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MARCH 2014 HOMES PLUS 3 FOREST VIEW RANCH CAR GUYS BOOMER 2,121 Sq. Ft. 7-Car Garage BOOMERS NEXT STEP RANCH 1,865 Sq. Ft. 2,225 Sq. Ft. $230,900 Complete Low $270's Mid $300's Mid $300's Model Open Sat-Sun 1 to 4 Monday and Wednesday 6 to 8 94 to Hwy TT & G (Meadowbrook) south past Hwy 18 to Madison Street right to 4th street (Prairie Song) right to second house on right BadgerHomes.com From smaller ranches to large two story's we custom design to your needs. See the latest trends in quality built, energy efficient, affordable custom homes. Need a Lot? Duplex, water front, walk out, wooded, flat large or small give us a call! We have lots in Waukesha, Waterford and Pewaukee from $89,900 We also have lots at WesternHillsLots.com from $39,900 237098001 13' X 17'–9 13' X 17'–9 13'–7 X 11'–9 15'–7 X 22'–11 11'–6 X 11'–6 BOOMERS NEXT STEP RANCH 2014 TAKE A MODEL HOME TOUR ON YOUTUBE See a 2,152 sq. ft. $282,975 home at "BADGER HOME BUILDERS" See a 2,147 sq. ft., 913 sq. ft. garage $282,975 home at "BOOMER RANCH" See a 1,865 sq. ft. $239,405 home at "BOOMERS NEXT STEP RANCH" Call 262-893-7440 2,148 Sq. Ft. By Kevin Passon HOMES PLUS CORRESPONDENT MEQUON – Scott Bear of Bear Sun- rooms in Mequon said the addition of a sunroom is different than any other type of addition to your home, and that brings some unique considerations before embarking on the project. "Adding a sunroom isn't something you normally think about for a few weeks before doing it," he said. "Often, it's in the back of people's minds for years." So, before you plunk down $45,000 or whatever the cost (prices will vary depending on factors such as size, materi- als, three-season or four-season styles, etc.), consider these points. You love the outdoors, which is why you want to bring it indoors. Choose a style that doesn't simply add square feet to your home; choose a style that minimizes wall space to allow for more windows. How much do you want to use the room? A three-season room is probably usable for about seven months in Wiscon- sin, Bear said, while a four-season room is good all year long. There is a price dif- ference, but it isn't as much as many peo- ple believe. Use windows that are impervious to moisture. Bear said the installation of a hot tub in a three-season room, or even the use of a space heater in winter, can create moisture problems you don't want. He said that when he started in the busi- ness 25 years ago, a lot of sunrooms were built for hot tubs, while today, many homeowners use sunrooms for living space. Don't build a sunroom apart from the house, where you have to walk outside or through the garage to get to it. Bear sug- gests building a gazebo in that case. "If you have to walk through the rain or bun- dle up because of the cold to get to it, you won't use it as often, and that's not cost- efficient," he said. Who's going to clean the windows? Some manufacturers have windows that tilt inward for easier cleaning; Bear uses windows that can be removed to be cleaned. And, don't forget about that glass ceiling. Also, keep the window mainte- nance issue in mind if you're considering a second-floor sunroom or even one that is a few feet above your deck. The addi- tional height should be considered. "A dirty window in a kitchen isn't noticed as much, because of the walls surrounding it, but in a sunroom, there's nothing to distract you from a dirty window," Bear said. "Be prepared to clean them four or five times a year at least." When it comes to size, Bear suggests measuring a room in your house with the similar type of furnishings you expect to put in the sunroom. He said he's never heard a complaint that the sunroom was too big. Finally, use an experienced sunroom installer to attach the new room to the house. Installation issues could detract from the warm feeling you're supposed to have from adding a sunroom to your home. Consider these factors when building a sunroom Photo courtesy of Chrris Egner Design Build Remodel/Four Seasons Sunroomss Sunrooms can take on any shape and size to help to merge the outdoors with the indoors.

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