Building & Remodeling
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If you’ve made the major decision to either build a new house or renovate an existing one, how do you know where to begin your search? We can help. Whether you’re interested in building or remodeling a single room or an entire house, Minnesota builders and remodelers are at the top of their game when it comes to creativity, quality craftsmanship, communication, and applying sustainable practices during the building/remodeling process. In the following pages, we highlight some of the most reputable builders and remodelers in the area.
Building Arts Sustainable
Architecture+ Construction LLC
Building Arts Sustainable Architecture + Construction LLC
St. Paul, MN
651-222-8750
www.building-arts.net
How do you incorporate energy efficiency into your homebuilding/remodeling projects?
Building Arts Sustainable Architecture + Construction LLC has—since 1998—been a leader in energy efficient and green home remodeling. Recently we have achieved Gold Certification through Minnesota GreenStar for a Type 4 remodel and received a Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award in 2010 for Sustainable Design. In many of our projects, we do an initial energy analysis. From there, we determine the best energy efficiency strategy.
What trends are you seeing in the homebuilding/remodeling market?
Homeowners are currently focusing on both interior remodels and exterior renovations of their homes. Green construction and energy efficiency (insulation, air sealing, windows, siding, efficient appliances, proper ventilation) are definitely becoming more important to people.
Which projects yield the best return on investment?
In our opinion, the projects that improve the building envelope, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, indoor environmental air quality, and water usage of the home yield the best return on investment. In terms of project type, kitchens, baths, and those that improve the use of space are a good value for the investment.
What has been your most challenging building experience? Why?
In its own way, each project is the most challenging, since our goal is to bring the best in design and building science to all of our work.
What has been your most rewarding building experience? Why?
Every project is so different, it’s hard to choose just one. We take great pride in all of our building experiences.
How do you see the future for this industry?
Environmental health is critical. We see more of a focus on the way a home’s design positively affects the health and wellbeing of families.
One more thing:
We love to remodel homes.
Carl M. Hansen Companies
Carl M. Hansen Companies
Edina, MN
952-912-9895
www.carlmhansen.com
About us:
For three generations, the Hansen family has been building homes of uncompromising quality and craftsmanship. Our mission is to create and add value to the custom home building experience with a sincere commitment to establishing not just fine homes, but lasting customer relationships.
What trends are you seeing in the homebuilding/remodeling market?
With the current inventory of existing homes decreasing, buyers are interested in getting what they want without settling. This has brought life to new construction by unchaining brilliant designers and architects who wield their creativity into custom projects. Homeowners are looking to either stay put and enhance their current home, or create something extravagantly custom. In new construction, buyers are not wiling to compromise—and neither are we.
Which projects yield the best return on investment?
We have seen a surge in exterior remodeling in an effort to enhance curb appeal and get buyers in the door. Simply redoing a kitchen or bathroom isn’t enough to attract buyers; today’s buyers expect to get a discount on current inventory and would rather remodel kitchens and bathrooms to their own tastes. Exterior remodeling requires professional architects/designers—coupled with efficient and knowledgeable contractors—to achieve a finish that will attract those picky buyers. If you spend a lot of money redoing your entire house to current design trends, expect to get paid 50 cents on the dollar.
What has been your most rewarding building experience? Why?
In 2011, when competition for high-end new construction was discounted current or spec product, it was rewarding to be able to provide to our clients a product that was not only high-end and custom, but still of value in comparison to existing inventory. This was achievable due to our long-lasting relationships with suppliers and ability to efficiently manage the process. We have been doing this as a family business for over 80 years, and find it most rewarding being able to pass along the value while exceeding our clients’ expectations.
West Ridge Farm in Parkwood Knolls
West Ridge Farm in Parkwood Knolls
Edina, MN
952-912-9895
www.wrfedina.com
The developer:
Parkwood Knolls Construction Company, developing Edina since the 1920’s.
The preferred builder:
Carl M. Hansen Companies, a local, family-owned company that has been building homes for over 80 years.
Details:
West Ridge Farm in Parkwood Knolls is over 90 acres of bluffs and meadows basking in western sunsets. Perched at one of the highest points in Edina, West Ridge Farm offers panoramic views of the southwest metro. There are currently 28 lots available, representing approximately 20 acres of land. Lot prices range from $299,000 to $699,000.
Amenities:
Being located in the first-ring suburb of Edina offers homeowners the convenience and amenities of a big city, combined with the friendly-neighborhood feel of country life. Just a short 15-minute commute from downtown Minneapolis, West Ridge Farm is also conveniently located near many area hospitals, private schools, universities, large companies, shopping, and entertainment. Residents of West Ridge Farm enjoy neighborhood parks, landscaping featuring ponds and beautiful tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community.
Schools:
The family-friendly neighborhood is located in the Hopkins Public School district, with bus service to the Edina school district. Current residents attend schools in Edina, as well as Our Lady of Grace, The Blake School, Breck School, The International School of Minnesota, and Providence (to name a few).
Do you—as a developer—believe you have enough financial strength to see the project all the way to completion even though the real estate market is slow?
Parkwood Knolls Construction Compny started developing in Edina in the 1920s. In the 1940s, they started developing the Parkwood Knolls neighborhood. West Ridge Farm represents the last 28 lots of the Parkwood Knolls development and the neighborhood has been under continuous development, without interruption since the 1940s. We are committed and capable of seeing this development through fruition and are committed to maintaining the integrity and value of the surrounding supporting cast of homes and residents. We have not, and will not, compromise quality for quantity!
John Kraemer & Sons
Edina, MN
952-935-9100
www.JKandSons.com
What do you offer over the competition?
We are celebrating our 34th anniversary of building and renovating Minnesota’s finest homes this year. Not only do our clients expect the best value and highest quality product in the industry, we also provide them with the best possible experience through our user-friendly team approach. We also bring to the table the experience, longevity, and financial stability that is necessary to service and warranty our clients’ homes long into the future. We have a full staff of 25 carpenters, allowing us to maintain the highest level of quality and project management, and each one of our projects—from the largest to the smallest—has its own job superintendent devoted to that one project from beginning to end. While some builders disappear after a project is done, we are there long after we hand our clients the keys to ensure that we have exceeded their expectations.
How do you incorporate energy efficiency into your homebuilding/remodeling projects?
We have been embracing energy efficient building practices for many years. In fact, we installed our first Geo-Thermal system back in1988, long before it was a popular thing to do. We also insist on using top-of-the-line windows, as well as closed-cell foam insulation.
Note-worthy accomplishments:
We are a two-time winner of the Builder of the Year Award. The award is given to the builder who best exhibits trust, ethics, and loyalty in the state. We take great pride in this award—one of the most coveted honors a Minnesota builder can receive. We think it’s important to note that we’re also weathering our second recession and have remained strong through the challenging economic times. Our company has never reorganized, changed owners, or gone out of business. This is evident in our Builder’s License #1408, one of the lowest in the industry today.
How do you see the future for this industry?
We believe that the luxury residential custom homebuilding market will be very strong in 2012. There is no better time to build or remodel. Construction costs are still down, and our clients are getting tremendous value building and remodeling in the current economy.
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