Building & Remodeling
Martha O'Hara, Builder: Hendel Homes
(page 4 of 4)
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.
L. Cramer Designers + Builders
Home building/remodeling trends:
More homeowners are choosing to blend modern and traditional elements for a clean, classic aesthetic. Although every client has a unique expression, we encourage timeless design, proven construction techniques, and durable, quality materials.
One of our most rewarding recent building experiences:
We recently built a home on Lake Minnetonka for a retired businessman who had an affinity for detailed architecture and construction. We collaborated to create a home featuring an expansive plan with natural stones, reclaimed wood, and magnificent outdoor living spaces. An outdoor room facing the lake blends the home and landscaping together, creating a seamless, harmonious whole.
Who, in your opinion, sets the bar when it comes to design?
Although he didn’t design homes, Steve Jobs of Apple embodied principles that apply to all good design. He once said, “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” We agree. Great home design should not only be visually delightful, but also enable you to easily navigate your day-to-day lifestyle.
How do you see the future for custom home building?
We have been building and remodeling one-of-a-kind homes since 1978 and have seen several fluctuations in the housing market. We are encouraged with the positive momentum, and confident our clients will continue to enjoy the value of their home where meals are savored, birthdays are celebrated, holiday traditions are created, and memories are made.
Edina, MN
952-935-8482
www.lcramer.com
Landschute
About us:
Your home plays a major role in your quality of life. For 37 years, Jon and Mary Monson have been designing, building and remodeling homes with the goal of improving that quality of life.
Our philosophy:
We respect the design philosophy of understatement, we respect timeless design character and we implement reused materials, sustainable and state-of-the-art construction techniques. We specialize in the revitalization of vintage homes yet know when building new makes the most sense.
The Landschute difference:
Personal service is our hallmark. We limit the number of projects we take on at any one time so Jon and Mary can be involved with every project on a daily basis. That provides for an attention to detail which is unsurpassed in this industry.
And because Jon is both the architect and the builder, the continuity between design and construction is seamless. The net result is a home which has evolved like a sculptural work of art.
One more thing:
As this goes to print, Jon and Mary are still happily married.
Excelsior, MN
952-470-7416
www.landschute.com
Pillar Homes Partner, Inc.
Builder of the Year:
Twin Cities native KC Chermak, owner and CEO of Pillar Homes, was presented with the prestigious “Builder of the Year Award” given to a builder based on their service to the local, state, and national associations and their involvement demonstrated to Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) and the community. Chermak has been a member of the builders association for over 15 years and in that time has served as a leader both at the local and state level. He was president of his local association the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) and is a member of the BAM Board of Directors and the BAM Executive Committee. The annual BAM awards are presented to recognize the outstanding accomplishments and citizenship of companies and individuals within the industry, association, and community. BAM’s mission is to help members excel in the residential construction industry and these awards recognize and uplift members of excellence and provide a model for the Minnesota residential construction industry.
The Pillar Homes difference:
At Pillar Homes, we provide versatility in understanding many architectural and design styles. We discover and display exactly why certain products go together and the best way to use them. It is not enough to just steer the selections and design. We create an experience, both during the building process and with the finished home. When our clients move into a new Pillar Home, we have created their private escape, a place to create memories with family, a space to entertain friends. When you walk through the door of a Pillar Home, you leave the issues of the outside world behind. This is your sanctuary. This doesn’t happen by accident, it is the result of constant evaluation during the building process, creating the perfect atmosphere for our clients.
Plymouth, MN
763-475-1700
www.pillarhomes.com
Vujovich Design Build, Inc.
A leader in green building:
Vujovich first started using reclaimed wood for floors, cabinetry and millwork in 1987 and continues to play a leadership role in bringing advanced green and sustainable expertise to the Twin Cities. Recent green projects include a Minnesota GreenStar remodel of a 1909 Seward Neighborhood home that was honored with “Sustainable Design” and “Best of Show” awards at the 2012 National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s Minnesota Contractor of the Year awards.
Homebuilding/remodeling trends:
People have come to realize that the square footage of their home should take a backseat to the quality of the home’s design and construction. For the past several decades, lack-luster design and construction methods have allowed homeowners to think they’re getting more for their investment, until they realize their large empty box is dysfunctional and unsatisfying. Vujovich projects focus on functionality, quality design and products, as well as maximizing return on investment.
How do you see the future for this industry?
Trust has become the most important factor when it comes to making major purchases. A successful firm’s business philosophy must focus on being the client’s advocate and working to create the greatest value possible for the client. Builders and remodelers must be energized, diverse, and most of all trustworthy. A quality builder/remodeler is responsible for being an advocate for their client’s investment, working to get as much value for the client’s dollar as they would their own.
Minneapolis, MN
612-338-2020
www.vujovich.com
White Crane Construction
About us:
White Crane Construction is a design + build firm specializing in whole house renovations, major additions, kitchen remodels, and new construction. We are committed to exceptional customer service, the value of great design, attention to detail, and quality craftsmanship. We offer full service professional design and project management tailored to your lifestyle and budget.
Home building/remodeling trends:
Many clients want to create spaces where they can spend time together as a family or entertain guests. One space solution is transforming underutilized square footage on the lower level of a house into a beautiful finished space with all the features and details of the main floor, including gas fireplaces, baths, and guest rooms with full egress windows. Outdoor rooms created by patios, decks, and pergolas can also increase your living and entertaining space. Additionally, clients are increasingly looking for renovation options that will expand their home to allow for multi generational living under one roof.
The benefit of using a designer in building/remodeling projects:
Every White Crane project begins with design. Our design team works with you to create and execute a comprehensive master design plan. Design is an integral and important part of great construction. It provides insightful plan design, streamlines the selection process, provides access to designer exclusive materials and finishes, keeps costs aligned with budget, simplifies the building process, and results in the realization of finished spaces that exceed our clients’ expectations and reflect their personal taste.
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6 ISSUES (1 YEAR)
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