Going with the Lowest Bid: While this idea may seem like best, it may cost you in thelong run.  A low bid can mean you are working with an inexperienced contractor who may cut corners. Carefully evaluate the quotes and make sure that you’re comparing apples to apples.  Are both contractors using the same type of materials?  What type of warranty do they offer on their work?  Are they insured?  It’s important to know that if your contractor  is not adequately insured and one of their employees gets hurt while working on your property, you can be held liable for their injuries.  Beware of a contractor that will not freely offer up a copy of their insurance policy upon request.

Taking on a Project Beyond Your Scope of Expertise: In an attempt to save money, do-it-yourselfers believe that watching a YouTube video on how to complete a home improvement makes them an expert.  Certain repairs such as roofing, plumbing or electrical repairs can result in serious injury or death.  Unless you have adequate professional training, allow professionals to handle these repairs.

Allowing Inexperienced Family Members to Handle Repairs: While family members may have good intentions by offering to help you out with repairs, unless they have formal training in the project they are helping you with, it may be best to leave the work to the professionals.  Contractors have access to better materials and will warranty their work.  It can be difficult to go back to a well-intentioned family member a year after a window seal fails and ask them to warranty it. 

Buying Cheap Materials: While cheap materials may seem like a good way to save money, they will likely cost you more in the long run.  Purchasing a kitchen sink made by a manufacturer you’ve never heard from likely won’t last as long as one installed by a plumber who will stand behind their product and warranty it if something goes wrong after installation.

Trend Following: Know how funny avocado green toilets and shag carpeting seem now?  While they were trendy at the time, they are both expensive things to fix & date a home.  Beware of similar trends today and stick with traditional looks that will have a longer shelf life.  

Neglecting to Get a Permit-While home owners can view permits as a pointless expense, not getting one for a project that requires it and something serious happens, your home owner’s insurance will not cover the accident. 

Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects. Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate.

Networking allows you the opportunity to bounce ideas and theories off of your peers increasing your knowledge. It provides you with ideas to implement in your current business practices. Networking permits you to be authentic, genuine and also provides the ability to build relationships with some the industries finest. The best part about getting involved in activities that offer this is that you are surrounded by a group of like- minded professionals, who are inspired to help you create your ideal business culture.

 provides a forum to bring together the best-of-the-best minds in the remodeling industry. These are the entrepreneurs, executives, thought leaders, and the innovators who lead the industry to meet the challenges of success and to withstand the rigors of tough times. PRIME connects you to the people, resources and expertise you need to be successful today and throughout your continued career. Meet with executives who, like you, are successful in the remodeling industry and who desire to take their business to a higher level of excellence.*

We are members of  and recently went to Chicago for one of their networking events. It was hosted by their president, Joy Kilgore, who is an absolute pleasure to be around and is an expert in building relationships that result in opportunities for creating advantageous business connections. We were able to rub shoulders with some of the elite in the remodeling industry from Whirlpool Corporation, Cambria, Case, Kohler and many more. Our first day began with an architectural river cruise as an ice breaker for the group. Our next day was plump full with motivational speakers discussing knowing and understanding your clients, developing strong media relationship, identifying gaps and downtime in your business as well as how to build better customer service models. The most motivating factor after a day filled with meetings is that you can hardly sleep at night because you have a pool of amazing ideas that you can’t wait to implement. We would highly recommend looking into joining a networking group in your area of expertise. You will see the benefits of being a part of a group like this unlike any other programs you have been a part of hands down.

In our world of economic uncertainty and also being cautiously optimistic for what this next year has in store for us being able to share stories and ideas with your peers is a great way to stay on top of your game. Most networking groups will either have a topic of discussion or break you out into more personalized and specialized groups. Usually there will be a few speakers chosen to give presentations to inspire you as well as open communication brainstorming sessions where you are able to bounce ideas off of one another. If you are in the remodeling industry and would like to join a top-notch networking group visit http://www.executivebusinessapproach.com and sign up to become a member of  .

Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects. Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate.

*Content originated from http://www.executivebusinessapproach.com

Rain Harvesting: Rain water is a free resource and collection barrels set up at the downspouts of your gutters allow you to save on your water bill.  Uses for the water collected include: watering your garden, washing your car & mopping your floor.  Another great way to conserve water is through a rain water harvesting system.  With this system, rain water is stored in above or below ground tanks.  It can be used for landscape irrigation, water for toilet flushing and indoor fire sprinkler systems.

Click this link to learn more about Englert Rainwater Harvesting systems:http://www.englertinc.com/rainwater-harvesting-systems/custom-rainwater-harvesting.html

Solar Energy: One of the reasons solar power is picking up popularity is because it increases a property’s value.  In a time when the real estate market is soft, solar panels can be a way to add to a home’s resale value.  Own a pool or hot tub?  Decrease the amount of energy it takes to heat it with a solar cover.

Windows & Doors: Windows and doors that allow drafts to come in make your home’s heating & cooling systems work harder than they have to.  Installing energy efficient options will lower your heating & cooling bills.

Insulation: 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.

Furnace Filters: If your heating and cooling system is attempting to send air through clogged filters, it works harder which in turn, costs you more to heat your home.  Changing or cleaning filters monthly – or at least every three months – will make it easier on your heating and cooling system and will even make the air in your home cleaner and healthier. It’s wise to service your system every year to two which can save you as much as 10% off your energy bills.

Thermostat: Programmable thermostats can save up to 10% on heating & cooling costs. 

Lighting: Motion-detector lights can be installed both inside and outside your home to reduce the chances of lighting being left on when there is no need.  The lighting will save you money and energy.

Fans: Fans set to rotate the opposite direction can serve as a heating source during the winter months.  The opposite movement helps draw warm air into a room.

Sun Tunnels: Sun Tunnels channel natural light into interior spaces, providing the illumination and health benefits of sunlight but with no energy costs. Sun Tunnels capture sunlight from your rooftop and redirect it down a reflective tube into your home. The tubing fits between rafters and installs easily with no structural modifications. At the ceiling level, an attractive diffuser spreads the light evenly throughout the room.  Installing a sun tunnel in your home will allow you to greatly reduce how often lighting is needed to brighten a room during daytime hours which will save you on energy bills.  They are especially useful in laundry rooms, bathrooms, closets & hallways.

Looking for a professional to assist you in making your home more “green”?   Let the professionals at Lindus Construction help you. Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate today. Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects.

Size
You don’t want to have the largest deck on your block, but you also don’t want to have the smallest either.  Your deck size should be proportionate to the size of your home. If you have a larger home you can increase the size of your deck. You would not want to put a huge deck on a smaller home. Make sure that the size of your deck will fit your entertaining needs. Visualize the items that you intend to put on your deck such as a patio set; grill, bar etc. because those are going to shrink up the space. Optimizing your space you have on your deck will make your deck seem larger without necessarily increasing the cost to your pocket book.  When visualizing your deck size think of traffic patterns, how you get onto the deck and where you are going to put your stairs. All of these factors will help you decide the perfect and most functional deck size to fit your needs.

Multi-level vs. Ground Level
If you home has a walk out on the second level, building a raised deck to accommodate this is a very common option. Depending on the height of your home building a multi-level deck might be the answer for you.  Be sure when building multi-level decks that the placement of stairs is in the most functional area. The nice thing about multi-level decks is that you can have one large main area which could host your patio set, grill and possibly a fire pit. You could use another one of the levels for a seating area or hot tub space. Keep in mind if you have a hot tub and are planning on putting it on a multi-level deck that they are extremely heavy and you will need to add extra support to that area of the deck.

Ground level decks are very inviting and blend more naturally into you yard space. You will save some dough on not having the cost factors associated with building stairs. Also the risk of injury is greatly decreased since it is level with the ground. If you do not have any stairs on your ground level deck you need to make sure that it is constructed so it is not resting directly on the ground because of shifting. You can have a small area under the deck that you could cover with lattice or even rocks to add a natural landscaping touch. The nice thing about ground level decks is that you are able to use the entire space because you do not have railings getting in the way.  If designed right, your ground level deck can be viewed as a continuation of your home, as it gives the perception of extending your living space. Another nice touch is creating a walkway of unique pavers from your home to your ground level deck which will add more functionality as well as offer another benefit of attraction.

Railing Options
Railings offer safety and support to your deck, but can also be used as a focal point to add style and personality. The type and style of railing you choose can really set it apart from a traditional look.  Instead of using straight wood posts, you can alternate each post using one traditional post and then a carved design post. If you are set on using a wood railing, consider using the posts and balusters in vertical and horizontal position to create a geometric line drawing adding elegance. A hot new trend right now is using metal railings incorporated with your wood deck. Decorative aluminum or steel balusters are a cost effective way to step up the design and overall look of your deck. Another emerging trend is the use of cable railings. It will offer your deck a sleek modern look with having the benefits of being low maintenance and will also preserve your view off of your deck.

Shape
Another way to up the ante regarding the design of your deck is shape. This can drastically increase your home’s exterior appeal. You can build a deck in virtually any shape, but you need to consider the more uncommon your deck shape the more expensive it could be. If you like the idea of going with a different shape than a traditional square or rectangle style try to consider the lines of your home and how that will compliment your vision. If you have a home that is non-traditional with peaks and valleys, you might want to stick with a simple design.  Contemplate the idea of doing a wraparound or L-shaped deck to give your area a stunning look. Shape doesn’t always mean the form of your deck. Take into account changing the angle of your decking boards to add a more intriguing look.

Stain
Forget the old-fashioned colors of stain, you have more of an array to choose from than ever before. We would highly recommend if you have a wood deck to use the brand Penofin. This product is light years ahead of any stain that you have used in the last decade. This stain product is made out of Brazilian Rosewood Oils.  It is 100% sustainable, petroleum free oil finish with no heavy metal compounds or odors. This is an environmentally sound product that is safe for use around children and pets and comes in 18 lustrous colors for use on every type of wood species. To find out more regarding this remarkable product check out their website at www.penofin.com.

Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects. Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate.

One of the best things a landlord can do during a soft economy is pay careful attention to the upkeep of their properties in order to ensure they are able to get the most out of each unit. Here are some examples of smart renovation investments in a rental property.

Manufactured exclusively for Lindus Construction, SeasonGuard windows have lifetime warranties on all moving parts, workmanship, glass breakage, seal failure and finish.

Install New Windows: Older properties are prone to drafty windows, which make rooms colder and also drive up the heating bills  New windows will bring heating bills back to where they should be and can be used as a selling point when meeting with potential renters.  Vinyl windows are popular in rental properties because they can come with lifetime glass breakage warranties.  Having vinyl windows also eliminates the possibility of mold around the window frame.  It may be worth considering adding a window to reveal a park, woods, etc. in order to increase the rent you are able to ask for.

Upgrade Appliances: Dated appliances can cause renters to doubt whether other aspects of the building have been maintained.  New, stainless steel appliances show potential renters that you take pride in your property and that you’ll be likely to maintain it.  When selecting appropriate appliances, choose ones that are energy efficient with basic features so that repairs down the road won’t be too costly or complicated.  New appliances allow landlords to justify premium rates; it is something that will set you apart from others, something that tenants will appreciate.

New Paint: In most cases, potential renters view an apartment when it is empty.  Because there is no furniture to distract the prospective renters, chipped or faded paint is extremely noticeable.  For optimum presentation, apply a fresh coat of paint each time your property is vacated.  Neutral colors will give your property an inviting look.  If you’d like to be more bold with your color choices, know that dark colors make small spaces look even smaller and light colors give the illusion of spaciousness.

New Carpeting: The quality of carpeting is also something that prospective tenants will notice immediately when viewing an empty rental property.  Medium grade carpeting in browns and beiges can be a great choice because of the neutrality of the color and its ability to hide stains better than lighter colors.  Opting to lay down padding prior to installing carpet will make carpet feel softer and feel like a quality product.

Increase Storage: Extra closet space, shelving and built-in bookcases will provide additional storage space for your tenants.  This will overcome an objection that many renters have which is a lack of storage space.

Functional Outdoor Living Space: Adding a deck or patio will give your property a homey feeling and allow tenants to envision entertaining friends and family at their new home.

Upgrade fixtures:  Adding stainless steel outlet covers, new lighting and plumbing fixtures will set your property apart among others that potential renters are looking at.  It will also show that you are detail oriented.

The type of rental space that you build will directly affect the type of renter that you attract.  If you’d like high-quality tenants, upgrade your rental property with the features they are looking for. The money you spend will increase your ROI on the property.

Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home. Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects.

• Cracks in your masonry
• Leaking pipes
• Inadequate sump pump
• Improper positioning of downspouts that allows water to congregate near your foundation instead of away from it
• Poor grading around your foundation
• Seepage from window wells

Waterproofing your basement is one of the best ways you can increase your property value of your home. It will also improve your living experience and prevent damaging moisture from entering your home. By waterproofing your home, you are taking the steps to be proactive instead of reactive and reduce your chances of a serious repair in your future. By waterproofing your home you are protecting it from access moisture which can destroy your foundation, basements walls and let’s not forget your belongings. There are a few different ways that you can waterproof your basement which are below.

• Interior Waterproofing – A cutting-edge device being used for interior waterproofing today is an interior drain tile system. It lowers the water table far below the basement floor. It is designed to collect and redirect water away from your home.
• Exterior Waterproofing – Captures the water before it enters your home. The drain tile is now on the outside of your foundation which acts as a piping system to collect and redirect subsurface water that moves down through the soil. This would not be the ideal option for you if you have an existing home because it can be very costly and an interior waterproofing system would fit your needs a lot better.
• New Construction Waterproofing – Consider using both interior and exterior drain tile systems when building your new home. This can sometimes be an area that is overlooked and you could end up having a water issue in your brand new home.
• Crack Injection – Cracks appear in your foundation when there is sufficient hydrostatic pressure surrounding the foundation of your home. Crack injection is a permanent affordable solution for many homeowners when your poured concrete walls crack and develop a slow leak. Common products used to seal the cracks are injection epoxies, polyurethane foams and grouts.
• Yard and Downspout Drains – The whole idea of this approach is to keep the water away from your home to avoid a water problem in the first place. A down spout drain is one of the single most important rainwater drainage systems.

Wall Anchoring
There are many reasons that can cause your foundation to start failing. Excessive hydrostatic pressure, soil shifting and even seasonal changes can cause it to deteriorate. Here are some of the signs that you can look for to see if you might be experiencing foundational problems.

• Tilting and leaning chimneys
• Floors that are not level and uneven
• Cracks in drywall and plaster walls
• Cracks in exterior brick or concrete
• Windows and doors not closing properly
• Bowing and leaning basement walls
• Stair step cracks in basement and crawlspace walls
• Nail heads popping through drywall and plaster

No need to worry because you can fix these problems with wall anchors. Wall anchors are plates and steel rods used to stabilize your walls and counteract hydrostatic pressure that is being exerted against your foundation wall.  Wall anchors can be used in various places and rod extenders can help to preserve your deck, concrete, flower beds and landscaping. When hydrostatic pressure builds up around your basement walls, or the soil expands with water saturation, it can push against your wall and cause bowing. The anchors will hold the wall in its current condition and have the ability to be tightened down further when the soil outside the wall shrinks.

Jesse Trebil Foundation Systems, Inc. of MN specializes in all types of basement and foundation repair, waterproofing and basement drain systems for Central Minnesota and the Twin Cities area. They offer guaranteed solutions for faulty basements and bad foundations. They are equipped to solve all of these problems, no matter how big or small.
They are a licensed and insured general contractor, radon mitigating and official dealer of the Safe Basements® product line. All of their crews have gone through extensive training and have been certified as foundation repair specialists by Jesse Trebil himself.

Whether it’s basement waterproofing, cracked or bowing walls, settling foundation or new construction, they offer guaranteed permanent solutions to fill your needs. Visit them online to learn more about how they can make your basement a safe area to enjoy at www.safebasements.com.

Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects. Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate.

When they were first conceptualized, shutters were primarily made of wood.  Wood shutters continue to be a popular choice for historic homes.  The most popular types of wood shutters are:

Cedar- Withstands the elements and is low maintenance.  It can be easily sanded and absorbs paint exceptionally well.  An added bonus is that insects do not like cedar.

Pine-Will last many years if the proper finish is used.  It is more price effective than cedar but will not last as long.

Composite-Weather resistant and immune to insect damage.  It holds paint longer than wood and is resistant to mildew.  Occasional cleaning may be needed, but otherwise maintenance is minimal.

Poly Resin (PVC) – Does not need finishing but can be painted.  It is insect and mildew resistant and never needs any maintenance other than the occasional cleaning.

When selecting vinyl shutters, be sure to replace them as soon as the color fades.  One way to get an idea of the type of shutter you should choose for your home is to take a drive around your neighborhood and view other homes with exterior shutters.  This will allow you to see which style will compliment your home’s design.

The two most common types of shutters are raised panels & louvers.

The left shutter is a raised panel and the right shutter is a louver.

When selecting a color, be sure to take into consideration both the color of your brick or siding, roof and window frames.

Regardless of the material you choose, it is important to remember the cardinal rule of shutters-select shutters that are each ½ of your window’s width; they should never be less than 12 inches wide.  If shutters are larger than this, they will appear out of proportion.  They should be the height of your window from the sill to the top of the trim.

The three primary ways of attaching shutters to your home are with screws, nails or special clips.

In addition to adding curb appeal, shutters can also be used to add interest to your home’s interior.  They can be used to replace window treatments, such as curtains or blinds.  The shutters can open and close and can be used to control the amount of light in a room.  Interior shutters can also add privacy to your home in a stylish manner.

The main way of attaching interior shutters to your home is with a thin frame that rests on the window casing (either inside or outside.)  If you’re not interested in installing yourself, a reputable siding or window company should be able to assist you.

Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate. Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects.

Do You Have a Water Problem in Your Home?
If you have experienced any short or long term water problems in your home, mold growth is likely to occur. Things to look for to see if you have a water problem are water stains or discoloration of your walls, floors or ceilings in your home. If you notice this, chances are there is mold growing behind these materials. If your walls are bowed, warped or bulging and/or your paint or wallpaper is bubbling, peeling or cracking mold could exist. If you are aware that you have leaking pipes or ceiling you know you have a water problem, but just because you do not see mold at first sight does not mean it is not trying to grow or already exists. When mold grows from leaks in your home, it can often be hidden and out of view. If your home has ever flooded, due to weather or a pipe that burst, and you didn’t consider that mold could have grown you need to recheck the area of saturation.

How Do You Know If You Have A Mold Problem?
Mold has a pungent smell. People tend to use the words “musty” or “earthy” when describing the smell of mold similar to what you would smell if you were walking in the woods. If the mold is in one area of your home you may notice an unpleasant smell coming from that area.  Sometimes the mold might not be visible because it could be within your walls, but if you smell an unusual persistent smell the culprit could be mold. If you start having an issue with allergies and your symptoms seem to be worse when you are at home than anywhere else you could have mold in your home. Visible mold growth might seem like an obvious sign, but sometimes people don’t notice small amounts of mold and think it is dirt. Most people, when they think of mold, assume that it would be green or black in color and that is where the misconception of having a mold problem can become dangerous. Mold is similar to a chameleon and it can take on many different colors and textures.

Control Mold Growth in Your Home

• Clean and repair you roof and gutters regularly
• Prevent water from entering or collecting in your foundation by making sure the ground slopes away from your home
• If possible keep your humidity level in your home below 60%. The ideal range would be between 30% – 50%
• Increase the ventilation and air movement in your home by using fans or opening windows and doors
• Use exhaust fans, that vent out of your home,  when using the shower or cooking in your kitchen
• Ventilate and dehumidify attics, crawl spaces and basements
• A wet surface in your home that is not taken care of can start growing mold within 24-48 hours

How Can Mold in Your Home Affect Your Health?
Molds naturally exist outdoors and indoors, living in a totally mold-free environment is practically impossible. Mold produces spores that are invisible to the human eye and travel through the air. Molds produce allergens, irritants and sometimes toxins that may cause adverse reactions in humans. A reaction to mold depends on how much a person is exposed to, the age of the person and a person’s sensitivities or allergies. The same amount of mold may cause health effects in one person, but not in another. If you are predisposed to allergies and asthma, the effect of living around mold can increase the severity drastically. Some of the common symptoms of being around mold and reacting to it can be,
•    Skin rashes
•    Eye irritation
•    Cough & Congestion
•    Fever & Flu-like symptoms
•    Fatigue
•    Frequent nose bleeds
•    Headaches & Dizziness
•    Increased risk for infection

How to Properly Remove Mold from Your Home
People can react to mold whether it is living or dead, so making sure mold is cleaned out of your home properly is very important. If you decide to try and clean up mold by yourself there are some very important precautions to be aware of to ensure there is no danger to your health and that you are getting rid of the mold and not just what you can see on the surface. You are going to want to wear a respirator so that you are not breathing in mold spores since they are invisible to the naked eye. Also wear protective glasses, rubber gloves and be sure to wash your clothing immediately after you are done. To minimize the number of spores becoming air bound dampen the molding area first. If your mold problem is on a hard surface such as plastic, glass, metal or counter tops you can scrub it away with a pad using non-ammonia soap or detergent. No matter what you might read on the internet do not mix ammonia and bleach because combined they produce toxic fumes. If your mold problem exists on paper, drywall or carpet you must discard these items from your home because it is impossible to clean all of the mold out of materials such as these. For cleaner areas you can use a concoction of ½ cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water, but for more soiled surfaces you will want to increase your concentration to 1 ½ cups of bleach per gallon of water. Be sure to rinse any area you are using bleach on with clean water after you are done and be sure to rapidly dry the area completely and the use of a fan or dehumidifier will inhibit mold from growing there again.

If the mold in your home covers more than 10 square feet, you should consider hiring a professional to come in and clean it. If hiring a professional you should go to the Environmental Protection Agency website at www.epa.gov and read their articles and research they have already completed for your reference. They provide many websites and organization to contact regarding hiring a professional. You can also refer to the EPA’s guidance document on “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” even if the mold problem is in your home. Many fire and flood restoration companies also provide mold remediation services so make sure to check those out too. There are so many certifications out there dealing with mold remediation that you need to make sure you do your homework and research which organization they are affiliated with. When mold is present, it is a time sensitive issue because of how fast it reproduces so make sure to put it on your top priority list.

After you have your mold problem remediated we would be happy to come in and help you restore your home to its natural beauty. Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home. Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects.

Consider Hiring a Contractor: A common myth is that a contractor will expand your budget.  While it’s true that a contractor will need to be compensated for their labor, oftentimes a contractor is able to receive special pricing that is not available to the general consumer at big box stores.  A reputable contractor will stand behind their work and be far less likely to make the costly mistakes that an amateur may make.  Another advantage of working with a contractor is that the job is likely to get done quicker because it is their priority to finish your project in a timely manner.  No one wants to live in a construction zone for months on end.

Room Functionality: Consult with other members of your household to see what they’d like to utilize your finished basement for.  Narrow down details such as whether or not flooring will be heated and if sound proof insulation is needed.  These features are easy to add during the remodel process, but are much more difficult after the work is completed.  The more details you bring to your contractor, the more accurate of a quote you will receive.  Be sure to discuss with your contractor if they will be doing the entire project and if they will be responsible for acquiring fixtures.  This will prevent frustrations down the road when each party thought the other was handling it.

Financing: Once you have an estimate, review your finances to make sure that you can adhere to the agreed upon payment schedule.  Typically, contractors will request a down payment to acquire supplies to get the project started with a final payment due upon project completion.

Need some inspiration?  Here’s a few ideas to transform your basement into a useable space:

• Media Room: Basements typically have low ceilings and minimal windows which means very little lighting shines through.  This makes a basement a perfect spot for a soundproof entertainment room.  A home entertainment system complete with surround sound can transform a storage area into a space that can be enjoyed by family and friends.

• Hobby Room: Tired of children’s toys taking over your living room?  Why not create a play space in your basement?  Most basements have doors which close them off from the rest of the house, containing clutter to one area.  Basements are also the ideal space for a hobby or craft room for the same reason.

• Guest Bedroom: If you frequently have guests from out of town, transforming your basement into a spare room can spare your visitors the added expense and hassle of a hotel room.  It also allows guests privacy.  If you have an older child living at home, a basement bedroom can also be ideal.

• Home Office: Creating a home office in your basement is a great suggestion for those that have the ability to work from home.  Creating this space allows you to draw a clear distinction between home and work which will allow your routine to be more manageable and organized.

• Man Cave: Make your “man cave” the envy of your friends with a bar, pool table, mini-fridge and comfy furniture.  (Just make sure they know that they need to bring the refreshments!)

Looking for a professional to make your dream basement a reality?  Let the professionals at Lindus Construction help you make that happen.   Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate today. Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects.

With the advancement in technology, construction companies such as Lindus Construction offer a Virtual Home Remodeler program on their website where you can choose all different kinds of siding options they carry and see what it would look like on a home. Lindus Construction has stepped it up a notch by using a program called a Colorizer. We will take a picture of your existing home and use our Colorizer program to show you exactly what your home would look like with the specific color and siding you are interested in. We are also able to show you what your home would look like with a new roof, LeafGuard gutter system and many more items from our product line. Below we have broken out three different types of siding: steel, fiber cement and vinyl to give you a snap shot of what each has to offer.

LP SmartSide Siding –Named one of the safest companies in America due to their sustainability efforts.  LP SmartSide will offer you the look of beautiful authentic real wood with all of the advantages of engineered wood that will provide unbeatable curb appeal to your home. It will give you the natural look of real cedar without the worries and is an upgrade from vinyl siding. LP SmartSide products work and cut just like real wood. Unlike real wood siding, LP SmartSide, will not twist, warp, cup or shrink. LP offers remarkable protection with their SmartGuard process which is designed to create the most durable product. They brutally test their products in Hilo, Hawaii to ensure LP SmartSide stands up against moisture, fungal decay and hungry termites. LP SmartSide cares about the environment by being a part of a certified forest management program which helps ensure their wood comes from well managed forests. Their wood procurement process targets small, fast growing trees that replenish themselves quicker than older mature trees. They use the entire log when manufacturing this product and any wood waste is used in their mills. This product will surpass your expectations and you will not be disappointed.

James Hardie Siding – James Hardie is the trusted leader in the manufacture, development and performance of fiber cement siding. Their siding is tough. Rain, hail, impact, wind, fire and even fluctuations in humidity do not stand a chance against it. This type of siding offers specific climate performance attributes and is warranted not to rot, warp or delaminate and can be installed to withstand winds up to 150 MPH. Since North America has a wide range of climatic challenges for exterior builders such as freezing, sub-zero temperatures, heat and humidity, James Hardie,  has invented the HardieZone system due to recognizing that climate specific fiber cement products are necessary.  James Hardie siding will work with virtually any architectural style and more chances than not you will be able to match this to the siding that is already on your home. The color of this siding is actually baked on so it will resist chipping, peeling and cracking for years to come. James Hardie siding has a 15 year finish warranty and a transferable 30 year limited non-prorated warranty.

SeasonGuard Steel & Vinyl Siding – SeasonGuard Steel siding is made from the finest materials to ensure the most dependable siding available in this industry today. Steel siding is more durable than vinyl, aluminum, wood or fiber cement siding. This steel siding’s world class coating is harder and more scratch and stain resistant as well as 20% thicker than any other seamless siding. SeasonGuard steel siding is virtually maintenance-free because you will never have to paint or stain your home again. With just a quick wash from your garden house this steel siding will look exquisite and clean again. There is a 35 year chalk and fade guarantee as well as a 50 year hail protection warranty. There is no worry about any waste of steel siding because it is 100% recyclable.

SeasonGuard Vinyl siding is an engineered siding system that combines select materials and refined designs with energy efficiency. It has up to five times impact resistance than conventional siding. It won’t dent, bow or sag like average siding will. Since this vinyl siding is heavily insulated it will help your furnace and air conditioner to work more efficiently.  SeasonGuard vinyl siding is friendlier to the environment than brick or stucco when compared to the air pollution it causes when manufacturing. All of there in plant vinyl scrap that comes from producing this siding is recycled to further reduce their carbon footprint.

Would you like to see what your home would look like with new and updated siding before you make your decision? Set up an estimate today and let us put our cutting edge technology to work for you. Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home. Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects.