Architects, Builders & Remodelers Up Close
Built by Vujovich design Build, Inc.
It’s not hard to find a builder in the Twin Cities. The metro area has no shortage of licensed residential builders, remodelers, and contractors: in fact, the state of Minnesota reports more than 7,000 licenses on file for greater Twin Cities area codes in 2008.
Not all builders are the same, of course. Some employ a handful of craftsman and build a select few residences annually; others oversee large-scale development projects and construct hundreds of homes a year. Some focus on renovation and redevelopment in core metro communities; others build sparkling new homes in freshly platted suburban neighborhoods. Still others have made the highest echelon of upper bracket construction their niche. Each serves a unique segment of the market of Twin Cities homebuyers.
So how do you tell the best from the rest? Seek a builder who is experienced with your type of project and who is an industry veteran. Expect uncompromising craftsmanship inside and out; high-quality construction is always a priority for the best builders. They want to ensure the homeowner has a good experience, too, through good communication and top-notch customer service.
Look for builders whose work resonates with you. Then set up a time to meet with a few of them to get your initial questions answered. This is also a good chance to see whose personality you “click” with the most, for you’ll be working closely with your builder in the months to come. On the following pages, you’ll meet several of the Twin Cities’ top builders to jump-start your search.
Vujovich Design Build, Inc.
photo by David Wiese
Great design shouldn’t cost more to build than mediocre design. In fact–with the right builder—it can actually cost less.
“Quality craftsmanship and customer service don’t have to be expensive. We go beyond our clients’ expectations of quality, budget, and timeliness,” says Ed Roskowinski of Vujovich Design Build, Inc. “This is not a ‘get in-get out-get paid’ proposition. We want our clients to be blown away by the quality, surprised by the great value, and bragging to their friends about how their project was completed on time.”
For over 30 years, clients have been “blown away” by Vujovich’s work on custom homes, whole-house renovations, and one-room remodels. As one satisfied customer wrote of her renovation, “I wouldn’t change a single thing. Now I want to spend all my vacations at home!”
International Market Square
275 Market Street, Suite 521
Minneapolis, MN 55405
612-338-2020 • www.vujovich.com
Nor-Son, Inc.
photo by Scott Amundson
When LaVyrle and Dan Spencer look around their second home, situated on 550 acres of secluded, wooded land in Cushing, Minnesota—they don’t just see vaulted ceiling arches, hardwood floors, and amazing views from every window, they see moments: serving 19 people around the table at Thanksgiving, four-wheeling with friends and family, watching wildlife right outside their window.
When LaVyrle, a retired New York Times bestselling novelist, and her husband Dan decided to upgrade their 1985 log cabin, they trusted Nor-Son—a company specializing in cabins and lake homes—to build their four-bedroom, five-bathroom retreat. They had worked with the company on previous projects and loved everything about them.
“They respect us as clients, they communicate, they met with us regularly, they stuck to a timeline, and they do quality work,” LaVyrle says.
It took the Nor-Son team a mere seven months to finish the transformation. All that remains of the original structure is the porch and living room. The changes were dramatic. The Spencers used to sleep in a loft above the kitchen, now they have a private bedroom suite. Their old kitchen was dark and small; the expansive new space is bright and open. In the old log cabin, storage space was non-existent, now there’s a huge pantry, storage for hunting gear, and plenty of closets and cubbies.
LaVyrle and Dan wouldn’t change a thing about their Cushing home—thanks, in large part, to the competent team at Nor-Son.
According to LaVyrle, “They are truly exemplary.”
7900 Hastings Road
Baxter, MN 56425
800-858-1722
www.nor-son.com
L. Cramer Designers + Builders
photo by susan gilmore
Quality comes standard in an L. Cramer home. Design integrity is carried through in every detail, from the plumbing fixtures to the hardware on the cabinetry.
“People can feel the difference in a well-built home,” says Jennifer Cramer-Miller of L. Cramer Designers + Builders, a company with 31 years of proven success. “They intuitively sense the quality of the details.”
L. Cramer projects—whether new construction or a remodel—span the range from traditional to contemporary, with high-quality details reminiscent of turn-of-the-century architecture, and modern amenities perfectly complimenting current lifestyles.
In addition to providing exceptional craftsmanship, L. Cramer professionals are honest, organized, and responsive to their clients’ needs. The end result is nothing short of extraordinary.
5500 Lincoln Dr.
Edina, MN 55436-1692
952-935-8482 • www.lcramer.com
Laurel Ulland Architecture
photo by susan gilmore
Creativity is an important quality of a good architect, but equally important is being able to see obstacles a client might never anticipate and finding easy solutions to those problems—before a single nail has been pounded.
A good architect can streamline the building process, act as project manager when choosing colors and materials, and ultimately help save the client time and money.
Before founding her architecture and design firm in Minneapolis, Laurel Ulland owned a development and contracting business in Duluth— specializing in the renovation and adaptive reuse of older buildings and residences. Her team’s range of experience is as diverse as the work itself, including everything from historic preservation to custom cabinet and furniture design to custom homes to small commercial projects.
2836 Lyndale Ave. S. - Greenway Level
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-874-1086 • www.laurelulland.com
Ridge Creek Custom Homes
photo courtesy of Ridge Creek Custom Homes
Rob Eldridge has a term for the miracle makeover he performed on this home: “extreme remodeling.” This teardown and rebuild was completed in just 78 days.
Such a pace is not the norm for Rob, who owns Ridge Creek Custom Homes with his wife Amra: The home belongs to them—a sort of living model representing Ridge Creek.
The Eldridges had been living in what was a boxy 1950s rambler in Wayzata. They purchased it with the intention to remodel, and after two years of planning, they were ready. The walls came down and the new home rose from the existing foundation.
“Landfills are filling up,” Rob says. “If you’ve got something that you can work with, there’s absolutely no reason to throw it away.” The on-task Ridge Creek crew worked on the home nearly around the clock.
The new home, now two stories, is “an entertainer’s dream,” Rob says. The spacious kitchen, walk-up wet bar, and open main level are perfect for hosting a crowd, while the cozy upstairs with suite bedrooms is just right for family living quarters—including a secret playroom under the peak of the roof.
Wow-factor abounds, from a faux alligator wall covering in the office to a backlit onyx waterfall sink in the powder room. The lower level boasts a wet bar, theater, game table area, and guest bedroom.
The timeline for this home was unusually aggressive, but the end product was no less demonstrative of what Ridge Creek can accomplish: “Give me about eight months,” Rob says, “and I’ll build one heck of a house.”
Ridge Creek Custom Homes
612-250-5820
ridgecreekcustomhomes.com
Narr Construction, Inc.
photo Courtesy of Narr
Construction, Inc.
Greg Narr, owner of Narr Construction, Inc., provides a personal touch. By focusing on four or five select homes each year, he’s able to become intricately involved in the building process. This “hands on” approach is uncommon in today’s business world, but it’s what Greg likes to call the “Narr touch”—and the only way he’ll operate. From the first design meeting until the home is complete, “I approach each house as if it was my own,” he says.
He got his start in the business at a young age, learning carpentry from his dad—a master craftsman—who started Narr Construction in 1956. In 1990, Greg transitioned from the production and carpentry side of the business to the ownership side. Today, his core vision at Narr Construction is to design homes with the type of architectural integrity that doesn’t go in and out of style.
“I believe I’m one of the most design-sensitive builders in the industry, making sure things are consistent with the design intent,” he explains. “And I’m very detailed in execution and budget.”
Unlike some new home builders who build every kind of home for every kind of buyer, Greg Narr focuses on the needs and desires of the most discriminating home buyers, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular. His annual Luxury Home Tour entries reflect the quality and attention to detail he brings to his building projects.
P.O. Box 5007
Hopkins, MN 55343
952-938-8781
www.narrconstruction.com
Northrup Remodeling
photo by troy thies photography
courtesy of northrup remodeling
Fine details make all the difference when it comes to quality renovations and home restoration, and few pay more attention to these details than Northrup Remodeling.
The Northrup team brings form, function, and style to the building process, ensuring the homes are structurally sound without compromising their unique character and charm.
“We have a true passion for the restoration of older homes,” says Mark White, CEO. “We take a lot of pride in what we do.”
From foundations to finishes, the Northrup Remodeling team draws on years of experience and practical knowledge, offering a full range of custom design, build, and remodeling services. Whether it’s light repair or restoring a turn-of-the-century gem, Northrup has the knowledge, experience, and passion to provide unsurpassed levels of quality and craftsmanship.
4400 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, MN, 55419
612-825-3353
www.northrupremodeling.com
Otagawa-Anschel Design-Build
photo Courtesy of Otogawa-Anschel Design-Build
Building green is affordable, practical, durable, and healthy. It reflects a deeper spiritual value that people are remodeling and building with the environment in mind.
At Otogawa-Anschel Design-Build, a small firm specializing in award-winning green design and construction, building green is second nature.
“No one in this industry knows green building like we do, and no one has our history of designing and implementing green products and strategies into beautiful, functional spaces,” says Michael Anschel, principal and designer.
In addition to excelling in the arena of green building, the talented Otogawa-Anschel team blends old styles with modern function and a touch of contemporary whimsy. With 13 years of experience and numerous awards under their belt, this dedicated team of designers, managers, and carpenters “leaves their egos at the door, communicates efficiently, comes up with creative design solutions, works within budget, and listens with an open mind,” Anschel says. They approach every remodeling project intending to exceed customers’ expectations. The firm is small enough to provide undivided attention, creative enough to find solutions that work, and skilled enough to conquer unique challenges. They are committed to excellence and it shows. According to Anschel, “I am incredibly proud of every project that comes out of our firm.”
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