Builders Blog

Are LED Lights Worth the Investment?

If you weren’t aware, incandescent lighting is gradually being phased out. As of 2012, the US government passed regulation ceasing the production of 100-watt incandescent bulbs. It was followed shortly by the 75-watt in 2013, the 40-watt in 2014. While you still may...

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10 Critical Steps When There’s Water in Your Basement

The Brainerd Lakes Area received record torrents of rain this week. Conservative estimations are from 7 to 10 inches, with areas nearby receiving more or less. In fact, cities all over Minnesota are facing flooding and the various issues that come along with it. One...

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Avoid These Common Renovation Mistakes

Renovating your home is a big adventure to say the least. Whether you’re the DO-IT-YOURSELF kind, or you are considering hiring a contractor to take care of the details, it’s important not to fall into these common renovation mistakes. You might be surprised how often...

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Fixing Your Home After Storm Damages

Storm damages are a pain, we get it. Last Sunday, the Brainerd Lakes Area was reminded that it’s storm and tornado season. A strong storm moved into the area producing up to softball-sized hail and funnel clouds. It then left in a wake of destruction. Trees were...

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New Pavilion Takes Shape at OK Park

**Originally posted on the Brainerd Dispatch website.   Work is progressing on the new pavilion at Oscar Kristofferson Park in Baxter. Baratto Brothers Construction broke ground on the project in April. Once completed, the pavilion will have a kitchen area, stone...

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2 New OSHA Final Rules for 2016

Later on in June, one of OSHA’s two brand new final rules for 2016 go into effect. Whenever OSHA publishes a final rule, it’s important for companies to be informed. Not only because employers are expected to comply with the applicable regulations, but also to be...

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Building Codes 101

Anyone who’s ever built a new home or renovated an existing one is more than likely familiar with the concept of building codes and the term of getting things, “brought up to code.” The way codes are developed have changed a lot over the years. We’re learning what...

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5 Reasons Why Great Outdoor Lighting Matters

As we now enter cabin season, where we spend more of our days (and nights) outside, the usage of outdoor lighting can create a special ambiance you’d likely miss during the cold winter months. Residential architecture is becoming more beautiful with every new year,...

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10 Trends in Smart Home Technology for 2016

Building and remodeling homes has gotten a whole lot more interesting since the advent of smart home technologies. Now, more than ever, a homeowner has tons of options to consider when designing their ideal home. Not only can a home be designed to be more energy...

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8 Ways to Prep for Your Next Remodel

Remodeling an existing home can offer many advantages; from increasing the value of your home, to giving you the opportunity to transform your home over time. However, there are a lot of things to consider when preparing for your home remodel and we’d love to share...

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OSHA and the Construction Industry

In the 1970’s, the Occupational Safety and Health Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, otherwise known as OSHA. Operating within the Department of Labor, OSHA’s role is to help minimize workplace hazards and implement safety and health...

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Superior Construction Projects Happen in 3 Critical Steps

Whether commercial or residential, there are three key steps which absolutely must happen if you’re to expect a superior construction process and a successful project completion. Reaching the end of a large project like a custom built residence or a commercial...

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Happy Holidays From Baratto Brothers

Happy Holidays! This holiday season, here at Baratto Brothers, we wish you and your family all of the the best in the year to come. 2015 has seen some encouraging trends in the construction industry. We’ve seen an increase in spectacular custom built homes as well as...

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Winter Construction Challenges

Regardless of whether a construction project is commercial or residential, winter presents many challenges. Here in Central Minnesota, we’re no stranger to Old Man Winter. In other states, construction crews may shut down their sites until warmer weather arrives. We...

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Baratto Brothers Commercial Financing Tips

Getting commercial financing for your business venture may seem a bit daunting to those who’ve never tread those waters before. In fact, just knowing when to start can be a bit of a question. Do you start early when you’re company is still in startup phase? Wait until...

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Land Acquisition: How Does It Work?

Land acquisition (buying land) is different from buying a pre-existing home or business. For obvious reasons, before you buy land you want to be clear on what the purchase is going to be used for. Your decision will impact whether or not a certain piece of land can be...

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Which Construction Contract Is Right For You?

Building a new home, or getting your new business location under construction is an exciting time. There’s a never-ending list of things to consider, and here at Baratto Brothers, we want to make all those considerations as easy as possible. One of the items you’ll...

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5 Commercial Construction Trends Happening Now

Commercial construction trends have been fluctuating over the past decade. Ever since the market crash and the building bubble burst a few years back, the commercial construction industries have been trying to recover. Now that we’re in 2015, here at Baratto Brothers,...

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Construction Lending 101

A quick reference guide to assuring a smooth start to your construction project - Written By Bart Taylor; RiverWood Bank - Crosslake   So you’re thinking about finally building that dream retirement home at the lake, you have your plans picked out (down to the...

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