Window Types

In a recent post we discussed the difference between aluminum and vinyl windows. This week we would like to look instead at window aesthetics. The windows of your home quite literally shape the way you view the world. And yet, most homeowners have, at best, a pedestrian understanding of window

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The Case For Roof Vents

With spring roofing projects underway, now is as good a time as ever to discuss roof vents – a key to successfully roofing the Minnesota home.  Roof vents (and ventilation in general) are essential for circulating air, keeping your home fresh and helping to reduce moisture.  In fact, the American Institute of

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Project Feature: Minneapolis Basement Remodel

Excel Builders just wrapped up work on a two-month remodel of a beautiful Minneapolis home! The 1930’s two-story home needed a little TLC. This growing family needed a place for their children to play but, unfortunately, the basement was deemed too scary to venture down into. We took on the bare

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The Importance Of Deck Footings

With spring in the air we are excited to be working on exterior home projects.  This month we are all about siding, patios, and of course, decks!  With decks on the brain, we wanted to take a moment to discuss the importance of footings.  Footings act to spread the load

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Vinyl Versus Aluminum Clad Windows

Window replacement is a great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency and add to your house’s curb appeal.  But how do you know whether vinyl or aluminum clad windows are the right fit for you?  Check out our pros and cons below:VINYL WINDOWSAesthetic: Vinyl windows are available in a

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Cedar Versus Composite Decks

Spring is the time of year for deck installation! However, before you install your deck, you’ll need to determine the building material that you will use – cedar or composite. CEDAR DECKS Aesthetic: Most will argue that nothing beats the natural, warm, and rich look of new wood.  Cedar also

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Unique Bathroom Sinks

Installing unique bathroom sink bowls is quite popular right now. The unique shapes, fun colors, and different sizes add a real element of style to any bathroom. Here are two sinks we have recently installed.

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What Is A Shake Roof?

This week we are looking at less common roofing materials available on the market.  Today we would like to turn our attention to shake roofs.  A shake is a simple wooden shingle made from split logs.  The highest quality, and commonly used shakes are crafted from cedar.Appearance:  The decision to

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What Is A Slate Roof?

For the past two weeks we have been all about roofs. We’ve discussed Energy Star shingles, asphalt roofing, roof pitch, and shingle selection. As we’ve said in our previous posts, asphalt shingles are used for seventy-five percent of roofing projects in the Midwest. However, today we’d like to discuss an

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Product Spotlight: Marvin Windows

Spring is a great time to consider replacing your windows! If this project is on your spring honey-do list, we would like to take a moment to share a little more about one of our favorite brands – Marvin Windows and Doors. Marvin has two main window product brand lines

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