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Two of the Turman kids were still sleeping in their rooms, when a reporter showed up at their Lindstrom house to visit. Dana, the Mom, was already busy. We located her outdoors in a damp chill morning, coming on the heels of an overnight rainstorm. She was atop a roof, 20 feet off the ground double-checking an angle on a beam with a T-square.

Dana was not working by herself, her contractor/mentor was there every step of the way. They were in the middle of constructing a shed roof that will jut out towards North Lindstrom Lake below a newly-framed second floor addition, which Dana also had a hand in building.

Now, most homeowners would be happy hiring somebody to do this work, but Dana and her husband (also named Dana) are not most homeowners; and their carpenter is fairly unique as well.

Alan Rasmussen, TEAM Home Remodeling, has made a name in this region doing projects side-by-side with homeowners. It's sort of Home and Garden T.V. dialed-up a couple of notches. On television the hapless homeowners are basically clueless and pitch in only when it'll make for a good visual.

Rasmussen involves the homeowner in each step, walks his clients through every measurement, every cut and even gives homeowners "homework," he joked.

Raz started out slowly a couple years ago; fleshing out an idea of his that there are people who aren't totally comfortable "doing it yourself" but who'd like to learn more about construction and take ownership in improvements at their own homes. He started out helping relatives and people he knew. Word of mouth and advertising took it from there.

Rasmussen is a facilitator-teacher-laborer and mobile tool shop rolled into one. He meets with the homeowner, checks the site and discusses a plan and materials. He schedules to be on the job site when the homeowner is available.

He encourages his clients to get any prep done before the serious construction work gets underway. Dana says her boys got into the demolition part of this project.

The Turmans had lived with various problems in and around their older home, and this summer they pledged to handle these issues. It started with pilings and support work, and will end after the Turmans complete a roof replacement to blend old and new.

Any type of project qualifies, Rasmussen explains.

He's been involved in interior remodeling, re-doing bathrooms, he's helped homeowners in building additions, he gets people started the right way on small, fundamental projects-- you name it.

Rasmussen's clients not only benefit from the experience and knowledge he shares, they also get to use his equipment. "The average person doesn't have lots of ladders, scaffolding or power tools," he said. His materials supplier in North Branch gives his clients contractor pricing, which also reduces costs on many items.

Dana explained that she and her husband already knew Rasmussen from two bathroom remodels. When they decided to fix a leaky roof and other issues impacting the rear of the house, it was obvious outside expertise would be needed.

Dana, who is a school teacher, sees this as an educational experience. She optimistically remarked that she probably won't get an opportunity like this again. Plus, Rasmussen speaks building inspector lingo.

To contact Rasmussen call (651)329-3644.

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