Bluestem Remodeling

We used Bluestem Construction design and build services to remodel our 1950 ranch house in Southeast Minneapolis. Our goal was to make this home the place where we could age in place. To do that, we wanted to get laundry on the main floor (out of the basement) and to remodel the dysfunctional kitchen. We were impressed with the way Bluestem worked with us to realize our goals, going through an extensive design process to arrive at a set of layout options. We decided to not increase the footprint and the clever work by the design team resulted in meeting our goals and not giving up a space for short-term guests. Once construction started, we grew even more impressed. The minimal amount of demolition that was needed was accomplished with no impact on the rest of the house. I continued to live in the house while work was going on (using the finished basement space for the later stages of the project) and was no inconvenienced in the least. I marveled at watching the construction team sweating over sixteenths of inches when installing cabinets and putting in extra effort to ensure things were level and plumb. That dedication to precision is evident in all the work they did for us. Communication is the Bluestem strong suit. Every day I received an email from the construction lead letting me know what was scheduled for the next day as well as what was accomplished on the day. In addition, working with Tamatha on finding and acquiring the fixtures, hardware, and other elements needed to complete the project was highlighted by communication. We made selections, she cataloged them for our confirmation, and after we confirmed, purchases were made. Overall, the project organization and communication made the project stress-free for us. We always knew what was going on and when things would be happening. I've heard horror stories from friends about contractors that disappear for weeks at a time, or the schedule being delayed due to a subcontractor being booked for other work. None of that kind of thing happened for us. The major portions of the project took about three months to complete and the projected finish date slipped by only about one week over that time. (Finishing touches took a bit longer, but that was largely due to some items we selected being back-ordered and out of Bluestem's control.) We have every intention of working with Bluestem again should we need additional work done.

I hired Bluestem to build an upstairs addition. They had to tear off about 2/3 of the top of my house and then built a full second story. The addition was nicely integrated into the rest of the house. Bluestem used high quality materials and the workmanship was excellent. They were virtually always on time with their projections, they are excellent communicators, and they were extremely clean. For example, at one point they had to tear out a huge section of wall in my downstairs to allow for ductwork and when I came home that night it took me over an hour to even notice the gaping hole because they had cleaned up so well and put the furniture back where it was. I highly recommend Bluestem.

Bluestem partnered every step of the way during our porch addition. They provided great solutions to finish the house we remodeled 10 years ago. The design process was a lot of fun and they allowed us to take a break when a family event was happening. We were really impressed with everyone we worked with during the 8 weeks. Our neighbors only had the best things to say about how kind and conscientious the workers were. We love our porch!

Bluestem did a complete remodel on our kitchen/dining space, plus some work on other areas of the house. Mike came up with a plan for the space that would never have occurred to us, and it works beautifully. The whole team took the time to listen to us and get to know what we needed and wanted. Communication was excellent throughout the project. It was easy to track the budget and schedule. When one of the subcontractors messed up, the Bluestem team worked very hard to make sure the problem was completely corrected to our satisfaction. These are great people to work with. Highly recommended.

Bluestem finished our basement. It was a very collaborative project because they kept involve with the whole planning process and gave us a lot of options when deciding fixtures and cabinets. They put in a bathroom, two bedrooms and a great room which included a wet bar setup complete with a gas fireplace. They did a great job and we truly enjoy the space they've created for us. Do include them when considering contractors!

We had a great experience with Bluestem. Mike, designer, Tamitha, project manager, and Ron, construction manager, were all fabulous. They started by listening to what we wanted, giving us ideas and suggestions, and then coming in on time and on budget. Their website with back and forth questions, answers, and confirming money spent was easy to use and their emails were easy to reply to. They responded quickly if we had an issue during construction - even late on a Friday night. We have a one year warranty and know that we can call them anytime if we need them. Highly recommended!!

Bluestem has a great team that works very well together. They do quality work and use quality materials. They do an excellent job of listening to a homeowner’s needs and coming up with ideas that work for the space.

We were introduced to Bluestem thru our community home improvement show. Right from the start, the staff was knowledgeable, approachable, and willing to listen to our ideas, wants, and needs. Bluestem is a design/build firm and worked with us every step of the way. Timothy and Tamatha are very personable with a great work ethic. When something wasn't quite right, they were quick to investigate and resolve the issue satisfactorily. They were also very patient as new ideas came up during the planning and build process. Tamatha's designer eye was invaluable in helping us pick out colors, materials, and fixtures. We are so grateful to have worked with her. Our project started in May and finished in late September, just about the timeframe estimated by Bluestem. We couldn't be happier with the results of our newly updated home. We added a shed dormer across the back half of our 1.5 story home, adding a new master bath, walk-in closet, and office. Everything feels so spacious and full of light.

Bluestem Construction was great to work with from the estimate, to the design, and finally the finished product. We are thrilled with our new space and can't imagine it any other way.

The Bluestem Team was really great to work with. Starting with the design process all the way through the final nitpicks on the punch list. Tamatha really "got" our vision. Our project was a major kitchen gut-job, adding lighting throughout our main level/ basement and other large projects. Bluestem's communication software during the project was great. We are going to hire them for our upcoming bathroom reno/ remodel.

We always enjoy working with Bluestem Construction! Their exceptional team has a great design ethic, works closely with customers to realize their vision, and creates a fun, dynamic experience for all involved. We highly recommend Bluestem for your next remodel!

When we bought our 1916 Prairie School home, the house was hot water-heated by an ancient asbestos-covered furnace -- the "octopus" -- and the old kitchen looked like appliances randomly arranged in a small shed. Bluestem transformed our basement, re-plumbing and installing a combination hot water heater/furnace that fit under the stairwell, creating a spacious workshop area for woodworking tools & projects. After gutting the kitchen to the studs, moving the stack, and tearing out the old chimney, Bluestem designed a beautiful kitchen for us, creating an excellent work space with beautifully designed fir cabinets & breakfast nook. They even rebuilt the laundry chute from the second floor to the basement! Every day we are happy that we chose Bluestem to transform our home.