
prevent indoor air pollution, your home is
subject to inevitable sources of pollutants.
Proper mechanical ventilation is your best
defense.
Continuous ventilation at a low speed
not only takes minimal wattage to run, but
it also significantly improves the indoor air
quality of your entire home by exhausting
hidden pollution, such as allergens,
mildew, mold and more, says Anita So,
Marketing Manager at Panasonic Eco
Solutions North America.
Although most consumers are aware of
the need for ventilation in areas prone to
high-humidity like bathrooms, an entire
air-tight home can benefit from eliminating
mold, mildew, moisture, volatile organic
compounds and other invisible vapors.
First, check to see if your ventilation
fans are working properly. If the bathroom
mirror steams up after a hot shower or
bath, it is time to replace or install a venti-
lation fan. For example, Panasonics
ENERGY STAR rated WhisperGreen fan
offers ventilation with a low speed setting
for continuous whole-home ventilation and
a high speed setting for increased moisture
levels produced by showers or baths.
WhisperGreen fans are extremely quiet,
energy efficient and feature exclusive tech-
nology, ensuring powerful performance.
Not only will a combination of intermit-
tent and continuous ventilation keep your
family safer from allergens and toxic
gases, but it can also save you money by
preventing structural damage, ruined fix-
tures, peeling wallpaper and blistering
paint.
For more information about optimizing
your indoor air quality, visit www.pana-
sonic.com/ventfans.
Sometimes hidden dangers are the most
menacing. But you can breathe more easi-
ly by preventing and removing pollutants
in your home.
Indoor air quality: protect your
home from what you cant see
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 6
By Ken Francis
Staff Writer
How much is your home worth?
It depends on a number of variables.
Usually, when a home is put on the market
for sale, a real estate agent discusses the
value with the seller and they settle on a
price range that seems reasonable for that
type of home in the existing market.
Thats similar, but not exactly the way
the county assessors office determines the
value of a home.
There are approximately 39,375 parcels
in the county, not including tax exempt
parcels. About one-fifth of those are rein-
spected each year.
It starts with the square footage, says
Dave Selbitschka, one of a dozen residen-
tial appraisers for Sherburne County.
The house is measured outside on the
perimeter. Then we look at the style -
split entry, split foyer, rambler, two-story
or modified two-story, says Selbitschka.
Then we look at the construction. Is it
masonite siding, vinyl or fiberboard? Is it
2x4 or 2x6 con-
struction? What
type of windows?
How many win-
dows? Are they
double-pane or
updated thermal
windows with
grids?
Selbitschka says
those details will
determine whether
the house is in the
category of the
more current mar-
ket or from an
older time period.
Appraisers then
go inside to check
on the features and
to see whether a
home has been
maintained, modi-
fied or updated.
He says two
homes side-by-
side can look
identical on the
outside but be
completely different inside.
I could go in and one house could be
typical entry level construction with carpet
and vinyl flooring, hollow core doors, min-
imal woodwork and standard eight-foot
ceilings, he says. But I go into the next
house and they can have a vaulted ceiling,
solid six-panel doors, marble tile through-
out the floors, granite countertops, updated
light fixtures and bathroom fixtures - all
the things that a prospective home buyer is
going to come in and see.
Selbitschka says despite what many peo-
ple believe, there isnt one single feature
that automatically increases the homes
value.
Realtors have always stated that if you
put in a new kitchen or a master bath or
things like that youd see a great return,
he says. But you still have to keep in mind
the type of home you have. If its an entry-
level home and you really deck out the
kitchen you might give a lot of those fea-
Details determine
a propertys value
tures away on resale.
But, he says sometimes the value will
increase if the size of the home changes.
If you did some things such as change the
overall floorplan and increase the square
footage, some of those things can help the
value, he says.
But thats only if the new floorplan
flows. Sometimes just adding square
footage could affect the functionality of the
home.
Appraisers have to understand the quali-
ty of materials and workmanship when
evaluating features of a home.
They use a Computer Aided Mass
Appraisal (CAMA) chart that lists every
home detail and a corresponding value.
When someone adds a gas fireplace, the
value of the home can increase anywhere
from $2,000 to $4,500.
Thats where the appraisers opinion of
value comes in, says Selbitschka. Whats
the overall quality. We look at the unit
thats installed, the stonework, the mantle-
piece - not the overall cost to put it in.
The county also inspects new construc-
tion. They are alerted to a new home or an
addition when a permit is filed.
Selbitschka says he reviews the permits,
then he likes to make multiple visits to the
site.
I like to look at a building during he dif-
ferent phase of construction, then upon
completion, he says. Its nice to see
those homes on frame-up because you can
measure those spaces more accurately. You
see talk with contractors about species of
wood used in cabinets and flooring and
inspect things like in-floor heating.
Lately, there hasnt been as much new
construction as there was seven years ago
when Selbitschka began working for the
county. He says now most of the effort
goes into re-appraisals of existing homes.
A re-assessment typically takes 20 to 30
minutes. But there are times when home-
owners are unwilling to let appraisers
inside to do a re-appraisal. Then they have
to estimate the value based on past infor-
mation and new observations.
Hopefully, youre able to take a look at
the outside of the house, he says. When
you look at the home, you have your past
notes and you have to be observant.
There are changes to the exterior that
can provide clues to what might have
changed inside.
If youre looking at a split-type struc-
ture and now you see curtains hanging in
the basement window, or if you see a fire-
place flue sticking out the bottom portion
of the home, these are clues to the apprais-
er, he says. Its a reasonable deduction
that they have a portion of the basement
finished.
Sometimes, homeowners dont agree
with the county appraisers evaluation of
their property, especially in cases where an
indoor inspection couldnt take place.
Every property owner has the right to
appeal the appraisers decision at their
local board of appeal in April and at the
county level in June.
2012 TaXablE PaRCElS
baldwin 3426
becker Twp 2368
big lake Twp 3688
blue Hill 1109
Clear lake Twp 1077
Haven 1165
livonia 2687
Orrock 2044
Palmer 1682
Santiago 857
becker City 1823
big lake City 4155
Clear lake City 352
Elk River 8953
St. Cloud 1507
Princeton 120
Zimmerman 2362
County Total 39375
Dave Selbitschka
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 7
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(Submitted Article)
Owning a home is a 365-day-a-year
commitment -- a mortgage to pay, a yard to
maintain and bills to juggle. But experts
say that evaluating key exterior elements
of your home at least once annually can
prevent some bills from skyrocketing.
The key to saving money and keeping a
home comfortably livable is to be proac-
tive in evaluating and fixing its major com-
ponents, says Mark Clement, host of
MyFixItUpLife home improvement radio
show and a professional contractor for 20
years. Dont wait to replace older, ineffi-
cient windows until your energy bills soar
out of control.
Investing in newer,
more energy efficient
and low maintenance
exterior products can
have a major impact
on the livability and
return on investment
of a home and deliver
terrific peace of
mind.
If your roof is dam-
aged by severe weath-
er or is old and leak-
ing, investing in a new
roof made of durable
polymer slate or shake
tiles will pay off for
decades to come. For
example DaVinci
Roofscapes makes
shingles that have a
50-year warranty,
resist impact, fire and all kinds of insects.
For exterior trim pieces, swap out wood
trim that is susceptible to rotting and insect
infestation with urethane and PVC trim
products. Synthetic millwork,
like pieces that are available from Fypon,
resist moisture, humidity, insects and ter-
mites, swelling and rot, Clement advises.
Once you install these low-maintenance
trim pieces around doors, windows, soffits
and other exterior areas, youre golden.
For functional areas of the home, like
windows and doors, use solidly-construct-
ed, man-made products. For example,
energy-efficient Simonton vinyl windows
and a fiberglass entryway system from
Therma-Tru have long-term warranties,
and can help you enhance the long-term
value and aesthetic appeal of your home
while saving on energy bills.
A recent report on return-on-investment
and home repair, the Remodeling
201112 Cost vs. Value Report
(www.costvsvalue.com), shows that
replacing older,
inefficient windows
with upscale vinyl
windows is one of
the ten most popular
projects with pay-
back for homeown-
ers, and has a higher
projected return-on-
investment than
several other popu-
lar home upgrade
projects, including
bathroom remodels
or additions, major
kitchen remodels or
the addition of a
master suite.
For more home
improvement ideas
that offer great
returns on invest-
ment, visit
Clements website at
www.myfixituplife.com.
Almost no building product lasts forev-
er, he warns. Homeowners should con-
tinually evaluate the exterior elements on
their home, research replacement options,
and invest in products that are solidly con-
structed by a quality manufacturer that
offers a strong warranty.
Investing in
your homes
exterior can save
you money later
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 8
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Good landscaping can pay off
environmentally and monetarily
CREaTINGaRaINGaRDEN Nick Kranz of backyard Reflections
carefully rakes the mulch into place in Russells new rain gardens.
RUSSEllSNEWRaIN GaRDEN. a newly completed rain garden
full of mulch, plants and soil will help to alleviate the issues of water run-
off, nutrients and pollution going into big lake. Pictured are lars
Raisanen, Nick Kranz and blaine Josephson of backyard Reflections, Inc.
(Photos by Jennifer Edwards).
Jennifer Edwards
Staff Writer
Landscaping and paying attention to
yard work just might be the best invest-
ment can make right now, says Lars
Raisanen of Backyard Reflections, Inc.
Raisanen started his landscaping busi-
ness 12 years ago with Blaine Josephson,
designing and building landscapes, paver
patios and paver driveways.
Most of our work is lakeshore restora-
tion, Raisanen said. A high quality land-
scape is a smart long-term property invest-
ment.
Raisanen and his crew were at Russells
On The Lake this week, installing two rain
gardens to help prevent water run off into
Big Lake and to filter the water which
enters the lake from their parking lot.
Studies by the Journal of Environmental
Horticulture carried out in Texas and
research done by Money Magazine shows
well-created landscaping has a recovery
value of 100%-200%. Local realtor Jeff
Nagorski with MnSota Real Estate agrees.
Its a lot easier to sell a house with well-thought out
landscaping than it is to sell a house which needs a lot of
yard work, he said.
Part of the cost of the design and installation of the rain
gardens at Russells is being shared by the Elk River
Watershed Association, says Sherburne County Water
Resources Specialist Tiffany Determan.
The project came about because Big Lake has an active
lakes association, Determan said.
They have been putting in storm water reduction areas
all around the lakes, Determan said. And we have been
working with the city. This site was identified as part of
those efforts.
The Elk River Watershed Association wrote a grant to
pay for the costs of creating rain gardens. Restaurant
owner Russell Vetsch was asked if he would like to partic-
ipate and he said he would.
The funding came from the Clean Water Legacy
Fund, said Determan. Taken from our tax dollars.
The two rain gardens installed at Russells were
designed by an engineer
working for the Soil and
Water Conservation
District.
We were able to cost
share 75% of the project for
Russells, Determan said.
Homeowners dont have
to have lakeshore property
to help keep water clean.
Any place where water tends to run off, into a swamp or
low-lying area or even just into the street is a good place
to locate a rain garden.
The size and the design are site dependent, Determan
said.
All that is needed is to excavate the soil, add plenty of
mulch and some native plants, grasses and wild flowers
that can tolerate having water around their roots for up to
48 hours. Some examples of plants like these include lit-
tle bluestem, columbine and flag iris.
The idea is that the water should drain away, said
Determan. We are not trying to catch it. The flowers are
great pollinator habitat and the rain gardens are good for
wildlife.
Now anyone can get help designing a rain garden just
by asking the Soil and Water Conservation District.
We are here to help, said Determan. Our engineer
can design a rain garden for you.
Contact the Sherburne County Soil and Water
Conservation District at (763) 241-1170 for more infor-
mation.
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 9
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GOODlaNDSCaPINGaDDSValUE to a
home says lars Raisanen of backyard
Reflections, Inc. who prepared plants for a rain
garden at Russells On The lake.
763- 263- 6878
BIG LAKE, MINNESOTA
www.KGCCorp.com
Lic. #BC002757
K
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KEN GEROUX CONSTRUCTION KEN GEROUX CONSTRUCTION
K E N G E R O U X C O N S T R U C T I O N K E N G E R O U X C O N S T R U C T I O N
A Cut Above
Excellent
Since 1989
Chamber of Commerce Member
Design Custom Homes
Additions & Remodeling
Kitchens & Baths Decks
Basement Finishes
Roofing, Siding & Windows
Commercial & Residential
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 10
Family owned & operated for over 40 years!
Clear Lake, MN MN Lic. #BC009240
www.HausConstructionInc.com
(320) 743-3062
Custom Built Homes
Remodeling & Additions
Wes Olson
Electric
P.O. Box 1164 Monticello, MN
763-295-6011
cell phone 763-286-2137
www.wesolsonelectric.com
36 Years Experience in the Electrical Industry
Residential, Commercial, Industrial
Troubleshooting Specialist
For all your electrical needs, count on the experienced,
professional electrician's at Wes Olson Electric.
Our skilled workmanship is second to none, and youll find
our rates to be surprisingly affordable.
Voted
Business
of the
Year
2011!
Is your home ready for winter?
(Submitted Article)
With winter approaching, many
Americans miss a few small, but cru-
cial, ways to prepare their homes for the
colder season.
Some homeowners occasionally for-
get to or dont realize they should win-
terize their homes, says Leonard Kady,
Principal of Leonard Kady Architecture,
Interiors & Planning and chair of the
American Institute of Architects Small
Projects Practitioners committee.
Prepping your home properly for the
season could save you the expense of
repairing and painting after a harsh win-
ter.
To help you prepare, Kady offers
some helpful advice:
Check Fireplaces
Make sure you keep fireplace
dampers closed to protect against drafts.
Leaving a damper open is the equivalent
of leaving a window open.
Installing glass panels over the fire-
place will also help keep drafts to a min-
imum and ultimately save you money
on heating costs.
Clean the Gutters
During winter, ice can build up in gut-
ters and in order for the ice to melt and
drain properly, the drains must be clear.
Take time to clean your gutters now to
prevent them from clogging or even
bursting once colder temperatures set in.
Clear Outdoor Watering Systems
Water trapped in an outdoor faucet or
irrigation system can cause a pipe to
burst if ice settles inside. Make it part of
your winterizing routine to ensure that
outdoor plumbing and pipes are clear
before the temperatures start to drop. It
can be a tricky task, so you may want to
bring in a professional to help.
Keep Off the Snow
Keeping your exterior walls clear of
snow, especially on homes that have
wood siding, could mean the difference
between having to do another paint job
or replace siding once the snow melts.
This water damage can be easily avoid-
ed with regular maintenance.
Use Programmable Thermostats
Installing a programmable thermostat
is a great way to prepare for winter.
They are reasonably universal to install
and allow you to program temperatures
that make sense for your home -- such
as keeping it cooler during the day
when no one is home.
Get Help
An architect can check your home for
pockets of energy inefficiency. To help
ready your home for the winter months,
find an architect in your area by visiting
http://architectfinder.aia.org/.
Preparation now can save you time
and money later. This season, dont for-
get to winterize your home.
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 11
Building Relationships with Hometown Service
Replacement Windows Insulation Storm Doors Roofing Siding Paint
Experienced Staff
Free Estimates
Free Delivery
becker, MN
763-262-8822
or 888-210-8301
Maple lake, MN
320-963-6900
www.bogart-pederson.com
Building On Or Improving Your Property?
Let regional experts Bogart, Pederson & Associates help!
Were your local, full-service
LAND SURVEYING, CIVIL ENGINEERING & MAPPING FIRM
Fyles Excavating & Honeywagon
The University of Minnesota Recommends
Septic Tank Cleaning every 2 years for a family of 4.
Septic Systems Pumping Certification Design
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Your Local
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License #: BC627253
Roofing
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FREE
ESTIMATES
Submitted Article
Connexus Energy customers who may
have trouble paying their winter energy
bills are reminded that the Cold Weather
Rule is in takes effect.
The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule pro-
tects qualified residential utility customers
during the winter months. Under this rule,
electric service will not be disconnected
from Oct. 15 through April 15 due to non-
payment, if customers meet Cold Weather
Rule requirements. However, this rule does
not relieve customers of their responsibili-
ty to pay their utility bills.
Those who qualify for Cold Weather
Rule protection need to set up a payment
schedule with the utility.
For more information on the Cold
Weather Rule, call Connexus Energys
Credit Department at 763.323.2620.
Cold Weather Rule
reminder from
Connexus Energy
Submitted Article
If you have a clogged or backed up
sewer, natural gas utility companies want
to remind you of Call Before You Clear, a
safety campaign to raise awareness around
intersecting natural gas and sewer lines.
We feel we can help prevent potential
accidents by raising the awareness of this
potential hazard and requesting plumbers,
sewer cleaning contractors and customers
to call the natural gas utility before clean-
ing a sewer line, said Bill Kaphing, senior
director, natural gas governance and com-
pliance for Xcel Energy and Call Before
You Clear campaign lead.
Some underground natural gas pipes may
be unintentionally installed through sewer
pipes a situation known as a cross bore.
Cross bores can be dangerous because the
mechanical equipment used to unclog
sewer pipes can easily penetrate a natural
gas pipe and lead to a dangerous natural
gas leak.
Before clearing a sewer line using
mechanical equipment such as an auger,
plumbers, sewer cleaning contractors or
customers should first contact the natural
gas utility serving the area. Participating
utility companies will examine their
records to determine if any potential con-
flicts exist and whether an in-sewer camera
inspection is needed. If so, the utility will
send a professionally trained sewer camera
contractor to the location to complete an
inspection at no extra charge to the cus-
tomer.
Clogged Sewer?
Call Before You
Clear for safety
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 12
Serving the Metro & Surrounding Areas Since 1967
a green paving contractor
www.c-sblacktopping.com
Visa and MasterCard accepted Free Estimates
320.253.5795 - 763.428.2225 - 612.328-5534
Brandon Wiley
763-226-6586
brandonwiley@kw.com
www.mymnhomevalues.com
Contact me today for free Buyer-Seller
Real Estate Investment Reports.
FREE HOME SEARCH
www.northwesthomesmn.com
Purpose Driven Restoration of Elk
River, MN will be accepting nominations
for a Neighborhood Heroes Home
Restoration Contest from Oct. 1, 2012
through Dec. 31, 2012. A new roof, new
siding, finish and decorative stone, will be
awarded to a Minnesota family or individ-
ual in need, who is
recognized by
friends and neigh-
bors for their serv-
ice to the commu-
nity.
No mi n a t i o n s
will be accepted
for deserving
members of local
c o m m u n i t i e s
whose homes have
exteriors that are in
need of repair or
r e p l a c e me n t .
Nominations can
be submitted
online at
www.pdrmn.com, via email to
Alisha@pdrmn.com, at local participating
businesses, or through the US Postal
Service at 12580 192nd Court NW, Suite
D, Elk River, MN 55330.
Purpose Driven Restoration and co-
sponsors LP Smartside, ABC Supply, and
Pre Finished Staining Products, Inc., want
to give back to a Minnesota individual or
family who has given to the community in
a meaningful way. There are members of
our communities who constantly give of
themselves, whether it be through service
to our country, volunteering, or working
with our children, who just dont have the
means to invest an
extensive amount of
money in their
homes Sean Peters,
President of PDR,
stated when asked
about the purpose
behind the contest.
Purpose Driven
Restoration will
announce ten finalists
in February of 2013
and one winner will
be announced in
March. Restoration of
the winners home
exterior is planned to
be completed in May
Purpose Driven Restoration has been
operating locally since 2009 and is a mem-
ber of the Big Lake, Zimmerman, and Elk
River Chambers of Commerce. A rated
with the Better Business Bureau of
Minnesota and North Dakota, PDR is
locally recognized as a valuable member of
the business community.
local Heroes
Home Restoration
Contest announced
Were you the only one
in your neighborhood that
didnt get a new roof?
CONTACT YOUR HOMETOWN CONTRACTOR!
RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL
REMODELING ROOFING SIDING WINDOWS GUTTERS
YOUR RESTORATION SPECIALISTS
763-633-4737 www.pdrmn.com
325 Main Street NW Elk River MN 55330 Lic. # BC636655
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Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 13
2009 Safeco Insurance Company of
America, a member of the Liberty Mutual
Group, 1001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98154.
All rights reserved. Safeco is a registered
trademark of Safeco Corporation. The
Safeco logo is a trademark of Liberty
Mutual Insurance Company.
Your Personal nsurance Provider
nsurance Specialists Team LLC
530 Jefferson Blvd
Big Lake, MN 55309
763-263-0785
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(Submitted Article)
Many people build their decks to
improve the beauty of their backyards
while adding value to their home. Wood
decks are an investment and as such,
should be protected. However, the
National Association of Homebuilders
estimates that there are currently 20 mil-
lion unprotected decks in the United
States.
Staining is not only an easy solution to
protecting your investment, it is also the
best way to protect and preserve the wood.
But before beginning a staining project,
homeowners and contractors should
understand the process involves more than
just a can and a brush.
While there are many DIY-ers and pros
out there that have experience with wood-
care projects, I still find it surprising how
unnecessarily intimidating wood staining
can be, says Paul DiMeo, television DIY
star. Having a core set of wood care stan-
dards provides professionals, DIY-ers, and
homeowners with the correct information
they need to
properly under-
stand the ins-
and-outs of
staining.
DiMeo, along
with other indus-
try experts, is a
member of the
Cabot Woodcare
C o u n c i l
Advisory Board.
The advisory
board is a group
of industry
experts who have leveraged their collec-
tive and individual expertise to develop the
standards of wood care, to help solve stain-
ing problems and keep projects moving as
efficiently as possible.
Before begin-
ning a staining
project, the
Council reminds
everyone to keep
the following in
mind:
When choosing
a stain, consider
the more opaque
a stain, the more
durability it will
have.
Before begin-
ning a staining
project, thoroughly assess your wood for
the presence of mold, mildew, and signs of
weathering.
When cleaning the deck, youll want to
use a gentle cleanser formulated for wood.
Regular soap and water will leave behind
residue which will reduce penetration.
The ideal temperature to stain your deck
is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is also important to choose a day when
no rain is expected for 24 hours.
Whether you are a first-timer at staining
or a professional who has been doing it for
20 years, comprehensive staining
resources that can benefit anyone can be
found at,
www.CabotWoodcareCouncil.com.
By staining your deck properly, you can
protect your investment for years to come.
Tips for protecting your deck
CONTACT YOUR HOMETOWN CONTRACTOR!
RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL
REMODELING ROOFING SIDING WINDOWS GUTTERS
YOUR RESTORATION SPECIALISTS
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 14
(Submitted Article)
Fall is the perfect time to complete home
projects you put off during the dog days of
summer. There are a number of basic
changes you can do right now that are easy
and inexpensive.
Gear Up
Before starting any home improvement
process, make sure your toolbox is
equipped with basic essentials:
A high-quality level/ruler that works hor-
izontally and vertically is a must-have for
anyone handy. Opt for one with a handle
to keep it in place while youre measuring,
leveling and getting a clean edge for draw-
ing or cutting.
A crescent wrench is a versatile tool with
a sliding jaw that allows for use on differ-
ent size nuts and bolts. Tighten any faucet
in no time!
Go beyond the flathead screwdriver and
Phillips screwdriver and give yourself
more flexibility in hard to reach places
with a pivoting head ratchet screwdriver.
Remember, you can find the same quali-
ty tools and supplies online at a fraction of
the cost of your local brick and mortar
retailer. Visit www.Lakeside.com for home
Getting started
on your DIY projects
improvement ideas and deals.
Easy Exterior Updates
Set your house apart from your neigh-
bors by tastefully decorating your homes
exterior with lights, flags or pictures. To
avoid damage to your home, use stainless
steel siding clips for vinyl siding or brick
clip hooks on brick walls and chimneys.
These types of clips only take seconds to
install, and unlike nails or screws, dont
create unsightly holes. Also, you can repo-
sition or remove your decorations season-
ally or whenever the mood strikes.
Quick Interior Updates
You dont need to have mastered the art
of tiling to redo your kitchen or bathroom
walls. Consider installing self-adhesive
faux metal tiles to create a backsplash or
decorative border. For example,
www.Lakeside.com carries tiles designed
to look like brushed metal with an intricate
embossed pattern. You can easily secure
them to flat surfaces by simply pressing
into place. At $9.95 for a 27-pc set, you
can affordably give your interiors a com-
pletely new look.
To give a new look to a room while
avoiding a timely and costly project; con-
sider painting just one or two accent walls.
This trick saves time and money and gives
you the chance to select a bold color with-
out overwhelming a space.
You dont need to spend a fortune or hire
an outside contractor to give the inside and
outside of your home a makeover. With the
right knowledge and tools, you can make
the same high-quality improvements your-
self.
BUDGET US IN!
BUDGET US IN!
BUDGET US IN!
Dont miss this opportunity to increase
your businesss spring sales figures.
Contact our advertising department at
763-263-3602
and become a valuable addition to our
Spring Home
Builders Guide!
Publication is in April, 2013!
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 15
(Submitted Article)
The weather may be getting cooler,
but that doesnt mean people who are
impacted by allergens are in the clear.
From dust and dander to seasonal pollen,
millions of people will sneeze, wheeze
and cough their way through the months
ahead.
The experts at Sun Products, makers
of Snuggle, all and Wisk laundry prod-
ucts, offer these steps to help make your
home a safer haven from that which
afflicts you.
Bust Dust
Allergens are hiding all over the
home. Regular dusting and vacuuming
will eliminate much of the problem. Just
be sure to clean your vacuum filter often.
And dont overlook fabrics in your home
like upholstered chairs and drapes, as
dust, mites and other allergens can col-
lect here easily. Dont suffer while clean-
ing. Use a mask to avoid coming into
contact with the allergens youre trying
to eliminate.
Wash Safely
The irony of keeping your home
spic and span for the sake of allergy
management is that many cleaning
supplies can aggravate the problem.
Ammonia, for example, can be
quite harsh on the eyes and nose.
Using a hypoallergenic, fragrance-
free, all-purpose cleaner will make
scrubbing the bathroom and kitchen
a much more pleasant experience.
Likewise, bedding and clothing
are notorious for collecting and
trapping common allergens.
According to a study by Grana, an
international science journal, a large
t-shirt can trap up to 7 million
pollen grains on a peak pollen day.
Remove everyday allergens
trapped in your garments and bed-
ding with a fragrance free detergent
designed for sensitive skin. For
example, all free clear detergent,
which is the number one detergent
brand recommended by dermatolo-
gists and allergists for sensitive skin, will
eliminate 99 percent of tree and grass
pollen, and ragweed pollen, the number
one fall allergen. Free of potential irritants
like dyes and perfumes, it will also help
bust pet dander and dust mite matter.
More information can be found at
www.all-laundry.com/freeclear/.
Keep Allergens Out
When you walk around outside your
clothes can collect and absorb allergens
and irritants. Shoes are magnets for grass,
tree and ragweed pollen. Leave your
shoes on the porch, especially after walk-
ing through grass. Change out of your
clothes when you get home, depositing
them directly into the hamper.
Stay Vigilant
You can stay informed with pollen-
level maps and recent allergen news. Visit
the all free clear Facebook page for aller-
gy resources and management tips.
Get a handle on your sniffles and con-
gestion this season by freeing your home
of allergens.
Keep Your Home Safe from Allergens
LAWN LANDSCAPE SNOW FENCE
**FALL CLEAN-UP SPECIAL**
Mowing, bed blow-outs, leaf clean-up,
tree & bush trimming, & more!
10% OFF - expires 11/30/12
*SNOW REMOVAL*
-Commercial & Residential- call for pricing
LARSON COMPANIES
763-441-9881
www.larsoncompaniesinc.com
LARSON COMPANIES
763-441-9881
www.larsoncompaniesinc.com
Offers good on qualifying products through 12-31-12.
Expires: 12-31-12
Electrical Contractors
1-888-785-1649
licensed, bonded, Insured
Commercial/Residential
Reasonable Rates
EMaIl:
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Framing Hanging Taping Texturing Painting

CARPET CLEANING 612.701.3140
CARPET UPHOLSTERY AREA RUGS CVT CLEANING & FINISHING
Let us help you with your
Holiday Cleaning
Owners: Steve, Lisa & Jonathan Freitag
We are pleased to also offer:
Totally Green &
Hypo-Allergenic Cleaning
Products & Processes For
Your Carpets & Upholstery
Mention this ad & receive:
20
%
off
all carpet
& upholstery
cleaning services
*Scheduled on or before 12/15/12
STEEL SALES
& RECYCLING
Wanted: Scrap iron and metal,
junk vehicles, aluminum cans.
For Sale: New steel, alum.,
stainless, trailer parts, custom
signs and art.
Services: Plasma, shear, brake,
saw, rolloff containers.
MIDWAY IRON & METAL CO.
Locally Owned & Family Operated
648 NE lincoln ave., St. Cloud
SCRAP: 262-4002 NEW STEEL: 258-3003
800-246-4002 WWW.MIDWAYIRON.COM
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 27, 2012...Page 16