Check out our March newsletter!
MARCH 2018 www.katconstructionllc.com (612) 326-1122
and What Stays the Same What Changes
It’s funny to think how much the challenges of running your own business stay the same, even after more than seven years of operation. No matter how dedicated we are at KAT Construction to constantly evolving and expanding our processes, offerings, and service, for me, many of the sticking points remain unchanged. Though I wouldn’t label them problems, exactly — those get ironed out over time and shift with the seasons — the obstacles inherent in owning a small business persist and keep me on my toes, constantly prepared to make little adjustments to the course of the company.
work on receives the full attention and expertise at our disposal.
Occasionally, though, customer demand gets so high that it gets difficult to find reputable subcontractors to actually do the work. That’s been the case lately, which has prompted me to start setting up a separate company we
can use to hire out our own personally vetted team of subcontractors. This will further improve the standard of the services we provide and enable us to be more flexible with emergency work. If we need a roof up within two days, our own subcontractors will be available right when we need them. It’s an exciting move that I’m hoping to fully implement within a month or two, and one I think will provide immense benefits to our customers. As we move into spring, a lot of positive changes are coming to KAT Construction. Though it’s always a little humbling to look around and realize how much we’re growing and changing, I’m thrilled to continue driving the business forward in the coming years, both for our clients and for our team.
Entrepreneurs are a special breed of human, for better and for worse. Sometimes you look around and realize not only how many members of your team depend on you for the livelihood of themselves and their families, but also how many customers count on you, and it almost gets a little overwhelming. And though KAT Construction is a robust, stable operation today, when I took the business full time in 2013, it wasn’t always clear if it would survive. In those days, every month was a tightrope walk. No longer could I depend on a regular paycheck from a supervisor every two weeks. It
was on me to build a financial foundation from the ground up. Honestly, in the beginning, that was a pretty scary prospect, but it was also thrilling to know that I was accountable only to myself and my team. Even today, every once in a while, I realize there’s basically no fallback to the business except for maybe a career at the local McDonald’s. But that’s just more motivation to do great work for the people we serve. The most basic aspects of the company’s survival depend on the incredible people who entrust us with the restoration of their most precious assets, a fact I take very seriously. I do everything I can to ensure that every house we
–Keith Thompson
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The Importance of Spring Cleaning Your Utility Room
• Family homes (three or more occupants) with no pets or allergies: 3 to 6 months. Family homes with at least one pet or minor allergies: 2 to 3 months. Family homes with multiple pets or allergies: 1 to 2 months. In addition to changing the air filter, it’s important to schedule a routine inspection of your home’s HVAC system. This includes an inspection of the appliances themselves and any connecting ducts. Dust, dander, and mold can accumulate in the ducts and spread throughout the home, which can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems. • • A routine inspection will identify potential problems in your HVAC system. On top of that, you can get these systems professionally cleaned and maintained. These are simple steps that will keep your home’s air systems running smoothly for years to come. Plus, you’ll be ready for the summer months ahead!
The start of spring brings everyone’s favorite seasonal chore — spring cleaning! As you dust, vacuum, organize, and declutter, don’t forget about the one room that often gets neglected. This year, give special attention to the utility closet. The utility closet houses your furnace, boiler, water heater, A/C junction, and other similar large appliances. Homeowners often forget about these appliances because they are out of sight and out of mind, and this can cost a lot in the long run. Like all the other rooms in your home, this space needs to be kept clean. Dust, for instance, can be hard on HVAC systems. Over time, it accumulates in the HVAC intake and clogs the air filter, reducing its effectiveness and efficiency. This results in a short lifespan for your system, higher power bills, and a poorly heated or cooled home.
How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filter?
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Homes with minimal foot traffic (single or double occupancy) and no pets or allergies: 6 to 12 months.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“My roof was in poor condition, but I was not sure that the damage would qualify for any insurance coverage. Jeff, with KAT Construction, inspected the roof and concluded that it would. Together, we called my insurance company and started the claim process. Jeff came out when the insurance adjuster scheduled an appointment. He worked with the adjuster to be sure things he saw were noted. “The claim was approved for a full roof replacement. KAT secured permits and sent out all materials. The following day, crews arrived to remove the old roof and install 40 squares (about 8,000 pounds) of new shingles. The crew completed the job in 1 1/2 days. They cleaned up the area so well it was hard to know anyone was here. I highly recommend them.”
“I’m writing this business a five-plus star review … I can’t think of a more efficient, hardworking, up-and-coming company. They really have some promise here, and they deserve recognition for their hard work. They even worked with my insurance company. Thank you again!”
–Rhonda R.
–Roger N.
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Call us today! (612) 326-1122
Emergency Home Repairs We’re There When You Need
Now that we’re out of the intense chill of winter, the season’s vicious hail, ice, and snow storms are — hopefully — far behind us. But every Minnesota homeowner knows how erratic and unpredictable our state’s weather can be. Just because we’re used to weathering an occasional beating by Mother Nature around here, that doesn’t mean we can always be prepared for whatever might come. Sometimes, no matter how much you prepare your home for an upcoming storm, the damage is still catastrophic. In these situations, it’s easy to become stressed and overwhelmed, unsure of when a leaking roof or chunk of shredded siding will be repaired. It’s vital that you address the damage as soon as possible to avoid more extensive harm to your home and a massive repair bill. Laughing Corner
Luckily, the experts at KAT Construction have been providing top-notch emergency restoration services since 2011. Whether you’re in the midst of an intense storm system or require rapid repair after a catastrophe, KAT Construction can be there in record time. We’ll repair or replace your damaged roof, windows, siding, or gutters, patching them up in order to protect your storm-beaten home. In no time, your home will be completely restored. If you’re in need of emergency storm damage repair in Minnesota, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (612) 326-1122. We need to act immediately in order to prevent further damage to your home. Give yourself the peace of mind of knowing help is on the way, and contact our repair experts today!
Colcannon
Recipe inspired by foodnetwork.com
Ingredients
• • • • •
3 pounds potatoes
• • •
Parsley, for garnish
2 sticks butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/4 cups hot milk
1 pound cooked bacon, chopped into small pieces
1 head cabbage, cored and shredded
4 scallions, finely chopped
Instructions 1. Steam potatoes for 30 minutes. Peel skins and mash flesh thoroughly. 2. Chop 1 stick of butter into small cubes and add to warm potatoes. Once melted, slowly add milk, stirring constantly. 3. Boil cabbage in water. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to tenderize. 4. Add cabbage, bacon, and scallions to mashed potatoes, gently stirring to combine. 5. Serve garnished with parsley and a pat of butter. 3
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INSIDE This Issue 1 •
The Welcome Challenges of Owning a Business Don’t Forget to Clean the Heart of Your Home Client Testimonials Storm Damage Emergency? We Can Help — Fast! Give This Dish a Try! The 3 Best Places to See Beautiful Flowers
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EARTH’S MOST BEAUTIFUL
Flower Displays
Spring is here, which means flora will soon be in full bloom. Flowers can be an easy pick-me- up or a great way to add color to your home, but some people take their flower obsession to the next level by planning botanical-themed vacations. Here are some of the most impressive gardens and flower displays in the world. Netherlands Holland, most famous for its tulips, always draws visitors at the first sign of spring. One of its most famous destinations, Keukenhof, located in Lisse, is among the world’s largest flower gardens. The park is 79 acres and boasts approximately 7 million flowers each year. This colorful garden is open annually from mid-March to mid-May, but mid-April is the ideal time to see the tulips.
Washington, D.C. Besides the monuments and historic buildings, one of the biggest attractions in Washington, D.C. is the cherry tree blossoms. Travelers who visit the Tidal Basin during the spring can witness 3,000 trees, which were a gift from Tokyo in 1912, flaunt their beautiful pink blossoms. The best time to see the spectacle is from the end of March through the end of April. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Desert lavender, flowering cacti, pygmy poppies, and rock daisies are just a few of the many wildflowers decorating Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The various native species are
often seen weaved together to form a colorful carpet over any barren patch in the park, which is located just two hours from San Diego. In addition to flowers, visitors often spot bighorn sheep. Wildflower blossoms vary in intensity each year, but they typically begin to bloom in late February or early March. Next time you’re planning a spring trip, consider visiting one of the world’s most beautiful flower displays. No green thumb required.
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