Integrity Home Projects Blog

2012 Top 5 Kitchen Remodeling Trends

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

A successful kitchen remodeling project can be a great return on your investment, since it automatically raises the value of your house. Kitchen remodels bring better utilization of space to meet the demands of lifestyles too – as well as providing better storage.

Hiding Appliances
Tucking away or hiding appliances is a new kitchen remodeling trend that is very popular due to the artistic way of saving space. It improves functionality in the kitchen and also prevents the kitchen from looking too cluttered. Some good examples of concealed appliances are: steam ovens, warming drawers, and built-in coffee centers. Built-in coffee centers, provide a customized cup of coffee with just one press of a button.

Color Trends For Appliances
Stainless steel is a common color choice for over a hundred years now. It has a universal appeal and a shiny appearance, which is often associated with luxury. It also provides a more sterile surface than the others. Black is another favored color. It offers a more formal, yet contemporary appearance and goes with any style. Other popular colors are beige, gray, and cream.

Cabinets
Maple cabinetry is among the most favored kitchen remodel ideas in 2012. Woods with different shades of white or off-white hues make good finishes, as well as dark natural finishes. Finishes that are either light natural or color painted are popular too. There are a variety of trendy styles of cabinets: floating units, cabinets with touch-latch doors, systems that are hidden behind sliding doors, and cabinets with innovative surfaces, such as semi-translucent glass, bamboo, and aluminum.

Countertops
Countertops with custom touches, such as marble pastry slab inserts and wooden butcher blocks will be huge in 2012. Some homeowners even embed concrete with metal and glass bits. Choosing renewable and recycled materials over natural stone, marble and quarts are a great option for those who want to cut down on maintenance. Some of the recycled materials that are used are laminate and paper.

Illumination
Light fixtures are also in the top five kitchen remodeling trends. Accent lighting to draw attention to kitchen decorations like glassware, dishware, and frames are extremely popular. For decorative light fixtures, sconce lighting is a great choice. They spill the light upward or sideways and form attractive backdrops.

2012 Home Remodeling Trends

2012-01-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

Remodeling in 2012 is full of new ideas to benefit your home with practicality. Instead of going big and extravagant, people are looking more cost effective and useful features for their home.

Steam showers are on the rise since soaking tubs are rarely used and can be expensive. Homeowners focus their budget on a larger and more comfortable shower for therapeutic effects and conservation of water.

Drop Zones or Mud Rooms are extremely popular because they serve as a great way to de-clutter and organize your home. Cubbies, hooks, or closets are custom designed to hide these items and eliminate clutter in your home.

Formal living rooms are considered wasted space so opening the living room is a new trend that creates a great room that is warm and inviting. An open family room combines the kitchen, living room, and dining room. Creating one big room will help lessen energy consumption and create a more inviting environment.

Developing a lifestyle center for your whole family. Computers and electronics are put in this room for kids to do homework and parents to be able to monitor their children. It’s a versatile room work at home, paying the bills and more - instead of a closed-off office space.

Creating an outdoor living space remains popular. A patio can serve as a secondary dining room or living area. Making this outdoor living space available year-round with electric radiant heat, like slab heating or a snow melting system is the ideal for use all year long. It also makes your house feel larger, by adding sliding doors that lead from inside your house to the patio.

2011-12-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

Now is a great time to maintain and clean the inside of your home for the upcoming cold weather months. Plus, it will help you get ready for Holiday parties and gatherings.

Clean from top to bottom. Vacuum drapes and window treatments. Clean window sills and window wells. Dust curtain rods. Vacuum baseboards and corners.

Wash the inside of your windows and vacuum screens.

Vacuum upholstered furniture or have it professionally cleaned. Move all furniture and vacuum beneath and behind it.

Schedule professional carpet cleaning or clean the carpets yourself with a carpet cleaning system.

Wash bowls from light fixtures.

Pull refrigerator away from the wall, and vacuum the condenser coils. For bottom-mounted coils, use a long, narrow brush to clean coils of dust and debris.

Check and empty the central vacuum's collection area if you home has this system.

Clean or replace humidifier elements.
Inspect washer hoses for bulges, cracks or splits. Replace them every other year.

Check dryer exhaust tube and vent for built-up lint, debris or birds' nests! Make sure the exterior vent door closes tightly when not in use.

Drain sediment from hot water heaters.

Outside The House

2011-11-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

With a few warmer days of Fall left, you still have time to finish preparing the outside of your home for winter. Here are some tips and suggestions before cozying up inside your home during the snow and cold.

Clean and store outside items: patio furniture, umbrellas, children's summer toys and other items.

Wash exterior windows.

Check caulk around windows and doors and re-caulk if needed.

Inspect outside doors and garage doors to make sure they close tightly. Install weather-stripping or door thresholds if needed.

Touch up paint on house trim, hand railings and decks. Remove flaking paint, prime bare wood and paint.

Drain and store garden hoses. Install insulating covers on exterior spigots. Have sprinkler systems blown free of water.

Check gutters and downspouts. Clear leaves and other debris if necessary. Here in Minnesota consider installing heating cable to prevent ice dams.

Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned if necessary.

Updating Your Entertainment Space

2011-11-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

As time passes, the way you use your home changes, especially regarding entertainment. Your children grow up and have friends over, technology brings new innovations and maybe the way the way you wan to entertain. Where does leave you? Often with need to make modifications to your home to fit the way you want to use it.

You may want to convert your family or recreation room into a 3D home theater. Or perhaps you would like to add a wet bar in the basement for easy entertaining. In the last year, we have seen a huge increase in wine cellar additions. Updates to entertainment spaces have become one of the most popular types of remodeling projects over the past two years.

We have some great ideas to help you get the most out of your home entertainment space. All our work is custom designed so we can create exactly the space you need with the newest technology and the comforts you want. We can bring you the greatest place in the world to relax and enjoy life without leaving your home.

Remodeling Professionalism

2011-10-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

When we started Integrity Home Projects (IHP), our vision was to build a remodeling business that would stand out in the industry with notable ethics and professionalism. Sharing the same family values, the same work ethic, and the same commitment to quality, excellence and customer satisfaction, only reinforced our dedication to being a top-notch professional company. This includes our family of Subcontractors that hold themselves to the same standards we do.

Our extensive backgrounds in engineering, quality control and process management bring our customers a detailed process-based plan for each and every remodeling project. We continually communicate with our customers so they know what is happening every day on their home. This level of commitment and professionalism is our goal because it is the level of service we want to provide our customers.

We are members of NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, for professional, ethical and honest remodelers committed to the highest standards. We follow the code of ethics every day.

Holiday Remodeling

2011-10-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

If doesn’t seem possible but the Holiday season is just around the corner. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s – the perfect time for festive gatherings of friends, family and neighbors in your home. But wait, did you think this was the year for a new wet bar in the basement, new kitchen cabinets or maybe a new floor in the bathroom?

You still have time but it’s going quickly, so call us today so we can determine the best solution for your remodeling needs. With our processes, we give you a project guideline, step-by-step communication and help you with the design and selection of all the items to make your remodeling project fit your budget and timeline.

Plus, you’ll have a new gift to yourself for the Holidays.

Act Now to Reduce Ice Dams

2011-09-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

We’ve spent a lot of time recently discussing water and the damaging effect it can have on homes. With the damage that water can cause, we feel it’s critical for us to share solutions for common problems. Fall is here which means winter is around the corner along with the potential for ice dams. If you have had ice dam issues in the past, call us to perform a free assessment of your attic ventilation and insulation. Don’t wait until the ice dams are on the roof and water is coming in the ceiling. In most cases there are immediate improvements that can be made to drastically reduce your ice dam problems.

Don’t ignore the signs of water damage!

2011-08-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

It’s easy to look past signs of water damage to your home; the ripple in the paint by the window or the rotten siding under your deck because it doesn’t seem to be doing anything. But not taking action can only cause more damage to your home. In a matter of days mold growth can begin. Over a month or two of leakage into your wall, you can have thousands of dollars of repairs to your home.

The photos below show some examples of water intrusion we have found during window, door and siding replacement projects. In every case, there is evidence all around the damage that it has been there for a long time, but did not get the attention it deserved.

Make sure your house is watertight. At IHP, we can test moisture levels for an assessment of potential repairs. The sooner you catch it, the smaller the repair will be. Give us a call.

Complete rot-through framing from improper deck flashing

Rotten Rim Joist from improper door flashing.

Wall structure water damage from improper window flashing

The Attic’s Weather Role

2011-08-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

Has the recent heat this summer in Minnesota soaked through your attic into your house? The amount of insulation in your attic can drastically affect the temperature in your house and the amount of energy you use in air conditioning. Proper ventilation in your attic also plays a huge role in keeping your attic cool. Winter will be coming again before you know it. Keep in mind that these two things, poor insulation and ventilation are the leading cause of ice damns in the winter. We live in an area of serious weather extremes and your attic plays a key role in how well your house performs in those extremes.

We can give you the information you need to properly maintain an attic helps monitor the ventilation in your home.

Humidity In Your Home

2011-07-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

Whew – this week in Minnesota has been hot and very humid. So it seemed like a good time to remind people about that fact that we do need humidity in our homes, although this week it is has been a little bit too much!

What is Humidity?
Humidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor in the air. A comfortable range of relative humidity is between 40 and 60 percent. If the humidity is too low, people may experience having dry nose, throat, lips and skin. Low humidity may also wreak havoc on your home, causing static electricity, cracks in furniture and paint, and peeling wallpaper. High humidity feels stuffy and creates an environment in which biological contaminants can thrive.

Moisture can be added or removed from indoor air to make a room feel more comfortable. Home humidifiers add moisture and there are several kinds:

• Console humidifiers are in cabinets that stand on the floor, and are usually kept in the same position in a home
• Ultrasonic humidifiers, which create a cool mist using ultrasonic sound vibrations
• Impellers, or cool-mist humidifiers, which create a cool mist using a high-speed rotating disk
• Evaporators, which transmit moisture into the air invisibly using a fan to blow air through a moistened absorbent material, such as a belt, wick, filter, or evaporative cartridge.
• Steam, or "warm mist" vaporizers, which create steam by heating water with an electrical heating element, and allow steam to cool before it is released into the room.
• Central humidifiers are built into heating and air-conditioning systems, and are used to increase the humidity level in an entire home.

As always, IHP is here to help you to determine what is best for your home. Give us a call.

Being Sump Pump Prepared.

2011-06-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

We have been helping customers with more Basement finishing and remodeling this past year as the economy recovers in the Minneapolis metro area. One thing to think about when finishing or remodeling a basement is the possibility of water problems. This past wet spring has sump pumps running constantly in many basements. If your pump fails or if the power goes you could have several inches of water on your basement floor very quickly.

We strongly recommend the installation of a back-up sump pump for any basement that has an existing sump. We discourage battery back-up pumps due to constant battery monitoring and maintenance. Plus, if you lose power for more than an hour or two the battery will drain, the back-up pump stops and you still have flooding. Installing a Zoeller® Home Guard Max back up pump that is powered by your city water is a great solution. The motor is turned by water flow that is connected to your city water line, which never loses pressure. The water powered pump keeps water out of your basement until you restore your electric pump. It pumps out two gallons of sump water for each gallon of city water used. This is not intended for use as a primary pump, but is the best back-up pump solution hands down. For more information on the pumping system check out: http://www.zoellerpumps.com/ProductBenefit.aspx?ProductID=65.

For all your basement finishing and remodeling needs, give us a call.

Relax and Enjoy a Porch

2011-06-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Building a porch addition can immediately add value and instant curb appeal to any home. Plus it gives you extra living and entertainment space to the front, side or back of your home.

A porch addition can be as simple as replacing an existing pediment with a roof over the entrance or by adding more with a "shed roof" or a gable roof complete with skylights! In addition to placing a roof over an entrance, a combination front porch and screened room is a great option by extending both the roof and the size to make it a large outdoor living space. Keep in mind, the porch style needs to match or complement the home's architecture. The materials used to build the porch determine if feels like a part of the house or an extension of the outdoor area. The new porch should match your existing home or you can design a variation that complements the original house. The columns should be the primary focus of the design to create visually interest and depth as an integral part of the home.

Don’t forget to consider your lighting needs and electrical requirements as well as design features for the columns, railings, doors, and decking for your porch.

Additional Considerations:
Unexpected elements can really add impact to your porch:
- Fireplace
- Built-in Grill
- Ceiling fans
- Speakers
- Built-in bookshelk
- Bench swing or a hammock

Home before Porch Addition

Home after Porch Addition

Deck Living

2011-05-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost here in Minnesota. It’s time to enjoy the outdoors and entertain family and friends with grilling and parties. A new or remodeled deck can expand your living space to the outside with comfort, convenience and beauty. There are many decking options to make your outdoor living just right for your home. Here are some ideas:

Enclose your deck with a roof for shade and a decorative addition.

Get Creative - rail systems can be made from wood, metal and cable or as a combination of materials

Add accents around your deck with: Lighting, built in seating, planters and more

Feature metal accents as pole caps, accessories and other interesting creative ideas

Build a store closet on your deck to hold and organize items for your deck

Add Vinyl flooring for decks, a choice that is becoming more popular as an excellent alternative to wood

In addition to the top of the deck, you can add a water drainage system to allow you to comfortably use the space under a high deck. These systems divert water away from the deck to create a dry space below – now having double the outdoor living area.

Hail and Storm Damage

2011-05-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Hail and storm damage to your home can be stressful. It’s a necessary repair from the unexpected that needs to be addressed immediately to restore your home. Sometimes home owners don’t even realize they have damage from hail - small to moderately-sized hail can produce roof damage and result is not always visible. Hail can affect the life expectancy of your roof and you should have it checked out by a professional.

Damage to siding, gutters, roofing and windows from hail or structural damage from wind should be inspected with a contractor that has set processes in place to handle your storm damage insurance claim. We do at Integrity Home Projects.

The first step is a thorough inspection of your home for qualifying damage repair, next is a meeting with your insurance adjuster. At IHP, we handle the meeting and manage the paperwork, supplemental claims, depreciation recovery, and final distribution settlement. We work to make a stressful situation a process that makes it easy for you.

9 Years for IHP!

2011-04-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

Integrity Home Projects was founded in April of 2002 with a vision of creating a remodeling services company that would stand out in the industry with notable ethics and professionalism. We started this company to help people realize their dreams for their home. Integrity Home Projects has enjoyed steady and continuous growth since the start of the company keeping us busy and happy to be working with our customers. With over half of our business based on direct referrals and repeat business, satisfied customers are the key to our success. We thank all of our customers for their business and referrals. We wouldn’t be here without them.

At IHP, we will continue to provide outstanding service for our customers through our professional approach and detailed process-based business philosophy. Thanks for a great nine years!

-Dan & Brian

Home Exteriors

2011-04-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

Spring is here. It’s time to refresh and give your home a new look and lots of curb appeal. Changing the look of a home's exterior with a facelift can bring a new modern look to your home or just give you the style you want. Something as basic as using new paint colors can update a home. A plain exterior can be made more distinctive by adding a package of coordinated trim. Or you can go for the truly dramatic by adding porches, columns or dormers to totally change the character of your house. Some ideas for giving your home a new look are:

New paint color(s)

New trim packages, colors or accents

Adding stone to exteriors

Including columns and archways

A new patio or front porch Switching siding to hail-proof Hardie Cement board siding http://www.jameshardie.com/

Before Exterior Remodel

After Exterior Remodel & Design

For more ideas that bring a new look to your home, call Integrity Home Projects.

Selecting Wood Species and Finishes

2011-03-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

The selection of the cabinet wood species and finish will have a significant impact on the overall design and look of your kitchen. There are several things to consider when choosing the wood species for your home.

Maple is excellent as a durable wood that you may need to meet your lifestyle. European Country design with traditional styling may be appealing with a painted cabinet, possibly incorporating more than one finish color. The key to a successful kitchen-remodeling project is keeping all elements of the overall home and room design in mind throughout the design process. This needs to be balanced with your lifestyle and use of the space.

An Overview of Woods Species

Maple: Light – Hard Wood - Traditional to Contemporary
Cherry: Medium/Red - Med/Hard Wood - Traditional to Contemporary
Oak: Medium/Golden/Red – Hard Wood - Traditional to Transitional
Clear Alder: Medium/Red/Brown – Soft Wood - Traditional
Knotty Alder: Medium/Red/Brown – Soft Wood - Rustic/Countr
Hickory: Medium/Red/Brown – Hard Wood - Rustic/Countr
Rustic Hickory: Medium/Red/Brown – Hard Wood - Rustic/Country
Walnut: Dark/Brown/Purplish Black – Medium Wood - Traditional
Painted: Hard Wood - Traditional to Country

Woods and the Kitchen Environment
Kitchens tend to be affected by humidity and temperature and your cabinets need to adjust to changes in temperature. Solid wood often expands and contracts when exposed to humidity, leading to warping. Hardwood veneer and laminate alternatives can be incorporated to minimize shrinking and expansion through the drastic changes in Minnesota’s climate.

Cherry cabinets, clear finish, shaker style work well with existing oak millwork. The oak floor was refinished to compliment the tone of the cherry cabinets.

Shaker Style for Kitchens

2011-03-07T04:22:00.000-08:00

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, Shaker style kitchens rose in popularity during 2009 and gained momentum in 2010 to become the second most popular style used by NKBA member designers. Traditional style remains number one but Shaker style is in demand.

The Shaker style is based on the Shakers, a religious and agricultural community established in the USA in 1774. The philosophy of shaker style can be summed up in two phrases: "whatever is fashioned let it be plain and simple and for the good" and "beauty rests on utility". The craftsman made furniture to highest levels of workmanship, using pure and simple lines without any ornamentation for durability and usefulness. The Shaker style is known for simple functionality and rooms that are arranged to feel clean and spacious.

An open, organized design with neutral wall colors reflects the Shaker ideal of simple living. Plenty of storage space is important and pegs are featured to keep order in mudrooms and entryways. Cabinets are made from hardwoods, with recessed panels and straight, simple lines. Authentic Shaker ladderback chairs and stools add simple elegance. Light fixtures with a chrome finish and natural wood flooring with a matte gloss give a kitchen the ambiance of an original Shaker home.

Call IHP for a Shaker Style kitchen in your home.

Choosing Granite as a Countertop

2011-02-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

Kitchen countertop styles are available in a wide variety of materials but Granite has been extremely popular in recent years both in remodeling and in new homes. According to the NPD Group, a market research company, the biggest seller in countertops is still Granite. Granite countertops account for 56% of kitchen sales. It is an excellent solution for homeowners for beautiful, durable and easy to maintain countertops. It is a great choice for natural countertops.

Durability: Granite is the hardest and most durable of materials for countertops. It is quarried from the earth’s crust and is considered the oldest building material Granite countertops are easy to clean with just soap and water. They are also easy to maintain and are the most stain resistant, lasting a lifetime.

Beauty: The natural beauty of granite adds elegance to your home. The spectrum of colors is expansive from light to dark colors with a variety of markings; you’ll find the style you’ll love in your kitchen.

At IHP, we are here to help you make the right selection for your home.

Kitchen Remodeling Project: The Kitchen Layout

2011-01-31T07:58:00.000-08:00

To start remodeling your kitchen, there are several aspects to consider for planning your project. The first step to consider is the existing layout of your kitchen to determine if a change is required. It is much more cost effective to remodel a kitchen if the appliances and sink remain in their current locations. If you are planning to expand the kitchen by redesigning or adding a peninsula/island, removing a wall or adding space your home, a revised layout is probably in order.

Even a minor layout change can give your kitchen new working spaces as well as opportunities for areas to be designed to meet your personal needs. New spaces or areas can create new ideas such as homework centers, snack/breakfast bars or even an informal dining table integrated into the kitchen workspace. Personalizing your kitchen to be remodeled to your specific needs is the first step in planning your project.

A wall is removed for a new island area.

A cooking prep area flows into informal dining.

A homework station is added.

Be a Resource for Your Customers

2011-01-20T11:04:00.000-08:00

Just recently we were in communication with a past customer. He was looking a resource and some information for installing new kitchen flooring. The project was going to be a homeowner improvement project until they realized a project like this involves a lot more than just installing the new flooring. That’s really where our expertise steps in and provides the knowledge and experience to complete a remodeling or upgrade project for our customers. We help avoid issues by taking a good look at the overall project before things get underway to get the job done right and as hassle-free as possible.

At IHP, we love that our customers ask us for help. And we’re happy to provide our assistance.

Plan for Spring Projects

2010-12-31T15:19:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-23T05:46:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-11-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-23T03:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-15T04:51:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

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.