Discover the Vibrancy of Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls, a city where the charm of a close-knit community meets the excitement of urban living, offers an inviting atmosphere for its residents. With its robust economy, family-friendly amenities, and scenic surroundings, Sioux Falls is a hidden gem in South Dakota that's capturing the hearts of many.

The city's thriving job market is bolstered by sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology, making it an ideal place for career growth and stability. This economic strength is matched by a vibrant arts and cultural scene, where historical theaters and contemporary galleries stand proudly alongside buzzing music venues and festivals, offering endless opportunities to explore creativity.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy with the stunning Falls Park, which features picturesque waterfalls that are a perfect backdrop for picnics, walks, and family gatherings. The city’s extensive bike trails and parks make it easy to stay active and enjoy the great Midwestern outdoors.

Families appreciate the city's commitment to education and safety, with top-rated schools and friendly neighborhoods that provide peace of mind. The warm community spirit is palpable, with welcoming locals always ready to lend a helping hand or share a friendly smile.

Sioux Falls effortlessly blends small-town warmth with the conveniences and cultural experiences of a bustling city—a truly beautiful place to call home.

Preparing Your Home for New Floors

Mike Husby

Installing new flooring can transform a home, but preparation determines how long that transformation lasts. Proper prep work helps flooring materials perform better, stay in place, and look their best for years. Many issues homeowners face later, from uneven boards to warped tiles, begin before the first plank or sheet is even laid.

The first step is clearing the room completely. Furniture, rugs, and décor must be removed, but so should baseboards or trim if the installer recommends it. The work area should be open and clean, allowing space for precise cuts and measurements. Dust and debris can interfere with adhesives or create small gaps that weaken the installation. A clean, bare surface is the foundation of a solid job.

Next comes inspection of the subfloor. Every floor covering, from hardwood to vinyl, relies on a stable surface beneath. Subfloors that are cracked, soft, or uneven will cause visible flaws in the finished floor. A contractor may sand high spots or fill low ones to create an even plane. If damage exists from past moisture leaks or structural settling, those areas must be repaired before new flooring can go down. **A floor is only as strong as the surface it rests on.**

Moisture testing is another step that can’t be skipped. Concrete slabs and basement spaces often hold hidden humidity that can rise into flooring and cause warping, buckling, or mold. Installers use moisture meters to check levels before starting. If the reading is too high, drying time or a vapor barrier may be needed. In bathrooms, laundry rooms, or lower levels, a moisture barrier underlayment is common protection that extends the life of the installation.

For homeowners replacing old floors, removal of existing material should be handled carefully. Some older vinyl or adhesive layers may contain materials that require special disposal. Removing carpet tack strips or staples should be done thoroughly, since leftover hardware can interfere with leveling or puncture underlayment. Once the old material is gone, the subfloor should be vacuumed and inspected again.

Climate also plays a role in floor preparation. Wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl planks need to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity before installation. Leaving boxes closed in the space for at least two days allows the material to adjust and expand naturally. This simple step prevents future gaps or cupping once the floor is in use. Many installers also maintain a consistent indoor temperature during installation to ensure adhesives cure correctly.

Electrical outlets, doors, and transitions between rooms should be checked ahead of time. Sometimes trimming a door or adding a threshold strip will make the finished project smoother. Planning these small details prevents last-minute surprises on installation day. For rooms with radiant heating systems, contractors confirm that heat levels are safe for the selected flooring type.

The last phase of prep involves communication. Installers and homeowners should review the layout, direction of planks or tiles, and any pattern alignment before work begins. Clear agreement at this stage avoids delays and ensures the final look matches expectations. Once the prep steps are complete, installation becomes faster and cleaner, with fewer adjustments needed on site.

Every type of flooring, from carpet to ceramic, depends on a steady, dry, and level base. Taking time to inspect, clean, and prepare each layer protects the investment made in quality flooring. A careful start means fewer problems later and a smoother finish underfoot.

Workforce & Industrial Development

Sioux Falls stands out as a dynamic industrial and logistics center in the Upper Midwest, offering a pro-business climate, robust infrastructure, and access to a skilled workforce. The city’s strategic location along Interstates 29 and 90 enables efficient distribution across the region, while the Sioux Falls Regional Airport supports both freight and passenger connectivity.

Industrial growth in Sioux Falls is fueled by a diverse economy, with advanced manufacturing, food processing, and healthcare logistics leading the way. The Foundation Park development—a 950-acre, rail-served industrial park—has attracted major tenants and continues to offer shovel-ready sites for large-scale projects.

The city partners closely with workforce agencies and educational institutions to ensure talent pipelines remain strong. Programs through Southeast Technical College and the South Dakota Department of Labor provide customized training, apprenticeships, and recruitment assistance tailored to employer needs.

South Dakota’s business-friendly tax structure—no corporate or personal income tax—remains a major draw for new and expanding companies. State and local incentives, including the South Dakota Reinvestment Payment Program and local property tax abatements, further support industrial investment in Sioux Falls.