Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in June to keep your home beautiful for years to come!

• Paint interior or exterior as needed.
• If you have wood decks, check them for signs of wear or deterioration.  Repair or replace as needed.
• Clean and seal decks.
• Check exterior railings and stairs.  Repair if they are loose or showing signs of wear.
• Service furnace or heating system.
• Make sure attic vents work properly. 

Do you have any tips to make these home maintenance projects easier?  We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in February to keep your home beautiful for years to come!

• Make a list of major indoor projects that need to be done.  Prioritize them so you can get the most urgent out of the way before the garden and yard (and warm weather) claims your attention.
• Check and clean grout between tiles in your kitchen and bathrooms.  Re-grout if necessary.  Add sealer to finish.
• Check flooring and carpet.  If it needs repair or replacement, take advantage of sales now.

Do you have any tips to make these home maintenance projects easier?  We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Renovating your attic is a financially smart decision and can be an inexpensive way to add living space to your home. Our friends Robert, Nancy and Brian at Pillar to Post have six great attic renovation tips to share. 

1.  Plan carefully.  Remember that the order in which inspections must be obtained will dictate your schedule. Think through every aspect of both the design and the project, consider possible challenges, and devise plans to overcome each challenge.

2.  Design the space for the type of room.  The way you design and remodel the space will vary with the uses you plan for the finished room. For example, a bedroom may have different requirements than a playroom.

3.  Plan access to the new room(s) carefully.  Creating access to the new space is challenging in some homes. If you are trying to reduce costs for your project, you will want to find and construct the stairs in the best point of access and in a way that involves the least modification of the existing structure. You will also need to check local building codes with reference to exit points.

4.  Decide how you will work with the slope of the roof.  This is an important aspect of planning, and it will affect your cost and the appearance and functionality of the new room. Do you want a pitched or a cathedral ceiling? How will you construct it? How will you install adequate insulation?

5.  Remember that ventilation and insulation are critical.  Remember that heat rises. Attics can become very warm. You will need to plan for adequate ventilation and insulation to keep the room comfortable without drastically increasing your heating and cooling costs. Also, consideration must be given to the space between the roof deck and the new finished surfaces so that heat & moisture is properly ventilated from that space.

6.  Plan for wiring and plumbing well in advance.  Electrical wiring and plumbing can present unique challenges in attics. You will need to ensure that the flooring does not rest on any wires. A bathroom will cost less if placed in close proximity to another existing supply and drain line.

For more tips on attic renovation you can contact Pillar to Post at 651-578-1672 in Minnesota or 715-377-1949 in Wisconsin.

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in January to keep your home beautiful for years to come!

• Replace drawer liners and shelf papers.
• Wander the home with a screwdriver and make a list of minor household repairs that can be done in a weekend.  Tighten screws on drawers, door, and furniture.  Make a list of broken electrical face plates, missing pulls or knobs, locks that need lubrication, and spots that need caulking around sinks and tubs.  Go to the home improvement store and buy everything you need to make all of your repairs at once.
• Call the utility company to do an energy audit.  See if there is anything you can do to reduce your bill.

Do you have any tips to make these home maintenance projects easier?  We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

The large amount of snow this year is causing more and more ice dams in the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin.  This is causing people to have lots of questions about them.  And we’ve got some answers!

First up, what is an ice dam?  It’s a wall of ice that forms at the end of a roof by the soffits or gutters.  Icicles are a good indication you have an ice dam.  A pool of water backs up behind the dam which can cause damage to the roof, walls, insulation, and other areas of the home. 

The second question is how can I remove an ice dam?  Very carefully.  Snow and ice can make the process very dangerous. One of the easiest things a person can do is use a roof or snow rake to remove excess snow from the roof.  You’ll want to pull snow down following the slope of the roof to avoid damaging your shingles.  You can also use ice melt or heat tape to assist in the process.  If your ice dam is causing leaking or flooding, you’ll want to contact a professional.

And the last question is how can I prevent ice dams in the future?  The best way to prevent ice dams is to ensure your attic has proper insulation and ventilation.   This could mean adding vents, installing larger vents, adding proper insulation, or even installing an attic fan.  Every home is different, so speak to a professional at your favorite home improvement store or a contractor for help.

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in December to keep your home beautiful for years to come!  It’s getting cold out there, so you may want to work on these projects sooner rather than later.

• Having guests?  Clean out the guest room (or space.)  Dust, vacuum, and change linens.
• Check for ice dams on the roof.  Break them up if you see them and start to think about what you’ll do to prevent them next year.
• Check your home emergency kit or create one.  You’ll want a battery powered radio, candles, matches, tools, batteries, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and blankets just in case.

Do you have any tips to make these home maintenance projects easier?  We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in November to keep your home beautiful for years to come!  It’s getting cold out there, so you may want to work on these projects sooner rather than later.

• Rake any remaining leaves in your yard.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Organize and clean the garage.

Do you have any tips to make these home maintenance projects easier?  We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Even the handiest homeowner needs help sometimes.  However, it’s not always easy to select the right person for the job.  We’ve got three tips to make hiring a professional a little simpler.

1.  First ask for referrals from family, friends, and co-workers.  And don’t forget real estate professionals.  They work with plumbers, HVAC people, and other contractors on a regular basis.  Don’t forget to ask why the person was happy with the work performed. 

2.  Ask upfront questions about pricing, quotes, and contracts.  If something doesn’t make sense, ask about it.  Find out about minimum charges.  Discover if there is anything that could increase the cost of the project. Don’t be shy to ask about discounts or specials.  Make sure everything you discuss is in writing before the job begins. 

3.  Educate yourself about the rules and regulations of your city.  Will you need a permit?  What are the building codes?  Can this even be done?  This will help you make informed decisions about the professional you hire.  It will also assist you in determining if he or she really knows the scoop of the project.

The annual Fall Parade of Homes starts this weekend.  Builders throughout the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin showcase their latest designs.  This season there are over 325 homes to tour and be inspired by. 

The Parade starts this Saturday, September 11^th and goes through Sunday, October 3^rd.  The model homes are open every Thursday through Sunday from 12-6pm.  Pick up a guidebook with all the locations at your nearest Holiday Station Store. 

Will you be checking out the Fall 2010 Parade of Homes?

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in September to keep your home beautiful for years to come!

• Drain hot water heater.  Flush and refill.
• If you have a sump pump, test, clean, and lubricate.
• Seed lawn if your yard has patchy spots.
• If you are considering a sprinkler or lawn irrigation system, now is the time.  Scheduling is easier now than in the spring or summer.