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CotY Judges Say ‘Vive La (APEX) Différence!’

February 2, 2018 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

Feb. 1, 2018 – APEX Construction Management was named 2018 Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) today for residential additions $100,000 to $250,000 for a unique Laurel Ave., St. Paul, project it completed last fall.

Regional judges from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) chose the APEX entry in the three-tier competition. APEX first won at the state level last November. As winner of the North Central Region title this week, it is a finalist for the 2018 National Contractor of the Year title. That winner will be announced at the association’s Evening of Excellence event in Charlotte, NC, on April 20. This is APEX’s Construction Management’s third Contractor of the Year recognition.

NARI MN President Jennifer McAlpin congratulates JB on his 2018 Regional CotY win.

The project appears in the current issue of the Pioneer Press’s glossy SPACES magazine and is featured on Houzz. You also can see the remodeling and speak with APEX owner John Biancini and project designer Carmin Meyer during the Spring Remodelers Showcase Tour, March 23-25, in conjunction with the Parade of Homes. Carmin worked with Modern Design for the custom cabinetry.

APEX designed and built the rear addition at the 1912 home of Richard and Shirley Erstad. APEX annexed a small corner porch to square off the new kitchen and bumped out the foudation and main level for a new entry area, three-quarter bath, porch and basement laundry. Outside, APEX used narrow lap siding with mitered corners, salvaged turned porch railings and mirrored roof lines for a seamless transition between new and existing spaces. But the real drama unfolded inside.

Homeowners had clear vision and APEX delivered

The Erstads view homes as “durable goods” that should be enhanced over time without erasing their past. While they wanted all the conveniences of a modern kitchen, it had to look and feel like something out of the 1920s. A fully restored eight burner, three-oven 1920s Reliable gas stove and a vintage Monitor refrigerator anchor the design. Complementing them are freezer drawers and a microwave oven hidden in the custom cabinetry.

The new kitchen features green, white and natural cabinets and both marble and granite countertops to suggest that storage was added over time. A center island would have looked out of place. So Modern Design built a large table with drawers, which Richard finished himself.

“We certainly didn’t expect all of the awards, but we knew our project was unique,” Richard said. “What’s most interesting is that it is a very convenient and comfortable,” he continued. “We spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It turned out just the way we hoped. And, after nearly six months, there isn’t much of anything we would change.”

“This was a challenging project and very much a team effort,” John recalled. He credits Project Manager Matt Grudzielanek for overseeing trade partners and Carmin for ensuring that the nostalgic elements would come together visually and provide needed functionality. He also acknowledged the homeowners themselves for their research and skillful DIY contributions.

“Some contractors steer clear of remodeling hundred-year-old homes in St. Paul because of the challenges they pose, but we love it,” John said. “I guarantee you won’t see another project like this on the Spring Remodelers Showcase tour. And you won’t soon forget it.”

CotY Judges Evaluated More Than 400 projects

The CotY Award judges apparently agreed. The 26 NARI judges evaluated more than 400 projects from eight regions with a value that exceeded $123 million. NARI officials said CotY Award winners “demonstrated remodeling excellence.” Judges considered functionality, problem-solving, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty, and entry presentation.

Curb Appeal Projects Top Payback Report

January 13, 2018 By John Biancini Leave a Comment

Each year at this time, Remodeling Magazine publishes its annual “Remodeling 2018 Cost vs. Value Report” on the average cost of 21 popular remodeling and replacement projects and the value each would retained at resale. Not surprisingly, lower-cost curb appeal projects dominated the top 5 list.

The survey said installing an upscale garage door would actually be worth 12.6 prcent more than its $3,591 Minneapolis market cost. A $1602 midrange-quality steel entry door would hold onto 93 percent of its value. Replacing 300 square feet of vinyl siding with manufactured stone veneer around the entry would retain 91% of its $7,996 cost for third place. Number four was adding a $12,735 16×20 pressure treated wood deck at 79.7 percent. The only interior project was fifth-ranked mid-range quality Minor Kitchen Remodel. The report said it would retain 72.7 percent of its $24,351 cost.

According to research by RemodelMAX, 2017 labor and materials costs for a bathroom addition increased the most (6.5 percent) of the 21 projects from 2016. The price of a minor kitchen remodel rose the least at 2.7 percent.

Cost vs. Value Report Data Considerations

The Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report findings are useful for homeowners to get general idea of what projects might cost in the Minneapolis market. And the payback estimates could help them avoid over-improving their homes if they plan to sell in the coming year. However, the authors warn that the data was assembled last summer and fails to take into account significant lumber price increases our market experienced this past fall.

It’s also important to remember that most homeowners remodel to improve their own quality of life at home, not to make a profit off the investment. More importantly, the survey didn’t even try to put a price on the value of a happy spouse, creating an environment that’s a hangout magnet for your children and their friends, or the peace of mind and safety that comes from an accessible bath in retirement. We’d say it’s “priceless.”

Complete data from the Remodeling 2018 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

January Right to Launch 2-Step Remodeling Process

December 20, 2017 By John Biancini

Remodeling is a journey, some would say an odyssey. But nothing dictates that you must travel the route nonstop.

Over the years, I’ve met many homeowners who were reluctant to start down the remodeling path because they weren’t quite ready to commit to spending money on construction. In reality, we would have to cross a number of bridges before we would be prepared to build. So I suggest starting the first leg of the trip sooner and reserving an informed construction decision for later.

By initiating preliminary discussions in January or February, you will be ready to move forward with construction in late winter or early spring when others are just getting started. In our high demand remodeling market, that can make the difference between completing your project in April before grad parties and weddings or waiting until September.

Remodel Feasibility, Budget, Timetable, Design & Estimate

The first step in APEX remodeling projects is to establish goals and get comfortable with each other’s communication style. The communication component is especially important for me because I am profoundly deaf and must read lips. Expect my full attention when we meet. I do have a special office phone that enables me hear most callers when I’m at my desk.

As a General Contractor, our goal is to manage the remodeling process for the smoothest client experience and for the completed project to enhance the quality of life at home for the people we serve. Time spent assessing goals and preferences is critical to achieving this end.

Our first “deliverable” typically is an initial design and preliminary budget estimate. We’re good listeners, but it’s not uncommon for homeowners’ remodeling visions and initial cost expectations to misalign this early in our discussions. When that happens, we explain the various expenses and, if needed, offer options to narrow the gap without compromising quality.

With agreement on the general project roadmap, we will schedule a trade partner preview to confirm the project costs and help drive a more accurate project budget and timetable. Now that we know what is included, how much it will cost, and how long the project will take, we can schedule construction immediately or put it on hold for a couple of months.

You can’t make an informed decision about remodeling until you have a scope of work, project budget and timetable. Ready for Step One?

APEX Earns 2017 CotY Gold for Laurel Ave. Addition

November 20, 2017 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

John Biancini and Carmen Meyer with CotY Award.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has named APEX Construction Management a winner of the 2017 Minnesota Contractor of the Year ( CotY ) Award. APEX received the top, gold-level honor for Residential Additions under $250,000. It beat Schrader & Co., Edgework Design Build and Jones Design Build for the state title.

NARI recognized contractors in a total of 25 CotY categories plus best in show and best newcomer at its annual Gala at International Market Square on Nov. 16. APEX President John “JB” Biancini and designer Carmin Meyer accepted the crystal trophy. They were cheered on by more than 300 colleagues and guests, including Troy Eiden of Modern Design, which built the custom cabinetry for the project.

Photo of remodeled kitchen with vintage look.

Vintage look with 2017 amenities.

Unique Kitchen and Seamless Exterior

APEX won its latest CotY Award for a unique addition it built at the Laurel Ave. St. Paul home of Richard and Shirley Erstad. APEX expanded the kitchen, enhanced the rear entry and added a three-quarter main level bath and lower level laundry.

The primary challenge was to create an authentic looking 1920s kitchen for the couple’s painstakingly restored vintage gas stove and refrigerator and antique fixtures. From the storybook backyard, the addition needed to blend in seamlessly with the home’s 1912 architecture.

Here’s what Rich said:

“We absolutely love the new space—it is so inviting that we constantly find ourselves hanging out there. We were purists about doing the renovation in a totally period style—we wanted everything to look like it’s been there for decades. So it was a challenge for the team since a lot of things we wanted done were not the way they are done now. In the end, the project turned out just as we had envisioned it, only better. It’s inviting, functional and beautiful. And it fits seamlessly with the rest of the house.”

Rear porch moved from left and blends seamlessly.

NARI Judges Praise APEX CotY Project

NARI member judges in Milwaukee scored the project on six criteria: identifying and meeting client goals, functional improvements, aesthetic enhancements, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

“Man…. this is right up my alley. Absolutely love this renovation. As an advocate of using reclaimed materials; just loved scrolling through this presentation.”

“Good use of materials to blend with the eclectic design expression. Great use of space.”

“The scope of work seems well executed with respect to customer preferences and within the period of the home. All points well supported by use of photos and the overall presentation in general. Nice work!”

APEX Team, Clients Collaborated on Design

JB said he was not surprised. “I sensed this would be an award-winning project from the moment the clients approved the plan,” JB said. “While remodeling projects can have a familiar look, this one is very special.”

JB, Carmin and the clients worked closely to conceal modern conveniences from view. For instance, electrical outlets are tucked under the upper cabinet rather installed in the backsplash and Sonos Wifi speakers are installed in vintage radio cabinets. Meanwhile, the freezer, dishwasher and microwave are hidden behind cabinet doors and drawers. And the antique wall phone actually works.

Outside was all about making the addition look like it was part of the original architect’s plan. New Marvin windows and the addition’s rooflines reflect the style, scale and period of the original architecture. The relocated entry porch features an ornate, reclaimed balustrade and classic beadboard ceiling. And lap siding was installed with true mitered joints rather than the more common corner boards. APEX’s Matt Grudzielanek managed the construction.

Plan to tour the project for free during the spring 2018 Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase.

2017 NARI MN CotY Gala

Bath Remodel Punctuates Period Style

October 30, 2017 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

At APEX, we love the challenge of remodeling century-old homes, making everything fresh and safe while preserving the period charm. Luckily, we’ve had plenty of opportunities this year. Here is a St. Paul bathroom we recently renovated for some great new clients who discovered APEX on Angie’s List.

: Custom Comfort-height Vanity

: Original medicine cabinet

: Original Laundry Chute

: Classic Tile Floor

: Classic Chair Rail

: Tub-Shower Versatility

: Shower Niche Mimics Window

: Tub Niche Matches Medicine Cabinet

: Custom Linen Cabinet

The owners, Curt and Susan, wanted to restore their 1924 upper level bathroom (and the water stained living room ceiling below). But first we needed to address code issues. That meant running all new plumbing supply lines and electrical cables from the basement and replacing an overburdened fuse box with a properly sized circuit breaker service panel. The old hot water line was completely blocked so we installed new PEX lines to all of the fixtures. We also added ground-fault protection for the electrical outlet.

Bath remodel retains period touches

The old bathroom lacked storage so we built a partition wall at the foot of the new soaking tub/shower and designed a custom, built-in, floor-to-ceiling linen cabinet and comfort height vanity. Curt and Susan wanted to keep the original window, built-in medicine cabinet, and chute to the basement laundry, so we mirrored their style in the new cabinetry and the all-tile shower niches.

The new white subway tile that wraps the lower wall is larger than before, but Curt and our tilesetter collaborated to select narrower tiles above the decorative chair rail to give the bottom more visual weight. We also chose a larger mosaic for the floor tile for the same reason. The original chair rail was accented with blue pencil tile. Susan opted for a black pencil detail in the new bath for a more neutral touch that would accommodate future decorating.

Tub-shower maintains versatility

Although large, luxurious showers are popular in bath remodels today, Susan preferred to stick with the tub shower configuration for versatility and resale appeal in this main hall bath remodel. “The house is meant for families, and it is a lot easier to toss a kid in a tub,” she explained. But the new tub needed to be as deep as the old cast iron tub for soaking.

With the living room ceiling repaired and repainted, the home’s extraordinary main level woodwork is back to its former grandeur.

Susan told Guild Quality, “We are totally satisfied with our APEX bath remodel! Working with Matt and JB was a breeze.” The feeling is mutual. We look forward to returning to remodel the master bath.

APEX Clients Survey

October 27, 2017 By John Biancini Leave a Comment

At APEX, we take grades seriously. We strive for an A+ score on each project and ask clients to tell us directly how we did. We also use the industry’s leading independent customer satisfaction researchers, Guild Quality, to survey our clients after we complete their projects. Guild Quality contacted us this week to say the last 20 APEX clients they surveyed gave APEX the highest score possible for “Likely to Recommend.”

Thank you to all of our APEX customers who take the time to share their experiences through online reviews and these Guild Quality surveys. Guild Quality starts by emailing its survey. If the survey is not completed, it tries again. If that doesn’t work, it calls. And finally, it mails a postcard reminder.

APEX reviews appear on many online platforms, including the APEX reviews page, Google, Houzz, Angie’s List, the Better Business Bureau, Home Advisor and Facebook. The Guild Quality survey is the most time consuming and important because it asks multiple questions. But most people can complete the survey in less than five minutes. The other reviews go even faster.

Repeat business and referrals are the cornerstones of how we have built APEX. These customer satisfaction surveys and online reviews are what keep us on course. Thank you.

Time-Sensitive St. Paul Remodel

October 1, 2017 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

Many remodeling projects are similar. This one was anything but. It also was one of the most rewarding and satisfying challenges APEX faced all year.

Vintage stove in kitchen addition.

Start with a beautiful 1912 St. Paul Victorian on a tight lot with no open access from the alley. Then add accomplished DIYr clients who envisioned an authentic environment for vintage kitchen appliances they had been collecting and restoring for years. Finally, bump out to improve the kitchen layout and add a mudroom and bathroom without encroaching on their storybook backyard. Oh, and the “new” space needed to blend seamlessly with the old so you would never suspect it wasn’t part of the original house.

None of this was a problem for APEX because JB prides himself on listening (okay, reading lips) . He’s also good at assembling the perfect team to execute the clients’ remodeling vision and overcome unexpected obstacles, which are as common as sloping floors in historic homes. And he has the processes in place to manage complex projects.

Remodeling Clients Inspired Us

Truth be told, the real stars of this project are the clients themselves, Rich and Shirley. Rich is an attorney who appreciates that details matter and who happens to be a heck of a woodworker, painter and eBay/CraigsList shopper. Shirley is an avid gardener and executive director of a nonprofit that supports parks and trails.

Richard said something to me as the project drew to a close,“Houses are durable goods.” He feels remodeling should improve upon the past, not erase it. That’s why the kitchen has three types of cabinets, marble and granite countertops, and millwork profiles that matches the rest of the house.

The vintage appliances are extraordinary, but my favorite feature is the bank of four new windows that look out over the Secret Garden with its colorful sauna and plantings.

HOUZZ Article on Colorful APEX Kitchen

September 21, 2017 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

St. Croix Kitchen

Recent Houzz article on bold APEX remodeling of St. Croix River kitchen.

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90479756/list/red-white-and-blue-energize-a-remodeled-river-view-kitchen

APEX Growth Built on Personal Client Referrals

September 1, 2017 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

Master bath

HomeAdvisor, the company that sells leads to contractors and bought the online reviews platform Angie’s List this year, is betting that homeowners will prefer them to recommend qualified remodelers than to qualify companies on their own. However this Vadnais Heights story suggests the time-honored approach of asking family and friends for referrals still is going strong in Minnesota.

Scott and Jean Crow had first learned of John “JB” Biancini and his company APEX Construction Management from neighbors who had used him and whose sons were friends. After meeting JB and seeing his website and work, Jean was impressed enough to refer APEX to her sister for a big remodeling project. Then she and Scott had APEX raise and remodel their sunken living room and install new Marvin windows throughout the main level a few years ago. And this year APEX returned to replace their upstairs windows and remodel their master suite.

Afterwards, the Crows shared this online review:

“We just completed our second remodeling project with Apex and once again we are thrilled with the results. Three years ago we remodeled our family room; we just finished remodeling our master bedroom and bathroom. Apex does an outstanding job. They have great attention to detail and do high quality work. Apex does a nice job communicating with clients. They are fast and finish the project on time. We would recommend them to friends and family and will contact them again for our next project.”

APEX Clients Video

The Crows also elaborated on their Master Suite project in this video. Minneapolis Architect Meghan Kell designed the space.

APEX Built on Long-Term Relationships not HomeAdvisor

Many contractors aspire to be your “contractor for life.” Based on the steady flow of repeat business and referrals, APEX actually pulls it off. It takes more than the ability to drive a nail and saw a straight line to be a successful General Contractor. JB put the words “Construction Management” in his business’s name for a reason. He’s a process guy from his long career in technology. He knows good intentions only get you so far in remodeling. Repeatable, reliable quality also takes good process and mutual trust.

APEX values long-term client relationships like the Crows’ so much, JB has special yard signs that say “VIP Repeat Customer.”

“What I like about personal referrals is that they are based on the actual experience of people whom I respect and trust. They know my standards and I am confident they will not suggest someone who will fall short. APEX clients feel the same way,” JB explained.

Trust top consideration when choosing remodeler

July 27, 2017 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

Many homeowners think the most important thing they can do to obtain a fair remodeling price from a good contractor is to get three bids. In reality, competitive bidding is a small part of the process of finding the right remodeler. Establishing trust should be your top priority.

APEX Construction Management’s JB Biancini suggests you start by checking project photos and friends’ projects. Do you like what you see? Next consider online reviews and personal referrals. Do you like what you hear? Finally, meet with a couple of contractors who clear those two hurdles. Do you like what you feel? That’s when you decide if you can trust the contractors and if they listen. Although intangible, mutual trust is the most important building material in any successful remodeling project.

We caught up with JB at a St. Paul job site. Here’s how he explained it. If you have questions, contact JB.