"We had a water leak in an upstairs bathroom that damaged a downstairs ceiling and the subfloor. He brought in his subs to replace the flooring, subfloor, toilet flange, sheetrock, ceiling, popcorn texture, and painting. Everything he did and all of his subcontractors were fantastic. Highly recommend Luke and his professionalism."
"I called Jeff to get his thoughts on some asbestos duct insulation in the basement of a house we were making an offer on. He was out with an appointment, but called back ASAP and asked for all the details, then walked me through what he would do in my situation. Incredibly, even though his livelihood is asbestos mitigation, he recommended I leave it alone (he said since there was so little asbestos, and the insulation tape was in good enough shape, it'd actually be worse to try and remove it). He was extremely courteous and knowledgeable, and even though his advice meant that I wouldn't be hiring him, he has my recommendation for anyone who actually DOES have an asbestos problem. "
"They did a good job. The roof looks good and is holding up so far. They cleaned up the yard when they were done and were not too noisy while they were doing the job.
"It is a waste of money. The great majority of people are not going to find any value out of the service. If you need design consultation, you need a full service consultation. If you already have knowledge and experience, and you just need to get a few ideas, then you don't need to pay for that. You can just get a magazine or a book since you already have the knowledge of basic designs in your head or a little bit of experience. To have someone call you and give you information over the phone, you are not getting the personal service that you need. You may as well take the money $49 and apply it to something else like getting someone else to come out and give you the service that you need. Because, you are not getting much, you are not getting anything at all. They are going to have you do the work. After talking to them and I was talking to other home designers, I found out that that was a waste of time and waste of money. I gave them a C because they didn't fail at what they do but they don't offer any value for what they do. There's not much value to it. The cost was fair. They didn't do a terrible job and the cost isn't terrible, it was only $49. It just has a very low value. For responsiveness I gave them a B because they will answer your phone and answer your emails."
Fair Repair and Remodel - one call does it all! With 25 years experience in full remodels, repairs, and new installations, we're excited to deliver a level of quality and craftsmanship unrivaled in the area. Please call us today to see how we can help! \n
"The team was prompt and very detailed, was able to pivot and suggest little changes that improved the overall look. They reconstructed a soffit and several bathroom and bedroom walls to enhance the appearance. I asked for non textured ceilings and they are flawless. Great communication throughout the job…I will rehire again in the future!!"
We are a 3rd generation family owned and operated construction company. Briggs and Rabehl Builders LLC is a licensed general contractor in MN, that specializes in home remodeling, additions, garages and post frame buildings. With well over 30+ years in the trades, we have the experience and know how to complete all of your projects.
"I would have to say this is one of the best companies out there if I was to hire anyone again, it would definitely be Phil he does quality workmanship, very honest, very professional. We have used him for several bathroom remodels and we are never disappointed would highly recommend hiring this company."
A finished basement does not always count as square footage, as this varies by state regulations. In areas that allow below-grade spaces to be included in a home's official square footage, the basement must typically meet certain conditions. These conditions often include having a functional egress and being a livable space with flooring, finished walls, and temperature control. To be certain, contact your local assessor to confirm your area's specific policies regarding basement square footage.
Unless you have extensive experience in construction work, remodeling a basement is best left to a professional. There are several tasks associated with this project that require exact precision, including:
Replacing insulation
Replacing carpet or other flooring
Adding heating and cooling
Adjusting or adding walls and doors
Altering or adding plumbing elements
If any of these elements is done incorrectly, it could severely impact the quality of your basement remodel and be dangerous. Changing a basement often comes with code safety requirements, like egress windows and proper ventilation. Therefore, leaving it up to a professional is often the best decision.
Yes, most general contractors require an initial down payment. A reasonable deposit is typically between 10% and 25% of the total project cost, although this can vary by project size and location. This upfront payment helps the contractor cover initial costs like materials, permits, licensing, and hiring subcontractors. The remaining balance is usually billed according to a schedule outlined in your contract, often tied to project milestones or completion dates. Be cautious of contractors who ask for a large deposit of 50% or more, as this could be a red flag for a scam.
Yes, you can add a door to your basement—it might even be required, depending on building codes in your area and whether or not you’re using the basement as a bedroom. A basement contractor can give you some advice on installation and help you add a door to your basement.
Efficient appliance positioning, optimizing existing plumbing, and sourcing energy-efficient materials reduce financial impact and increase sustainability.
The Lewiston, MN homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Hiring a bad basement remodeler can wreak havoc on the look and longevity of your unfinished space. Here are red flags to look for as you vet basement contractors.
