Northern Minnesota is gearing up for another classic stretch of weather — forecasts are calling for 5–10 inches of snow between now and tomorrow night, with strong winds and rapidly dropping temperatures. For many homeowners, this is the time of year when your house starts to show just how well it handles winter.

At Ingenuity Builders, we see firsthand how cold snaps and early-season snow affect homes across the Iron Range. Here are a few simple things to watch for as the storm rolls in — and how you can keep your home safe, warm, and protected.

1. Pay Attention to Ice Dams

With heavy snowfall and fluctuating temperatures, ice dams can form quickly on older homes. Even a small ridge of ice can push melting snow back beneath your shingles, leading to hidden leaks, ceiling stains, and long-term damage.

Quick homeowner tip:
If you’re able, safely clear snow from the first few feet of your roofline using a roof rake. Keeping that area clean helps reduce buildup and improves melting patterns.

2. Check for Drafts and Cold Spots

As temperatures drop into the single digits, you might notice drafty corners, chilly rooms, or cold floors. These can be early signs of:

Under-insulated walls

Air leaks around windows and doors

Gaps in older siding

Poor attic ventilation

Small drafts now can turn into uncomfortable heating bills later in the season.

3. Inspect Your Windows and Doors

Winter weather is a great reminder to look for:

Frost buildup

Condensation between panes

Stiff locks or frozen entry doors

Cracked weatherstripping

Even newer windows can shift slightly as your home contracts in the cold, so a quick mid-season check can go a long way.

4. Ensure Snow Isn’t Pressing Against Your Siding

With 5–10 inches expected, snowdrifts can pile up quickly — especially on the north and west sides of homes. When snow leans against siding, moisture can creep in and cause long-term issues in the wall structure.

Take a minute to walk around your home after the snowfall and gently move snow away from your siding with a shovel or broom.

5. If Damage Happens, Don’t Panic

Winter can be tough on older houses, and sometimes surprise issues pop up — from ceiling stains to sagging drywall, roof leaks, or drafty windows.

The good news? Most cold-weather damage is repairable, even during winter. We work year-round throughout Hibbing and the surrounding areas to help homeowners keep their spaces warm and protected.

Winter in Hibbing Doesn’t Wait — and We Don’t Either

Whether it's preparing for a major snowfall or repairing something that winter revealed, our team at Ingenuity Builders is here to help Northern Minnesota homes stay safe, functional, and comfortable all season long.

Stay warm, drive safe, and enjoy the beauty of the first big snowfall — from the team at Ingenuity Builders.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and our team at Ingenuity Builders will be taking a short break to enjoy time with our families.

As we gather for the holiday, Northern Minnesota welcomed its first real snowfall of the season — and it looks like this one’s here to stay. Whether you’re heading across town or traveling to see loved ones, please take it slow on the roads. Fresh snow, early ice, and holiday travel never mix well. Stay safe and give yourself extra time.

Holiday Hours — Our office will be closed:
• Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 27, 2025
• Black Friday — Friday, November 28, 2025

We’ll be back in the office on Monday, continuing the interior projects we’re working on now and throughout the winter season. This time of year is perfect for planning ahead — so if you’re thinking about updates for 2026, now is a great time to get on our schedule and start the “new year, new space” feeling off right.

From all of us at Ingenuity Builders:
Thank you for your support, your trust, and the chance to serve Northern Minnesota families year after year.
We hope your Thanksgiving is warm, safe, and full of good company.

— The Ingenuity Builders Team

With Duluth’s new Right-to-Repair ordinance taking effect on January 5, 2026, renters will soon have more options for getting small but important home repairs taken care of. At Ingenuity Builders, we’re excited to support our Duluth neighbors with the reliable interior repair work we’ve been known for across Northern Minnesota.

This new ordinance helps renters address everyday repair needs when they’re not being handled in a timely manner — and that’s exactly the kind of work our crew does best.



What Types of Repairs We Can Help With

Ingenuity Builders is licensed, insured, and experienced in the interior repair work renters commonly need. We do clean, professional fixes without the stress, and we always respect your home.

Here’s what we can assist with:

Fixing or replacing window seals

Repairing trim, casing, and baseboards

Patching holes or dents in drywall

Matching existing texture

Repairing damaged ceilings (non-hazardous, cosmetic only)

Interior door repairs or replacements

Flooring repairs or replacement

Installing grab bars and basic accessibility features

Small interior maintenance projects



We Stay in Our Lane

We don’t handle mold testing, mold removal, asbestos work, or anything requiring a specialized abatement subcontractor. If we see something that needs a specialist, we’ll point you in the right direction before work begins — no surprises.



Why Renters Appreciate Working With Us

Since 2002, Ingenuity Builders has built its reputation on high-quality work that’s beautiful, made to fit, and built to last. Renters choose us because we’re:

✔ Clear communicators
✔ Respectful of your home and schedule
✔ Honest about scope and pricing
✔ Local to the Duluth/Northland area
✔ Experienced with interior repairs of all sizes

We bring the same craftsmanship to a trim repair as we do to a full renovation.


Making the New Ordinance Simple

Not sure if your repair qualifies under the Right-to-Repair ordinance?
We’re happy to talk through what the law allows, what falls within our scope, and how we can help you move forward.



Here for Duluth Renters

If you need a trustworthy crew to take care of non-hazardous interior repairs, Ingenuity Builders is here to help you use this new ordinance to your advantage.

Ready to schedule a repair? Get your exact cost proposal with us — no estimates.

Reach out anytime. We’re proud to support Duluth renters with reliable, long-lasting fixes that make your space feel like home.