A: We are the NW leading build company specializing in Finished Basements. This gives you a tremendous advantage.
Q: Who is the contact person during construction?
A: You will work directly with the owner of the company. From bidding to daily site inspections to closing. You will receive personal attention.
Q: What is the cost per square foot to finish my basement?
A: There is no easy answer to that question. Every basement is unique. The cost to finish your basement will be based on the rooms needed and the amenities you desire. A basement with a wet bar, sauna, fireplace and maple trim will have a different cost than one that does not have those features. Prices can range from $30 to over $250 per sq ft.
A: Yes. We do not charge for an estimate. We will visit your house to look at your project and sit down with you to discuss all of the available features based on your design. We will then take this information and present you with a drawing and firm price.
Q: Why is there a big price difference from different companies?
A: There are many possible reasons for this. Some are not giving you exactly what you're asking for. They are including the minimum, which will result in a much lower price. Others are giving you lower priced materials and/or quality of workmanship. You have to be specific with what you want. We are very detailed with our proposal. You need to compare "apples to apples". If there is more than a 10% difference in bids, there is a problem that should be discussed. Remember, quality does cost, but it also pays. We will not have the lowest price, but will deliver a product of the highest standards at a price that is fair.
"Competitive bids are just that!
If I shave the labor or materials to
get your job, is that the house you
really want? There are hundreds of
ways to lower the price of a building
which often lower the quality and
workmanship also. The best drawings
and specifications don't protect you
from poor trade practices"
---The Well Built House by James Locke, pg. 23
Q: How accurate is your bid?
A: Our price is guaranteed, based on your plans and specs. Our proposal is very detailed; you know exactly what you're getting. Our price only changes when you make a change.
Q: Who designs our basement?
A: We will sit down with you to discuss your ideas, lifestyle, wants, needs, existing floor plan and provide you with our ideas for your finished basement.
Q: Do you finish everything or do we hire some contractors?
A: We take care of the entire project, from start to finish. All you have to do is make your selections. We are a full service finished basement company.
Q: Do you allow clients to perform some of the work?
A: Most of the time, no. A homeowner who wants to perform a certain task or hire a friend or relative MUST perform the task as a licensed/insured contractor. The work must also be completed within our scheduled timeline.
Q: Do you allow clients to provide some of their own finishing materials?
A: Most of the time no. We do allow light and plumbing fixtures. We would have to look at it on a case by case basis.
Q: Do you do other projects in a home, such as remodeling the upper levels?
A: Yes. We do provide remodeling services to the upper level of homes in which we are finishing the basement. We can install new flooring, countertops, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, painting etc. We do not provide handyman services.
Q: Do you handle partial finishes?
A: Yes, if the project meets a minimum price.
Q: Do you finish basements in phases?
A: Yes, as long as everything is completed up to a certain point.
Q: Do you install dropped ceilings versus a drywall ceiling?
A: No. We do not install this type of ceiling. The only advantage is the ability to run wires from room to room. The disadvantages outweigh the advantages, though. Suspended ceilings are unattractive, higher in cost, limit design options, lower ceiling height, sag, discolor over time and lower the resale value of your home.
Q: What cities or areas do you work in?
A: We work in the northwest corner of the Twin Cities. From Chaska to Elk River to Lino Lakes. Other areas would be decided upon by location and price.
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Edvenson Homes, Inc. has been in operation since 1992.
Q: Are you licensed and insured?
A: Yes. We are licensed by the state of Minnesota (#9168) and carry Acuity liability insurance.
Q: How many projects have you completed?
A: We finish an average of 12 to 14 basements per year.
Q: What is your warranty?
A: We provide a 12-month warranty on all our work, including the work of our subcontractors. The products we install come with their own manufacturer's warranty.
Q: How long will it take to finish my basement?
A: Depending on the size of your project, it will take between 7 and 12 weeks, the average is 8. We will give you a schedule before we start that will describe the daily activities and the completion date. We believe in 100% customer satisfaction and a GUARNTEED completion date. Many contractors start your project and then leave to work on other jobs, but we don't. The only reason we may not be there for a day or so is because we are ahead of schedule
Q: How soon can we start our basement?
A: We will start your finished basement 2 to 3 weeks after the contract has been signed. This allows time for the permit application, ordering materials and for you to start selecting carpet, fixtures, paint, cabinets etc.
Q: Can I make changes after we've started?
A: Yes. Changes can be made as long as it is for something that has not been completed. But remember, certain changes can result in a longer time to finish the project and will involve extra costs. Your project is completely custom, we want you to be happy.
Q: Will the job site be messy?
A: We cannot avoid the fact that a construction project will create a certain amount of dust, noise and inconvenience. We will take measures to reduce these problems by cleaning up every day, putting up poly, laying down tarps, vacuuming and having the basement professionally cleaned. If there are any issues that come up, we will discuss it with you first.
Q: Will all the workers be using my bathroom?
A: No. We provide an outdoor restroom that is located in front of the garage next to the dumpster.
Q: Do you do the work yourselves or use subcontractors?
A: We do both. Edvenson Homes, Inc. will complete the framing, heating, insulating and the fireplace installation. Our subcontractors will finish the remaining work.
Q: Who will be working in my home?
A: Our subcontractors have been with us an average of 10 years and up to 16 years. Only honest and reputable people will be in your house. We are not looking for the lowest bidding contractor, but those who are loyal craftsmen. They are licensed and insured.
Q: Do I need a permit? Who pulls the permit?
A: Yes, you need a permit and Edvenson Homes, Inc. will pull the building permit for you. Not pulling a permit is in violation of city code. Do NOT allow a contractor to have you pull the permit. They are up to no good and should be avoided.
FINAL NOTE:
When looking for a company, take the time to research them. The company should have these qualities: integrity, experience, high skill level, reliability, flexibility, patience, professional expertise, quality workmanship, trust worthy, respectful, good communication, informative and attention to detail.
Because your home is the most valuable asset, don't you think you should have only the best, most reliable contractor work for you without having to worry about the problems you're constantly reading about other people having with their contractor. Our projects run very smoothly, from beginning to end. We use the highest quality materials and workmanship available. Talk with our past clients about their experience, you won' be disappointed.
Remember, your buying the process, not the project. Nearly everybody treats the contracting for a finished basement as if it's already built! It isn't, and it won't be for a long time. It's that long space between signing the contract and the completed project that you really bought.
Edvenson Homes is located in the NW suburb of the Twin Cities (Minnesota) and accepts clients from the following cities:
Albertville, Andover, Apple Valley, Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Chanhassen, Chaska, Coon Rapids, Corcoran, Dayton, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Elk River, Farmington, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Hanover, Hassan, Hopkins, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Maple Grove, Medina, Minnetonka, Mound, North Oaks, Oakdale, Orono, Plymouth, Ramsey, Rogers, St. Michael, Shoreview, Shorewood, Vadnais Heights, Victoria Wayzata, West Lakeland, White Bear Lake and Woodbury.
