remodeling

Project Feature: Minnetonka Main Level Transformation

We're excited to finally share the details of this stunning main level transformation our team recently completed! The homeowner of this Minnetonka, Minnesota rambler, felt like her main level had become dated and a little cramped. The original floor plan featured a large fireplace that extended from the basement up through the roof, which separated the kitchen and family room. To create a more functional, open floor plan, we removed the entire fireplace structure. Once we started demolition on the main level, our team found some structural issues with the roof. The repair required removing and rebuilding the roof structure in the middle of winter. Despite the setback, the final design turned out beautifully! We love the mix of white cabinets with stained cherry, which adds warmth and depth to the space. The kitchen is so much more functional now, thanks to the ample counter space and a generous island topped with a gorgeous quartz countertop. Creative storage solutions in the drawers and cabinets keep the kitchen organized and clutter-free. The great room's wood beams and fireplace mantle perfectly complement the built-ins and give the space character. Rounding out this main level transformation is the newly remodeled sunroom, which features shiplap and wood beam ceiling accents. Our team had so much fun working on this project, and the homeowner was a joy to work alongside! She knew her vision was from the beginning, which made it easy for us to bring it to life. Keep scrolling for a closer look at this newly renovated Minnetonka rambler—and be sure to get in touch with our team to discuss your next remodeling project. We'd love to help you complete your home transformation! Design Details Cabinets: Modern Design Cabinetry Fireplace: Sherman Masonry Countertops: Cambria Appliances: Warners' Stellian

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The State of the Remodeling Industry

Whether big or small, investing in a remodeling project is a big deal. That being said, it's understandable that you want to make the most of your investment. While that includes choosing a qualified remodeler and high-quality materials, it's also important to understand the current state of the remodeling economy. With that in mind, we wanted to share our thoughts on the topic. Keep reading to get the scoop!

What's Driving the Remodeling Economy Right Now?

There are three main things driving the remodeling industry right now:

low interest rates
strong housing market
strong economy

Because of these three elements, homeowners are comfortable spending money to improve their homes. Not only are interest rates low for the housing market, but home improvement loans also have relatively low interest rates. What's more, remodeled homes tend to sell much faster than older homes without any updates. That's because buyers today typically want a move-in ready home rather than a fixer-upper. Why have Remodeling Costs Increased?

It costs more to remodel today than a few years ago for a few reasons. First, materials cost more now. Second, labor expenses are higher due to an overall labor shortage, especially in trade industries. Despite higher material and labor costs, Knight Construction Design Inc has managed to maintain a steady rate by keeping our overhead low. This helps us better serve our clients because we can assist a wide range of budgets, and our clients don't have to sacrifice quality.

What if I Regret Remodeling My Home?

Our team at Knight Construction Design Inc has never had a client regret remodeling their home! When it comes to remodeling, the goal is to improve the existing design. Whether that's creating a more functional layout or just making the space more visually appealing, the end result is always better than the original. That being said, it's imperative to work with the right remodeling contractor. Always do your homework before hiring a contractor. Make sure they're licensed and learn as much about their reputation as you can. On that same note, it's okay to price shop a little bit, too. Just remember, you get what you pay for, so the best deal may not always mean you're getting the best contractor.

What to Expect in 2020

Based on what we've been seeing and hearing from our clients, 2020 is going to be another strong year for the remodeling economy. In addition to improving the functionality of their homes, many homeowners are looking to incorporate the latest in design trends and smart home technology.

Have questions about remodeling your home? We'd be happy to answer them! Simply get in touch with our award-winning team to learn more about our remodeling process. Read More

2019 Fall Remodelers Showcase Rendering Knight Construction and Remodeling

2019 Parade of Homes Fall Remodelers Showcase: Sept 27 – 29

With the hazy days of summer drawing to a close, we're officially heading into fall. While we're not ready to let go of days spent at the lake, there are many reasons to be excited about fall. Our favorite? The 2019 Fall Remodelers Showcase is right around the corner and we can't wait to share our latest home remodeling project with you!

2019 Fall Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase Entry #22 2398 Cherrywood Road, Hopkins, MN 55305 September 27-29, 2019 from 12:00 to 6:00 PM

This remodeling project started with a dark, inefficient kitchen. The homeowners wanted to breathe new life into their space with a timeless and classic design. To make the kitchen brighter and more functional for this busy family of five, we add brand-new white custom cabinetry topped with Ceaserstone countertops, as well as paneled appliances and a 48" BlueStar range. We also removed the soffits and extended the cabinets to the ceiling. In addition to creating more storage space, this also draws the eye upward while making the kitchen appear larger. New hardwood floors were installed throughout the main level of the home. Topping it all off is a newly remodeled three-season porch featuring new tile floors and in-floor heat perfect for Minnesota winters. The Fall Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase only last three days, so don't miss your chance to see this beautiful kitchen transformation in person. The Knight Construction team will be on-site to answer questions about the home or chat about ant upcoming projects you may have. See you there!

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Remodeling for the Test of Time

Remodeling your home requires a pretty big investment and it's safe to say you want your new space to look great for years to come. While it can be a pricey process, it's important to consider the long-term benefits of remodeling your home. Aside from breathing new life into an outdated design, remodeling can help you fall in love with your home all over again. Other benefits include:

Making your home more comfortable to live in
Redesigning your space to be more functional
Increasing the value of your home
Potentially making it easier to sell down the road
Creating more living space or storage as needed
Saving money by improving your home's energy efficiency
Improving your home's curb appeal with a few exterior updates

Using the following tips will help guarantee your remodeled home stands the test of time.

Hire an Experienced Remodeling Contractor

Not every remodeling contractor is created equal. Whether they lack the skills or don't understand your overall vision, picking the wrong contractor can lead to disaster. While interviewing potential contractors, ask to see examples of past projects. This will help you get a feel for their work and if their style is a good fit for your project. You can also ask for references from past clients or check out the Better Business Bureau website for any negative feedback. Another thing to keep in mind is you get what you pay for. While it's important to find a contractor that fits your budget, be cautious of those who are cheap and available right away.

Don't Get Too Trendy

While we're big fans of incorporating trends into home design, we recommend proceeding with caution. Trying to do too much at once can make your space look busy and unfocused. A good rule of thumb is to select one or two trends you love rather than a vast array. Another downside to trends is accidentally picking one that doesn't have staying power. If that happens, your space will quickly look outdated and you're forced to either live with it or invest more money to update it. With that in mind, it's a good idea to stick with timeless classics for more permanent materials like floor coverings and tile. Doing so not only ensures your remodeled space will stand the test of time, but can also help trendier selections pop.

Invest in High-Quality Products

Ensuring your investment doesn't go to waste is vital. One way to protect it is to opt for high-quality products. This doesn't always mean purchasing the most expensive products, though. When selecting products and materials, do your homework. Find out what you can about the brand, read reviews, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Picking products with warranties is also a beneficial way to protect your investment. The peace of mind a good warranty offers will make it easier to justify the price of more costly products and materials. Thinking about remodeling your home? We'd love to help! Get in touch with our award-winning team to learn more about our remodeling process. Read More

Should You Remodel or Move?

Your home isn't just a big investment; it's where you spend your time making memories. With that in mind, loving your home is important. If you've been experiencing bouts of house envy lately, it might be time to make some changes. The question is, do you remodel or move? There are a lot of factors to consider but weighing the pros and cons can help you decide which choice is right for your family.

The Pros of Moving

Moving Offers the Chance for a Fresh Start Have you been craving a new adventure in a different city? Are you tired of the same old? If so, moving may just be the fresh start you've been looking for. A New Home in a New Location From unwelcome changes in the neighborhood to long commutes, there are many reasons you may be unhappy with your current location. Regardless, cosmetic changes won't make you love your neighborhood. If that's the case, moving is more than likely the best option. Building Your Dream Home Unfortunately, there are times when no amount of remodeling will make you want to stay in your current home. Purchasing a home built to spec lets you customize it to suit your unique style and needs.

The Cons of Moving

Selling Your Home Can Be Costly Realtor fees and moving costs are generally expected when selling your home, but there are many other costs to consider. For example, you may need to purchase appliances, furniture or decor to fit your new home's design. Moving is Stressful and Time-Consuming Moving means unpredictable showings, endless packing, and a lot of cleaning. In addition, moving can require you to take time off of work, especially if there are tight closing deadlines. You May Not Sell Your Home for Asking Price If you live in an older home, be prepared to make some updates in order to sell your home for the desired price. At the very least, you may need to make concessions on things like flooring or appliances to the seller so they can make their own updates. You May Have to Make Sacrifices Finding a home in your price range that checks every box on your list may be easier said than done. Knowing what you want is great, but be prepared to make some sacrifices.

The Pros of Remodeling Your Home

Staying in Your Neighborhood Perhaps on the biggest benefits of remodeling is getting to stay in the neighborhood you adore. If you love your home's location and have come to rely on your neighbors, remodeling might make more sense than moving. Replicating the comfort that comes from knowing your neighborhood and the people in it can be difficult. Redesigning Your Space to Fit Your Needs After living in your home for a while, chances are you know exactly what you need to change in order to make you happy. Whether that's a few tweaks here and there or a complete overhaul, redesigning your space could be exactly what you need to fall back in love with your existing home. No Moving Expenses or Tight Timelines Moving can be a very expensive ordeal. From securing a moving truck to realtor fees, even the smallest of costs start to add up. When you add in the stress of trying to find a new home while selling your current one, you might just begin to wonder if it was worth the hassle. Though remodeling can be expensive too, there's often a lot less to juggle.

The Cons of Remodeling Your Home

Living in a Construction Zone Remodeling your home often means living in the middle of a construction zone. While the project is underway, you can expect to deal with dust, noise, and a little chaos until it's complete. Unexpected Expenses Remodeling your home can stir up some costly surprises, especially if you plan to tear down walls or relocate existing plumbing. However, leaving a cushion in your remodeling budget to cover hidden expenses is an easy way to prepare for any issues that may arise. While there are pros and cons to both sides, deciding whether to remodel or move is a choice only you and your family can make. If you think remodeling is the right choice for you, get in touch with our team. We'd love to chat! Read More