The driveway is approximately 90' long and starts at an 8' width at the roadway, widening to 36' where the asphalt meets concrete apron. The existing base was recycled asphalt on top rock and some poor Class 5. The driveway is fairly steep and where the drainage was directed was a concern which they worked at correcting. What was to happen was that the recycled asphalt was to be scraped off, saved and reused as the base material while the poorer base material would be removed. The recycled asphalt would then be reused, leveled and compacted in preparation for the installation of the finished product. The job was completed and looked great. About 3 years after the installation, long cracks started appearing and we attributed them to areas where power lines were trenched and the ground was not compacted totally. Spider-web like cracked areas started appearing shortly after the long cracks and last summer we started experiencing sink holes in the driveway along a line that stretched from the concrete to one side of the drive. The first happened under the front tire of a contractor's pickup. The next just started appearing not too far away from the first and the most recent happened last week under my own truck tire. These holes we attributed to an area that was not compacted very well. After the first sink hole appeared last summer, we called Howard's Driveway to ask him to come over and give us an estimate to repair the driveway. We thought much of the damage was caused by the equipment that was used during our year-long landscaping projects. He never even returned our call which made me suspicious. It is now another summer and almost 7 years after installation. The real truth was revealed today. Another contractor we called to access the damage and repair the driveway started the project. Our expectation of repairing the driveway has turned into a total removal of the work done by Howard's and replacement of the asphalt and all the underlying base materials. We discovered that where the large spider-web cracks were, the asphalt was less than 1" thick and many areas, this one included, were applied directly over clay. The recycled asphalt base I had was very scarce leading me to believe that it was scraped off and resold to someone else. Poor quality fill and straight clay is what I have left. There were many other areas where the asphalt was only 1" deep too and it was this reason that the entire driveway is being replaced. I took many photos of the entire home building process and reviewed them today after the new contractor removed the existing asphalt. I was appalled to see what was under the existing asphalt verses what was my pictures showed how the original driveway looked before the first asphalt job was started. What we saw today was poor-grade Class 5 and clay with little to no recycled asphalt. My advice is to seek driveway services elsewhere and do some research. When we contracted Howard's in the first place, we were not looking for the cheapest price as we did not even get another bid. Being new to the area, we relied on the advertizing of the contractor and what he described that he would provide. I plan on reviewing the current contractor too, but I have many positive reviews from others and the current contractor is trusted by the state highway department and local government and business customers. "},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/mn/menahga/howard%27s-driveway-paving-reviews-5898644.htm"},"position":7},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"Larry Olson","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"MN","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Jan J."},"reviewBody":"Larry was a jewel to work with. He is a certified contractor and is known for his custom home building, but he also does handyman work and is great at figuring out what to do, how to do it and get it done in the most efficient way. He was able to pick up needed supplies and did very little running around which would have used up precious time and money. We paid him $50/hr, which is not cheap, but he is extremely efficient and was able to also save us money through suggestions of how to do a job for less and yet make it look good, without compromising quality. After the house sold and there was some continued work to be done due to the Inspection report, the realtor was able to contact Larry, since we were no longer living in the area, and he quickly came and completed the needed work. Since he is a certified contractor the work he did and his opinions were accepted without question. I highly recommend him - which we have done to other friends and they are also extremely pleased with his work and with his wonderful attitude. "},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/mn/plymouth/larry-olson-reviews-7919289.htm"},"position":8},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"First Class Moving Systems Inc","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"MN","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Cathleen C."},"reviewBody":"My husband and I hired First Class Moving to pack and move our home contents from Safety Harbor, FL to Fargo, ND. I did as much research as one can do without having personal or business recommendations. I researched Angie?s List, The Better Business Bureau and by searching the internet and looking for reviews. It was pretty scary, I?ll admit, because it seems that there were only negative comments everywhere I looked; on all the big carriers. Since this was a rather sudden relocation, and a decision had to be made; I went with First Class Moving. Basically because they had an A or a B on Angie?s list, and I couldn?t find anything negative posted on the Internet. Our salesman, Phil. was extremely helpful, polite, and available; until we signed the contract. After that, you couldn?t get a hold of Phil if your life depended on it. We paid to have all our things packed, and moved to Fargo with most being delivered to my apartment, but several things going to my son?s garage in Fargo. We paid extra for the second stop. It would take too long to write this as a narrative, in paragraph form. And since I have already wasted many hours (and elevated Blood Pressures) I?m going to list the problems as they occurred. 1- Lead packer went through our house and garage with my husband labeling what would be going to the first stop and what would be going to the second. This was crucial as it determined what got loaded where. At 6pm they discovered they had no mattress box. No Phil, several attempts to reach him to find out how to get a mattress box were unsuccessful. I did leave him several messages and he never got back to me, ever. Not even the next day. Had to hope that my $1800 mattress would survive squeezed into the truck unprotected. 2- They packed on the 14th, loaded on the 15th and would deliver between the 22nd and the 26th. Our driver was insistent that he would be there before Thanksgiving (the 24th). We got a call on the Wednesday before stating he would be there Friday. Got a call Friday saying they would be there on Saturday. 3- Truck arrived here at the apartment in Fargo approx 10 am Saturday the 26th. They began to unload when they decided that for some reason, it looked like the second stop items were up front and so they would go there first. They get to my son?s house, only to discover that there were only a few items of the second stop in front. But it was too late. They had to unload ALL OF OUR STUFF at my son?s house; onto the lawn and driveway; to get to the items to be stored at his house. It was during this fiasco that they dropped and broke a floor lamp. And threw it away. Once they got all the stuff off and into my son?s garage; they had to load everything back on the truck and bring it back to my apartment. Keep in mind that they un-wrapped all the furniture to see what went where and did not take care to re-wrap it when they put it back on the truck. 4- When they finally got back here to my apartment (the FIRST stop) it was after 4; and getting dark and it was cold. They had hired local workers, who refused to carry anything up the stairs. My apartment is located at the end of the building on the second floor. There is a staircase RIGHT WHERE THE TRUCK RAMP WAS that was ONE short flight up to my apartment. Instead, they carried everything down a very long hall to put it on an elevator. I stayed in the apartment at first. But when I went down to check, I could not believe my eyes. My stuff was EVERYWHERE!! In the hall by the elevator on the first floor, unattended. In the hall by the elevator on the 2nd floor, unattended. And in the elevator. I actually got on the elevator and lo and behold, there was some of my furniture. All by itself, riding up and down the elevator!!! I said something to one of the workers about using the stairs. And he said to me: ?Lady, you?re lucky you got anybody here to help you on this holiday weekend.? I was speechless, but not for long. I told him if he didn?t want to work in the cold he should go home, and he did. My son and I ended up having to move things off the truck and into my apartment or it would have taken several days to get it done. BTW, the truck driver? Never got out of the truck!!! Ever, not once. What a fiasco this was turning out to be. 5- I was trying to check off the inventory of things, which is very difficult to do in an organized manner; never mind in what was a complete cluster f***. Around 8 or 9 pm they said they were done, that they had unloaded everything of mine. Not quite. I still didn?t see my 100 year old dining room buffet. Now, keep in mind this piece is 55 inches long, 42 inches high and 42 inches deep. How do you miss that? And it weighs about 500 lbs!!! He says, ?well I?ll go check, but I didn?t see anything like that?. But he did find it, in someone else?s load on another part of the trailer. 6- After they left, and the next day, and the week after. I began to take note of what wasn?t there and what was broken. I was missing my vacuum, a standing teak shelf, a wooden file cabinet on wheels, and a box with decorative items and wooden shelves. They broke a standing wooden mirror, 2 antique sofa tables, a lamp, my IKEA wall laundry system, and 2 bikes (gears are crushed). 7- I have pictures of how some of the boxes were packed; ridiculous. For example, they would wrap a couple of loose paper clips and some coins in several layers of paper. Yet they put my all-in-one printer and a new scanner in a box together, sideways, with no protection between them!!!! 8- I spoke with Renee Archer several times during this move. She works in the office at First Class Moving. I spoke with her the day after the load about the mattress box and she was so nice and helpful and told me if there was anything wrong with the mattress she would help me get a claim filed and it resolved. I have realized she was only this nice during that call because they hadn?t gotten paid yet. I spoke with the First Class Moving office via phone and email over the next several days after the move. I sent pictures of the damages. And finally Renee told me that there was nothing that they could do. That they were only an agent for North American and it was out of their hands. I could not believe my ears. This information was in no way shared with us when we signed the contract. They made it seem as if they were a franchise type company. She would do nothing for me except let someone know at North American that I would be making a claim. So she pretty much lied to me when she told me she would help me earlier in the move. 9- We submitted a claim with North American, online. Got a call from a local gentleman here in Fargo who said he contracted with North American and would be handling my claim. He came over, took some pictures; and took one of the sofa tables to repair it. He came back with the sofa table about 2 weeks later. And really hadn?t done anything to it. I haven?t heard from him since. Nor have I heard from North American about my claim. 10- We didn?t get the North American insurance coverage on our items because my husband had called our renters insurance company and they said it was covered under that policy, for 30 days after move. Plus, our salesman Phil said ?they never have problems?. Well, turns out our renters isn?t going to cover it either (that?s a whole other complaint). So we are out a few hundred dollars worth of stuff.,"},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/fl/tampa/first-class-moving-systems-inc-reviews-155693.htm"},"position":9},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"FLOWERS INC BUILDER DESIGNER","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"MN","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Dean O."},"reviewBody":"Dave is meticulous, professional , and a gifted Master Carpenter. He keeps the finances simple (you pick out everything before you start so you know where you will end up). He is not the fastest builder around, but if you want a home that you will cherish, have him build it for you!"},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/mn/owatonna/flowers-inc-builder-designer-reviews-457102.htm"},"position":10}]}
Treehouse Building reviews from real Angi homeowners in Detroit Lakes, MN
Brad did all the plumbing in our new build. He was thorough and came in under everyone elseâ s bid. We were difficult at times with deciding what we wanted but he was patient and walked us through all options. I would definitely recommend him.
James V.
5.0
08/2024
A 44=95 floor for a steel building and 2 patios on time and great looking
Larry was a jewel to work with. He is a certified contractor and is known for his custom home building, but he also does handyman work and is great at figuring out what to do, how to do it and get it done in the most efficient way. He was able to pick up needed supplies and did very little...
Cathleen C.
1.0
01/2012
My husband and I hired First Class Moving to pack and move our home contents from Safety Harbor, FL to Fargo, ND. I did as much research as one can do without having personal or business recommendations. I researched Angie?s List, The Better Business Bureau and by searching the internet and...
Dean O.
5.0
07/2011
Dave is meticulous, professional , and a gifted Master Carpenter. He keeps the finances simple (you pick out everything before you start so you know where you will end up). He is not the fastest builder around, but if you want a home that you will cherish, have him build it for you!
Handyman Work. 25 yrs experience in the handyman fields of plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, Construction. I can Build decks, put in doors and do trim work. Sheet rock repair and tape and. Texture if need be. Can do flooring. Cabinets
"Bradley did a wonderful job fixing my roof. The work was done well and another important thing - he was genuinely kind and accommodating. He reached out and was able to schedule with me very quickly. It was a pleasure to meet him and I'd definitely reach out for additional work."
Vicky S on October 2025
Handyman Work. 25 yrs experience in the handyman fields of plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, Construction. I can Build decks, put in doors and do trim work. Sheet rock repair and tape and. Texture if need be. Can do flooring. Cabinets
"Bradley did a wonderful job fixing my roof. The work was done well and another important thing - he was genuinely kind and accommodating. He reached out and was able to schedule with me very quickly. It was a pleasure to meet him and I'd definitely reach out for additional work."
Our firm is a dynamic provider of drafting and house plan services, dedicated to turning your visions into tangible and pleasing structures. With a commitment to excellence, we bring expertise and innovation to every project we undertake. We specialize in comprehensive drafting services tailored to meet diverse client needs. Our offering include: Design: Crafting unique and functional designs that blend creativity with practicality. Drafting Services: Precision and attention to detail in creating accurate and detailed drafts for seamless project execution. 3D Modeling: Bringing designs to life with realistic 3D models that provide a vivid preview of the final structure. Project Management: From concept to completion, we offer end-to-end project management ensuring timely and efficient delivery. Interior Design: Enhancing spaces with innovative interior designs that harmonize aesthetics and functionality. Detail Services Offered: - Building Code Compliance - Construction Documentation - Renovation and Remodeling Plans About our Team: Our team comprises draftsman and project managers, each bringing a unique skill, style and experience to the table. Collaborative teamwork and alliance is at the core of our success, ensuring a holist approach to every project. We take pride in our commitment to delivering high-quality work on every project. Our rigorous quality control measures, pays attention to client requirements, and adherence to industry standards are the cornerstones of our success. Your satisfaction is our top priority and guarantee. At Evolution Drafting, we don't design structures; we create environments that inspire and endure. Work with us and experience the art of living.
"slow response times. no onsite visit, so had to confirm all measures myself. good product in the end."
Jim E on September 2025
Our firm is a dynamic provider of drafting and house plan services, dedicated to turning your visions into tangible and pleasing structures. With a commitment to excellence, we bring expertise and innovation to every project we undertake. We specialize in comprehensive drafting services tailored to meet diverse client needs. Our offering include: Design: Crafting unique and functional designs that blend creativity with practicality. Drafting Services: Precision and attention to detail in creating accurate and detailed drafts for seamless project execution. 3D Modeling: Bringing designs to life with realistic 3D models that provide a vivid preview of the final structure. Project Management: From concept to completion, we offer end-to-end project management ensuring timely and efficient delivery. Interior Design: Enhancing spaces with innovative interior designs that harmonize aesthetics and functionality. Detail Services Offered: - Building Code Compliance - Construction Documentation - Renovation and Remodeling Plans About our Team: Our team comprises draftsman and project managers, each bringing a unique skill, style and experience to the table. Collaborative teamwork and alliance is at the core of our success, ensuring a holist approach to every project. We take pride in our commitment to delivering high-quality work on every project. Our rigorous quality control measures, pays attention to client requirements, and adherence to industry standards are the cornerstones of our success. Your satisfaction is our top priority and guarantee. At Evolution Drafting, we don't design structures; we create environments that inspire and endure. Work with us and experience the art of living.
"slow response times. no onsite visit, so had to confirm all measures myself. good product in the end."
If you are looking for the most reliable, trustworthy, and reputable new construction contractor servicing the greater Otter Tail county and parts of Douglas, or anything surrounding the lakes, you have found the right guy. There are very few projects I can't do--but I specialize in New Home Builds, home additions, major renovations and remodeling. I'm open to anything residential and commercial. Call today for an estimate!
"Very personable , does a nice job and is always ready for a new project."
Grant S on December 2020
If you are looking for the most reliable, trustworthy, and reputable new construction contractor servicing the greater Otter Tail county and parts of Douglas, or anything surrounding the lakes, you have found the right guy. There are very few projects I can't do--but I specialize in New Home Builds, home additions, major renovations and remodeling. I'm open to anything residential and commercial. Call today for an estimate!
"Very personable , does a nice job and is always ready for a new project."
We specialize in all things drywall! We offer drywall repair, drywall installation, taping and finishing. we always do our best to communicate with customers and making customers happy is our goal! We also offer handyman services to help you with whatever it is you may need done!
We specialize in all things drywall! We offer drywall repair, drywall installation, taping and finishing. we always do our best to communicate with customers and making customers happy is our goal! We also offer handyman services to help you with whatever it is you may need done!
We specialize in all phases of roofing and siding services, repairs, replacements, installs, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!
"I was very happy with the whole process. Straight forward honest. Roof turned out great done on time and very clean. Would recommend to anyone."
Josh B on December 2024
We specialize in all phases of roofing and siding services, repairs, replacements, installs, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!
"I was very happy with the whole process. Straight forward honest. Roof turned out great done on time and very clean. Would recommend to anyone."
Residential home builders/remodeler in the heart of Minnesota’s lakes country. We are a father son owned business who strive for excellence and pride in our craftsmanship.
Residential home builders/remodeler in the heart of Minnesota’s lakes country. We are a father son owned business who strive for excellence and pride in our craftsmanship.
We are an Architecture and design firm that focuses on forward thinking design for your special place on the planet. In a time when you can live, work, learn, and play almost anywhere you want, we believe your surroundings should be designed to fit you perfectly. Our staff has over two decades of experience in a wide variety of project types to serve you better - Architecture, Sustainability, Historic Preservation, Interior Design, Art, Landscape Architecture, History, and more. We like to consider ourselves "Renaissance People" - experience and knowledge in a wide variety of topics to help synthesize and come up with unique and truly special design solutions for you.
We are an Architecture and design firm that focuses on forward thinking design for your special place on the planet. In a time when you can live, work, learn, and play almost anywhere you want, we believe your surroundings should be designed to fit you perfectly. Our staff has over two decades of experience in a wide variety of project types to serve you better - Architecture, Sustainability, Historic Preservation, Interior Design, Art, Landscape Architecture, History, and more. We like to consider ourselves "Renaissance People" - experience and knowledge in a wide variety of topics to help synthesize and come up with unique and truly special design solutions for you.
Mr. Sharp specializes in tool sharpening services for your business and home. We sharpen knives, scissors, garden and workshop tools, beauty salon tools and more. We sharpen what others can't! We are a Marlborough, MA based company and provide our services in all 51 states in the United States. Our prices and turnaround times are extremely competitive. We strive to make your life better by providing excellent, fast and easy sharpening services. Our customers can bring their kits to our store at any time and drop them off in the drop box located near the store entrance. Also, if you are not in the area, we will send you a tracking label to ensure your beloved tools get to our store quickly and safely. Vladimir, the owner of Mr. Sharp, started sharpening knives when he worked as a chef in the kitchen for many years. He honed his skills before founding Mr. Sharp in October 2017. His main responsibility is to keep other chefs safe by sharpening kitchen tools. Later on, Mr. Sharp Company expanded its services! We now specialize in sharpening a wide variety of tools in many industries such as horticulture, cosmetology, woodworking, and more! We are proud to work with businesses and individual households. Today, Mr. Sharp strives to become one of the best sharpening services in the United States and continue to expand our sharpening skills to benefit every customer across the country.
Mr. Sharp specializes in tool sharpening services for your business and home. We sharpen knives, scissors, garden and workshop tools, beauty salon tools and more. We sharpen what others can't! We are a Marlborough, MA based company and provide our services in all 51 states in the United States. Our prices and turnaround times are extremely competitive. We strive to make your life better by providing excellent, fast and easy sharpening services. Our customers can bring their kits to our store at any time and drop them off in the drop box located near the store entrance. Also, if you are not in the area, we will send you a tracking label to ensure your beloved tools get to our store quickly and safely. Vladimir, the owner of Mr. Sharp, started sharpening knives when he worked as a chef in the kitchen for many years. He honed his skills before founding Mr. Sharp in October 2017. His main responsibility is to keep other chefs safe by sharpening kitchen tools. Later on, Mr. Sharp Company expanded its services! We now specialize in sharpening a wide variety of tools in many industries such as horticulture, cosmetology, woodworking, and more! We are proud to work with businesses and individual households. Today, Mr. Sharp strives to become one of the best sharpening services in the United States and continue to expand our sharpening skills to benefit every customer across the country.
FAQs for treehouse building projects in Detroit Lakes, MN
The average cost to hire a handyman ranges from about $40 to $140 per hour. Average project cost ranges between $180 and $700, but the cost per hour and per project depends heavily on the type, size, and complexity of the project. The pro’s experience level and your location also factor into how much a handyman charges per hour or per project. You can also expect to pay higher rates or additional fees for emergency services, or around periods of high customer demand, like holidays.
One starting point to find a local home builder is to collect suggestions from friends and neighbors. However, it’s still wise to do some more research before you hire a builder. Read reviews to supplement any word-of-mouth recommendations. Check sources like Angi that have standards and criteria in place to screen the pros it lists can also help you find more reputable local home builders.
Typically, it’s more affordable to buy an existing home than it is to build a new one. New construction loan interest rates tend to be higher than interest rates for traditional mortgages. Additionally, the cost of materials is likely higher when building a new home than it was when an existing home was built (unless it’s a very new one). You’re also paying for all new appliances, finishes, permits, inspections, and connections for water, gas, and electricity.
Knowing if you need an architect for your project can be tricky, especially if you've never worked with one before. In general, small remodeling projects like replacing fixtures typically don't require the expertise of an architect. However, larger projects, like moving walls or adding an addition to your home, should include an architect to ensure the project is structurally sound.
The cost to build a detached garage for two cars costs about $26,400 on average. Prices range from $19,200 to $33,600, depending on your location, the garage size, height, materials, and site prep required. Additional cost factors include any plumbing, electrical wiring, and insulation. If you need to build a concrete foundation for a new detached garage, you can expect to pay $1,000 to $8,600 for this essential addition.
The Detroit Lakes, MN homeowners’ guide to treehouse building services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Learn about Renaissance-style architecture, including what defines the form and how to incorporate the crucial elements of style and design into your home.
Discover the cost of converting a duplex to a single-family home. Learn average prices, key factors, and tips to plan your conversion project with confidence.