Home Maintenance

House Hidden Costs

Hidden expenses shocking household budgets

It’s nothing new that first-time homebuyers are warned about how essential it is to have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. When you are renting and you don’t have hot...
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Spring Maintenance

Spring Checklist for Minnesota Homeowners

It’s starting to feel like spring, so it’s a good time to share our Spring Checklist. I’ve shared a fall maintenance checklist forever because there’s a ton of stuff for...
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Gfci

How to test a GFCI device

A ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) is a life-safety device designed to help prevent electrocution. They’ve been around for over 50 years, and they’re required all over the place in new construction...
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Dirty Glass At Gas Fireplace

Hazy glass at gas fireplace… fixed!

After years of use, gas fireplaces often develop a cloudy white haze on the glass.  This white haze makes the flames difficult to see, ruins any potential illusion that you’re...
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Slow Bathroom Sink Drain

How to fix a slow drain at a bathroom sink

To fix a slow drain at a bathroom sink, don’t mess with acids that you pour down your sink. They can damage the pipes, and they don’t always work. Instead,...
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Reuben Unvented Gas Space Heater

Unvented gas space heaters: illegal in Minnesota

Unvented gas space heaters aren’t legal in Minnesota, but that doesn’t keep people from installing them. Today, I’ll explain what they are, why I don’t like them, and why retailers...
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Ice Dams In Roof Gutters From Melting Snow Can Cause Water Damage Inside Home, Insufficient Attic Insulation Is Usually The Cause.

Ice Dams: how to prevent and how to remove

Ice dams are literally dams of ice that form on roofs and cause water to back up. Ice dams form when the snow that touches the roof melts, and then...
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Catastrophic Water Leaks

How to prevent catastrophic water leaks

Water leaks are disruptive and expensive; ask me how I know. “Reuben, pray tell, how do you know?” Thanks for asking! My last water episode happened in 2021, when my...
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Sharon and John Hensrud

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The HomesMSP Team is committed to meeting you where you are and listening… really listening to understand you so we can use our extensive knowledge of the market and local neighborhoods to give you personalized service.