Stonehearth Remodeling's News
5.11.2011 - Hail Damage Repair and Insurance Claim Specialists
Have you recently or previously experienced hail damage? If so, give us a call for a free estimate. We are your local hail damage repair and insurance claim specialists.
4.27.2011 - Fireplace Flare
Now
that it’s warm outside (or “warm-ish,” we should say) that beautiful
fireplace of yours, the one that was like a bright friend keeping you and
your marshmallows nice and toasty all winter, might seem a little, well,
lonely. The grating has been swept clean, the wood has been packed up and
stored in the garage, and without a colorful, crackling flame that open
space is looking pretty sparse. Instead of letting your fireplace sink
into seasonal depression, why not adapt to the changing weather and turn
it into a year-round accessory? With a few simple decorating tricks you
can turn that dark, cavernous hole in the wall into something brimming
with life and love no matter what the season.
Here
are a few ideas to fire up your fireplace for the spring and summer:
Plants
Nothing
makes a space feel fresher and more alive than plants. Although this will
be harder to manage if your fireplace is in a dark area, there are plenty
of plants that can survive without much light. For those that require a
little more sun, place them on the mantle. Tougher, more resilient greens
like jades can be artfully grouped on the floor in the fireplace. You'll
be amazed at how quickly your sad little unused fireplace feels welcoming
and homey again.
Candles
If you
miss the warm glow of a fire but can't handle the heat, candles are a
great way to go. Not only do they come in a wide variety of beautiful
colors, rich scents, and decorative containers, candles are also an
extremely cheap and low maintenance way to keep the romance of a fireplace
burning year-round. Place an incense burner in an open area and you might
never need winter nights again.
Pictures
What
warms your heart more than pictures of the ones you love? Okay, okay, we
know it sounds cheesy, but it's true. Pictures of family and friends
nicely arranged fill up that open space with a safe, familiar feeling you
can’t quite get with anything else. And investing in some colorful,
creatively textured frames can really brighten up the entire room.
4.19.2011 - Coon Rapids Kitchen Remodel
Below are some photos of a kitchen remodel we recently completed in Coon Rapids. We installed all new all new cabinets, countertops, hardware, and appliances. The owners were very pleased with the project and wrote us this letter.
Thank you so much for the wonderful job remodeling our kitchen, we are so please with the results. Your crew and all of the subcontractors did a great job, were very respectful of our house and pleasant to have around. We appreciated the attention given to our requests, your suggestions to design, resources for products and the accuracy of the time frame given. All the extra time spent on details were very much appreciated. It was gratifying to us to have someone so reliable take care of all the details and the unforeseen minor complications in the project. We would be happy to recommend Stonehearth Remodeling to anyone needing any construction work done. ~ The Tlusty Family
4.13.2011 - Work and Play, Together at Last
Remember
the line from the 1980 film adaptation of
The Shining, “All work and no
play makes Jack a dull boy”? Well, despite its less than peaceful
undertones, there’s actually quite a bit of wisdom in it. Home offices in
general are a great thing. If you normally work outside the home, they can
allow you to telecommute a few days a week. If you run your own business,
they act as your lifeline and center of operations. If you do neither,
home offices are still a perfect place to catch up on all of your emails,
do a bit of reading, and escape from the craziness of everyday life for a
while.
But just because your office is primarily used for business and work doesn’t mean the design has to reflect that. More often than not, home offices that are too bland and under designed can end up making you less productive. If a space isn’t inspiring and energizing aesthetically, why would it be inspiring and energizing for your work?
Sleek, modern home offices with a playful edge are popping up in companies and homes everywhere, so isn’t time you tried one out for yourself? Here are a few easy tips to get you on your way:
Paint
One of the easiest ways to up the design factor of your home office is choosing a new color scheme. Palates with some combination of tan, black, white, orange, red, or teal are all very fresh and fun, while still remaining chic and professional.
Lighting
Good lighting is the key to an efficient office. Make sure to have both small desk lamps and good overhead lighting, only having one or the other can result in a lot of headaches. Don’t be afraid to go florescent either, new technology has softened the edges of the energy efficient bulb s and made them much more aesthetically pleasing.
Accents
The perfect accent rug or bamboo window shades can do
wonders for the look and feel of a home office. Filling your space with
beautiful plants and decorative pillows can add a little character and
comfort to an otherwise highly functional, business oriented space.
4.6.2011 - Spring Remodelers Showcase Video Home Tour
In case you were not able to visit us this past weekend in Eden Prairie here are two video tours!
Photo Home Tour
Greg's Home Tour
3.30.2011 - This Weekend: Spring Remodelers Showcase
Please join us this weekend in Eden Prairie for the Spring Remodelers Showcase!
2011 Parade of Homes Spring Remodelers Showcase | 8859 Knollwood Drive, Eden Prairie MN 55344
Kitchen & Exterior Remodel
Look for #R15
April 1st 1-7pm, April 2nd & 3rd 12-6pm
Map to Home & Additional Information
Hwy. 212 to Mitchell Rd. and exit to Co. Rd. 60; left at Mitchell Rd.; left at Anderson Lakes Pkwy.; right on Cumberland.; left on Knollwood.
This 1980s era two-story home needed some updating, but like many clients the owners didn’t want to completely lose the original flare. Creating harmony between the old and the new is something we specialize in, and this Eden Prairie house offered a great chance to show off our skills and help out some homeowners in need. We started out by refinishing the existing low-grade kitchen cabinets and faded countertops with new hardware and doors, replacing the damaged linoleum floor in the kitchen with beautiful engineered wood, and using remnants of original granite throughout the new design. The family wanted more space on the main floor, so we knocked out the wall between the kitchen and the dining room to open the space up.
To spruce up the exterior we installed new James
Hardi siding, added on a new covered front porch, and gave the home an
entirely new roof. We then did a complete upstairs refinish with new
windows, trim, and doors, replaced the old carpet, and refinished two
bathrooms with custom cabinetry, granite tops, and tile. We didn’t stop
there, however. The basement couldn’t be forgotten, so we refinished the
space and added a new bedroom, new laundry room, and a new living room as
well. The perfect roundup to this beautiful new (but not
too new) home.
3.23.2011 - City of Edina April Events
A few weeks ago it was hard to believe that spring would ever come, and considering the weather today it’s still a little hard to believe. But ready or not April is on its way, and with it comes some great Edina community events. Here’s a quick roundup of the highlights:
Saturday,
April 9th Easter Egg Scramble in Edinborough Park
The perfect event for your toddler or preschooler, the 2011 Easter Egg Scramble will feature a candy-filled Easter egg hunt, a chance to get a picture taken with the Easter Bunny, and plenty of time for play in the indoor park. Two scrambles for eggs will take place on the basketball court in the Edinborough Park Great Hall at 9:00 am and 9:30 am. Only 75 kids will be allowed in each race, so get there early to sign up. Registration is $8 per child, adults are free. Check out the Edinborough Park website for more info.
Monday, April
11th Spring Classes Begin at the Edina Art Center
Located west of the Edina Aquatic Center at 4701 W. 64th Street, the Edina Art Center has been enriching the community through the arts since 1977. Whatever your age and whatever your interest, whether its pottery, painting, drawing, sculpting, or multi-media, the Art Center has a resource for it. Spring classes for youth and adults begin on Monday April 11th; check out the Center’s website for more information on what’s available and how to sign up.
Saturday, April 16th Junior Golf Registration at the Braemer Golf Dome
For the more sports-minded families among us, the Braemer golf course is the place to be once the snow finally melts. Luckily you can get a head start on the season by signing up your kids for junior golf lessons, leagues, and other fun events on Saturday, April 16th from 8:00-10:00 am at the Braemer Golf Dome. Lessons are available to kids of all skill levels, so beginners don’t be shy! Junior golf info can be found here.
3.16.2011 - Spring Remodelers Showcase Details
2011 Parade of Homes Spring Remodelers Showcase | 8859 Knollwood Drive, Eden Prairie MN 55344
April 1st 1-7pm, April 2nd & 3rd 12-6pm
This 1980s era two-story home needed some updating, but like many clients the owners didn’t want to completely lose the original flare. Creating harmony between the old and the new is something we specialize in, and this Eden Prairie house offered a great chance to show off our skills and help out some homeowners in need. We started out by refinishing the existing low-grade kitchen cabinets and faded countertops with new hardware and doors, replacing the damaged linoleum floor in the kitchen with beautiful engineered wood, and using remnants of original granite throughout the new design. The family wanted more space on the main floor, so we knocked out the wall between the kitchen and the dining room to open the space up.
To spruce up the exterior we installed new James
Hardi siding, added on a new covered front porch, and gave the home an
entirely new roof. We then did a complete upstairs refinish with new
windows, trim, and doors, replaced the old carpet, and refinished two
bathrooms with custom cabinetry, granite tops, and tile. We didn’t stop
there, however. The basement couldn’t be forgotten, so we refinished the
space and added a new bedroom, new laundry room, and a new living room as
well. The perfect roundup to this beautiful new (but not
too new) home.
We’re looking forward to showing off this beauty at the 2011 Parade of Homes Spring Remodelers Showcase coming up April 1st-3rd. Stop by and see the home for yourself Friday April 1st from 1 to 7pm or Saturday/Sunday April 2-3 from noon to 6pm. Hope to see you there!
3.10.2011 - Spring Home Maintenance Tips
Remember last week when we said that winter wasn’t
over yet? Well, while we’re still holding true to that statement (until
the last drop of snow is gone it isn’t “officially” spring), we’re also
biting our tongues a little. It’s getting warmer out, the birds are
starting to chirp, the crunchy white beneath our feet is turning into
slushy grey, all signs that the great
Here are a few tips to get you started:
Check your home sump pump
One of the most over-worked and least appreciated appliances in your home, the sump pump plays a crucial role when the snow starts to melt and the rain starts to pour. Most people don’t realize that their sump pumps are out of order until their basement starts flooding, and by then it’s obviously too late to do much good. Check to make sure your sump pump is in correct working order now and avoid a “torrent” of headaches later.
Clean your deck and patio
Dirty snow and decomposing foliage can leave nasty stains on your deck’s surface. Take advantage of the first three consecutive sunny days by drying the deck, cleaning the surface, then applying sealer to protect it from future stains. It may not seem like it now, but barbeque season will sneak up on you sooner than you think, and you’ll be glad you have a freshly cleaned and sealed surface to host on.
Cleanse your exteriors
Spring is the perfect time to grab that garden hose
and wash the muck and memory of winter off your siding. A mild detergent
and moderate water flow is good enough; don’t try power washing unless
you’re absolutely sure of what you’re doing. A power wash gone bad can
quickly lead to rot and mildew, so make sure to hire a trusted
professional if you want to go that route.
3.3.2011 - Bringing the Outdoors In
Okay, okay, we'll admit it. Winter isn't over...yet.
We're Minnesotans, we understand that as much as we'd like the end of
February to actually signify the beginning of Spring, we can't safely put
away the boots and heavy coat until May (and even then—who knows?). It's
no surprise to us that our noses are still red, that our feet are still
blocks of ice, and that another round of snow could hit us at any minute.
But still, none of that will keep us from ringing in March 21st with a 30
degree outdoor barbeque. And what makes a barbeque a truly enjoyable event
(other than the ribs, roasted vegetables, and Rice Krispies Treats of
course)? Great outdoor furniture.
Last summer the Mpls/St. Paul
Magazine Homes section highlighted some of the best new outdoor
furniture designs of 2010. The article focused on collections that were
unique in several ways, with unifying themes of eco-friendliness and
(here's the important part) the ability of the furniture to stand on it's
own both outdoors and in. The designs revolved around bold color,
pattern, texture, and the use of advanced technology to create fabrics
that are durable and weather resistant while still being fashionable. So
fashionable, in fact, that the article went on to describe how "Some of
the styles are so chic (and exceedingly easy to care for) that interior
designers are starting to use them as the main upholstery in homes with
pets and children."
So what does this mean for you? That despite the cold weather, it’s
officially the perfect time to start thinking about your outdoor furniture
collection since, as the article reminds us, it’s perfectly suitable to
make it your indoor collection, too. Barbeques, baseball games, and lazy
days lounging on a shady patio are coming soon, so why wait until May to
get ready? With the new styles and trends you can bring the outdoors in,
any time of the year.
Oh, and if you don’t have a patio or deck to put the furniture on yet, well, we can help you with that too!
Browse the picture gallery and read the full article here.
2.23.2011 - Weekend Events: Local Home Shows
Come visit us this weekend at one of our two home shows! We will be in Blaine on Saturday and in Hopkins on Sunday. These are both great events to check out if you are looking for new remodeling ideas or just want to get out of the house. We will have booths set up at both so make sure to stop by.
Feb. 26th - 9:00 - 2:00 - North Metro Home & Garden Show at the National Sport's Center in Blaine
Feb. 27th - 10:30 - 3:30 - West Metro Home Remodeling Fair at the Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins
2.18.2011 -- Add It Up: Pros and Cons of Building Additions
Although the warm weather is coming and we’ll soon all be spending a lot more time outdoors, a cramped house can still feel, well, really cramped, no matter how much time you spend in it. If you’re suddenly finding yourself bumping knees and elbows at every turn, it may be time to consider building an addition to your home. Building an addition is a big step and should always be considered very seriously before any action is taken. If you are considering an addition, make sure to talk to a professional contractor to get the lowdown on cost, benefits, and design ideas for your unique situation (that’s what we contractors live for, after all).
In the meantime, here are a few simple possible pros and cons to think about.
PROS:
Building an addition may add significant value to your home.
True, the real estate market has not been at its best for a while, but that doesn’t mean that a beautiful extra room, floor, or sun porch won’t still be a draw to potential buyers. People value space, and a well designed, well thought out addition may be the little spark your home needs to set it apart from the others on the market.
Buying an entirely new house would cost a whole lot more.
This one seems like a bit of a no brainer, but it’s still easy to forget sometimes during those “we have got to move” moments. Buying an entirely new house is a big process, and one that tends to be a lot riskier than simply adding on to the one you’ve already got. It’s amazing what a world of difference a little extra space can make.
CONS:
There’s no positive ROI guarantee.
Though it’s obviously always possible that your addition may end up increasing the value of your home, it’s also always possible that you may end up only breaking even, or even losing money, on your addition investment. Because of this, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re building an addition for a wide variety of reasons instead of hoping merely to increase the value of your home.
Adding space can also add a lot of stress.
We always do our absolute best to make the
construction process as quick and painless as possible, but it’s just a
hard fact of our industry that home remodeling can often be a very
stressful experience for many people. Make sure you’ve talked about the
possibility thoroughly with your entire family before making any
decisions, and check out our Ten Steps to a Smooth Remodel for some
helpful hints and tips.
2.9.2011 -- The Dish on Dining Rooms
For many homeowners, the traditional formal dining room of their parents or grandparents era is in the past. With the rise of fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyles and larger, more versatile kitchens, many people are simply shutting the door on their sit down dining room days. And for the most part, we can’t say we blame them. Spacious, highly-functional kitchens with expanded seating areas just make more sense for a large number of our clients, and opening up the main floor of the home often gives it a modern, relaxed quality that has become extremely popular in the past decade.
Despite all of this, however, there are still a great deal of people who either don’t have the money for a large-scale remodel or who actually use and enjoy their dining rooms on a regular basis. For families with a lot of children or that entertain frequently, that separated sit-down space can be an absolute must. But don’t let the bad rap fool you, just because the idea of a formal dining room is perhaps a bit outdated or traditional, doesn’t mean that the actual room itself has to be that way. With a few trips to the furniture store and a little spruce, almost any dining room can quickly become quite modern and accessible.
Sometimes something as simple as one brightly colored accent wall can bring a room to the next level, and sometimes a little more work is needed. If a massive rectangular wooden table is currently hoarding the majority of space, try swapping it out for a smaller, round table of a lighter material or with a glass top. Opening up a little bit of space in the center of the room will allow you to play with different sizes and styles of smaller end tables and cabinetry around the perimeter. The more modern looking accent pieces you have, the more modern the entire room will feel, even if you haven’t actually done anything to the physical space. Varying the size and style of seating is also another great way to make the experience a little more playful. Although most people are drawn to symmetry and perfectly matched color palates, quite often it’s the little variations and imperfections that can bring an otherwise traditional room into our more edgy era.
2.3.2011 -- 2011 Color of the Year
Pantone, a home and fashion company owned by X-Rite Incorporated, is the self-proclaimed “world-renowned authority on color.” They’ve been in the fashion, graphic arts, and home design business for over 45 years and have been very well-respected within the remodeling industry for just as many. Every year Pantone chooses one shade from its collection and designates it “Color of the Year.” For 2010, the color was Turquoise (PANTONE 15-5519), a fun, funky shade that is flattering on almost anyone or anything (see our previous blog post about the 2010 Color of the Year).
And the Color of the Year for 2011? The bright, vibrant Honeysuckle (PANTONE 18-2120). According to the official Pantone website this reddish-pink hue is “Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing ‘everyday’ about it.” With February trudging on and the end of winter not-very-near in sight (despite what Punxsutawney Phil may say), a warm, summery color like Honeysuckle is certainly welcome. Nostalgic and uplifting during the colder months, flattering and energizing during those precious summer days, Honeysuckle is just what the doctor ordered and we couldn’t be happier with Pantone’s choice for 2011.
Though at first glance the bright pink shade may turn off those people who are more inclined toward the “masculine,” it doesn’t take long before they come around to the color, which is derived from the decidedly gender-neutral classic red. Aside from looking great in women’s fashion as well as men’s ties, button-up shirts, and sportswear, a Honeysuckle accent wall will brighten up and energize any interior space, and that’s something we can all get on board with.
1.27.2011 -- Upcoming Remodeling Shows & Fairs
We are participating in a variety of remodeling shows and fairs this year. We will post additional details as we get closer to these dates! Please come out and visit us at one of these great events.
Feb. 26th - 9:00 - 2:00 - North Metro Home & Garden Show at the National Sport's Center in Blaine
Feb. 27th - 10:30 - 3:30 - West Metro Home Remodeling Fair at the Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins
April 1st - 3rd - 12:00 - 6:00 - Spring Remodelers Showcase at 8859 Knollwood Drive in Eden Prairie
April 2nd - 9:00 - 3:30 - Northwest Suburban Remodeling Fair - Crystal Community Center in Crystal.
1.26.2011 -- Making Winter a Win-Win
Sure, we’re in the business of building beautiful
homes that make you want to hang
out inside, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t enjoy the great outdoors
just as much as the next person (maybe even more—exterior renovation is a
big part of our business, after all!). While everybody knows
We understand that it may be hard to want to leave the front of that warm, custom made stone hearth fireplace we just installed in your living room, but trust us, it’ll be worth it. Every Minnesotan knows that some of the best outdoor activities are the ones that happen during the dead of winter, and if you don’t agree, the City of Edina is going to do it’s best to convince you.
Beginning on December 17th and running
through February 21st,
Skating not your thing? No problem. There’s plenty of
room for sleds, skis, and snowshoes, too in the more than
Beautiful homes, beautiful communities, and the
beautiful feeling of sitting in front of the fireplace
after a long day of outdoor fun—now that’s what Minnesota is really
about!
1.20.2011 -- Going Green To Get the Green
Good news for homeowners across the nation: Because
of recent legislation calling for an extension of the 2010 tax cuts into
2011 there are now even more reasons to go green with your next
remodeling/updating project. Homeowners who upgrade to energy efficient
windows and doors are eligible for additional tax incentives from now
through
So what do you have to do to be eligible for this tax credit? The answer
is pretty simple. Upgrading to any of a number of approved Energy Star
home products (installed at your primary residence) with the proper
documentation may make you eligible for the money. This means that you are
not just limited to windows and doors - the tax incentives also apply to a
variety of home appliances, roofing materials, HVAC installations, and so
on.
We've always been huge proponents of Energy Star products and
energy-efficient building (check out our MN GreenStar Bronze IV award
winning remodel) and we're thrilled that the new legislation is giving
homeowners more time and more reasons to go green.
Though generally the guidelines are fairly simple, it’s important that you understand exactly what the policy is and if you are able to receive incentives before making any big purchasing decisions. The IRS will be releasing more specific guidelines in the next few weeks, which can be found at www.irs.gov. For information about qualifying EnergyStar appliances, visit their official website at www.energystar.gov. Always remember to check with your accountant if you have specific questions about the tax credit program or want to see if you qualify.
1.12.2011 -- Homeowners Consider Outcome and Design as the Greatest Determinant of Project Satisfaction
According to a recent poll
released by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
website, 49 percent of homeowners “consider
outcome and design as the greatest determinant of project satisfaction.”
The
article goes on to explain that clients are focused more and more on
remodeling their home to fit their family’s specific lifestyle, wants, and
needs versus the less involved spruce and upgrade style remodel that has
been standard for many years. This news is no news to us, since we’ve
always pledged to work both for
and
with our clients to create the best home for their unique situation, but
it’s nice to see that the remodeling industry as a whole is beginning to
follow this trend as homeowners take more ownership over the process.
Part of the reason for this, as the NARI article explains, is the recent economic recession. Because the real estate industry has been so shaky in recent years many families are planning on staying in their homes a lot longer than initially expected. Rather than attempt to sell their not-quite-right house and risk losing money in the process, homeowners are instead deciding to spend a little extra money on extensive, highly-personalized remodels. The remodels are designed to transform their current houses into perfect homes for the future, at less cost and hassle than a full on move would entail.
Additionally, the article also
looked at what homeowner’s rank as most important to them during the
actual remodeling process. According to the poll, “22
percent considered having their needs met as satisfactory and 20 percent
noted accessibility and timeliness of the remodeler during the project as
influential.” Again, good news for Stonehearth, since dedication to
efficiency and open communication is the backbone of our company. We’re
happy to see that homeowner’s are standing up for themselves and
effectively demanding this level of quality from all contractors, and we
hope that the trend continues throughout the new year!
Click here to read the full NARI article
1.7.2011 -- Design Trends for 2011
The New Year is officially here, and with the traditional midnight champagne toast comes a bunch of new trends in the remodeling industry. Since style choices and aesthetic preferences are so subjective it’s hard to ever pin down any one specific trend or idea that’s hitting 2011, but there certainly are a few general directions that the home design world is heading towards.
One of the trends that has been gaining popularity over the past couple years and will most likely only get bigger in 2011 is something that is extremely important to us. Green technology in all aspects of home design and construction continues to advance and improve the lives of homeowners, the environment, and the economy, and remains one of our company’s top priorities. From more efficient washing machines to houses heated by solar panels, environmentally friendly products and practices have established themselves as a staple of home renovation projects in the New Year. Though not everyone can afford the slightly higher upfront cost of eco-friendly remodeling right now, we believe that green building is here to stay and we’re excited to see what new developments 2011 brings.
Perhaps the most popular place where the green movement has established itself is in the kitchen. Due to the poor economy homeowners are eating out less and spending more time entertaining friends and family at home. Because of this far more emphasis is being put on open space, beautiful details, and highly-functional design and appliances in newly remodeled kitchens. One of our previous blog posts “Kitchen Trends (to Avoid),” gives some general advice about kitchen redesign in 2010-11 so give it a read for more in-depth information.
Keep checking back with us throughout 2011 for more tips, trends, tricks, and remodeling industry treats! To see photos of past kitchen remodels visit our Kitchen Remodel Photo Gallery page.
12.21.2010 -- Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
We would like to wish you
and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Enjoy your
time with family and friends; and if you are traveling to Grandma’s house
(or anywhere else) we wish you safe travels.
Thank you for your business and
friendship,
Stonehearth Team
12.15.2010 -- Fireplaces: Giving Your Home a Much Needed Spark
It’s that time of year again. The time when laptops and televisions are turned off, schools and offices shut down, and blizzards of epic proportions rage outside our windows. If you’re a tried and true Midwesterner, there’s no better time than December in Minnesota. We love our outdoor ice rinks, we love our long nights of sledding, and most of all, we love coming home to a warm fire crackling away in the living room.
Sitting around the fire with family is a mandatory holiday event for many
homeowners, but the benefits of having a fireplace extend well past the
holiday season. Aside from the fact that the Minnesota cold often lasts
all the way into April, fireplaces can add a level of comfort and coziness
to a home even when they’re not being used. Once in a while, we actually
catch ourselves yearning for winter in the middle of July simply for the
fact that we’d get to use our fireplaces again.
In addition to upping the coziness factor, fireplaces can also add a lot
to your home aesthetically. Enhanced fireplace design has made leaps and
bounds over the past few years and is becoming one of the hottest (pardon
the pun) and most enduring trends in the industry. So many factors go into
installing or remodeling a fireplace that it becomes one of the easiest
areas in your home to customize and make completely you. And don’t make
the mistake of thinking your choices are limited to the convenience of
gas-burning versus the rustic charm of traditional wood-burning; there is
so much more to consider when designing the perfect fireplace for your
home.
Take a look at this
slideshow over on HGTV for a few ideas, and give us a call when you’re
ready to have us make your perfect fireplace vision a reality.
Stonehearth's Photo Gallery with fireplaces.
12.10.2010 -- Home Remodeling Links & Tips from NARI
The
National Association of the
Remodeling Industry (NARI) has an abundance of helpful tips
and resources on their website, so we thought we would share a few with
you. If you are thinking about starting a remodeling project now or in the
future you might appreciate some of the information they feature.
Homeowner Tips
Contractor Interview
Questions
Remodeling Project Budget Worksheet
Remodeling FAQ’s
Minnesota Chapter of NARI
11.30.2010 -- Winter Farmer’s Market Warms Heart and Home
Oh, July, that magical time when the trees were dressed in green leaves instead of frosty icicles, the sidewalks were covered with hopscotch chalk instead of snow, and the air toasted your skin instead of sending it cowering into your scarf. It was only five months ago, but when you put it like that it seems like a lifetime. Whether you love winter for the skating, sledding, and hot cocoa, or hate it for all the reasons we promise not to remind you of even more, everyone can agree that a little shot of summer fun to start off December doesn’t hurt. Lucky for all of us, our lovely city of Edina agrees and is giving you one last chance to visit the Farmer’s Market if you weren’t able to make it during the regular season.
Stop by the Centennial Lakes Hughes Pavilion from 3-7
pm this coming Thursday, December 2nd to get your shot of summer at the
Centennial Lakes Indoor Farmer’s Market. Vendors will be selling all sorts
of goodies including salsa, bread, honey, baked goods, sauces, meats,
cheeses, and much more. Not only is the Farmer’s Market a great place to
stock up for your holiday meals, it’s also a wonderful place to find
unique, hand-crafted gifts for your friends and family. Avoid the shopping
mall fray this season and buy your jewelry, candles, holiday décor, and
homemade blankets directly from the people who made them in a fun,
family-friendly environment.
We love every area we serve, but it’s events like
these that keep Edina especially close to our heart (and stomach!).
11.24.2010 -- Stonehearth Wins a COTY Award
More exciting news in the Stonehearth family—we’re happy to announce that we recently received a COTY Honorable Mention Award for our Edina condo renovation project. The COTY (Contractor of the Year) Awards have been given out annually since 1997 to members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) who have demonstrated exceptional work in the field. We’re proud to be a part of the NARI Minnesota Chapter, and to be officially recognized by the association with an Honorable Mention Award is incredibly thrilling, especially considering how hard we worked on this particular project.
The condo, which is located on 50th Street in Edina, was one of our most
challenging projects (we’ve noticed that those almost always tend to be
the most rewarding ones as well). It was a dark, mold-ridden, ten unit
building with extensive water damage that had been vacant for over a year.
Both the owner and the surrounding residents wanted the eyesore
transformed into something that would be eye catching for all the right
reasons, without tearing down the original structure. We set to work
repairing the existing damage, upgrading the apartment units and owner’s
suite, and renovating the exterior to fit the client’s vision of custom
design paired with Roman style and his childhood home.
Despite the challenges the project went off without a hitch and the condo
owner and surrounding neighbors were extremely pleased with the result.
We’re proud to say that NARI and the COTY awards were apparently just as
impressed with our work—we hope you will be too!
Click here to see photos of the condo renovation.
11.17.2010 -- Staying Warm in the Wonderland
No matter how long we’ve lived in Minnesota its crazy weather patterns never cease to amaze us. One day we’re walking around with our Hawaiian t-shirts and shorts sipping pina coladas (well, not really, but we can dream) and the next day we wake up and it’s winter. A beautiful white winter luckily, but also a bitterly cold one—especially if you refuse to change out of your shorts. Denial is a powerful thing, but unfortunately it’s not going to work this time. So swap that t-shirt and shorts for fleece pants and a sweatshirt, fill that cup with hot chocolate instead of pina colada, and read some of these simple tips for keeping your house as warm as possible this winter.
Windows and doors
Perhaps the easiest and most effective way to stay warm this winter is by
switching your drafty windows and doors with energy efficient
replacements. If you’ve worked with us before we’ve probably already
recommended this to you, but it’s never too late to let us help you get
those energy bills down and that heat index up. Yes, that’s right, not
only do energy efficient windows help you keep your house toasty, they
also lower your heating bills and some are eligible for up to $1500 in tax
credit. Now doesn’t that just give you a warm, fuzzy feeling in and of
itself?
Tape and weather stripping
Another good option if you’re not quite ready for a full on replacement is
using tape, plastic sheets, and weather stripping to insulate your
existing windows and doors. Hardware stores everywhere carry all the
supplies you’ll need and the process is simple, if not a bit sticky
sometimes.
Close the curtain
Closing off unused or infrequently used rooms can make a big difference in
the warmth of your home this winter. The heat will have to spread itself
through less area and will become more concentrated in the other rooms of
your house. Similarly, putting up heavy curtains between frequently and
infrequently used rooms also has the same effect.
And finally, if all else fails, bake a lot of cookies!
11.10.2010 -- Picking the Right Paint Color: Pointers, Tips, and Tricks
As custom home remodelers, part of our job is being there to advise and inform you every step of the way. We’ve been in the business for many years now and have seen a lot of great paint color choices, and also remedied a lot of poor paint color choices. Though we’re more than happy to always offer our expert opinion on what colors would look best in your remodeled rooms, we understand that many people like to have a pretty solid idea of what they’re looking for going into it.
Choosing the right paint color is a skill like any other remodeling
feature, sometimes you just know what’ll look right from experience, and
sometimes you need to work at it a bit. Here are a few things to consider
in case you find yourself in the latter situation.
Mood
This first one seems pretty obvious, but a lot more people overlook its
importance than you would think. The color of the room is absolutely
crucial to its mood and it helps to have some idea of what you’re looking
for either before you start the remodel or after the remodel is finished
and the only step left is to paint based off the new style. Simply ask
yourself, “what do I see the family and I doing in this room most often,
and what kind of energy reflects that?” If you want your room to be
relaxing and peaceful, try neutral tones. Intimate and dramatic, go for
darker, richer colors. And if you’ve got kids who are a constant ball of
energy, a nice bright shade will enhance their favorite area even more.
Lighting
Bad lighting can absolutely demolish the beauty of a room if you aren’t
careful to choose the right paint color. But painting a small swatch on
the wall during the daytime, looking at it once, and calling it a deal
isn’t enough. You should paint swatches of potential colors in areas of
the room where the lighting is most varied (dark corner vs. right across
from a window), and keep them up for consideration for around two days to
really get the full spectrum.
Starting Small
For the really indecisive, even color swatches may not be enough. If you
like how a color swatch looks in the room after two days, but aren’t sure
if you could handle it all over the room all the time, try starting small
first. Have a walk-in closet or a small bathroom? If you’re willing to go
the extra mile and use a small space as a tryout to really immerse
yourself in a color before you decide if it’s right, then painting a small
space like this can really help.
Whether you’ve picked the right color or think you’re on the right track,
be sure to give us a call and we’ll head right over to offer up our expert
opinion (and don’t worry, we promise we’ll be honest if that chartreuse
green just really isn’t working for you).
11.4.2010 -- Holidays on Ice: Winter Preparation Checklist
Hard to believe it’s November
already, isn’t it? The mild temperatures and clear skies we’ve been
getting recently can sometimes trick you into believing this pleasant fall
season is going to last forever. Well, we hate to be the bearers of bad
news, but, it isn’t. Winter’s coming up quick and it’s time to snap out of
that lull and start looking at these sunny days as an opportunity rather
than a luxury. Properly preparing your house for winter is extremely
important and you should take advantage of all the relatively mild days
you have left to zip your house up in its proverbial snowsuit. Here are a
few home winterizing steps that don’t get mentioned as often but are still
just as important as the regulars:
Prepping your fireplace
If you’re lucky enough to have a functioning fireplace, you should do your
absolute best to take care of it. Nothing beats a crackling wood fire on a
cold day, so make sure your fireplace is fully prepped and ready to use by
the time Thanksgiving rolls around. Cap or screen the top of the chimney
to keep out birds and rodents, clean out the fireplace yourself or call a
professional if it’s really dirty, and get your stock of firewood ready.
Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
When the house is closed up and the heat is on for five straight months it
is much more likely that smoke or carbon monoxide related accidents will
occur. Make sure you have a smoke detector in every room and that all have
fresh batteries and are functioning properly. Install a carbon monoxide
detector near your furnace or water heater if you don’t already have one
there, and be sure to test it regularly to make sure everything works.
Prepping for an emergency
Every house should have a proper emergency kit for each season, but the
freezing temperatures make it extra important that you’re sufficiently
prepared for an emergency in winter. Get that back-up generator ready in
case of a power outage, update all your emergency kit medical supplies,
and store extra food and blankets in an easy to reach area.
Preparing your house for winter now will save you a lot of grief and
trouble later. And, if you don’t have that wood burning fireplace we
mentioned and are feeling envious, give us a call, we’ll help with both
installation and winter prep.
10.28.2010 -- Kitchen Remodeling Trends (to Avoid)
If you’re planning a remodel and
are looking for a few ideas, there’s a lot of information out there about
recent kitchen remodeling trends (don’t believe us? Try
Googleing it for yourself). So much information is available at the click
of the mouse, in fact, that it can actually wind up setting you back. If
you’ve ever gone to a new restaurant and found so many options on the menu
that you became overwhelmed and ended up ordering a PB&J just to get it
over with, you know what we’re talking about. There are so many trends to
consider and so much information to sift through that it can become
difficult to know what is truly useful and what isn’t. Sometimes, simply
knowing what not to do is as much or even more helpful than a hundred
different suggestions.
This summer the good people over at shelterpop.com came up with five
trends you should avoid when remodeling your kitchen (“Five Kitchen Trends
We’re Pretty Sure You’ll Regret”). Here’s our take on what they had to
say:
1) Aiming High, Landing Low
We’ve all been in this situation before; you’ve perused through every
remodeling magazine available and envisioned your dream kitchen down the
smallest detail, it’s perfect. What happens when you actually get a
proposal, however? The price tag of that perfect kitchen of yours is far
from perfect for your budget. So, like most people, you look for ways to
skimp and find a deal and before you know it you’ve bought the knock-off
version of your dream kitchen and it looks as cheap as it was (relatively
speaking). The moral? If you’re going to go, go all out. Otherwise, stick
to simpler, well-made materials that are within your price range from the
get go (which we can help you with)!
2) Top Kitchen = Top Chef, right?
Wrong. Having a kitchen with a bunch of fancy appliances and plumbing
fixtures doesn’t really mean all that much if you don’t know how to use
them. Yes, having a kitchen you’re comfortable in makes it much more
inviting, but spending a ton of money in hopes that you’ll magically
transform into dinner party royalty is just plain misguided.
3) More of Something Always Means More Convenience
There’s been a somewhat strange trend recently to treat kitchens as
bathrooms; one on every floor, one for every person. This “mini-kitchen”
idea may make some sense for an extremely large, sprawling house, but for
the average home it’s just not necessary. Just because you have more of
something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more convenient, though it
certainly will be more expensive.
4) Me, me, me
We’ve talked before about the importance of remodeling with future buyers
in mind, and we’ll reiterate it again now. It can be tempting to want to
go all out and get crazy with your kitchen in an effort to make it really
reflect your personality, but if/when it comes time to sell your home that
self-expression can end up being a problem. What are the chances every
potential buyer has the same personality as you and also loves the hot
pink walls? Pretty slim.
5) The Pretty Problem
This last one is the simplest, so we’ll keep it short and sweet. Just
because it’s pretty, doesn’t mean it’s good. Always look for quality
first.
For more information about home remodeling, see some of our previous blogs
on these topics. To see photos of kitchens we have remodeled visit our
Kitchen Photo Gallery.
10.20.2010 -- City of Edina Spooky Celebrations
It’s that time of year again, we can smell it in the
air. The temperature has (finally) dropped, the leaves have turned, the
dentist bills have been paid, and it can all only mean one thing:
Halloween is here! Whether you’re a pumpkin carving fanatic, a master
trick-or-treater, or a costume connoisseur, lovers of Halloween everywhere
have the chance to unite in Edina next weekend for some wonderful
family-friendly events.
Here are two that you won’t want to miss:
Friday, October 29th 6 pm – 9pm: Halloween Party
When was the last time you got to trick-or-treat through beautiful
Edinborough Park? Well, now’s your chance. Sure the events are for kids,
but we promise we won’t tell if you want to play in Adventure Park, run
through the Great Hall, watch a special comedy show, and get your hands on
some delicious treats right along with them. Costumes are welcome, but a
play-friendly change of clothes is also encouraged.
Saturday October 30th 10 am – 1 pm: Pumpkin Fest
Round up your little monsters and take the family over to 50th and France
where there will be complimentary Caribou Coffee drinks to warm your paws,
horse drawn trolley rides, pin-the-face-on-the-pumpkin, free fire truck
tours, and more. Trick-or-treating runs from 10 am – 11 am, with all other
activities happening afterward. Oh, and make sure to dress up even you’re
not going to make it for the tricks and treats—after all, what would
Halloween be without a friendly costume contest?
When all the events are over and the kids have slipped into a deep, sugary
slumber, what better way to relax than settle down and cozy up in your
beautiful comfy home? But what if your home is not quite comfy enough?
Well, we know a couple of remodelers who would be happy to help you out…
Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos
10.13.2010 -- Remodeling Industry News and Updates
According to an article recently
published on the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
website, 56% of homeowners are most concerned with functionality when it
comes time to remodel their houses. The information is based off of a poll
that visitors to the NARI website were asked to participate in a few
months before the article was released this summer.
It’s no surprise to us that our NARI visiting clients are as practical as
they are in possession of good taste. We’ve mentioned the importance of
planning for functionality before in our blogs about remodeling specific
rooms (kitchens, bathrooms, basements, etc.), and while we’d like to think
it was our advice that influenced the outcome of this poll, we know it can
only be chalked up to your good sense.
Though beautiful, impressive remodels are wonderful and can certainly have
a positive effect on the overall feel of the home, we know (and, according
to NARI, you know too!) that it’s the little things that really count.
There is no substitute for a well-planned out, highly functional home. If
you walk into your kitchen every morning before work and the light switch
is in an awkward place, that’s what you’re going to think about every time
you enter the room. No granite countertops or amazing new appliances will
distract you from that simple functionality problem.
As most homeowners are choosing to remodel their houses rather than move
to a different location, a practical remodel is especially important now.
Thinking about the future when remodeling is just as, if not more
important, than thinking about the present. If you don’t have kids now, do
you plan to in five year? Yes? Well then a smart remodel now would take
that into consideration. A bathtub, more storage space, strategically
placed electrical sockets—these are all things that will make a huge
difference in the long run and save you the trouble of calling a
contractor every time life changes and a new functionality problem springs
up.
Home is not just where your heart is. It’s where your hands, head, feet,
and elbows are too. For a home to be happy and comfortable for many years,
all these things have to be able to live in harmony together. If every
time you go up the stairs you have to stoop to avoid hitting your head,
your heart and the rest of your body are going to fall out of harmony
pretty quickly.
Take the time to hire a remodeling company that is as concerned about
functionality as you are. And if you want a company that has the whole
package—functionality, beauty, and sustainability—well, you know who to
call. Visit our
photo gallery to view some our past projects.
10.6.2010 -- Video: Remodelers Showcase Kitchen
We would like to thank everyone that stopped out to visit us in Woodbury this past weekend! We had a great turnout at both the Showcase and Friday Night Event. If you were not able to make it below is a video of Greg giving you a kitchen tour!
9.29.2010 -- Remodelers Showcase – This Weekend!
Come out and visit us in Woodbury
this weekend during the Remodelers Showcase. We also hope that you can
join us for our Friday night special event! We will be hosing a special
Remodeler Q&A session with hors d’ oeuvres from 6:00 to 8:00pm. If you are
not able to make it then, feel free to stop in any other time during
showcase hours. We look forward to seeing you!
Special Open House Event
Friday, October 1st 6:00 – 8:00pm
Fall Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase
Friday, October 1st – Sunday, October 3rd
Friday: Noon – 8:00pm
Sat – Sun: Noon – 6:00pm
1428 Interlachen Circle
Woodbury, MN 55125
9.21.2010 -- Grand Opening Event – This Friday!
Stonehearth Custom Homes is excited
to announce the recent acquisition of Addition and Remodeling Specialists,
a 35+ year old company based in Coon Rapids. Stonehearth Custom Homes
acquired this local, well known remodeling company in May of this year.
Addition and Remodeling Specialists will continue to operate under their
current name, but will be managed by Greg Oothoudt.
Join us this Friday, September 24th from 3:00 – 7:00pm
for a Grand Opening event at our Coon Rapids office and
showroom. There will be food, beverages and great prizes!!
Location: 2618 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids MN 55433
Phone: 763-427-7330
For additional information on all the great services
Addition and Remodeling
Specialists provide visit our website.
9.17.2010 -- The Seasons They Are A’Changin : Fall Preparation Checklist
Our Minnesota boy Bob Dylan said
it best, “the times, they are a’changin’.” A new season is upon us and
with it comes cooler temperatures, orange treetops, and a whole different
set of chores. No, it’s not spring cleaning time yet, but preparing your
house for fall is just as important.
Here’s a general checklist to make sure your home stays as beautiful and
well-maintained in autumn as it was over the summer.
-Take advantage of the temperature: Now is a great time
to get all your outside window washing and paint touch-ups done. Soon
it’ll be much too cold outside to finally get those gutters cleaned or
that trim replaced. Don’t put off those minor but necessary repairs any
longer, or your neighbors may be spotting a snowman on top of your roof
while you fix those shingles you ignored in September.
-Prepare the indoors for the outdoors: Make sure your
furnace and heating systems are working properly first and foremost.
Autumn in Minnesota is notorious for being unpredictable (anyone remember
the Halloween blizzard of ’93?) so you don’t want to get caught with
freezing temps and a non-functioning furnace. Also be sure to check all
the weather stripping around windows and doors and replace it if
necessary.
-Spruce, spruce, spruce: It’s easy to forget about dusty
rooms and faded paint over the summer when you’re out enjoying the weather
most of the day, but once it gets cold and you start spending more times
indoors those little flaws will become much more noticeable. Fall also
marks the start of the holiday season, so make sure your house looks its
best for company by sprucing it up now. Hire a carpet cleaner, dust off
those lighting fixtures, and take care of some paint touch-ups.
If all of that isn’t enough to make your house feel like new for the new
season, maybe it’s time to consider something a little more dramatic. When
you decide on which room you’d like remodel, well, we’ll be ready and
waiting.
9.10.2010 -- Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase Event Details
Last week we gave you the scoop on the kitchen remodel we did for a family in Woodbury, this week we’re giving you the details on how you can come out and see the project in real life. From Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 3rd, Parade of Homes has organized a tour of featured remodeling projects across the Twin Cities, and our Woodbury remodel is one of the stops. Stop by the home and learn more about how we transformed this family’s cramped kitchen into their dream space for dining, cooking, and entertaining. Not only will you get a chance to check out the unique cabinets, countertops, and hardwood floors we installed, you’ll also get the opportunity to find out how we can help you achieve your own dream kitchen.
The house is located at 1428 Interlachen Circle, Woodbury, MN 55125 and
will be open to the public on Friday from noon to eight, and
Saturday/Sunday from noon to six. For directions and more info, visit our
page on the
Parade of Homes website.
News Article Archives
Stonehearth Project Featured in the Falle Parade of Homes Guidebook - 9.2.2010
DYI Painting Tips - 8.16.2010
Minnesota GreenStar Bronze Certification - 8.4.2010
Night to Unite Lights Up Edina - 7.28.2010
Minnestonka Boathouse Project - 7.22.2010
Bathroom Remodeling Thoughts and Tips - 7.15.2010
Farmers Market Spices Up Edina - 7.6.2010
Bedroom Redecoration Ideas - 6.28.2010
Kitchen Remodeling - Have You Been Thinking About It? - 6.21.2010
Edina Home Renovation - 6.14.2010
Interior Paint Color Trends: Color of the Year for 2010 - 6.5.2010
Upcoming Edina Events - 5.25.2010
Photos on Flickr - 5.5.2010
Project Feature:Complete Renovation of Edina Commercial Building - 4.28.2010
Why Use a NARI Contractor - 4.20.2010
Woodbury Kitchen Remodel - 4.12.2010
Remodelers Showcase 2010 - 3.30.2010