Plan for Spring Projects

It's human nature to put things off until the last minute but don’t wait to start planning for Spring time projects. It's a new year, time to begin planning for that remodeling project you are thinking about for Spring. The time is now to start planning, designing and budgeting. Most remodeling projects take at least three to four months from initial discussions to a complete design that is ready to start construction. We need to give City Hall time to approve building permits which is a two week process if no variances are required. For some addition projects, set back variance approvals may be required and that generally takes two to three months to get through the local planning commission and city council, once the basic design is complete. Time flies! Don’t wait. Give us a call to help you get things started so ready when Spring comes.

Prevent Ice Dams

We have all seen ice dams - a ridge of ice that forms at the bottom edge of a sloped roof. This occurs when the temperature of the attic or part of the roof deck rises above freezing. The snow melts and water flows down to the cool eave, re-freezing and building a ridge of ice. Believe it or not, ice dams can cause permanent damage to your home. Some damage occurs to your shingles due to the freeze and thaw of the ice and in some cases shingles are damaged by homeowners using sharp tools trying to chip and smash the ice. The most significant damage is from water getting into the attic and exterior walls. This happens when water from melting snow pools above the dam and flows back under the shingles into your attic space, ceilings and walls below. Once this happens you must open up the wet areas, remove the insulation, treat for any mold that may have grown and rebuild the damaged area.

There is no way to completely prevent ice dams but things can be done to eliminate the causes to reduce their occurrence. The key is proper ventilation and insulation to keep the attic and roof deck as cool as possible to reduce the snow melt. Most homes can have additional insulation and attic ventilation installed - reducing ice dams with a bonus of improved energy efficiency. Homes with partially finished attic space present the greatest challenge in reduction of ice dams because the finished space warms the roof deck directly causing uncontrollable snow melt. In some cases there is no choice but to rake the snow from your roof after each major snowfall or install permanent heating elements to melt the dams. Whatever your situation is, IHP can help you find and implement the right solution.

Staying and Updating Your Home

In today's economy, many people are staying in their current homes instead of moving or building a new house. Design and styles most likely have changed as well as the needs of the family from the original purchase of the home. Remodeling or updating a home can be done in stages and economically smart by making small changes to achieve the home owner's goal. Re-finishing cabinet faces and doors in a kitchen or bathroom, or a partial revision to the kitchen layout such as a change to your island or peninsula can dramatically change the look of a room. Painting walls, laying new flooring or changing counter tops can also bring an updated look. For something more dynamic, knocking down walls between rooms to open a closed space can add modern look to a home. For more suggestions and help in updating your home, call Integrity Home Projects.

Time to Think Spring?

Believe it or not, right now is the time to prepare for Spring and April showers! The leading cause of wet basements is from not properly preparing for run-off water from the roof of your home. Gutters with correctly-sized downspouts are the key to directing the water to where it should go - away from your house. Kick out spouts at least 4 feet long on the downspouts move the water out away from your home's foundation. Combined with proper landscaping and the correct grade, you can keep most of the exterior water out of your basement.

Gutters also keep the roof run-off water from splashing on your windows, walls and doors giving your home added water intrusion protection. On homes we remodel, we use heavy gauge seamless aluminum that is fabricated right at your home, custom made for your eaves for extra protection and proper fit. With 49 standard colors, we can coordinate with the trim on virtually any home.

Another thing to consider is the amount of leaves you have in your yard from large trees. Large amounts of leaves may clog the gutters each fall. If that is the case we encourage the installation of the leaf protection system, Leaf Relief®, on your seamless gutters.

Preparing now can save you in the Spring from water damage or leaking.

Fireplaces and Your Home

Adding a fireplace or updating your current fireplace creates a whole new look and focal point for any room of your home. Create a cozy spot in your home with the almost unlimited fireplace options and styles that are available. Fireplaces can be gas-fueled, electric or wood-burning with styles from traditional to ultra-contemporary that match your home. When upgrading your wood-burning fireplace, there are several styles of gas inserts to convert your current fireplace into a gas fueled unit.

In addition to the fireplace insert, the area surrounding the fireplace must be considered - it is a very critical part of the style of the fireplace. Your contractor can help with the overall look and design with a stone surround, a mantle, built-in cabinets, a raised hearth, wood storage area and other design details to give you the exact fireplace you want for your home.

Choosing a general contractor that can handle the entire project is very important because a fireplace interacts with many areas of your home. We can help with all your fireplace needs. Call Dan at Integrity Home Projects to build or upgrade a fireplace in your home before winter is here.

Window Condensation in Your Home

Window condensation can be a common problem, even on new energy efficient windows. It's not the fault of the window, unless its an old single pane window. The main cause is the moisture level is too high in your home - indoor environments should be between 30% and 50% relative humidity. “Relative Humidity” is the amount of water vapor the air contains compared to the maximum amount it could hold at a given temperature. The indoor relative humidity may need to be lower in winter to avoid condensation on your windows. If the temperature of the glass gets below the dew point of the air in your home, the air can no longer hold the water and it condenses on the cold glass.

We have some tips to control condensation:

1. If you have a humidifier, adjust your humidity level as the temperature outside drops below 30°F. These are recommended settings to avoid condensation.
- 35% at 30°F
- 30% at 10°F
- 25% at 0°F
- 20% at -10°F

2. Use the bathroom fan during and for 15 minutes after running hot water or showering. Make sure the fan is working efficiently. A fan timer can be set after leaving the room.

3. Turn on your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking and make sure your fan vents to the outside.

4. Open your blinds to let the warmer air from the room get to the windows. The cold air built up behind a blind holds less moisture and will promote condensation.

5. Turn on ceiling fans - this also gets warmer, drier air to the window surface.

6. Install a whole house ventilation system with an air exchanger and humidity control.

7. If you can not control humidity well enough to eliminate condensation, wipe your windows regularly so window frames and possibly the wall structure below the windows will not rot.

A Facelift for the Front of Your Home

Give your front door a new look. Changing the look of your home from the curb can be as simple as changing your front door. We work with numerous door systems but Therma-Tru Entry Door systems are a great option. Get an updated look with entry door systems that provide endless designs to match the style you want for your home. We can give your home a new, beautiful look in a day.

The Fiberglass and Steel door systems are custom created with the selections you choose. An increase in energy efficiency and performance, comfort are also a great reason to update your entry door system. And the Tax Credit applies to Thermu-Tru Doors. There also incredible warranties on their door systems.

Call to learn more!

Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act has been in effect to provide funding support in upgrading homes for increased energy efficiency. A lot of attention has been given to installing new windows and doors but the tax credits are applicable to many additional items for your home that improve energy usage.

Now through December 31, 2010, the $1,500 tax credit is available on new roofing, insulation, HVAC, water heaters and, of course, windows and doors for better energy performance in your home. You earn a tax credit equal to 30% of the product cost up to $1,500.

Although there are many guidelines and criteria, IHP Exteriors can help you understand the qualifications and product specifications needed for the tax credit. IHP Exteriors installers are certified by the American Window and Door Institute so you can feel secure that your new products are installed and working correctly.

Call IHP Exteriors today at 763-286-7429 to earn Federal tax credits!

Installation cost is not eligible for tax credit. The above information is not intended as legal advice regarding taxes, and you should consult a tax professional with specific questions.

EPA Lead-Safe Certified

The EPA has ruled that taking affect in October 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 must be certified by the EPA . Then they must integrate specific practices to prevent lead contamination while working on the project.

To quality for certification, the EPA offers an intensive training and testing program to become a Lead-Safe Certified Firm. Integrity Home Projects has gone through the training program and is one of the few contractors certified in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. We have our LEAD-SAFE program underway and in place to handle your projects with the finest craftsmanship while implementing best practices to keep you and your family safe during your remodeling or renovation project.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. Through the EPA certification, we can keep you from harm.

This critical message about remodeling safety should be shared with anyone who is thinking about a project that may involve disturbing lead-based paint in a home, day care or school built before 1978. It’s your safety and your home - call someone you can trust, Integrity Home Projects. 763-286-7429 or http://www.ihpbuilders.com/.

Major home storm damage

Do you have major damage to the structure of your home from a recent storm? Perhaps a tree fell onto your roof or smashed through a wall of your home? Many times homeowners have a difficult time finding an experienced contractor when they have major structural damage to their home. There are many roofing and siding contractors out there banging on your door to take care of your hail damage, but very few can repair the damage to your homes structure and the interior repairs that come with it. Drywall repairs, carpet replacement, painting and trim work are not things you want your roofer to take care of. We are a full service interior and exterior home improvement company so we know our way around every part of your house. Give Dan a call at 763-286-7429 or visit us at www.ihpbuilders.com

Storm Damage Repair

Once again storms rolled through the Minneapolis - St. Paul metro area. Some times these storms can cause serious damage to your home. Not only does hail damage your roof and siding, but there can be less obvious damage to the seals around your windows and the protective finishes on your metal vents and flashing. We can inspect for damage on every part of your home and take care of all of your insurance paperwork; working directly with your insurance company. Give Dan a call at 763-286-7429. Or visit our website at www.ihpbuilders.com

Minnesota Fix Up Fund loans

If you are considering home improvements that increase the energy effiiciency of your home, you may be eligable for low interest loans and big rebates. The State of Minnesota Fix Up Fund is a loan program for qualifying homeowners to make certain improvements to their homes such as adding insulation and replacement windows. More information is avaiable at these links:
http://www.mnhousing.gov/partners/lenders/programs/MHFA_001236.aspx

http://www.mncee.org/programs_residential/home_improvement_financing/great_mn_fix-up_fund/index.php

Check it out, see if you qualify and make sure to check to see if your local community is offering additional rebates for Fix Up Fund projects. We can help sort through the paperwork; give us a call at 763-286-7429.

Home Improvement and Design Show in Blaine

Another Remodeling Show coming up! We will have a booth at the Home Improvement and Design Expo in Blaine. The show is at the Schwan's Sports Center, 1700 105th Ave in Blaine. April 10-11. Hours are 10AM to 5PM both days. Come to show! Stop by our booth. We will be at Booth #007. For free tickets go to our web site at www.ihpbuilders.com in the 'What's New' section and click on the show ticket link.

Welcome to the Integrity Home Projects blog

Welcome to the IHP blog. We are just underway. On a regular basis, we will be commenting on interesting topics that we discover during ongoing projects and through discussions with our associates in the remodeling world here in the metro area of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

We will be covering industry related items, building code issues, state and federal regulations, hot product updates and money saving tips. We will cover bath and kitchen remodeling topics, basement finishing tips and room addition guidelines. We will discuss issues in the suburban areas from Maple Grove to Coon Rapids, from Plymouth to Brooklyn Park.

We hope we can help homeowners with a bit of information from our point of view.