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Today's blog is about asphalt driveways. As promised at the beginning of the summer I've now finished a six part series with great questions to ask contractors that may be working on the following projects at your house: June 28 Exterior Painting July 11 Re-roofing July 24 Seamless gutters August 3 Ceramic Tile Floor August 19 Concrete Driveway September 5 Asphalt Driveway Fly-by-night contractors are common in the asphalt industry, but there are ways to avoid them. First, don’t buy from door-knockers—reputable contractors seldom resort to this technique to get jobs. Then ask your contractor the following questions to get a long-lasting driveway and the most bang from your buck:

My wife and I just got back from an extended vacation this past weekend and I started going through my mail on Monday. An e-mail from MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (MDH) informed me that my license for radon measurement is coming due at the end of the year. This prompted me to review the requirements for annual CEUs. I've taken 7 out of the 8 hours of training needed!! I'm in good shape. The state of Minnesota has very rigorous licensing requirements and I remember the initial training and tests that I needed to take and pass. It was no easy feat for me. There are only ~350 licensed radon measurement professionals in MN. Safety was always a focus of mine during my 40 years in corporate America. I have checked the radon levels in my home to ensure the safety and health of my family and I encourage you to do the same. There is a great deal of information to help the homeowner learn more about radon at the MDH website. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/radon/index.html

A concrete driveway is a big investment that will last a long time if it’s done right. But choose your contractor carefully. Poorly installed concrete can crack, buckle and heave, leaving you wishing you’d spent a little extra up front for a first-class job. Here's some questions to ask your contractor before starting.

Fall is here and the weather is beautiful in Minnesota, but we all know what's coming next. Yes, there's snow in the forecast. If you haven't finished your fall maintenance list, get on it now. To help you remember everything you're supposed to do as a Minnesota homeowner, I've compiled a comprehensive list of fall maintenance items that can found below.

I am already entertaining questions from friends and family as to why "West Egg". It comes from the novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald that I have enjoyed reading. First of all, the author is a native of St. Paul, MN so there is already a hometown connection. Second, the difference between the two fictional towns of East Egg and West Egg. East Egg is a place of residence for the people who inherited their wealth, while West Egg is a place where people who worked for their wealth lived. East Egg was used to refer to the places where those with inherited or “Old” money live. I feel I have worked hard in my career for the better part of my life. I would have definitely lived in West Egg with Jay Gatsby. I also enjoy hosting parties but nothing as lavish as in the novel. Third, I live on a small lake with my beautiful bride in a suburb of St. Paul and have a dock similar to the picture on the left which I have incorporated into my logo. While there is not a physical green light across the lake (nor Daisy Buchanan) it does symbolize my hopes and dreams of starting a new career in Home Inspection as I gaze at the other houses across the water.

This website is live!!! I am very excited to have a presence on the internet where my business services are made available and I can provide timely updates and information to prospective clients and members of the REALTOR® association. Starting and running my own successful business has always been a dream of mine. "Kings to you Fernand." (Quote from my favorite movie, "The Count of Monte Cristo")

And West Egg ... installs retaining walls? Well, kind of. The water in the lake the I live on has been drawn down this Fall to address "curly leaf turions and undesirable rough fish". I took this opportunity to use some of the exposed rocks in the lake and build a retaining wall on our lake frontage. Tennessee Ernie Ford's "16 tons" came to mind while I was working. I'm not quite as good as the rock whisperer that did an amazing job in our backyard but my raw materials were free. No need to visit the gym today, this was backbreaking work ... happy that I did my part to help with soil erosion. I'm going to go on record and say this was my last retaining wall made of stone.

Just finished renewing my NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program) certification as a Radon Measurement Professional. I am now current through December 2025. If you have any questions about radon levels in. your home or would like to have the radon levels tested please call or e-mail me. Next up is the state renewal from MDH (MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH). This is a requirement of all contractors that perform this measurement.

The Minnesota Radon Licensing Act (Minnesota Statutes 144.4961) was passed by the legislature and signed into law in May 2015. This act gives Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) the authority to write rules and enforce laws related to the radon industry in the state. Professionals and companies that measure for radon, mitigate for radon or perform radon analysis in the State of Minnesota are required to be licensed and use system tags. I am now good until December 2024. Minnesota Radon Licensing Act 144.4961 https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/144.4961 Radon Measurement Professional License 4620.7200 https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/4620.7200/

Purchasing a home warranty after the sale of a home can be a double-edged sword, offering both risks and rewards for homeowners. These warranties, often promoted as a safety net for unexpected repair costs, can provide peace of mind but come with caveats. One of the primary rewards of buying a home warranty after the sale is financial security. Homeowners can safeguard themselves against unexpected and potentially expensive repairs to essential appliances and systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. In the event of a breakdown, the warranty provider covers the cost of repairs or replacements, reducing the financial burden on the homeowner. This can be especially beneficial for those on a tight budget or first-time homeowners, who might not have the savings to cover large repair bills. However, the rewards of home warranties are accompanied by several risks. First and foremost is the cost. Home warranties come with upfront fees and service call fees for each claim, which can add up over time. In some cases, these fees may outweigh the actual cost of repairs, making the warranty less cost-effective. Another risk is the fine print in warranty contracts. Many warranties have limitations, exclusions, and specific conditions that can be used to deny coverage. Homeowners might find themselves frustrated when they realize that certain components or issues are not covered, or that the warranty provider insists on using their preferred contractors, which may not always be the best option. Moreover, there’s a risk of potential conflicts of interest. Some warranty companies maintain partnerships with service providers, which may lead to biased decisions in favor of repair over replacement, even when replacement would be more cost-effective. Like any financial decision, it’s essential to do thorough research and consider individual circumstances before deciding whether a home warranty is the right choice.

Homeownership is a significant milestone, but it comes with a set of responsibilities, including home maintenance. Ensuring the safety and longevity of your new home requires regular attention and care. In my manufacturing career, "running to failure" was a maintenance strategy promoted to save money by managers that didn't know better, but not one I followed nor would I recommend. Here are five essential home maintenance tips for new homeowners: 1. Inspect Your Home Regularly: Start by familiarizing yourself with your new property. Regular inspections can help identify potential issues early on. Look for signs of leaks, cracks, or damage in the foundation, walls, and roof. Inspect the plumbing and electrical systems for any abnormalities. By catching problems in their infancy, you can prevent costly repairs down the road. 2. Maintain the Exterior: The exterior of your home is its first line of defense against the elements. Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage. Check for cracks in the siding and repaint as needed to protect against weathering. Trim overhanging branches and bushes to prevent damage from falling debris during storms. Regular landscaping and lawn care not only enhance your home’s curb appeal but also prevent potential pest infestations. 3. HVAC System Maintenance: Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable and safe environment. Change air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and indoor air quality. Schedule professional HVAC inspections and servicing at least once a year to identify and address any issues with your system, increasing its efficiency and lifespan. 4. Security and Safety: Ensure your new home is a safe haven. Install smoke detectors in key areas of your home and test them regularly. Carbon monoxide detectors are also essential. Check and replace batteries as needed. Consider investing in a home security system for added peace of mind. Additionally, secure windows and doors with strong locks to deter potential intruders. 5. Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Save money and reduce your carbon footprint by making your home more energy-efficient. Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and install programmable thermostats to optimize heating and cooling. Consider adding insulation to improve your home’s thermal efficiency. Maintaining a new home is a responsibility that comes with the privilege of homeownership. If you have some basic DIY skills it is a great time to build upon those by initially taking on simpler / smaller projects and increasing the complexity and scope as your experience, knowledge, and confidence grow. The resources available to assist are limitless with today's technology. There are many YouTuber's that are more than happy to share their expertise. If you don't have the DIY gene, hire good qualified contractors and ask questions & watch them work. It is also a great way to learn. Follow these tips and you can protect your investment while enjoying a well-maintained home for years to come.

Once summer is over and your air conditioner is taking its off-season vacation, many people wonder if they should be covering their AC until time to use it again in the spring. The short answer – no. However, there is a better time of year to cover it and you need to make sure it is covered properly to avoid damaging the unit. SNOW DOESN’T HURT YOUR A/C Your air conditioner is built with a sturdy metal covering that is made to resist the elements, including snow, rain, and extreme heat. These units were made with the purpose to sit outside year-round. COVERS HOLD MOISTURE AND CAUSE MOLD You may think that putting an air conditioner cover on your unit will prevent moisture from invading the unit, but with humidity, condensation, and other natural elements, there is no way to prevent any moisture from entering your unit. With a cover on you will trap what moisture is in your unit and over time this will mold. This moisture can also cause rust in your air conditioner. If the parts inside the AC garner enough rust, then this will cause your air conditioner not to work properly and need replacement parts. COVERS ATTRACT CRITTERS Another reason we see homeowners using AC covers is to prevent animals from nesting in the unit. However, a cover will actually make a nice, warm retreat from the cold for mice and other small animals. They tend to find materials in the unit to build their nests. WHEN YOU SHOULD COVER YOUR AIR CONDITIONER If you have a lot of trees near your unit then during the fall you should consider covering the unit to avoid leaves, berries, twigs and other fall debris from entering the unit. If debris does happen to get into your unit, then this should be found and cleared during annual maintenance service before it becomes an issue. This is part of the reason we recommend trying to get your AC serviced before you turn it on for the very first time the following year. It is not necessary to cover your air conditioner during winter but be cognizant if you have icicles forming above it and make sure to remove these to avoid them falling into the unit. If they cannot be removed, a sturdy top cover or piece of wood may be used to prevent the icicles from damaging your unit if they fall. You can also still use mesh coverings during the winter if you’d like, but they will not help protect against potential falling ice. HOW TO PROPERLY COVER YOUR AIR CONDITIONER To cover your air conditioner, cover only the top of the unit. Some full-sized AC covers may look pretty, but they can damage the unit for some of the reasons already mentioned. BUY AN AIR CONDITIONER COVER You can make your own air conditioner cover, but it is often easier just to purchase one. You can find them on Amazon or at Home Depot for $30 or less, just remember to only purchase the top covers, not the full unit covers. As mentioned, covering the full unit can lead to rust and mold. Make sure the measurements of the cover you are purchasing fit your air conditioner before purchasing. 32” x 32” is the standard size AC cover and will fit most units. CONCLUSION Covering your air conditioner, especially with a full-length cover, leads to issues of mold, rust, and other problems. Your unit is made to withstand the snow and a cover is not needed for protection. It is recommended to only cover your AC during the fall months. Be sure to have annual maintenance on your air conditioner each spring to ensure everything is still in working order before turning it on again for the cooling season.