One of the most important part of any project is the planning process. For most of our customers, the planning proces starts when they contact us about their construction needs. Housing needs are often initiated by changes to a family....children being born or adopted, family room changes for adolescent children, children going to college or moving away, a parent moving in, etc. The construction needs may involve simple remodeling, a major addition and remodel, or an entirely new home. Whatever the end result of the project, each project must start with careful planning.

Part of our planning process involves working with our designers and clients to select materials and systems for the project. There are literally thousands of products to consider for almost every project, with many selections to consider in individual areas. The staff at Northfield Construction Company works to fit client needs with project demands to select appropriate items. Examples of this are windows selections.

It is important for us to use high quality windows in our homes and buildings, but there are many excellent manufacturers to select from. We mainly use Marvin, Andersen or Pella windows on our projects. Each of these three major manufacturers has slight differences that make their products work well for specific applications. Our design team reviews clients needs and analyzes what works best for the client, making a presentation using that product. I find that our customers appreciate our recommendations, as they are based on over 30 years of work in the construction industry. We also diligently work to stay abreast of new techniques and products, evaluating them as best we can to see what works well. Through all this, if clients have particular products they wish to consider, we are always happy to evaluate products.

The planning phase of a project is so very important. A well planned project meets clients needs, stays within established budgets and is completed on time in a safe and efficient manner....the goal of every Northfield Construction Company project.

Posted by Ray Cox at 5:32 AM | Link

 
We are midway through a nice remodeling project for Bob and Barbara Will in Northfield.

Their project, designed by Gary Hanson of Prairie Creek Architects, consists of a new garage, addition and remodel of their kitchen, and conversion of the existing garage to an entry area. The Will home is a somewhat "historic" house in Northfield, in that it was originally constructed by Larry Gould, an early president of Carleton College. The home has many features of Prairie school architecture and Craftsman construction common in the early 1900's. We are carefully matching exterior stone, stucco, wood roofing materials, etc. to maintain a consistent architectural statement on this fine home.

If you are considering an addition or remodeling of your home, there are two very important items to deal with. The first is selecting a building contractor properly equiped to construct your project. Not every building contractor is familiar with or prepared to deal with the challenges of residential remodeling. Remodeling brings unique challenges for builders such as coping with rain and snow on exposed roof areas, maintaining satisfactory utility connections at all times, matching existing materials, and dealing with "unknown and unexpected concealed conditions". Building contractors that only build new homes or structures, or do not have permanent full-time construction employees may be a poor choice for your project. It is not easy to adjust work procedures to include full service remodeling work if you are not geared up and prepared for it.

A second concern for any remodeling work is to make sure you have adequate, proper plans and specifications prepared for the project. This sounds simple, but can actually take many, many months or even years to work out. Some remodeling contractors may assist you with this process, or you may wish to hire an architect or design professional to prepare the necessary documents. Either way, both you and your contractor should have clear, accurate drawings and project specifications to work from. I started working with Bob and Barbara Will on their project about six months prior to starting work. I have worked with other clients for up to six years in planning extensive additions and remodeling.

Northfield Construction Company has been performing quality remodeling work for over 30 years. We employ workers that are familiar with and enjoy working on remodeling projects. I have some employees that have worked virtually exclusively on remodeling work for 10-15 years. This amount of experience allows them to effectively plan projects to minimize disruption for the residents of the homes we work on, and at the same time move the project along as quickly as possible. In addition, the equipment Northfield Construction Company owns and maintains allows remodeling work to be performed safely and efficiently.

Posted by Ray Cox at 4:24 AM | Link

 
Earlier this month we were notified that we're being recognized for two construction awards for projects completed in 2002. Both awards were presented by American Buildings using a national selection and review process. The projects each feature the use of pre-engineered steel structures.

The first project is the Northfield Transit Facility building constructed for the City of Northfield. This was a competitively bid project that created approximately 7,000 square feet of additional maintenance space for the City. The new building is attached to the existing maintenance and storage facility and includes enclosed space for 10 vehicles as well as new office and toilet facilities. The architect for the project was Architects Plus of Faribault.

The second project is a new building located in Dundas, Minnesota. This building is approximately 20,000 square feet, with 24' high sidewalls and a second floor mezanine level. This negotiated project was designed by Starr Architects of Northfield. It is home to two painting companies...TrimCote and Lonsdale Painting. The main use of the building is light manufacturing for a painting process, with associated office and staff areas on two levels.

Both buildings are recognized for incorporating a creative use of pre-engineered steel building materials in a quality building project. The buildings provide their owners with highly insulated, easy to maintain commercial structures. Northfield Construction Company has been constructing pre-engineered steel buildings for over 20 years, offering a full line of building options and features.

Craig Vold was project manager for both projects.

Posted by Ray Cox at 4:11 AM | Link

 
There has been a change in office staff at Northfield Construction. Pat Oanes has come back to work with us as our receptionist and accounts clerk.

(Click on Pat's photo for a quarter page version.) Pat first worked for Northfield Construction Company about 6 years ago, but left to work in her brother's business. During my legislative campaign Pat let me know she was no longer working and was available if needed. When we needed a new clerk, Pat was our immediate choice. She brings with her a solid office work background, as well as a smile and cheerful disposition at all times. Everyone at Northfield Construction Company is very pleased that Pat could return to employment here.

Pat handles the first part of the important and detailed accounting process that is necessary to keep customers accounts in order and work flowing properly. Northfield Construction Company handles millions of dollars of work each year, with each job requiring careful cost accounting and tracking of invoices, time cards and inventory slips. Pat's desk is a hub of activity at all hours of the day, as she greets and directs all visitors, routes delivery people, processes mail and answers phone calls.

If you stop out at Northfield Construction Company offices, please greet Pat and welcome her back....we are fortunate to have such a detail-oriented, competent person in this position.

Posted by Ray Cox at 4:03 AM | Link