Should You Hire a Home Improvement Contractor or Do It Yourself?

When considering a home improvement project, one of the first factors often considered is whether to do the project yourself or bring in a professional.  Choosing to take on a project beyond your capabilities can ultimately cost you money.  Unnecessary expenses may come from purchasing supplies you didn’t need and causing damage to your home while attempting the project.

Here are several items to consider prior to making a decision:

Do you have the ability to finish the project in a timely matter?

Projects that span weeks require a significant time commitment.  They also require the ability to keep pace when ordering supplies so that their arrival coincides with your timeline.  If your personal time is limited, an extensive home improvement project is often best left to the professionals.

Are you able to delegate?

Undertaking a sizable job may result in you bringing in sub-contractors.  Are you willing to allow these professionals to work on the project without directly supervising them at all times?  If not, meet with a reputable company with a large network of subcontractors who can efficiently perform your task.

How do your organizational skills rate?

It’s one thing to have helped a friend install windows, gutters or decking but undertaking a large-scale home improvement project on your own is a completely different matter.  If the project is time consuming or complicated, it may be in your best interest to contact a professional.

How well do you handle budgets?

Do you have the capability to monitor costs and know if you are on track with your budget at all times?  Inability to do so can cause the investment you had initially allocated for the project to skyrocket.  If money is at all a factor, it may be wise to consider hiring a full service home improvement company who will work within the agreed budget parameters.

Ultimately, use your judgment and evaluate your skill set.  If you feel that you have what it takes, proceed, but bear in mind that if you encounter unfamiliar issues as you work through the project that it’s not out of line to seek assistance from a professional.  This will ensure that the task is completed in a safe and timely manner.  If you’ve answered no to any of the questions above, it is wise to consult a reputable company who can take into consideration your budget and vision.

To ask questions regarding your home improvement projects, tune into WCCO 830 AM on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus.  If you would like help with any of your home improvement needs, contact the professionals at Lindus construction by calling 1-800-873-1451 or by visiting www.lindusconstruction.com.

How to Prevent Home Improvement Accidents

“Most home safety is common sense, but there are a few obvious factors not to overlook”

Did you know that 13 million serious injuries and 55,000 accidental deaths occur every year due to home improvement accidents? When it comes to a home improvement project it is important to evaluate all steps in the process and avoid hazards you may encounter along the way. Below we have identified some of the most common hazards to take into consideration when starting your next home improvement project.

Falling

  • A fall from as little as 3 feet can result in serious injury or even death. Unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury in the home. If you must go on the roof you should exercise the following precautionary measures:
  • Use a ladder to access the roof
  • Proper shoes should always be worn and avoid the roof if wet, snowy or dew covered
  • Stay far away from the edge of the roof and maintain a low center of gravity
  • Be mindful of electrical hazards and stay away from live power lines

Electrical

  • During the last decade, electrical injury has been responsible for an average of 320 deaths and over 4,000 injuries.
  • Understand your electrical service panel and the function of each component
  • Before nailing or drilling be sure to know where electrical wires are in your home and seek professional assistance
  • Kill electricity to any part of the home before starting your job. Unplug or turn off any devices in that specific area
  • Always assume an electrical circuit is live until you turn off the power

Hand and Power Tools

  • About 125,000 serious injuries due to power tools occur annually and 90% of the injuries are lacerations.
  • Make sure to always choose the correct tool for the job
  • Keep work areas around power tools organized
  • Keep metal tools from making contact with an electrical current
  • Wear proper eye and hearing protection to avoid injuries
  • Do not modify hand tools to use for any intention other than their intended use

To ask questions regarding your home improvement projects tune into WCCO AM 830 on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus. If you would like help with any of your home improvement needs then leave it up to the professionals and visit www.lindusconstruction.com or call 1-800-873-1451.

Say Goodbye to the Ladder For Good With LeafGuard Gutters by Lindus

If you live in the Midwest, it’s hard to deny that fall is officially upon us.  While the the cooler temperatures and changing colors make this one of many people’s favorite times of year, the season also brings with it one of homeowners’ most dreaded maintenance projects:  cleaning leaves, sticks, and “fallen” debris from their gutters.  This usually entails climbing a ladder and manually removing debris to prevent clogs.  But what if you never had to clean your gutters again?  We may be a bit biased, but we thought we owed it to our friends around the area to consider some of the reasons why Lindus Construction recommends the LeafGuard gutter system to our customers.

Safety:  Each year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over a half million people are treated in hospitals because of injuries related to ladder use.  While most injuries are cuts, bruises and fractured bones, more than 300 people die a year from ladder injuries.

Save Time and Money:  It is recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year.  In reality, most homeowners will end up having to de-clog gutters between 3-6 times.  You can save money by doing this yourself, but regardless of the size of your home, this is very time consuming.  The other alternative is to hire a gutter cleaning company to do it for you.  This can cost anywhere between $35-$150 per cleaning depending on how much guttering your home has and the pitch of your roof.  Lindus Construction is so confident in our rain gutters that we offer a “No Clog Warranty” for as long as you own your home. If your gutters ever clog, we will clean them for FREE!

Prevent Water and Ice Damage:  LeafGuard is  a patented, one-piece, seamless gutter system, designed to allow water to flow freely so you can forget about water damage, surface erosion, and ice dam damage. That’s why we say: With LeafGuard Brand Gutters – Get It and Forget It. 

Quality:  LeafGuard is made with 20% thicker aluminum than other gutters that will never rust or deteriorate.  As a certified Englert LeafGuard rain gutters dealer, we are proud to install the industry’s only gutter systems to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal of approval for the Minneapolis / St. Paul metro area and Western Wisconsin.

Save yourself time, and a potential injury, by installing a maintenance-free gutter system.  Call today for your free gutter installation estimate.  We know you’ll love LeafGuard.  But, if you decide to do it yourself, here are some safety tips to keep in mind: http://www.gutterbrushreviews.com/Gutter-Cleaning-Safety-Tips.html

Common Home Problems – Solutions from the Experts at Lindus Construction

Is your home cold, drafty, or uncomfortable?  Do you have high energy bills?  Drafty Rooms?  Ice dams?  Addressing these types of home problems can make your home more comfortable, and at the same time improve its energy efficiency — saving you money on utility bills and helping to protect the environment too.  Lindus Construction can guide you in making your home more efficient.

High Energy Bills

One reason for high energy bills is an increase in the price of electricity or heating fuel.  However, it is common to trace high energy bills to an in-efficient component (windows, heating and cooling equipment, ducts insulation) of your home or a failure of one of these components to perform as intended.  It is not always easy to pin-point the problem, but fixing it can make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.   To improve the energy efficiency of your home start with an evaluation of your homes energy use, then call Lindus Construction for your free insulation and air sealing home inspection.

Drafty Rooms

Cold air leaking into your house around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and light fixtures, can cause rooms to feel drafty and uncomfortable.  As cold air is coming in through leaks, warm air is escaping through other leaks.  The biggest leaks for escaping air are often found in the attic, and recessed lights.  Air sealing can help stop drafts and improve the comfort of your home.  The best solution is to call Lindus Construction and ask to have your ducts checked for air leaks and balanced airflow.

Stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer with professional home insulation and sealing services from Lindus Construction. Home insulation and sealing is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. ENERGY STAR estimates that just by properly sealing and insulating your home, you can save up to 20% off your heating and cooling costs. Our expert, home insulation technicians will use their special diagnostic tools to pinpoint all the hidden air leaks in your home and properly seal them for maximum savings and comfort.

We install all types of home insulation from Spray Foam to  Blow-in Cellulose to Fiberglass Installation.  Our trained technicians can help you determine the best insulation for your home.  We always install according to manufacturers specifications, paying extra attention to gaps, voids, compression and wind intrusion.  Call us today for your free attic insulation and air sealing home inspection, serving the Minneapolis, Minnesota metro, Rochester, MN and Western Wisconsin.

Moisture on Windows

It is difficult to completely eliminate moisture on existing windows. Inefficient windows (e.g., single pane with aluminum frames) or high moisture with inadequate ventilation can result in condensation, frost, or pools of water on windows and sills. To reduce humidity levels in your home your clothes dryer should be vented directly to the outside and be sure to use ventilation fans in kitchens and baths to control moisture.  If you have single pane windows, especially with metal frames, install storm windows or consider replacing your existing windows with SeasonGuard Windows from Lindus Construction. Lindus offers a variety of custom-fit, maintenance-free, energy-efficient windows, proven to reduce heating and cooling costs. Because SeasonGuard is the only window to receive the Energy Star Award three years in a row, homeowners may claim a tax credit for the purchase of these windows.  Also ask about our energy efficient doors, and skylights also approved for the 2011 tax credit. 

Ice Dams

Ice dams usually occur after a heavy snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures. Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and will warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice on the roof to melt. The melted water will drain along the roof, under the snow, until it reaches the cold overhang. The overhang tends to be at the same temperature as the outdoors and the melted water will refreeze and form an ice dam and icicles. The ice dam can cause damage to the roof, which will result in water leaks to the inside. Frequently the result will be a water spot on the ceiling under the roof damage.

  • Don’t get on your roof to solve this problem, it could be dangerous!
  • Avoid standing on the ground and “chipping away” at the ice. Not only could this cause damage to your roof, but you can be seriously injured by falling ice, debris, or tools.
  • Contacting a roofing contractor to fix your roof leak will not prevent future ice dams.
  • Seal air leaks and duct air leaks in your attic to stop warm air leakage (the source of the problem).
  • After sealing leaks, add additional insulation in your attic.
  • Provide adequate attic ventilation so that the underside of the roof and outside air are at the same temperature. Check to make sure attic insulation is not blocking roof ventilation.
  • To help prevent ice build-up in gutters, replace you existing open top gutters with LeafGuard- the only one-piece, seamless covered gutter system on the market guaranteed to NEVER clog… or they will clean them for FREE!-

 Call Lindus Construction at 1-800-873-1451, your energy specialists to do an in-home evaluation and evaluate the performance of your home -and generate a customized list of improvements.

Lindus on the Roof – Tips for Every Season

With the changing seasons, and only a few months left before the snow flies, now is the perfect time to make sure your roof is up to par.  Below are some tips for every season that can help you save thousands in repairs over the life of your roof.

  1. WITH RAIN:  During a rainstorm, it’s difficult to permanently fix a roof leak, but you can temporarily stop the flow of water into your home. Because it’s difficult to tell where the leak is originating, often the best and fastest solution is to completely tarp the leaking section of the roof until the weather clears.  Lindus Construction offers advice on how to make an emergency cover for your leaking roof from plastic sheeting and 2 x 4s:
    1. Partially unroll or unfold enough heavy (6-mil) polyethylene sheeting to cover the leaking section of roof, from eaves to peak; add about 4 feet extra, and cut it with a utility knife. Wrap one end around a 2 x 4 that is as long as the plastic’s width; staple the plastic along the 2 x 4. Sandwich the assembly with a second 2 x 4, and nail the boards together with three or four 3-inch or 3 1/4-inch common nails.
    2. Place the sandwiched end of the plastic along the eaves. Stretch the sheeting from eaves to ridge, running it over the top of the ridge and down the other side a few feet.
    3. Sandwich the top end of the sheeting with another pair of 2 x 4s so the wind will not carry it away.
      Do not nail any part of this assembly to the roof.
  2. WITH SNOW & ICE:  Ice dams are the result of snow and ice melting over a heated part of your home and re-freezing over an unheated area such as overhangs and gutters. As more snow melts and re-freezes on top of the existing ice, an ice dam can form, forcing additional melt water to backup under your shingles and into your home. Protect your roof and home with snow and ice dam removal from Lindus Construction.  However, if you decide to attempt this project on your own, consider a few reminders and recommendations from Andy Lindus: 
    1. If you can reach the snow, do it. But do NOT go on the roof. This is one the most common causes of winter home repair injuries.
    2. You don’t have to clear the entire roof, but it is best to get as high up as possible. Ideally, you want to reach about a foot past the interior wall.
  3. WITH DESIGN:   With the 61 plus inches of snow that we have received this year, snow isn’t the only thing building up and many people will likely be looking to replace their roofs in the spring. There are a lot of different things that any homeowner needs to take into account when choosing a roof design.  The two most important parts of any roofing project to consider are (1) the shape of the roof and (2) the material that the roof is made out of.  Both shapes and materials have their advantages and disadvantages, and that’s something you’ll want to keep in mind while you’re shopping around. For example: Wood shingles look nice but are somewhat high maintenance, and flat rooftops are inexpensive but require constant maintenance due to factors like weather. If you like the traditional asphalt shingles, GAF asphalt roofing has come out with a designer line of shingles that can give your home many different looks, and finally there is standing seam seamless roofing that is virtually maintenance free and can last a lifetime.  Depending on your personal tastes, you can consider a number of different combinations, but your decision on what the final design will be should depend on more than just what you like. The final design needs to be practical for the area that you live in as well.   Still, in order to get started on ideas for what you want your roof to look like take a look around your own neighborhood.  Getting inspiration from your neighbors and incorporating them into your own project can create a uniformity that would add an aesthetic value to your community.  GAF has also re-worked their shingles and all 30 year shingles now have a lifetime warranty non pro-rated for 50 years on material.  Englert metal roofing is surprisingly affordable because a metal roof far outlasts all other roofing options and also comes with a 35 year non prorated warranty.  All projects performed by Lindus Construction come with a lifetime workmanship guarantee and warranties are transferable to the next person who owns the home.     
  4. ONE CALL.  ONE CONTRACTOR.    Once you know exactly what you’re going to do, the next step involves hiring a reputable, trustworthy contractor to carry out the work.  Lindus Construction has been working in your neighborhood since 1979.  After more than 30 years in the business we feel confident that we can provide you with the products and service you both desire and deserve.   And when you visit www.lindusconstruction.com you’ll hear from satisfied customers who’ve had us remodel, add to, replace and repair things in and around their homes, like windows, decks, roofing or gutters.  You can even view helpful home improvement videos.  Also, listen to 830 WCCO every Saturday morning at 9am as we offer expert advice on all your home improvement related questions.

Roofing Projects – Repair or Time to Replace?

It’s a common question when dealing with any major home repair project:  Is it better to simply repair the immediate problem, or is a full replacement in your best interests?  Why spend thousands of dollars when a quick fix would do the trick?  When it comes to roofs, this can be an even more complicated decision because of the potential damage that a leaking roof can cause to other parts of your home in a very short time.    Many people are leary of contractors because more times than not, they will recommend a complete replacement because they stand to make more money off the project.  Below are some tips and resources to help guide you in your roofing repair or replacement decisions.

  1. The average life of a roof is typically around 15 to 20 years (depending on quality materials and proper installation).  If your roof is under 15 years old, it is likely that leaks or other issues can simply be repaired.  If the contractor immediately recommends a complete replacement without doing a thorough inspection and diagnosis, it is wise to get a second opinion.  However, depending on the damage, even “new” roofs may need to be replaced.
  2. Be proactive.  It is recommended that you inspect your roof at least once a year or after a major storm.  This will allow you to detect and address any minor damage before it turns into a major issue.  Things to look for when inspecting your roof include aging or damaged shingles such as bare spots, cracking, curling, split, warped or torn tiles and alae growth.
  3. Remember that even if you don’t have an obvious leak, dried out and cracked shingles can deteriorate to the point where the roof remains saturated under the roof shingles and is slowly decaying.
  4. It is important to hire a porfesional roofing contractor for any major roofing project.  Though it is often tempting to “do it yourself” the long term effects of a poorly installed roof can cost you far more in repairs down the road.
  5. Hire a roofing contractor you can trust.  Ask friends and family for recommendations for companies they have had success with in the past. Even if you do not have recommendations, get several quotes before you make a decision.  A good quote should include the work to be done, cost, and time frame for completion of the project.  Also ask how long the company has been and business and for a list of references.
  6. Remember that a roof is a long term investment.  The best roof is the one that costs the least over its entire life.  If the roof fails, regardless of materials used, the cost of of new roof is added to the overall cost.

For more information on deciding between roof repair and roof replacement check out diylife.com or call the experts at Lindus Construction at 1-800-873-1451 to schedule a free, no obligation in home estimate.  Our qualified professionals will do a full inspection and give you their best recommendation, whether that be minor repairs or a completely new roof.  We offer the finest GAF Asphalt Roofing and Englert Metal Roofing sytems on the market!

Scams to Avoid When Remodeling or Repairing Your Home

With the summer season finally upon us, many people have decided that the time (and weather) are right for getting around to their home repair and remodeling projects.  But, as CNNMoney pointed out in a recent artilce, there are some things to keep in mind when picking the right contractor.

  1. Check out your contractor.  Look for company logos on their van or truck, ask for proof of insurance, if they are licensed, and for references.  It’s also a good idea to check is the company’s Beter Business Bureau rating at BBB.org.  If they have a lot of negative reviews from past customers, you may want to think twice before giving them your business.
  2. Money matters.  In this economy, it pays to shop around to get the best deal.  It’s recommended that you get about three bids or offers for any project  before you make your final decision.  Keep in mind that quality work, though sometimes more expensive initially, will pay off in the long run.  To see the average cost for some popular remodeling projects visit Remodeling magazine’s latest “Cost vs. Value” Report.
  3. Don’t be pressured into a project you don’t feel comfortable with.  One of the top scams of 2010 was tied to door-to-door salesmen offering to fix up your home.  The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) warns people not to be pushed into high pressure tactics.  Any reputable contractor will give you the time to do your homework and make an informed decision.

To read the article, “Remodeling Your Home?  Watch Out For Scams” in its entirety, visit http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/23/pf/saving/home_remodeling_tips/index.htm  To get a free in home estimate for your next remodeling or repair project, visit www.lindusconstruction.com

Home Improvement Show Recap – Insulation, Siding, Gutters and New Offers

In case you missed last Saturday’s WCCO Home Improvement Show with Andy Lindus, we’ve recapped some of the highlights.  To hear the show in its entirety, visit www.lindusconstruction.com or visit WCCO http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/station/830-wcco/

On last week’s show, insulation and proper attic ventilation were popular topics.  Andy explained the importance of “shoots” which go on the actual decking between rafters and give air space between the insulation and the soffit.  He pointed out that the main cause of issues with roofs or shingles is due to poor insulation and ventilation.  Both work together to ensure proper air flow.  A ridge vent is a popular product used to get hot air out at the highest point of the house.  Lindus Construction highly recommends the GAF Snow Country Ridge Venting Systembecause it has the highest rating and allows the most air to pass through.  GAF also offers several solar powered venting system options.  To learn more about GAF’s products, visit www.gaf.com

Many callers were also interested in the best siding options for their homes.  Vinyl siding is the most typical type of siding installed because it is generally cheaper than other options.  However, because vinyl siding contains plastic, it tens to expand and contract which makes it difficult to maintain darker colors.  While Lindus Construction is not tied to any one contractor, Andy recommends the following brands:

  • Marvin – Now offering new fiberglass siding
  • James Hardie – Fiber cement siding that has the look of real wood and comes with a 25 year warranty on finishes
  • LP SmartSide
  • SeasonGuard Seamless Steel Siding – Offering a 35 year non-prorated warranty on finishes.  Because the chemicals used in this siding reflect the sun’s heat, it resists fading and is an excellent long term solution.

Lindus Construction also announced a contest and some great new specials that they will be running for a limited time when homeowners call to schedule a free in-home estimate:

  • Pick Your Price up to $500 off LeafGuard Gutter Systems
  • Pick Your Price up to $1,000 off all roofing, siding, and window projects
  • SeasonGuard Window factory rebate of up to $500
  • “Fix My Flub” contest.  Submit your photos and descriptions of your worst do it yourself remodeling job gone wrong for your chance to win $5,000 worth of home improvements from Lindus Construction.  Entries must be received by July 4th, 2011.  To enter visit http://www.lindusconstruction.com/fixyourflub/

To learn more about any of the products discussed during last weeks show or to schedule a free estimate, visit the newly updated www.lindusconstruction.com site or call 1-800-873-1451

Midwest LeafGuard Featured on Kare 11

Lindus Construction/Midwest LeafGuard was recently featured on Kare 11′s Today’s Marketplace. Watch Andy discuss the benefits of LeafGuard gutters and learn more about the amazing lifetime guarantees that Lindus Construction stands behind.  Click the link below for full video.

Today\’s Marketplace: Midwest LeafGuard

Winter Home Improvement Tips from Lindus Construction and WCCO

For those of you who missed the WCCO Home Improvement Show with Lindus Construction and Denny Long this past Saturday, here’s a quick recap of some of the topics that were covered. Check back every Monday for highlights. To listen to the latest show in its entirety, or for a full list of Home Improvement Show podcasts visit WCCO Online.

Lindus Construction was recently honored as 1 of 4 companies nominated for Replacement Contractor of the year. Though Lindus did not ultimately win the award, we were voted the #1 GAF Master Elite roofing company in the 15 county metro area, and #14 in the world! This being our first year as Master Elite roofers, we are thrilled with our success, much of which Andy Lindus attributes to a great product and the 70 plus hours of training that the construction crews received from GAF either in the classroom or on the job site.

With the 61 plus inches of snow that the metro area has received this year (even more after the latest storm), many people will likely be looking to replace their roofs in the spring. GAF has also re-worked their shingles and all 30 year shingles now have a lifetime warranty non pro-rated for 50 years on material and 25 years on labor. The warranty is also transferable to the next person who owns the home.

Some other common topics that were hit upon included the best methods for using roof rakes to clear snow. One caller highly recommended the brand Avalanche. However, no matter what kind of roof rake you use Andy had a few reminders and recommendations.

  1. If you can reach the snow, do it. But do NOT go on the roof. This is one the most common causes of winter home repair injuries.
  2. You don’t have to clear the entire roof, but it is best to get as high up as possible. Ideally, you want to reach about a foot past the interior wall.

As heating costs are on the rise, many people are looking for ways to make their homes more energy efficient. Andy stressed the importance of having proper insulation and recommended putting down a layer spray foam, then a layer of fiberglass for maximum energy efficiency
Thermax foam insulation is recommended for insulating basement.

A final topic that was discussed was ways to avoid frost/mold on windows. First, it is important to look for maintenance free window. Andy’s top 4 things to look for in window are:

  1. Stainless steel spacer system
  2. Foam filled frame
  3. Lifetime warranty on everything including the finish
  4. A company that does a full frame replacement, not an insert. This avoids losing any glass spaces and makes sure the air infiltration around the windows are treated properly to avoid any leakage.

Subscribe to our weekly podcasts at: http://www.wccohomeimprovement.com/home-remodeling-MN.php Or call us at 1-800-873-1451 with questions.