Castle Building & Remodeling
About us
Design Showroom Locations: -2600 Johnson Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 -362 Snelling Ave South, St. Paul, MN 55105 -5 W. Diamond Lake Road, Minneapolis, MN 55419 -4020 Minnehaha Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55406 Castle Building & Remodeling Inc is a professional design/build remodeling company that specializes in residential remodeling. Castle is a second-generation business with over 3,900 past clients. Our unique design studios in South Minneapolis, Highland Park, St. Paul and NE Minneapolis allow Castle’s interior designers to help you plan anything from handyman project, bath or kitchen remodel, all the way to the largest remodeling projects. Our detailed specifications and comprehensive planning process allows us to guarantee a favorable experience by ensuring there are no unforeseen costs and by providing a guaranteed completion date.
Business highlights
48 years of experience
Services we offer
Attics, Basements, Bathrooms, Castle Building & Remodeling is truly a Design & Build Remodeler. We have a large repertoire including: Kitchens, Design & Build Home Additions, Master Suite Additions, Second Floor Additions, and Interior Design Services. When hiring Castle BRI for your special project needs, and tile. We have some of the most skilled craftsmen anywhere in these disciplines on staff and they’re more than qualified to tackle these jobs for you. Finally, carpentry projects, demolition, doors/storm doors, drywall, framing, if your project requires little to no design work, interior doors and trim, painting, porches, then it most likely will be a great fit for our small projects team., we truly shine in the following categories: Decks (including side entry decks), windows
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Reviews
4.4126 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 64% | ||
| 20% | ||
| 10% | ||
| 2% | ||
| 3% |
Showing 101-125 of 126 reviews
Jill A.
Feb 2013
Excellent. On time and very professional.
Response from Castle Building & Remodeling
"Thanks for your positive comments. We work hard to achieve this level of satisfaction with all of our clients no matter what service we provide."
Jonathan E.
Feb 2013
They were very nice, however, after getting a bid to remodel two bathrooms and our basement - adding a bathroom, bedroom, storage, family room - their bid came in more than twice that of any other contractor we have spoken with. There was nothing that stood out about the bid that would have explained the price. I gave them a chance to re-bid and also asked for a bid for just our shower, for which we had purchased the Big Deal, and never heard back.
Response from Castle Building & Remodeling
"Thanks for the feedback. We would like to apologize to the member for our lack of follow up on the bid for just the shower. We completed the estimate but neglected to email it to the member. We do feel that we went above and beyond to draw plans and present conceptual 3D images of the space as well as a ballpark estimate of costs for their basement. Our ballpark estimates are based on templates and it is quite possible that the template was not a good fit for this basement project. We feel that we can be competitive with any other professional remodeling firm on price. We did not provide specific guaranteed pricing to the member and only provide this level of detail after completing the entire design and planning process, which involves a small upfront cost. We make it a priority to always give a great level of service and are sorry we did not live up to our own standards in this case."
Rebecca W.
Feb 2013
unknown
Deb L.
Feb 2013
We paid $55 for someone to come to our home and measure to give an estimate for flooring installation. I have now learned that this is a free service with all other flooring companies.
I very much wanted to support this small local business yet the products are too pricey and they charge for in-home estimates which should be free. I will take my business else where as I have found the same product for much cheaper on Angie's List with a different company.
I very much wanted to support this small local business yet the products are too pricey and they charge for in-home estimates which should be free. I will take my business else where as I have found the same product for much cheaper on Angie's List with a different company.
Response from Castle Building & Remodeling
"We do appreciate the feedback, but wanted to clarify that the $55 is a deposit that is applied in full to the flooring installation as a $55 credit. It is a service that is available to our customers, but is not required to order flooring. For customers who do choose this service they receive an in home review from a certified, bonded, and insured flooring installation specialist who makes recommendations on proper floor preparation, helps with best product selection, completes a full site measurement with diagrams/details, and establishes line items for all steps in the process-removal/disposal of existing flooring, moving appliances, removal/replacement of base trim, cutting down doors, etc and answers any project specific questions that may come up during the visit. Customers who select this opportunity appreciate the high level of personal service and the fact that the investment is fully refunded to the project."
MITCHELL R.
Jan 2013
The Castle representatives we worked with were helpful and knowledgeable. The work was scheduled promptly and completed on schedule. We were very pleased with the appearance and quality of the new vanity and toilet.
Hanan R.
Jan 2013
This was the best connection I have had with remodeling in our home since we purchased it 35 yrs ago. the designer listened to us and assisted in getting exactly what we wanted. She helped adjust the plans to fit our budget.
The construction management and all the subs were extremely responsive to our questions and requests.
the house was always cleaned every day when the workers left. this was a huge surprise.
I would strongly recommend this company for any remodeling project.
The construction management and all the subs were extremely responsive to our questions and requests.
the house was always cleaned every day when the workers left. this was a huge surprise.
I would strongly recommend this company for any remodeling project.
Ruth J.
Jan 2013
Natural Built Home, Inc. were very helpful in helping me choose a material for my kitchen floor. They answered all my questions about marmoleum and the best way to install it in my home. I did my own removal of the existing vinyl tile and base molding. Unfortunately, this left a really sticky floor from the residue adhesive. Even though this added an additional task (putting down a neutral powder) and additional time for the installer, he was very gracious. The installer did a good job, cleaned up the site and was very professional. I like the marmoleum product and would have it installed again by this company.
CAROL K.
Dec 2012
We were pleased with the quality of the workmanship. The workers were extremely neat and tried hard to keep the ceramic tile dust out of the rest of the house. They were polite, courteous and very competent at the installation of the new plumbing and tile.The completed shower looks great.
We were pleased that they were quick to respond to problems -- the shower door not closing and the exhaust fan wired to the wrong switch. Those things were corrected quickly.
The front end of our experience, however, was frustrating. We had a deadline for completion so we were hoping that they would move the project along quickly. But at our first meeting, the project coordinator had not passed along our measurements, so the first meeting with the designer seemed to be wasted and we had to return on a subsequent Saturday. We had hoped to add to the shower project the replacement of the vanity and sink. It took many weeks for that to be priced, and when it was, the price was so expensive that we had to drop it from the work to be performed. They did not offer any lower-priced alternatives. Of course, all this delay at the front end meant that they did not get the job done by our deadline.
We also had a misunderstanding of how the pricing would work for the Angie's List Deal. The deal was $2,499 for a full shower replacement, but that deal was priced using specific tiles. We wanted to use tile consistent with the rest of the bathroom. I was surprised when we were charged for the full price of the tiles we used with no adjustment for not using the tiles that the deal was based upon. So, financially, I am not sure that we got a good deal.
But, we did get a shower that looks great with great workmanship.
We were pleased that they were quick to respond to problems -- the shower door not closing and the exhaust fan wired to the wrong switch. Those things were corrected quickly.
The front end of our experience, however, was frustrating. We had a deadline for completion so we were hoping that they would move the project along quickly. But at our first meeting, the project coordinator had not passed along our measurements, so the first meeting with the designer seemed to be wasted and we had to return on a subsequent Saturday. We had hoped to add to the shower project the replacement of the vanity and sink. It took many weeks for that to be priced, and when it was, the price was so expensive that we had to drop it from the work to be performed. They did not offer any lower-priced alternatives. Of course, all this delay at the front end meant that they did not get the job done by our deadline.
We also had a misunderstanding of how the pricing would work for the Angie's List Deal. The deal was $2,499 for a full shower replacement, but that deal was priced using specific tiles. We wanted to use tile consistent with the rest of the bathroom. I was surprised when we were charged for the full price of the tiles we used with no adjustment for not using the tiles that the deal was based upon. So, financially, I am not sure that we got a good deal.
But, we did get a shower that looks great with great workmanship.
Joshua H.
Dec 2012
She was very nice, but did not get my design concept. Her ideas were basic with no real "design".
Mike W.
Dec 2012
Over, the experience was good. They were profession and prompt in all instances. Ultimately we didn't go forward with the remodel because of a change of plans on our end.
Julia W.
Nov 2012
Planning went well though it took a long time - but there was no hurry. Start date was delayed because the wrong shower was delivered. No one showed up on proposed start date - following inquiry, we were told they would start the next day, and they did. There were several breaks in the schedule due to incorrect items being ordered or supplied - shower door, grab bars. All workers were polite and pleasant, but there were many instances of missed communication between the contractor and sub-contractors, and their own staff. Small things like how to find the parking area - information was not passed from the office to workers or subs. And larger things like misplacement of shower grab bars, because no one paid attention to where the factory-installed backers were. The door did not close properly, and was finally trimmed and fixed several months after the project was finished. Delays caused mainly by communication issues between the contractor and suppliers meant the project was not completed in the promised six weeks, but a disagreement about the meaning of "substantial completion" meant no refund, only a gift certificate for future work. The final project is definitely satisfactory, but too many issues with communication and coordination mean we are reluctant to use this contractor again.
Response from Castle Building & Remodeling
"Thank you very much for the detailed feedback. We are currently working on a system of improved communication between design and production so that projects move as smoothly as possible. In addition we will review this job specifically so that we may share solutions within the company so that future errors can be avoided. Our planning process is lengthy and intended to alleviate the type of issues that you experienced. Remodeling is very complicated and Castle will always endeavor to work until all issues are resolved to the clients satisfaction. Thanks so much for chosing Castle."
Victor T.
Nov 2012
Overall experience was good. The designer was very friendly and helpful. The estimate was quite a bit above what we were thinking of doing for the master bath so we are now deciding what direction we want to go.
Stanley A.
Nov 2012
VEry well...see above.
Dan M.
Nov 2012
I questioned the order that they did things. For example, they painted the upstairs, then sanded the wood paneling on the lower part of the walls, which were also scheduled to be painted. Needless to say, the paint job was ruined when the sawdust stuck to the fresh paint. They put one coat of white paint over previously dark green baseboards and a new cap piece in a stairwell, but didn't fill the space between the cap and the board. Along with the gap, there were visible green streaks. When I pointed it out, I was told it was just a shadow. So yes, I puttied/painted them myself the night before carpet installation -- AND paid them to do it. My biggest complaints involve details. They failed to stain the ends of the new trim boards they installed. There are still some that are not stained. They were supposed to poly the beams and wood trim in the kitchen, but missed a lot. Again, it's still not finished. They used a thinner board to replace a damaged section of baseboard so the subfloor is now visible in front of the replaced piece. They were supposed to fix a trim board over a doorway, but just slapped a little stain on it and called it good. The gash caused by the tornado is still clearly visible. They also failed to complete items that were included on our punch list. It also appeared that they were overbooked. There were weeks when we would see only one worker for part of a day. Twice the guy who did show up told me it was his first day. We were clearly not Castle's priority, especially after we'd paid for most of the work.
What really motivated me to write this review was the reviewer on 1/6/12 who complained about the fee for the kitchen remodeling design. We had a similar experience. The day we signed our contract, we also picked out new kitchen cabinets. We chose the style and the color. The footprint was to be identical to the already existing cabinets. They didn't design anything. We were asked to pay a $350 kitchen design fee that day, which we were told would be subtracted from the contracted amount. It wasn't. They charged and credited us for our payment, but then billed us the full contracted amount. And then imagine my surprise when I saw that they are now offering 25% off kitchen designs, which are regularly priced at $250. So not only did they fail to subtract the payment from their contracted price, they also charged us more than their advertised rate.
What really motivated me to write this review was the reviewer on 1/6/12 who complained about the fee for the kitchen remodeling design. We had a similar experience. The day we signed our contract, we also picked out new kitchen cabinets. We chose the style and the color. The footprint was to be identical to the already existing cabinets. They didn't design anything. We were asked to pay a $350 kitchen design fee that day, which we were told would be subtracted from the contracted amount. It wasn't. They charged and credited us for our payment, but then billed us the full contracted amount. And then imagine my surprise when I saw that they are now offering 25% off kitchen designs, which are regularly priced at $250. So not only did they fail to subtract the payment from their contracted price, they also charged us more than their advertised rate.
Response from Castle Building & Remodeling
"Angies list member, thanks for the report. I just wanted to reply to a few of your concerns/complaints with a few explanations and clarifications. I wish you would have brought up a few of these concerns with me earlier, I would have been happy to deal with some of them. To start with, the $350.00 design fee was meant to be a down payment and not an extra charge. Since we hadn't made all of our selections yet, we couldn't sign the final contract. There was a miscommunication between my office manager, and myself and she didn't realize it wasn't an additional cost so it never got subtracted as it should have. There were design fees worked into the budget already. Those design fees were to pay my designer to draw a full set of plans for construction, the time we spent to select cabinets, counter tops, etc, and other selection time. The design fees we advertise are for "conceptual" design services. A full kitchen project that includes a full set of drawings and all of the selections is higher than our advertised "conceptual package". I will have our office manager send you a check out in the next few days for the $350.00 that you should not have been charged. I apologize about the miscommunication, and had you brought it to my attention, I could have dealt with it long ago. As for some of the lingering items, we had many revisions to the punch list. We went back each time you noticed more things and took care of them, even doing some things that were not in the original scope. When we were done (or I thought we were) "member" sent me a very nice email saying how happy you were with how things turned out and thanks for all of the hard work. Had I known there were outstanding issues, we would have certainly taken care of them. There were some things like the trim above the door going upstairs that never made it into the scope. Either missed by me or, like the trim above the doorway, were never on "member's list". Once noticed during construction, "member" and I had a conversation about doing a change order to the insurance company, but he asked if we could just try to put a little stain on it, which we did. The painting of the closet was similar. We added painting it and I mistakenly put prime and paint in the description. Priming is not needed on an already painted surface. Once we painted it, the paint layer below it started to peel due to the moisture of the paint (the same thing would have happened with primer). "Member" pointed it out to me and we came back and mudded it and re-painted the area. The scheduling part is true. At that time we were very busy. Once we found out the carpet was unexpectedly delayed, I had a conversation with "member" about you guys moving up there. He said without carpet, you weren't going to be using the space at all, so I said we would just pick away at the list until the carpet came. He said that would be fine as long as it was done for the carpet install, which it was. I'm sorry you felt you were not a priority of Castle's. I thought "member" and I were in constant contact by email and phone. When he had any requests like getting the dining room ready for the first day of school, I really tried to do what I could to make it happen. We really do try our best to provide the best customer service possible. I do appreciate your feedback and please be assured we have taken steps to try to fix some of these concerns for future projects. If there are things still left undone or that need to be addressed, please let me know and I'd be happy to send someone over. Sincerely, Aaron Johnson Owner, Operations Manager Castle Building & Remodeling, Inc. 2600 Johnson Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55418 Direct: 612.877.8360 Cell: 612.386.4310 Fax: 612.789.8528"
Kerry F.
Nov 2012
They were prompt, very detailed in the estimate.
Matt M.
Oct 2012
Castle Building & Remodeling's staff has helped me out a number of time with finished carpentry work. They have always been on time, professional and fair priced. I have also recommended Castle to other client/friends and they have always made everyone happy.
RENEE H.
Oct 2012
All services were provided promptly and professionally. 'The scope of services were priced high. The bathroom would have been absolutely beautiful with the suggested products but more than we need for a basement bathroom that is not used regularly. We provided a budget and the bid was out of our price range. Castle suggested options to break pricing down over a 2 year period but we decided that the scope of work was over the top.
Response from Castle Building & Remodeling
"Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to review your bathroom project. It is challenging and frustrating for us as well when budgets do not line up with remodeling costs. We are continually looking for ways to be more efficient with our customers budgets. With that said remodeling is not inexpensive especially as we try to be very service oriented. Thanks again for the opportunity and the feedback. Troy Sinykin Sales Manager"
Martha W.
Sep 2012
Excellent skills with the computer rendering program. Great to see the design in multiple views with 3-D type rendering. Not very imaginative with the design but responsive to suggestions for changes to the original design. We have not started on the actual remodeling. Price for them to do the work seemed high
Response from Castle Building & Remodeling
"Thank you very much for your feedback. It is important to remember with our design packages that client feedback on the design is the critical next step that takes place in our full design process. The process of design is the flow of information between designer and client to achieve the clients goals and dreams. This process usually takes several meetings and conversations to achieve. We have found that our project pricing is very competitive with other full service remodeling organizations. In addition our actual time working in the home is reduced through our careful planning. Once again I appreciate your feedback and hope that with some research you find that Castle is a fit in design, budget and service for your project. Troy Sinykin Sales Manager"
RICHARD T.
Sep 2012
Full disclosure: I was displeased even before the designer came to my house because very shortly after I purchased the Angie's List deal, the company (Castle) offered a Groupon for the same service for less than I paid, so that colored my whole experience. The designer was very professional but clearly had style preferences that differed from mine. She did have some good ideas. The first meeting we arranged at her office to go over the finished plan did not work out; I went to the office at the time we had arranged by email, but no one was there. I think the work she did was worth what I paid, but I'm glad I didn't pay the normal price.
Response from Castle Building & Remodeling
"I am sorry to hear that your experience was not what you had hoped for. We are working on having our design packages offered at the same price by all of our partners. Through the use of email reminders and professional scheduling we do our very best to keep our word on our meetings and services. This experience will be reviewed and any changes will be made to keep customer satisfaction as high as possible. It is important to remember that while we endeavor to develop creative, appropriate design solutions, it is imperative that our clients participate honestly in the process by informing us if the solutions or experience offered does not meet their expectations. Only then can we hope to meet their needs. Thank you for the feedback and we will continue to make every effort to offer the best value in professional design and remodeling."
David A.
Aug 2012
Very well -- we were satisfied and felt we received a good value for our money.
Response from Castle Building & Remodeling
"Thanks for the response. It is not unusual for a design package to result in a client waiting to implement the work as they do receive a budget designed for their project. Many clients will then plan on working on their homes in the future when they have established a means to pay for the work. We love to educate our clients so they can make decisions that are right for them."
Sylvie M.
Aug 2012
We were very happy with this project! TJ did excellent detail work tiling the bathtub surround, then went above and beyond to get the niche exactly as we wanted. He worked with our custom accent tile and also went out of his way to match some grout on the floor where the wall meets floor tile. Everyone I worked with at Castle Building, from the receptionist to TJ, who actually did the work, was professional and courteous. The work site was cleaned up well, and also set up well to protect hardwood floors from the front door to the bathroom. I highly recommend Castle Building and Remodeling.
Anna C.
Aug 2012
We chose them because they are in the neighborhood. It is a very nice store. They are very helpful, very professional and knowledgeable.
Response from Castle Building & Remodeling
"Hi [Member Name Removed]! Thank you for the review! We are glad you are happy with our work! The Natural Built Home Store is owned and operated by Castle Building & Remodeling- and starting September 1st, will be known as another Castle location. Not much is changing except the branding but we will still offer eco-friendly building materials and services! Since The Natural Built Home Store profile will be deleted, I wonder if you would like to leave your review on the Castle Building & Remodeling Angie'[Member Information Removed] List profile... we would REALLY appreciate it! :) You can leave Castle a review here: https://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/mn/minneapolis/castle-building-and-remodeling-reviews-143499.htm Thank you! -Colleen Castle Building & Remodeling - Marketing Manager"
ELISABETH C.
Jul 2012
It was fine. I had no complaints. They were helpful and I got what I needed.
Dale B.
May 2012
The contractor arrived on time and did an excellent job. Original estimate was the job would take 7 work days to complete. The job was completed in 5 work days. Great care was taken to ensure the floor and staircase was properly covered to prevent harm to the floor. When the job was completed, care was taken to ensure everything was swept up and the bathroom put back in order.
Theresa D.
Jan 2012
We did not use the services of Castle Remodeling.
Response from Castle Building & Remodeling
"I am sorry your experience walking in to our St. Paul Showroom was so unpleasant. Walk-ins are always welcome, unfortunately we are not always able to consult with each walk-in depending on our schedule. Our goal is to be and act like professionals and I am sorry we did not live up to that. Because your experience was less than favorable I would like a second chance to start fresh. I would be glad to offer you a free conceptual basement design package. This would involve a (different) Castle designer coming to your home to look at your basement and talk about your desires for the remodeled space. We will then take measurements and before our second meeting in one of our design selection studios (St. Paul & Minneapolis) our designer will draw your space in our 3D CAD software program. Our designers will then create a layout with a floor plan and several key elevations. At the second meeting Castle's designers will review the design they created and talk about material selections and upgrades. You will be able to see what your project materials and labor would cost along with what the end result could be. The end result will be a customized basement remodel at a price you can afford. Please contact me Loren Schirber at 651-699-4164x2 if you are interested."
Licensing
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FAQ
Castle Building & Remodeling is currently rated 4.4 overall out of 5.
Castle Building & Remodeling accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
No, Castle Building & Remodeling does not offer free project estimates.
No, Castle Building & Remodeling does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Castle Building & Remodeling does not offer a senior discount.
No, Castle Building & Remodeling does not offer emergency services.
No, Castle Building & Remodeling does not offer warranties.