Local Construction Company – Central, MN

When considering a home improvement project, there are a variety of different things to consider. One of the biggest considerations is who to hire for your home remodel project.

Choosing who works
on your home
is not something that should
ever be taken lightly!

We suggest that the local construction companies in central Minnesota are your best options to consider. By hiring a local construction company you are not only invigorating the local economy, but you’re also helping to strengthen the overall sense of local unity by taking pride in the quality business services available to you right here in central MN.

In fact, we strongly encourage you to hire a local builder or local general contractor, as opposed to hiring someone that travels from outside your community or that is associated with a chain construction firm.  Chances are you’ll get more personalized service and a better product overall. Below are three more reasons to hire a local contractor for your next home project.

Three Reason to Hire a
Local Construction Company

Word of Mouth –

Reputable local companies always have “word of mouth” referrals that are deeply rooted in your community.  Just ask your neighbors! They will help you out greatly.

Don’t allow yourself to be taken by fancy marketing campaigns of larger construction companies that are not connected to your community. You’ll often find that larger companies care more about the sale than about offering you a quality construction product, and quality home improvement services matter big time!

Quick Turn Around –

For many jobs, you need to make sure that you get someone to help you out swiftly. Some times fast turn around is important when certain home improvement projects need to be done. Very often local professionals are able to work with your timeline and needs, thereby offering you greater flexibility and assistance than their out-of-area counterparts.

Community –

The strength of local economy relies heavily on the business patronage of those within a community. If you live in a larger city centers, such as St Cloud, Sartell, Waite Park, and Sauk Rapids, your best option is to get service from someone that is located within your area. They will not only do great work, but they know that their reputation is on the line and will no doubt do an excellent job on your home remodel or improvement project.

Hopefully the above suggestions have encouraged you to hire a local construction company for your next building project. To assist you even more, check out the following tips.

Local Construction Company Tips

These tips are especially helpful if you are planning to undertake a home remodel project such as kitchen remodeling, bathroom update or basement finishing.

Tip #1 –

A piece of advice that you should definitely consider in regards to finding the best local construction company for your needs is that you don’t want to go with the first offer you receive. You need to make sure that you get estimates from several central MN construction companies, or a few different local construction companies.

Tip #2 –

Also, know that written estimates should be free and insightful enough to give you good information about the price of your remodeling project. From this project estimate you can determine if the work is in line with your budget.

Tip #3 –

Make sure to determine a budget amount that is sufficient to cover the costs associated with the work you want done on your home. If you don’t take the time to determine a budget you can afford, you may end up over spending. This would not be a good thing for you or for your St Cloud general contractor.

Tip #4 –

Contact a few different construction companies (make sure that they are local ) and make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and experienced. Good experience will help you make the right decision and give you piece of mind that your home improvement project will be done right, the first time around!

Until next time…

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Craig Schoenberg owns Schoenberg Construction, a quality Local Construction Company in Saint Cloud, MN.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

Three Tips to Finding the Best Construction Companies
in Your Town

From time to time Saint Cloud homeowners have to find information related to construction companies that provide quality home remodeling services in central MN. This is especially true if you are not a good do it yourselfer, or “diy” type. Or maybe you are simply too busy and need a reputable and honest Saint Cloud MN contractor to take charge of your home improvement project.

Either way, finding a talented central MN general contractor can be challenging, especially when there are so many different pitfalls to avoid. Most crucial is that you never allow yourself to be swindled by a home improvement builder looking to take advantage of you. The way to avoid this is to do your research!

Please be sure to take your time as you shop around for the best contractor for you, your needs and your home remodeling project.  Below are a three tips to help you find the best construction companies in central Minnesota.

Best Construction Companies

Tip #1- Reputation

You absolutely have to look into the reputation that any company has. Finding reputations is easy to do by looking online for some information. Doing a bit of research on the web can help you to analyze the different construction companies that are available in central MN.

Start by looking for reviews on sites such as Google (free service) or Angies List (paid service). It’s important to be objective when looking through these options, especially when you’re considering the different positive reviews you might run into. The positives sometimes can be paid for and bought, making it hard to decipher what’s real and what’s fake. Make sure that you read each review carefully so that you’re not lost in the shuffle of paid marketing campaigns.

Tip #2- Word of Mouth

Take a look around your neighborhood and identify the houses that have been worked on in recent months. When you find homes that have been worked on, speak to your neighbor and inquire about the project.  Ask who they used for their home improvements and find out how satisfied they are with the results.

Getting word of mouth referrals is a good thing, but it is only one factor in your decision making process.  So be aware that only you can make that final decision about whether or not a particular contractor is the right one for you.

Tip #3 Advertising

The best construction companies not only rely on word of mouth referrals, but they also use electronic and traditional print advertising to spread the word about their company and construction services.Take a look at various forms of advertising, from online to more traditional platforms such as the phone book.

Furthermore, research the construction company’s bonding, licensing, and other information as this will help you make an educated decision about your Saint Cloud building contractor. Check out their home remodeling photo gallery and their services as well to determine if their construction services match your remodeling needs.

Finding the best construction company might seem daunting at first, but do some research and then narrow the field down. Once you have a list of 2-3 candidates, contact them for an appointment to discuss your project. Then ask for an estimate. Get all of your estimates in writing, and make sure that you save them.

After you’ve interviewed your top candidates narrow down the choices even further based on the information provided to you. Use your instincts and make a decision based on both research and on the connection you felt to the contractor (i.e. was he honest, helpful, forthcoming). By doing so you’ll be able to choose the right contractor for the work you need done!

Construction companies are plentiful, and sifting through and finding the best option for your home remodeling project will take some time. Haste can mire the final choice so take your time, do your research and make an informed decision.  This is the best advice anyone can give you when considering the best construction companies in St Cloud.

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Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best remodelers in Central Minnesota.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

Kitchen renovation cost in St Cloud, MN—

The mere thought of kitchen renovation costs alone gives fever and worries to most people, especially those who are dreaming of a new and wonderful kitchen but are concerned about the total costs. Yet the thing is, renovating the kitchen without breaking one’s budget is entirely possible!

To ensure that your kitchen renovation cost is within your budget, there are some tips all homeowners must follow in order to keep the costs at bay.

The following kitchen remodeling tips will surely help you to save up on your kitchen renovation expenses and make wiser, more cost effective choices. So without further ado, here are 9 tips on how to control the kitchen renovation costs for your home remodeling project.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Tip #1

Maintain the locations of the major appliances — stove, dishwasher, refrigerator — and utilities (i.e. gas) and other services such as plumbing and electrical outlets since moving wiring, jacks and plumbing tends to cost a lot.

The truth of the matter is that this single factor costs more than most people realize. This isn’t to say that you can not change the location of your stove. To the contrary, just be certain that moving the stove is an essential component to your kitchen renovation project.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Tip #2

Be careful when re-using electrical appliances, as these things are sensitive to transfers. To save on cost, consider keeping your current ones in their old position (as discussed in tip #1) and building the new cabinets around them.

Of course there comes a time when appliance replacement is essential.  Consider both new appliances as well as lightly used ones. If this is the right choice for you, it is a great way to save some money!

Kitchen Renovation Cost Tip #3

Choose your cabinets wisely as the choice of cabinets adds a substantial amount of money to the total of a kitchen renovation cost. Because of this, you’ll want to dedicate a good amount of time to your decision making process as you consider the best kitchen cabinet choice for your new kitchen. Ask yourself: Do you really need to replace the cabinets? Could you reuse them, or reuse some of the kitchen cabinets? Is there a home recycling center in your area that might just have some used cabinets that are perfect for your kitchen renovation project?

If you decide that new cabinets are essential for your new kitchen, we suggest that you get advice from your central MN general contractor as to the best cabinet builder for you to use.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Tip #4

Invest in neutral colors. It is highly advisable to use neutral colors for the appliances, fixtures and laminates since they tend to be priced better. PLUS neutral colors go with any color-theme of the kitchen.  (It is much easier to change a color scheme through paint and decorations than with all new appliances, fixtures or flooring!) Besides, neutral colors are also classics, which do not become outdated even when styles change.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Tip #5

When it comes to faucets, chrome is cheaper. In addition, a faucet with two handles tend to cost less than those with a single handle. Also, make sure that the faucet has internal parts that are replaceable so that if the faucet malfunctions you have the option of getting it repaired rather than replacing the entire thing.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Tip #6

Save on the flooring. If the flooring is still good, just keep it.

Additionally, choosing a nice floor covering to enhance your current flooring is a great money-saving idea! For instance, getting the right color and kind of area rug to enhance your existing kitchen flooring can pull the whole kitchen theme together.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Tip #7

Instead of using tile for your kitchen backsplash, one can save up more by using stencils on it. Again, the point here is to consider your options and to really determine the best choice in terms of your wants, needs and budget.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Tip #8

Consider the lighting fixtures wisely. If the whole kitchen’s theme is to be replaced, start with being practical when choosing light fixtures and from there graduate to custom ones. The difference in price will be somewhat painful, but that’s ok. It is the price increase that will ensure that you think through your choices thoroughly.  It is also clever to compare prices from one kitchen fixture provider to another. The internet is very useful in this regard.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Tip #9

Countertops that are laminated are much more budget-friendly as compared to tile, granite and solid surfacing. There are some beautiful laminate kitchen countertop options out there.  To save money you should at least consider them.

These tips and tricks on kitchen remodeling if taken seriously will really help you to save on the bottom line of your kitchen remodeling project. Always remember that choosing the cheaper option doesn’t mean that the outcome decreases the “wow-factor” of the kitchen. In fact, saving on your kitchen renovation cost often astounds a homeowner – that spending less but getting more is possible!

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Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best kitchen remodelers in Central Minnesota.
Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

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Home Remodeling Company: Hiring The Right One— Whether it’s time to remodel your entire home or to renovate a single room inside your house such as the kitchen or bath, it’s important to make sure that you hire the right home remodeling company in central Minnesota for the job.

There are a lot of different factors that you will want to take into consideration when choosing a remodeling contractor in central MN, and sifting through all of them can be quite daunting. The painstaking task of finding the right construction company can be quite difficult.

To help you in your quest to hire the best home remodeling company to suite your needs, we offer you three helpful tips.

Home Remodeling Company
Three Tips to Help You Select the Best One

Home Remodeling Tip #1 —

The very first thing that you will need to do is to take some time to write out some information about the overall needs for your remodel project, including your budget. Assess honestly the scope of your remodel project (i.e. total bathroom remodel or a more simple bath update that does not involve moving walls). Next determine how much you can pay for the project you want to build. If you have a large project, you’ll need to set aside some serious home improvement money.

The cost of construction services relies heavily on the scope of your project. Without properly assessing your project requirements and budget limitations you’ll find that it is nearly impossible to achieve the results you truly desire. In other words, be honest and clear about what you want to build and how much you are willing to spend to build it.

Home Remodeling Tip #2 —

The next thing you’ll want to do is read the reviews that local remodeling companies are receiving online. With the internet age upon us, finding proper information can be quite easy. You can find reviews on just about any type of business and service from real people.

The downside to this is that some reviews are not legitimate and instead have been paid for by the company. Be informed about this and use this knowledge to your benefit as you move forward in your research so that you’re not swindled into using a company that doesn’t really have a good reputation. Bottom line: Trust your instincts as you’ll know what types of reviews are real and which ones are made up.

Home Remodeling Tip #3 —

A third tip to consider in regards to hiring the right remodeling company is to get quality estimates. Never sign up for a project with a company that doesn’t offer you a good estimate in advance.

You should not have to pay for preliminary estimates, and it is wise to take into consideration the various options that you have at your disposal. Make sure to allow yourself some time to deliberate after you’ve received your project estimates from at least two central MN home remodelers. Don’t go for just the first offer or the lowest price, rather be sure to:

1. Take your time and consider your options
2. Look over the information thoroughly, and
3. Carefully analyze the different estimates

Know this: Every estimate is different and it is likely that you are not comparing apples to apples, so you MUST be informed about what is included or not in the estimate for your remodeling project. The bottom line is that unless you properly review and analyze your remodeling estimates you can’t possibly determine which home remodeling company is the best one for your project.

Determine your needs, do your research, and then get estimates. Once you have at least two of them, take your time in making an informed decision and be sure that you do not rush yourself.  Choosing the best remodeling company for your home improvement project is a decision that must be made with care and awareness.

Moreover, know how much money you are willing to spend, find that quality central MN remodeling company that can fulfill your needs and watch the transformation in your home that is no doubt going to be a delight to you!

Don’t’ settle for anything  less than what you absolutely dream of for your home, and keep in mind that a remodel is dictated by you, your choices and your budget. Find a quality remodeling company willing to work with this and your remodeling project will turn about beautifully.

Happy remodeling to you…

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Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best remodelers in Central Minnesota.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

 

Home Renovation Costs & Factors that Affect It— Home renovation is an exciting idea for most homeowners who want to go with the flow of the times and keep their abodes updated with new styles when it comes to architecture and interior design.

Although the idea of renovating a home may spark the interest of many, the home renovation costs that come with it are not so appealing especially to those considered as “average-earning” homeowners – and this is largely the reason why most people forgo renovating their houses until enough money is saved. Actually, home renovation will not burn a very big hole in a homeowner’s pocket as long as one knows how to estimate the cost of the project.

Having a good understanding of the factors that affect the renovation costs will help a homeowner in planning the whole renovation process so that it will fit his/her budget.

Home Renovation Cost Factors

The following are the factors that affect home renovation costs, which each homeowner who is interested in breathing new life into his/her abode should know, and understand well.

#1 — Size of the House

The size of the house that needs to be renovated should be taken into consideration. The bigger the house, the higher the costs. On the other hand, there are instances wherein not the whole house but only parts of it (perhaps the kitchen or the living room) are the only ones that need the renovation. In either case, whether the whole house must have the makeover or just a particular room, the size or the area (usually in square footage) that needs the work must be taken into consideration when calculating the cost.

#2 — Scale of the Project

The scale of the project refers to the amount of work to be done in renovating the house. Does the plumbing of the house need to be replaced or relocated? Do the existing rooms need to be readjusted or do whole new rooms need to be added to the house? Usually, the scale of the project is referred to in two terms. Small projects or minor fixes are referred to as “mid-range projects” while big fixes are called “upscale” or “major renovation projects.” Without a doubt, upscale projects cost more.

#3 — Materials

The choice of materials also greatly affects the total cost of a home renovation. Definitely, high-quality materials or fixtures cost more. Cheaper products, on the other hand, may not last as long.  Do some research and ask for expert advice when selecting products for your home renovation project.

#4 — Project Region

The over-all home renovation costs differ from region to region in the US, and even vary within each region. For example, costs will differ from one city to another such as a construction project in the Twin Cities costing more to complete than one in the Saint Cloud area. To get project estimates that are accurate in a certain area, it is wise to obtain prices from home remodelers of that particular locale. It is also advisable to check Remodeling Magazine’s website for information and the Central MN Builders Association website.

#5 – Contractor’s Value for the Project

The contractor’s quote for the project will greatly affect the cost. That is why it is essential to find a contractor who does quality work for a fair and reasonable price. We suggest that you get a detailed bid that tells you exactly what you are going to get for the price.  Avoid shady contractors (at all costs!) who give you vague bids.  And remember, the lowest price on a bid is not always the best deal, so do your research and choose your central MN general contractor carefully.

All of these home renovation cost factors are really important in determining the overall cost of renovating a house. Indeed, some home renovation costs can be daunting to consider. But a wise homeowner considers these factors well and uses them in planning, and by doing so won’t have a hard time accepting and working within an established project budget!

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Craig Schoenberg is one of the best home renovation builders in Central MN.
Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

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Bathroom Renovation Cost in Saint Cloud, MN— Changing anything in your home, such as your bath, will always cost you something be it money, time, energy… This is the case for everything in life and is the case also when renovating your bathroom.

When undertaking home improvements to your bath, there will always be a “bathroom renovation cost” that will show up in that “expenses list”. There is simply no way around it (except to leave your bathroom as it is, but that’s no fun!).

For wealthy people, renovating a bathroom or even a whole house is not a problem in terms of finances, but this is not the case for some. Homeowners who earn an average or typical income may find that they have a limited amount of money to commit to their desired home improvements. This is why the cost of a bathroom renovation matters a lot to the average home owner. It is also why knowing the price of getting a bathroom remodeled is really important in order for you to make good financial decisions about your home improvement choices.

Bath Renovation Costs

So, how much does a bathroom renovation really cost? The figure will vary, as there are many factors that affect the cost of a renovation. According to one source (2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report of Remodeling Magazine), a mid-range bathroom remodel costs about $16,142 while an upscale bathroom remodel falls at $52,295. You should note, however, that there are some surface changes that you can do to a bathroom that cost less and still give your bath a new, fresh look.

A mid-range bathroom remodel refers to smaller changes in the bathroom such as moving a wall or two, changing the flooring and replacing the plumbing. On the other hand, an upscale bathroom remodel refers to big or massive fixes or changes in the room such as installing specialty flooring, repositioning the plumbing and virtually re-arranging all aspects of the bathroom including the tub, shower and vanity. Simple surface changes to a bathroom such as new flooring, paint and a new tub liner are even less costly and may work for you budget if the mid-range and upscale bathroom renovation price tag takes your breath away. Call Craig at 320-252-0911 for more information about any of these bathroom remodel options.

Bathroom Renovation Cost Factors

As mentioned earlier, there are several factors that affect the bathroom renovation cost.

• First, the size (in square footage) of the bathroom matters. Obviously, bigger bathrooms mean more costs.
• Second is the scale of the project – whether it is a mid-range remodeling, an upscale remodeling or some simple resurfacing.
• Thirdly, the homeowner’s choice of materials – so be sure to pick quality but affordable bathroom furniture and fixtures.
• Fourth and last bathroom renovation cost factor is the contractor’s quote.

How to Estimate Bathroom Remodel Costs

Knowing how much the whole renovation will cost is not that difficult as long as the homeowner has clear plans as to what he/she wants the bathroom to become.

Planning is very important in remodeling. The outcome of a remodeling project depends on it and so do the total costs of your renovation.

When undertaking a bath renovation it is essential for a homeowner to properly plan their bathroom remodeling project in order to accurately determine the total costs of the bathroom renovation. Many homeowners do not understand all of the components to home renovation, which is why you might want to hire a Central MN General Contractor to assist you with the planning of your bathroom renovation.

The truth of the matter is that a quality remodeling contractor is your best option when it comes to estimating the cost of the whole project and your return on investment. Besides, home improvements are always much more enjoyable for you when working in partnership with a professional!

Think through your options, do some research and make the decision that best suits your needs and your budget. That’s really the best advice.

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Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best bathroom remodelers in Central Minnesota.
Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

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Green Design Concepts for Your Home

The term green design includes both home interiors (products) and construction methods (services) that use green technology or sustainable energy resources. As a homeowner you can do your part for the environment through implementing various sustainable products and services into your new or existing central MN home.

Green Design for Your Home

The layout and functionality of a house is one of the things that comprises a sustainable design. A lot of homes being built these days are designed with energy efficiency in mind. This is one component of a green designed home.  Another is the use of sustainable materials during construction including fixtures and flooring.

More and more construction suppliers offer various products that focus on making a home more environment-friendly. Architects, engineers, and even property developers have started to use earth-friendly designs and construction materials for new homes that are being built and on homes that are being remodeled.

Homeowners and Green Furnishings

One of the most popular concepts in green design these days is the manufacture of furniture with the use of sustainable wood resources. A lot of designers and manufacturers have introduced their own line of furniture that is made from either recycled wood or wood composites.

Furniture manufacturers have also started to use wood from regulated wood areas that are controlled and maintained by independent environmental organizations. Furniture depots and stores on the other hand have started to carry brands that produce furniture made from environment-friendly materials.

Green Design | Green Roofs

Another popular green design concept is the transformation of building roofs into green areas by planting various kinds of vegetation and plant life. This practice is being adopted in urban areas — such as in Minneapolis on the rooftop of the Target Center — that have high levels of air pollution. But, this green design concept may be used just about anywhere, including central MN.

As a homeowner, you too can transform your roof into a small garden and start earning the energy efficiency benefits of adding this feature to your home. Adding a green roof can also provide you with more space, allowing you to utilize an otherwise bare area of your home.

All these design and construction concepts contribute to the worldwide effort of preserving and conserving natural resources. If you are interested in taking part in this cause you can do so as a homeowner by switching to green design concepts and methods that can save you money while providing you with a healthier home.

Are you considering a green design for your home or thinking about a remodel for your existing home in Central Minnesota with some green options? A quality St Cloud General Contractor is always willing to help you construct the project of your dreams at a price that works for you and for your family. Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best remodelers and builders in Central MN.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

Green Roof: The Advantages of Going Green—

With all the hype about using green materials in construction, having a green roof is now considered a viable alternative, or addition, to your typical roof structures.

Green roofing on a building or home basically means utilizing the otherwise vacant space on a rooftop and transforming it into a place that has various types of vegetation. This type of roofing has been used in Europe for quite some time, but it is only beginning to increase in popularity in the US because of the awareness being promoted through green building initiatives.

Did you know that the Target Center has a green roof? Yes it does, and The Target Center’s 2.5 acre roof is now the largest green roof in the State of MN, the fifth largest in the entire country and tenth largest in the world. See it here: Green Roof at Target Center in Minneapolis.

Green Roof Benefits

There are a lot of benefits to having a green roof for your property, chief of which is the reduction of air pollution and smog levels. Vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide and transforms it into nutrients for the plants’ growth. Aerosol and nitrates are also absorbed and stored in the soil to facilitate the plants’ development. With decreased levels of contaminants the air becomes cleaner and safer to breathe, especially for people who are suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

Aside from this, a green roof also lessens the need to spend money on sophisticated drainage systems because soil and vegetation found on the roof can absorb a large amount of rainwater during heavy downpours and storms. By absorbing much of the water, the amount of runoff going through the drainage system is dramatically reduced, which in turn also reduces the amount of money you have to spend purchasing, repairing, or replacing your drainage system.

A structure with green roofing also offers advantages to the property owner. Taking the unused, ugly rooftop space and transforming it into a garden can increase the actual value of the property you own. Some office buildings that have roofs with lush vegetation often use these as employee areas where everyone can relax and enjoy the scenery during their lunch and coffee breaks.

Green Roofs and the Need for Going Green

The need for environmental preservation has grown over the years as have the advancements in green building technology. Because of this, interest in the various ways to protect Earth’s non-renewable resources is no longer considered an alternative way of living. Rather, green building options — including green roofs — have crossed over to main-stream culture.

Most people agree that there must be a plan of action that integrates and balances green building with the practical needs of everyday living. Being a property owner, you can do your part by having a green roof installed and maintained on your building or home. If that doesn’t suit your taste, then simply take some time to consider the benefits of other green building options.

Want to learn more about green roofs? You can do so from the Minnesota Green Roof Council.

Are you considering a “green” constructed home or simply looking to remodel your existing home in Central Minnesota with some green options? A quality Saint Cloud General Contractor is always willing to help you construct the project of your dreams at a price that works for you and for your family. Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best remodelers and builders in Central MN.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

Remodeling a Home in Central MN– The Basics

We all need a little change sometimes in the sanctuary we return to everyday; our own homes. The change may be a necessity. After years of enduring weather, the roof may need some fixing or from years of wear and tear, the stairs may need to be repaired.

On the other hand, the desired home improvements you dream of may be due to comfort, preference or style. Maybe you may want to make provisions for the living room to accommodate a bigger entertainment system or would like to improve the drab looking façade of your home.

Remodeling a home need not be a stressful endeavor. When things go as planned, you will certainly find yourself in a newly remodeled sanctuary of your dreams. But, it may be a bit overwhelming right now trying to figure out where to begin. We are here to help you.  Check out these 8 tips on how to go about remodeling a home.

Home Remodeling Tips

1. It is always good to start with a plan. Inspect the entire house to determine what needs urgent renovation. It may be advisable to review the blueprint of your home and to determine which sections require remodeling and to what extent.
2. Allocate a budget for your remodeling project. The amount and quality of the remodeling that can be done depends on one’s finances. You want to determine how much you can spend and what amount fits your budget. From this starting point you begin to make a plan that fulfills your dreams and fits your pocketbook!
3. Seek advice from a friend who may have had his house remodeled. It is wise to get advise from someone who has undergone a home remodeling project. Surely they can give suggestions from their own experience and may even recommend a quality St cloud MN general contractor to best fulfill the requirements of your remodel.
4. It doesn’t hurt to do some research about the latest trends in home remodeling. The internet provides much information about this. So flex those hands and get ready to use those grey cells in your brain to do some research and determine what are the best choices for your home improvement project.
5. Know very clearly what you expect from the final results of your home improvement project. If you are unclear from the start, then trouble will follow. Conversely, if you are clear about your results your project will flow much more smoothly.
6. Find a trusted contractor to help you bring your ideas into reality. Ask to see photos of their previous projects and request a list of references from customers, subcontractors and supplies. Most contractors keep a portfolio of their works so you can see how much they have done and see the quality of the work they have accomplished. A good remodeling contractor will offer you valuable guidance about your remodeling plan and will advise you on how to improve upon it. Most contractors offer a free cost estimate as well.
7. Be involved in the project. Work with your general contractor. Know the estimated time-frame within which the work should be finished, and communicate, communicate, communicate!
8. Once done, inspect the finished work. If you had a solid plan from the start and chose to work with a qualified contractor, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results of your remodel project. Indeed, the results may very well exceed your expectations.

A properly remodeled home looks better than before, yet maintains its charms all while delivering to you deep satisfaction from the wonderful home improvements you carefully planned and executed with the help of a professional remodeler. Ahhhh… how sweet it is!

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Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best remodelers in Central Minnesota.  Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.

Design a Kitchen | 10 Factors to Take into Consideration

A meal is as good as the love with which it was made. Since meals are prepared in the kitchen, the ambiance certainly affects the mood one has when cooking. Commercial and residential kitchens have undergone evolution in style and themes. To cook in the kitchen is easy for a good chef, but to design a kitchen may not be as simple.

There are several items to consider, and it is always wise to seek help from professionals when you begin to design a kitchen. The following are some factors to consider when designing a kitchen:

Design a Kitchen Considerations

1. It helps to design around a theme as the decisions you’ll make about the other features will depend on your chosen theme. Among the most popular themes for kitchens are Tuscan, Mexican, Vintage-Look, Italian, and Oriental.
2. Know the size and shape of the kitchen itself and the countertops. These will determine the size and placement of the appliances and fixtures in the room. Space management is important and there should not be a lingering feeling of being cramped in the room. One should have ample space to cook.
3. Select an appropriate material for the kitchen floor. The color and pattern of the kitchen flooring has a big affect on the beauty of the kitchen as it reflects everything in the room. The texture should be able to handle possible food spills also without retaining any stains.
4. Choose cabinets and countertops well. The size, color, design, and the material of the cabinets and countertops must be taken into consideration. Accessibility, usability and storage capacity for the cabinets should also be factored in to your decision.
5. Faucets and the sink should remain true to the motif of the room. Consider their overall look and feel and make sure that they are a good match for your kitchen’s theme.
6. The dominant color of the kitchen has a big say about the ambiance created in the room. This factor, of course, depends on the chosen theme for the kitchen.
7. The appliances, their size and color, should also relate well to the theme of the kitchen. Their location must be selected properly so that you’ll have easy access to them during cooking.
8. Lighting should be ample and emphasize certain areas of the kitchen you wish to feature.
9. Ideally, decorations found within the room will remain true to the chosen theme. This includes curtains, mats, pots and vases, paintings or photos, and even the chairs found within the room.
10. Financing, of course, may be one of the biggest factors in the design of a kitchen. All other factors considered, the budget you set will determine if a certain kitchen design is chosen over another.

Your kitchen should be stress-free, beautiful and have everything readily within reach during the cooking process. You may want to visit websites offering ideas on the design of a kitchen or actual showrooms to view some designs in person.  It is still best, however, to seek professional advice to design a kitchen. By doing so you’ll be able to discuss the ideas you have and get valuable insight from the design and/or building professional to improve and eventually to realize the kitchen of your dreams.

For help with your kitchen design or remodel project, call Saint Cloud General Contractor, Craig Schoenberg today at 320-252-0911 for your free consultation.