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Delivering Great Client Experiences...

...One Project At A Time

bathroom remodeling

Design Solutions

December 2, 2020 By Tom Sweeney

With a third child on the way, Carlos and Britt knew they were destined to outgrow their St. Paul home. They desperately needed another full bath and bedroom. They contacted APEX to squeeze both into their home’s already tight second floor,  preferably without adding a dormer.  As soon as designer Lisa Stoll saw the space, she went hunting for an alternative that would satisfy building codes and meet their needs.

Carlos and Britt

Carlos and Britt

It was not possible to add a code compliant shower to the second level without a dormer and that would have exceeded their budget. Rather, she suggested creating three-quarter bath and bedroom in the basement. Matt’s production crews substantially finished the project just before baby #3 arrived.

Heavy-glass shower door
Clear-glass shower door
basement bath
Tile shower
Basement bathroom
Basement bathroom

Bathroom with tile shower
Bathroom with tile shower
mosaic tile niche
Mosaic tile niche
Low curb
Low curb

 

The project involved cutting into the foundation to install a large egress window and partitioning the area for the new bedroom. [St. Paul requires addition of an egress window whenever a basement with no secondary emergency escape is finished or remodeled.] APEX also demolished an interior masonry wall to make room for the bedroom closet and preserve bedroom space. The bathroom features a large tile shower with a hinged glass door and low curb. The lounge area received Marvin windows and built-in storage. 

Basement bedroom with egress window
Basement bedroom with egress
basement exercise space
Basement exercise space

Built-in shelves
Built in shelves
Marvin basement window
Marvin basement window

Remodeling lessons

This project demonstrates the importance of consulting a designer early in one’s remodeling journey, preferably one who is associated with a design-build contractor.  “Most people know their wants and needs. But they don’t necessarily see the best solutions, anticipate building code obstacles or grasp costs, Lisa observed. “My job is to listen, bring fresh eyes and draw plans that will look beautiful and work for their lifestyles.”

This project also illustrates the common question: Is it better to remodel my existing home to gain living space or to move to a bigger home?  While both remodeling and moving can be costly and disruptive, consider what is possible before planting a For Sale sign on the lawn.

“Our experience is that we can almost always find ways to make better use of space through remodeling and improve our clients’ quality of life at home,” APEX President JB Biancini said. “The real question is whether it will be worth the investment.”

“I pride myself on being straight with people, Biancini continued. “If it really makes more sense to move than to remodel, that’s what I will recommend.”

basement floor plan

Basement Plan

Carlos and Britt say they love the way their project turned out. They already have recommended APEX to two neighbors and friends who are considering interior and exterior remodeling projects of their own.

“JB and Matt were great partners throughout the project! We really enjoyed working with them both. Matt especially was involved in a lot of our decision making and helped us move through a couple of bumps on the project. We appreciated their commitment to getting tasks done the right way!” Carlos said. “We would highly recommend APEX to anyone thinking of having some home remodeling done. We were most impressed with how accurate their schedule with regards to when tasks would get done, and how quickly it went once we had agreed on the scope of the project / had a start date. They have a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, which we appreciated!”

Contact  JB and Lisa to discuss  your own remodeling goals.

 
 
 

 

 

 

Filed Under: basement remodel, bathroom remodeling Tagged With: basement bedroom, bathroom addition

Bittersweet APEX Remodel

September 29, 2020 By Tom Sweeney

Val had scheduled her initial APEX consult for just after the 2019 Minnesota State Fair because her partner, David, would be too busy parking cars to meet during the event. With thoughts of aging in place together, they wanted to add an accessible main level bath to the St. Paul home.

home addition

As planned, APEX would demolish the deteriorating double-decker deck. Then we would build a small addition off the 1916 home for the new bathroom with a curb-free shower, a small mudroom and an expanded basement with an egress window. It was reminiscent of another St. Paul remodel that had earned APEX the 2017 NARI Regional Contractor of the Year Award for additions under $250,000.

APEX completed Val’s addition in June and her stamped concrete patio in July, but David didn’t get to enjoy either. Sadly, he died on May 9. Today, the project stands as a beautiful reminder of a good man. Val loves it.

“There is hardly a day that I’m outside in my yard, when a neighbor doesn’t give me a compliment on the addition or even ask to come in to see it,” Val said.

stucco addition
St. Paul addition
home addition
Mudroom with storage

Accessible bathroom
Wide door, accessible shower
Bright bath

Classic styling for 1916 home
Wide doorway
Accessible hand shower

Shower shelf grab bar
corner shelf grab bar
Curb-free shower

Roof deck over addition
Deck over EPDM roof
Egress from basement bump out

Interior Designer Lisa Stoll says the project also serves as a poignant reminder that universal design benefits everyone and can look beautiful — and that we never know what tomorrow may bring.

“You don’t have to be older or disabled to appreciate an adjustable hand shower, large curbless shower, shelves that are rated as grab bars, a comfort height toilet and better lighting,” she observed.

John Wardell drew the plans for this APEX addition as he did the award-winning project. A door replaces a window off the back of the house and the sheltered landing is served by dual stairs.  Val originally hoped for a little second floor balcony where she could “shake a mop,” but she got a good-sized deck over a flat EPDM roof.

Read Val’s full review here.

  • Before
  • Before

Filed Under: bathroom remodeling, Home additions, Uncategorized Tagged With: accessible design, curbless shower, roof deck, stamped concrete

Maplewood Master Bath Plus

August 27, 2020 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

Ken and Cindy had served as their own general contractors and did much of the work themselves when they built their Mankato home years ago. But when they moved to Maplewood  last year to be closer to their sons, they chose APEX Construction Management to handle the remodel.

APEX clients

Their goal was to annex one of three bedrooms to create a master bath. They also wanted to move the laundry from the basement to the main level. With the limited space available, Designer Lisa Stoll combined the requirements. The former bedroom now pairs a three-quarter bath and side by side washer and dryer.

“The challenge was that the new bathroom would be on the front of the house and they wanted to retain the large window,  so wall space was limited,” Lisa recalled.

High functioning master bath combines convenient laundry off bedroom.


bath-laundry combo

The new space features a shower with an adjustable-height hand shower. The custom vanity has one sink and a makeup desk. Both the rod for the hand shower and the toilet paper holder double as grab bars.

Suite door features stained glass

While the bedroom itself remained the same size, APEX moved the closet and the door. Ken had a hand in the the project’s most special element. He made the stained-glass panels APEX’s cabinetmaker fitted into the bedroom door.

Door with stained glass panels

“I had made the three stained glass panels for a china cabinet in our old house,  but I replaced them with clear glass before we left,” Ken explained. “APEX did a beautiful job incorporating them into the master suite door.”

After APEX completed the master suite remodel, the couple had them back to install a backyard patio, just in time for their son’s September wedding.

Kind words for the entire APEX team

The couple had high praise for the entire APEX team. “Lisa understood what we liked. She brought tile and carpet samples. She hit the nail on the head,” Ken recalled.

They credited Project Manager Matt Grudzielanek with keeping the project on schedule and had kind words for his trade partners. “Everyone was friendly and they cleaned up,” he said.

Cindy noted that when JB learned her father had died from COVID during the project, he brought roses to the door. “JB and Matt are good guys,” Ken remarked. “We had a great experience. We wouldn’t have changed a thing.”

Filed Under: bathroom remodeling Tagged With: combination bath laundry

APEX kitchen remodel and bath facelift just what the doctor ordered

December 4, 2019 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

Thomas Wolfe may have been wrong when he wrote You Can’t Go Home Again. APEX has completed two kitchen remodel projects this year for clients who acquired and immediately updated their childhood homes after years of living away. The latest was for a young doctor in Vadnais Heights. From outside, the house looks the same. But that changes the moment you walk through a door.

drop zone photo
low-divider two-bowl undercount sink
Island bookcase and Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring
Tile bath with custom concrete sink
Penny tile shower niche

Kitchen remodel reserving the past

The small 1973 ranch style home was typical for its age. A back door had dumped into a small kitchen. Meanwhile, the dining area was a small ell off the living room.  Bedrooms and a bath completed the floor plan down the hall. Rooms were small and dark. Work surfaces and storage were limited.

Lisa Stoll designed the kitchen remodel and guided selection for both the kitchen and the bath. APEX Project Manager Matt Grudzielanek supervised construction. The team gutted the kitchen, including the stubby peninsula and overhead cabinet by the back door and both interior walls. This created a larger footprint for the kitchen and integrated it with the living room. Finally, the bathroom received a throughout facelift with new fixtures, tile surfaces and a stylish vanity with a custom concrete top. 

Lisa Stoll leads tour of remodeled kitchen

A large island with a range top and high seating forms the centerpiece of the project. It’s ideal when Brian entertains his many medical colleagues and friends. The rangehood helps to define the kitchen space without obstructing the view into the living room.  This new kitchen is open to a small drop zone by the back door. The new refrigerator moved to the end wall and is flanked by a tall pantry cabinet. 

Lisa specified a versatile stainless steel undermount sink with a low divider and tall spray-in-spout faucet. Glass panel upper cabinets display heirloom glassware. And Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring integrates the kitchen, living room and hall. 

Client recommends APEX for kitchen remodel

The client gives APEX high marks for overcoming old house challenges and staying on schedule and budget.  “I would recommend APEX and hire them again,” he said.

  • before
  • before
  • before

Contact APEX President John “JB” Biancini to learn how you can transform your home’s outdated floor plan and give your kitchen and bath new life.

Filed Under: bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling Tagged With: kitchen island, open floor plan

Practical Meets Pretty in Woodbury Bath Remodel

September 11, 2018 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

APEX handshower photoLinda didn’t need a bigger master bath remodel, but she wanted it to look special, function better and be easier to clean.  Like many APEX clients she opted for a large, accessible tile shower in place of the old tub shower. She chose a wall mounted, horizontal woodgrain vanity for a modern twist and was inspired by a bathroom she saw in California to add undermount LED lighting for safer after dark navigation.

Linda admitted she is not a fan of cleaning grout, so she requested extra large tile for the shower. She also opted for rain glass rather than clear glass for the shower door to avoid meticulous daily squeegeeing to prevent water marks.

She credited Designer Lisa Stoll for her deft design advice and Matt Grudzielanek for his professional project management performance.

Filed Under: bathroom remodeling

Complete Shower Design Guide

April 6, 2018 By Tom Sweeney 1 Comment

If recent trends are any indication, bathrooms should be renamed shower-rooms. Busy families not only prefer showers to tubs for their daily bathing. They also are investing careful thought and money to design and equip them for exceptional beauty, functionality and safety.

Shower Design Checklist

Designing a shower involves much more than choosing tile. To specify the ideal shower, you also need to consider:

  • Size and shape
  • Pan/curb vs. curbless/drain
  • Enclosure/door style
  • Surfaces
  • Showerheads choice and position
  • Hand showers choice and position
  • Shower controls and placement
  • Grab bar design and placement
  • Lighting
  • Ventilation
  • Steam
  • Sound

I interviewed leading plumbing supply showrooms and Twin Cities bathroom designers for their best shower advice. Here’s what they shared.

Size Considerations

Marble tile shower photoSmall bathrooms can only accommodate small showers. Shower size also may be pre-determined when replacing a tub/shower. However, small showers often can be enlarged during remodeling. This especially applies if you are willing to reposition fixtures or move a wall. Many homeowners gain shower space by jettisoning a jetted tub. Out with the noisy Jacuzzi that seldom gets used.

Generally, larger showers are more accessible and comfortable than smaller ones as long as  they are shielded from cold drafts. Larger showers also are great if you occasionally share the space with a partner and have more than one showerhead. Designer Lisa Stoll from Sparrow & Stoll considers 3X4 feet the minimum for a shower that gets regular use by tall people. “While those larger showers are very nice, sometimes we just don’t have enough room for them,” notes JB from APEX. He considers 3×3 feet an absolute minimum.

Large glass shower photo

Large shower with glass enclosure.

Pan, Curb and Drain Choices

Curbless showers eliminate the barrier between the bathroom floor and the shower pan for unobstructed wheelchair access. It requires the shower floor to slope away from the shower door or entry, usually with the drain along the far wall. The catch is that the main bathroom floor needs to be a bit higher to stay dry. That can create a transition issue between the bathroom and the adjacent hall or room.

Preformed shower bases speed installation and reduce costs, but they limit shape and drain placement. With the waterproof membrane approach such as Schluter Systems, custom tile showers can accommodate any footprint and drain configuration.

Tip: When choosing a drain, try to mimic the shape of the fixtures. For instance, a square drain would coordinate better with a big square rain showerhead than a round one. Square or rectangular drains also are much easier to tile around.

Shower Door and Enclosure Decisions

With fancy custom tile designs so popular today, it’s no surprise that frameless, clear glass enclosures are a top choice among remodeling clients. Although clear glass is higher maintenance and provides no privacy, it makes any bath look larger and showcases one’s tile investment. To avoid water spots and soap buildup, Pappas suggests treating the glass with Rain-X, rinsing the surfaces with a hand shower and drying surfaces with a squeegee. Alternatively, Stoll specifies seeded glass to obscure water spots.

Frameless glass shower enclosure photo

Selecting surfaces

Tile is the preferred shower surface because of its design and installation flexibility. Horizontal patterns are more tradition, vertical more contemporary.

Stoll notes that horizontal patterns also are more relaxing, adding to the spa feeling that that so many people want to achieve.

Pappas notes that a mid-wall, horizontal accent strip not only breaks up a tile surround but also helps bathers maintain balance by orienting them after they open their eyes or turn. “Think of it like a horizon line,” she explained.

Many designers prefer the updated look of larger tiles, but subway tile remains a classic for period decors.

Designer DeAnne Koppendrayer of Designs by D favors 12×24 tile on the shower walls, installed in a subway tile pattern or straight stack depending on the look of the room.

“I like to use a pattern or shape on the shower floor, like penny, hexagon or shaved rock stones. I also like to incorporate accents like repeating the shower floor tile in the shampoo niche or doing a waterfall of a coordinating tile or the same tile but in a different pattern.”

Koppendrayer also encourages clients to integrate tile accents with countertops. “Whatever I choose for the vanity top I use it to cap the shower knee wall, the curb, the bench and the corner shelf. It helps to tie the whole room together and makes it easy for the tilesetter to pitch the surfaces for drainage,” she said.

Meyer, too, prefers large format tile. “The bigger the better for fewer grout joints,” she said. “Horizontal pattern is considered transitional because it can be tradition or contemporary. Vertical pattern is contemporary.” If large tile is used for the base, she often carries it up the wall. Meyer specifies porcelain tile rather than natural stone because it is easier to maintain.

Showerheads Can be Tricky

At one time, showerheads would reliably emerge from an interior sidewall, perpendicular to the door. Now they also may extend down from the ceiling or even be installed flush with the tile ceiling.

This placement freedom owes at least part of its success to flexible plastic PEX tubing that allows plumbers to effortlessly snake supply lines practically anywhere. However, it still is preferable to avoid installing plumbing within exterior walls where freezing can be a problem. If you must install fixtures on an outside wall, build out the framing to maintain effective insulation behind the supply and waste lines.

WaterSense logoShowerheads offer a variety of water patterns that change the force, footprint and feel of the spray. Showrooms such as Ferguson’s and Aspire have shower walls with functioning showerheads so you can see difference and at least feel it on your hand. They are only plumbed with cold water and offer no privacy so don’t count on a full shower experience.

To conserve water while maintaining a decent shower experience, look for the WaterSense badge. These fixtures use 20 percent less water than standard showerheads without compromising performance.

Hand Showers Have Many Uses

Hand showers have become ubiquitous in today’s showers and for good reason.

  • Facilitates cleaning the shower itself
  • Great for pet washing
  • Enhanced body rinsing
  • Hydro massage
  • Flexible positioning and improved accessibility

Hand showers are most effective when mounted on a vertical bar so both the height and the angle of the spray are adjustable. A lower position is ideal for small children, pet washing, and elderly or disabled users who may need to sit when bathing. If the shower has a bench, the hand shower wand should reach a bracket within reach of the seated user.

“Many of my clients primarily want a hand shower for cleaning the shower, said Meyer. “Hand showers on a vertical slider also are popular among women who don’t wash their hair every day. They adjust it so it hits their bodies and not their heads.”

Zsavonne Perryman from Ferguson is a huge hand shower fan. “Hand-held showerheads offer complete flexibility. They work great for all ages.  Also, cleaning become a breeze.”

If you plan to use a vertical hand shower bar as a grab bar, be sure that it is rated for such support. Many aren’t.

Some hand showers operate off diverter valves that shift the water supply from the main showerhead to the auxiliary head. Hand showers with separate controls are better because they allow you to use both heads at once. When installed opposite or at a right angle to the main showerhead, it can eliminate cold-side showering and increase comfort when sharing.

Make Room for a Bench

fold-up teak shower bench photo

Fold up teak bench

All of the designers recommend benches in showers for accessibility, safety and convenience if space allows. Integral tile benches should be sloped slightly for drainage. When space is limited, consider a stylish fold-down teak seat. Most designers are not keen on freestanding seats because they are less stable than fixed ones.

Even the smallest shower can incorporate a toe rest (think low shampoo niche) for use when shaving legs. Simply position a small niche a foot above the shower pan. Include a vertical grab bar for stability.

 

Mission Control

Shower controls often align vertically with showerheads to create a balanced look and simplify plumbing. However, it’s important to be able to reach the controls to turn on the water without getting wet. For a large shower, consider positioning the controls within reach of the door.

Photo of open shower with low niche and forward controls

Accessible controls and low footrest niche.

Shower controls have temperature and pressure balance features that can be set to prevent scalding when someone flushes a toilet or goes full hot. Make sure the plumber checks the high temperature limit during installation. The most sophisticated shower controls feature digital displays that enable individual users to set (and see) their preferred temperature for an ideal shower experience.

Perryman says parents with young children like the Delta Temp2O fixtures because they display the temperature digitally and have an easy to understand color indicator (blue for cold, purple for warm and red for hot). Stoll notes that the color displays also are good for people with poor vision.

But Pappas says many of her clients “are not into gizmos.” Most people know where to position the lever for their preferred showing temperature,” she said.

Grab Bar Placement

A grab bar should be positioned vertically where you can hold on comfortably when entering and leaving the shower. Stoll says a second horizontal bar  is helpful along the long wall perpendicular to the showerhead. Avoid configurations where the bar and hand shower hose would conflict. You should be able to grasp the bar without having the hose in the way.

Most remodelers install solid blocking behind shower surfaces to anchor future grab bars, but designers suggest you don’t wait to incorporate this proven safety feature in your new shower. Just be sure to coordinate the bar design and finish with the other fixtures so it looks like it belongs.

Moisture, Steam & Ventilation

Hot showers produce enormous amounts of moisture in a small confined space. Many designers turn this into a plus by installing steam generators for a spa experience. Whether you have a steam shower or a regular shower, a properly sized exhaust fan is essential to remove excess moisture and avoid mold. For maximum effectiveness, the fan should be installed just outside the shower.

Many bathroom fans have become so quiet that manufacturers suggest they be controlled by timer switches. This enables you to set the fan to run after you finish a shower and never forget it on. Stoll notes that the larger the bathroom the longer the fan should run. “I tell clients 20 minutes minimum,” she said.

When choosing a steam shower, install the steam generator where it will be quiet but accessible for servicing.

Modular Enclosures and Curtains

Many of the designers agree that there still is a place for prefabricated shower enclosures and shower curtains for basement or secondary showers.

Shower curtains provide privacy and can add a splash of color to a bathroom with plain surfaces. And panelized shower enclosures are affordable and easy to clean.

If your budget is tight, it might make more sense to splurge on the new kitchen and skip the fancy tile and glass in the bathroom,” one designer observed.

 

Filed Under: bathroom remodeling, News Tagged With: shower design

Tour Award-Winning Laurel Ave. Addition in Remodelers Showcase This Weekend

March 15, 2018 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

The charming Laurel Avenue addition that APEX Construction Management will feature in the Parade of Homes Spring Remodelers Showcase this weekend (March 23-25) is unique among the 63 projects on display during the tour.

Spring 2018 Remodelers ShowcaseWe hope you will visit the home, not so much because you want something just like it, but because you don’t. At a time when many trendy makeovers look so familiar and cool, the 1660 Laurel Ave. addition is a decidedly different and heartwarming reminder of an era when life was simpler. The point is, APEX loves different.

The owners, Richard and Shirley Erstad, view homes as “durable goods.” Most importantly, they believe remodeling should build on the past, not erase it. APEX’s John “JB” Biancini truly listened (no small feat for someone who is profoundly deaf). He worked with designer Carmin Meyer, Project Manager Matt Grudzielanek and the homeowners themselves to deliver the period perfect environment while hiding modern conveniences in plain view.

Indoors or outside you will be hard pressed to identify where the old house ends and the new addition begins. But the homeowners certainly appreciate the difference a larger kitchen, new main level bath, improved entry and basement laundry make in daily life.

The remodeled space incorporates a new bank of Marvin windows that overlook the picturesque backyard, custom cabinetry from Modern Design, a custom commercial tile floor, and salvaged art glass, entry door, balustrades, and plumbing fixtures. There even is a functional antique wall phone! The kitchen features a fully restored, eight-burner, three-oven circa 1920s Reliable gas stove and 1930s GE Monitor refrigerator.

Remodelers Showcase Adds to Project’s Acclaim

The acclaimed APEX remodeling of the 1912 home already has generated plenty of attention leading up to the home tour. Last November, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) named APEX Minnesota Contractor of the Year (CotY) for additions up to $250,000. Then the industry group chose APEX last month for the best addition in its nine-state North Central Region. The project is a finalist for the national title next month. Finally, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) is featuring the project in an editorial spread (page 22-23) in the Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase guidebook publication.

Remodelers Showcase guidebook article

“These clients knew how they wanted the space to look and feel. It was up to APEX to figure out how to make it work,” JB remarked. “Now the family has an unforgettable addition that embraces their storybook backyard.”

Meet APEX Construction Management

The project is R60 in the Remodelers Showcase guidebook. The home will be open to visitors from noon to 6PM Friday through Sunday. For more information contact APEX at 651.653.6300 or jb@apexdesignbuild.com.

Filed Under: bathroom remodeling, Home additions, kitchen remodeling Tagged With: 2018 Spring Remodelers Showcase Tour, Additions

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
Custom Comfort-height Vanity
built in medicine cabinet photo
Original medicine cabinet
laundry chute photo
Original Laundry Chute

classic bath floor
Classic Tile Floor
bath chair rail photo
Classic Chair Rail
tub shower photo
Tub-Shower Versatility

shower niche photo
Shower Niche Mimics Window
tub niche photo
Tub Niche Matches Medicine Cabinet
custom linen cabinet photo
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.

Filed Under: bathroom remodeling Tagged With: bath remodel, old-house remodeling

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

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: bathroom remodeling, Home additions, kitchen remodeling Tagged With: bathroom remodeling, historical remodeling, home additions, kitchen remodeling

APEX Growth Built on Personal Client Referrals

September 1, 2017 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

Photo of master bath

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.

Filed Under: bathroom remodeling Tagged With: contractor referrals

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2021 Guildmaster Award

From the APEX Blog

APEX Awarded 2022 Guildmaster Award

Again this year Guild Quality, a consumer service providing customer satisfaction surveying, performance reporting, and marketing for quality-minded home builders, remodelers, and service providers, has awarded Apex Design Build the Guildmaster Award with Highest Distinction. This is the third year in row that APEX has received the award. 

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APEX Construction Management, LLC.
3711 Pineview Drive
St. Paul, MN 55127
License Number: BC566127

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