Blog | Excelsior Homes West, Inc.

Prepare Your Kitchen for the Holidays

November 15, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

prepare your kitchen for holiday cooking

Get organized & prepared now so the holidays can be less stressful and more enjoyable.

Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas cookie baking and holiday cooking are just around the corner. Let us help you make it the most enjoyable time of the year with these simple tips.

Prepare Your Kitchen

Reduces Clutter. Think about your counter space, and how to maximize your working surfaces. What items do you “need” on the counter top and what could be stored away or given away if not used.
Check Your Spices and Ingredients. Spices do go bad. If you smell them and they no longer have a distinctive odor, throw them. Check expiration dates on canned goods, oils, basic baking supplies. Plan ahead and restock items needed for your holiday baking needs.
Easier Access. Really stop to look at how your kitchen items are arranged. Are they in the most practical places to be most efficient for your cooking processes? Maybe now would be a good time to empty cupboards and take inventory of what is stashed away. Are there items that are not being used and could be donated? Keep like items together and the items you need the most in the most accessible location. Consider using mounted door organizers for small items like spices or seasonings. Use labels to help keep things organized.
Consider Storage. The holidays usually come with MANY leftovers. Keep all your storage containers together and plan ahead for easy left over storage options.
Clean The Appliances. Now is a great time to clean your stove, microwave and fridge. Take inventory of what you have in your refrigerator, discard any outdated condiments, keep like items together and consider investing in clear plastic bins to help organize your food and space. One good example is to use a bin to store soda cans or to keep kid friendly snacks at eye level.
Make Room To Move. Holiday cooking usually involves a number of people in the kitchen. Make as much room for people to move as possible. Plan ahead for the use of extra outlets for things like crockpots and pressure cookers. Have a plan for space to allow cookies to cool and to be decorated.
Prepare Dishes and Utensils. Wash your holiday dishes, glassware and utensils ahead of time so things are ready to go when needed. Sharpen knives, locate electric knives, mixers, measuring cups, and all of the parts and pieces needed for the heavy duty cooking to come.
Add Some Festive Colors/Decorations. Make your kitchen festive for the holidays by adding some colorful seasonal items such as hand towels, potholders, table runner/linens, candles and soap dispensers.
Get Shopping. Start a grocery and shopping list for items you know you will need. What are your go-to family favorites? What is something fun you can try this holiday season? Start watching for specials or discounts and buy ahead as you can.

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Are you wishing your home had more kitchen space or that it functioned better? Maybe now is the time to start looking for something that might work better for your family. If you are interested in learning more about our options or about why now is a great time to buy, we will be happy to help you find a modular or manufactured home that meets your needs and expectations.

View Our Floor Plans

Come See Our Latest Model Homes

November 4, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

We are excited to announce that we have three additional model homes decorated and on display!

Hurry! These won’t last long!

Contact us today at 320-587-4990 for more information about our model homes or stop buy to tour these beautiful homes during our business hours.

HIGHLAND KINGSBROOK 483AS

1,440 Sq. Ft. – 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

This classic 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home features a master suite to give you space and privacy. The Highland Kingsbrook 483AS home is a valuable option. This 1,440 square foot home has an open floorplan kitchen, dining, and living room and includes a utility room. With the open concept feel of this home, this could be the perfect home for you. Choose from two kitchen layouts, both featuring islands.

Learn more about Highland Kingsbrook 483AS

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HIGHLAND KINGSBROOK 563AS

1,680 Sq. Ft. – 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

A large country kitchen is a highlight in this home featuring a large island, pantry, and open eat-in area. This 1,680-square-foot home has plenty of space and abundant storage throughout, including a utility room with exterior entry. The master bedroom features a master bath and a large walk-in closet. With the layout of this home, this could be the perfect home for you. Included in this design are three spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms including a master suite.

Learn more about Highland Kingsbrook 563AS

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SCHULT LIFESTYLE 202

1,568 Sq. Ft. – 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

This floor plan has over 1500 square feet of living space including an open living room, country kitchen, and dining area. If you are looking for a kitchen with plenty of workspace and storage, this floor plan offers just that! The kitchen also features a large island with a snack bar to seat at least three people. The Lifestyle 202 also includes a spacious master suite that has a large walk-in closet and master bath. The master bath has a bathtub, perfect for relaxing in, after a long day at work.

Learn more about Schult Lifestyle 202

View Additional Floor Plans

We have a few more model homes that will be ready soon and on display.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in learning more about our model homes or about why now is a great time to buy, we will be happy to help you find a modular or manufactured home that meets your needs and expectations.

Winter Home Preparation

October 20, 2022 by Office

Before winter comes in like a lion, homeowners should consider thinking about winter home preparation. Take advantage of the moderate weather to get your home and equipment ready for winter.

Winter Home Preparation Checklist

Schedule a heating service tune up to make sure furnace and fireplaces are in working order.
Check that your smoke alarms and/or carbon dioxide detectors are in working order. Replace back up batteries if needed.
Consider a programmable thermostat to save on heating costs. Wifi thermostats ensure your furnace is working. Notifications are e-mailed when temperatures are not within specified parameters.
Replace furnace filter monthly.
Reverse ceiling fans.
Caulk around windows and doors and add weatherstripping as needed around the doors. Make sure you cannot see any daylight from inside your home.
Remove screens and store for the winter. Add storm doors and windows.
Turn off outdoor water system and store hoses.
Clean and dry all patio furniture. Make sure you cover with a heavy tarp or store inside a shed or garage to protect them from the elements.
Bring ceramic planters inside to eliminate cracking.
Clean the leaves, dirt, and pine needles between the boards to prevent mold and mildew growth on your decks.
Clean out the gutters to remove leaves. This will help prevent ice dams.
Prepare to stow your lawn mower and other garden equipment.
Make sure your snow equipment is ready to go. Prepare your snow blower for the first snowfall by changing oil and spark plugs.
Purchase ice melt or sand for steps, walkways, and the driveway.

Winter home preparation could help lower energy bills, increase the efficiency and lifespan of your home and its components, and even make your property safer! The Excelsior Homes team wishes all a cozy, happy winter!

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.
~Edith Sitwell

View our home maintenance checklist ideas for more ideas and timelines for maintaining your home.

2023 Color of the Year

September 27, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

Every year, some of the largest companies in the interior design world predict what the most sought after color will be for the upcoming year. Last year the majority of companies agreed on a focus on nature with softer shades of green. The prediction for 2023 Color of the Year is much different however and is focused on using color to express your individuality and focal pieces.

Express Yourself with the 2023 Color of the Year

Sherwin-Williams – Redned Point

This earthy color with a subtle blend of pink undertones and beige will add warmth to any room. It is a welcoming shade to use for an entryway, accent pieces of furniture or as an accent wall to add a focal point and interest.

Better Homes and Gardens at Walmart – Canyon Ridge

Similar with the Sherwin Williams shade, Better Homes and Gardens feature color too is featuring a warm southwestern color this year. It is a neutral orangish-pink tone similar to terra-cotta found in southwest pottery. This will definitely make a statement to any room as a beautiful accent wall or to featured pieces.

Glidden – Vining Ivy

Staying with the nature trend but focusing on the blend of blue and green jewel tones instead, the Glidden color of the year is a great option for a statement piece or a soothing backdrop to any room.

Warm Neutrals

Behr – Blank Canvas

Behr’s color of the year is taking a different approach to making a statement by featuring a shade of white that is a bit more on the creamy side. This is a very neutral shade of white that has a more warm tone than the popular bright white of the past.

Blank Canvas effortlessly offers a clean and inviting blank slate that allows individuality and creativity to flow freely.This white easily harmonizes with a wide range of hues, including neutrals, earth tones, and pastels for a charming and cozy appeal.
Erika Woelfel, Vice President of color and creative services at Behr

Dutch Boy – Rustic Greige

Not quiet as neutral is the Dutch Boy color of the year which is a combination of soft grey, beige and red undertones. This is on trend with the earth-tone focus of 2023 and will add warmth to any room.

The importance of overall well-being remains a primary focus in everyday lives…That’s why more DIYers are dedicating time and energy to designing personal spaces that make them feel cozy, protected, and calm.
Ashley Banbury, Dutch Boy senior color designer

Your top choice for quality and style

We offer a wide range of customizable modular and manufactured homes that can allow you to express your individual style just like all of these beautiful paint color choices.

View Our Floor Plans

Call 1.800.547.4990 or send us a message at [email protected] to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable sales team.

Get Your Home Back-To-School Ready

August 29, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

Learning to declutter and organize what you already have is a great first step to get your home Back-To-School ready and will save you money.

Start by doing inventory

Sort the stuff

Go through closets to see what clothes/shoes/sport gear/ etc. fit and donate what doesn’t. Donate what you can and make a plan to organize what is left.

Get school supplies organized

Keep track of all the scissors, rulers, erasers, paper, pens, and crayons that are part of your children’s school supply list. Do you need to purchase new every year? Create an organized space for all of the school supplies that is always available. Use plastic cups, jars, pencil holders, baskets and silverware trays to create a school supply station somewhere in your home so they are readily available when your children are doing homework or needing additional supplies.

Prepare designated spaces in your home

Start with your child’s bedroom

Taking time to declutter and organize your kids room before school will help them have less stress and more control of their things as days become busier. This will also make for more relaxing evenings at home. Get your child involved and have them help determine what they want to keep in their room and what they have outgrown. Provide labeled baskets, open-topped bins or storage containers to keep like items organized and easy for them to put away. Let your child help pick where and what to put the items in. The more control they have over the organization, the more likely they will be to keep it organized. Remember to use hooks on the back of doors for things like jackets & hats to keep them off the floor and in a designated place.

Install shelves and bookcases

You should take a similar approach to organizing books. Sort through what should be kept and what should be donated. Is there room for a bookcase or shelving unit that can encourage their growing library of books as they grow, and possibly also allow for baskets, storage items or their favorite “treasures” to be displayed in a designated spot as well?

Create study/work spaces

A designated location for homework is a must. Providing a study corner, especially one that is close to the kitchen or area where a parent is able to supervise and provide assistance when needed is greatly beneficial. If your child needs a quieter place to study, try to find a location outside of their bedroom that is designated just for homework such as a home office, extra bedroom, or family room. If a separate room is not an option, then make sure there is a designated work space set up in the child’s bedroom that has a desk, chair, lamp and needed school supplies in one location to help them stay focused. This will give the child a place to do work while still providing the rest of the room as a place to relax.

Organize your mudroom/entryway

Entry spaces tend to become messy very quickly and are the “catch-all” for everything. Plan ahead and get your home back to school ready by trying to come up with a planned routine so that items can go where they belong. Allow your child to help pick out colors or style of hooks to use for their backpacks and jackets. Get a shoe rack that has one row for each child to place their shoes only. Get creative and keep the kids involved so they too will be excited about keeping their spaces clean and organized. If you have a small entrance, utilize the space you do have with hanging baskets or peg racks for shoes/jackets/backpacks/sports gear/etc. (See additional tips on how to organize your entryway.)

Set up a breakfast/snack/food station

Start by decluttering the pantry and creating designated snack and breakfast stations or shelves. Use labeled storage containers to help keep everything organized and easy to find. Keep it stocked with individually wrapped grab-and-go type healthy snacks that will keep the kids energized throughout the day. This will get your home back to school ready and allow your kids to waste less time looking for a snack while giving you a better grasp of what/how much they are eating.

Create a communication center

Plan ahead and choose one area that is in clear sight of everyone as the main message/communications center for the family. (Examples could be front of fridge, pantry door, kitchen desk space, wall outside of dining room or kitchen, etc.). Designate this to be the communication center that displays a calendar of events and school activities at all times. It is helpful to make sure everyone in the family has this available in plain site and knows where to always find it. Keep all important school paperwork, reading lists, sports information, school activities, etc. in this one spot. Have a clip or basket for the papers to be kept together and a larger calendar that displays things like meals, homework, chores, school activities/sports, assignments due, work hours, etc. Color code it if possible.

Stick to a routine

Whether it is sleep, meals, or house organization, it is important to start now with the back-to-school routine plan and transitions. Start planning now so that the upcoming weeks will go as smooth and stress-free as possible for you and your children.

Proud Sponsors of the Hutchinson Tigers

August 26, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

We are proud sponsors of the Hutchinson High School Tigers.

The Hutchinson Tigers football team was able to take home a win for their first game of the 2022 season against St. Cloud Apollo last night at Knutson Stadium in Hutchinson. It is wonderful to be a part of this amazing community that came together to join in the celebration honoring our local Veterans and First Responders in a Salute to Service Celebration before the game!

Congratulations Hutchinson Tigers and best of luck on a great season!

5 Summer Tips that Will Increase your Curb Appeal

July 11, 2022 by Excelsior Homes

Summer is just starting and that means there are more reasons to get outdoors and freshen up the look of your home. It is important to make the exterior of your home as inviting and comfortable as the interior. Now is the time. Use these 5 summer tips to increase your curb appeal and start enjoying your home even more.

Tips for Summer

1. Add greens and colorful plants

Colorful plants are appealing to the eye, especially during the beautiful summer months with some especially designed for early and late seasons in the upper Midwest. Freshening up your landscape with green and colorful plants, trimming trees & shrubs, or even simply removing dead branches and cleaning up the shape of existing plants, will help to make the home look new again. Adding pots to the front step or entry with seasonal plants will make the entrance even more inviting and welcoming as well. Adding windows boxes or beautiful flowers to the front of the home or entrance is a wonderful way to add a pop of color.

2. Update the front door

Changing the color or updating the style of the door is an instant way to get a fresh look to your home. Select a bold new color that compliments the house paint color, or install a new glass or wood door to give the home a more modern appearance. These options can add class and value to the home. Don’t forget to add a welcome mat as well since it will be what your guests see before entering your home.

3. Install lighting

Updating the light fixtures around the front door can make a bold or dramatic difference to the entrance of your home. Adding things like motion detected lighting can provide practical assistance to guests at night and provide extra security. Make sure the lighting fixture styles match or compliment each other along your doorway and garage or anywhere that lighting is needed. Adding light to a driveway, sidewalk or uplighting a tree can look beautiful at night and also add to the curb appeal of the home.

4. Clean your drive

Pressure washing your sidewalks, driveway, front entry and even the exterior of the house can do wonders to the look of the home. Every spring it is a great idea to try to remove the dirt and grime from the previous winter and make your home look fresh, clean and ready for summer outdoor fun.

5. Pay attention to the mailbox

Believe it or not, a well maintained mailbox can have an impact on the curb appeal. Add a fresh coat of paint, fix any issues if it is leaning or in need of repair, or completely replace the mailbox with a new one if needed. Try to spruce up the base of the mailbox as well. Decorate the base with fresh flowers, greens or even decorative stones to complete the appearance.

Curb appeal can make a good or bad first impression to guests and can directly impact actual or perceived value of your home, but it is always important to make your home feel inviting and comfortable for you as well. Use these simple tips and in no time you will have your home spruced up, ready to impress, and a place you enjoy even more.