At Minnesota Exteriors, we are always happy to inspect your roof for storm damage or general wear and tear. Keep in mind we install windows and siding, but feel free to have us inspect your roof while we’re there. In some cases, we find hail damage on your roof you never knew you had! This is always a nice surprise to the homeowner who has been saving for a new roof and now will only need to pay their insurance deductible. We can estimate the approximate life left on your roof by looking at its condition. We can also look at your windows, doors, and siding to create a priority list for you. We may find you have a good 5 years of useful life for the roof, and you may benefit the most at this time from a window replacement or a siding installation. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a MEI representative out to your house for a no-pressure consultation. MEI is the Twin Cities’ oldest and most respected home improvement installer with a lifetime workmanship warranty on all siding, roof, window, door, and gutter installations. Call us today!

It is important to check your roof, siding, gutters and windows for potential issues.  If many problems are uncovered, you may decide that it is time to get a free in-home estimate on roofing replacement, siding replacement or window replacement.  Minnesota Exteriors offers these services to homeowners in the Greater Twin Cities Metro area including Minneapolis, St.
Paul and surrounding suburbs like Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Lino Lakes, Ramsey and many others.

Don’t get on your roof unless you feel 100% comfortable doing so.  Make sure you have a sturdy ladder and shoes with good grip.  If you don’t want to get on your roof you can look for many potential issues from the ground using a pair of binoculars.  First check for shingles that are missing, cracked or curling.  These are signs that your roof needs to be replaced.  Also look for areas where asphalt granules seem to have worn off.  You can also look for large amounts of granules in your gutters.  Your roof may also have black streaks which are a sign that you have mold or algae growing on your roof.  Some companies offer roof washing services that can rid your roof of the stripes.  If the problem is allowed to continue for too long you will probably
need to consider roof replacement.  You should also make sure all of your flashings are not in need of new caulk.
Another way to look for potential problems is to go in to your attic.  Look for evidence of water marks on your rafters.  If you do have a leaky roof it is crucial that you have a professional roofing contractor like Minnesota Exteriors replace your roof as soon as possible.

Your siding should also be checked for issues.  If you have wood siding you will want to look for areas or rot that may act as rance points for insects and rodents.  You may also have areas of peeling paint that should be addressed.  If you find yourself making repairs to your wooden siding every year you may want to consider replacing your siding with something maintenance free.  Minnesota Exteriors can replace your old, wooden siding with vinyl siding, aluminum siding, steel siding, fiber cement
siding or engineered wood siding.  If you suspect that water is getting behind your siding you must take care of the issue
immediately to avoid further damage to your home.  If your siding has become dirty over the winter months it can typically be cleaned with soap and water.  Do not use harsh chemicals on your siding-always check with the manufacturer to see what they recommend for their products.

You may uncover issues with your windows.  Wood windows may show signs of deterioration due to exposure to water and snow.  If the paint is peeling from your window trim consider having it wrapped in maintenance-free aluminum.  You should
also take the time to make sure that the weep holes on your windows are free of dirt and debris.  Patio door sills can also become blocked with dirt and insects.  Minnesota Exteriors offers wood, vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass windows.  You also have the option of insert windows or full frame replacement.  If your existing windows are very damaged you should probably consider full frame replacement windows.

It is not uncommon for gutters to need periodic cleaning.  Clogged gutters can cause water issues in other parts of your home.
You should also look for cracks and leaks.  If you have many leaks you should call a gutter professional like Minnesota Exteriors and get a free estimate on new gutters.  You should also consider new gutters if your existing gutters have pulled away from your house or if you notice water coming down from behind your gutters.  You can also add gutter protection to your gutters to reduce the amount of debris that makes it into your gutter although no gutter protection is 100% effective.

After doing an evaluation of your home’s exterior you may decide that it is time to replace certain elements like your windows, siding or roofing.  Call Minnesota Exteriors for your free in-home estimate.  We also offer free roof inspections and can help determine if your roof needs replacement or if it is in good condition.

Top Ten Things to do When Hiring a Contractor:

1. Check Out Their Track Record

Homeowners should contact the Better Business Bureau to view the Business Review on any company they are considering
working with.  This service is offered at no charge.  You are able to view a company’s BBB rating, number of complaints, and business history.

Minnesota Exteriors is extremely proud of our A+ rating with the BBB.  We have been accredited with them for 20 years.  We
have also teamed up with the BBB on a weekly radio show called Home Talk which can be heard Sundays at noon on myTalk 107.1 FM.

2. Solicit Multiple Quotes

The BBB recommends homeowners get at least 3 written estimates.

Minnesota Exteriors also encourages homeowners to be sure they have all the information when comparing quotes.  Do not immediately choose the contractor with the lowest price.  Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.  In the case
of window replacement if one company is pricing out insert windows and another company is pricing out full-frame replacements there will be an obvious price difference.

3. Verify License, Insurance & Bonding

It is very important to make sure your contractor has a license to do work in Minnesota and that they have both liability and workers compensation insurance.

In addition to making sure your contractor is insured it is also important to verify that any sub contractors on the project carry their own insurance.  Minnesota Exteriors has an extensive review process in place for all of our sub contractors and regularly check to make sure they are insured and registered with the State of Minnesota.

4. Ask For References

The BBB tells homeowners to check references BEFORE signing a contract.  It can also be helpful to ask friends and
relatives for references of companies they have worked with.  Also, use caution whenever dealing with
door-to-door salesperson.  Always make sure they are in fact a representative of the company the claim to be from.

Minnesota Exteriors has been helping homeowners with their siding and windows for over 65 years.  Our list of references is
endless.  We are also able to give homeowners a list of homes in their area where they can drive by and see our finished product.  This often is helpful when trying to choose siding and roofing colors.

5. Inquire About A Lien Waiver

A lien waiver is a statement from the contractor that all supplies and subcontractors have been paid for their work.  The BBB
recommends that you ask the contractor if they will provide one at the completion of your project.  You should ask this question prior to work commencing.

If a contractor will not supply a lien waiver it should be a red flag to homeowners.  Minnesota Exteriors gladly provides lien waivers to our customers.

6. Don’t Forget Building Permits

Permits are for your protection and help ensure that work will meet local building codes.

If your contractor is asking you to apply for the permits there is a problem.  It is possible they are no longer licensed to
work and are unable to pull permits.  Any reputable company takes on the permits as their responsibility.

Minnesota Exteriors always pulls the necessary permits for each of our jobs and we make sure that the project passes
all inspections required by the city involved.

7. Consider All Angles
The BBB reminds homeowners that if you choose to do business with someone who is not local you will need to know who to contact if any concerns arise after the completion of the project.

This is especially important when looking to have your storm damage fixed.  “Storm Chasers” often flood to an affected
area, complete a few jobs to make money, and then move on to the next storm area.

Minnesota Exteriors offers our customers a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty in addition to the product warranties provided by the manufacturer.  We also have Service Technicians on our staff to assist you should the need arise.  We will be here long after the work is done.

8. Get It In Writing

Do not allow work to start without a signed, written contract.  Be sure to pay special attention to any details in bold, underlined or require initials.

When you meet with a representative of Minnesota Exteriors for your siding, roofing or window replacement project we take the time to go over our contract with you line by line, item by item.  We want to make sure our customers are comfortable with everything in the contract and will answer any questions that may come up.

9. Don’t Rely on Verbal Promises

Any promises made orally should be written into the contract, including warranties on materials or labor.

Having trouble having your contractor put it in writing?  See if they will put it in an email.  While a signed contract or change order is always best an email will be a good tool if there is ever a question about what was discussed.

10. Arrange a Payment Schedule

Never pay in full in advance of a project. Never pay in cash; use check or credit card.

Minnesota Exteriors never asks for full payment up front. We do collect a down payment when the contract is signed-typically 30% of the contract amount.  Final payment is then due upon completion of the project.

We hope you have found this information provided by The Better Business Bureau and Minnesota Exteriors to be helpful.  We encourage you to check out Minnesota Exteriors with the BBB when choosing a contractor for siding replacement,
window replacement or roofing replacement in the Twin Cities greater Metro Area.

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!

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!

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.

By Ryan Carey, MEI Sales Manager

Infinity from Marvin Replacement Windows have been the talk of the industry since their inception.  We were excited to learn more about this fiberglass product and how it would benefit our window installation customers at a training for Marvin Infinity Windows in Warroad. Minnesota Exteriors sales reps Dan Geis, Bob Guzzo, and Rodd Olsen came along with me to check it out.

We met with other sales reps from around the country that also sell Infinity windows at MSP and took Marvin’s plane up to Warroad.  Once we arrived, trainer Jay Berry greeted us and brought us to a restaurant that serves fresh walleye right out of Lake of the Woods. This was quite a treat for all the other reps, travelling from California to Virginia
and many states in between.  Jay Berry told us about the history of Warroad and how the Marvin family has been an integral part of the community for nearly 100 years.

In times when many talk about corporate greed, there could not be a more refreshing story than Marvin’s commitment to its employees and to the Warroad area.  When the company’s building burned down in the 1961, many larger communities with larger employee bases offered Marvin incentives to rebuild in their city. Warroad is a small town that is very isolated in its position along the Canadian border and Lake of the Woods, but the Marvin family refused to abandon the town that made them the company the were. A new factory was built in Warroad and the Marvin family continued to help out the employees financially while they waited for the factory to be operational.

With the recent downturn in the economy, Marvin stood as one of the only window manufacturers that didn’t lay off workers.

Hours were cut back and managers took pay cuts, but Marvin did not want to lose any of what they considered their greatest asset: their employees.  The Marvin company received national recognition for this fact, as president Susan Marvin was interviewed on Fox News and President Obama mentioned Marvin Windows in a speech as a positive example to be held for all American companies.

In the next two days, we learned about the benefits and strength of Infinity Fiberglass Windows and were truly amazed by the product.  Even more amazing is the Everwood Pine interior.  It can be stained like wood,but doesn’t deteriorate with moisture. We encourage those in the market for windows to stop by the newly remodeled Minnesota Exteriors showroom, where we have a “fish tank” display with an Everwood Pine window sash submerged in water.  We also have full Infinity window displays in our showroom along with all the roofing and siding displays one would need to see for a full exterior remodel.

We were actually sad to leave Warroad after the training.  We were taught well, fed well, and treated well.  We made some great new friends from around the country and even made a successful trip to the local casino!  Thanks again to Jay Berry, Molly Carr, and the Marvin family for making the trip such a great experience.  We look forward to coming back soon!

Minnesota Exteriors, Inc. was honored with two Trillium Awards for the fine exterior work completed on homes built by TJB Homes, Inc. and K. A. Witt Construction, Inc.  The first award was in the $245,000-$269,999 category and featured prefinished James Hardie fiber cement siding and trim, and Rollex aluminum soffit and fascia.  The second award was in the $285,000-$304,999 category and showcased the installation of James Hardie fiber cement siding and fiber cement shakes, Heartland vinyl siding and Rollex soffit and fascia.  Both homes were featured in the recent Fall Parade of Homes. 

This is not the first time that Minnesota Exteriors has been recognized for superior workmanship.  In 2008 MEI received two Trillium Awards for outstanding exteriors in conjunction with TJB Home, Inc. and Andreen Construction.

Minnesota Exteriors wants you to be aware of some basic ideas / tips when repairing or restoring your home after a storm or natural disaster.  You will need to work with your insurance company, their adjuster and a qualified contractor to make these repairs a reality and get your life back to normal as soon as possible.  We have put these tips together from our 63+ years in business along with some information from the Better Business Bureau and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

What to do first – Contact your insurance company

• Call your insurance agent or insurance company and provide a description of your damage.  Once your loss is reported, an insurance company adjuster will contact you to inspect the damage.  It can be an advantage to a homeowner to have a qualified contractor at the adjustment inspection to help the adjuster find all damage to the home. 
• Take photos of the damaged areas. Pictures can be valuable if any questions arise during the claims process.  A qualified contractor can help with this part of the process.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage – cover broken windows, damaged roofs, etc. Keep track of supplies and materials you purchase.  Your insurance company will reimburse you for reasonable expenses in making temporary repairs.
• Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage is inspected.
• Read your policy to determine what is covered and the level of coverage that exists. Most policies have deductibles that will apply.  Some deductibles are only a few hundred dollars and others are much larger and sometimes a percentage of the homes value.  Understand how much of the loss you will be responsible for in the repair / restoration process.
• A typical policy will usually cover the replacement cost for the damaged portion of your home, including any upgrades that are required by local codes when damage is repaired.
• Refrain from filing an insurance claim for repairs that you do not intend to make. There could be repercussions from your insurance company when you are being compensated to make certain repairs. Keep in mind that if you hold a mortgage on your home, your mortgage company may have a vested interest in you making the repairs and most mandate you to make the repairs.

What to do next – Contact a contractor about repairs

After a storm event there will be contractors seeking work, some licensed and reputable and some not.  You will have contractors knocking on your door and canvassing your neighborhood.  You will hear and see advertisements on the radio, television and in the newspapers plus direct mail.  How can you make an informed decision on whom to hire to restore your home?  Keep reading for some very important tips and information.

• Remember to ask the contractor if he/she is licensed in Minnesota as a building contractor. Make sure the contractor license is in good standing and there are no enforcement actions against the contractor license.  Contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry at 651.284.5065 or www.doli.state.mn.us for online license lookup. 
• Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.  A qualified contractor will not have a problem providing these items.
• Get all proposals in writing, and be sure the contractors name, phone number, address, and license number is on the proposal. Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses.
• Ask your contractor for references. Check with the Better Business Bureau at www.thefirstbbb.org to read a company’s reliability report.
• Be aware that anything you sign is a contract. Read carefully or avoid signing an “estimate” or “authorization” form before you have actually decided to hire a particular contractor. Pay special attention to any details in bold, that are underlined or that you need to initial.  Once you ‘sign for it’, in many cases ‘you bought it’.
• Some contractors specialize in storm damage repair. Ask your contractor to explain their process for working with insurance companies and to describe what you can expect to experience during the process. For example, the claim may need to change depending on whether or not additional damage is found during the restoration process.
• Local or national companies may both do a fine job with your storm damage repair needs. If you choose to do business with someone who is not local, be sure to understand who will be taking care of any service needs that may arise after the completion of the project and the contractor has left town.
• Consumers may or may not be entitled to a re-inspection if their initial storm damage claim is denied. Factors taken into consideration may include the quality of the original report and the photos from the original inspection. You will want to ask your contractor to assist in asking for a re-inspection.
• Some companies list bids on their on contract to do service work on your home and some do not (basing their pricing on insurance allowance). Both are acceptable methods of conducting business.
• Consumers may or may not be entitled to a re-inspection if their initial storm damage claim is denied. Factors taken into consideration may include the quality of the original report and the photos from the original inspection. You may want to ask a qualified contractor to assist in asking for a re-inspection.
• Understand the differences between warranties and guarantees. The manufacturer warranties their products and contractors have warranties on service. Contractors may also offer customer service guarantees. Get copies of any/all warranties and guarantees.

The most important thing for a homeowner to do after a storm is to understand their insurance policy and not make hasty decisions about which contractor to hire to fix your home.  Unscrupulous contractors try and take advantage of a homeowners fear at this time.  As long as you make temporary repairs such as boarding broken windows you have time to chose and hire a competent contractor using the information above.

Minnesota Exteriors has been in business locally for over 63 years and has worked with insurance companies on behalf of thousands of Minnesota homeowners.   To learn more about repairing your home after a storm or other catastrophic event you can call Minnesota Exteriors at 763-493-5500.