Have you ever looked around your house and felt the urge to change everything? Maybe your kitchen’s layout no longer fits your family’s lifestyle, or your cramped bathroom does not feel relaxing at all.
In 2024, Americans spent around $603 billion on home remodeling projects. No, you’re not alone in desiring more functional, stylish, and valuable living spaces. And all of you asked the same question: How long does it take to transform a house?
Unlike renovating, which refreshes what is already there through painting or new items, remodeling involves altering structures. Generally, it cannot happen overnight, but at Great Northern Builders, a residential remodeling company in Saint Paul, we follow a five-phase process that inspires homeowners.
Phase 1: Discovery and Design Development (2 to 4 Weeks)
Every great remodel starts with a conversation. Give your design-build remodeler a call, share essential details about your plans, and set up an in-home consultation. During the visit, talk about your goals, budget, and timeline. Ideally, this meeting lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, long enough to get a clear picture of the journey ahead.
Once the vision is there, talented designers will begin crafting a custom design. Conceptual drawings use precise measurements and photos so that you can review and refine them to perfection. Your feedback matters!
Phase 2: Proposal Finalization and Demolition (1 to 4 Weeks)
After you approve the conceptual design, the team will finalize the full proposal. In another in-person meeting, you reevaluate the project scope, sign the contract, and pay the initial deposit.
Great Northern Builders creates a comprehensive project schedule using our interactive client relationship management (CRM) platform. This tool keeps you in the loop, giving you 24/7 access to your timeline, invoices, communications, and documents.
The fun part is making your material selections. From the floor and cabinets to countertops and fixtures, we help you ensure that every element will reflect your style and needs. With everything in place, we move on to demolition. We carefully remove existing materials for replacement or reconfiguration to set the stage for efficient and successful construction.
Phase 3: Construction (1 Week to 4 Months)
Since every project is distinct, the timeline varies depending on the complexity, scale, and even outside factors like weather or supply chain delays. Here is how home remodeling contractors in Saint Paul typically fulfill the construction phase.
Structural Work and Framing (1 to 3 Weeks)
If the plan includes knocking down walls or adding new ones, this step is when it happens. We secure the necessary permits, comply with local building codes, and have licensed inspectors check for safety and structural integrity throughout the process.
Mechanical Systems (1 to 2 Weeks)
After we form the “skeleton” of your new space, licensed HVAC technicians, electricians, and plumbers step in to update essential mechanical systems. They reroute or add ductwork for heating and cooling, install new electrical wiring for outlets and lighting, and configure plumbing for sinks, showers, and appliances.
This phase is often one of the most critical — and least visible. Nothing moves forward until these vital systems are approved, as they must be fully operational before we enclose walls.
Insulation and Drywall (1 to 2 Weeks)
Once the mechanical upgrades pass inspection, we shift our focus to insulation. We may use spray foam or other materials to achieve a soundproof, energy-efficient space. Then, we hang drywall sheets, tape and mud the seams, and sand and finish to prepare for painting or other finishes. By the end, the raw construction feels like a real room.
Interior Finishes (2 to 4 Weeks)
This step culminates in all the planning, designing, and behind-the-wall work. Our team installs your selected flooring, whether hardwood, tile, vinyl, or carpet. Next, we do the cabinetry, countertops, and trims, precisely fitting and aligning each.
Painting, hardware installation, and remaining specialty finishes follow to bring personality and polish. We double-check color consistency and more, aiming for cohesive results.
Phase 4: Final Touches and Cleanup (1 Week)
As we near completion, the finishing touches make all the difference. Think light fixtures and final adjustments. Then, we conduct a thorough, professional cleanup to make the area look as fresh as it feels.
Before wrapping up, our team does a final walkthrough to catch last-minute touch-ups and ensure everything meets your expectations. The goal? To have the place 100% ready for your viewing.
Phase 5: Post-Construction Support
When the dust has settled, walk through the remodeled area with your dedicated project manager. Take it all in, ask questions, and express yourself. What is your favorite modification? Is there anything you would like to fine-tune? How satisfied are you with your new space? We will listen and apply.
Among the home remodeling contractors in Saint Paul, Great Northern Builders stands out by being your contractor for life. We do not just leave after we do our job. Instead, we stay connected and ready to support you for years. It is always an honor to be a part of your construction endeavors!
Start Revamping Your Living Spaces Now
As a residential remodeling company in Saint Paul that homeowners trust, Great Northern Builders offers an award-winning, fully integrated process that makes your project feel seamless from start to finish. We built our family-run business on craftsmanship, transparency, and a passion for helping you love where you live.
Let us turn your remodeling dreams into a breathtaking reality on time, on budget, and with a team as your reliable partner! Call Great Northern Builders at (651) 455-9371 or contact us online today.
