russel-white-red
651-735-8367

651-735-8367

BLOG

Remodeling

What NOT to Do When Remodeling Your Kitchen

Read More

A kitchen remodel is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home—but it’s also one of the easiest places to go wrong. A misstep in planning, budgeting, or design can turn your dream kitchen into a long, stressful project that drains your wallet and tests your patience. That’s why it’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know what to do.

Here are five of the most common and costly mistakes to avoid when remodeling your kitchen—along with tips on how to stay on the right track.

Don’t Ignore Your Budget

One of the most common things we hear is, “I don’t know what a kitchen costs.” And honestly, that’s completely understandable — remodeling costs can vary widely depending on the scope, materials, and finishes you choose. The good news is, we’re here to help guide you through that process.

Even if you’re unsure of the exact numbers, having a general idea of how much you’re comfortable investing is a great starting point. Think of your budget as a tool — not just a limit. It helps us recommend options that align with your priorities, whether that means focusing on high-impact upgrades, sticking to essential improvements, or splurging in areas that matter most to you.

Being transparent about your financial goals also helps prevent surprises down the road and ensures we design a space that fits both your vision and your resources. Remodeling is a big decision, and knowing your budget allows us to make smart, creative choices together.

Don’t Skip the Planning Phase

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is rushing into a kitchen remodel without a clear, comprehensive plan. It’s easy to get excited about choosing finishes and imagining the end result, but without proper planning, you can run into issues with layout, timing, and budget halfway through the process. Poor planning often leads to changes mid-project—which means delays, extra costs, and a lot more stress.

Before swinging a hammer (or calling us to swing multiple hammers), take the time to really think through how you use your kitchen, what’s not working in your current layout, and what your goals are for the new space. A well-thought-out plan should include functional layout changes, appliance placement, storage needs, and a detailed budget with a little cushion for the unexpected. Our team can help you find blind spots and get everything on paper before the work begins.

Don’t Cheap Out on Cabinets

Cabinets are one of the largest visual and functional components in your kitchen, and they take daily wear and tear more than almost anything else. Opting for low-cost, low-quality cabinets might seem like an easy way to save money, but it can lead to problems down the road—doors warping, finishes peeling, and drawers breaking under pressure. Replacing them a few years later could cost you even more than investing in the right ones upfront.

High-quality cabinets don’t have to break the bank, but they should offer solid construction, durable materials, and smart storage features. Think of them as a long-term investment in both your home’s value and your own convenience. Soft-close hinges, sturdy drawers, and water-resistant finishes make a big difference in both performance and longevity.

Don’t Overlook Lighting

Lighting is one of the most underestimated elements in a kitchen remodel, yet it can dramatically affect how your space looks and feels. Relying on a single overhead fixture or skipping task lighting can leave your kitchen with dark corners, annoying shadows, and an overall lack of warmth. This not only impacts the aesthetics—it can also make cooking and cleaning more difficult.

Great kitchen lighting comes in layers. You’ll want ambient lighting (like recessed ceiling lights), task lighting (like under-cabinet or pendant lights over your island), and accent lighting to highlight design features or create mood. Thoughtfully placed lighting enhances both beauty and function—and it’s something most homeowners only realize they missed after the remodel is done.

Don’t Let Pretty Things Distract You

It’s easy to get swept up in inspiration—the bold tile, the oversized island, the dream-worthy light fixtures. But not everything that looks good online is right for your space, your budget, or your needs. Chasing trends without considering function or cost can leave you with a kitchen that photographs beautifully but doesn’t work well day to day or even puts the project over budget.

A smart remodel starts with knowing your priorities. Focus first on the elements that impact how your space functions: layout, storage, flow, lighting, and infrastructure. Once those are in place, the finishing touches can follow—ideally ones that reflect your style and make sense for how you actually live.

We love designing and remodeling kitchens, and with our team by your side, we’ll help you build the kitchen you’ve always dreamed. If you or a friend are looking to redo a kitchen space, contact us here or call at 651-735-8367.

Remodeling

What Does “Custom” Really Mean in Home Remodeling?

Read More

“Custom remodel” is a phrase you’ll hear a lot in the home improvement world—and for good reason. It’s one of the biggest differences between a space that’s simply updated and one that’s truly tailored to the people living in it. At Russell Room Remodelers, we see customization not as a buzzword, but as a commitment. A custom remodel should reflect your unique tastes, meet your lifestyle needs, and work seamlessly with the way you and your family live.

But it’s important to understand that “custom” doesn’t always mean a blank check or unlimited possibilities. It means we start with your vision (the mix of ideas, preferences, and must-haves that live in your head) and guide you through a process shaped by experience, practicality, and care. Our role is to help you achieve the best version of your idea—one that functions beautifully, lasts for years to come, and fits your budget.

Your Style, Your Life

When we say “custom,” we mean that every remodel starts with you. Your preferences, your goals, and how you use your home all guide the design process. Maybe you’re imagining an open-concept kitchen where you can cook while watching the kids do homework, or a bedroom suite that feels like a quiet retreat from your busy schedule. However big or small your ideas, we want to hear them.

We encourage you to bring anything that inspires you—photos, links, Pinterest boards, magazine clippings, or even just a sketch on a napkin. The more you share, the better we understand what you’re hoping for. Your ideas give us a starting point and help us create a design that is not only personal, but also practical.

And while the possibilities are vast, the best remodels are rooted in your real-life routines and what matters most to your family. We want the finished space to feel like it was made just for you—because it is!

Our Experience, Your Benefit

Having your home remodeled is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming—especially when you’re faced with decisions about layout, materials, and design. That’s where we come in. With decades of remodeling experience under our belt, we’ve seen what works well, what’s worth investing in, and where you might want to reconsider. Our goal is to guide you toward choices that make sense for your home—not just today, but in the long run.

We understand building codes, structural limitations, and how plumbing and electrical systems operate behind your walls. That means some ideas may need to be adapted to meet safety standards or logistical constraints. When that happens, we don’t shut down your idea—we offer alternatives that keep the spirit of your vision alive, while staying within the boundaries of what’s safe and possible.

We’re here to be your design partner, not your design police. Our advice is based on experience, and we always frame suggestions as opportunities—not mandates. You remain in control of the final decision, but we make sure you’re equipped with the insight you need to make informed choices.

Custom ≠ Blank Check

It’s easy to get carried away when dreaming up your perfect remodel—and that’s totally normal. But part of making a custom remodel successful is staying grounded in what’s doable within your timeline and budget. That’s why we rely on trusted suppliers who offer a wide selection of quality materials, fixtures, and finishes. Working with them helps us maintain reliable pricing, predictable delivery times, and consistent craftsmanship.

Of course, if you have your heart set on something truly unique—like a handcrafted vanity from a local artisan or a rare tile pattern you saw overseas—we’re open to exploring it. We’ll do our best to find or replicate it, but it’s important to understand that going outside our supplier network often means higher costs, special ordering, or extended lead times.

In many cases, we can help you find a similar style or solution within our existing resources, saving you time and money while still delivering the wow factor. We always aim to balance creativity with practicality, ensuring your remodel reflects your vision while staying on course.

A Collaborative Process

The heart of a custom remodel is collaboration. We’re not here to take over your project—we’re here to make it better through shared ideas and honest conversations. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, we work side by side with you to ensure that your space feels like home from day one.

That means listening carefully, communicating clearly, and never pushing you toward a decision you’re not comfortable with. We share our opinions and recommendations because we care about the success of your remodel—not because we want to override your vision. When we speak up, it’s to protect your investment and help you avoid future headaches.

Ultimately, custom remodeling with Russell Room Remodelers means building something meaningful together. Your voice leads the way, and our expertise supports it. The result? A space that looks like you, works for you, and feels like home.

Ready to start your custom remodel project? Contact us here or give us a call at 651-735-8367

Post

What Happens After You Call Us? (walkthrough of the process)

Read More

Remodeling your home is a big investment—not just financially, but emotionally. It’s your space, your routines, your memories. At Russell Room Remodelers, we want to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible so you always know what to expect and feel confident every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to start right now or still weighing your options, we’re here to guide you through it.

Here’s what happens after you call us:

Step 1: Reach Out

The first step is simple—just reach out. You can either call us at 651-735-8367 or fill out the contact form on our website. From there, we’ll get back to you to schedule a convenient time for an initial meeting. This first touchpoint is all about starting a conversation. You don’t need to have every detail figured out—just an idea of what you’d like to improve, whether that’s a kitchen that no longer works for your family or a bathroom that needs a serious refresh.

This initial contact sets the tone for everything that follows. We’ll collect some basic information and match you with Jeff or LaRae, who will be your dedicated point of contact in the early stages. They’ll guide you through your vision, help you start thinking about budget and style, and explain how we tailor each project to fit your needs. Think of it as a meet-and-greet, with the goal of making sure you feel heard and supported from the start.

Step 2: Meet with us

Once your meeting is scheduled, you’ll sit down with us to discuss your ideas in more detail. This is your chance to share your vision—what’s working in the space, what isn’t, and what you’re dreaming of. Whether you bring inspiration photos or just want to talk things through, we will help you explore design ideas and assess what’s realistic based on your goals, timeline, and budget. We’re here to listen, ask the right questions, and guide you toward solutions that work for you.

If it feels like a good fit and you’re ready to move forward, the next step is signing a Planning Agreement. This document allows us to move from ideas to action. It covers the design process, what services are included, and helps establish the project’s direction. It’s not a full construction contract—it’s more like a green light for us to begin planning your remodel in earnest with the right level of detail and attention.

Step 3: Design and Plan

With the Planning Agreement signed, we shift into full-on planning mode. This is when things start to take shape. Our design team will work with you to finalize layouts, choose finishes and materials, and ensure your selections align with your overall goals. From tile patterns and cabinetry to lighting and paint colors, we’ll be right there to help you navigate options and make confident decisions. This is also when we coordinate with our trusted trade partners to gather accurate estimates and schedules.

This stage usually takes about 4–6 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the remodel. During this time, we’ll also walk you through the full construction contract so you understand every aspect of the scope, timeline, and cost. We want you to feel fully informed before any work begins. Once the design is finalized and everything is approved, we’re ready to start preparing for production.

Step 4: Assign a Project Manager & Schedule Production

Once the planning phase is complete, we’ll introduce you to your Project Manager—the person who will oversee your remodel day-to-day. They’ll be responsible for coordinating the trades, managing the schedule, and keeping you informed as your project progresses. This is also when we set your official start date and build out the production calendar, so you’ll know what’s happening and when. It’s all about setting expectations and keeping communication clear.

During this stage, we’ll also help you get set up with JobTread, our project management platform. This platform is a tool to share all your project information with you, including schedules, updates, documents, and more. Think of this as the final prep before we roll up our sleeves and get to work.

Step 5: Let the Remodel Begin!

This is when your vision finally starts becoming reality. Our production team arrives on-site to begin transforming your space. Depending on the scope, this can mean anything from minor demolition to a full gut-and-rebuild. Regardless of the size of your project, we treat your home with respect—maintaining a clean work area, minimizing disruptions, and communicating regularly with updates and check-ins.

Throughout the remodel, your Project Manager and our team will keep you informed and involved. You’ll know what’s happening each week and how the project is progressing. We understand that having a crew in your home can feel like a big disruption, so we do everything we can to make the experience smooth, respectful, and efficient—without cutting corners on quality.

Step 6: Wrap-Up & Celebrate

Once the work is finished, we’ll walk through the newly remodeled space with you to make sure everything is just right. This is one of our favorite parts—getting to see your reaction and hear how the transformation meets your expectations. We’ll also schedule time to take before-and-after photos, which help show off your project and inspire future clients. Trust us—it’s always amazing to see the difference.

After your remodel is complete, you’ll also receive a GuildQuality survey via email. This helps us understand your experience and continue improving how we serve our clients. Your feedback matters deeply to us, and we use it to refine our processes, celebrate what’s working, and grow in the right direction. And of course, we’re always here for any post-project questions, adjustments, or future updates you might want to make down the road.

Conclusion

Choosing the right remodeling partner is about more than just finding a contractor—it’s about finding someone who listens, communicates, and cares about your home as much as you do. At Russell Room Remodelers, we’ve built our process around those values. From the first phone call to the final photo, we want you to feel empowered, informed, and excited about your project.

If you’re ready to take the first step—or just want to explore what’s possible—we’d love to talk with you. Call us today at 651-735-8367 or reach out through our contact form. Let’s build something great together.

Remodeling

Unlocking your Dream Remodel: A Contractor Selection Guide

Read More

Embarking on a home remodeling project? Choosing the right contractor can be both exciting and challenging. At Russell Room Remodelers, we understand the importance of finding a partner who aligns with your vision and values. In this blog series, we dive into the crucial considerations that will guide you to the perfect contractor – one who not only meets your expectations but exceeds them.

Series Overview: Navigaing the Maze of Contractor Selection

If you are feeling the weight of selecting the right contractor, you’re not alone. Our blog series is designed to demystify the process, and provide you with the insights and advice you need to empower your selection.

Part One: Service, Experience, Reputation & Licensing

Discover the building blocks that form the foundation of a reliable contractor. We explore the significance of service excellence, the importance of experience, the power of a sterling reputation, and the assurance that comes with proper licensing.

Part Two: Budget & Cost Analysis

Navigating the financial aspects of your project is crucial. Part two delves into creating a realistic budget, understanding the difference between value and cost, and what financial transparency means and how to understand them from your contractors perspective (hint: it’s not the same as HGTV).

Part Three: Communication, Trust & Transparency

Effective communication, trust, and transparency are the lifeblood of any successful partnership. In part three, we guide you through assessing a contractor’s communication style, building trust, and ensuring you understand what’s happening throughout your remodeling journey.

Part Four: Products, Subcontractors, Expertise

The devil is in the details. Part four dissects the importance of quality products, the role of subcontractors and trade partners, and the value that comes when hiring an experienced professional contractor that will deliver exceptional results.

Part Five: Portfolio, References & Site Visits

The proof is in the pudding. In the final installment, explore how a contractor’s portfolio and client references serve as tangible testaments to their ability. A personal visit to one of their projects may be the key to envision the potential for your own transformation.

Remodeling

Can you actually build your own boat?

Read More

(Or… how to fill free time when not remodeling)

This post is a departure from our usual remodeling post, and we hope you enjoy learning about one of the side-projects I have been working on. Remodeling is both an an art and a skill, and I have found after doing this for thirty plus years that most of the people drawn to remodeling love it because it offers a chance to work with your hands, learn to do construction well, gain skills with wood and a variety of products. But most enjoy remodeling because it involves learning and problem solving. My family likes to tease me because of the the wide range of projects and hobbies I take on, and this will give you a small window into one of those projects.

Early in our marriage I had the opportunity to go on my first Boundary Waters trip with a good friend, Kevin. Kevin introduced me to the BWCA and we enjoyed an annual trip to the Boundary Waters for almost 10 years. But child rearing took over our lives and that chapter closed for a season. During those years I discovered a love for quality built canoes and paddles, so in 2020 when my now high-school daughter asked me about cedar strip canoes, I think she stirred a long dormant desire to build my own boat. We began to research options and plans, and we settled on kayaks instead of canoes. If we were to each build one, we could enjoy them together or take them out on our own. So the journey began…

Chesapeake Light Craft has been making kits and products for boat building for more than 50 years. We settled on their Shearwater hybrid design which combines the quick, strong plywood hull construction, and still allows you the freedom to design your own kayak, with the cedar strip top construction. We ordered our kits, and soon a couple of boxes of parts arrived.

It looked a little daunting as we unwrapped the parts.

The kit came with all the epoxy, fiberglass, and parts needed. We had to supply the labor, a design, woodworking tools, and some misc. items, like paint brushes and rollers.

This design starts with the hull pieces that are assembled using the stitch and glue method. You use small pieces of wire threaded through holes and then twisted together to stitch the hull.

Then the seams are glued with epoxy. After the glue dries, the stitches are removed and the entire hull is sanded and then fiberglassed. The fiberglass is fabric that is spread smoothly on the hull, and as the epoxy covers it, it becomes clear. The hull has one layer of fiberglass inside and three on the outside.

Once the hull is complete, forms are installed for the top construction, and the strips are installed by carefully cutting and shaping them one at a time.

Each piece is glue and clamped, and then tacked in place to dry. This is where the artistic side comes through. Different colors are created by using different wood – nothing is stained, it is all clear coated. I learned a great deal about using a block plane and various sanding and shaping methods to fit each strip into the top. When the last piece is in place, the top is sanded until it looks perfect, then removed, sanded on the inside, and fiberglassing begins again. The forms are removed, and the top is fastened to the hull. More finishing, sanding, varnishing, and more sanding, and more varnishing. Last on the list is installing the seat and hardware. I opted for a design using rare earth magnets to hold down the hatch covers, so that no fasteners are seen. It added a lot of time, but I’m very pleased with the results.

My kayak is complete, and now I’m helping my daughter complete her kayak. Senior year and first year of college have made it hard for her to invest the time into construction, but we have managed to make some good progress this summer, and hopefully she can finish hers and get on the water next year.

Remodeling

What are we working on this week?

Read More

Spring is finally here. Take a look at some of our projects in progress this week.

Remodeling

Basement Design: Form or Function?

Read More

February may have you dreaming of a fire in a warm cozy basement, or maybe it is wishing you had a place to send the kids to play with their friends. If you are considering finishing your lower level, you may wonder “Where should I start?”

The first and most important item to work through is purpose. You may know exactly why you want to remodel or finish your basement, but take some time to discuss what the key purpose of the finished project will be. You may find that family members have vastly different views on how the space should be used. Let this discussion bring you to a list of key purposes for the basement, and then pare the list down to two or three main items. Here are some of the purposes we see most often:

  • More space for the family or kids
  • Additional bedrooms
  • Additional bathrooms
  • Entertaining or entertainment space
  • Storage
  • Specialty room: Music, sauna, office, or school room

Your purpose(s) for the project, and the priority of those purposes, will then dictate the design of the space. While it might be more fun to jump right into choosing colors, products or specialty items to add, you will be wasting time if those items don’t fit into the purpose for the project. What’s more important, “Form” or “Function?” We have found that with basements, this classic question is best served when “form follows function.” With only a limited space to work in, the purpose, or “Function” must be settled before working on the “Form.”

If you are struggling to nail down the purpose, these questions may help –

Who will use the space most? Adults, kids, teens, groups,…

What types of activities do you want to host or use it for?

Is there a specific focal point you want draw people to within the space?

What activities will occur? Family events, games, entertaining, food prep or buffet space, movies, work/office, book clubs or small groups, home school, guest visits, etc.…

This is just a smattering of options to consider. We would love to help you work through these questions, and then with the purpose in mind, ask the questions about how we can best design the space to accomplish that purpose. The layout and final floor plan will be needed to start an accurate estimate of the building materials and labor for the project, and it is also needed to inform the quantities of finish items, like tile, paint, countertops, etc.…

With the finished plan we can help guide you through the selection process. Some clients prefer to let us choose products, or give them a few suggestions, while others like to dive deep into visits to showrooms to view the various options available. Our process is designed to help you through the plans and selections in the way that best serves your style. Take a peek into our showroom and then call us when you’re ready to discuss your project. We’re happy to guide you through the process at the level of involvement you want participate at.

The cost of the project is always another key factor, and the selections will drive much of the final price. We can help you weigh the options and guide you to selections that stay within your budget. If you are curious about more information on basement finishing, including the cost of a basement remodel, check out our other blog posts on that subject.

This blog post is similar to a two part series we did in 2021 on basements.

Remodeling

Autumnal Cookies

Read More

This great recipe is featured in our latest newsletter. Try them, they are amazing!

AUTUMNAL COOKIES

(Cinnamon Roll Cookies)

Mix together:

1 Cup butter

1/2 Cup sugar

1/2 Cup brown sugar

Add and mix:

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine and mix in:

3 cups flour 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 teaspoons backing powder

Bake 8 minutes at 375

Frosting

Whip together:

4 oz. cream cheese

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Remodeling

I bought a new home and now I want to finish my basement? Here are some things to consider.

Read More

One of the most common questions we are asked is, “Why is it more expensive to finish an unfinished basement after you’ve moved in than when you are building?”

Many people who have built a new home have told us that their builder quoted a price that was half the cost of what they are hearing from remodeling contractors. To help you better understand the process, we want to break down several reasons for this difference.

A new home builder will offer homeowners very limited choices, allowing them to keep their costs low and their production process consistent. Additionally, for builders who offer basement finishing, tacking on a basement during the construction process is relatively simple. It may only add a few days to the process because they are just adding to the scope of the trades who are already scheduled to be onsite. They don’t have to add additional steps in the process, just extend it slightly.

If you decide to finish your basement after moving in, there are additional factors involved, including extra time prepping the worksite, protecting the existing home, new permitting process, and the challenge of getting materials in and out of the home.

The process is more complicated in a finished home that’s lived in. There are nuances that need to be considered: for example, carrying the sheetrock through a space that is already finished can be tricky. Each of the subcontractors will need to visit in order to prepare a bid.

The trade partners involved may include:

  • Framing
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
  • Painting
  • Drywall
  • Cabinetry and Countertops
  • Flooring (could be a couple different types of flooring)
  • Other items like fireplace/stone and shower glass

Each of these subcontractors will charge more to remodel than a new build contractor because they need to visit your home multiple times. More care is required because you are living in the home, so the scheduling of their staff and product delivery is more complex.

While finishing a basement with a new home builder is certainly cheaper, there are advantages to finishing your basement after you are in the home.

One notable advantage is the unlimited creativity and customization you will be able to have. You aren’t limited to the builder’s choices and can pick create a design that fits your family, your style, and your choices much better. You don’t have to settle for the ‘builder-grade’ materials, and the minimum heat and electrical that are typical with new builds.

In short, buying a basement from a new home builder is like adding the super-sized fries to your order. It’s quick, cheap, and efficient. However, contracting with a home remodeling company, like Russell Room Remodelers, is like ordering a quality dinner. You have many options and are starting from scratch, so you can take your time selecting items to create a beautifully unique and well built basement.

Looking to finish or remodel your basement? Click here to read through the different items to consider as you dream up the space.

Load More
russel-white
Instagram Facebook-f Youtube Pinterest

Read our Newsletter!

* indicates required
Connect with us!
Contact Us
© 2025 Russell Room Remodelers - a Brinkman Russell Inc. company. MN Contractor Lic. # 0008168