--- title: "Baratto Brothers Construction — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/baratto-brothers-construction-pfvwus-pf~1988579156 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1988579156.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Baratto Brothers Construction" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/56330b04015a04ac_1376-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "13872 Shafer Road, Crosslake, Minnesota 56442, United States" latitude: 46.6773 longitude: -94.1128 phone: "(218) 692-1070" website: http://www.barattobrothers.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 12 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 158 last_updated: 2026-09-01 --- # Baratto Brothers Construction Original Houzz profile: [Baratto Brothers Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/baratto-brothers-construction-pfvwus-pf~1988579156) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Crosslake, MN - **Serves:** Breezy Point, Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, Cross Lake, Emily, Fifty Lakes, Merrifield, Manhattan Beach - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2022), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - High-end - Offers Custom Work At Baratto Brothers Construction, we believe first and foremost in creating and fostering a lifelong relationship with everyone in which we interact. Through this relationship of mutual trust and respect, paired with our unique craftsmanship, we are able to construct superior homes; and ultimately become Your Builder For Life. We serve the central Minnesota area including Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, Breezy Point, Brainerd, Baxter, Emily, Pine River, Deerwood, Grand Rapids, Park Rapids, and Walker. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Extensions - Deck Building - Basement Remodeling - Garage Building - Custom Home Bars - Roof Replacement - House Framing - Concrete Construction - Deck Repair - Asphalt Shingle Roofing - Roof Repair - Cedar Siding - Aluminum Siding - Door Installation ### Areas Served - Breezy Point - Crosslake - Pequot Lakes - Cross Lake - Emily - Fifty Lakes - Merrifield - Manhattan Beach ### Typical Job Cost $30,000 - 4 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Baratto Brothers Construction | | Address | 13872 Shafer Road, Crosslake, Minnesota 56442, United States | | Phone | (218) 692-1070 | | Website | http://www.barattobrothers.com | | License Number | BC322437 | | Followers on Houzz | 158 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/BarattoBrothersConstruction - Blog — www.barattobrothers.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Baratto Brothers Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/baratto-brothers-construction-pfvwus-pf~1988579156) - **Website:** http://www.barattobrothers.com - **Phone:** (218) 692-1070 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - \*MMBA Spring Home Tour\* - 2016 Best of Show 759k+, 2013 Best of Show \| $750K+ - 2012 Best of Show \| $780K+ - 2010 Best of Show \| $600K-$780K \*MMBA Fall Home Tour\* - 2012 Best of Show \| $329,000-$599,000\*MSP Home + Garden Show\* - Rookie of the Year \| 2013 - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2022), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Builders Association of Minnesota](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/builders-association-of-minnesota-pfvwus-pf~378840352) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 12 reviews** ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Steven Carr, Nov. 2017** > Although the project slowed at the end, the final product was well worth the wait. Everything was completed as designed and budgeted. Our Change Orders were accepted and completed. The workmanship was superior, and the construction supervisor and crew were professional, polite and easy to work with. Without the slightest hesitation, I give my highest recommendation and have already hired Baratto Brothers for our next project. **★★★★★ — Brainerd Glass Inc., Feb. 2017** > We have worked with the staff at Baratto Brothers for quite a number of years. They are organized and service oriented . Brainerd Glass Inc is proud to continue their business relationship with Baratto Brothers Construction. **★★★★★ — Conservatory Craftsmen, July 2016** > We are a first time vendor partner with Baratto Bros, working with Jim, Dave and the rest of the crew last spring in northern Minnesota. Their upfront attention to detail made the installation of the conservatory a breeze. We travel the US and there are many times this is not the case, costing us time and money. > > The crews on-site are extremely competent and efficient. Incorporating a conservatory into a rustic cabin was by no means easy but this team is able to handle the high end, super difficult project. There was always plenty of 'eyes and hands' on the project. **★★★★★ — Jeremy Adams, June 2016** > After experiencing significant storm damage in July of 2015 I knew I needed a reputable contractor that would keep my best interests in the forefront when dealing with the insurance company. I researched several contractors in my area and Baratto Brothers came highly recommended. I contacted Eric Carder and he immediately came to my house to evaluate the damage and prepare a scope of work from which to generate an estimated cost of repairs. Eric held firm when the insurance company attempted to minimize the significance of the damage and "Band-Aid" the buildings on my property. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship is second to none and I have peace of mind knowing the repairs were completed properly. Eric also ensured the work was completed on schedule and within budget. Eric's industry knowledge and professionalism are superior and I would recommend Baratto Brothers to anyone in need of construction services. **★★★★ — DAVID JACKSON, April 2016** > Baratto Brothers Construction was an easy choice to construct our new cabin on Cross Lake in the township of Crosslake, Minnesota. Having some construction experience, we wanted to create a team to streamline the design process by applying some design/build principals. > > Together we added RemWhirl Architects, Capital Granite, Schrupp Excavating, Hoffbeck Electric, Crosslake Sheet Metal, Wood Products Unlimited, North Country Plumbing, Simonson Lumber, Don's Masonry, Randy Nelson Drywall, Anderson Brothers, Geo's Painting, Franzen Concrete & Masonry, Neumann Construction, Stonemark Surveyors, Brainerd Glass Company, Lakes Millwork, Wood for Life and Shorewood Ceramic Tile as key partners with Baratto Brothers Construction. > > ABRA Landscaping completed the revamped irrigation, boulder walls and landscape, a relationship over 15 years old. > > Broke ground October 1st, 2014 and we slept in our new cabin July 4th, 2015. As with any project there were some “hiccups” and only seeing onsite progress through weekly photos and several scattered trip through the winter was challenging, but it worked as our Baratto Superintendent Junior and his Lead Carpenter Tom, stayed in contact with us via text, voice calls and of course site visits. > > There were only a few Change Orders as we were "hands on" and quickly developed great working rapport with Ben Baratto and almost every subcontractor onsite.Our cabin is 3,000+ square feet with an attached, 2-1/2 car extra deep garage, with a lake facing deck almost ¾ of the length of the cabin. > > The exterior impression is 1940's lake cottage that appears to have been expanded and remodeled over the years. Natural cedar shakes and trim compliment Hardie Board siding with key areas and accent of corrugated steel with a naturally occurring patina. Soffits, fascia & gutters are dark bronze aluminum and the exterior decks are constructed with Evergrain composites. This blend of very low or zero maintenance materials equates to lower life cycle costs to keep appearances new. > > The building holds three (3) levels; the Lake Level is a walk-out with a Screened Porch, Family Room with Wet Bar, Full Bath, three (3) Bedrooms and; the Mechanical Room. The finished ceiling height is nine feet high (9'-0"). This level includes generous closet & storage in each Bedroom, the Bath and below the stairway! > > The Main Level is mostly open. Entering from the partially covered rear Porch you walk into a two story, vaulted Entry Foyer. Immediate access to the Lake Level is down the stairs to your left. Straight ahead you see Cross Lake through the Great Room window wall, the Powder Room is across from the Master Bedroom’s oversized Barn Door. > > The Kitchen & Pantry open to Dining space that flows into the Sun Room; with access to the Deck. The entire Main floor is covered in random width, red & white oak with a rough-cut surface, finished in a warm bourbon tone, top coated in polyurethane. Ceiling heights range from 9'-0" to 18'-0". > > The Loft is a reading/game space looking over the Great Room and links an oversized full Bath to a large Bunk Room above the Garage that holds three custom built-in full size mattress sleeping bunks. **★★★★★ — jlelwica, April 2016** > We have built 3 homes, our 3rd with Baratto Brothers. We had interviewed numerous builders before we decided on Baratto. Jim, Eric, Jason and all the gang were absolutely the best. We are fully confident in them that they will do what they say they are going to do, make something right that isn't, and fulfill any promises made. Their work is the highest quality in the lakes area and they are completely trustworthy. We would highly recommend them! **Comment from Baratto Brothers Construction:** > Thank you for the fantastic review. We appreciate your kind words and trust. **★★★★★ — mbm100, Feb. 2016** > As the owners of one of the lake homes that Baratto Brothers have posted on this site, I wanted to give a review. 1000% positive experience. We did a design build, leaving essentially only the driveway and 90% of the foundation. So net, a new cabin. Cleaned up everyday. > > Joel and team have been spectacular. Quality of detail always there. And not just the BB team, but the subs to include Wes @ Vision Electric, Don the stone master, Scott at Cross Lake, TJ the Plummer, Don at Wood Products, Sarah @ RemWhirl, and more I don't mean to forget. > > We all worked together and brought ideas and the cabin turned out better for it. > > We changed our minds on things during the build and all came off without a hitch. We even just did a remodel of an area that we didn't love. Small project, same professionalism. > > As we finished construction, the storm of the century hit Gull Lake. We lost 38 trees that were over 75 years old. Multiple people from BB walked over 2 miles climbing over downed trees the whole way to check in the house. Joel, Ben, and Eric all came separately. Wow. Only small hole in one place and they patched it immediately. Then they quickly fixed the other cosmetic issues ASAP after the trees were removed. > > I cannot recommend them more highly. Professional. Fun. Nice. **Comment from Baratto Brothers Construction:** > Thank you for the great review, and public support. Your project was amazing and we enjoyed the process with you! **★★★★★ — Matthew Dickinson, Jan. 2016** > I had a project that I hired a contractor for in June of 2015 everything looked like it was going to be a good experience 4-5 weeks depending on weather. One thing led to another and we were sitting at 8 weeks I parted ways with that contractor and hired Baratto Brother Construction. I was completely blown away with the professionalism and response to my needs. Baratto Brothers finished up siding, putting in windows and fixing a few mistakes on my deck from the previous contractor. The craftsmanship and finishing work that Baratto Brothers did is COMPLETELY amazing, we are 110% satisfied with the work they completed. Next time we have a remodel or build a new house Baratto with be my first choice. Thanks to the guys at Baratto Brothers I was able to enjoy the remodel of my house for the rest of the summer. **★★★★★ — Ann Harren, Oct. 2015** > Baratto Brothers replaced our deck and added on a screen porch for us this year. They did an awesome job. We were impressed with their craftsmanship and attention to detail. We are very happy with our new space and would highly recommend them! Thank-you Baratto Brothers!! **★★★★★ — Liv4 Architecture, Oct. 2014** > We have had the privilege of collaborating with Baratto Brothers on several projects. Baratto Brothers always delivers a high level of expertise and craftsmanship to each project built. They continually complement the quality of the design process we strive to bring our clients. **★★★★★ — upnorth10, Oct. 2014** > We had the pleasure of working with the talented team at Baratto Brothers in the construction of our new home. Thier passion for quality and service are evident from start to finish. We love our new place and highly recommend them! **★★★★★ — joelf1982, Oct. 2014** > Baratto Brothers custom craftsmen built our Lake residence, and the Baratto Commercial division general contracted our manufacturing facility!! They have the most incredible craftsman....creative, efficient and reliable. As well, the commercial division got our facility in on time, on budget and exceeded our expectations. Baratto is our builder for life! Dan & Leah Heggerston 218-839-1869 ## Selected projects - [Big Pine Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/big-pine-retreat-pj-vj~5323097) - Location: Aitkin, MN - Photos: 27 - [Bars / Man Caves](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bars-man-caves-pj-vj~5527236) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 30 - [South Cross Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-cross-residence-pj-vj~2183483) - Location: Crosslake, MN - Photos: 16 - [Wilson Bay Getaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wilson-bay-getaway-pj-vj~1509631) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This spectacular remodeling project began with a 1980's style lake home. Baratto Brothers designers went to work to transform the residence into a masterpiece. This project began February 2015 and the Owners were moved in by June 1st, 2105. - [Lake Edward Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-edward-retreat-pj-vj~1945708) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: New construction Lake Edward (Brainerd Lakes Area) - [Bay Lake Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bay-lake-retreat-pj-vj~286773) - Location: Bay Lake, MN - Photos: 15 - Description: Rustic Cottage home finished in 2013. - [Grave Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grave-lake-pj-vj~1581567) - Location: Brainerd, MN - Photos: 10 - [Pine Beach Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pine-beach-retreat-pj-vj~2163100) - Location: Baxter, MN - Photos: 10 - [Wabigoniss Shores](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wabigoniss-shores-pj-vj~292122) - Location: Crosslake, MN - Photos: 36 - [Bass Lake Trail](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bass-lake-trail-pj-vj~286803) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 32 - [Urbans Point Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urbans-point-cottage-pj-vj~291885) - Location: Crosslake, MN - Photos: 25 - [Scandinavian Paradise](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scandinavian-paradise-pj-vj~283543) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - [Silver Peak Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/silver-peak-cottage-pj-vj~302039) - Location: Crosslake, MN - Photos: 40 - [Kimball Shores](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kimball-shores-pj-vj~1364473) - Location: Crosslake, MN - Photos: 15 - Description: Kimball lake residence - [Lake Edward Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-edward-sanctuary-pj-vj~1512968) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [South Bay Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-bay-cabin-pj-vj~768054) - Location: Crosslake, MN - Photos: 6 - Description: A charming 3,800 square foot home located in Crosslake, MN. This home features 3 bedrooms and a bonus room above the garage which is completed with 4 custom bunk beds. Maintenance free exterior, slate patio and pine trim throughout the interior of the home. For more information please contact Baratto Brothers Construction. - [Ruttger Point](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ruttger-point-pj-vj~286666) - Location: Crosslake, MN - Photos: 21 - [Mission Lake Point](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mission-lake-point-pj-vj~286873) - Location: Merrifield, MN - Photos: 12 - [Ossie Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ossie-lodge-pj-vj~382546) - Location: Breezy Point, MN - Photos: 9 - Description: Baratto Brothers Construction was fortunate enough to work with the Owners to design, build and manage this award winning project. This home features a large great room, custom kitchen with copper a hood, bunk room for the kids, sauna, hot tub room, wine cellar and spectacular master bedroom. Home finished include wood flooring, slate, tongue and groove ceilings, stone fireplaces, and custom wood beams. - [Lake Ada](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-ada-pj-vj~291987) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/baratto-brothers-construction-pfvwus-pf~1988579156) ## Ideabooks - [Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117122016/list/exteriors) — 33 ideas - [Greatrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90047339/list/greatrooms) — 37 ideas - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59969539/list/kitchens) — 31 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90047097/list/bathrooms) — 20 ideas - [Big Pine Lake Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117121921/list/big-pine-lake-retreat) — 23 ideas - [Bunk Beds](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62389235/list/bunk-beds) — 14 ideas [See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/barattobrothers) ## Community Q&A **Q: Floor Joists: Lumber, I-Joists or Trusses** *(in Building a Home)* For those who are building or have recently built a home with large rooms/spans over a crawl space or basement, what was your choice of floor joists/material/type and reasoning for your decision? Our home in NJ used I-Joists and we had zero squeaks. New code for standard I-Joists requires covering lower surfaces with gypsum board for fire protection (like in crawlspace or unfinished basement). A: I would highly recommend open web floor trusses, and we space all of ours at 20". All ductwork, electrical, gas lines, etc can run through them so you do not have to frame soffits in on the lower level. We also use 3/4" tongue and groove plywood for our subfloors. The plywood is BOTH glued and screwed to prevent and squeaks. **Q: Cedar trim and shake color** *(in Photo Questions)* Just curious what stain was used on the trim and shakes. Thanks. A: This was finished with a natural stain. **Q: Depth of home?** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you share the approximate depth of this home? This is a similar layout to what we are designing and I like this size. Thank you! A: 30' **Q: What was used on ceiling?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Reclaimed metal. **Q: beams** *(in Photo Questions)* what kind of wood are the beams & are they solid A: Good Afternoon. The beams are boxed out of pine 1x. We miter and glue everything in our shop. Thank you for the question! **Q: What is the stone on the fireplace?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Stone was purchased from Brock White in Brainerd, MN --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-01.*