Your Investment Guide

your partner in planning a better home

When we walk into a neighbor’s house in Belle Plaine, we don’t show up with a sales pitch. We show up as your advocates. We’re there to learn about your family, your needs, and your house so we can help you create the home you’ve always wanted. We’ve seen too many homeowners get caught in the ‘lowball estimate’ trap, only to face a mountain of change orders once their house is already torn apart.

We believe you deserve a realistic look at your investment before the first hammer swings. This guide isn’t just a list of prices—it’s a roadmap to help you navigate where to invest for long-term quality and where to ‘weed out’ features that don’t add real value to your life. Our goal is to help you build a home you love, with a budget that stays honest from start to finish.

The main Bathroom Refresh

Investment: $18,000 - $35,000

A standard family or guest bathroom needs to be both durable and beautiful. Our approach to a "refresh" is full replacement of all finishes, including bringing the floor and the bathing area down to the structure so we start with the proper foundation. What’s usually included:
40-50 sq ft Full demolition and professional waterproofing systems. New bathtub or walk-in tiled shower with stock glass enclosure. Custom tiled surround, single vanity with stone top, and tiled floor. Drywall repair, fresh paint, and all-new lighting and faucets. Our advice: Save: Use a high-quality tile for the shower and floor, but keep the design simple. Splurge: Don't skimp on the shower valve or the vanity faucet. High-quality brass internals are worth the investment.

The master suite: your sanctuary

Investment: $45,000 - 95,000

A master bath should be your private retreat. These projects typically cover 120 sq. ft. or more and allow for custom layouts that prioritize relaxation and a private spa experience. What’s Included: Separate custom-tiled shower with custom glass enclosure.
Dedicated soaking tub. Large double vanity (or two separate units). Premium tile work and finish carpentry. Complete electrical and plumbing updates to support a spa-like environment. Our advice: Save: Select high-quality rectified porcelain tile instead of natural stone. You'll save hundreds on on-going cleaning and maintenance every year. Splurge: Heated tile floor and towel rack. These features take the chill away and keep you warm and cozy on those cold Minnesota mornings.

The Open-Concept Kitchen

Investment: $75,000 - $135,000+

The 'heart of the home' often needs more than just new cabinets; it needs better flow. Most of our kitchen projects involve removing walls to connect your cooking, dining, and living spaces into one cohesive environment. What’s Included: Custom cabinetry and premium quartz or stone countertops. Structural wall removal, retextured ceilings and relocation of plumbing and appliances. Integrated lighting (under-cabinet and recessed) and updated electrical service. Seamless flooring integration across the entire main level. Our advice: Save: Install more drawers and fewer organizational add-ons. The drawers offer built-in organization with a lower added cost. Splurge: Pick the higher tier quartz or stone counters- they're the focal point of the kitchen and the "wow" factor is worth it. Note on the 'Standard Footprint': If your kitchen stays within its current 10x15 walls without structural changes, a full gut-and-replace typically starts at $55,000.

the Finished basement

Investment: $75,000 - $150,000+

(Approx. $75-110+ per sq ft)

We believe a basement should feel like a natural extension of your home, not an afterthought. We turn raw concrete into high-quality living space that adds genuine value and square footage to your home and life. What’s Included: Finishing 800–2,000 sq. ft., including a bedroom, 3/4 bath, and family room. Premium LVP flooring and upgraded, painted or stained trim and doors. A tiled shower and upgraded vanity in the bathroom. One specialty 'Value Feature' (e.g., a Fireplace or a Wet Bar). Our advice: Save: High-quality LVP is the smart choice for Minnesota basements. It’s waterproof, durable, and looks nearly identical to hardwood. Splurge: Dedicated soundproofing in the ceiling. It is a 'hidden' cost that pays off every time someone is watching a movie downstairs while you’re sleeping upstairs.

Specialty features & Value Add-ons

Sometimes one specific feature is all it takes to change how you use a room. Here is how we budget for the most common custom requests. Standard Fireplace & Stone: $15,000 Custom Fireplace with Built-ins: $25,000+ Semi-Custom Wet Bar: $18,000 The 'Entertainer's' Wet Bar: $30,000+ Custom Cedar Sauna: $12,000 – $22,000 Performance Home Gym: $8,000 – $20,000

Let's look at the possibilities together

If these investment ranges align with your goals, the next step isn’t a high-pressure meeting—it’s a simple, free consultation. We’ll sit down together to look at your space, listen to your ideas, and see if our approach is the right fit for you and your home. Whenever you’re ready to start the conversation, we’re here to help.

Note: These ranges represent our most common project scopes. Your home may require more or less work to accomplish your goals. Our aim is to help you be fully informed and make decisions that are best for you, without surprises or pressure. This guide is based on early 2026 costs and is subject to change.