Builders & Remodelers Blog

When we think of home improvement projects, siding replacement may not be the first project that comes to mind. Siding is an element of your house that typically blends in, becomes an indistinguishable part of the whole. This is precisely why it’s so important not to take it for granted - a simple investment in this forgotten -yet essential- fixture does more for a homeowner than you may think.

Leaking roof? Missing shingles? Signs of weather damage? It may be time to consider installing a new roof. An old, ineffective roof will substantially raise the heating and cooling bills of a home, and can even cause serious structural damage over time. Additionally, the resale value of a home can pivot tremendously, depending on the age and structural integrity of the roof. While typical home roof replacement projects can take a few days to complete, the impact that a new roof has on the overall resale value and monthly energy bills of a home ultimately make the project well worth it.

Replacing the existing windows in your home is a project many property owners forget to prioritize. To new homeowners, it may seem daunting to plan and execute, especially if you have never been responsible for large improvements before. Even if one has experience in home upgrades, concerns over the expense can dissuade even the most confident renovators from taking the steps - which are easier than one might think - to take on the task. But can you afford to wait?

Sliding glass doors add beauty to your home while offering efficiency and convenience, a perfect recipe to add value to your property. Once you've installed one, you'll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance to keep the door functioning and sliding correctly. Regardless of manufacturer, a part of these instructions will surely be regular cleaning. Sliding glass doors will become difficult to slide or jam completely if not cleaned regularly due to debris and dirt settling in the sliding tracks. A stuck sliding door can be a hazard if you try to open it forcefully, with the potential to cause injury, especially to children. Besides being dangerous, poorly maintained sliding glass doors are bothersome and unattractive. Grime, smudges, and dirt become more visible on a glass door than conventional wooden ones.

We do love our Minnesota winters, but summer is coming! With better weather comes outdoor activities, gatherings, outdoor birthday parties and backyard playgrounds. However, arguably the most used outdoor structure we own will be our deck. We use it to cook and eat our food, watch a sunset, birdwatch, and a hundred other things. If customized, it can even be used year-round. 

The material you choose is a major consideration when preparing to update a roof. Expense, durability, and ease of installation all come into play, not to mention the visual appeal a well-designed roof can lend to your house. The local climate and weather considerations are a lesser known --but essential-- factor that builders and homeowners must weigh as well. Asphalt, slate, tile, and metal are all viable options, but which will suit your home and the climate of the Twin Cities best?

It's not an everyday thing for you to mull-over roof maintenance. However, the roof over your head is the most important part of your home. After all, it protects you and your loved ones from all kinds of external elements and threats, such as inclement weather, heat, and cold. Therefore, it's important to stay aware of any needed repairs.

There is no rocket science involved in measuring for a door replacement. Whether you are measuring an empty door frame or an old door that needs replacing, it is a relatively simple process. All you need is a tape measure and the knowledge of how to use it for accurate measurements. You can measure the door in use, just the door frame, or the entire opening of the door.

Choosing the best roofing material is a priority for every homeowner in the process of building or replacing a roof. There are some critical factors that you must consider when reviewing your options: durability, cost, sustainability, style, and energy efficiency of the material. While comparing materials, you'll have to balance the short term benefits associated with lower cost materials with the long term savings of more durable and energy efficient materials.