Stonehearth Custom Homes News
9.2.2010 -- Stonehearth project featured in the Fall Parade of Homes Guidebook
More exciting news from the
Stonehearth team! One of our recent remodeling projects is being featured
in the Fall Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase Guidebook. The Guidebook
includes a full page, full color article featuring the work we did for a
Woodbury family who wanted a unique kitchen/dining area remodel. The
family had moved to the suburbs from the city because they wanted more
space, but their new Woodbury home (particularly the kitchen) still felt a
bit cramped and didn’t totally sync with their daily needs.
In order to reduce the cramp and open up the first floor, we knocked out
the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room and redesigned the
space into a much larger kitchen area that flows into the family room and
living room. We installed ample amounts of cabinet space, a center island
and eating bar, and a special space where the family can drop mail,
newspapers, car keys, etc. when they walk in. We also installed new
hardwood floors throughout the main level to give the house the extra
character the owners were looking for. Entertaining guests is much more
enjoyable for the family now that they have an open kitchen, and they love
having the option of eating meals together at the center island/eating bar
or having enough space to set up their dining room table and eat a larger
meal there. To read the full article visit the
Remodelers Showcase Online Guidebook. You will find our article on
page nine.
In addition to having our project featured in the Showcase Guidebook, the
house is also featured in the real life Fall Parade of Homes Remodelers
Showcase tour happening October 1st – 3rd. Tour times on Friday run from
12 – 8, Saturday and Sunday 12 – 6. For more information on the tour and
our project, visit the
Parade of Homes website.
Hope you get a chance to check out the home and let us know what you
think!
8.16.2010 -- DIY Interior Painting
Tips
It’s amazing what a fresh coat of
paint can do. Whether you just want to give your existing color a lift or
are going to try an entirely new shade, repainting your interior walls can
spice up a blah space in an instant. Though we all love our homes the way
they are (well, most of the time), as with everything else in life,
sometimes we just need a change. Repainting the walls of one room or, if
you’re brave, even the interior of your whole house, can give your home
that exciting, “just moved in” feeling.
Painting itself is easy; painting
well is another thing entirely. Of course you can always call Stonehearth
Custom Homes and we’ll give you a perfect paint job, sans hassle, every
time. But, if you’re the DIY type and want to take it on yourself, these
tips will get you as close to the perfect Stonehearth-quality paint job as
possible.
Always Prep Properly
This includes moving out or covering all furniture in the room,
blue-taping around frames and trim, removing outlet coverings and
doorknobs, readying your painting supplies, and patching any holes in the
walls. Though it can be tempting to simply grab a brush and a bucket and
go at it, the final product will probably not be what you were hoping for
and you may end up redoing the whole job.
Pick Your Paint with
Patience
There are many different facets to picking the right paint. Color is not
the only thing that needs to be considered. Most professional painters
work with oil-based paint because it goes on smoother and tends to have a
nicer finish. However, many DIY-ers choose to go with latex or water-based
paint since it’s easy to use and dries in an hour. Talk to your local
paint store professionals to figure out which paint is best for you.
Wipe-Up, Clean-Up, Touch-Up
No matter how careful you are, drips are inevitable. Always make sure to
have plenty of rags and cleaning solution available to wipe-up those
little splatters right away. After finishing a job, make sure you clean
your brushes and other materials with the right cleaner; latex-based
paints don’t come out easily with water. Finally, be prepared to have to
do some touch-ups the next day. Have a small jar of leftover paint ready
to make the process easier.
For more interior painting tips and info, check out this great
DIY website.
And remember, if doing it yourself just isn’t your style, let us do it for
you. We promise we won’t tell.
8.4.2010 -- Minnesota GreenStar Bronze Certification
Stonehearth Custom Homes is proud to announce that our
remodeling project at 5113 59th Street West in Edina has been recognized
as a Minnesota GreenStar Bronze Remodel Type IV. MN GreenStar is a program
designed to set the industry standard for green building construction and
remodeling. GreenStar specializes in educating companies on green building
practices and helps them work towards achieving official certification as
eco-friendly sustainable companies.
The five key principles of MN GreenStar green
building programs include: “energy efficiency (reducing the amount of
energy required to operate the home); resource efficiency (reduce
resources used in building, modifying and maintaining the home); water
conservation (maximize the efficient use of water both in and around the
home); indoor environmental quality (creating a healthier indoor
environment for the occupants); and site and community impact (consider
the impact of the materials and the home building process on the land and
the immediate community as well as the global community and environment).”
Stonehearth has always valued environmentally
friendly building practices and we’re honored that our Edina project has
been appointed a Bronze Remodel Type IV. As we mentioned on our
Philosophy
page, sustainability is an integral part of our vision. We support our
clients and their communities by using environmentally-sound materials,
methods and systems to preserve natural resources and reduce waste while
creating high performance, energy efficient homes.
Click here to learn more about the
MN GreenStar you can visit their
website. And don’t forget to check out pictures of the
Edina Bronze
Remodel Type IV.
7.28.2010 -- Night to Unite Lights-up Edina!
On Tuesday, August 3rd
Edina residents will join in with hundreds of other cities and
neighborhoods statewide for the
Minnesota “Night to Unite” event, also known as “National Night Out.”
According to the official
National Night Out website the annual event is designed to “heighten
drug and crime prevention awareness; generate support for, and
participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood
spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals
letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”
In other words, it’s basically a great way to get out, get barbequing, and
get to know your neighbors! The more tightly knit your neighborhood is the
safer it is for you and your family. Great neighbors make great
communities and great communities make a better, cleaner, and more
crime-free world for all of us.
To participate in the event Edina residents are encouraged to turn on
porch lights, lock doors, and spend the evening outside in the beautiful
Minnesota summer weather chatting, playing, and if you plan wisely,
sharing all sorts of delicious homemade treats with other families on your
block. If you didn’t officially register your block for the
Edina Night to Unite, don’t worry! Part of what makes the event so
special is the spirit of sharing and community, and you’ll be sure to find
plenty of welcoming communities around your neighborhood.
Here at Stonehearth Custom Homes we believe that beautiful homes make
happy families, happy families make great neighbors, and there’s nothing
that makes your house more like a home than a friendly, family-like
neighborhood!
7.22.2010 -- Minnetonka Boathouse Project
One of Stonehearth’s favorite and most memorable remodeling projects
took place over three months in the summer of 2006. Because the
Minnetonka boathouse was one of the oldest structures on the lake
it was imperative that its historical value was preserved, making the
project a challenge right off the bat. In addition to that, it was also
very important to the owner of the house that none of the landscaping
surrounding the lot was disturbed, so the Stonehearth team took extra
precautions to respect the client’s wishes.
The boathouse sat right on the edge of the water and was exposed to high
winds that damaged the piers and caused the house to shift off of the
foundation. After lifting the house about four inches off the foundation
our team installed a series of helical anchors underneath the piers (some
of which went as deep as 100 feet into the ground because of soft soil)
and through the back wall of the foundation to properly support the
structure. We then straightened the house itself, replaced all damaged
floor joists, doors, and siding, and constructed a new deck on top of the
piers, with stairs leading down to the dock.
Because the boathouse was so close to the water, the majority of the work
had to be done off of barges sitting on the lake. All of the equipment for
the project also had to be brought across the lake on barges, this
included bobcats, backhoes, concrete trucks, cranes, and more!
Though it was certainly a challenge, the unique nature of this project
made it a lot of fun overall, and the owner was completely satisfied with
the work that was done.
7.15.2010 -- Bathroom Remodeling: Thoughts and Tips
If you’ve decided to remodel your bathroom
there are a few basic steps that you should follow in order to
ensure you end up with the best bathroom possible in the easiest and most
cost-effective way possible. Before you begin any work, it is essential
that you decide what type of remodeling you’re thinking of undertaking.
Bathroom remodeling generally falls into three main
categories.
Surface Level Remodeling
This is the easiest and least extensive of the three. Surface level
remodeling involves replacing dated or worn tiles, cabinets, lighting and
sink fixtures, etc., but keeping all major appliances and structures the
same. This type of remodeling is usually relatively inexpensive but can
make a big difference in the overall aesthetic of your bathroom.
Layout Change Remodeling
Second on the difficulty scale is layout change remodeling. In addition to
doing some surface level remodeling you also want to switch around the
layout of the bathroom (moving the toilet or rearranging the sink for
example). When it comes to layout change remodeling bathrooms are very
similar to living rooms; even though you’re working with the same fixtures
in the same amount of space, moving a piece of furniture (or in the
bathroom’s case, a sink, toilet, or shower) from one end of the room to
the other can greatly improve how the room feels and looks.
Complete Tear-Out Remodeling
The most drastic and the most expensive of the three options. With
tear-out remodeling the entire structure of the bathroom including walls,
joists, ceilings, and so on may be changed. Fixtures may be switched out
and the bathroom may require an entire tear-out and rebuild. The extra
time and professional help required to redo plumbing, electric, and
carpentry work can quickly add up, so take that into account when building
your budget.
After deciding which type of remodeling you want to undertake, start
clipping out pictures from magazines and other publications that reflect
the type of aesthetic you’d like to achieve. Then give us a call here at
Stonehearth
Custom Homes and we will handle the entire remodel for you!
7.6.2010
-- Farmers
Market Spices up Edina Summer
Anyone who’s ever visited or lived in Edina
knows what a great place it is for fun, family, and food. This summer,
it’s about to get a whole lot better. Starting July 1st the
Centennial Lakes Farmers Market
will begin setting up along the walkways of the Centennial Lakes Park
Centrum Plaza.
The market will be open every Thursday afternoon from 3pm to 7pm, rain,
shine, or hail (well, maybe not golf ball sized hail). Part of the beauty
of farmers markets is the constantly changing produce. Once farmers sell
out of a certain product, they’re most likely to come back with something
fresh and new the next week making every trip to the market exciting and
different. Though the produce varies weekly, you can always count on
staples like corn, beans, potatoes, melons, berries, cheese, meat, eggs,
and sweet confections being readily available for your next meal.
The market runs through September 30th and free parking will be available
in many of the lots adjacent to the Plaza.
And don’t forget about the other great Edina events going on throughout
the summer. Pick up an ear of roasted sweet corn or a succulent pear and
head over to the Maetzold Amphitheater, also located in Centennial Lakes
Park, for the free outdoor live music and movie showings.
Stonehearth Custom Homes can help you design the perfect kitchen to cook
your fresh Farmers Market produce and have a wonderful family meal!
6.28.2010 -- Bedroom Redecorating Ideas
.jpg)
If you’re thinking about undergoing a full remodel of your bedroom or just want to rejuvenate your current structure with some redecorating, here are a few things to consider before making any major changes. First of all, it’s extremely important that you decide beforehand what you want the overarching theme/tone of the bedroom to be. The easiest way to figure this out is to ask yourself the main purpose your bedroom has served in the past, and if that is the purpose you want it to continue to serve or if you want to go in a different direction through your remodeling.
The bedroom is where you start and end your day and can often have a profound effect on your emotional state (despite bedroom renovations commonly ranking as one of the lowest priorities on a homeowner’s list) for better or worse. By targeting what needs you want your bedroom to fulfill first you can better redesign your decorating scheme to address those needs later.
Below are a few examples of some common main bedroom themes and some simple tips on how to achieve them:
Reading Room
If you’re one of the many people who enjoy turning the pages in the comfort of your own bedroom, this may be a good option to consider for your remodel. Padded headboards, plenty of lush pillows, and calming paint colors like Sage Green, Ivory, and Slate Blue can all help to create the perfect atmosphere. The most important thing, however, is lighting. Too much light can be harsh and glaring, too little can lead to eyestrain and headaches. It is best to equalize the lighting scheme by dispersing adjustable light fixtures evenly throughout the room.
Intimate Getaway
For a bedroom that invites and encourages closeness, color and texture are key. Flattering shades like rich rouge reds, creamy peaches, and subtle pinks are all great for setting the mood. Fabrics like silk, velvet, and satin paired with bold and exotic prints add a nice amount of flair and luxuriousness. Including a small table set with two chairs is a perfect way to promote intimate conversation as well.
Private Sanctuary
If you view your bedroom as a place to retreat and relax after a long day, try surrounding yourself with pictures of family and friends, inspiring artwork, and nostalgic items. Setting up a nice desk area for writing, buying a TV and DVD player so you can watch your favorite programs in private, and painting the walls darker, richer tones like Forest Green and Chocolate will help to give your bedroom the cozy, restful atmosphere you desire when you’re settling in for the night.
No matter what direction you decide to take your bedroom remodel, Stonehearth is always there to help you with suggestions and years of expertise.
6.21.2010 -- Kitchen Remodeling - Have You Been Thinking About It?
We all know home is where the heart is. And some of us also know that
the best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. In many homes
the kitchen is becoming more than just a place to cook;
it’s also becoming something of a second living room. We often eat our
meals, come together after work to talk, and sneak down for a
midnight-munchies snack in the kitchen. It’s a center point at the
beginning and end of every day and is one of the most important rooms in
our homes.
Kitchen remodeling is an exciting, exhilarating, and yes,
sometimes even nerve-wracking process. Changing your kitchen can
significantly change your quality of life for the better, so it’s
important to plan thoroughly beforehand. Of course Stonehearth is happy to
be there with you in person every step of the way, but in the meantime
here are few things to think about when considering a kitchen remodel.
As we mentioned earlier, kitchens are becoming a center for family and
community and more than just a place to cook. By installing larger and
more innovative storage areas you’ll be able to neatly avoid the clutter
and claustrophobia that many kitchens fall victim to, thus maximizing your
new space and creating more room to entertain and relax. Custom storage
areas and stylish cabinet designs are great ways to give your home that
unique touch as well.
The green revolution is in full swing and eco-friendly kitchen products
are popping up all across the market. From water saving sensor-operated
faucets to recycled wood countertops, environmentally focused remodeling
is easier than ever. Though going green can also mean paying more “green”
initially, most eco-friendly tools and products are designed with
sustainability in mind and end up saving you money in the long run.
Whether you’re diving into an entire kitchen remodel or are just looking
for a few tips to update your existing space, Stonehearth is always there
to help in any way we can. Check out other remodeled kitchens in our
Kitchen & Bath Portfolio.
6.14.2010 --Edina Home Renovation
This 1950’s one and a half story home is located in a great neighborhood on a premier lot in Edina. The original floor plan included numerous small rooms that made it difficult to entertain guests and was not conducive to the lifestyle of the owners.
Click here to see photos of this project –
Edina
Home Renovation
6.5.2010 -- Interior Paint Color Trends: Color of the Year for 2010
Pantone LLC, a subsidiary of the X-Rite, Incorporated Company and a leader in color technology, design, and innovation for several decades recently announced its choice for 2010 color of the year. The company named its 15-5519 Turquoise as the color of the year for 2010, calling the flattering shade “luminous” and stating that it “combin[es] the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green...[and] evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.”
Aside from adding a touch of flair to an otherwise neutrally toned home, turquoise is also very complimentary to reds, pinks, and blues, and can add a more modern edge if paired with yellow-greens. The timelessness of the color is also evident outside of the interior paint realm. Turquoise has been a staple of the fashion world for ages, yet it still remains fresh, funky, and entirely classic to this day. From shoes to jewelry, purses to ties, and men’s sportswear to women’s wedding party apparel; turquoise is extremely versatile and appropriate in almost any situation.
Although turquoise is an undeniably popular shade, choosing the right paint for your home is a difficult process and the color of the year may not be right for you even if it were the color of the century. Though we’ll always keep you to date on the latest trends, Stonehearth knows that every person is unique, and every home should reflect that. From design planning to construction; we’re with you every step of the way, every paint drop to the end--turquoise or otherwise.
5.24.2010 --
Upcoming
At Stonehearth Custom Homes we know that a house
isn’t a home without warmth, love, and a sense of community. And what is
one of the best ways to create a sense of community? Get involved in your
own!
Here are some upcoming
Concerts in
the Park Series: Various dates year-round. Held at the
Now in its 44th year, the 2010 Edina Art Fair
features 350 artists from regions across the
5.5.2010 -- Stonehearth Custom Homes - Photos on Flickr
Stonehearth Custom Homes now has a Flickr site featuring project photos
from Edina, Woodbury and Minnetonka. We plan to add more photo groups from
many of our other exciting projects. To check out the photos visit
Stonehearth
Custom Homes on Flickr.
4.28.2010
-- Project Feature:
Complete Renovation of Edina Commercial Building
The owner of this 1960’s nine-unit residential
condominium building hired us to renovate the entire building. His goal
was to remodel the individual units, modify the floor plans, and update
the original décor which included poor lighting and faded colors. It
was also important to restore the building's exterior and create a large
owners suite on the top floor by combing two of the condominiums.
The first order of business was to gut the entire building and remediate
mold that had grown as a result of broken water pipes. To create the new
owners suite and covered front porch (which includes a new vault centered
over the entrance and across to the refurbished second floor balcony) we
removed a portion of the existing roof and installed an engineered roof
system over the front “middle” section of the building.
The completed individual units feature ceramic tile, custom stained
hardwood floors, energy efficient LED lighting, and energy star
appliances. The original hot water radiator heat system was retained and
individual laundry rooms were installed.
4.20.2010 -- Why Use a NARI Contractor?
We have been members of NARI since the beginning! They offer some great resources and educational tools for both remodelers and homeowners. Click on the image below to see a short video created by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).
4.14.2010 -- Woodbury Kitchen Remodel
We recently finished remodeling a beautiful kitchen in Woodbury, MN. To see photos of other kitchens we have remodeled visit our portfolio page.
This 1980’s two-story home had a classic kitchen that needed remodeling.
The owners felt that it was no longer serving the needs of their growing
family. They hired our company to create the modern kitchen they had
always dreamed of.
One of the project challenges was opening up the kitchen. We did this by
removing a wall that separated the kitchen and formal dining room,
creating a natural walkway. Another challenge we faced was moving a window
along the exterior wall to a better suited location. We decided the ideal
location was centered between the refrigerator and new pantry.
This beautiful kitchen features all new granite countertops, hardwood
floors, under cabinet lighting, a media area, enameled and stained
cabinets, appliances, and a wine rack.
Below are some of the photos before the kitchen remodel.
3.30.2010 --
Photos from the
Remodelers Showcase: In Case You Missed Us this Weekend!
3.23.2010 -- Remodeler Showcase
Details
Come check out our featured lower level in Champlin this weekend. The Remodelers Showcase starts on Friday at 12:00pm and goes through 6:00pm on Sunday! Get Directions.
3.10.2010 --
Next Event -
Remodelers Showcase - March 26th - 28th
Our next upcoming event will be the Remodelers Showcase at the end of March. We have entered a beautifully finished basement located in Champlin. To learn more about our entry visit the Stonehearth Custom Homes Remodelers Showcase webpage.
3.8.2010 -- Home Remodeling Fair
Drawing Winners!
We had a great turn out at the Home Remodeling Fair in Hopkins last weekend! The lucky visitors that won a complete home inspection ($125 value) are: Randy from Minnetonka, Barbara from Plymouth, and Trisha from Minnetonka. Nick from Minnetonka also won Twins tickets! From these results it seems that city of Minnetonka was pretty well represented a this Fair.
2.24.2010 -- Remodeling Fair This
Weekend!
Don't forget to come check us out at the Home Remodeling Fair on
Saturday from 10:30am - 3:30pm in Hopkins!
2.23.2010 -- Project Photos on Facebook
Check out our newest project photos on Stonehearth Custom Homes Facebook fan page!
2.10.2010 -- Remodeling Market in
Transition - Harvard University
Harvard University recently released a study about the state of the current remodeling market, what happened in the past, and what the future forecast looks like. Click here to read the Harvard University Study.
2.5.2010 -- West Metro Home
Remodeling Fair
Come visit us at the Home Remodeling Fair on February 28th from 10:30 - 3:30 in Hopkins! This is a free event with remodeling and design seminars throughout the day . For more information visit the Home Remodeing Fair Website!
2.4.2010 --
A list of our latest projects includes
- Woodbury, Minnesota -- Remodel
- New Brighton, Minnesota -- Remodel
- Edina, Minnesota -- Remodel
2.3.2010 --
Connect with Us!
You can now find us on Facebook and Twitter! On Facebook search for Stonehearth Custom Homes, and on Twitter our handle is stonehearthmn.