The Remodeler of the Year (RoTY) Awards are a well-known program in the industry. They celebrate excellence in remodeling. The awards focus on design quality, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and the completion of projects.

For homeowners, RoTY recognition shows that a contractor meets high standards. This is important for planning, coordination, and final results. It is especially useful for complex remodels where details and project management are key.

Custom One Renovations was recognized for many types of work. This includes residential interior remodeling, kitchen remodeling, and commercial interior projects.

They also worked on residential exterior remodeling and made a charitable impact through a NARI Cares project.

This range is important because it shows the team’s expertise. It proves they can deliver great results in various projects, budgets, and construction settings.

Awards should be one part of a broader evaluation. Homeowners can gain clarity by looking at project portfolios.

They should ask about the process and timelines. It is important to understand how selections and changes are handled.

Homeowners should check who will be involved each day. The best remodeling experience comes from a contractor with good design-build coordination. Clear communication and reliable trade partnerships help keep the plan and execution aligned.

Awards do not always guarantee a return on investment. However, they often lead to better results that protect value. This includes cleaner execution, stronger detailing, better material choices, and a smoother process.

The best resale and livability gains usually come from projects that enhance function, durability, and layout. These projects should also match the home’s style and fit in with the neighborhood.

Custom One Renovations helps with many remodeling needs. We work on kitchens, whole-home renovations, and commercial updates. We also handle exterior renovations.

The best next step is usually a consultation. This meeting clarifies goals, scope, timeline, and budget. Then, the team can suggest a plan that matches the vision and the practical needs of the home.

Using James Hardie siding in Minnesota is a great choice. Fiber cement is engineered to handle extreme temperature changes, moisture, snow, ice, and UV rays. Unlike traditional materials, it resists warping, cracking, and rot, helping homes remain protected and visually consistent through harsh winters and humid summers. James Hardie® siding is specifically designed for climate performance, making it a reliable long-term investment.

While James Hardie® siding can be installed year-round, planning early is key in Minnesota. The busiest season typically runs from late spring through early fall, when demand is highest. Scheduling your project ahead of peak season helps ensure availability, preferred timelines, and smoother project coordination, especially if you want your exterior complete before summer events or winter weather.

Yes, siding plays a major role in protecting your home from moisture intrusion, air leaks, and temperature extremes. Quality siding along with proper installation keep indoor temperatures steady. They also reduce wear from weather and protect your home’s structure over time.

James Hardie® fiber cement siding stands out for its durability, design versatility, and climate-specific engineering. It offers a wide range of colors and styles while maintaining resistance to fire, pests, moisture, and extreme weather—making it well-suited for Minnesota’s demanding environment.

One of the standout trends for 2026 is James Hardie® Iron Gray. This deep, sophisticated shade offers timeless appeal and works beautifully with both light and dark trim options. It complements traditional and modern architecture while delivering a bold, refined exterior presence that enhances curb appeal.

A smart way to make these decisions is to separate your remodel into “needs” and “wants.” Needs are the items that affect safety, durability, and everyday function, things like structural and mechanical updates, waterproofing, ventilation, insulation, and layout corrections. Wants are enhancements that elevate the final experience, premium finishes, statement lighting, specialty tile, or custom built-ins. When homeowners treat needs as “today’s budget” and wants as “tomorrow’s budget,” it becomes easier to spend confidently on essentials and phase upgrades over time without sacrificing the overall plan.

ROI varies by home, neighborhood, and market conditions. Minnesota homeowners often see strong return from kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, and finishing lower levels. Kitchens remain one of the most requested remodels because they impact daily living and buyer perception. Bathrooms, especially primary suites and functional upgrades also tend to hold value well.

Lower level finishes can help build equity. They add usable space and improve how the home feels. This can affect how quickly the home sells and its perceived value.

The safest “splurges” are often the things you can’t easily change later. They are also the items that help avoid costly problems. This includes high-quality installation, waterproofing, ventilation and kitchen cabinets that get daily use. Is also covers decisions tied to structure or layout.

In kitchens, this often includes cabinet design and lighting. In bathrooms, it involves plumbing quality, proper waterproofing, and everyday fixtures. If you invest in the bones of the project, your remodel will age better and require fewer repairs.

Saving doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style, it usually means choosing smart alternatives that still look premium. You can choose mid-range appliance packages. Use beautiful but simpler tile patterns. Select LVP or engineered wood when it fits.

Use cost-effective countertop options in secondary areas. In bathrooms, fiberglass shower pans and LVT in extra baths can save money. This allows you to spend more on important things like lighting, ventilation, and good fixtures.

Focus on timeless, durable decisions for the “hard-to-change” elements: layout, flooring, cabinetry, tile selections, and window choices. Then express personality through items that are easy to update later, paint, lighting fixtures, hardware, decor, textiles, and accent pieces. A helpful filter is asking: “Will this still feel right in 5–10 years?” If the answer is uncertain, keep the permanent elements classic and make trend-forward choices in replaceable finishes.

Pavers are better suited for Minnesota’s climate because they handle freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. Their interlocking design allows for natural movement, making them more durable than stamped concrete.

While pavers may have a higher upfront cost, they’re more cost-effective long-term. They require less maintenance and are easier to repair than stamped concrete, saving homeowners money over time.

Yes. Pavers come in a wide range of shapes, colors, and textures, offering far more design flexibility than stamped concrete. They can easily match your home’s style and enhance curb appeal.

Pavers generally offer better slip resistance, especially in wet or icy conditions. This makes them a safer choice for residential patios and outdoor areas around pools or firepits.

Yes, many paver options are permeable, allowing water to drain naturally into the ground. This reduces runoff and supports eco-friendly landscaping practices.