At Great Northern Builders, we love helping our clients breathe new life into their outdated kitchen by creating a beautiful and functional design. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working on many kitchen remodels. While we try not to play favorites, there are some kitchen remodeling designs we get excited about time and time again. So, we thought we’d share five of our favorite kitchen design elements. Check them out below!

Timeless Design Details

When planning your kitchen remodeling design, it goes without saying you want it to last for as long as possible. After all, remodeling requires a big investment! There’s nothing as disheartening to find your design outdated just a few years down the road. With that in mind, you can’t go wrong with a kitchen featuring timeless design details! Think bright, white cabinets and classic elements like subway tile and elegant quartz countertops.

Two-Tone Cabinetry

Is an all-white kitchen not quite your speed? Two-tone cabinetry may be the perfect solution. We’ve been seeing more and more homeowners utilizing this design in their kitchen remodel lately. And, we can see why! A two-tone design is a great way to add dimension and visual interest to your kitchen. Opting for lower cabinets in a darker hue adds balance while the addition of lighter cabinets on top draws the eye upward. This trend can be customized according to your preference, too. Whether you create a two-tone effect with just your island cabinet or you want to mix and match painted and stained cabinets, the choice is yours!

Natural Wood Accents

A kitchen remodeling design we can totally get behind? Natural wood accents! Adding wood elements to your design not only looks beautiful but creates warmth. There are many different options for incorporating wood into your design, too. One of our favorite ways? Wrapping the kitchen island in wood planks. From shiplap to rough-sawn planks to reclaimed wood, the result is sure to wow! Some other options include open wood shelving, exposed ceiling beams, butcher block counters, and statement walls.

Beverage Stations

It may be small but what a beverage station lacks in size, it makes up for in function. This versatile space can be used as a coffee nook or a mini-bar, depending on your preferences. The countertop offers a convenient place to house your coffee maker, while the built-in cabinets can hold anything from coffee mugs to wine glasses to small appliances. Below the cabinets, a beverage fridge will keep drinks perfectly chilled while freeing up valuable real estate in the fridge. If you love to entertain, adding a beverage station to your kitchen remodeling design is a must! Having a designated area for drinks makes it easy for guests to help themselves to a beverage during a get-together.

Eye-Catching Range Hoods

Eye-catching range hoods are the perfect way to make a statement in your kitchen remodeling design. What’s really wonderful about this trend is the many different options to choose from. Range hoods can be found in a variety of materials and shapes, so finding one that complements your kitchen design is a breeze. To really help this focal point pop, consider adding a tile feature in between the range hood and the stove top like the kitchen pictured above.

Interested in seeing more kitchen remodels from Great Northern Builders? Our project gallery is chock-full of some great projects! To learn more about our remodeling process, feel free to contact our team.

First impressions matter and when it comes to owning a home, it all starts with the exterior. Beyond excellent curb appeal, your home needs to be able to stand up to the harsh Midwest climate; from hot and humid summers to polar vortex winters and everything in between. If your home’s exterior isn’t up to par, you may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.

Luckily, Great Northern Builders is here to help! Whether enhancing your outdoor space with a new deck, updating your home’s windows, or a complete exterior renovation, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for three important things to know about our exterior remodeling services.

1. We Can Handle Any Aspect of Your Exterior Remodeling Project

Our team is experienced in many different areas of exterior remodeling. We have the capabilities to handle a wide range of projects depending on your needs.

Our exterior remodeling services include:

• Siding
• Roofing
• Windows
• Gutters
• Patios
• Decks
• Landscaping
• Insurance restoration

2. We Are Certified Installers of Many High-Quality Products

Great Northern Builders’ goal is to provide exceptional service to our clients, no matter how big or small the project. With that in mind, our team has become certified installers of a number of the high-quality products we use. This extra level of knowledge ensures materials and products are installed correctly.

3. We Are Not Limited to Specific Manufacturers

Working with Great Northern Builders for your exterior remodeling project means you can use materials from brands you trust. Our knowledgeable team can install almost any product or material on the market. Whether a window, siding or roofing product, we’ve got you covered! As long as the product is a high-quality product we can stand behind, we are happy to use it for your project.

Interested in learning more about our exterior remodeling services? Contact us for more information or to chat with our team about an upcoming project. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

No homeowner wants to file an insurance claim. Doing so means your home has suffered interior or exterior damage, and sustained damage due to a fire, flood, storm, or other catastrophe. While unfortunate, these life-altering events can occur without warning. If and when they do, having a professional skilled in insurance restoration is key to the recovery process.  They’ll asses the damage to your home and help you restore it to its former glory.

In the Twin Cities metro area and western Wisconsin, Great Northern Builders can help you do just that! Keep reading for three reasons why our team is the perfect choice for your insurance restoration project.

1. We Have 10 Years of Experience

Great Northern Builders has handled hundreds of insurance claims over the last 10 years. This extensive experience has given us the knowledge to handle insurance restoration projects of any size. With our expertise, you can rest assured our capable team will have your home on the road to recovery in no time.

2. We Handle Both Residential and Commercial Insurance Restoration

Disaster can strike when you least expect it and no home or business is immune. Our team has the capability to handle both residential and commercial projects. From interior and exterior restoration to structural repairs, we’ve got you covered.

3. We Manage Every Aspect of the Claim

Our goal is to make the insurance restoration process as simple and stress-free as possible for our clients. With that in mind, our team manages the claim from start to finish. Whether coordinating schedules or hiring vendors, we’re there to ensure the project runs smoothly so you can focus on the important things.

Interested in learning more about our insurance restoration services? Contact Great Northern Builders for more information or to chat with our team about an upcoming project. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Did you hear the news? The 2019 St. Louis Park Home Tour is just a few weeks away! Great Northern Builders is excited to share one of our newly remodeled homes during this self-guided tour. Featuring a completely updated designed, this lower level is a must see! 

2019 St. Louis Park Home Tour
3201 Colorado Ave S., St. Louis Park, MN
May 5, 2019, from 12:00-4:00 PM

We loved helping the homeowners of this St. Louis Park home remodel their lower level to accommodate their growing family. The main goal of this remodeling project was to increase the livable space of this home. With that in mind, our team added an additional bedroom and three-quarter bath to the lower level. The new bedroom is the perfect solution for a guest suite and can double as a bedroom for an older child if needed. 

Our next step was to revamp the lower level’s entertainment area. To increase its functionality and add extra storage, we added built-in cabinets to create a media wall. Completing this lower level remodel is a gorgeous dry bar topped with a quartz countertop, as well as two refrigerators. Tying the whole design together are shiplap accents and unique lighting to delineate the area. The end result is an amazing family-friendly space that the homeowners are sure to love for years to come! 

The 2019 St. Louis Park Home Tour is a one day only event and you’re not going to want to miss taking a peek at this beautiful home! Our team will be on-site during the tour to chat about the home and answer questions about the remodeling process, so be sure to stop by! Until then, here’s a glimpse inside…

Have questions about this home or need more information? Contact our team or visit the 2019 St. Louis Park Home Tour website to learn more. 

2019 SPRING PARADE OF HOMES REMODELERS SHOWCASE MARCH 29 TH – 31 ST , 2019 FROM 12:00-6:00 PM

Remodel #27

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Photos courtesy of Heidi Torgerson Photography

A very special nursery remodel for a very special little one to the Great Northern Builders’ team. The Biljan Baby Nursery! Excited to share our latest special project. This renovation was very special to myself and everyone at Great Northern Builders. This was just a basic 13 ft x 13 ft room that was transformed into a Nursery. It was special because it was for my son, Camden Cole Biljan.

Thanks to all!!! 

– Chris Biljan, CEO of Great Northern Builders

How do you determine if it’s time to put on a new roof, install new windows or add new siding?

Consider these tips below:

Age of roof: The quality of your roofing system can determine when it’s the right time is to add a new roof. Some roof systems will not last more than 10 years before repairs are needed. Others can wear out much sooner. Others may have more wear and tear than normal based on past storms or previous damage that’s gone unnoticed. A field supervisor can inspect your roof and provide a free analysis.

“It always good to have a specialist walk your roof to make sure you do not have any missing shingles or damage to the shingles caused by wind or hail,” says Chris Biljan, owner of Great Northern Builders.

Draft coming through windows: If you feel air coming through your windows, it’s time to consider installing new windows. Especially when it comes to the cold Minnesota and Wisconsin winters – and even in the summer when the air conditioning is on. Drafty windows can drive up energy bills, costing you more money over time.

“Installing energy efficient windows lowers your energy bills because your heat is not leaking out in the winter and your cool air is not leaking out in the hot summer months,” says Biljan.

Benefits of new siding: Curb appeal. An old house can turn into the nicest in the neighborhood with new siding. A newer house can stay updated and looking sharp with new siding. But the benefits go beyond appearance. New siding can help secure your house and provide added water protection. Insulated siding can also reduce energy costs providing extra protection. There are a wide variety of siding options available, including vinyl, LP, cedar and hardie. A GNB field supervisor can discuss best options and prices during your free estimate.

Home improvement loans available: Remember, there are home improvement loans available through various counties throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Dakota County, for example, offer no interest home improvement loans to assist in these repairs. Every county is different and has different rules/qualifications so check with your local county office or on the county web site for more information.

Tax credits: There may be tax credits available for new roofing, siding and windows. Also, if you own a home office, these repairs may also help reduce taxes. Credits also change from year-to-year pending on new tax laws. This is not tax advice, just a suggestion to check with your accountant to see what is available.

Investment in property: By investing in your property it can raise the property value of your home. And it can save money over time by maintaining your homes.

When choosing a roofing, siding or window contractor be sure to get references and be sure they are registered with the Better Business Bureau and have a good reputation. Most of all, be sure they do what’s best for your situation.

“We’ll take the time to really listen to what you want and need to help make sure your project is done right and completed the way you expect,” says Biljan.

Call Great Northern Builders today for a free estimate.

As the owner of a construction company, when I found out we were having our first child, I immediately began envisioning what type of nursery we would create. Read More→

It’s not unfair or unreasonable to say the majority of us at one point or another have become bored of our mundane, predictable gym experience in an effort to stay healthy and fit.

In an effort to offer fitness that is engaging and effective, entrepreneurs Robyn Widman, Brittany Widman, Drew Keller, Zach Zweig decided to launch their own Farrell’s eXtreme BodyShaping gym location. This is not just your ordinary “machines and weights” kind of gym. These entrepreneurial visionaries wanted a location that enhanced and played on the kickboxing-bodybuilding combination that their fitness program offers.
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Most people have grand visions for the business they would like to one day open, but few take the chance and really go for it. A little over one year ago, Jessica Johnson and her husband, Justin Johnson, decided to bring their dream of opening The Salon, a high end salon in Woodbury, Minnesota a reality. With 15+ years of experience in the industry, Jessica didn’t want to just create another cookie cutter salon in town. So they consulted with Great Northern Builders (GNB) when they decided to make their dream a reality.

“I wanted to create a progressive, upscale, boutique salon located in the heart of Woodbury that creates a unique client experience. An experience that is unforgettable and includes every detail to provide the utmost relaxation, renewal, and restored balance,” says Jessica Johnson, co-founder of The Salon.

Inspired by Great Northern Builder’s work, Jessica and Justin met with Chris Biljan, founder of Great Northern Builders, last May to review the design and build of the new space that coincided with their vision of highlighting every detail to deliver a memorable customer experience. The space selected for The Salon was originally an orthodontic space, which needed to be gutted and completely redesigned.

“We chose Great Northern Builders to build The Salon after seeing the unique design work they’ve completed. They are very well known for their amazing reputation in craftsmanship. Their Atmosfere project in Minneapolis initially peaked our interest. It exudes a rustic yet chic look, integrates a beautiful usage of reclaimed barn wood and materials, and an elegant display of lighting and attention to detail.
Their team met with us several times prior to starting the project after we bought the space. They were right on point with listening to our ideas, had great suggestions on how to design and implement on our vision. They were able to really articulate our vision and were with us every step of the way in this build or renovation,” said Johnson.

Jessica and Justin knew they wanted their 2,300 square ft. space to have a rustic and modern feel that emanates comfort and luxury. Every detail of The Salon was crafted with this in mind. Great Northern Builders articulated that vision by determining type of reclaimed wood, placement, and made sure everywhere a client looked, there was something new to see.

One of the most unique aspects of The Salon is the re-inspired use of reclaimed wood throughout the salon. Great Northern Builders applied an original artistic display featuring the reclaimed wood in a vertical display versus the more commonly used horizontal display. Multiple depths and widths of the wood had to be milled in order to achieve this layered look. Great Northern Builders started with three different pre-selected widths and 3 varied thicknesses. Each piece was individually ripped, cut, and fitted to get the very unique, detailed, and layered look. The vertical application of the reclaimed wood is a design aspect that Great Northern Builders implemented to allow the customer to flow through the salon without realizing they are doing it, and redirects the eye to details such as ceiling height and ornate light fixtures. The 3-sided fireplace encased in the vertical reclaimed wood adds a warm and cozy touch.

“Working with Great Northern Builders and the finishing touches they implemented really helped us create that warm feeling, the unique experience from start to finish for our clients. The reclaimed wood feel was completely different in a vertical application vs. horizontal. It was such an artistic application, it wasn’t something they just slapped on the wall,” says Johnson.

Windows encompass 75% of the wall area on the south side, allowing natural lighting to cascade across the space, and is balanced by Minardi custom LED lighting that allows energy savings. The eco lighting has a number of benefits for both employees and customers, and provides the natural light balance to see the intricacies of the hair more clearly, while providing a relaxing environment to clients while they are in The Salon. The lighting is tied together by three breathtaking chandeliers to add a touch of luxury to the space.

The Salon includes 14 chairs and a full shampoo wall, relaxed lighting, soothing music, and even luxury faux fur blankets from Restoration Hardware with lumbar pillows to get cozy in as the customer is being shampooed. Clients also see the cozy fireplace while they’re being shampooed.

To the left of the shampoo area holds a treatment room for services such as massages and facials. In line with The Salon founders vision of a spectacular experience for clients, Great Northern Builders applied a carefully constructed sound barrier to this space by adding a special sound board in place of standard drywall or sheet rock. Mineral wool was added between the studs for additional soundproofing.

Between the shampoo space and treatment room lives a 9’ by 4’ wide sliding barn door hand selected by Great Northern Builders and the Johnsons. The door has a steampunk style and is a unique focal point upon entry, while also serving to separate the salon area from employee area. This door blocks the color wall, and can slide back and forth to display or encase this wall. This feature adds an unrivaled level of depth, dimension, and convention to the entire space.

Finishing touches to The Salon include polished concrete floors, and the plush, comfortable Belvedere furniture that adds the final touch of luxury to the client experience.

“We really enjoy turning our client’s vision into reality. Creating and renovating these highly unique commercial spaces is truly a blast and a fun challenge,” said Chris Biljan, owner of Great Northern Builders.

The Salon celebrated its grand opening in February, 2016, and have had such an enthusiastic response from the community they plan to submit for the “Salon of the Year” award with Salon Today.

“Providing a unique, unforgettable experience to our clients is at the foremost of our business. It’s incredible to see our dream become a reality, and the space that Great Northern Builders designed completely exceeded our expectations. It’s a dream come true,” said Johnson.

With over 15 years of experience and an impeccable reputation, Great Northern Builders specializes in residential and commercial construction, renovation, remodels, and restoration throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin with expert crews, unrivaled customer service, and quality workmanship.

We turn your vision into a reality. Call us today at 651.455.9371 for a free consultation!

Great Northern Builders cares about our community.  We proudly support our community members and local philanthropic events. Oh, did we mention we like making really cool things that people enjoy? We had a blast designing and creating these handcrafted wine racks to donate to the 4th Annual Rich Hennen Memorial Silent Auction.

Great Northern Builders custom wine racks

Great Northern Builders team at the 4th Annual Rich Hennen Memorial

Great Northern Builders team at the 4th Annual Rich Hennen Memorial Golf Tournament

Great Northern Builders cares about our community.  We proudly support our community members and local philanthropic events. Oh, did we mention we like making really cool things that people enjoy? We had a blast designing and creating these handcrafted wine racks to donate to the 4th Annual Rich Hennen Memorial Silent Auction.

Great Northern Builders custom wine racks

Great Northern Builders team at the 4th Annual Rich Hennen Memorial

Our team enjoyed the summer sunshine and teed off at the 4th Annual Rich Hennen Memorial Golf Tournament to raise monies for the charity.

Great Northern Builders team at the 4th Annual Rich Hennen Memorial Golf Tournament

Beyond just the personal joys of having an updated look and feel to your space, remodeling and renovations bring several other benefits to your home including a more functional and enjoyable use of your square footage, increased space, energy savings, increased property value and greater buyer interest when it comes time to sell.

At Great Northern Builders, we’ve helped many homeowners bring their visions to life through renovations and remodels of kitchens, patios, decks, bathrooms, windows, garages, additions, and outbuildings. We’ve learned how these projects add tremendous value to your home, and we are going to cover some of the key ways to add value to a space and the benefits you achieve as a homeowner.

According to HGTV, remodeling projects that yield the top returns this year include:

• Bathroom remodel with an average return at resale of 102%
• Kitchen remodel with an average return at resale of 98.5%
• Vinyl siding, paint, and updated front entry with an average return at resale of 95.5%
• Attic bedroom conversion with an average return at resale of 93.5%
• Major bathroom remodel with an average return at resale of 93.2%
• Deck, patio, or porch addition with an average return at resale of 90.3%
• Basement remodel with an average return at resale of 90.1%
• Window replacements with an average return at resale of 89.6%

Increase Property Values

There are many factors that go into the appeal of a home for a potential buyer. It really comes down to putting yourself in the buyer’s shoes and remembering what makes a home that much better when you are living in it. Let’s cover some of the important factors that buyers are looking for in today’s market, and then we will discuss trending remodeling projects that are yielding the highest returns.

Any real estate agent will tell you that the more spacious a place feels, the better. Having lots of natural light will sell more quickly than a space that feels dark and cramped. Remodeling projects that benefit smaller houses are those that open up the floor plan, and give a small space the illusion of a large living area. If taking out walls isn’t your thing, simply widening doorways can make a home feel more spacious. Replacing windows can also make a huge difference in the feel of a space. A popular renovation is replacing windows with French doors that open to the backyard, which provides more light and makes the room feel bigger and less cramped.

Curbside Appeal: Doors, Windows, Siding, Garages

First impressions matter. It’s going to be really hard to get a buyer to consider your home when they don’t even want to step inside because the outside is dated and dreary. Replacing older features like the front door, windows, garage door and siding often yields much better returns in attracting buyers than other remodeling projects. Even adding shutters, a new driveway, or walkway to your home can also lead to great returns because it makes the home welcoming. Of course, don’t underestimate the appeal of attractive landscaping around your home.

Outdoor Living: Decks and Patios

As we all know, being outside is very popular in Minnesota’s nicer months, so adding or renovating a deck or patio in the backyard will provide a great place for you to entertain friends or hang out you’re your family. It will also provide greater appeal to buyers down the road. According to HGTV, homeowners recoup 65%-90% of their investment by adding a deck or patio.

Kitchen Remodels Provide Max Returns

Everyone gravitates towards the kitchen, and for that reason one of the best ways to add value to your home is through a kitchen update or remodel. Remember to add space, have plenty of counters and cabinet space, windows, and stainless-steel appliances for the best returns. If done correctly, kitchen remodels can yield close to 100% return on investment.

Commodes are a Commodity

Bathrooms are a hot commodity. According to HGTV, if your home only has one bathroom, you can recoup 80%-130% of your addition costs merely by adding a new bathroom. This is why both adding and updating bathrooms yields considerable value for your home. Half-baths can easily be created out of closet space for spaces with too few bathrooms. For those spaces with plenty of bathrooms, adding things like ceramic flooring, whirlpool tubs, and skylights can add great value to a home. Remember to keep the look consistent to your home’s theme.

Reinvent Your Space: Additions and Renovations

If you have an attic or basement or spare room you’re not using fully, remodeling these spaces into bedrooms, entertainment areas, or home offices can yield great returns. Turning these parts of your home into usable space is always a win. Need more space for your toys? An additional garage can help you save indoor space by providing extra storage.

Reduce Energy Bills

Remodeling can help you save on energy bills. A good remodeler should help you integrate ways to save energy and provide recommendations to integrate cost-savings into your next project.

According to a joint study by the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) Sentiment Tracking Study and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the top five energy upgrades are:

• Added insulation in walls or attic (71%)
• Insulating windows (66%)
• High efficiency furnaces (59%)
• Lighting (56%)
• A/C units (50%)

Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models is also a big energy saver that also increases your home’s appeal, should you decide to sell down the road. Energy Star rated appliances use less energy, save you money, and are better for the environment. Who wouldn’t be interested in that?

Hiring a Remodeler

If you decide to hire a contractor, shop around before you choose someone to work with. Make sure you get at least three quotes from the contractors you interview. Thoroughly check references for the contractors before you agree to a contract or work order. Look at their reviews, their testimonials, and their work performed. Be aware of home improvement repair scams.

Call the experts at Great Northern Builders at 651.455.9371 for a free estimate on your next project!

Great Northern Builders is a local leader in residential and commercial remodeling and restoration projects throughout the Twin Cities, Minnesota and Wisconsin. As a licensed general contractor, we can help you with any renovation or remodel project including kitchens, patios, decks, bathrooms, windows, garages, additions, and outbuildings. With a Better Business Bureau A+ rating, numerous happy customers, and rave reviews, we help you achieve your vision with expert crews, unrivaled customer service, and quality workmanship. Great Northern Builders is a proud member of the Builder’s Association of the Twin Cities, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm, and an Energy Star Partner.

We love getting involved with our community! Great Northern Builders is a proud member of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce. Our amazing staff member Natalie Velez is a Chamber Ambassador and enjoys welcoming new members to the community! Pictured below is a recent Ambassador’s visit with Patty’s First Aid! Every month, Natalie volunteers her time with the River Heights Chamber Ambassadors to help connect, inspire and welcome new members.

Great Northern Builders staff member Natalie Velez with River Heights Chamber Ambassadors

Great Northern Builders, local leader in residential and commercial construction, restoration, remodels and insurance restoration work throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, recently designed and built the award-winning Atmosfere retail space in the North Loop with 70% reclaimed materials including barn wood and adornments.

“The owners of Atmosfere came to us because they liked our design style at our offices, and knew we could achieve their specific and unique vision,” says Chris Biljan, owner of Great Northern Builders.

Blank Canvas: Before Photo of Award-winning retail space “Atmosfere”

Last April, Atmosfere’s co-owner, Damon Capetz, gave Great Northern Builders (GNB) 100% creative freedom to design and build out the company’s dream space. The two companies collaboratively sat down and talked about ideas and direction for the design aspect of the build out that would accentuate the new location, showcase their products, and draw customers in.

Co-owner of Atmosfere, Damon Capetz stated, “Right then and there, we knew these guys were awesome craftsmen. And we knew they could achieve our vision. That trust factor alone is so important. Working with a construction company who can help you visualize and translate your ideas and actually implement them is an amazing experience. We are so happy with the look and function of our new store! They really made the best out of our space and blew away our vision into something even more spectacular.”

The design mentality of the store was geared towards a modern yet timeless approach to coincide with the location and the Atmosfere brand.  Since many of the buildings in the area are historical, the retail space was built and designed to maintain a rustic, industrial feel with a twist of refined.  The Minneapolis Warehouse Historic District’s North Loop is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Great Northern Builders took great care in their design decisions to create a space that integrated into the historic business district. The area still retains the feel of its industrial past, as many newer buildings have attempted to replicate the style of the old warehouses. The district was included in the National Register of Historic Places due to maintaining the feel of the past in all new renovations.

“The design of our space really accentuates our product and ties in well with our historic location in the North Loop. It really looks amazing,” says Damon Capetz, co-owner of Atmosfere.

Great Northern Builders worked with architects and electricians on the overall layout and design of Atmosfere. The overall project build took about a month. The wood selected for the build was reclaimed barn wood and corrugated steel from Signature Woods in Zumbrota, MN. Each piece was handpicked by the Great Northern Builders team. A lot of galvanized corrugated roofing material was also sourced and utilized in the build.

“We really enjoyed designing and building this unique space and worked very hard to ensure every detail tied in with the North Loop’s vibe and historic feel,” said Chris Biljan, owner of Great Northern Builders.

Reclaimed wood (wood that is recovered from previous use) has several advantages:

• It looks great, and brings a kind of look, feel, and character to a space that is almost impossible to duplicate.
• It saves energy and is environmentally friendly.
• It’s a strong, lasting product that is durable.

Great Northern Builders team made the reclaimed woodwork by designing a display wall for merchandise. The end result, Atmosfere’s “Feature Wall” that showcases the store’s outfits. This wall is the most unique and talked about design feature amongst customers and visitors. The wall has received a wealth of praise already, as it has served as the backdrop for many photos taken in the store and shared widely. Recently featured in Minnesota Monthly, both Atmosfere’s design and products definitely make a statement.

Great Northern Builders made the most out of both design and location by creating a “Thomas Edison” lighting effect along the reclaimed barn wood panels which creates a glow effect. Great Northern Builders chose white porcelain, old-school style lights with Edison salt to provide an ambience of low-level incandescent lighting. The visible conduit runs across the store’s display wall to highlight merchandise. Great Northern Builders owner, Chris Biljan, worked with his electrician to snake all of the conduit to give it a random, accidental type of feel. The retail space is located in a lower-level walk-down from the sidewalk level, so Biljan chose a lighting placement that would also emit out a glow into the street to attract passersby.

The store exemplifies the terms rustic, yet clean and modern to a ‘T’. Track lighting was chosen to be placed throughout the store, adding beautiful highlights and accents to the products and clothing, while also creating an inviting feel for guests.

One of the innovative design decisions for Atmosfere’s new space was creating the dressing rooms from 4×4 and 6×6 barn wood posts. The rooms are all hand built, and created with recessed panels with rusted corrugated steel. Even the door handles tell a story, as each were salvaged pieces found around Minneapolis from the 1920’s and earlier that have been fabricated and retrofitted for each dressing room.

Atmosfere’s co-owner, Dan Capetz stated, “There was never a time we thought we had to be at the store throughout the design and build to see if we liked it or to see how something turned out. We completely trust Great Northern Builders and knew it would turn out amazing.”

Atmosfere is a must visit for anyone in the area, and is a brilliant example of how a business can easily “be green” by choosing to use reclaimed materials to design a modernized, unique store or office space. All of the building materials in the 2,500 square foot space are reclaimed materials, right down to the handles on the dressing rooms.

Atmosfere opened their modern, New York boutique inspired retail space in the North Loop in early June and recently won “2015 Best Clothing Store” in City Pages Minneapolis.

With over 15 years of experience and an impeccable reputation, Great Northern Builders specializes in residential and commercial construction, renovation, remodels, and restoration throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin with expert crews, unrivaled customer service, and quality workmanship.

GREAT NORTHERN BUILDERS

Hail Damage

Often, hail damage cannot be seen from the ground, so it’s important to have your property inspected by a certified team of storm damage repair experts. If hail damage goes undetected, this can not only lead to future leaks and water damage, it can also shorten the warranty and service life of your roof, exteriors, and structure. It’s important to contact a storm restoration professional after a hailstorm for a free roof and property inspection.

Hail damage can cause bruising, cracking, denting, and granule loss to your commercial or residential property, including roofing, siding, gutters, windows, patios.  If undetected, hail damage may void the manufacture warranty as well as shorten the service life of your roof.

We see it on our automobiles but we rarely get up on our roofs. It’s imperative to have your property inspected after any type of storm including thunder and wind storms to ensure no hail damage has occurred to avoid future leaks, premature aging, and deterioration of your property.

Protect Your Investment!

If you’ve experienced hail damage throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, a Great Northern Builders Project Manager will conduct a free inspection and take photos of all damage, prepare proper scope of damages, estimate at fair market pricing. We help you get the repairs you need in a timely fashion.

Call the Storm Damage Repair Experts at Great Northern Builders at 651.455.9371 for a Free Property Inspection!

Great Northern Builders is a local leader in residential and commercial construction, restoration, remodels and insurance restoration work throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. As a licensed general contractor, we can help you with all of your projects with expert crews, unrivaled customer service, and quality workmanship.  With a Better Business Bureau A+ rating, we are also proud members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC). Great Northern Builders specializes in storm damage repairs and insurance restoration work including hail and wind damage repairs, water and mold damage, and fire restoration work.

How To Choose a Window Contractor

When it comes time to choose Minnesota’s best window contractor, don’t get fooled by those commercials and advertisements promising low cost windows. Many of those companies advertise the cost of the window itself, but forget to mention the up-sells and additional costs of actually installing the windows.

You won’t get that with the professionals at Great Northern Builders. We provide competitive prices, but we are also honest and upfront and will send a trained field supervisor to discuss whether you need a window replacement or complete new window installation package. There are differences and that’s what many companies forget to tell customers in those commercials.

How Do you Know When Your Home Needs New Windows?

There are some obvious warning signs, such as a draft coming through the windows.

“If you feel air coming through your windows, it’s time to consider installing new windows,” says Chris Biljan, owner of Great Northern Builders.

And that’s what you want to avoid. You’re basically throwing money away if that’s the case, especially when it comes to the cold Minnesota and Wisconsin winters, or those extremely hot summer months. Homeowners with poor quality windows, leaky windows, cracked windows or windows that don’t open and shut properly are throwing money away because many think the solution is to turn the heat up or air conditioning down to help regulate/find the right temperature.

The bottom line is this: Drafty windows can drive up energy bills, costing you more money over time.

Common Window Specifications

“Installing energy efficient windows lowers your energy bills because your heat is not leaking out in the winter and your cool air is not leaking out in the hot summer months,” says Biljan.

Contact Great Northern Builders for a free estimate and analysis. We’ll come out to your house and look at your windows and point out potential trouble spots. We’ll show you areas where improvements could be made and discuss how the right window can help you save money. We’ll answer your questions and help you understand the window replacement or repair process. Do you need new windows? Do you need the windows wrapped for extra insulation? Do you need new trim on the outside of the windows when replacing existing windows?

GNB is a certified lead paint contractor and have experience tackling window replacement and repair jobs on homes that are both old and new, big and small.

Leaky windows can keep you cold in the winter, hot in the summer and stressed all year long. Don’t throw money away, contact GNB for a window assessment and evaluation today. Remember, getting an evaluation is free! Call today.

Don’t Choose The Wrong Siding Contractor

Curb appeal. It’s important to homeowners. When people drive up or past your house, they immediately notice the exterior appearance. Whether it’s wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass or hardboard composite siding, among others, the type and quality of your home’s siding goes a long way towards improving exterior appearance.

But what’s just as important as how new siding can help protect your house. It is important to choose a siding contractor that will not only help the appearance of your house, but to also help find quality materials that will last a lifetime.

“The benefits of new siding go beyond appearance,” says Chris Biljan, owner of GNB. “New siding can help secure your house and provide added water protection. Insulated siding can also reduce energy costs providing extra protection.”

If you’re considering updating your siding, contact GNB. A trained GNB field supervisor can provide a free analysis, cost options and a plan on the best siding options for your house. Most important though, the professionals at GNB provide a reputable, trustworthy Minnesota roofing company dedicated to completing your project on time and within budget. References are available and we have outstanding example of work on our web site and by request.

When choosing a siding contractor, ask questions. At Great Northern Builders we provide a dedicated team of local workers who have experience to do your siding job the right way. We are licensed, insured and bonded and completely committed to providing you with the best service and quality of work possible. We will discuss timeline, outline the process to complete your siding project and provide you with options to find a siding project that fits your goals, and budget. We can work with you to find the best products out there will still fitting within your budget.

And about that curb appeal?

“An old house can turn into the nicest in the neighborhood with new siding,” says Biljan. “And a newer house can get a new unique look customized to the homeowners wants and needs.”

Call us today for a free consultation! 651-455-9371

Don’t Choose The Wrong Roofing Contractor

It’s been an unusually wet Minnesota spring and summer. Just ask those with leaky roofs. Take Corey for example, the Cottage Grove resident was sitting at home one weekend night in mid-June when the heavy rain storms not only beat down on his roof, but started seeping through the roof to his newborn daughter’s bedroom. It spelled trouble. Not only did he have a roofing problem, he now had water leaking through the ceiling along and the walls and down the carpet. What started out as a leaky roof turned into more work than it needed to be, more money and more time.

Corey may have learned the hard way, but you don’t have to. When searching for the best Roofing Repair for Leaks, Storm Damage” Minneapolis/St.Paul roofing contractor look no further than Great Northern Builders (GNB). A free estimate with a certified GNB field supervisor can help you understand your roofs condition before the next big storm hits.
“We’ll be able to quickly point out where damage may have occurred and help you troubleshoot potential trouble spots,” says Chris Biljan, owner of Great Northern Builders.
Even if you don’t think recent storms have damaged your roof it’s a good idea to understand how natural wear and tear, previous storm damage and the general lifespan of a roofing when determining if you need to hire a Twin Cities roofing contractor.

It always good to have a specialist walk your roof to make sure you do not have any missing shingles or damage to the shingles caused by wind or hail,” says Biljan.
Some roofing systems will not last more than 10 years before repairs are needed, says Biljan.  Others can wear out much sooner pending on quality of product. Others may have more wear and tear than normal based on past storms or previous damage that’s gone unnoticed. That’s why it’s a good idea to know how to choose a roofing contractor that has experience, and make sure you look at the when selecting your contractor. Call GNB to have a trusted field supervisor inspect your roof and provide a free analysis. The trained roofing professionals at Great Northern Builders can also help you understand how to work with your insurance company if an insurance claim needs to be made.
GNB services the greater Twin Cities, outstate Minnesota and Wisconsin and has a team ready to assess and handle your roofing needs.
Don’t wait until it’s too late like Corey did. At Great Northern Builders we provide a combination of quality work, outstanding services and fair prices. And most of all, we can provide a peace of mind and confidence your roof will be able to handle the worst of these Minnesota storms.
Call us today, we service the twin cities and surrounding subur

Choosing The Right Contractor
How to choose a roofing, siding and window contractor

Making the decision to repair your roof, install new windows or add siding to your home or business is a big one. To help make that decision it’s important to choose the right residential or commercial roofing, siding and window contractor. A reputable local general contractor like Great Northern Builders has the experience, reputation and references to provide the services you need.

It all starts with a free estimate. A certified GNB field supervisor will come out and discuss the services and options available. GNB services the greater Twin Cities, outstate Minnesota and Wisconsin and has a team of professionals ready to assess and handle your property needs.

How do you determine if it’s time to put on a new roof, install new windows or add new siding?
Consider these tips below:

Age of roof The quality of your roofing system can determine when it’s the right time is to add a new roof. Some roof systems will not last more than 10 years before repairs are needed. Others can wear out much sooner. Others may have more wear and tear than normal based on past storms or previous damage that’s gone unnoticed. A field supervisor can inspect your roof and provide a free analysis.

“It always good to have a specialist walk your roof to make sure you do not have any missing shingles or damage to the shingles caused by wind or hail,” says Chris Biljan, owner of Great Northern Builders.

Draft coming through windows: If you feel air coming through your windows, it’s time to consider installing new windows. Especially when it comes to the cold Minnesota and Wisconsin winters – and even in the summer when the air conditioning is on. Drafty windows can drive up energy bills, costing you more money over time.

“Installing energy efficient windows lowers your energy bills because your heat is not leaking out in the winter and your cool air is not leaking out in the hot summer months,” says Biljan.

Benefits of new siding: Curb appeal. An old house can turn into the nicest in the neighborhood with new siding. A newer house can stay updated and looking sharp with new siding. But the benefits go beyond appearance. New siding can help secure your house and provide added water protection. Insulated siding can also reduce energy costs providing extra protection. There are a wide variety of siding options available, including vinyl, LP, cedar and hardie. A GNB field supervisor can discuss best options and prices during your free estimate.

Home improvement loans available: Remember, there are home improvement loans available through various counties throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Dakota County, for example, offer no interest home improvement loans to assist in these repairs. Every county is different and has different rules/qualifications so check with your local county office or on the county website for more information.

Tax credits: There may be tax credits available for new roofing, siding and windows. Also, if you own a home office, these repairs may also help reduce taxes. Credits also change from year-to-year pending on new tax laws. This is not tax advice, just a suggestion to check with your accountant to see what is available.

Investment in property: By investing in your property it can raise the property value of your home. And it can save money over time by maintaining your homes.

When choosing a roofing, siding or window contractor be sure to get references and be sure they are registered with the Better Business Bureau and have a good reputation. Most of all, be sure they do what’s best for your situation.

“We’ll take the time to really listen to what you want and need to help make sure your project is done right and completed the way you expect,” says Biljan.

Call Great Northern Builders today for a free estimate 651-455-9371

Volunteer Street Canvasser Knocking On Doors

How To Spot Storm Chasers When You Have Storm Damage 

A severe storm that causes widespread damage is a home or business owner’s worse nightmare. A tornado, thunderstorm, hail, high winds or heavy rain can blow through a Minnesota or Wisconsin neighborhood and quickly damage the home you’ve worked so hard to make beautiful.

And when that happens, contacting a trusted, reputable general contractor like Great Northern Builders should be the first step you take. Great Northern Builders provides a free property inspection with a certified field supervisor to determine the extent of any storm damage while working with you to create a plan to help you through the repair or restoration process.

“Our company is very knowledgeable in all areas of restoration and construction,” says Great Northern Builders owner Chris Biljan. “We can provide you with a list of residential and commercial references that can vouch for our hands-on approach with any and all projects we work on. We pride ourselves in making sure our customers are well-informed of any and every step of the procedures and processes involving their project.”

When storm damage occurs, avoid storm chasers looking for a quick fix and looking to make a quick buck. Companies that show up from out of nowhere are considered storm chasers and are often looking to pressure you into quickly signing a contract to repair your home, while promising low prices and that they will handle everything with your insurance company for you.  Great Northern Builders is an established Twin Cities residential and commercial general contractor with a strong reputation and the references to prove it.

“You should be leery of any door-to-door salesman that make promises to fix or repair your home at an extremely low cost,” says Biljan. “It violates Minnesota Statue 325E.66 which indicates contractors cannot advertise or promise to rebate or credit any part of insurance proceeds. As a contractor we pride ourselves in staying up to date on all policies and statutes set forth by the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin.”

Watch for these storm chaser warning signs, according to the National Storm Damage Center:

• Out of state license plates
• No local office
• No insurance or under-insured
• Won’t provide local references
• Demands upfront cash or deposit
• Poor BBB ratings or no local ratings

In some cases, storm damage may not be immediately noticeable. If neighbors have damage, chances are you do to. Small issues can lead to big problems. Contact GNB to come out and assess your property and make sure you are not overlooking any areas

GNB is a local company that takes prides in building and maintaining relationships with customers for the long haul. By choosing GNB you are sure to be working with a reputable local storm restoration specialist that you can trust and that will be there for you. Since they are local they will be there should any problems or warranty questions arise now and in the future.

A storm may cause immediate damage, but Great Northern Builders can provide a lasting solution. When a storm hits your neighborhood, home or business contact GNB for a free property inspection report and you’ll be on your way to making a decision that will help you repair your home the right way, with a reputable local general contractor.