Image by Andy Gries from Pixabay

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

Home improvement has always been one of those love/hate ideals in my household.  I love the thought of painting… until I open the can of paint and realize what lies ahead.  I love the thought of giving a room a refresh in décor… until I get about halfway through it and grow tired of the project.

Basically, I love the thought of doing all the things until it’s time to actually do them.

During the spring months of self-isolation or lockdown or quarantine or whatever you want to call it, we were successful in our few small home upgrade projects.

We are lucky to have Chamber Members at your service to provide all you need to complete your DIY projects at home.  Kramer Ace Hardware & Woodford Lumber have been staples in our community for years, providing the goods and services needed to complete any type of renovation.  Just up the road, in Mason City, we’ve got Home Lumber & Builders and the Habitat Restore to assist the novice or experienced Do-It-Yourselfer.  And we can’t forget about Master Floors – Carpet One for all your flooring needs from tile to carpet.

In the past few months, we have greeted 5 new Chamber Members with open arms in the construction/home improvement category!  They are a welcomed addition to our slew of business partners. Check out their Facebook pages, give them a LIKE, and be sure to contact them for any of your home improvement or design needs.

Budget BlindsSwarty’s LLCMCT ConstructionMP Home DesignMason City Fencing

Mow-Tivated D&T Lawn Care (507) 421-9626

Occasionally, I also have grand plans for larger projects.  Ones I am definitely not able to do on my own, given my lack of knowledge about basically anything construction related.  Thankfully, many of our Chamber Members have been around for a while, paving the way in our community and all North Iowa to build a better tomorrow.

They’ve been partners of the Chamber, sponsoring various events and providing a level of community betterment for us all that is second to none.  Whether you’re looking for completely revamp your home, do a little upgrade outdoors with your landscaping, or have a specific improvement need, there is a local business here to help.

I’ll admit, it can be incredibly daunting and scary when you decide to move ahead with home improvement projects.  Where do you start? Who do you call?  How are you ever going to make all these decisions?

My biggest fear, beyond the fact that I’m completely clueless when it comes to anything construction-related, is the unknown of what the final product will look like.  While I have many talents gifted to me in this life, the visionary traits these people possess escape me.

Thankfully, the Chamber website has everything you need to get started and is contains options filled with exemplary businesses and individuals who can assist you with every idea you may have.  Our directory listing is loaded with options to get you on the right path in any kind of project.  Indoor renovations, outdoor renovations, and assistance with upkeep.  It’s’ all right here in one handy-dandy place!

To find our directory, simply go to www.clearlakeiowa.com and hover over the orange “Chamber of Commerce” icon that looks like a book.  From there, a menu will drop down.  Click on “Business Directory” to get to our list.

OR, you can simply click here to get to the following categories:

Construction Equipment and Contractors: http://members.clearlakeiowa.com/list/ql/construction-equipment-contractors-7

Home and Garden: http://members.clearlakeiowa.com/list/ql/home-garden-12

It won’t be long before the warm temps and long days of summer are past us, once again.  Before we know it, the leaves will begin to change, and a cool nip will linger in the air.  Now is the time to pull the trigger on all those outdoor improvements you were hoping to complete this year.

As COVID numbers in Cerro Gordo continue to rise, it is the perfect time to practice social distancing by staying home to hash out those renovation projects you’ve been avoiding.

It’s a win/win for everyone!