Blog

Remodeling Value – ROI vs. Your Own Quality of Life

February 8, 2017 By John Biancini Leave a Comment

Study Rates ROI, APEX favors Quality of Life Impact

Each year, Remodeling magazine publishes its annual Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. The study estimates the cost of 29 typical remodeling and replacement projects in various markets and asks Realtors to assess the resale value based on comparable homes (comps). For example, if two houses were identical but one had a recently remodeled kitchen, how would it impact the home’s sale price?

The 2017 report provides you with three pieces of information to help you make a more informed financial decision regarding your remodeling project:

On average, how much is remodeling expected to cost this year compared to last year and what will you get for your money?
On average, how much more are the improvements likely to be worth?
Which remodeling and replacement projects will recoup the greatest percentage of cost upon resale?

According to the report, remodeling costs are up 3 percent this year and the average value of projects is up 4.2 percent. Resale value might mean more if you are a fan of HGTV’s Flip or Flop show or are concerned about over-improving your home. But items 1 and 2 send a clear message to Twin Cities area homeowners: You will save money by remodeling sooner rather than later, and our healthy real estate market means your return on investment (ROI) will be slightly higher this year.

Curb appeal projects continue to please

Not surprisingly, the report shows that Realtors still love exterior facelifts and curb appeal projects. It’s all about making a good first impression. For instance, consider two side-by-side homes. One has a modest stoop and an exposed main entry. The other has entry portico or, better yet, a street-facing porch. Guess which one is going to be more appealing to homeowners and homebuyers alike?

Popular trends not driven by financial payback

The popularity of three remodeling trends is beyond debate: integrating interior/exterior living areas, universal design features that support aging in place, and adapting homes for multi-generational/multi-family living. But the report suggests financial ROI for these projects would not be as compelling as for some other projects. These are improvements with significant labor costs so it can be more difficult to recover those expenses.

Report’s top three remodeling, replacement projects

Remodeling divides projects into mid-level and upscale categories. In 2017, the top three mid-range projects include a steel entry door, attic sealing and insulation, and a minor kitchen remodel in that order. For upscale projects, the winners are garage door replacement, wood replacement windows and vinyl replacement windows. But none of the upscale projects came close to the mid-priced project’s ROI.

APEX view of true remodeling value

Industry studies such as the annual Cost vs. Value Report provide interesting benchmarks, but it is important to remember what motivates most of us to remodel our homes — quality of life. Ever since I founded APEX, our core purpose has been to help our clients enhance their quality of life at home. It still is what gets me out of bed each morning. My point is that prospective homebuyers may value a new entry door or garage door, but it’s doubtful those are the projects that would truly elevate your quality of life.

At APEX, we don’t need a national magazine study to tell us what delivers value. We simply listen to our clients. It’s the beautiful, high-function kitchen where they are proud to entertain. Or the finished basement that’s a magnet for their kids and friends. Or the sunny addition that quickly became their favorite lounging area. Or the enlarged garage and mudroom that made Minnesota winters tolerable. Or the new master bath with enhanced accessibility, lighting and storage.

Rising prices and mortgage rates impact remodeling

Perhaps the most important prediction, made by Remodeling’s sister company MetroStudy, is that with rising mortgage rates and home prices this year, people will be more likely to improve their current homes rather than invest their equity into buying new homes. Which takes us back to the beginning.

The smart money says the sooner you remodel the better. And I would add – invest in what you love. Homes are way more than investments. They literally shape our quality of life. — JB

Tale of Two Kitchens

October 20, 2016 By John Biancini Leave a Comment

APEX strives to deliver great client experiences, one project at a time. What better way to demonstrate this than to let you hear directly from a couple of homeowners who recently chose APEX to enlarge and remodel their kitchens. One project was near Stillwater, the other in Burnsville. We hope you enjoy these videos. Please contact JB to share your own remodeling dream.

APEX now Angies List Certified

September 22, 2016 By John Biancini Leave a Comment

Angie’s List has stepped up its support for APEX Construction Management (APEX Design-Build) this month by granting us Angie’s List Certified status. This is in addition to the Super Service Award that Angie’s List gave APEX last year.

Angie's List Certified
Angie’s List Certified status is granted to companies whose licenses are in good standing, who have high scores on reviews and who have no state enforcement actions.

Many factors go into the process of choosing the right contractor. The first step is to narrow the list of contenders. Online reviews and certifications can help to qualify a short list of companies worth contacting.

Now that Angie’s List membership is free, we encourage Twin Cities homeowners to join Angie’s so they can view the many APEX Construction Management reviews that were only seen by paid members in the past. We also encourage our clients to post reviews on Angie’s, Better Business Bureau, Houzz, Guild Quality, Google, Facebook and our own website.

We still want clients to share their APEX experiences with family, friends and coworkers, but they can extend their influence far beyond their inner circle by writing an online review and pasting it onto the various review sites.

People Come First at APEX

June 27, 2016 By John Biancini Leave a Comment

Welcome to softer side of APEX Construction Management (aka APEX Design Build). In addition to remodeling kitchens and building decks this spring, we also designed and built a whole new APEX website. I hope you enjoy the more people-focused approach. The new site employs bigger pictures, team member profiles and less clutter to showcase our talent and guide you through the remodeling process. It also provides convenient, blue buttons that clients can click to share their APEX experiences on the site and on Houzz. Please do me a favor and post your review today.

Matt Grudzielanek

At APEX, People Come First

We launched APEX in 2005 to raise the level of professionalism in Twin Cities remodeling. We quickly developed systems to ensure reliable scheduling, budgeting and quality, but success always comes down to people. Is everyone on the APEX team doing his or her best work each day and feeling appreciated? And, most importantly, do we truly improve not just our clients’ homes but their lives? That’s why the new website shares a bit about Matt, Angie and me. We also plan to recognize our clients and enter their best projects in state, regional and national award competitions. After all, the best remodeling projects are collaborations. APEX clients are essential to their success.

Feeling Energized and Grateful

As my friends and colleagues know, I had cancer a few years back. They say what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. That and the grace of God may be why APEX projects continue to energize and challenge me to embrace each day. So bring them on! The bigger and more complex the project the better. Don’t worry. APEX continues to accept projects of all sizes, particularly from our past clients. We currently are capable of managing two large, two medium and two small projects at any given time. Call or email me if you are ready to improve your home.

New APEX Website URL and Email Addresses

Finally, make a note that our new website address is www.apexdesignbuild.com and that my new email address is JB@ApexDesignBuild.com. We are not planning to change the company’s legal name, but design-build does a better job of capturing what we do. Besides, with my accent it’s a lot easier to say JB@ApexDesignBuild.com than to spell out JB@ApexConstructionMgmt.com.

Here’s to your best summer ever.

Let APEX Replace Deck Now for Best Summer Ever

May 4, 2016 By John Biancini Leave a Comment

Whether we consider our Minnesota summer to begin on Memorial Day (May 30), the Solstice (June 20), or an approaching graduation party, we already are drawn to spend more time outdoors on our decks or porches Have you ever seen a greener May 1?

Long-time APEX Construction Management (APEX Design Build) clients know to lock down their outdoor living projects early in the busy construction season. This gives them time to enjoy the remodeled decks and porches before hockey returns. Contact JB for priority scheduling if you are thinking of remodeling or adding a deck or porch. And don’t overlook the opportunity to improve deck access and view from indoors by upgrading doors and windows. Integration of indoor and outdoor living areas is a leading trend in home design.

Deck and porch projects offer high style, low maintenance

As shown at this recent North Oaks project, APEX often uses Trex or AZEK decking and the Westbury aluminum railing system for the decks and porches it designs and builds. Trex is a composite of wood fiber and plastic with a protective shell. AZEK is solid PVC plastic. Both offer colors and deep grain that resemble wood but require no sanding or staining. Westbury Railings feature a powder-coated factory finish for superior durability. They come in a variety of handsome, maintenance-free profiles from curved balusters to tempered glass.

: Room with a view

: Stairs, pre-landscaping

: Kitchen access

John “JB” Biancini

Be sure to ask JB about energy-efficient LED lighting, phone-controlled Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, and weather-worthy entertainment components for your deck or porch. Warming devices such as heaters and fireplaces enhance both comfort and ambiance. If it helps, think of the space as an open-air room addition. With the right design and features, get ready to extend your outdoor enjoyment into the evening and fall this year.

Value of joy in APEX Construction projects

March 29, 2016 By John Biancini Leave a Comment

Each year, Remodeling Magazine publishes its Cost vs. Value Report that benchmarks the cost of typical home remodeling projects and how they might impact the home’s resale value. It’s a handy reference if you are wondering how much more a project will cost you this year compared to if you had completed it last year. Hint: it seldom costs less. It also is useful to avoid over-improving if you plan to sell your home in the next couple of years.

This time, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) also teamed with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to produce the Remodeling Impact Study, which may be even more valuable. While Cost vs. Value measures financial payback, the Remodeling Impact Study assesses appeal and enjoyment. In other words, how much will the project enhance enjoyment of your home, and how will the improvements influence your home’s desirability in the real estate market?

Not surprisingly, the projects that are best at holding dollar value seldom are the ones we truly love. Exception: Replacing a worn or damaged roof is worth more than it costs and is highly recommended by Realtors. Apparently, we all appreciate the value of staying dry. And both home inspectors and insurance carriers are quick to flag faulty roofs.

The Remodeling Impact Study found that 3 out of 4 of those surveyed wanted to spend more time in their homes after remodeling and more than 9 in 10 were happy or satisfied with how their projects turned out.

Although our homes often are among our most valuable investments, they are much more. With the rise of Millennials, a recent report found that life is more about experiences than things. Homes form the backdrops of many life experiences. How does someone who enjoys cooking or entertaining put a value on an updated, open floor plan kitchen that’s integrated with an outdoor living environment? When a family loves its neighborhood but need more space, what’s the real worth of refinishing the basement or tastefully adding on? And don’t forget the Kodak moments (make that iPhone snapshots) that will be preserved in digital photos for generations.

Please contact JB at APEX Design Build (aka APEX Construction Management) to discuss your remodeling needs.

Top Value Remodeling Projects

The Remodeling Impact survey found that a new bathroom, complete kitchen remodeling and master suites are the top three “Joy Index” interior projects. Meanwhile, Realtors are most likely to recommend a kitchen facelift, bathroom remodel and hardwood floor refinishing to prepare an older home for resale.

Here are links to the complete reports:

Remodeling Impact Study

Cost vs. Value Report

Decks, Patios, and Outdoor Living Spaces in Minnesota

July 27, 2015 By John Biancini Leave a Comment

Before

Summer in Minnesota is a short-lived luxury in our cool and ever-changing climate, but when it’s nice we want to be outside enjoying it.
Outdoor living spaces have evolved into much more than a simple deck or patio space with a grill and table. Even in this unpredictable climate, homeowners are creating spaces to include outdoor TVs, kitchens, fireplaces and more. So how do you begin to plan and build your dream outdoor space?

The most elementary and foundational element of most outdoor living space projects is the construction of either a deck or a patio. When considering your options in decking you’ll first need to choose between a wood or composite deck. There are benefits to both depending on your budget and your ability to do ongoing maintenance.

Wood decks have long been a standard in this industry. If maintained, a wood deck can last many years in both its function and its beauty. A traditional wood deck is a less expensive option initially, but when considering that you’ll need to stain a wood deck every other year it likely is not the least expensive option over the long haul.

Composite decking made its way into the market a bit more than 10 years ago. The biggest benefit of a composite deck is low maintenance. However, early composite decking products had durability issues. First generation composite decking was prone to sun fading, mold/mildew build-up, cracking, and scratches. We recommend Trex decking for our deck projects. Trex is a leader in the marketplace and has made exceptional progress in the development of second generation composite decking. Virtually fade, crack, and scratch-free Trex carries multiple colors and grain styles to accommodate design preferences.

When designing your outdoor space beyond the patio or deck there are five key
environmental factors. It’s important to have a good sense of things like;

Sun/shade exposure.
What are the prevailing winds in your chosen area?
How close is your planned cooking area to the main house for ease of preparation?
Are you close to an outdoor water source where you may have insect concerns?
Next you will want to think about traffic flow and who will be using the space. For example, if you plan to retire or are retired, how accessible will your new outdoor space be in ten years? Have you considered having a space for children to play that is in close proximity to where the adults will be relaxing? How will the overall flow of traffic need to be arranged to be the most functional? Having sections for specific purposes will help you start to plan.
Just like you would plan an indoor space, your outdoor living area should match the style of your home. An ultra-modern outdoor fireplace will look odd with your traditional home. Try to pull through your homes architecture as well as your decorating style to your outdoor space to make the flow from indoor to outdoor simple.
Create a focal point for your space. Having a view is half the reason you want to be outside. A water feature or a garden make beautiful items to enhance your space.
Plan for a heating source. To enjoy your new outdoor space as much as possible, we suggest adding a heating source to help you get a few more months of enjoyable time in both the spring and fall. In addition to an outdoor fireplace, other heating sources include overhead heaters made specifically for a patio or deck areas.

Are you ready to build your dream outdoor space? Call APEX Construction Management today for your free initial consultation.

An APEX Kitchen Designed For Just For You

June 29, 2015 By John Biancini Leave a Comment

John “JB” Biancini in North Oaks kitchen he remodeled.

APEX Construction Management (APEX Design-Build) understands that your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s the one space in your home everyone calls theirs, so it needs to work for multiple people and serve multiple purposes. The APEX philosophy on kitchen design is summed up in one short statement, “Builders design kitchens for houses. We design kitchens for people.” Your kitchen needs to be a perfect fit for the way you use it every day.

We’ve compiled a list of the things you should consider when planning your new kitchen. This list has been refined over many years of experience from both a personal and professional perspective. We hope that you find this helpful:

Workflow. Good design takes into consideration many factors including how many people tend to be in the kitchen at the same time. You need room to work and your family and guests need space to socialize. Be sure the counters, island, range, and refrigerator all work together. The work triangle is a key design element that ties together the sink, the range, and the refrigerator.
Counter Space. Most people who regularly cook and entertain in a kitchen will agree there is no such thing as too much counter space. Whether you’re preparing a meal or setting up a buffet for your son’s hockey team dinner, having extra counter space makes time in the kitchen more organized and calm.
Storage. Another factor in keeping things calm in the kitchen is having enough storage space. Pots that are continually falling out of the cabinets or drawers over flowing with unorganized kitchen gadgets make things more stressful and increase your meal prep time. There are so many exceptional features in cabinets today, it’s possible to make the most of every square inch in a kitchen thus making a space for everything so everything can have a place.
Lighting. If you can’t see, how can you cook? Even if your eyesight is 20/20 it’s still nice to have proper task lighting to read a recipe, measure a quarter cup of something, or to make sure all the crumbs are dusted from your counter when finished for the day.
Flooring. Some days in the kitchen are longer than others. Be sure your floor is friendly to your feet and back. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has become a very popular choice for kitchen flooring. This product looks like wood or tile, but gives you the benefit of a softer and warmer surface that helps reduce fatigue. LVT flooring also helps prevent some items from breaking items if they are dropped.
Power Sources. Outlets are important! Think of all the extra small appliances you use when you’re in the kitchen. Hunting for a power outlet will make whatever you’re doing more time consuming and frustrating.
Ventilation. Having proper ventilation in your kitchen is a must! The fish you made on Monday smells terrible the next day when it’s still lingering in the air.

Things to consider when purchasing a range vent include; a) Will the range vent exhaust straight up, out the side wall, or is it a downdraft unit? b) The vent must be installed properly, including providing sufficient make up air to meet code requirements if the output is greater than 300 cubic feet per minute. c) The physical size must be equal to or wider than the range that covers. d) How loud is it when turned on?

Ready to start your next remodel? Call us today to get started!

Home Additions: Go Upwards, Sideways, or Both?

May 8, 2015 By Apex Construction Management Leave a Comment

Things to consider when building an addition onto your home

after-1_0 You love your neighborhood, your children have good friends here and so do you, but the house you live in is simply getting too small for your family. APEX Construction Management (APEX Design-Build) specializes in making your home fit your growing family needs and your changing lifestyles.

When considering your current spaces, both inside and out, you may find you don’t have enough room to expand sideways. Many homes in established neighborhoods are placed on small lots and are spaced too closely together to expand sideways. In these situations, going upwards may be your only option.

If your lot is large enough to accommodate a larger footprint of the house, then we can expand sideways to gain the additional interior space that you need. One of the most popular expansions desired today is a kitchen addition. If you cannot increase the size of the kitchen inside of the existing house, then an addition is the way to expand your kitchen.

A combination of both sideways and upwards expansions is also very popular way to build an addition. Since the foundation and first floor are already being built out sideways, going upwards becomes a very economical way to create more space on the second floor. One of the most popular requests we get is to build a new master suite on the second floor to give you a refuge from the kids and a place to relax after a busy day at work. Spa style master baths can be a refreshing destination unto themselves.

Integrating the old and the new – seamlessly

One of the biggest challenges with home expansions is integrating the new addition with the existing house both structurally and aesthetically. Maintaining consistency with the exterior appearance and the interior fit and finish is a concern that we address at the beginning of the project. We pay particular attention to the details of your current space and endeavor to match the look and feel between old and new, inside and out.

Overwhelming your lot

If your home is on a smaller city lot, you will want to be mindful to not overwhelm the lot with your new structure. This is the time when using the space above your home becomes very attractive. As a design-build firm, we’re also mindful to integrate the new spaces so the addition fits together well on your property.

Functional space

The reason you want an addition is to gain more functional space in your home. As we begin your design, our professionals are keeping a close eye out for any existing space we can utilize in a more functional manner. Adding space doesn’t always mean adding more square footage. Sometimes it just means using the space you have more efficiently.

We can help

For more information on adding space to your home, contact APEX Construction Management for your free initial consultation.

APEX Construction Management Name Contractor of the Year

January 8, 2015 By Apex Construction Management Leave a Comment

Post 2724 RET 8x10 St. Paul, MN, January, 2015—The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) named APEX Construction Management its 2014 North Central Region Contractor of the Year (CotY) in the Small Bathroom Remodeling category during its Annual Awards competition.

APEX Construction Management LLC (aka APEX Design Build) is a full service design-build firm that specializes in residential remodeling and provides professional design and project management services for projects of all sizes. APEX follows Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) project management process, is a Certified Remodeler, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, Certified Kitchen & Bath Designs, EPA Certified for Lead Remediation and is engaged in the Minnesota Green Path Energy Efficiency Program.

NARI members represent an elite group of the approximately 800,000 companies and individuals in the U.S. identifying themselves as remodelers. An impartial panel of judges and experts within the remodeling industry and associated fields selected the winning projects/remodeler focusing on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty. Each entry included “before and after” photography and project descriptions.

APEX Construction Management’s winning entry was for a small bathroom remodel in a 1955 home. The owners had recently retired and wanted to renovate the main floor of their home to reflect their new lifestyle and incorporate Universal Design principles that would allow them to remain in their home for the rest of their lives. The main floor remodel started with the bathroom project. Design objectives for the bathroom remodel included:

Increasing the bathroom size, improving functionality, incorporate aging-in-place design to allow the space to grow with the home owners, and add beauty. In the works of the homeowner, “this project turned out just awesome”.

About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. The Association, which represents member companies nationwide—comprised of 63,000 remodeling contractors— is “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry.”™ To learn more about membership, visit www.NARI.org or contact national headquarters, based in Des Plaines, Ill., at (847) 298-9200.

Homeowners are estimated to spend a total of $150 billion on home improvements in the U.S. through 2014, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies.

NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics. According to results from the 2012 Member Profile Study, NARI members outpace the industry norm in sales, production and employees, when compared to professionals represented in the Home Improvement Research Institute’s (HIRI) 2011 Remodeling Professional Study.