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APEX Manages North Star Lofts Condo Restoration

April 8, 2019 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

Most APEX insurance claim projects are about restoring damaged surfaces or structures after a flood, fire or hail storm. This job was more like recreating a work of art during an epic Minnesota weather event. Thanks to our tough and talented trade partner, Valley Lake Flooring, the result is modern masterpiece.

Restoring Artistic Concrete Floor

The challenge was to repair and replicate a decorative concrete floor in a two-level condominium in the historic North Star Lofts at 117 Portland Ave. in Minneapolis. Before its premium residential conversion, the property had been home to the North Star Woolen Blanket Company since 1864. During the 1999 makeover, a continuous decorative concrete floor was installed that spanned two ground-level units. But when contractors jackhammered the slab in the adjacent condo to install wood flooring there last year, the vibration caused extensive cracking in the APEX client’s floor.

APEX oversaw the project and supported the insurance claim. Meanwhile, Valley Lake was responsible for repairing the cracks and restoring the surface. Adding to drama, the team was required to completed the bulk of the work in February at height of the Polar Vortex that gripped Minneapolis in record cold and snowfall.

Extraordinary Project

“It wasn’t an ordinary project and so I appreciate that APEX had the flexibility and the professionalism to handle a lot of strange and peculiar circumstances to get this done,” said homeowner Ben Whitney.

APEX client video

He praised APEX President John “JB” Biancini for his refined systems. “JB has put together a series of processes to make sure that things are on schedule and everything is disclosed. And so I would recommend APEX to my friends and anybody else who needs a good general contractor,” he said.

Before work could begin movers relocated all of the furnishings. APEX removed carpeting, baseboard moldings, closet systems and doors. And plastic curtain walls were erected to contain the dust.

Next, Valley Lake Flooring embarked on a 15-step restoration and finishing process that involved grinding, filling, moisture-proofing, leveling, topping, scoring, staining, sealing and waxing the floor.

Valley Lake’s Mark Sutherland observed, “It takes a lot of man hours, a lot of steps and a lot of patience to restore a floor like this.”

Biancini said he enjoys taking on difficult and unusual projects for clients with high expectations. “Nothing about this project was easy. This is a historic structure. Building access was limited. The weather was awful. Fortunately, we worked with an excellent trade partner in Mark and the clients could not have been more appreciative of everyone’s extra efforts,” he said.

“Construction management not only is part of the APEX name, it is entwined in our DNA.” Biancini added. “When you manage the process, you control the outcome.”

APEX Earns Angie’s List Super Service Award for Sixth Consecutive Year

February 6, 2019 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

Angie’s List has awarded APEX Construction Management its Super Service Award for the sixth consecutive year. The 2018 award once again honors contractors who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List throughout the year.

“Service pros who receive our Angie’s List Super Service Award represent the best in our network,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “They consistently make great customer service their mission. These pros have provided exceptional service to our members and absolutely deserve recognition for the exemplary service they exhibited in the past year.”

To be considered for the award, APEX was required to maintain an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade and review period grade. Winners also must be in good standing with Angie’s List and pass additional screening.

APEX President John “JB” Biancini said the Super Service Award recognition is part of a pattern based on his team’s core values.

“When we start each APEX remodeling project, we tell the clients that we will give them a scorecard to grade our performance at the end of the job. Then every team member does his or her part to earn an A+ grade. We also use Guild Quality to independently survey our clients after each job to gather feedback and maintain quality control. Receiving the Angie’s List Super Service again illustrates that APEX takes its core values seriously,” Biancini said.

Service company ratings are updated continually on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Customers have been rating APEX Construction Management on Angie’s List since 2005. APEX has 42 reviews on Angie’s List. It is “A” rated and Angie’s Certified. To be certified, a company must be an Angie’s member in good standing, pass a biennial criminal background report, receive an A or B reviews grade, have current reviews, attest that its license is up to date and have a verified profile.

Biancini thanked APEX clients post taking the time to post online reviews and participate in customer surveys to share their remodeling experience with other homeowners and help APEX maintain high standards.

“APEX clients post reviews on Google, Angie’s List, Houzz, the Better Business Bureau and on our own website. Their positive comments help us grow and succeed. We are very grateful for their support,” Biancini said.

2019 Remodeling Cost Benchmarks

January 18, 2019 By John Biancini Leave a Comment

“What will my remodeling cost?” is one of the first questions many homeowners ask APEX when considering a project. That’s fair. It’s not like they can go on Amazon and compare prices and features for a new kitchen or room addition. And how could they possibly know remodeling labor, materials and project management expenses.

Fortunately, Hanley Wood LLC, the nation’s biggest construction industry publisher, issues a report each year that estimates costs and resale payback (value) for dozens of common remodeling and replacement projects. The Remodeling 2019 Cost Vs Value Report draws on a leading construction estimating tool to price the jobs. Then it asks experienced Realtors from different regions to score how each project would impact the home’s resale value so it can calculate payback.

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Costs

Here are a couple of examples. The report prices a mid-level quality major kitchen remodeling for our West North Central region at about $64,400 (62.1 percent payback) and an upscale kitchen at about $128,700 (59.7 percent payback). It pegs a mid-level bathroom remodel at about $19,600 (67.2 percent payback) and an upscale bath at $62,500 (60.2 percent payback).

I think this independent cost/value benchmarking provides APEX Construction Management clients with a valuable frame of reference. We share the link to the annual study because well-informed homeowners are our best clients.

Basis for Remodeling Costs

Like the study’s publishers, APEX doesn’t pull a big number out of the air based on what a similar project cost last year. Rather, we tally all of the tasks and materials that must be completed and add overhead and a reasonable profit. We build each estimate from the ground up, just like our award-winning additions.

As expected, the latest report shows that both project costs and values increased last year. Steel tariffs, skilled labor shortages and strong demand will do that. For instance, the authors noted that the cost of replacing a steel door increased 24 percent from the previous year. That’s also why our design estimates come with expiration dates.

You Come First

The value or payback part of the annual remodeling study reflects its source: Realtors. Once again, exterior facelift projects such as garage doors and stone veneer accents retain the most value because their costs are relatively low and they help to make a good first impression among prospective homebuyers. Realtors say this enhanced curb appeal raises price expectations.

Payback should be considered if you are improving your home to sell. In that case a minor kitchen remodel at $21,900 may be worthwhile. Realtors in our region say it should retain 80.5 percent of its value. But, in reality, most APEX clients tell us they plan to stay in their homes and are remodeling for themselves to improve their quality of life. As the study suggests, the composite deck will cost more than wood, but what is it worth to avoid sanding and re-staining every couple of years?

Download Complete Report

To learn more, download the complete Remodeling 2019 Cost Vs Value Report free here. Be sure to review the scope for each project so you understand how it compares to what you plan. If you have any questions, please contact me.

APEX Past Clients Value Small Projects Services

July 25, 2018 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

Many reputable contractors, APEX included, are too busy managing big remodeling projects to take on smaller ones. The exception might be for past clients who had used APEX for larger projects.

Gary from Plymouth is a great example. The Honeywell accountant hired APEX to remodel a main level bathroom on his Gleason Lake home several years ago and was impressed by John Biancini’s emphasis on meeting schedule while maintaining high construction quality standards. This year, he needed French doors installed in a seldom-used lower level bedroom before guests arrived. APEX got it done in time, despite discovering hidden plumbing in the wall during demolition.

“Sharon had a big push. We had a couple of guests coming in. She said I want this done and I want it done by this date. I immediately called John and he was able to get the job done,” Gary said. “When I contacted John I didn’t know. I said up front it might be too small a job. He said he would be in the area and would stop by and give me an estimate and got us on his schedule.”

Gary and Sharon initially contemplated pocket doors, but they opted for French doors to avoid the cost of removing the entire wall. They also stuck with the more traditional look vs. trendy barn doors. “The cost probably would have been the same, but we were concerned that barn doors might be a fad,” he explained.

Gary said adding the French doors has made the interior room much more pleasant with its new view of the Plymouth lake. “Before, it was like a big cubbyhole in there. There was no light. No atmosphere,’ he said. “We had two guests who stayed there for three nights each after the remodeling and they were very pleased. The French doors have opened up both rooms,” he said.

APEX Enhances Quality of Life at Home

Gary says having a good relationship with a trusted contractor is a real benefit as one approaches retirement. We suspect Sharon and their guests would agree.

“I wouldn’t have had time to get it done myself. It would have taken me five times as long,” Gary added. “I could have gotten it done eventually, but Sharon said, ‘ Save yourself the trouble. You can’t take it with you.’ She’s right.” When I spoke with him he had just returned from playing tennis.

Complete Shower Design Guide

April 6, 2018 By Tom Sweeney Leave a 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 photo Small 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 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.

Showerheads 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 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.

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.

: View from new porch

: Patio by new porch

: Kitchen, bath, porch addition

: Seamless addition to 1912 house

: Secret Garden view

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

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.

Remodel Now for Best Value

April 28, 2017 By Tom Sweeney Leave a Comment

It seems we talk about remodeling projects forever and torment ourselves bingeing HGTV and browsing Houzz. We tell our spouses we aren’t quite ready to spend (or borrow) the money. Besides, we deserve that big vacation this year.

During the Great Recession, that strategy may have made sense. According to an analysis by Metrostudy, remodeling costs actually declined for several years during the housing slump. But the opposite has been true for the past few years. The latest annual Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report showed that projects costs have been increasing steadily, and the trend is only expected to accelerate. Fortunately, home values are going up too.

JB reviews addition plans with St. Paul clients

JB and Carmin review preliminary plans for kitchen-bathroom-mudroom addition with St. Paul homeowners.

Study Suggests Rising Remodeling Costs

The Report noted, “Nationally, the average payback for the 24 projects that we’ve tracked throughout this decade has ranged between 58% and 66%. Costs have risen each of the past four years, following a time in which the Great Recession caused prices to fall. Values have seen bigger shifts, rising the past two years after having declined in three of the previous four.”

Building materials prices have been rising steadily during the economic recovery driven by higher demand and now import tariffs. For example, more than a third of the lumber used in US construction comes from Canada. Since the grace period for the US-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement expired last October, prices have risen each month. A US Commerce Department decision on anti-dumping penalties due April 25 was just pushed back to June. With some fearing the combined penalties and tariffs on Canadian lumber could reach 45 percent, the Canadians are said to be evaluating shifting exports away from the United States and to China. At this point, the just announced tariff is up over 20%.

Remodeling activity in the greater Twin Cities is robust. Reputable contractors who survived the downturn are busy. Skilled construction labor is in short supply and pushing labor costs higher. Meanwhile, interest rates for home equity loans also can be expected to rise in the years ahead.

“I don’t believe in high-pressure sales tactics. Never have. But the facts cannot be dismissed,” APEX President John “JB” Biancini observed. “Remodeling will cost more next year than it does this year and this year costs more than last year. The better value is now, not two years down the road.”

Use It or Lose It

While rising costs argue for remodeling sooner rather than later, the most important incentive is the ability to enjoy the upgrades sooner. How do you put a value on your kids and their friends wanting to hang out at your house because you remodeled the basement. Or wanting to entertain friends and family more because you have a wonderful open floor plan kitchen. Or the pride that comes from an exterior facelift and sheltered entry addition that neighbors adore (and envy)?

“With the exception of house flippers who are only in it for the money, most people remodel their homes to improve their quality of life. The investment potential is important but secondary,” JB said. “The main factor that would lead to an over improvement is if you don’t remain in the home long enough to enjoy it.”

Boomers Driving Discretionary Remodeling

Interestingly, a recent Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies’ Demographic Change and the Remodeling Outlook report predicts record remodeling spending, largely by baby boomers and much more on discretionary rather than repair projects. It suggests nearly 33 percent grow in remodeling spending among homeowners age 55 and over, some 56 percent of the overall remodeling market, by 2025. Discretionary projects, which dipped to one-third of spending during the recession, are expected to drive the remodeling market going forward.