Category Archives: www.lindusconstruction.com

Top Home Trends for 2013

Posted by Andy Lindus on May 24, 2013 – 1:35 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, Midwest LeafGuard, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
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Outdoor living areas and screened in porches

Some homeowners have taken outdoor living and relaxing to new heights these days.  A trend that has started to emerge with more force in the last five years is looking outside of the walls of your home for entertaining and peaceful areas that include, but are limited to, comfortable seating areas, fire pits, big screen TVs and better surround sound systems than your living room. The benefits of adding a screened in porch to your outdoor living areas is that you are able to enjoy the smells & sounds of nature without the bugs, adding an extra benefit.

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Double-duty home furnishings

With baby boomers moving into condos and a lot of the American population scaling back and opting for smaller, more efficient spaces, having home furnishings that are multi-purpose are more important than ever. Kitchen islands that fold out into full seating tables, ottomans that can be used for storage as well as extra seating areas for your guests and couches that instantly turn into a bed.

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Lighter wall colors

Because of American opting for smaller spaces their creativity must increase as to how and make their space look bigger. Painting light colored walls in your home will give the illusion of your rooms being larger. Adding more natural light with additional windows will also visually increase the size of your living spaces and also serve a double purpose as a vitamin D mood booster.

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Outdoor kitchens

Who says that cooking a meal for your guests means slaving all day in your indoor kitchen? Not anymore! Outdoor kitchen areas have begun to pop up all across the country from 1-story ramblers to multi-million dollar homes. Some outdoor kitchens keep it simple with a nice built in grilling area while others are adding storage, sinks, pizza ovens refrigerators, granite countertops and let’s not forget beer taps. One of the cool new gadgets that the guys must have for their outdoor kitchens is a hybrid grill that permits cooking with gas, wood or charcoal. It’s the trifecta people!

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Home energy conservation

Every dollar counts these days when you are paying on average $4.30 a gallon and experts anticipate that it could rise even higher this summer. Home energy efficiency is a big way that you can put green back pockets by recycling water throughout your home with a rainwater harvester, allowing you to use this for toilets & lawn watering. Investing in new appliances in your home and also taking a look at your furnace and air conditioning units can save you up to 20% a year in energy costs.

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“Green” Building Products

Sustainable products still maintain front and center position when it comes to home remodeling projects. This is especially true when it comes to paints, countertop and flooring. Benjamin Moore has jumped on board with the green movement adding paints that have zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and odor free paints to use in your home. Bamboo flooring has also made huge jump in residential flooring options because of its sustainability and fast growing forests.

Lindus Construction / Midwest LeafGuard is a full service local construction company offering LeafGuard Gutters, GAF Asphalt Roofing, SeasonGuard Windows/Siding/Insulation, Decking, New Construction & Home Remodeling. Check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com or give us a call at 1-800-873-1451 to set up a free no-obligation estimate. Tune into our home improvement show on WCCO radio AM830 every Saturday from 9a-10a with Denny Long & Andy Lindus.

 

 

3 components to a perfect looking deck! Inspect, Clean & Stain!

Posted by Andy Lindus on May 17, 2013 – 2:48 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
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With year round exposure to sun, rain and let’s not forget that four letter word that plagued us for the last seven months….snow, in our neck of the woods it takes a toll on your wood deck. Anyone who has a wooden deck knows that sitting on it is much more enjoyable when it is sparkling clean and properly stain and sealed. Your deck will start to look old, gray and battered when it is in need of some TLC. The appearance of your deck is not the only thing that suffers from lack of attention, but also the integrity of the wood elements can begin to breakdown losing its protection and begins to split and rot. When restoring a wooden deck it is extremely important to prep the wood correctly and also to be careful not to damage the wood due to excessive power washing or scrubbing. Here is how to inspect, clean and stain your deck the right way!

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How to test & inspect your deck

The easiest way to ensure that your deck needs to be stained again is the water test. Sprinkle water on the deck and if it soaks in immediately the deck is in need of resealing. It the water beads up and stands on the deck you may not need to reseal quite yet. If you notice that your deck is turning gray in color, has mold or mildew accumulating on it or if the boards are beginning to rot and split, your deck is in some need of care.  It is extremely important to prep the wood correctly when it comes to restoring an older deck. Failure to do so will result in premature failure of the stain no matter the brand or cost. It will not last as long as it should if it is not applied to cleaned and prepped surfaces.

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Remove furniture and inspect your deck

Preparing your deck for the next processes is imperative if you want your stain to have maximum longevity. Remove all the deck furniture, grills or any other tangible products that are resting on it. Inspect the deck for boards that need to be repaired or replaced. If you notice splintering wood use 80-grit sandpaper to smooth out its surface. Sweep all loose debris off and don’t forget in between the deck boards. Be sure to water and cover your plants.

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Deck strippers, cleaners & brighteners

The first process you should use is a deck stripper. A deck stripper’s purpose is to remove old finishes such as paint, stains, sealers and loose wood fibers. The next step is to use a deck cleaner. A deck cleaner’s purpose is to remove old grease, grime dirt, organic stains, tree sap and mineral deposits. It will kill mold and mildew that has invaded your deck. The last step is using a deck brightener. A deck brightener’s purpose is to annihilate tough tannin stains and watermarks. It reestablishes the PH balance of your wood after the stripping & cleaning process brightening old gray weathered wood.  We recommend using Penofin® Pro-Tech stripper and cleaner & brightener for the job.

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The stain

A large mistake that homeowners make in cleaning, preparing and staining a deck, is not removing all remnants of the old deck stain. Any stain on the deck that is not completely removed will block any new stain from penetrating the wood properly. Once you start applying your stain, the biggest thing to remember is two thin coats of stain is much more beneficial than one thick coat of stain. Do two to three boards at a time instead of trying to do half the deck at one time. There are a lot of ways to apply stain to your deck such as using a sprayer or roller. Remember that using a paintbrush is the most ideal method when applying stain because it works the stain deep into the wood pores.  We recommend using a wood stain such as Penofin® Verde.  This product is one of its kind being 100% sustainable, petroleum free oil finish with no heavy metal compounds, odors or offensive fumes.  Penofin® Verde is made of the highest quality Brazilian rosewood oils.

Lindus Construction is an expert when it comes to deck design & staining. If you are ready to finally have the deck you have always dreamed of give us a call at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to set up a free no-obligation estimate. Tune into WCCO AM830 every Saturday from 9am-10am for our Home Improvement Show with Andy Lindus & Denny Long.

 

 

Slashing Summer Energy Costs

Posted by Andy Lindus on May 16, 2013 – 12:59 pm
Filed under Construction, Home Maintenance, Insulation, Lindus Construction, Windows, www.lindusconstruction.com
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With energy costs ever on the rise, it’s not a bad idea to thoughtfully examine your home to see how you can save without having to forego air conditioning. In this blog, we’ll give you some tips on how keep your summer energy costs in check while helping the environment, since the Department of Energy speculates that half of a household’s energy consumption is from heating and cooling.

INSULATION- Insulation in your attic acts as a preventative to keep the sun’s heat that hits your roof, especially in the summer, from filtering into the rest of your home, which in turn, will make your air conditioner work harder.  According to ENERGY STAR, the proper amount of insulation that is installed correctly can lower your energy bills by as much as 20%.  Insulation shouldn’t be limited to your attic.  Your walls and basement also benefit from insulation.  (Learn more at: http://www.lindusconstruction.com/blog/2012/03/insulating-your-home-will-insulate-your-pockets)

WINDOWS- All windows are NOT created equally, particularly when it comes to energy efficiency.  Windows best suited to provide insulation and increase your home’s energy efficiency are those that are triple paned. This means they contain 3 panes of glass that are separated by air spaces. They’re a great way to save on your energy bills because they have more surface area, which is used to absorb both warmth and cold putting less stress on your home’s furnace and air conditioner. Lindus Construction is the exclusive home of the SEASONGUARD window.  The SeasonGuard window’s patented design allows for solar heat gain in the winter which naturally keeps your home warmer.  In the summer, SeasonGuard windows deflect sunlight, lowering your energy costs.Vinyl and wood frames will work much better than those made of metal because metal is a conductor, which means it will increase the sweating issue since it will transfer the cold air indoors.  And while we’re on the topic of windows, drawing the shades during the daytime, will also keep your home cooler.  Federal Tax Credits are available on energy efficiency windows, with a maximum credit of $200.  To learn more, visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

PREVENT AIR LEAKAGE- Did you know that a duct leaking air in your home wastes between 10-30% of cooling energy and it may require as much as one ton of AC just to overcome that leak?  Save your money and do the planet a favor-contact a RESNET EnergySmart Contractor who can give you an analysis on where & how energy is being lost in your home and which systems are operating efficiently.  They’ll also be able to suggest customized, cost saving measures that can be implemented to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.  (Want to know more?  Visit: http://www.lindusconstruction.com/blog/2013/04/increase-home-energy-efficiency-with-a-resnet-assessment/)

HOME APPLIANCES- Your oven uses 2/3 more energy than a microwave so bear that in mind when you’re preparing your meals, or even better yet, grill out.  Plus, oven use raises the temperature of your home which will, in turn, make your HVAC unit work harder, raising your energy costs.  Other appliances such as a dishwashers, washers & dryers also raise your home’s temperature and your cooling costs so it’s best to use them either early in the morning or later at night when the warmest part of the day has passed.

THERMOSTAT- Control your home’s temperature while you’re at work with a programmable thermostat by setting it to revert back to your desired temperature about a half an hour before you are scheduled to arrive at home.

Lindus Construction is proud to now be RESNET certified and would like to help you in your quest for energy efficiency in your home. Give us a call at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com  to set up a free no-obligation estimate. Make sure to tune into WCCO 830AM every Saturday from 9a-10a for the Home Improvement Show with Denny Long & Andy Lindus.

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What is Something You Can’t See, Smell or Taste In Your Home?…..Radon Gas!

Posted by Andy Lindus on May 10, 2013 – 1:40 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
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Did you know the EPA estimates that nearly 1 out of 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels? Radon gas is responsible for about 21,000 fatalities each year and the Surgeon General has warned that it is the second leading cause of lung cancer. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, one in three homes in Minnesota has radon levels that pose a serious health risk.  Many homes in Minnesota operate under negative air pressure, especially in the winter. This means that the air pressure inside your home is lower than the surrounding air and soil creating a  vacuum that pulls soil gases, such as radon, into your home.

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What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all types of soil. It moves into your home through cracks, gaps and holes in your foundation as well as through your water supply. The gas becomes trapped in your home and builds up over time.

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How to test for radon in your home

It is recommended that all homeowners test for radon.  There are two basic types of radon tests available, short-term & long-term. Short-term tests measure radon levels for 2 to 7 days. This offers a quick and inexpensive way to screen your home for radon gas. Long-term tests are for a minimum of 90 days. They are the best radon tests because they will estimate the average amount of radon in your home. For the best results monitor it for one year so you can incorporate both heating and cooling seasons. The cost of an at home test is usually between $5-$25. They can be purchased at hardware or home supply stores. Make sure when purchasing your kit that it includes the price of laboratory analysis. You can also hire a professional when you need and unbiased, third party involved when purchasing real estate.  You should test your home for radon every 2 to 5 years also conduct a test after purchasing a new heating or central air system.

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How do I find a qualified radon service professional?

If you are looking to hire a professional to test your home, wish to purchase a radon test kit or have any questions about radon gas in your home, you can contact your State Radon representative to determine radon measurements in your state. If you have radon levels over 4pCi/L you may have an opportunity to receive grants for radon mitigation in your home so be sure to check with you local and state ordinances.

Lindus Construction / Midwest LeafGuard is a full service local contractor specializing in LeafGuard Gutters, GAF Asphalt Roofing, SeasonGuard Windows/Siding/Insulation, Home Remodeling & New Construction. For a free no obligation estimate call us at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com. Tune into WCCO 830 every Saturday from 9a-10a.

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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Home Appliance Energy Consumption

Posted by Andy Lindus on May 2, 2013 – 3:37 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, Energy Efficient Homes, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
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In the United States, over 20% of our total energy consumption is related to our home and we are the 7th largest per capita consumer of residential energy in the world according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Lighting and appliances in your home account for 10%-50% of your residential energy use. 80% of energy consumption in your home can be directly contributed to your light bulbs, refrigerator, washer & dryer and dishwasher. Below, we are going to talk about the four biggest offenders in residential energy consumption.

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Light bulbs

Incandescent Bulbs – oldest, most common light bulb to date, but also the most wasteful in its category. The lifespan is only 1500-2000 hours. Only 10% of the energy used go to light these bulbs. The other 90% creates heat, which requires additional cooling for comfort.

Compact Fluorescents (CFLs) – these use less electrical energy than incandescent bulbs. They are approximately 3 to 4 times more efficient that incandescent using75% less energy.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) – consist of as many as 18 bulbs clustered together. They have come a long way in their innovation fitting most common household fixtures. They only use 1/30 of the energy used by incandescent bulbs and only 1/3 of the electricity consumed by CFLs. LEDs will last up to 10 times longer and hold up well to jarring and bumping because they do not have the filament like incandescent bulbs. The cost of LEDs are initially expensive, but the cost is recouped over time with your energy savings. High-quality LED recessed lighting products are the new rave today incorporating all the best features currently found on the LED lighting market: energy savings up to 80%, 50,000 hour life spans, great light output and color, low environmental impact and the ability to be installed with a dimmer switched adding ambiance to any room.

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Dishwasher

Did you know that a dishwasher consumes 1/3 less hot water than hand washing your dishes? 80-90% of the energy used for your dishwater is consumed by the water heater. Some older dishwashers require a water temperature of at least 130° F to get dishes cleaned. Newer models on the market have smaller booster heaters using less water heating energy.  Save more money while running your dishwasher by choosing an air dry vs. heated drying option.

 

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Washer & Dryer

Horizontal axis washers use 50-75% less energy & water than vertical axis washer, but costs a lot more. On average, it costs about 10 times more to dry a load of laundry than it does to wash it (so if you ware like many American households that “fluff” your laundry in the dryer 3 times before folding think of the energy being wasted doing that). Ways to save money while doing laundry are:

  • Use cold water whenever possible
  • Be sure to adjust the water lever to match each load size
  • Always clean your dryer lint filter
  • Use an auto sensor function if you have one to avoid longer than usual drying

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Refrigerators & Freezers

They account for 9-15% of a household’s total energy usage. If you have a refrigerator that is 20 years old or more, you should consider an upgrade you will end of saving money in the long run. When looking for a new refrigerator, you want to consider these options for optimal energy efficiency:

  • Manual defrost over automatic
  • Freezer on top/bottom instead of side-by-side
  • Chest freezer over upright freezer
  • One larger over two smaller units

An extra refrigerator or freezer can cost you an additional $100 in energy costs per year. The fuller you keep your freezer,  the less work it has to do to keep items cold because the food inside stores cold air.

Lindus Construction is proud to now be RESNET certified and would like to help you in your quest for energy efficiency in your home. Give us a call at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com  to set up a free no-obligation estimate. Make sure to tune into WCCO 830AM every Saturday from 9a-10a for the Home Improvement Show with Denny Long & Andy Lindus.

 

Increase Home Energy Efficiency with a RESNET Assessment

Posted by Andy Lindus on April 26, 2013 – 4:08 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
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RESNET stands for, Residential Energy Services Network, and is a nationally recognized certification and rating system in the United States for home energy efficiency. As a RESNET qualified EnergySmart Contractor, such as Lindus Construction, you can rest assured that you are working with a professional that has the knowledge from passing a RESNET administered exam as well as successfully completing approved energy efficiency training.

In today’s age, when we are all looking where to save a dollar or two, a home energy assessment could be exactly what you are looking for to improve your home’s energy efficiency and put more green back in your pockets. An energy audit will determine three things for you;

  • Where and how energy is being lost in your home
  • Which systems are operating efficiently
  • What kind of cost effective measures can be put into place to make your home more comfortable, affordable & more important more energy efficient

Did you know that a duct leaking air in your home wastes between 10-30% of heating & cooling energy and it may require as much as one ton of AC just to overcome that leak?

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Energy Weakness Areas in your Home That Will Be Checked

  • Porches
  • Roof Overhangs
  • Shafts for chimneys or pipes
  • Protruding or indented windows & doors
  • Crawlspaces & basements that are connected to the outdoors

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Blower Door Testing

Blower door testing is done by depressurizing your home, to amplify air leakage, so it can be measured and air leaks can be located. Blower door testing is one of the most practical ways to predict energy saving from air sealing methods. Some of the biggest sources of air leakage in your home are;

  • Penetration through top plates & gaps between sheetrock
  • Around electrical boxes
  • Recessed can lights
  • Open floor joists, chases & fireplaces
  • Wall cavity openings at the bottom of kneewalls
  • Open furrdowns or dropped ceilings
  • Attic access areas
  • Whole house fans

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Benefits of Having a Home Energy Assessment

  • Your energy bills will be lower increasing your energy saving
  • Consistent comfort throughout your home instead of feeling too warm or cold
  • Increased resale value for your home
  • Being informed of potential hidden problems enabling you to take action before a problem gets out of hand
  • Helping the environment from less greenhouse gases being generated from your home

Lindus Construction is proud to now be RESNET certified and would like to help you in your quest for energy efficiency in your home. Give us a call at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com  to set up a free no-obligation estimate. Make sure to tune into WCCO 830AM every Saturday from 9a-10a for the Home Improvement Show with Denny Long & Andy Lindus.

 

 

 

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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Decking Components 101

Posted by Andy Lindus on April 19, 2013 – 1:17 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, Decking, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, WCCO, WCCO Home Improvement Show, www.lindusconstruction.com
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Whether you have chosen to build a deck yourself, or hire your local contractor, it is important to be up-to-date on your deck-building vocabulary to understand the roles of each of your decks components. Once you have mastered the terminology of planning of your next deck, from researching building codes, obtaining permits and setting up an estimate. Being able to clearly communicate your vision of your new deck design will make it easier for everyone involved and also ensure accuracy of what you want your final product to be.

The main components of a deck

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Ledger Board – if your deck will be attached to your home, the use of a ledger board will be necessary. This is equal in size to the joists that anchor the deck to the house and supports one end of the joists. It will be bolted to the side of the house and metal flashing will be installed behind and on top of it to keep water out. The ledger board will be a treated piece of lumber that is as straight as possible avoiding any warp.

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Beams – are large horizontal boards typically made of 4x, or doubled 2x lumber. They are supportive posts that hold the weight of your decking materials and people or items that will be placed on your deck. They will be bolted to the deck beam posts. These beams provide additional support above and beyond the nails and bolts of the deck, which can weaken over time resulting in improper structure support.

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Joists – think of them as the ribcage of your skeleton. They are used to build your deck frame. Their main purpose is to maintain the shape and strength of your deck. They are usually 2x lumber that is commonly placed perpendicular to your house and across your beams. They are installed parallel to each other for ease of construction and to distribute weight evenly for the integrity of the structure.

deck posts

Posts – in the past, 4×4 pressure treated posts for deck supports were commonly used, but now 6×6 pressure treated posts are ideal because they are much stronger, more stable and offer a larger surface area for supporting beams and joists.

deck boards

Deck Boards – are the main surface boards to your deck that you are able to walk across. The easiest way to install them is horizontally. If you choose to have more of a custom look, you can place your deck planks at a 45° angle across the joists. If you choose diagonally placed decking, it will increase your strength, but your waste of materials could also increase up to 15% and the labor is also more extensive then on horizontally placed deck boards.

fascia board

Fascia Board – this board is used to cover framing and decking with a wide 2x piece of lumber. To add a more distinctive look you can add a “picture-frame” edge, which adds some visual interest by creating a shadow line.

deck railing

Railings – a general rule of thumb is that a deck any higher than 18” above the ground should have a railing installed, and check your local building codes to see what their requirements are if you are thinking of going without a deck railing. There are so many different choices on the market today for your railings from metal balusters, composite, wood, glass, cable and branch deck railings. Your deck railing is where you can express your creativity for all to see so make sure to do your research on which style will compliment your deck the most.

Lindus Construction is an expert in the industry when it comes to planning & building your next deck. Give us a call at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out on the web at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free no-obligation estimate. Tune into WCCO 830AM every Saturday from 9am-10am for our Home Improvement Show with Denny Long & Andy Lindus.

Protect Yourself from a Mechanic’s Lien During Your Home Improvement Project

Posted by Andy Lindus on April 12, 2013 – 2:32 pm
Filed under Andy Lindus, LeafGuard, Lindus Construction, www.lindusconstruction.com
Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

lien

If you have never heard about a mechanic’s lien, or you have heard the term but do not really know what a mechanic’s lien is, you are not alone. There are many things to know about when you own your own home and plan on remodeling or have improvements made on your property. Below, we are going to discuss what a Mechanic Lien is and how to properly avoid one during your home improvement process.

lien law

What is a Mechanic’s Lien?

The legal definition of a mechanic’s lien is the right of a craftsman, laborer, supplier, architect or other person who has worked upon improvements or delivered materials to a particular parcel of real estate (either as an employee of the owner or as a sub-contractor to a general contractor) to place a lien on that real property for the value of the services and/or materials if not paid. In layman’s terms this means that the contractor and any subcontractor or material supplier for a building project can go to court and try to take possession of your property if they are not paid.

lien 2

How to protect yourself from a lien?

In order to protect yourself from having liens filed against your property, you should have the contractor list in the contract the names of all anticipated subcontractors and material suppliers. Be sure to keep track of any notices you may receive and before making a final payment; be sure you have received lien waivers signed by each of the subcontractors. At Lindus Construction we pre-lien every job ensuring the protection of our customers as well as ourselves.

lien paid

You only have to pay once if you ask for the lien waiver!

If you obtain a valid lien waiver from the subcontractor, or if you pay the general contractor in full before receiving the notice from the subcontractor, you cannot be forced to pay for the services or material a second time if the contractor fails to pay the subcontractor.

lien 4

Steps to avoiding a lien on your property

  • Hire a reliable, reputable contractor who has been in business for a number of years.
  • Use a written contract that lists the subcontractors and suppliers for each stage of work you are requesting and outlines progress payments on completion of each stage.
  • Actively supervise the project and ensure any changes to the original contract are noted.

Lindus Construction has been in business for over the last 30 years and have over 50,000 happy customers. It is no secret that we are doing something right with over 30% of our new customers coming from referrals. Call us at 1-800-873-1451 for a free no-obligation estimate or check us out at www.lindusconstruction.com. Tune into WCCO 830AM every Saturday from 9a-10a for our Home Improvement Show with Andy Lindus & Denny Long.