Saturday, October 26, 2013...

A Special Supplement to the

Inside This Guide
Solar Energy . . . . . . . . . .Page 3
Maintain Furnaces . . . . . .Page 4
Mulching . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5
More New Homes in BL . . .Page 6
Check Your Water Bill . . . .Page 7
Save on Water Heating . . .Page 8
Do You Need to Insulate? . .Page 9
Home Improvements . . . .Page 10
Maintenance Checklist . .Page 11
Ice Dams . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12
Kitchen Upgrades . . . . . .Page 13
Fall Tree Care . . . . . . . . .Page 14
Cold Weather Rule. . . . . .Page 15
Stories:
Advertisers Index:
All Elements...Page 9
Annandale State Bank...Page 2
Audio Communications...Page 10
B&D Plumbing...Page 7
Big Lake Hardware...Page 15
Big Lake Lumber...Page 2
Bodine Woodworking...Page 13
Bogart, Pederson & Assoc...Page 13
C&S Blacktop...Page 13
Elk River Exteriors...Page 14
Elk River Municipal Util...Page 9
Fyles Exc. & Honeywagon...Page 14
Haus Construction...Page 11
Heitz Group Edina Realty...Page 10
Ken Geroux Construction...Page 16
KleinBank...Page 4
Lano Equipment...Page 8
Lofgren Construction...Page 3
Merit Drywall...Page 16
Midway Iron & Metal Co...Page 14
MNsota Real Estate...Page 8
New Century Exteriors...Page 5
Plaisted Companies...Page 5
Preferred Title...Page 7
Rays Abbey Carpet...Page 11
State Farm-Cory Laugen...Page 14
Veit/Vonco...Page 10
WestAir...Page 12
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 26, 2013...Page 2
Cover
(Middle) Andy Johnson framing a home on January
Street in Big Lake. (Bottom) (Photos by Ken Francis)
Big Lake Lumber
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Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 3
Jennifer Edwards
Staff Writer
Energy bills are always a hot topic for
homeowners as winter draws nearer. This
fall is no different as various environmen-
tal advocacy groups have been lobbying to
close the Xcel Energy coal burning Sherco
power plant in Becker.
While the Public Utilities Commission is
debating the issue, it seems unlikely the
plant will shut down any time soon.
Xcel Energy estimates closing the coal
burners and switching to an alternate
power source would cost in the region of
$2 billion to produce the same amount of
power.
Meanwhile energy companies like Xcel,
Connexus and Great River Energy are busy
developing renewable energy sources.
Xcel is also investing in solar energy and
1.5% of the states energy must come from
solar power by 2020.
Connexus Energy, which is part of Great
River Energy is on track to have 25% of
their energy come from renewable sources
by 2015, says spokesperson Bruce Sayler.
Some homeowners seeking to save on
energy bills are installing solar panels on
their homes and businesses.
These panels vary in quality and power
produced from a simple system to power a
refrigerator to larger, more complex sys-
tems to power a whole house.
We are seeing some installations going
in, said Sayler. It is definitely a trend that
is here to stay but it isnt really very cost
effective at this time. There is a lot of
uncertainty about how long it takes for
them to pay for themselves, probably 15 to
20 years.
The most reliable natural source of ener-
gy is geothermal. However geothermal
systems cost around $25,000 to install and
it is much easier to consider installation
when a home is under construction.
Installing solar panels on the roof does
not work for every home. A house must
have a south-facing roof to harness the
most sunlight.
When installing solar panels is possible,
neighbors can inadvertently end up paying
part of the cost.
Cost shifting is our biggest concern. We
have to buy back surplus energy that these
units produce, said Sayler. And we have
to pay retail price for it, not the price we
pay for purchasing energy in bulk from
Great River Energy.
This means other users of the Connexus
Energy co-operative absorb the cost of
buying back the excess at retail rates.
Another concern is the high cost of
these units, said Sayler. These systems
have to come down in price to make them
affordable. I expect that will happen over
the next 10 years.
The government is putting pressure on
energy companies to find renewable alter-
nate energy sources.
This year, Xcel Energy offered rebates
on approved solar projects. What will hap-
pen next year is unclear as they are in the
process of revamping their solar energy
program.
Xcel, a for-profit energy company, does
have a plan for promoting solar power for
interested customers in the form of solar
gardens. Customers can sign up to pur-
chase their electricity from solar sources,
as they did for wind powered electricity.
Great River Energy may do the same thing.
We just have to find the most cost-
effective way of doing it, said Sayler.
Homeowners who want to have solar
energy but dont want to be part of the grid
face the problem of what to do with excess
energy generated by solar systems if they
dont sell it back to a power company.
Battery storage systems have not kept
pace with the energy generating systems,
Sayler said.
We are looking at the possibility of
being able to store the energy as a hot
water in a tank, Sayler said. But right
now the battery technology is very expen-
sive.
Solar energy
effort continues to
intensify in state
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
SERVICES OFFERED:
Submitted Article
The heating season is right around the corner,
so it is time to make sure your heating system is
working properly. Heating and cooling account
for about 55 percent of the energy used in a typi-
cal U.S. home, the largest energy expense for
most households. Furnaces and boilers, the two
most common ways to heat homes, should be
inspected and adjusted on an annual basis to
maintain efficiency and safety.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy,
prior to the heating season, the following mainte-
nance for furnaces and boilers should be provid-
ed by a heating system professional:
Check the condition of your vent connection
pipe and chimney. Parts of the venting system
may have deteriorated over time. Chimney prob-
lems can be expensive to repair and may help jus-
tify installing new heating equipment that will
not use the existing chimney.
Check the physical integrity of the heat exchang-
er. Leaky boiler heat exchangers leak water and
are easy to spot. Furnace heat exchangers mix
combustion gases with house air when they
leakan important safety reason to have them
inspected.
Adjust the controls on the boiler or furnace to
provide optimum water and air temperature set-
tings for both efficiency and comfort.
If youre considering replacing or retrofitting
your existing heating system, have the technician
perform a combustion-efficiency test.
What can you do?
Furnace filters should be replaced according to
the manufacturers recommendations. A clogged
filter will cause the furnace to work harder, reduc-
ing efficiency and comfort. Standard filters
should be replaced monthly. High performance
pleated filters may last up to three months or
longer, depending on the system, filter, and con-
ditions.
Regular preventive maintenance will help
ensure that your heating system operates safely
and efficiently, and it will likely save you money
and heartache. Check with utilities or heating
contractors about tune-ups and maintenance and
repair plans.
The Department of Energy offers information
on furnaces and boilers, including tips on mainte-
nance and retrofitting or replacing your current
furnace or boiler with a more efficient unit. A
range of information on home heating systems is
also provided.
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 4
Maintain furnaces to ensure safety, efficiency
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Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 5
"I know we're supposed to do something
to our trees in the fall, but what?"
Tree owners often feel compelled to
spray, prune or apply something to their
trees and landscape plants on a regular
basis. But, unless there is a specific reason
to spray, prune or
apply things to
landscape trees, the
best thing to "do"
to keep your trees
healthy is apply a
layer of composted
mulch.
"Fall is a great
time to be out in
the yard spreading
shovels-full of
composted wood-
chip mulch under
your trees." says
Tchukki Andersen,
BCMA, CTSP*
and staff arborist
with the Tree Care
I n d u s t r y
A s s o c i a t i o n .
"Trees with
mulched root
zones are usually
larger, more vigor-
ous, develop faster
and have higher rates of survival than
plants surrounded by turf grass or bare dirt.
Mulches retain soil moisture and reduce
erosion and soil compaction."
Mulched trees also have fewer weeds,
which reduces the need for the roots to
compete for limited resources. The soil
under the mulch also likely stays warmer
longer into the winter and also warms
faster in the spring, helping extend the
growing season for plants.
Organic mulches are a favorite among
professional arborists, who view wood
chips as an excellent, attractive mulch for
trees. Other organic mulches include bark
chips, ground bark,
composted lawn
clippings, leaves
and straw. These
mulches are high in
cellulose and low
in nitrogen, and
should be free of
weed seeds.
Good Mulching
How Wide is
Wide? A good
mulch bed should
extend out at least
three feet from a
tree's trunk in all
directions, though
extending out to the
dripline is pre-
ferred. This is
where the fine,
absorbing tree roots
extend out into the
soil, and mulch
provides many
health-related ben-
efits for those roots. Keep organic mulches
several inches away from the base of the
tree to avoid rot and diseases.
How Deep is Deep? The mulch bed
depth should be maintained at 2 to 4 inch-
es.
Go Ahead, Cover the Grass! If there is
grass in the area that needs to be mulched,
put a five-page layer of newspaper over the
grass, get it wet, then add mulch on top
(this will help keep the grass from growing
up through the mulch).
Use the Right Mulch. For poor soils, use
well-composted mulch to build up the
nutrients. Soils that are healthy will do fine
with a highly stable softwood bark (such as
cypress bark), which doesn't break down as
easily.
Bad Mulching
No Volcanoes, Please! The biggest no-no
when mulching is to create a "mulch vol-
cano" that is piled high around the base of
the tree. This practice traps moisture
around the tree trunk and root flare leading
to decay and, eventually, structural failure.
Avoid Fine Mulch. Thick blankets of
fine mulch can become matted and prevent
the penetration of water and air.
Don't Let Mulch Sour. Low oxygen lev-
els (from packed-down mulch) creates a
toxic "sour" mulch - which may give off
pungent odors, and even worse, the com-
pounds produced (methanol and acetic
acid) can kill young plants.
Don't Keep Adding New Mulch on Top of
the Old. While mulch does decompose,
you do not want to accumulate excessive
mulch year after year by adding fresh
mulch every spring. If you want the look of
fresh mulch, break up the old with a rake,
and only add a layer of new on top if there
is less than 4 inches in depth.
Find a Professional
A professional arborist can assess your
landscape and work with you to determine
the best trees to plant. Contact the Tree
Care Industry Association, a public and
professional resource on trees and arbori-
culture since 1938. An easy way to find a
tree care service provider in your area is to
use the "Locate Your Local TCIA Member
Companies" program. You can use this
service by calling 1-800-733-2622 or by
doing a ZIP Code search on
www.treecaretips.org.
TCIA arborists, safety and business pro-
fessionals are also available as sources for
tree related articles and issues: 1-800-733-
2622 or tandersen@tcia.org
Fall is a great time to mulch
763-262-2594
Your Local
Big Lake Contractor
License #: BC627253
Roofing
& Siding
Metal Roofing
Insurance & Storm
Damage Specialists
FREE
ESTIMATES
Theyre trying to come up with ways to keep
the prices down. In the past they were doing
more glitzy things, like higher-end countertops,
he says. But theyre still nice homes. I look at
them and Im amazed at what theyre selling
them for. Its pretty inexpensive.
In addition to the single family homes, a per-
mit was issued for a new 38-unit apartment
building with a total value of $2,986,700.
Kaehler says permits for other projects are
also popular this year.
Homeowners are starting to do some of the
small stuff too, he says.
There have been 42 permits for residential
decks and porches, 34 for window and door
replacement, 25 for home remodeling, seven for
construction of accessory buildings, five addi-
tions and four finished.
One area of construction
that is not as busy this year is
roof and siding replacement.
Only 32 roofing permits were
issued in the city, compared
with 160 by the same date a
year ago. Only 20 permits
have been issued to replace
siding. There were 126 last
year by Oct. 15.
We havent had a big storm
like we had last year, says
Kaehler. So all that storm
damage from last year is get-
ting repaired.
But its not just the city that
has seen an increase in con-
struction.
Big Lake Twp. is already
way ahead of last years pace for new single
family homes.
For the entire year of 2012, the township
issued 14 permits for new homes. Through
August of this year, that number is already at 23.
Five new homes were built in Orrock Twp. in
2012. Through August, there have already been
four, with four months to go.
And smaller construction continues on other
projects in the two townships, including 12 pole
buildings/sheds, 11 garages, five finished base-
ments and five additions.
Kaehler, who was an inspector for the City of
Ramsey when the building boom ended, says
there is more construction going on now.
Theres still plenty of empty lots, he says.
But Im a lot busier than I was a year ago.
Things are definitely picking up.
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 6
By Ken Francis
Staff Writer
The number of new homes being built in the City of Big Lake and sur-
rounding townships has seen a big increase since last year.
A report by the City of Big Lake shows there have been 20 permits issued
for single family homes in the City of Big Lake through Oct. 15. Over the
same period last year, there were only eight. There were 13 permits issued for
new single family homes for the entire year of 2012, up from six the year
before.
Its more than doubled since last year, says Big Lake Building Official
Mick Kaehler. I would expect that to go up a little bit more next year. Its
starting to come back.
Those 20 homes have a total valuation of $3,380,983, which is an average
home value of $169,049.
Kaehler says many are in the $150,000 to $250,000 range, and builders are
trying to keep the prices reasonable.
More new homes in Big Lake this year
ANDY JOHNSON removes a wall brace during the fram-
ing of a new single-family home under construction on January
Street in the Marketplace North Development in Big Lake.
ANOTHER NEW HOME is going up in Big Lake. Permits have been issued for
20 single family homes in the City of Big Lake so far in 2013. Above, Ryan uses a
mechanical lift to get in position to nail sheathing on the new framing on a home on
January Street in Big Lake.
















































f





Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 7
Submitted Article
If a water usage bill looks unusually
high, it is possible to undertake some pre-
liminary checks at home before contacting
the utilities provider.
Sometimes a water bill arrives that seems
unusually expensive compared to previous
bills. A high water bill could be the result
of an inaccurate meter, an inaccurate read
by the water utility provider, or an undis-
covered water leak on the property.
Before contacting the utility provider, it
is possible for home owners to perform
some quick tests that might give an indica-
tion of where the problem lies.
First steps:
The first thing to check is the
meter reading itself. Locate
the water meter and check
the reading against
the number
listed on
the account.
If the meter
reading is
lower than the
account reading, it is likely that
the bill has been calculated on
an inaccurate reading.
It is important to ensure that the
water meter is easily accessible for
the utility provider. If they are unable to
find or access the meter, they may simple
calculate the water bill based on average
usage, which could explain discrepancies
in the meter and statement readings.
Check for Unexpected Meter Changes
Check the meter readings before leaving
the house for the day and check again on
returning home. Ensure that there are no
appliances using water during this time
such as dishwashers or washing machines.
If the meter shows a higher reading at the
end of the day, this indicates that there is a
leak somewhere on the property. It will be
necessary to employ a licensed plumber to
locate the leak. This should be done as
soon as possible to prevent unnecessary
damage to the structure or property.
Check Meter Accuracy
If no leaks are detected, the next thing to
check is the meter accuracy. This can be
done with a simple bucket test.
Use a bucket or container that is marked
with litres. Check the meter, particularly
noting the litres reading. Fill the container
with 5 10 litres of water, making sure that
no other water is used while testing (eg toi-
lets flushed, taps turned on,washing
machine). Check the meter again to ensure
that the reading has changed the appropri-
ate amount. If the reading is correct, then
this should indicate that the meter is regis-
tering accurate water usage.
Contacting the Utility Provider
If the meter reading is less than that
shown on the account or there
is a discrepancy in the meter
reading after
the bucket test,
it is now time
to contact the
w a t e r
provider.
If the
discrepancy is
due to a simple
misreading of the
meter, a new read-
ing can be taken
and the account
adjusted accord-
ingly. If the accu-
racy of the meter
is in question, the
process is a little more
complicated.
It is possible to have a water meter offi-
cially checked for accuracy, but this is gen-
erally undertaken at the expense of the
consumer. If this test demonstrates that the
meter is inaccurate, the test charge will
generally be refunded and the account
adjusted. If the test shows the meter to be
accurate, the consumer is out of pocket for
the test and will still have to pay the out-
standing water bill.
Monitor Water Usage
To assess what might be causing excess
water usage, monitor meter readings each
day at the same time. If a large jump in the
reading is noted, review what has hap-
pened during the previous 24 hours that
might have used extra water.
Following these simple steps allows con-
sumers to check that water meter readings
are accurate before contacting the water
provider to dispute an account.
How to check your
water bill accuracy
For more information
contact CINDY HEATON at
cindyh@preferredtitle.biz
ELK RIVER:
19230 Evans Street
Elk River, MN 55330
763.241.9905
MONTICELLO:
113 West Broadway P.O. Box 727
Monticello, MN 55362
763.295.6140
FULL SERVICE TITLE,
ABSTRACT AND
ESCROW SERVICES
www.preferredtitle.biz
At Preferred Title,
we value our clients.
We strive to always
put you first.
I invite you come and
see why we are
"The Preferred Way
to Close".
Cindy Heaton, Owner
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 8
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N
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R

F
E
E
S
!
How can you save
on your water
heating bill?
Submitted Article
Water heating accounts for
about 15 percent of a familys
utility bill, one of the biggest
energy users behind heating and
cooling costs. According to the
U.S. Department of Energy,
there are several basic ways to
cut your water heating bills, such
as use less hot water,
turn down the thermo-
stat on your water
heater, and buy a new,
more efficient water
heater.
Water heating
tips to save energy
and money
Install aerating,
low-flow faucets and
showerheads.
Repair leaky faucets
promptly; a leaky
faucet wastes gallons
of water in a short
period of time.
Use cold water for
most laundry loads, and always
use cold water for the rinse
cycle.
Take short showers instead of
baths, and reduce your time in
the shower.
Set the thermostat on your
water heater to 120F to get
comfortable hot water for most
uses.
Insulate your electric hot-
water storage tank, but be careful
not to cover the thermostat.
Follow the manufacturer's rec-
ommendations.
Insulate the first 6 feet of the
hot and cold water pipes con-
nected to the water heater, but
keep a 6-inch clearance from
venting.
If you are in the market for a
new dishwasher or clothes wash-
er, consider buying an efficient,
water-saving ENERGY STAR
model to reduce hot
water use. See the
Appliances section
for more information.
Install heat traps on
the hot and cold pipes
at the water heater to
prevent heat loss.
Most new water
heaters have built-in
heat traps.
Drain a quart of
water from your water
tank every three
months to remove
sediment that impedes
heat transfer and low-
ers the efficiency of
your heater.
Purchase a new, more efficient
water heater.
Although most water heaters
last 10-15 years, it is best to
research new units before the old
one fails. Determine the water
heater that best meets your needs
and look for the ENERGY STAR
and EnergyGuide labels. You can
find the ENERGY STAR label
on water heaters in the several
categories. DOE offers more
information on long-term water
heating savings.
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 9
Submitted Article
The average family spends more than
$1000 annually -- nearly half a home's
total energy bill -- on heating and cooling
costs, according to the U.S. governments
Energy Star program. Unfortunately, a
large portion of
those expenses are
wasted due to poor
home insulation.
H o me o w n e r s
prepping for winter
can stop the energy
waste cycle by tak-
ing a closer look at
their insulation. As
one of the fastest
and most cost-effi-
cient ways to reduce
energy waste and
lower bills, insula-
tion traps warm air
inside a homes
walls -- similar to
how a fleece sweater
does for the body --
to regulate a homes
temperature. But
how do you know if
your home is proper-
ly insulated?
There are telltale
signs that can alert
any homeowner that
its time to add to or
replace their homes
insulation -- before
the temperature plunges and the energy bill
rises.
Any homeowner with a do-it-yourself
mentality to run through the following
checklist to determine whether their home
has adequate insulation:
Vintage home: Prior to consistent build-
ing codes, most homes built before 1980
were not insulated. If your home has no
materials trapping heat, energy conserva-
tion is an uphill battle. Walls, ceilings and
floors are the most important areas to add
insulation for an immediate, positive
impact on a homes energy usage and bills.
Non-stop furnace: Does your furnace
seem to run non-stop in the winter?
Adequate insulation leads to less mainte-
nance on your heating system, as it lasts
longer, runs less and will require less main-
tenance for long-
term cost savings.
Temperature incon-
sistency: If you feel
cold spots coming
from the walls or
attic, or one room of
your home is drafty
and another one
warm, you may need
to beef up your insu-
lation. The fireplace,
walls and attic are
prime spots for
drafts. Look for
insulation that can
fit snugly in rafters
and other tight areas.
Roof hot spots: If
your shingles are
exposed after a
recent snowfall,
chances are these
hot spots are
indicative of warm
air escaping. Check
your attic for ade-
quate insulation. If
you can easily see
your floor joists, you
should add more.
Use insulation, such as stone wool, that
wont sag or lose density over time.
Mold Growth: Mold in the corners of
ceilings could mean your current insula-
tion slumps and holds moisture. If this
occurs, its time to replace your insulation
with one that does not store or transfer
moisture and is completely resistant to
mold, mildew, rot and bacterial growth.
Dont let cool weather take you by sur-
prise. With proper insulation, you can
improve the comfort of your home signifi-
cantly and enjoy energy savings.
Five signs you
need to insulate your
home this winter
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Serving Big Lake &
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763-262-0123
Home Improvement
& Construction
Get your business into our
weekly newspaper directory
Call: 763-263-3602
Fax: 763-263-8458, or email
westrib@sherbtel.net
Submitted Article
During fall, many homeowners focus on
small upgrades and improvements. The
turning season is the perfect time to find
and correct potential compromises in your
home before they become larger, and more
costly, renovation issues.
Whether it is routine home exterior
checks or appliances purchases, there are
many ways homeowners can conduct
basic, inexpensive home maintenance.
DIY Home Inspection
Many people dont know that they
should perform twice-a-year home inspec-
tions. The prime time for these inspections
is in the spring and fall. Take the time to
give your house a thorough review.
Start by walking the perimeter of your
property to see if there is any rotting wood,
mold, loose gutters or shingles. Then
check for any cracks that have settled or
work that could be done to siding, roofing
or windows.
Inspect the bathroom and kitchen for
loose or missing tiles and leaks in sinks
and faucets. Ensure that appliances are
working at maximum capacity.
Although these may
not seem like major
issues, it is much eas-
ier to tackle them
during milder
seasons so
p o t e n t i a l
p r o b l e ms
a r e n t
m a d e
w o r s e
by extreme
weather.
Exterior
Updates
Many people under-
estimate the seriousness of
dirt and mulch covering the
siding of a home. Most
building codes actually
require at least six
inches of the foun-
dation to be exposed.
Beyond breaking
these codes, dirt and
mulch build-up pulls
moisture from the
ground and causes it to devel-
op in the walls. Eventually
mold will start to grow,
which can lead to a
variety of indoor air
quality and struc-
tural prob-
lems. Raking
around the
foundat i on
of your
home regu-
larly can
help combat
this problem.
Another area to
consider for easy
updates is exterior
paint. Peeling paint
isnt only unattrac-
tive; it also
exposes the sid-
ing of your
home to the
e l e m e n t s .
Regular main-
tenance of
areas that need re-painting can save major
headaches down the line.
Updating Appliances
Buying new appliances can be an invest-
ment, and, as such, paying a higher price
upfront can actually save you money in the
long run. The right appliances can last for
twenty years or more, while more inexpen-
sive models often break down after a few
years. Newer models are also often more
energy efficient. If cost or budget is an
issue, store display models are often
offered at extremely discounted prices.
Also make an investment in flooring and
countertops. Buying laminate countertops
will initially be cheaper than granite coun-
tertops, but in ten years the granite coun-
tertops will still look brand new, while the
laminate will be worn out and need to be
replaced.
An architect can help homeowners apply
many of these cost-saving home improve-
ments in smart and strategic ways.
Dont wait. Fall is the ideal time to make
small improvements that will save you
money and time later on.
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Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 11
Family owned & operated for over 40 years!
Clear Lake, MN MN Lic. #BC009240
www.HausConstructionInc.com
(320) 743-3062
Custom Built Homes
Remodeling & Additions
Submitted Article
Keeping your home in shape may not
top your daily to-do list, but completing
certain small
seasonal tasks
can save you
money, time
and the need
to complete
larger, more
e x p e n s i v e
projects in the
future.
Investing a
small amount
for preventa-
tive fall home
maintenance
can save
thousands in
the long run.
D o n t
know where
to start? The
f o l l o w i n g
checklist can help homeowners prepare
their homes for the cooler months:
Clean gutters: During the year, debris
such as leaves and twigs can pile in your
gutter. Cleaning them once a year prevents
problems such as
water damage,
roof damage and
flooding.
Service your
furnace: A well-
maintained fur-
nace can help
save on heating
costs and prevent
the need for
repairs. Before
t e mp e r a t u r e s
drop, schedule
your furnace to
be serviced.
Install weather
stripping: As fuel
and electricity
costs continue to
rise, keeping
your home warm
without wasting money and energy is
important. Weather stripping your doors
and windows can make a big impact.
Winterize sprinklers: Removing all the
water thats in the lines, pipes, fittings,
valves, sprinklers and pumps will prevent
your equipment from freezing, expanding
and potentially breaking. Hire a profes-
sional to attach an air compressor to the
system to blow out the water from the
lines, pipes and other parts. The service is
inexpensive and a professional will know
the proper amount of volume and pressure
to use to ensure no water is left in the sys-
tem.
Clean your chimney: Chimney mainte-
nance is not optional. Deadly fires, carbon
monoxide poisoning and expensive chim-
ney repairs are serious consequences asso-
ciated with neglected chimney mainte-
nance. The National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) recommends all fire-
places, chimneys, flues and venting sys-
tems be inspected at least once a year by a
pro.
Flush your water heater: Generally
speaking, water heaters are fairly reliable,
so they usually arent top of mind. But
flushing your water heater periodically
can prevent leaks and promote efficiency.
Hiring a professional for fall mainte-
nance tasks like these is a great idea.
Top tasks for your fall home maintenance checklist
Abbey Carpet
Serving the area since 1967
M - F, 9:30 - 5:30pm; Sat. 9:30 - Noon, & All Eves. by Appt.
263-2058 17000 205th Ave. BIG LAKE
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 12
Submitted Article
The time to prevent ice dams from forming is nowbefore
the snow flies and settles on your roof.
The Problem.
Ice dams are primarily caused by the presence of warm air
in the attic, combined with snow on the roof and the right
weather conditions. When heat leaks into the attic it melts the
underside of the snow on the roof, which then flows down the
roof surface until it reaches a cold spot (such as the eaves or
soffit) where it forms a frozen dam. The ice buildup can back
up under the shingles, damaging them and allowing water to
leak to the ceilings and walls below.
Anywhere there is a penetration into the attic space (around
wires, plumbing vents, light fixtures, chimneys, knee walls)
there is the potential for air leaks. Inadequate insulation,
especially near the eaves, is also a contributing factor.
The solution.
To avoid ice dams, attic air leaks must be sealed with
caulking or expanding spray foam, and attic insulation should
be installed to a minimum R-50 as space allows.
A first step to solving ice damsand to making your home
more energy efficientis to have an advanced energy assess-
ment. The assessment will use equipment such as infrared
cameras to identify air leaks and will offer action steps to pre-
vent ice dams. Advanced energy audits can be facilitated by
your gas or electric utility and members of the Minnesota
Building Performance Association (www.mbpa.us). Once the
problem areas are detected, get bids from several licensed
Minnesota energy tips: Prevent ice dams
contractors and have the work done.
The Division of Energy Resources (DER) offers a
fact sheet on ice dams called Solving Ice Dams.
(http://mn.gov/commerce/energy/images/IceDamF
acts.pdf).
For more information on ice dams and ways to
conserve energy in your home, check out the DER
energy guide Home Envelope
(http://mn.gov/commerce/energy/images/Building-
Envelope-Guide.pdf pages 10-11).
Minnesota Energy Tips is provided twice a
month by the Minnesota Department of Commerce,
Division of Energy Resources. Contact the divi-
sions Energy Information Center at
energy.info@state.mn.us or 800-657-3710 with
energy questions.
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Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 13
Serving the Metro & Surrounding Areas Since 1967
a green paving contractor
www.c-sblacktopping.com
Visa and MasterCard accepted Free Estimates
763.428.2225 320.253.5795 612.328-5534
Becker, MN
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Building On Or Improving Your Property?
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LAND SURVEYING, CIVIL ENGINEERING & MAPPING FIRM
Submitted Article
Whether youre a serious at-home chef
or a casual cook, a kitchen renovation
should be more than a superficial
makeover. By improving the functionali-
ty of the space, you can pave the way
toward better cooking and happier host-
ing.
How do you make your kitchen renova-
tion not only eye-catching, but useful as
well? Here are three things to consider:
Counter Space
Counter space isnt for collecting clutter.
Its crucial for
storing impor-
tant utensils
and tools, and
for chopping,
prepping, mix-
ing and mash-
ing. Be sure
you give your-
self plenty of
elbow room.
If you have
the space for it,
consider multi-
plying your
wo r k s p a c e
with an island
or peninsula.
Be advised,
you wont do
yourself any
favors by
i n c l u d i n g
these features
if your kitchen is too small. An architect or
interior designer can help you determine
what is feasible. If youre tight on space, a
rolling kitchen cart with a countertop may
be your best bet.
You can also create more room for food
preparation by purchasing a cutting board
for the top of your cooking surface.
Appliances
Are your appliances as old as your fam-
ilys secret recipes? You may not realize it,
but your aged appliances are probably
making your job more difficult than need
be. Dont settle for uneven cooking, slow
pre-heating, and insufficient burners.
Without sacrificing beauty, craftsmanship
or style, you can replace outdated appli-
ances with high-quality ones that are
designed for accuracy and precision.
Gain more control of your cooking by
taking a cue from professional chefs. Opt
for a range or cooktop that features high
efficiency sealed gas burners designed for
pinpoint accuracy, flame control and better
heat distribution. Another feature to look
for is a tri-flame burner, with control of
the center, outer and inner flame, giving
you greater flexibility in how much heat
youre cooking with and where its being
applied.
For a
more function-
al, beautiful
kitchen, its all
about finding
the intersection
of cutting edge
technology and
craftsmanship.
Another great
way to upgrade
is by outfitting
your oven,
cooktop and
range with
helpful acces-
sories that can
make cooking
easier, such as
a rotisserie, a
griddle, a
steam basin
and BBQ grill
top. Be sure to find a multiple-use oven
that performs a scope of functions. Ovens
that can go from defrosting to grilling to
baking a pizza with a turn of a knob.
Lighting
Too often, homeowners tolerate insuffi-
cient lighting in the room where they need
it most. Ensure your space is bright
enough for you to work efficiently. In
addition to your ambient overhead light-
ing, make good use of the natural light in
your kitchen by day. By evening, strategi-
cally positioned task lights over work sur-
faces can make cooking easier.
Kitchen renovations can be costly. Make
key upgrades that are worth your time and
money.
3 Kitchen Upgrades
for Easier Cooking
BEFORE
AFTER
F
a
m
i
l
y
O
w
ned &Operated
fo
r
2
7
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Recognized by
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Custom Kitchens Custom Furniture Fireplace Mantels
19640 200th Ave. NW, Big Lake 763-263-3125
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 14
(Submitted by: Gary Wyatt is an
Agroforestry educator with
University of Minnesota Extension.)
Trees and other perennial plants
are visibly stressed this fall primari-
ly due to drought conditions from
the past two or more years. Tree
stress symptoms include abundant
seed production, leaf scorch, early
fall colors, leaf drop, limb die back
and yellowing or browning of
leaves/needles. Trees and shrubs,
especially conifer trees and trees
and shrubs planted in the last three
years should be watered generously
until the soil freezes. Mulching
newly planted trees will help reduce
winter root damage.
Young maples and thinned barked
trees may benefit from some kind of
sunscald protection to prevent the
bark from cracking this winter and
spring. This protection is usually in
the form of a plastic tube or tree
wrap (remove in spring). These
practices can also help in reducing
winter animal damage. Other
fall management practices which
will help reduce winter damage
to trees and shrubs can be found
at http://z.umn.edu/winterdam-
age
Protecting trees from
rabbits, mice, voles and deer is a
major concern in some land-
scapes during the winter. Mow
or remove tall grass to reduce
mice and vole damage. If the
bark is removed or severely
damaged around the tree, it will
die. Protective physical barriers
such as tree tubes, hardware
cloth or fencing can be done
when practical.
Odor, taste and visual
repellents can be used to repel
many wildlife species, but may
have inconsistent effectiveness.
Human hair, soaps, garlic oil,
hot sauce and animal repellents
can be applied to branches and
foliage to discourage browsing.
Weather, application frequency, animal
population and feeding pressure affect the
success of repellents. Some animals
become desensitized to the repellent, so
you may want to alternate repellents. A
web resource that reviews prevention and
control of wildlife damage can be found at
http://z.umn.edu/ critters
If your unsure what is causing problems
in your landscape, Extension has a great
web site to help homeowners diagnose
tree, shrub and plant problems or identify-
ing a weed or insect. This site also has
links to the UM Plant Disease Clinic and
Soil Testing Lab. http://z.umn. edu/diag-
nose
Fall is also a good time to plant trees
(water till the soil freezes).
Recommended trees for all regions of
Minnesota can be found at
http://z.umn.edu/rectrees The best time to
prune trees is during the dormant season
from January to March. Flowering shrubs
can be pruned in the summer after flower-
ing.
Cory Laugen
570 Humboldt Drive, Suite 202, Big Lake
(763) 263-0513
www.corylaugeninsurance.com
u'' !o u aoac
.nauncc ao!c
Protect your home with a company you trust.
Auto Home Life Health
Tree and perennial care this fall
www.elkriverexleriors.com
/~
Siding Windows
Roohng Romodoling
44J-7240
Scrvng Ycur
Ccmmunty
Sncc 1984
www.elkriverexteriors.com
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
Fyles Excavating & Honeywagon
The University of Minnesota Recommends
Septic Tank Cleaning every 2 years for a family of 4.
Septic Systems Pumping Certification Design
Installation All Types Excavation Work
Bonded & Insured
763-295-2511
Its
F
all Cleaning
T
im
e
!
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 15
Home Repairs, Doors, Windows, Screens
TOOL RENTAL: Painting Equipment
Power Tools Plumbing & More!
Rent by the Day or Week. Call for Your Rental Needs.
& RENTAL
621 Rose Drive Big Lake, MN 55309 (763) 263-2019
Big Lake
Lake Shopping Center Big Lake M-F, 8-8; Sat., 7-6, Sun., 9 am to 5 pm
ITS FIXUP TIME!
Furnace
Filters
Electrical
Supplies
Drills, Bits
& Blades
Energizer
Batteries
Entertain-
ment
Supplies
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 responsibility
to pay their utility bills.
Those who qualify for Cold Weather Rule
protection need to set up a payment sched-
ule 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
Daylight Saving Time
ends at 2:00 AM on
Sunday, November 3.
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Find this guide on our
WEBSITE!
WestSherburneTribune.com!
Fall Home Improvement Guide... October 26, 2013...Page 16
763-263-6878
BIG LAKE, MINNESOTA
www.KGCCorp.com
Lic. #BC002757