Consumer Tips

Helpful Home Improvement Consumer Tips 
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota Contractors

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Good College Dorm Room Checklists
If you have a college bound freshmen, here are some links to some good dorm room checklists.  Chances are your freshman is busy gathering last minute items to take with them to school.  Feel free to double check these lists for ideas you may not have thought of and to see if there is anything anyone forgot.  Full article.

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Tree Fertilization?  Is This Necessary?

Out of sight, out of mind?  Did you know that the majority of tree health problems actually begin with the half of the tree you don´t see - the roots and soil ecosystem.  Many people believe they are taking care of their trees´ fertilization needs when they are fertilizing their lawn.  See how this is a myth, not a truth, and what is actually needed to properly care for your trees. 
Full article.

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What Recourse Or Resources Do Homeowners Have Once
Things With Their Contractor Have Gone Sour?
As consumers we can end up in any number of unexpected 
 situations. Depending on the circumstances, there
 could be certain recourse you can take, or
 resources you can access to help you through
 these times.   Full article.

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Customer Reviews - Changing The Way Consumers Shop!
Whether you purchase online or at the retail level, very few products or services are exempt from our being able to scrutinize via valuable feedback.  You can (and why wouldn´t you?!) take a look at others´ feedback before you make definitive buying decisions!  Customer Reviews can help you sift out good from bad, quality vs. sleaze, and integrity vs. fraud.  Learn how to read what you need from Customer Reviews in order to get out of them what matters!  Full article.
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Considering A Contractor To Do Work For You?
Following these tips and suggestions will help you determine which companies are worthy of your dollar and investment of time! Full article.

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There Is No Place Like Home For Growing Old
As Americans grow older, the prospect of aging and staying at home typically prevails over moving into a long term care or assisted living facility as long as
it remains possible to do so!  What makes it possible is good news for many millions of Americans facing this momentous and sensitive time of their lives.  Learn what you need to do
to make your home or the home of an aging parent, friend or relative accessible, secure, safe and livable independently and who would be the best to contract to help.  Full article.

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Storm Damage Repair / Restoration Information For Minnesota Homeowners 
When Mother Nature´s wrath strikes hard, storm chasers tend to flock to a disaster area like pioneers to a gold rush.  As most contractors are reputable, there are, unfortunately, some unscrupulous operators that will attempt to take advantage of storm victims.  Out of nowhere, and usually in record time, these contractors are all over a hard hit area.  We invite you to take a moment and be proactive BEFORE the storms hit and learn how to detect reputable contractors from not, some basic ideas and tips when repairing or restoring your home after a storm or natural disaster, important insurance issues and bewares and other information you absolutely need to know BEFORE your home gets hit with storm damage. 
See full article.

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Benefits of Steel, Metal Roofing Vs. Asphalt

Keeping a good roof over our heads means more than keeping out the snow and rain.  If you are considering a new or replacement roof, how does steel or metal roofing stack up?  Just how well will this roofing option serve you now and later on?  How does it rate with energy-efficiency and how “green” is this roofing choice?  Full article….
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How Long Should Your Household Appliances Last?

As homeowners, it is important to know about every aspect of our home, from the structural components, the life expectancies of our appliances, to the routine sounds around our house.  Whether you live in an old house or a new one, it is helpful to understand fair expectations towards how long certain appliances should last and when to reasonably start looking for replacements. 
Full Article…

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What You Need To Know About Radon Testing

You cannot see, smell or detect when radon is present in your home or any building. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to smoking, taking approximately 14,000 lives each year, according to the National Safety Council.   Radon testing is not complicated. See how you can get your home properly tested for radon.  Full article…

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The Emerald Ash Borer - How To Avoid Buying Potential Problem Firewood

When purchasing firewood, consumers should be aware of the potential spreading of Emerald Ash Borer and other pests in wood.  How to identify affected trees plus see how to avoid purchasing problem wood infested with these pests and more… Full article….

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Removing Unwanted Bees and Hornets Nests

Bees and hornets nests can be a pesty problem for homeowners. See what the most efficient ways are to eliminate unwanted bees and hornets nests, when is the best times to address them, and with what kinds of treatments.  
Full article….

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Planning To Throw A Party?  - See Party Planning Tips

Do you have an upcoming wedding?  Company picnic or family reunion?  Are you in charge of throwing the party?  There are some party survival tips and short cuts every party thrower should know!  How much food should you order?  Great menu ideas?  Checklists and emergency solutions!  See some great advice from a local, professional party and event planner! 
Full article...

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Should You Replace? Reface? Or Restore Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Your kitchen is likely one of the most significant focal points in your home.  Depending on the age of your kitchen, whether you are staying or moving, you may feel that parts or the whole kitchen are in need of a facelift.  Changing your cabinets is often a great alternative to remodeling your kitchen.  The question many homeowners ask… should they reface, replace, or restore their cabinets? There are definite points to all three. The answer you ultimately choose depends on several factors.  Full article…

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Conducting Your Own Energy Audit Is Easier Than You Might Think

The first step to taking a whole house energy efficiency approach is to find out which parts of your house use the most energy. A home energy audit will pinpoint those areas and suggest the most effective measures for cutting your energy costs. You can conduct a simple home energy audit yourself. It’s easier than you might think.  Full article...

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Boxelder Bugs – When and How To Eliminate These Bugs

If you have experienced Boxelder Bugs, "yuck" probably describes them as well as any other word!  They seem to appear everywhere and seem to multiply as you watch them.  Inside and outside.  No place in your home is immune from them, once they decide to inhabit your house.  Is there a way to get rid of them?  Yes, thankfully, but knowing how and when is key!  Full article....
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How To Be Proactive and Ready In The Event Of A Household Emergency

We cannot prevent accidents or emergencies from happening, but we can prevent ourselves from being helpless or hopeless when they do occur!  Being prepared, in advance, is one of the smartest things you can do for yourself, as a homeowner!  Learn what you can do to be ready and not at the mercy of contractors when you are most vulnerable.  Full article…

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Beware of work-at-home scams
The “American Dream,” the thought of staying at home, working for yourself, can be very appealing.  Keeping control of your own schedule, making a little extra money, juggling kids at home and still contributing to the family income are common desires many people have.  But, BE CAREFUL!  There are many “too good to be true” scams out there, many right under our noses, trying to lure you in.  See what to look out for and what just may be exactly too good to be true! 
Full article…

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                        Help Is Only A Phone Call Away 

If you have questions, need some help, or prefer to work with someone, as a member, you can call us anytime Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  We are happy to assist you any way we can.  
                                            
                                763-745-7490

                                                  

If you are interested in sending in some of your own home remedies, amazing or otherwise home or office solutions, even some of your great recipes, we invite you to share them with us.  We try to post as many as we can throughout our Consumer Tips section.  Watch for all the great suggestions and ideas, maybe yours will be there!  We appreciate your contributions and thank you, in advance!

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