In this week’s blog we are going to start a new segment entitled “Project Wrap-Up”.  After every project is complete we will blog about it and give you a general idea of what the project detailed, how we preformed the job, any issues that we may have ran into during the job, and before and after pictures that will be coming to our Projects Portfolio page soon.

So we have just wrapped-up a new floating cedar deck with an existing enclosed screen on a porch in Golden Valley. The customer requested that we remove the screening, tear-up existing deck, replace deck with cedar, and then re-install the screening.

1. Our first task was to remove the existing screening without damaging it. We achieved this by carefully removing one section of the screening at a time. The screening was held up with screws that were screwed into the existing deck and also nailed into the fascia. This made it somewhat difficult to remove without ruining the fascia.
2. We tore up the existing decking and hauled it off. This was fairly simple since it was pretty old. We basically just pulled it out with our own hands.
3. We re-leveled the surface & started framing the deck which was very difficult because of concrete that was beneath the old decking. The concrete was cracked and significantly shifted which created an uneven surface.
4. While the deck was being framed with green treated wood, we also started staining both sides of the cedar decking boards. We always stain all sides of cedar board decking to keep moisture from causing the boards to warp.
5. We installed the pre-stained cedar decking boards making sure all our Deck Mate screws were in line with each other. We always use screws instead of nails to ensure that all boards a fastened securely and will not pop out later on down the road.
6. We re-installed the screening. We put the screening back in opposite of how we took it out in order to line everything up properly.

An issue that we ran into during this project was the heat; it was about 80 degrees on average out there. The problem with the heat is it’s just not that fun to work in, well we already know that. The real problem comes when it’s time to stain the decking boards and there is not enough shade in the area. If it’s too hot out during the staining process without ample shade, then the boards do not dry properly.  So a good tip is to try and do your staining early in the morning or make sure you have plenty of shade in the area while staining.

All-in-all, the porch turned out to look very nice and the client was pleased with the outcome. To look at some before and after shots, please check out our photo page. If you have any questions about this project or any future projects please let us know by contacting us.

For now, you can look at the Golden Valley Deck page here until the final page is launched.

10 Reasons why you need Life Insurance

1.)    You have a loan on a vehicle

2.)    You or your children have loans for college

3.)    You have credit card debt

4.)    You have personal loans

5.)    Your spouse relies on your income

6.)    You are saving for retirement

7.)    You have outstanding medical bills

8.)    You have young children

9.)    You have a mortgage

10.)  You have a second mortgage

Why is life Insurance Important?

Life Insurance won’t guarantee you’ll never face a tragic situation, just as wearing a seat belt won’t keep you from crashing your car. Whatever hopes and dreams you have for your loved ones can still be realized, even if the worst were to happen.

REAL EXAMPLES:

~Husband/father was driving home from work and lost control of his vehicle. He was killed instantly leaving wife to raise two kids, a $200,000 mortgage and loan for vehicle.

~The couple each had a $500,000 dollar life insurance policy to pay for his $15,000 funeral, $200,000 Mortgage, $20,000 Car loan and also covered expenses to raise children.

~A 19-year old was riding in a vehicle with a few friends. The driver wasn’t paying attention and ran a red light getting T-boned by an on coming vehicle killing the teenager instantly.

~Her parents carried a $100,000 policy which paid for her funeral, college debt and some medical expenses. Parents also missed work for 6 months which life insurance paid for.

~Mother/Wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was given 6 months to live. Family incurred $90,000 in medical bills and many trips to and from hospital. They spent the last two months traveling and shortly after she passed away leaving two children.

~Husband/Father received $250,000 in life insurance which was used to pay for funeral, medical bills, travel expenses and time missed from work.

American Family Insurance offers 25% discount with your home & auto insurance. We offer another discount on your auto insurance with a life insurance policy.  To find out your rate on your home, auto & life insurance go to my link under partnerships and click on American Family Insurance.

Office: 763-428-1004      Fax: 763-428-3063

We would like to introduce you to Jason Danielson from American Family Insurance in Rogers.  Jason has been working in the insurance business for the past nine years.  Prior to owning his own agency, Jason was a regional sales manager for a life insurance company, but he always knew he wanted a family and decided the schedule was too demanding.  Jason is now married with one child.  We’ve worked with Jason, and can promise that when it comes to his clients, he always gives 110 percent. Jason will be blogging periodically to keep you informed about different insurance products and coverages available for homeowners.   Please feel free to email us or Jason anytime with any questions you may have about your insurance.  Big thanks to Jason and we look forward to reading his blogs.

Office: 763-428-1004     Fax 763-428-3063

What is the purpose of this program? FHA loans provide mortgage insurance for a person to purchase a principal residence in metro or rural areas. The mortgage loan is funded by a lending institution, such as a mortgage company, bank, savings and loan association and the mortgage is insured by HUD.

Advantages about FHA:

• Borrower’s credit can be much lower with FHA versus a conforming loan.  I’ve seen approvals for borrowers with 570 scores.
• Borrower is eligible for approximately 97% financing on a purchase and with the Nehamia program up to 6% of the final contract sales price for down payment and/or closing costs.  So you can buy a home with no down payment out of your pocket and get a great rate!
• Eligible properties are one-to-four unit structures, including farm housing located on 2 acres or more of land adjacent to an all weather road.
• Available for first-time and repeat homebuyers.
• Approved for new construction and resale homes.
• Interest rates are as good as conforming rates.
• Borrower can refinance and take Cash Out for up to 95% of the appraised value!!

FHA is a great option for those who do not own other properties and want to purchase a home with little or no money down. It is also great for borrowers who want to refinance and pull cash out of their home up to 95% of appraised value. FHA however is more expensive and not always the best program. To find out what loan program is right for you just give me a call at 612-481-7841 and we can go over your specific needs to find the right loan for you. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more market news.

Eric Ollestad, Mortgage Consultant

work (763) 416-2653     cell (612) 481-7841

Hello all,

Its Eric Ollestad with Mortgages Unlimited.  I’m excited to introduce myself as the Mortgage Consultant for JWC Residential Construction.  I’ve worked with JWC since the very first construction project and I’ve helped the owners and many friends, family and clients find the right loan for their specific needs.  I’ll be blogging periodically about market conditions and updates on interest rates along with different products available for refinancing, purchasing and new construction.  Big thanks to JWC Residential for all of their support and partnership.  Check back soon for my first blog about FHA financing.

Eric Ollestad, Mortgage Consultant

work (763) 416-2653     cell (612) 481-7841