We know, we know, it seems like just yesterday you were sitting out on the pontoon, slurping down a Popsicle and watching the sun set in 90 degree heat, or strolling through the Midway, washing down a gooey mouthful of State Fair Cheese Curds with a delicious milkshake from the dairy barn. Well, as much as we’d like to travel with you back to that simpler time when all you had to worry about was when to turn the hot dogs over, fall is officially here and it’s time to get you and your house ready both mentally and physically.
Getting your house fully prepped for the coldest months can be quite an ordeal, but since we’re only in the midst of sweatshirt weather let’s just take it one step at a time and deal with the simplest issues first.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
1) Clean your carpets and rugs.
Pretty soon you’re going to be spending a lot of time indoors, and a musty carpet can make a case of cabin fever about ten times worse. This is especially important if you have pets, since we all know they can get into (and roll around in!) a lot of dirty trouble during those sticky summer months.
2) Check weather stripping around windows and doors.
Don’t wait until the first snowstorm of winter blows a few snowflakes in your lap while you’re napping on the couch. Take care of weather proofing now and avoid any freezing cold mishaps later. Even if you won’t be turning the heat on for a few more months, keeping your house warm and cozy throughout fall will make it easier to transition into the below-zero temperatures soon to come.
3) Get your chimney cleaned and your firewood stacked.
There’s nothing worse than snuggling down for a relaxing evening in front of the fireplace only to realize that too much soot has built up in your chimney to burn safely and you forgot to get the wood ready to boot. If you regularly order your firewood from an outside company, make sure you have a place in your garage or shed cleared before the clutter of oncoming lawn furniture takes over all the space. If you chop your own firewood, well, let’s just say your hands will thank you come December!
For more fall maintenance tips, check out this helpful guide from The Daily Green!
Tags: carpet cleaning, fall, fall home prep, fireplace maintenance, home maintenance, home weather proofing, winter home maintenance
When remodeling your home you have a lot to choose from in terms of design. One element that is sometimes overwhelming is choosing the style and finish you want for your fixtures. The finish of fixtures in a living space can give a room a completely different look. Here are a few finishes that give different looks:
Metal fixtures come in a variety of colors and textures. The materials range from iron, chrome, nickel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper, and pewter. Each of these materials has different finishes that give of a certain style. For instance, choosing a stainless steel finish opposed to a bronze would give the room a more contemporary modern feel while the bronze would give more of a vintage look.
Glass is another option for fixtures. The options for glass are limitless. There are many different looks you can get from glass that will each give their own little character to a room. Using glass fixtures would be great in a county chic space.
Wood fixtures would be good for any room that has a rustic, vintage, or craft style feel to it. Using different woods would give any room a more warm feeling, great for cabins or log homes.
Another option to personalize your fixture is to paint them. This way you can customize what look and feel you want to portray in your space. Painted fixtures can be made out of a diverse range of materials, but most are a type of metal.
Remember, when you are remodeling your space, make it yours and make it something to talk about.
Tags: choosing fixtures for your home, creative remodeling ideas, fixtures for your bath, remodeling kitchen fixtures, remodeling st. paul, wood fixtures
After the historical Fourth of July storm hit Minnesota and Wisconsin this past week we are all taking a look at how well our houses are prepared for those treacherous winds and debris falling everywhere. Living in Minnesota you never know when your weather is going to do a 360 on you. That is why having the piece-of-mind in knowing your house is built with quality materials is crucial.
Making sure your roof is in good shape is storm proofing job number one. Your shingles should tell you whether or not you need a new roof, or that leak dripping from the ceiling in the kitchen.
The next crucial thing to take a look at is your windows. Windows get broke and they could leak during storms letting in moisture. Having energy efficient windows will help minimize the risk of damage.
To learn more about energy efficient windows, doors and skylights visit the Energy Star website.
Storm proofing your home comes down to the construction quality. Andrus Built prides themselves in the construction of their homes and remodeling jobs. Keeping you safe, dry, and happy in your beautiful home is their number one goal.
Being an adult has many perks: you get to eat whatever you want (well, if health weren’t a concern maybe), stay up late into the night (unless you have to get up early for work the next morning), and decorate your house exactly as you see fit (taking the other household members into consideration too, of course).
But as much freedom as adulthood brings, it also comes with a lot of responsibilities, and that can put a drain on your creative energy. As an adult, it’s easy to fall into somewhat boring paint patterns. Neutral tones and non-offensive tones are great, but when you start to notice your house is looking more like a doctor’s office than a home bustling with life, love, and fun, it may be time for a change.
The good people over at Behr sensed your pain, and created a beautiful downloadable brochure of their favorite fun and funky color and design trends of 2011. The main point we took away from it? Walls are a great place to start when you want a paint pick-me-up, but you don’t have to start there. Chairs, doors, trim, and cabinets all offer a blank canvas to paint and play on. Even the smallest spot color can make a big splash in an otherwise dull room.
The best part of painting? Anything that’s done can be undone with a fresh coat or two of strong white, so don’t play it safe! Choose that crazy color you’ve always had a secret passion for, and if you end up hating it after a week, so what? Paint it back to white and start over again. That’s why erasures were invented and that’s why the color white is so magical.
To check out the Behr brochure and see the fun for yourself visit the Behr website.
Tags: hot summer paint colors, north st. paul remodelers, paint colors, st. paul mn remodelers, st. paul remodeler, stillwater remodelers, white bear lake remodelers arden hills remodelers roseville remodelers
Now that spring has arrived it’s time to take off that coat and take in the outside world—without five layers of fleece in between it. Many people already use spring as the perfect excuse to get outdoors and get their body back in shape after months of winter hibernation, so why not apply the same principle to your home? Spring is a great time to renovate the exterior of your house and give it that extra little facelift before the lazy days of summer roll around.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Spring Cleaning
We all know that spring is the time to clean the interior of your house, but why not clean the exterior as well? Months of grimy snow and foliage residue can leave your siding looking dull and dingy. You wouldn’t let your kitchens walls look that way, so don’t let your siding either. Most cleaning can be done with a basic garden hose and cleaning solution, but if you’re looking for more power be sure to hire a professional to do the job.
Paint Pick-Me-Up
Sometimes a pop of bright color can be all you need to make your house sing this season. While it’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your home a new do, painting can also be a tricky process. Choosing the right shade for your house is a tough decision, and the challenge often scares hesitant homeowners away. If you’re feeling unsure about any color decisions give us a call, we’ve seen every shade and texture combination you can imagine, and we’ll help you figure out what’s best for your home.
Window to the World
Replacing your windows can have a much bigger impact on the appearance and quality of your home than you might initially think. Aside from the new cleaner, clearer surfaces letting in more natural light, new energy saving technologies will also significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills. And if that makes you feel good on the inside, it will certainly show on the outside too.
Tags: house spring clean up list, maplewood remodelers, north st. paul remodelers, north st. paul remodeling company, spring cleaning, st. paul remodelers, st. paul remodeling company, white bear lake remodelers
When Susan and her husband picked Andrus Built out of the phonebook, they had no idea what a serendipitous moment it would turn out to be. The couple’s 1999-built home was in dire need of some renovation work, they wanted more room for family get-togethers, and Susan wanted to convert an extra bedroom into a space for her sewing and crafting. When they contacted Andrus about their needs the response was prompt and positive right from the start.
“Doug came to our home the next day and gave us all the information we requested at the first meeting. I called a couple of his references and got glowing reports,” said Susan.
Work on the remodel, which included renovations on the basement, two bedrooms, bathroom, and the family room, started immediately. The project never strayed from the couple’s firm budget, and was completed within the quoted 30 days. Work went smoothly, every sub-contractor arrived as scheduled, and all inspections were completed as needed. In short, it went off without a hitch.
Aside from being extremely efficient and professional, the remodel also turned out to be an enjoyable personal experience as well.
“This was the easiest, most worry-free project I’ve ever done. I think Doug takes great pride in the jobs he does which is a great quality. Doug remains helpful if we have a household question and stops over if we need some help. Amazing gentleman and I now think of him as a friend,” said Susan.
The outcome far exceeded the couple’s expectations, and they couldn’t be more impressed with the results. “Doug did a great job making our goal a reality. I think it turned out even better than I could’ve imagined.”
Tags: basement remodeling, bedroom remodeling, little canada remodeling company, maplewood remodelers, north st. paul remodeler, remodeling budget, remodeling project tips, renovation, st. paul remodelers, white bear lake basement remodelers
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any room of your house! Give your existing shade a lift or paint an entirely new color. This little change can help you bring new excitement into your home. With so many paint color options, there is something for everyone these days, from bold to very light neutrals.
We know that painting isn’t always easy or on the top of your list of fun, so here are some tips to help your project go as smooth as possible. And if you don’t want to do it yourself, give us a call!
Painting Prep
You will need to move all the furniture to the middle of the room and cover it with plastic or move it completely out of the room. Next you will need to apply blue painting tape around all your frames and trim, remove outlet covers and doorknobs, and patch any holes in the walls. Doing these things first before starting to paint will ensure a better outcome and more satisfaction with your completed project.
Picking Your Paint
There are so many paint colors to choose from today that it can be a little overwhelming when you are faced with the decision. Visit your local paint store and pick up some samples. Then check to see how they match all the elements of the room you are painting and in different light. Once you choose the color you will need to choose the type of paint – gloss, semi-gloss, flat, etc. This is something your local paint store professional can help you with.
Clean Up
We all try so hard to avoid the paint drips, but it is inevitable that they do happen. Make sure to have rags and cleaning supplies near you to wipe them up quick. Once you are done painting you will want to clean all of your brushes and rollers so you can use them again in the future. Lastly, be sure to keep some of the extra paint around for future touch-ups.
Remember, if doing it yourself just isn’t your style, we are always here to help!
Tags: choosing a paint color, interior painting tips, little canada remodelers, maplewood remodelers, no st. paul remodeler, st. paul remodelers, st. paul remodeling company
Having worked in the remodeling business since 1989, we’ve seen a lot of trends come and go. One thing that will always remain in style, however, is a comfortable, stylish bathroom that you and your family love spending time in. Though no bathroom will ever be as entertaining as a living room fully equipped with HD TVs or as comfortable as a well-furnished bedroom, with the right design your bathroom can be a lot closer than you think. True, the main purpose of a bathroom is functionality, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t serve as an oasis of comfort as well.
Ever woken up in the middle of the night and been shocked into consciousness by cold bathroom tile on your bare feet? Well then maybe heated floors are for you. Ever been trying to give the kids a bath and been overwhelmed by the tangle of little limbs and feet all crammed into the tiny basin? Might be time to think about expanding that bathtub. Whether we like it or not, time spent in the bathroom each day is an inevitable part of life, so why not make it as comfortable and stress-free as possible? A consistently clogged sink or poorly lit mirror can sometimes break a good mood, while a long, hot shower in the perfect stall can often make it.
Whether you simply want to replace that leaky toilet and update the aging vanity, or install a state of the art Jacuzzi and custom designed tiling, we can help. Our general home remodeling projects range from the thousands of dollars to the millions and everything in between, and our bathroom remodeling services are no different.
From conception to construction we’ll help you figure out the best way to serve all your family’s needs (and maybe a few of your families “wants,” too) at the most reasonable price, and in the shortest amount of time.
Tags: bath remodeler, bathroom remodel ideas, bathroom remodeler, bathroom remodeling tips, Maplewood bath remodelers, north st paul bath remodeler, st. paul bath remodeler, stillwater bath remodeler, White Bear Lake Bath remodelers
Fixing the damage and renovating the home would require a great amount of creativity, determination, and flexibility from the contractor, and Sherrie was adamant about finding exactly the right person for the job. She researched, contacted, and interviewed dozens of contractors, but couldn’t seem to find one that could handle the unique and complex work involved in the project, until she met Doug.
“Most of the contractors seemed to lack full knowledge and expertise. Most lacked creativity. Many seemed overwhelmed by the extent of work involved. Most wanted to completely impose their ideas over mine,” Sherrie said. “Doug was the complete opposite. He understood the special aspects of my home. He listened as I explained wanting to be able to blend modern updating with existing features. I knew that I could easily and comfortably work with him in a partnership to effectively restore my home at a reasonable cost.”
Though the project had many unique challenges it was completed in an impressive 60 days. Sherrie attributed the speedy job to the skill, work ethic, and professionalism of Doug and his team. “I cannot tell you the number of times that Doug went out of his way, above and beyond the call of duty to meet every challenge and perfect every aspect. He was never completely satisfied until I was,” she remarked.
Despite the extensive damage, the Saint Paul home ended up with a fully restored and wonderfully updated kitchen and an eye-catching, beautifully renovated lower level, and Sherrie ended up with a life-long contractor. “Doug is very flexible, has a great personality and a wonderful sense of humor. I would never use nor recommend any other general contractor.”
Tags: basement remodel, contractor with full knowledge and expertise, life-long contractor, north st. paul remodeler, renovated lower level, st. paul kitchen remodel, water damage contractor, water damage restoration project st. paul mn
Every year around this time professionals in the remodeling and design industries put together their ideas about what was popular in the past year and what to look forward to in the coming one. Jillian Burton, an interior design project analyst for the Wisconsin Kohler Company, spoke with Remodeling Magazine about some of her ideas for what’s hot (or not) in 2011. Here’s a recap of what she had to say:
Fashion
According to Burton, now, more than ever, fashion is making its way into the remodeling world. Bright colors and playful prints are seeping into walls and furniture everywhere. Though personal tastes certainly differ across a wide variety of areas (not everyone is into animal prints, after all), Burton believes that using the home as a medium for self-expression will be a common theme in 2011.
Flooring
As you may have guessed, wood flooring is still in and will most likely remain that way for a long time to come. Though oak flooring has traditionally been a staple in older houses, many homeowners are now opting for the lighter maple or cherry flooring and woodwork. Both materials take stain extremely well, but are less saturated and more versatile than oak.
Cabinets
Just as there is a shift away from oak flooring, Burton has also noticed a move away from traditional cabinet design as well. Many homeowners are choosing to opt for the less conspicuous pantry area cabinetry over the standard row of wall cabinets, or, if they can’t afford to give up the storage space, to get more creative with their existing storage. Replacing a few of the wood doors with glass ones or opening up a row completely is a great way to get some variety without losing any of the space.
To read the full article visit Remodeling Trends and keep checking back with Andrus for more updates about remodeling tips, trends, and tricks in 2011!
Tags: custom woodwork, home remodeling trends for St. Paul Homes, North St. Paul builder and remodeler, north st. paul remodelers, remodeling trends, st. paul home remodelers, st. paul remodeler, st.paul basement remodeling company
