Blog

How Much Does a Water Softener Cost in Minnesota? Blog Summary: In Minnesota, a water softener costs $1,000 to $3,500 installed, including the unit and professional labor; a standalone unit runs $500 to $800 if installed without a plumber. For ongoing maintenance, salt-based units (the most common type in Minnesota) require $50 to $150 per […]

Summer Cabin Maintenance You Shouldn’t Ignore Summer is the best — and the busiest — season for log cabin maintenance. You’re there more often, the weather is usually cooperative, and you can actually see what winter and spring left behind. Unlike fall maintenance and spring prep, summer and winter are when you should handle the […]

How to Build the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen: A Comprehensive Guide There’s nothing like a Minnesota summer: sunny days spent on the lake, quality time with family and friends, and the smell of something on the grill. One way to make your Northwoods summer even sweeter? Adding a full-service outdoor kitchen to your home or cabin. […]

11 Outdoor Living Space Ideas to Inspire Your Backyard Oasis Your backyard can be more than just a patch of grass. With a little inspiration, you can transform it into a space you’ll never want to leave. Brainerd summers were meant to be spent outdoors with family and friends — create your ideal outdoor living […]

Opening Weekend: A Cabin Owner’s Spring Maintenance Guide It’s nearly cabin season again in the Brainerd Lakes. The snow is melting, the lakes are thawing, and it’s about time to feel that “first drive up north” feeling again. But the first visit of the season isn’t all relaxation and fun. Responsible cabin owners know that […]

Do I Really Need a Water Softener? For many homeowners, the cost of adding a new appliance can be difficult to swallow. With hefty price tags come the question: Do I really need this appliance? But for Brainerd-area homes, the answer to water softeners is usually yes. From your family’s comfort to the lifespan of […]

What to Do About Frozen Pipes: A Guide for Brainerd’s Coldest Days Winters in Brainerd are no joke. With months of extreme cold weather comes a significant risk of frozen pipes. It’s important to take steps to prevent frozen pipes, especially for cabin owners who may not discover the damage until their next weekend up […]

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality and Prevent Sickness in the Winter In Brainerd, winter isn’t just a never-ending battle against the snow and cold—it’s also a struggle to dodge sickness. From November through March, it feels like everyone and their dog will come down with a cold, the flu, RSV, norovirus, you name it. […]

Remote Home Management: Ensuring Your Cabin’s Comfort Year-Round In the age of smartphones and smart homes, we’re surrounded by devices that aim to make our lives easier. From adjusting the lights to bumping up the thermostat to monitoring the front door, you can use smart home devices to maintain your environment even when you’re not […]

Brainerd Lakes Water Quality What Homeowners Need to Know Water quality is at the top of many Minnesota homeowners’ minds thanks to PFAS, nitrate, and phosphorus hitting both our water supply and the headlines. Whether you’re a full-time Brainerd, MN resident or a seasonal cabin owner, it’s crucial to understand your home’s water quality for […]