HomeTalk debuts on myTalk 107.1 FM featuring Minnesota Exteriors

If you didn’t tune in to Sunday’s debut of myTalk’s newest program you really missed out. Home Talk aired for the first time on 107.1 FM. The show featured Ryan Carey and Jenny Musolf of Minnesota Exteriors sharing vital information on current financing programs available to Twin Cities’ homeowners.

The first portion of the show focused on the Home Energy Loan sponsored by the Center for Energy and Environment. Home Energy Loan can help finance energy efficient home improvements-everything from window replacement to light fixtures. The program is available with no income limit and the maximum loan amount available is $20,000. For more information check out www.mncee.org.

For homeowners who are planning a project that doesn’t fall within the Home Energy Loan guidelines Ryan and Jenny discussed the Fix It Fund offered by the Minnesota Housing Agency. This program covers just about any type of home improvement with the exception of things like hot tubs, pools or other recreational improvements. The Fix It Fund does cover items like window and door replacement, siding replacement, roofing, and gutters. It also applies to interior improvements like kitchen remodels and general remodeling projects. Unlike the Home Energy Loan there is a household income limit of $96,500. More information can be found at www.mnhousing.gov.

There was also a discussion of traditional financing methods available through Minnesota Exteriors like that offered by GE Money and Service Financing. These are based on credit score and are more like setting up a credit card but do offer great interest rates and a variety of payment options.

The show also reminded homeowners who made energy-efficient home improvements in 2011 to take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit. Many homeowners are doing their taxes right now and it is important to make sure there aren’t additional funds available to them. Items that qualify for the credit include replacement windows, replacement doors, certain varieties of metal roofing and asphalt shingles, insulation, furnaces, air conditioners and many other items. For a complete list visit www.energystar.gov.

Tune in next week to hear general remodeling tips from Vujovich Design Build. Ryan and Jenny from Minnesota Exteriors will next appear on Sunday, March 11^th. Be sure to catch the show!

Insurance Restoration/Storm Damage- What Minnesota Homeowners Need to Know

Chances are your house has been hit by hail in one of the several storms that have plowed through the Twin Cities in the last few years.  Chances are even better that after the hail hit your doorbell rang more times in the next few weeks than it ever has!

Yes, you were visited by “storm chasers.”  Not the kind that try to get live footage of tornados but the kind that are begging to get up on your roof and assess the damage so you will use them as your contractor.  Here are some important things to know when
encountering these individuals:

1. Many storm chasers come from out of state. They are here to do the work and  move on to the next storm.  This
makes it very hard to call them back for any service work in the future.

2. They tell you your roof is damaged every time and tell you to make a claim.  When your insurance adjuster comes out, they
will try to intimidate him/her into covering damage that isn’t there.

3. They try to make you sign a commitment form the first time they knock on your door (before you have time to do research).

4. They try to pay you to put their sign in your yard (whether or not you use them) so they can go tell your neighbors that everyone is using them.

Now, make no mistake, there are many legitimate storms out there that can do serious damage to your house.
Hail can result in roof replacement, siding replacement, and window replacement, not to mention things like repainting of deck, combing of air conditioner fins, or gutter replacement. The best way to avoid the situations listed above is to call a company
like Minnesota Exteriors the next time you have storm damage.  We have been in business since 1947, we have
a lifetime workmanship warranty, an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and you know we’ll be around to service your job long after the storm is gone.  We don’t survive on storm business alone like many companies do.  If the storms dry up,
so do they!  We have extensive experience with insurance work; we even use the same estimating software that most
insurance companies use (Xactimate).

When it comes to storm damage repair, the only decision to make is what company to use.  Insurance pays the bill, so make sure you’re using a company with the best reputation and longevity you can find.  In other words, call Minnesota Exteriors!

Minnesota Exteriors teams with the BBB and myTalk 107.1

myTalk 107.1’s newest show Home Talk debuts this Sunday, February 12^th at 12 noon.  The
show is sponsored by the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota.  It will feature three local accredited
businesses sharing their expertise on all things home.  The businesses will rotate and each host the
show once per month.

The first show features Jenny and Ryan of Minnesota
Exteriors.  Minnesota Exteriors specializes in exterior improvements including siding, windows and
roofing.  The first installment of Home Talk will focus on the many home improvement financing programs available by
organizations like the Center for Energy and Environment and the Minnesota Housing Agency.  There are many programs
available for everything from new windows, insulation, water heaters and much more.  Instead of putting off your wish
list of things your home needs why not take advantage of what is available right now?

The format of the show also gives listeners the opportunity to call in and ask questions of that week’s expert.  If you are thinking of changing out your windows for more energy-efficient ones this is your opportunity to speak one-on-one with a BBB accredited window replacement contractor and get your questions answered.

Upcoming shows will also feature interior design help from Kara of Kamarron Design and Ed of Vujovich Design Build for remodeling questions.

Planned topics for future shows hosted by Minnesota Exteriors include Spring Clean-Up Tips and Storm Damage 101.