• Who is Edvenson Homes, Inc.?

    We are the leading Minnesota-based build company specialized in finished basements for homes in the North-West Twin Cities suburbs.

  • Who is the contact person during construction?

    Jeff, the owner of Edvenson Homes, will work with you directly until the project is completed.

  • How much does a finished basement cost?

    There is no easy answer to that question since every basement is unique. The cost to finish your basement will be based on the rooms needed to be finished and the amenities you desire. For example, a basement with a wet bar, sauna, fireplace and maple trim will cost more than a basement with simply a carpeted floor and standard features. Give us a call today and we’ll get you an estimate for your exact project.

    Our eBook series, “Comparing Apples to Apples”, provides homeowners with information on hiring a contractor, planning the project, and estimating the cost of remodeling your basement, kitchen or bath.

  • How much do estimates cost?

    Nothing – we do not charge for project estimates.

  • What do you base your estimates on?

    Our estimates are based on your specific needs. We’ll visit your house to sit down with you and your family to discuss all of the available features based on what you have and what you’d like. We then take this information and present you with a concept drawing of how your finished basement could look, a firm project price, and guaranteed completion date.

  • How long are your estimates good for?

    Our estimates are good for 90 days.

    The price is guaranteed after you approve the estimate. Our proposal is very detailed so you know exactly what you’re getting. The price only changes when you make a change.

  • Why is there a big price difference from different companies?

    There are many possible reasons for this. Some contractors don’t bid on exactly what you’re asking for; they may be giving you a “lowest possible” option with several add-ons to get up to the basement you actually want, possibly they’re using lower quality materials, or maybe they just don’t pay their craftsmen as well. We’re very detailed with our proposals, so you need to look closely and look at “apples to apples” when comparing bids. If there is more than a 10% difference in bids, there is a problem that should be discussed.

    “Competitive bids are just that! If I shave the labor or materials to get your job, is that the house you really want? There are hundreds of ways to lower the price of a building which often lower the quality and workmanship also. The best drawings and specifications don’t protect you from poor trade practices”
    – The Well Built House by James Locke, pg. 23

  • Who designs my basement?

    You do! We will sit down with you to discuss your family’s ideas, wants, needs, existing and ideal floor plans then provide you with feedback based on our years of experience. We work together, but in the end it’s your basement, finished your way.

  • Do we need to hire additional contractors?

    No, Edvenson Homes takes care of the entire project, from start to finish. We are a full service finished basement company so all you have to do is make your selections and we’ll get to work.

  • Do you allow clients to perform some of the work?

    Generally, no. A homeowner who wants to perform a certain task or hire a friend or relative to do some of the work MUST perform the task as a licensed and insured contractor and within our scheduled timeline.

  • Do you allow clients to provide their own finishing materials?

    Generally, no. We do allow plumbing and electrical fixtures, but we stake our reputation on the finished product so we need to ensure we provide you with the highest quality materials.

  • Do you do more than finished basements?

    Yes, we do provide remodeling services for other levels of the homes in which we are also finishing the basement. We can install new flooring, countertops, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, painting etc. We do not provide general handyman services.

  • Do you handle partial finishes?

    Yes, if the project meets a minimum price.

  • Do you finish basements in phases?

    We can, as long as each phase is completed up to a reasonable point.

  • Do you install dropped ceilings versus a drywall ceiling?

    No. We do not install this type of ceiling. The only real advantage is the ability to run wires from room to room, whereas the disadvantages tend to outweigh the advantages. Suspended ceilings are unattractive, higher in cost, limit design options, lower ceiling height, they sag easier, may discolor over time and can actually lower the resale value of your home.

  • What cities or areas do you work in?

    We work in Minnesota, mostly the north-west suburbs of the Twin Cities. From Chaska to Elk River to Lino Lakes. We may travel to other areas on a case-by-case basis, depending on distance and the amount of work needed.

  • How long have you been in business?

    Edvenson Homes, Inc. has been in operation since 1992.

  • Are you licensed and insured?

    Yes. We are licensed by the state of Minnesota (#BC009168) and carry Acuity liability insurance.

  • How many projects have you completed?

    We finish an average of 12 to 14 basements per year.

  • Is there a warranty on my finished basement?

    Yes, we provide a 12-month warranty on all our work, including the work of our subcontractors. The products we install come with their own manufacturer’s warranty.

  • How long will it take to finish my basement?

    Generally finishing a basement ranges from 7 to 12 weeks with the average project taking about 8 weeks. The exact time frame depends on the size of your project. We will give you a GUARNTEED completion date and an in-depth schedule before we start date that describes the daily activities and major milestones of your project.

  • How soon can we start our basement?

    We generally start to finish your basement 2 to 3 weeks after the contract has been signed. This allows time for the permit application to be approved by the city, for you to start selecting carpet, fixtures, paint, cabinets etc. and for us to order materials.

  • Can I make changes after we've started?

    Yes, your basement project is completely customized to your family and we want you to be completely satisfied with how it turns out. Changes can be made for any part of the project that has not been completed yet, but certain changes may affect the completion date and may involve additional costs.

  • Will the job site be messy?

    We cannot avoid the fact that a construction project will create a certain amount of dust, noise and inconvenience. We take measures to reduce these problems by cleaning up every day, putting up poly, laying down tarps, and vacuuming. We also have the basement professionally cleaned prior to the completion date.

  • Will all the workers be using my bathroom?

    No. We provide a restroom for our craftsmen to use outside of your home.

  • Do you do the work yourselves or use subcontractors?

    We do both. Edvenson Homes does some of the work ourselves, but we hire expert subcontractors so your basement is finished on time and to our high standards. You do not need to hire any additional contractors; we are a full service basement finishing company and will ensure your project is completely finished on time.

  • Who will be working in my home?

    Only honest and reputable craftsmen. Our subcontractors have been with Edvenson Homes for an average of 12 years, some have been with us over 21 years. All of our craftsmen are licensed and insured and have consistently high standards in the work they do.

  • Do I need a permit? Who pulls the permit?

    Yes, you need a permit to finish your basement, but Edvenson Homes will pull all of the required building permits for you. Contractors who do not pull a permit are in violation of city code and should be avoided. Do NOT allow a contractor to have you pull the permit.

  • Any other questions?

    We’re happy to help sort out anything you may be unsure about regarding your basement project. Please give us a call or send us an email with any additional questions!