Category Archives: Remodeling

Fast Facts-What You Need to Know Before You Start a Kitchen Remodel

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Posted by Andy Lindus on May 3, 2013 – 1:28 pm
Filed under Construction, Kitchen Remodeling, Lighting, Lindus Construction, Remodeling, Skylight, www.lindusconstruction.com
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In the construction industry, it’s often common to find calculations that estimate how much money you will recoup from a home improvement project.  One of the projects that are always towards the top of the list is a kitchen remodel.  Depending on the market and the scale of the project, a kitchen remodel can provide as much as an 87% return on investment.  That’s why it’s crucial that the undertaking is executed properly the first time.  Below is a list of ways to make this project as pain-free and as successful as possible.

Take Your Time-Take some time to page through magazines and websites such as Houzz.com to see what you like in terms of style and layout.  While it can be tempting to jump the gun and get the project going in order to meet a deadline, like a graduation party or wedding shower, you can end up incurring more costs if you decide mid-way through the project that you want to remove a wall, relocate a sink, etc.  Imagine your disappointment if you hurry up and select a countertop only to learn later that it requires annual re-sealing, something that would have made you make another choice if you had known.

Finding the Right People for the Job- Think of a general contractor as the coach of a team. Their job is to gather bids, work with subcontractors and make sure that the work is done correctly, within your budget and on schedule. A general contractor has connections within the industry and has solid relationships with subcontractors (cabinet makers, countertop showrooms, etc.). These subcontractors want to perform exceptional work for general contractors because they know that this is how they will stay in business. Subcontractors are less likely to stay on time and within budget for someone they know they have little chance of ever working with again, such as the homeowner. While on the front end, hiring a general contractor can seem like an added expense, working with a skilled professional will often keep you on schedule and within budget.

Having a Budget with a Buffer- It’s important to establish a budget when renovating a kitchen. The budget should include a slush fund that takes into consideration unforeseen circumstances and overages because even with the best intentioned bid, incidentals will likely still come up.

Your Kitchen’s Footprint-Clearly, there are times when your kitchen’s footprint needs to be changed to maximize space.  However, if it’s possible, stick with same footprint which will allow you to forego costs incurred from demolition & reconstruction. Another perk?  Less dust and debris in your home.

Appliances-If your greatest culinary accomplishment in the last 5 years was not burning a grilled cheese sandwich, you may want to forego a vaulted oven in favor of something more practical and splurge elsewhere.

Quality Materials-Educate yourself on the materials you’re looking into using.  It may be tempting to go with a cheaper floor or countertop but if the product’s life expectancy is lower than something of better quality, you may end up costing yourself more in the long-run when you’re purchasing a replacement sooner than later and paying for it to be installed.

Needs vs. Wants- Obviously, every kitchen needs things like a sink or flooring.  However, a cutting edge, built in coffee system should fall into the “want” category.  Make sure you’ve got the necessities covered before you start committing to luxury accessories.

Ample Space-When planning your kitchen, be sure to include enough space so the doors on your appliances, such as refrigerator and oven, can be open and still have enough space to walk around them. so that doors can be space in front of your refrigerator and oven so that you can still walk in front of them even when they are opened.  Don’t allow corners to become a wasted space; consider adding a Lazy Susan.  Kitchen islands can be a great place to set up food buffets and store countertop appliances.  However, if space is already tight, you may want to go without since having one will only make your kitchen feel and look smaller.

Lighting-This is one area that often gets overlooked.  Oftentimes, homeowners wrongfully assume that a single fixture mounted in the center of the room is going to provide adequate lighting for the entire space.  This can cause a glare that overpowers the room.  Other options include track lighting, skylights and recessed lighting.

Considering remodeling your kitchen? We would like to help you with your vision and design! 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.

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5 Signs it’s Time for a Kitchen Overhaul

Posted by Andy Lindus on April 22, 2013 – 1:13 pm
Filed under Construction, Home Construction, Kitchen Remodeling, Lindus Construction, Midwest LeafGuard, Remodeling, www.lindusconstruction.com
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When you want something bad enough, it’s hard for you to be an unbiased judge as to whether or not your want is, in fact, a need.  Here are a few indicators that your kitchen is due for a complete overhaul, not just a fresh coat of paint or granite countertop.

Your Layout is Unnatural- In every kitchen you’ll find a stove, sink and refrigerator.  While designers often have their own opinions on what makes a room aesthetically appealing, most all agree on the kitchen triangle concept.  This approach became widely embraced in the 1940s when kitchens were often tight spaces, overrun by large appliances.  To make the most of a small space, stoves, refrigerators, and sinks were set up in a triangular fashion.  While this is not the only way to set up a kitchen, bear in mind that breathing room between the primary work spaces makes food preparation less of a hassle by keeping traffic in your work spaces to a minimum.  If you’re only stocking the necessities in terms of food, tableware and small kitchen appliances, and you still find yourself using your countertops as a pantry after buying a week’s worth of groceries, chances are you don’t have enough storage and the space you do have is not being put to good use.

Your Home is Going to Market-It’s no secret that a kitchen remodel is one of the home investments that reaps the highest return.  It’s also common knowledge to those buying a home that a kitchen is one of the most expensive areas to renovate.  If your current kitchen looks like something seen on The Brady Bunch, utilize a kitchen remodel to get top dollar for your property.  FYI-a remodel doesn’t have to include over the top features.  Focus on matching appliances, adequate storage space and neutral patterns on countertops and backsplashes.

Appliances made before the World Wide Web was Created-We’ll give you props if you’ve got appliances from the early 1990s that still run.  However, we’re still going to argue that it’s time for them to be upgraded.  The National Association of Home Builders gives a life expectancy guideline for major appliances as follows: dishwasher and microwave, 9 years; garbage disposal, 12 years; refrigerator, 13 years; range, 13-15 years.  In addition to technology and aesthetic advancements, today’s appliances are the most energy efficient they’ve ever been.

You Discourage Guests from Gathering in the Kitchen- Having this happen should be a red flag that you no longer, or may have never considered, the kitchen to be the heart of your home.  Your kitchen should be a point of pride and if that’s not the case, it’s time to start evaluating what features can be added or modified to change your feelings.  Another similar sign it’s time for a change is when you, yourself, no longer wish to spend time preparing or eating in your kitchen.

To Repair Damage- If your kitchen has been damaged by water, fire, etc., it’s well worth looking into redoing the whole room, rather than just minor repairs to get by.  Ignoring or failing to evaluate the full extent of water damage, can lead to the growth of mold which leads to even bigger issues.  If water damage has occurred, at the very least, speak with a professional who can tell you for certain whether or not there are signs of mold growth; home tests are not 100% accurate.

Considering remodeling your kitchen? We would like to help you with your vision and design! 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

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How “Green” are Your Bamboo Floors?

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Posted by Andy Lindus on February 26, 2013 – 9:57 pm
Filed under Bamboo, Building a House, Flooring, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Laminate flooring, Remodeling, Uncategorized, Wood Flooring
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If you perform a quick internet research of the greenest flooring materials on the market, bamboo is likely to pop up at the top of the list.  There are several reasons for this.  First of all, bamboo is a grass that grows much faster than trees do.  This makes it a renewable resource.  Another plus is that unlike trees, bamboo does not need to be replanted because the harvesting procedure leaves the plant’s roots intact.  A benefit to the plant’s root system is that it holds the soil in place, preventing erosion.  If grown in its natural habitat, the need for watering, fertilizer and pesticides is minimal, if not nonexistent.  In addition, bamboo absorbs carbon at a higher rate than most trees tend to.

As you likely realize, Bamboo is a plant that is not native to the United States.  In fact, the vast majority of Bamboo that is used in flooring is grown in China.  A disturbing trend has been deforestation to accommodate the growth of more bamboo.  This means that animals that rely on the forest for food and habitat are displaced.  While bamboo does not require fertilizer, some growers are turning to it as a way to increase their crop size.  Another hush-hush topic surrounding the growth and manufacturing of bamboo is worker treatment.  Because the bulk of bamboo is shipped in from overseas, there is no fair trade certification to guarantee that workers are paid equitably and that conditions are safe.  In most cases, bamboo flooring is priced similarly to hardwoods even though bamboo grows much faster in rural China, which indicates that a profit is being made, though it’s unclear if the workers are getting a share of it.

Once the raw material arrives at the factory, the bamboo undergoes a manufacturing process to transform it into flooring.  As part of the production process, the bamboo is laminated and sometimes the adhesive used in the process contains formaldehyde.  This creates a problem for the environment because some of the formaldehyde is emitted into the air causing pollution.  It’s vital that the final product is tested to ensure that it meets the Greenguard and LEED standard of no more than .05 parts per million of formaldehyde or your home’s indoor air quality is at risk.  Some companies use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in place of formaldehyde which can also have detrimental effects to your health, as VOCs have been proven to cause cancer in animals and the same is believed to be true in humans, though further research is required.

Once the product is finished, it is transported to the US (usually via boat) and then trucked to a supplier or big box store.  Stop and think for a moment about the amount of fuel and carbon emissions it takes just to get this far in the process.  The material itself is recognized by the Forest Stewardship Council as meeting the criteria for social responsibility and sustainability, but one must question themselves, is the transportation required truly classified as “sustainable”?

To conclude, if you’re choosing to go with bamboo floors in your home exclusively because of their green benefits, it’s vital that you research where and how it is being grown and manufactured both for the vitality of the environment and of your family.

Lindus Construction offers free no-obligation estimates on home remodeling 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. 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.

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What to Inspect Before Purchasing a New Home

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Posted by Andy Lindus on August 27, 2012 – 6:11 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, basement waterproofing, ceilings, Construction, cracked foundation, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Home Safety, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, Midwest LeafGuard, Remodeling, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show
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Some new homeowners have had to learn the hard way that there are some very important things to check before signing papers on a new home. Avoiding costly repairs upon first moving in is essential. Don’t assume that you are buying a newer home and there will not be any problems.  You could spend several hundred to thousands of dollars if you are negligent, but if you educate yourself as to what to look for you, could put that money back in your pockets. We are going to discuss crucial things to check to determine your potential home’s quality before you commit to signing the papers.

The Structure

The structure of your potential home will tell you a lot about the quality in which it was built. Check the floors by walking around in your stocking feet to feel for sags and slopes. You don’t want to feel excessive sag or notice that the floor slopes towards a wall. Check the ceiling for any cracks. This can indicate movement from the floor above or wall where the ceiling intersects. Even a small crack can grow causing structural problems. Door frames should be square and should not have cracks running diagonally to the ceiling. When inspecting the exterior walls be sure that none of the walls are out of plumb and any cracks on the interior are not showing up on the outside of the wall.

Water Control

When looking at a new home, pay special attention to the grade of the lot. The home should be at the highest point on the lot with the ground sloping away from it. Do the gutters, downspouts and drainage pipes carry excess water away from the home? Check for water stains along the wall and the floors. If you smell a musty or damp smell, there is most likely and issue with water drainage. If there is flaking or peeling on any concrete, brick or stone in the home that indicates water getting into the surface and you should be alarmed. If the yard has sprinklers, are they working properly or are there broken heads or a possible leak?

The Roof

Having to repair your entire roof after buying a new home can be very costly. Your roof protects your home from so many weather elements that you want to make sure it is performing to the best of its ability. Leaking in the attic after rain or an ice dam forming could mean it has inadequate shingle underlayment and deteriorating flashing. If any shingles are missing, curled or cracked your roof could be near the end of its life cycle. If the shingles are inconsistent in color and have dark or dirty looking areas it is caused by the loss of granules due to the roofs age.

Plumbing

The plumbing of your potential home should never be overlooked. Find out if there are any lead pipes in the home. If the home was built before 1986, it may have lead or galvanized plumbing. If you have children, you may not want to live in a home that has lead pipes. Your water pressure is determined by the size of the water pipes. If you prefer adequate water pressure, like most of us, you want the lines to be ¾ of an inch to one inch from the main water source and the diameter should be at least a ½ an inch. Make sure that the water heater is big enough to accommodate your needs depending on your family size. If you have a family of 4 you should have at least a 40 gallon tank. If the water heater has signs of corrosion or the buildup of mineral deposits it could mean the tank has a short life to live. Check all of the kitchen and bathroom faucets for leaks and drips. Don’t forget to check underneath the sinks as well for leaking pipes. Flush every toilet in the home to ensure they refill correctly. Lastly, turn on the shower in the room farthest from the home’s water source and evaluate the temperature and water pressure. Ask questions about the sewer system and whether it is connected to a municipal sewer system or a septic tank. Look for signs of seepage and odors if there is a septic tank. Septic tanks can be very expensive to repair so having this fixed prior to closing will say your potentially thousands of dollars.

Electrical Systems

The wiring of your home should be grounded and in good working order before purchasing a home.  Outlets should be inspected to make sure that they have a ground and don’t have any cracks or other defects. They should have proper tension to hold cords that are plugged in and that they are the proper type for that area of the home. Any areas that could get wet or damp such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages or outdoor outlets are required to have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) installed.

HVAC

Did you know that the cost of a new furnace, including ductwork, can run $5,000 to $7,000? I bet you would pay special attention to it when considering purchasing a new home. Whether it is blistering hot out our extremely cold, it is imperative to test each heating and cooling system on your potential new home. The ducts of your HVAC system are like the veins running throughout your body. They carry heated and cooled air to different rooms of the home. If you ductwork is shoddy at best, your energy costs will rise and the system will also not operate efficiently. Inadequate ventilation in your home can lead to allergies, moisture and other problems.

Fireplace

If you home has a fire place or wood burning stove, be sure to inspect it. You want to examine the masonry on the chimney and check the mortar between the bricks and stone to make sure it is intact. Shine a flashlight down the chimney to look for mortar crumbling. Look for dented or rusted metal or missing screw at any joints. If you notice an accumulation of creosote it can cause dangerous chimney fires and must be removed immediately.

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.

 

 

Power Tools…A Man’s Best Friend

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Posted by Andy Lindus on August 23, 2012 – 5:57 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, Construction, DEWALT DC825KA 1/4" (6.4mm) 18V Cordless XRP™ Impact Driver Kit, DEWALT DW366 7.25″ Heavy Duty Circular Saw with Electric Brake, Hitachi C10FCH2 10″ Miter Saw with Laser, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Home Safety, Lindus Construction, Makita BDF452HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit, Midwest LeafGuard, Milwaukee 6509-22 Sawzall 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw, Paslode 902000 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer, Porter-Cable 342 1/4-Sheet Palm Sander, Remodeling, Tools, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show
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Being a guy, I know that if you are the hands on type (like me) we tend to define ourselves by the tools that we have. I am going to discuss which tools I think no man should ever go without because of their versatility to work on almost any job. The tools below are any man’s dream to have in his arsenal. Being in the construction business for over the last 30 years, we take our tools and their ability to perform on the job as serious business. With the large variety of power tools on the market it can be mindboggling, but these tools allow us to work faster and increase the number of different jobs that we are able to accomplish. Below, we are going to discuss power tools that will make a difference in performance and reduce fatigue.

Makita BDF452HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit

Cordless Drill

No man should ever go without a cordless drill in his collection. This will be your go to tool for many projects around your home. Without it, you’ll be looking like an Amish carpenter as you hand-bore holes at a rate of one per hour.  The Makita 18-volt cordless drill-driver weighs only 3.5 lbs. yet delivers up to 450 lbs. of max torque. This little beauty will give you enough oomph to get through any type of reasonable material. Its ergonomic shape fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue and has a compact lithium-ion battery charges in only 15 minutes for less downtime.

Hitachi C10FCH2 10″ Miter Saw with Laser

Miter Saw

A power miter saw, also known as a chop saw or drop saw, is a power tool used to make a quick, accurate crosscuts. Common uses include framing operations, cutting crown molding, chair rails or decking. Most miter saws are relatively small and portable, with common blade sizes ranging from eight to twelve inches. Hitachi’s 10” miter saw is great for a couple of reasons. It is the lightest in its class at 26.5 lbs. and also has an exclusive laser marking system which can be activated before the blade is in motion for exact alignment and predictable blade placement aiding you in achieving the old adage “measure twice, cut once”.  I would recommend saving money and building your own more versatile miter saw table. Building your own will allow you to support longer stocks, frees up works space and keeps the saw at the perfect working height all the time. There are many plans and videos on the internet you can access for building your own table.

Milwaukee 6509-22 Sawzall 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw

Sawzall

Few tools embody the raw destructive force of a sawzall or reciprocating saw. It will cut through most metals and woods like butter.  It has a large blade that resembles a jigsaw. Milwaukee makes a sawzall that is the ultimate demolition tool. This bad boy can be equipped to cut pretty much anything with its dizzying array of available blades. Studs, pipes or even sheets of metal don’t stand a chance against this awesome machine. This sawzall is an 11 amp durable and super light machine weighing in at just 7lbs holding the title for the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. Don’t underestimate this small, but really tough, saw that has variable speed trigger that sends the blade from 0-2,800 strokes per minute. It has a rubber boot that provides superior gripping and exceptional accuracy.

Paslode 902000 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer

Finish Nailer

A finish nailer is a specific power tool that is categorized as a type of nail gun. The finish nailer is designed to accomplish carpentry finish work quickly and efficiently. As with other types of nail guns, a finish nailer is designed for use with very specific sized nails, which are sold in strips that load into the gun. Inside, a hammer mechanism drives the nails with powered force, making the finish nailer ideal for quickly installing all types of trim from baseboards to crown molding. Paslode’s 902000 Fuel-Powered Cordless 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer allows you to never worry about dragging around cords, hoses or bulky compressors. Instead, you’ll get the portability and flexibility you need to move around the jobsite and finish hard-to-reach areas–without the mess and clutter of a pneumatic tool. And because you won’t need to set up or break down, you’ll save both time and labor costs. It weighs just 4.9 pounds, so it’s easy on the arms. And with a sure-grip handle, it’s comfortable to hold, even during all-day jobs. It can drive 3/4″ to 2-1/2″ 16-gauge straight nails in even the hardest woods, so you can finish doors, molding, paneling, rails, casing and cabinetry work. When you’re tackling a big job, you’ll be grateful for the high-capacity straight-collation magazine, which holds up to 100 nails.

DEWALT DC825KA 1/4″ (6.4mm) 18V Cordless XRP™ Impact Driver Kit

Impact Driver

An impact driver is an ideal choice for tackling a broad range of fastening applications. It is getting a lot of attention these days because it is neither a hammer drill nor a regular drill. It has a smaller condensed profile compared to a regular drill allowing it to have 1,330 inch-pounds of torque. This also means that you are less likely to strip screws and it allows you to drive long screws with minimal effort. This Dewalt driver has a textured anti-slip grip comfort grip that provides maximum comfort and control when on the job. It also has a heavy-duty impacting mechanism that directs the torque to fastener without kickbacks. You can’t go wrong with this machine.

DEWALT DW366 7.25″ Heavy Duty Circular Saw with Electric Brake

Circular Saw

This type of hand held power saw is a basic tool in a carpenter, builder or home renovator’s tool kit. A circular saw is an electric saw that turns a round flat blade to cut wood, metal, or plastic depending on the blade selected. A good circular saw should have enough raw power to slice through everything from wet lumber to dense hardwood without bogging down. For a wide range of carpentry projects, the good old circular saw can be your best friend. Choosing one like the Dewalt DW364 is a good call, in that it has both the power you’ll definitely need and the features you’ll be thankful for, particularly if you get into making some more advanced cuts. The saw is capable of making bevel cuts of up to 50 degrees and its aluminum alloy base means enough durability to make a lot of said cuts. For safety’s sake, this saw is equipped with an electric brake for quick blade halts and features a handle layout that keeps you behind the blade.

Porter-Cable 342 1/4-Sheet Palm Sander

Palm Sander

A palm sander is a type of power sander that can easily be held and operated with one hand. It is often a good choice for a variety of home improvement tasks. The palm sander works by vibrating in a slightly circular pattern. This motion causes a very effective sanding action to occur, smoothing the surface of the wood being sanded. They are considered very versatile and can handle both finish sanding and rough sanding jobs. The Porter-Cable Palm Sander is nice because it has a 2.4 amp motor for power and durability, rubber grip for comfort, a porous polyethylene dust canister that is much more durable than its cloth counterparts and weighs a mere 5lbs.

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.

Taking Back the Nest

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Posted by Andy Lindus on August 13, 2012 – 8:46 pm
Filed under Home Decor, Home Maintenance, Remodeling
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With a new class of incoming college freshmen comes a new group of empty nesters.  Once the feelings of separation anxiety are conquered and parents realize they no longer need to stock their pantrywith copious amounts of junk food and their function as an on demand ATM has ended, the real fun can begin.  This includes reclaiming rooms in the home whose primary purpose may have been for entertaining their children and their friends.  Hobby rooms are a popular choice for those who wish to transform newly freed space.  Here are some examples of ways to transform your new found space:

Guest Bedroom: Visitors to your home will appreciate having a space of their own to catch some zzz’s.  Be sure to clear clutter so guests have a peaceful environment.  Excess items should be stored out of sight in closets or dressers.  Luggage racks are affordable and can give guests a place to hang their clothing for their stay.  Be sure to have extra towels and blankets available.  For a personalized touch, fresh flowers can be added.

Home Library: A home library can provide a good place to curl up with a cup of coffee and a favorite read.  Make the most of the room by adding some book shelves, some trendy track lights or contemporary floor lamps.  Be sure to select comfy furniture.  Bear in mind that while a room with a bay window, which allows lots of sunlight in, might sound like a good idea the abundance of natural light can damage books.  We also caution you to stay away from humid areas such as basements and attics, as their conditions are not ideal for book storage.

Home Office: Even small areas such as closets can be transformed into a home office.  For the most part, closets are underutilized and highly disorganized.  Because an office is supposed to be a place of inspiration, have fun with the décor by picking a brightly colored paint or wallpaper pattern.  Closet walls can be used for storage.  You can opt for a curtain instead of a door if you’d like.  The most important thing is to personalize it.

Trophy Room: Are you an avid hunter or fisherman?  A trophy room can be a great place to showcase your achievements.  An ideal trophy room has high ceilings (10 foot minimum).  This will allow you to place mounts above each other.  Make sure the room has ample space so that you have room to display future mounts.  Be sure to select lighting that highlights your displays.  Minimal windows are better because they can damage your mounts and also take away from the space that you could dedicate to displaying your trophy game.

Sports Room: Pay tribute to your favorite team with a sports room.  A sports room allows you to personalize rugs, clocks, mats, etc. with your favorite team’s logo.  Take it step further and use Glidden Paint’s Team Spirit Line collection which has exact matches for colors of most professional team’s colors.  Memorabilia can also be framed and displayed in this room.  Take your dedication up a notch with an oversized beanbag chair & ceiling fan with your favorite team’s logo.  Be sure to include a TV, fridge or mini fridge and a serving area so your new room can be a spot to watch the big game.

Game Room: Transform an empty space into a game room where you can entertain.  Some ideas of accessories for the room include a pool table, shuffleboard, dart board, Ping-Pong table, air hockey table, foosball table and poker table.  If the space is small, pick one or two areas of focus and select paint, lighting, flooring and accessories that make sense.  For example, ping pong can be a little difficult to play on carpet.

Craft Room: Craft rooms allow you one central place to work on your hobby.  Whether it is basket weaving, ceramics or knitting, use color to inspire and organize.  Select stylish storage bins that compliment your wall color to decorate in a functional way.

While it can be tough to have a child leave for college, breathing new life into old spaces can prove to be a welcome distraction and enhancement to your home.

Looking for more inspiration?  Check out Lindus Construction’s top picks for the above mentioned rooms on Pinterest.

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 regarding your home improvement needs!

Is That Wood Flooring Under My Carpet?

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Posted by Andy Lindus on July 6, 2012 – 8:00 am
Filed under Andy Lindus, Construction, Home Construction, Home Safety, Lindus Construction, Midwest LeafGuard, Remodeling, Uncategorized, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show
Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Whether you have just discovered original wood flooring in your home or you have had it for a long time, the thought of refinishing it has probably crossed your mind. Refinished wood floors will add a striking appearance to your living space. You need to weigh your options because it is a very time-consuming, patience testing and sometimes messy home remodeling project. Before you dive right in unprepared, we will discuss the steps involved and then you can decide whether this is a do-it-yourself project and you are up for the challenge or something better left to the professionals.

Signs your floor needs to be refinished

Scratches, dents, cracks and stains in your wood flooring are signs that you need to refinish it. Also, if some of the higher traffic areas appear dull and worn out this is a tell-tale sign. Most hardwood flooring needs to be refinished every three to four years depending on where the flooring exists in your home. If your flooring exists in a part of your home where there is very little traffic, you can go many years longer without having to refinish it. If you have a lot of pets or a larger family most likely you will have to refinish your floors more frequently.

Prep

There are 4 basic steps in refinishing your wood flooring: prep, sand, stain and seal. The prep stage consists of making sure you have the correct tools on the job to complete your project efficiently and effectively. Here are some of the basic prep items that you will need to start your project:

Drum Sander – This sander will do the majority of the sanding on your floor

Edge or Orbital Sander – These handheld power tools will help with tough spots and tight corners

Buffer – To smooth out your wood floor surface after sanding

Putty Knife & Scrapper – To fill gaps and cracks in the floor

Shop Vac – This little gem will be a life saver when trying to clean up all of the dust from sanding

Ear protection, Dust Masks & Safety Goggles – Safety is first, so don’t overlook these items

Paint Rollers & Extension Pole – This will save on the backbreaking work involved in staining and sealing your floor

Water-based Polyurethane & Stain – You are going to need one or the other or both to seal your floor to protect it from the elements

Sanding

The sanding process of refinishing your floors is the process of removing the finish that is currently on your floors and to smooth out your surface. If you had carpet covering your original hardwood flooring you will most likely have glue and scratches that you need to work out. Sanding your floor is essential because it helps the surface of the wood be receptive for the coat of stain and finish you will apply. The sanding step of finishing your floor is probably the most cumbersome and labor intensive, but don’t skimp on it because it will only cause you problems when it comes to staining and sealing your floor.

Staining & Sealing

Before you apply any stain or sealer you must clean the floor of any dust from sanding as well as thoroughly wipe down the floor with a cloth. When applying the stain to your newly sanded floor you are going to want to apply it in the direction of the grain in the wood. Try to apply it as evenly as possible. You can use a brush or a roller to apply the polyurethane. Make sure to let this coat dry for at least 6-8 hours. Adding a sealer if imperative to the sustainability of your new floor. It will protect your floor and if anything is spilled it will bead up and is easily cleaned. Floor finishes emit harmful vapors so make sure to have plenty of ventilation in the area you are working in during this process.

Cost

Homewyse.com states to refinish your hardwood floors in 2012 ranges from an average of $0.64 to $0.84 per square foot. Your cost will depend on your local labor, materials costs, job complexity, level of preparation and finish quality. You can go to their website at www.homewyse.com and enter in your zip code to estimate your project cost more accurately for the area that you live in. Their estimates in your specific zip code are accurate to within +/-10%. You should expect to pay in the higher end of the range for work completed by a reputable, licensed, bonded and insured contractor. When hiring a contractor expect a high quality of work to be completed and check out the Better Business Bureau to find the best in your area. Our advice would be to leave it up to the professionals, such as Lindus Construction, when it comes to highly skilled remodeling projects so you will get the outcome that you desire.

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 for your home improvement needs today!

 

Add Square Footage by Finishing Your Basement!

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Posted by Andy Lindus on June 29, 2012 – 10:00 am
Filed under Andy Lindus, basement waterproofing, Construction, Energy Efficient Homes, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Home Safety, Lindus Construction, Midwest LeafGuard, Remodeling, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show
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Deciding whether or not to finish your basement is an important consideration. Some people view a finished basement as a total necessity and others view it as a major nuisance. Basement remodeling is one of the best kept secrets of space expansion. It is prime remodeling territory from a financial investment as well as improving your quality of living. According to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, a basement project typically costs about $64,500 and returns about 70 percent of the original cost. If you own a 2000 square foot home and finish your basement, you may get 1000 square feet of extra space. That’s a 50 percent increase in space. As a result, that extra space increases the market value of your home substantially. Below is why finishing your basement should be top priority on your next to-do list.

Income
Do you need to add more income to your household to add more flexibility in your current lifestyle? Finishing your basement can add to your income. Basement apartments are very popular these days because people are downsizing from their current living spaces. Many basements rent at 75% of the cost of your monthly mortgage, quickly offsetting the upfront cost of finishing the space. Also, finishing your basement offers the best price per square foot of any home remodeling project.

Comfort
Finishing your basement can offer your whole family a more comfortable living space by staying nice and cool in the summer and toasty in the winter. Having a finished basement will offer you a room in your home that is very energy efficient compared to any other room in your home saving on added energy bills that an addition would cost. Unlike your main level living space, your open basement offers you a blank slate in choosing a floor plan that you wish you had on your main levels such an extra bathroom or possibly an added bedroom or two. Many people would agree that they would prefer to spend time in their finished basement than any other room in their home.

Family & Entertaining
If you have your extended family in town a lot or you are the entertainers of your group of friends, finishing your basement will allow your family to have separate living quarters whether they are there for the weekend or the month. Having a space where you and your friends can congregate to watch football on Sundays on your big screen or adding a pool table and a bar to entertain on the weekends is also an added bonus.

Storage
Do you wish you had more storage in your home? If so, finishing your basement to be the creative and organized haven you desire is right at your fingertips. Finishing your basement will provide you more storage and shelving space.

Resale Value
Many consumers in the home buying market will tell you that having a finished basement in a prospective home will make or break their will to purchase it. A lot of people don’t want to finish a basement themselves and want that added living space to already exist in their future home. The benefits from a resale point of view far outweigh the cost associated with completing the job. According to annual surveys by Remodeling Online, homeowners who spend $50,000 on major basement remodeling can expect to add just under $40,000 to their home’s resale value, or recoup 79.3 percent of their investment.

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 for your home improvement needs today!

Perk Up the Outside of Your Home with Paint

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Posted by Andy Lindus on June 22, 2012 – 8:11 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, Construction, cracked foundation, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Lindus Construction, Midwest LeafGuard, Remodeling, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show
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Does your home need a new look? In this economy, homeowners are finding out that there’s nothing quite like painting to refresh your home, at a fraction of the cost of a remodel, produces immediate results. Painting is a major job, but if you are up to the challenge it will be worth your while because painting will provide an update for pennies on the dollar. Whether your motivation is curb appeal or resale value you will not be disappointed on your ROI when it comes to sprucing up the exterior of your home.

You are going to need some specific tools for this DIY job that you can either rent or purchase. If you don’t believe that you will use these tools again in the foreseeable future, make sure to rent them. Here is a list of tools needed to paint the exterior of your home.

Prepping & Painting Tools

  • Paint Scraper – will save you a lot of agony when trying to get off that old paint.
  • Putty Knife – will come in handy when you need to scrape down areas.
  • Wire Brush – works well in hard to scrape areas to loosen up the old paint.
  • Plastic Sheeting – will save you a lot of clean up when it comes to scraped off paint chips.
  • Pole Sander – this will help you sand in those hard to reach places that are higher up.
  • Sandpaper – have plenty of this on hand to access those smaller crevices.
  • Painting Tape – you will want ample amounts especially if you are spraying.
  • Caulk & Caulk Gun – use this to fill any holes or gaps after you are done scraping and sanding before you start the painting process.
  • Pressure Washer – this will save a lot of manual labor when removing the old paint.
  • Extension Ladders or Scaffolding – is a personal preference whether you are going to use ladders or scaffolding. Both of these come in all sizes so make sure to choose the best height for your home.
  • Paint Sprayer, Brushes and Rollers – using a paint sprayer will save you a lot of time and will produce a more consistent look. Brushes and rollers still do the trick and it really depends on how much time you have to complete this project and what method you are most comfortable with.
  • Paint – keep in mind the elements that your new paint will endure such as lots of rain or cold winters. Be sure to spend the extra dollars on the quality of your paint because the last thing you want to do is put in all of this work to only have to re-do the job in a short amount of time.

Now that you have decided to take on this project, you need to have realistic expectations of how long this job will take to complete. Altogether, it can take anywhere from a few days to a week. One of the most important factors after you are done prepping the exterior of your home for painting is paying attention to the temperature. For the best results, paint on days with low humidity and winds. Temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees are ideal for paint to dry in the manner it is supposed to. Follow the shade around your home so that your fresh paint is not exposed to direct sunlight which can cause heat blisters. The second most important part of painting the exterior of your home is what factors and qualities to look for in the type of paint you choose. There are four different terms when it comes to the power of paint you are using and those are hiding power, color retention, chalking resistance and blister resistance. Here is what each of these terms mean when it

Hiding Power –many people believe that dark colors have greater hiding power than lighter colors. The truth is darker colors don’t cover as well as whites and pastels. The reason is the way paints are tinted. Tint bases for darker colors are usually clear and for lighter colors they are usually white that is why lighter colors will cover better.

Color Retention – is premature and/or excessive lightening of the paint color, which often occurs on surfaces with sunny southern exposure. Fading or poor color retention can also be a result of chalking of the coating. Possible causes of color retention are making the mistake of using interior grade paint for an outdoor application, lower quality paint, paint that is vulnerable to UV radiation or you had a type of paint tinted that is not intended for tinting.

Chalking – is the formation of fine powder on the surface of the paint film during weathering, which can cause color fading. Some degree of chalking is normal, but a cause of why this is happening is lower quality paint and using interior paint again for an outdoor application.

Heat Blistering – is the formation of bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface. Painting in direct sunlight or on a surface that is too warm, especially when applying a darker color, is usually the culprit of this.

There are two types of exterior paint and they are solvent-based (oil or alkyd) or water-based (latex). Oil based paints have mineral spirits for the liquid solvent and dry more slowly than latex, taking about 24 hours to cure. You are able to clean up this type of paint with turpentine or paint thinner. Water-based (latex) paint has water for the liquid. It dries relatively fast, which might not be desirable in hot weather or direct sunlight. You are able to clean up this paint with soap and water.

After you have decided on your paint type you need to choose which type of finish you would like gloss, semi-gloss, flat or satin. Your finish depends on what type of material you are painting.

Gloss – is the toughest. It cleans easily and resists scuffs better. Therefore, it’s a good choice for areas of high traffic or constant use, like door jambs and window casings. For shutters and other trim work, gloss paint provides a sleek, eye-catching look. Gloss paint will, however, show imperfections in the surface more than other sheens.

Semi-gloss – paints are also durable and easy to clean, but have less shine than gloss. They are just as suitable for trim work and casings.

Semi-gloss Satin – offers a good combination of easy-clean and moderate sheen. It’s a good choice for siding that is in good condition. This type of finish is also referred to as eggshell or low luster.

Flat paint – is the best choice for vinyl and aluminum siding that is scratched or dented because it hides imperfections well and spatters less when applied. It’s also easier to touch up.

Caulking is a very important step when it comes to painting the exterior of your home. We would recommend that you use OSI QUAD Color Match formula. It has the widest array of colors, at 3,500 and counting, in the industry because they work directly with the product manufacturers to ensure a perfect color match. OSI QUAD Color Match is an advanced formula sealant designed for superior performance on exterior windows, doors, siding and trim applications. It can be applied to wet or dry surfaces, even at freezing temperatures. Unlike other sealants, it resists dirt & dust collection, yellowing and water washout. OSI QUAD is self-tooling and once cured, it is paintable. Check out their website at www. http://www.osipro.com/.

You are finally ready to start painting the exterior of your home. You will want to start at the top left corner and work your way left to right top to bottom. This is because you read left to right and therefore are more likely to spot any places you may have missed. This is how your minds have been taught to see things and it has been proven to speed up painting. Painters work top to bottom because you will have times when paint will drip down and you’ll need to smooth it out. Once the main part of your home is painted you can start working on the detailed areas such as the trim and shutters. After you have painted the exterior of your home you will know if you would ever DIY again. If you answer is no, call your local contractor and leave it up to the professionals!

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 for your home improvement needs today!

 

Upcycling? Be Creative During Your Home Renovation Project!

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Posted by Andy Lindus on June 15, 2012 – 12:41 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, Construction, Home Construction, Home Maintenance, Remodeling, Uncategorized, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, Windows, Wood Siding
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Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value. The term upcycling began to gain traction in the mid 90’s. Upcycling allows you to re-invent and re-use materials in your home that are free and could be frightening in abundance during your remodeling process. Since reducing your carbon footprint and waste production seems to be headline news in today’s world take on one of these inspiring upcycling projects and do your part that will benefit the Earth as well as the character of your home. You are able to upcycle all different kinds of items during your home renovation such as wood siding, doors, windows, metal roofing and shutters just to name a few. By easily stripping, painting or even using as is the upcycled materials you will be able to have a center piece in your home that will be desired by many. Below we will discuss some of the resourceful ways to turn your remodeling project debris into stunning focal points in your home.

Wood Siding & Reclaimed Wood
If you are having your wood siding replaced on your home or tearing down an old barn or shed don’t feel that you need to throw away all of the material that is being taken off. A way to upcycle these products are:

•    Make a headboard

•    Build a bench or table and chairs

•    Use it as flooring that you sand and refinish

•    Frame mirrors or make into a useful chalk board frame

•    Add it to your walls as wainscoting

•    Build an island for your kitchen or bar area

Shutters
When replacing your old shutters be sure to save them. Shutters are very versatile when it comes to upcycling in your home. Trust us; you will not believe the endless possibilities with a product you would normally not think twice about discarding.

•    Doors to an armoire

•    Window treatments inside your home

•    Mail organizer

•    Pantry Doors

•    Garden Bench

•    Ceiling Tiles

•    Shelving with hooks

•    Wall Art

•    Clothing Racks

Windows & Doors
Usually the reason that you replace old windows and doors is because they are no longer energy efficient and usually need a facelift due to age. This is why these two products when you are having them replaced in your home look incredible when upcycled. These two products are much desired in the world of upcycling and here is how you can incorporate them into your current living space.

•    Window planters

•    Greenhouse

•    Laundry hamper

•    Picture frame

•    Display case

•    Flower box

•    Tables

Metal Roofing
Who knew that metal roofing could look so cool in your home! These amazing home design ideas incorporating corrugated metal roofing in your home will knock your socks off.

•    Shower area

•    Ceiling tiles

•    Fencing

•    Gardening beds

•    Kitchen backsplash

•    Tree house for the kids

Upcycling movement going on at Lindus Construction

We have a few ladies in our office, Carla Benson, Amy Jilk and Sara Haase, who are starting to become upcycling masters. We have large dumpsters here where our crews come and unload debris materials from the job site. It is not an uncommon sight to see these three out digging for treasure. The ladies are so accustomed at looking for these diamonds in the rough the guys here know to set aside certain items for them such as doors, windows, wood etc. Here are a few pictures of some of their upcycling masterpieces they have created with other people’s trash that has become their own treasure. If you like creative ideas make sure to join Pinterest. If you are already on Pinterest follow us at http://www.pinterest.com/linduscon or Pin our website at www.lindusconstruction.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 for your home improvement needs today!