Stop by Booth 623 and say hello to our design team.

Show location:

Minneapolis Convention Center Exhibit Hall D

1301 2nd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Show Hours:

Friday   2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Saturday   10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Sunday   10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Learn more at the show’s website. See you there!

Hardwood Floors

Moisture is your floor’s greatest enemy. Wipe spills immediately. If you have wood flooring in your kitchen, put an area rug in front of the sink.  Dirt and dust can scratch your floor. Sweep, dust mop or vacuum regularly, but never vacuum with the beater bars operating. Use doormats at all exterior entrances to trap dirt and clean them regularly too.  Make sure the heels of shoes, especially high heels, are in good repair. Unprotected heel tips or nails can damage a floor.  Use felt glides on furniture and periodically check to see that they remain clean.

Carpet

Regular vacuuming is the most important cleaning activity for carpet, but deep cleaning is required to remove stubborn dirt and stains. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends that carpet be deep cleaned at least every 12 or 18 months. No matter what method you choose, follow the manufacturers’ directions on all cleaning products.

Your carpet’s fiber determines the appropriate cleaning method. Most carpet manufactured today is made with synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester or olefin, and may be cleaned with most cleaning methods.  Natural fibers may require specialized care.  Ask your carpet installer for advice on the best cleaning method for your floor.

Tile and Stone

For regular granite maintenance, use a solution of a mild non-abrasive cleaner or clear non-sudsing ammonia and water. Natural stones (travertine and limestone) can be cleaned using a neutral or slightly alkaline non-abrasive cleaner with a pH between seven and 10.  For routine maintenance of ceramic tile use a non oil-based all purpose cleaner Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of cleaning solution.  Dry with soft white cloth to prevent streaking.

Physical Considerations

Basements can be a wonderful place to create the spa you’ve been dreaming of, but there are some structural elements that need to be accommodated.  Existing plumbing is an important one.  Often, placing a basement bathroom below an existing bathroom can help reduce the cost of new plumbing.  Wiring and electrical infrastructure should be considered as well.  The new bathroom must meet new building codes, even if the rest of the house does not.  Ventilation is another critical aspect of the new room.  Without proper venting, a basement bathroom can be very damp.

Spa Features

A basement bathroom can be more spacious than an upper floor bathroom – allowing homeowners to add creativity and luxury to the new room.  Whirlpool tubs, showers with multiple jets, saunas and heated floors are common amenities in new basement bathrooms.  Other unique accessories can include furniture-style cabinetry, vanities and accent pieces.  Older homeowners often enjoy a shower seat.  They make great storage areas but also offer a relaxing shower experience.

Our design team has helped homeowners add relaxing, luxurious spa bathrooms to many basements.  Call us today to find out how we can create an oasis in your home.

Wet leaves and debris can cause water to back up in the gutters. That can force water to overflow the sidewalls or worse can pull the gutters away from the fascia boards. It can also cause erosion around the foundation, wet basements, and siding rot.

Cleaning Gutters

You should inspect and clean your rain gutters at least twice a year, once in the late fall and once in early spring. By cleaning rain gutters in late fall you can be sure to remove any leaves, branches and other debris that may have accumulated during the summer and fall seasons.  You also ensure that gutters work properly during the winter, or at least minimize ice build-up.  Spring cleaning gutters gives you a chance to check for any ice damage and to remove any debris that may have accumulated.

Gutter cleaning typically requires a ladder, garden hose with spray nozzle, and a pair of rubber gloves. Make sure the ladder is properly and stably positioned on the ground. A stepladder works well but, make sure it is tall enough that you can safely use it without having to stand on the top two steps. If you need to use an extension ladder, place a piece of 2×4 lumber inside the gutter to keep the gutter from bending when you lean the ladder on it.  Remove the leaves and debris by hand where you can reach them.  Use the hose to clean hard to reach areas.  Before you finish, be sure to spray out the down spouts.  Leaves can accumulate there as well.

Gutter Shields and Gutter Guards

Though your rain gutters may be outfitted with gutter shields or gutter guards don’t think you are immune from gutter cleanings. These systems help minimize gutter clogs but they are not perfect. Small debris inevitably finds its way underneath them and into your gutters.

Protect your biggest investment with regular gutter cleaning.  Your new home addition will thank you!

Composite decking material, often made from recycled materials, creates a durable, sustainable, lower-maintenance outdoor living space, even through the extremes of Minnesota weather.  The composite decking market continues to grow every year, with new styles coming from well-known manufacturers and new products emerging regularly.  Although composite products can be more expensive than traditional lumber, their low maintenance and long life make them ideal for our part of the country.

Composite comes in a wide range of colors and look sjust like wood, complete with graining patterns. Hidden fastener systems provide a smooth decking surface.  Early product options were prone to fading, but newer materials are fade-resistant and maintain their color for years.

Deck and stair railing are also changing.  Deck owners are discovering that the design of the railing can add real personality to their deck. Metal railings are still popular and offer more varieties and options than ever.  Composite railings come in many colors and can be mixed with metal to create a durable and unique look. Post caps come in many different styles and complete deck designs elegantly.

As you dream of those warm summer evenings on your deck, give our design team a call.  We’ll get you outdoors in style.