Why Hire a Design-Build Remodeling Contractor? 

 

Are you thinking about remodeling your home? Whether you have lived there for years or are a new homeowner, taking on a remodel can be daunting. You may be wondering, where do I even start? How do you plan a major home remodel? What sort of company should I work with? All of these are good, important questions!

However, we’d like to begin with a piece of advice: find a design-build contractor. So, why hire a design-build remodeling contractor? We thought you’d never ask! 😉 Keep reading below for an overview of the benefits of working with a design-build remodeling contractor and our process at Shaeffer Design Build.

What Is a Design-Build Contractor?

According to the Design-Build Institute of America, “The single contact for both design and construction is the fundamental difference between design-build and other project delivery systems.” In other words, instead of finding a separate designer/architect for your remodel and then taking those plans to a contractor, one qualified person guides your entire project. Sounds nice, right?

DBIA also says, “design-build is now the fastest growing and most commonly used project delivery method in the United States.” So, why are a significant number of homeowners opting for this method over traditional routes? In a word, ease - it’s a lot easier!

Streamlined Process

One of the great advantages of hiring a design-build remodeling contractor is having a single point of contact. We all have busy enough lives as it is; who wants to run things through more people? From start to finish, one person plans and guides your remodel - no extra hassles or middlemen. Because they’re familiar with the nuts and bolts of your project from the start, there are also fewer surprises along the way and streamlined problem-solving.

Your Vision, Our Expertise

Knowing what you want, but not how to get there, is beyond frustrating. Like any other craft, design has its own language. Translating your ideas and needs into concrete plans is our job. You describe your vision for your space, and our expertise will bring it to life. On the other hand, maybe all you know is that your space isn’t working? No problem! We’ll help you discover your style, walk you through different options, and dream up a plan you’ll feel excited about.

Better Budgeting

Setting and sticking to a budget is a complex aspect of any remodel; even with the best-laid plans, construction surprises or delays can occur. However, if there’s one thing we know, it’s that more opinions don’t necessarily keep a budget in check! What does help, though, is working with one person who has clarity on your ideas from the start. Because a design-build contractor collaborates with you every step of the way, they’re able to negotiate budget concerns quickly as they arise - no middlemen or phone tag headaches!

FASTER TIMELINE

Along the same line as budget management, remodeling timelines are easier to negotiate with fewer parties involved. By combining the design and construction process, we’re able to eliminate decision-making and task redundancy. This streamlined method increases project efficiency and expedience. While remodeling may be worth it in the end, we don’t think anyone enjoys having their home transformed into a construction zone. A design-builder remodeler’s priority is getting your project finished ASAP so you can get back to everyday life in your home.

Problem-solving efficiency

The last significant benefit of working with a design-build remodeler is their efficiency in problem-solving. As stated above, fewer people making decisions means fewer decisions to make! Your design team and construction crew are collaborators from day one, which means when challenges do arise, the team’s already assembled and ready to find a solution. A one-stop shop means more transparent communication and the ease of pre-existing partnerships; no need to stress about your architect and contract butting heads, they’re already on the same page because they’re one and the same! Pretty amazing, right?

Our process

Our design-build process begins the first time we sit down with you to discuss your ideas, and continues all the way through project completion. We know above all that this is your home, your investment; we turn your dreams into reality.

Would you like to learn more about our approach or our previous work? Click here!

Why ShAEffer design-build?

From beginning to end and every step of the way, our owner, Juke, will guide you through your project. Juke’s passion is walking people through the design-build process with the utmost intention and care. He enjoys getting to know clients, listening to their dreams, and collaborating with other expert craftspeople to turn houses into homes.

Whether your style preference is traditional elegance or modern trends, high-end finishes to budget-friendly design, he will work tirelessly to make your vision a reality. When needed, Juke enlists the input and expertise of other quality professionals who share his passion for their work. Juke only works with tradespeople he trusts – those with valuable ideas and a practiced industry perspective. He believes the cornerstone of a successful design-build business is solid communication, with both clients and his team.

Let’s Get Started!

Are you ready to start planning your next home project? We would be happy to help you get started and address any questions you may have about remodeling or the design-build approach. Please, contact Juke to set up a free consultation!

 

Main Level Transformation in Bloomington

 

Sometimes a home just needs a fresh start — and that’s precisely what these Bloomington homeowners had in mind when they called us. Their 1980s single-family home had good bones but was weighed down by an outdated, closed-off layout. With that in mind, the goal was straightforward: to open up the main floor and create a welcoming space that is perfect for both everyday living and hosting.

Before the remodel, the main floor felt disconnected. The kitchen was cramped and enclosed, old carpeting and flooring were falling apart, and the powder room was showing its age. To bring the homeowners' vision to life, we removed walls, relocated plumbing and electrical, leveled the uneven floors, and completely reimagined the space.

The result is a main level that feels cohesive, modern, and truly built for connection. One of our favorite features? The big, beautiful kitchen island — thoughtfully designed to host everything from casual family dinners to gatherings with friends.

Working with this family was a true pleasure. Thoughtful, kind, and engaged throughout the entire process, they trusted our expertise while bringing their own energy and a clear vision for their home. Their enthusiasm made it easy to create a space that feels exactly right for them.

Ready for a peek inside? Scroll below to see photos of the completed remodel!

And when you’re ready to start planning your renovation, reach out to our team. We’d love to help you reimagine your home!

 

Modern Craftsman Basement Remodel in Lakeville

 

Ready for another exciting project feature? Keep reading to get the scoop on a stunning basement remodel our team recently completed in Lakeville, Minnesota.

Originally built in 2018, the unfinished lower level of this Modern Craftsman had a lot of potential — and the homeowners knew it! They had a clear vision for their basement from the start: to create a warm, welcoming space where family and friends could gather and relax.

The unfinished basement gave our team the perfect blank slate to bring their dream basement to life. Key features include a custom entertainment center, a stylish wet bar, and a beautifully crafted bathroom. Careful attention was given to each element to ensure the basement felt like a natural extension of the home’s upper levels, creating a smooth flow from one floor to the next.

One of the project’s unique challenges was incorporating soffits for plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Rather than letting them feel like an afterthought, we integrated the soffits into the entertainment center design. The result? A unified, intentional look that makes the space feel thoughtfully planned and naturally inviting.

However, what truly brings this basement to life is its open, flexible layout and carefully designed lighting. Whether hosting a lively gathering or settling in for a cozy movie night, the space feels welcoming and connected, allowing easy conversation and comfort throughout the room.

Working with the homeowners to bring this remodel to life was a true joy. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and trust in our process allowed us to design and build a basement they can be proud of — one ready to make new memories for years.

Scroll below for a peek inside this newly remodeled space. And, when you’re ready to start planning your remodel, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!

Before & During

After

 

Prior Lake Kitchen and Basement Remodel

 

New to Minnesota, these Prior Lake homeowners wanted to transform their lakeside home for gathering with family and friends. Our team worked with them to remodel their kitchen, update the basement, and refresh the bar area. Before remodeling, the kitchen felt dated and closed-off, while the basement had old carpet and an outdated wet bar.

The central design purpose of this project was to create a more open-concept floorplan. In the kitchen, this was accomplished by replacing the existing peninsula with a new center island. The added countertop and seating area are ideal for hosting, serving guests, and congregating together. Downstairs, the wet bar was relocated closer to the sliding doors. This change allows guests to go from playing in the lake to grabbing drinks and snacks, all within a few steps.

We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this remodel. Tucked away on the bay, this beautiful home is modernized and ready to entertain friends and family. We hope these fantastic clients enjoy it for many years! Want to explore more project photos? Scroll below for the full gallery. Ready to remodel your own home? Get in touch with our team today - we’d love to help you get started!

Cabinets + Countertops: The Cabinet Store + Culina Design


Photos During the Remodel

Photos After the Remodel

 

Bathroom Remodel Features Modern Neutrals

 

Our team recently finished this elegant and modern bathroom remodel in a northern Twin Cities suburb. It’s a stunning example of elevated neutrals done to perfection!

This project is filled with countless features to admire, a few of which include:

  • Beautiful mixed neutral tones

  • Light-washed woodgrain throughout

  • Elaborate tilework that mimics natural stones

  • Calming shades of grey

  • Extensive, organized storage

  • Accessible shower and soaking tub

  • Spacious Quartz countertops

We love these homeowners’ unique sense of style. Each finish they selected was interesting on its own, creating incredible design harmony.

Want to explore more of this modern neutral bathroom remodel? Scroll below to see all of the photos! Ready to begin planning your next home project? Connect with our team anytime - we’d be happy to help!

Cabinets, Countertops, and Design: The Cabinet Store + Culina Design

 

Doggie-Friendly Laundry/Mudroom

 

As “man’s best friend,” dogs aren’t just pets; they’re a part of the family. We loved helping these clients design the ultimate doggie room for their furry friends - they deserve a little pampering, too! Small but mighty, this room is a true hybrid. It entails custom dog-care features, stacked laundry machines, and plenty of organized mudroom storage.

A few of our favorite details from this fun remodel include:

  • A dog wash worthy of any pet spa

  • Pull-out pet food and treat storage

  • A dog-feeding station pull-out drawer

  • Hanging storage for leashes, keys, or outerwear

  • A small bench for putting on shoes or leashing up before daily walks

Want to see more of this charming project? Scroll through the gallery below for all of the photos! Are you planning a unique remodel of your own? Contact our team any time to get the ball rolling; we‘d love to help!