July 30, 2010

Why Hire a CMBA Member?

About the Central Minnesota Builders Association

The Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA), founded in 1971 as a not-for-profit organization is dedicated to serving the housing industry. The Association member companies have over 24,000 employees in Central Minnesota and are an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders. Members include but are not limited to home builders, remodelers, lenders, suppliers, subcontractors and real estate professionals.

Hiring a Contractor?   Do Your Homework

One of CMBA’s top priorities is to educate consumers about finding and working with dependable contractors. Doing your homework can make all the difference in the success of your project. Read more

Homeowner Storm Damage Tips


Across the state each year, many people become victims of tornadoes, hail and storms.  These natural disasters cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars annually.

One of the untold costs associated with disasters are those losses due to fraud. Often “fly-by-night” contractors appear in community’s right after a disaster and further victimize the victims by swindling them out of their precious and often limited resources by offering cheap and quick repair work. Here’s a warning from home builders that may save you from another disaster: unscrupulous contractors. Read more

Remodel Right with a Certified Green Professional


By CMBA President, Steve Squire, Berscheid Builders, Inc.

Making changes to your home can seem daunting, especially when you are interested in making it more energy efficient or “green.”  Looking at all of the possibilities may create more questions than answers. Read more

What is In and Out in New Homes Today

by Steve Squire, Berscheid Builders, Inc.,  CMBA President

As the American economy starts to emerge from the recession and families start to buy homes again, there will be some notable changes in the new homes that are built. Americans are no longer looking to add on as many luxury features as they can in as large a home as they can afford to buy. Instead they are now carefully evaluating what their needs are, being conservative in their choices, and selecting homes and features that best fit their family’s needs. Read more

Armed Service Members Have Another Year for Home Buyer Tax Credit

by Steve Squire, Berscheid Builders, Inc.  President Central Minnesota Builders Association

For most Americans, the home buyer tax credit expired on April 30. But Congress, recognizing that many members of the military, foreign service and intelligence communities may have missed out on the opportunity to take advantage of the credit due to being posted overseas, has given service members more time to take advantage of it. Read more

Weathering the Storm

by CMBA President Steve Squire, Berscheid Builders, Inc.

Spring storms are just around the corner and Mother Nature’s wicked rages can take a toll on your home.  Take the steps now to prepare your house and yard so that it will stand up to the extreme weather that spring can sometimes bring. Read more

Update Your Home Safely with a Certified Remodeler

by Steve Squire, President Central Minnesota Builders Association

You’ve made the decision to finally remodel the outdated kitchen and living room of your home.  But if you live in a house built before 1978, a new federal law regulating the removal of lead paint may affect your home remodeling project.

Read more

Five Tips for a Successful Home Remodel

By:  Steve Squire, President, Central Minnesota Builders Association

As spring approaches, many home owners grow eager to start remodeling projects to update and refresh their surroundings. Before getting started, it’s a good idea to hire a professional remodeler for a workable plan and better results, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

A professional remodeler knows how to translate a home owner’s dreams and budget into a beautiful reality. They have the expertise and skills to work with a home owner and make sure factors such as resale value, future uses for the space, whether the materials selected are appropriate for the family’s lifestyle, and other factors that a home owner may never have considered are fully evaluated. Read more

Reminder to Home Buyers: Tax Credit Expiring Soon

by CMBA President Steve Squire, Berscheid Builders, Inc.

Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA) wants potential home buyers to be aware that they still have the opportunity to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time home buyer or $6,500 repeat buyer tax credits, as long as they act quickly—the credits expire on April 30, 2010.  Read more

St. Cloud Area Sizzling Spring Events

by CMBA President, Steve Squire, Berscheid Builders, Inc.

CMBA is presenting two spring events in March the HomeShow and Spring Tour of Homes. Read more

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