2010 Builder and Remodeler of the Year Awards

On Thursday, February 4th, 2010 the Builders Association of the Twin Cities announced the winners of the 2010 Builder of the Year and 2010 Remodeler of the Year.  These awards recognize companies that demonstrate the highest level of professionalism in their businesses.  Read the complete press release. 

2010 Builder of the Year Winner               2010 Remodeler of the Year Winner
                 Swanson Homes                                                                Destiny Homes, Inc.
1360 Hamel Road, Medina, MN 55340                  8590 Tigua Lane, Chanhassen, MN 55317  

Runners-Up 2010 Builder of the Year	Runners-Up 2010 Remodeler of the Year
Creek Hill Custom Homes, Maple Grove	Bob Michels Construction, North Oaks
KEY LAND HOMES, Prior Lake	Norgaard Homes, Blaine
McCallum Construction, Blaine	Quartersawn, Edina

About Swanson Homes, 2010 Builder of the Year
Since 1965, Swanson Homes has been one of the most respected and trusted names in Minnesota home building. Today, Curt Swanson is continuing this tradition of excellence, begun by his father, of designing, building, and remodeling custom homes — from classic traditional designs, to cutting-edge contemporary. Curt builds relationships with his clients, contractors, and manufacturers and has always insisted on product quality and design integrity. Each home owner’s project represents a process that incorporates architectural planning, interior design, and building collaboration. His elite design team, exclusive manufacturers and experienced craftspeople create some of the finest homes today, many having earned prestigious awards. His promise: to design uniquely personalized homes which are built to exacting standards of quality craftsmanship.

About Destiny Homes, 2010 Remodeler of the Year
For 35 years, Destiny Homes has been building relationships in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas. Their philosophy is about more than renovation, construction and design, it’s about building friendships with their customers. They become every client’s design therapist, coaching homeowners through the renovation, ensuring that every detail is understood and carefully managed. They find ways to minimize disruption on their homeowners’ lifestyles,provide detailed plans and realistic completion dates, and use the highest quality materials within budget parameters.

February Fun – Win $50

In 2010, Brush Masters is having monthly competitions.

See the full contest rules.

In February 2010 the contest theme is centered around Valentine’s Day.

Submit your Valentine’s Day content (photo, video, poem, whatever you think people will vote for that you have permission to use).

Vote Now for Prize to be Received by the Winner 

Acrolon 218 HS – Dry/Wet Erase Finishes

Joe Rock was wondering if there was a paint product he could use that would simulate a dry/wet erase board.  He had many ideas if he could get the price right and it worked well on many surfaces.  For example, he could paint his office wall and use it as a dry/wet erase board, he could paint the backside of his kitchen cabinets to make grocery and to-do lists, and he could make his own dry/wet erase boards.

He found a product called Acrolon 218 HS from Sherwin Williams.  Although not marketed as a dry/wet erase paint we decided to give it a try and see if it would work as such an application.

After some research on dry/wet erase boards, Joe Rock found that they cost between $8 to $20 per square foot. The cost for the painted application (on walls, hardboard, building materials) would be considerably less; dependent on the application and scope of work.**

Please note that the video tested wet erase markers, however dry erase markers should perform they same based upon Joe Rock’s research.

If your next client desires to have whiteboards, dry erase boards, or wet erase boards in their space, consider Brush Masters for a unique approach to having these finishes done on-site or in Brush Masters pre-finish shop.

**Subject to estimate from Brush Masters that will be dependent upon your specific project needs and reqquirments.