9 vetted design-build firms serving Orono · how we vet & rank
Whole-home remodels rework most or all of a house in one coordinated project — often the right call for great-bones homes in established neighborhoods where moving would mean giving up the location. Design-build firms shine here, managing design, phasing, and budget as one contract.
Gordon James is a custom home builder founded by John Quinlivan and based in Maple Plain, with a second location in Pequot Lakes. Since 2005 the firm has helped Minnesotans design, remodel, and construct custom homes, and its site notes Quinlivan served as Housing First Minnesota's 2023 board chair.
Parade of Homes 2020
John Kraemer & Sons has been building luxury homes and remodeling fine residences since 1978, when Gary Kraemer founded the firm with his late father John; with Gary's sons John and Jeff in the business, it is now a third-generation company with offices in Edina and Wayzata. Projects span large estate home construction, empty-nest homes, lake cabins, and major renovations, with the firm employing all of its own job superintendents — each client gets one on-site daily — and managing every project on a 100% open-book basis. Per its site, Gary earned his fifth Builder of the Year award from Housing First MN in 2023.
Pratt Homes has been building and remodeling homes in the Twin Cities since 1973, when brothers Len and Lowell Pratt launched the family business, and holds the very first builder license ever issued in the state of Minnesota (#BC000001). Based in Vadnais Heights, the company builds single-family homes, offers build-on-your-land construction, and develops custom luxury villa communities such as Bayhaven in Bayport and Spring Farm Villas in North Oaks. Its history page notes the company has helped more than 1,000 families build their dream homes.
Parade of Homes 2026
Boyer Building Corporation is a four-generation family firm — started in 1949 as Joe Boyer Building and renamed Boyer Building Corporation in 1983 — building and remodeling from Minnetonka for over 70 years. The company keeps design and construction under one roof, with full-time carpenters (many with the firm for decades), field supervisors, and project managers on staff. It builds new homes, handles design-build remodels from kitchens and baths to multi-space renovations, and takes on light commercial work from its Minnetonka headquarters.
Kyle Hunt & Partners is an artisan home builder located in Deephaven near Lake Minnetonka, founded in 1990 by Kyle and Laurie Hunt and specializing in highly crafted, architecturally designed custom homes and renovations. The firm takes a collaborative approach to design, working with architects and interior designers in the field and hand-selecting the core team of craftspeople for each project. It also offers real estate services through Rooted, where Kyle Hunt and Madison Ludowese are licensed real estate agents.
Lecy Bros. Homes & Remodeling is a family company that has built custom homes in Minnesota for nearly four decades, working from its Minnetonka office on new homes, remodeling projects - additions, major renovations, and room remodels - and lake homes. The firm employs over 30 craftsmen and construction professionals and maintains an in-house architectural design team, interior design, and warranty services. Owners Mark Lecy, who coordinates all construction operations, and Roy Lecy, who handles home sales and finance, lead the company, which has been part of BATC since 1983.
Nor-Son Custom Builders is a luxury home builder and whole-house remodeler with its Minnesota headquarters in Baxter and a Twin Cities office in Eden Prairie. The firm helps clients assemble a project team from architects and interior designers across the Midwest, Twin Cities, and lakes area, provides cost projections throughout design, and competitively bids each portion of the work before building begins. Each home undergoes a quality inspection, and the company is led by CEO Andy Anderson and president Matt Holmstrom.
Oak & Arrow Homes is a women-owned and operated firm handling whole-home remodels and custom new builds in the Twin Cities and beyond. Founder Samantha holds a degree in architecture with 18 years of experience, and the team follows a signature 3-step process that works out every design detail before construction starts. The company emphasizes clean construction and intentionally designed, healthy homes — selecting products that minimize off-gassing and taking steps to control dust during the build phase.
Pillar Homes has designed and crafted custom homes throughout the Twin Cities since 1995, working from the western suburbs near Lake Minnetonka and serving homeowners in Wayzata, Orono, Minnetonka, Edina, and Plymouth. The firm specializes in new custom homes, luxury lake homes, renovations, and project and real estate consultation. Owner and president K.C. Chermak served as president of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities in 2008 and of the Builders Association of Minnesota in 2016, and the company's site lists honors including BAM Builder of the Year and the Parade of Homes Reggie Award.
Whole-home projects in the metro commonly range from $200,000 into seven figures for large historic renovations — scope drives everything.
Whole-home projects in the metro commonly range from $200,000 into seven figures for large historic renovations — scope drives everything. Final cost depends on scope, materials, and the age of the home. Get line-item bids from two or three of the contractors below.
We currently list 9 design-build remodelers handling whole-home remodeling in Orono. All are being verified against Minnesota's contractor licensing records as we expand the directory.
Almost always, yes. Any project touching plumbing, electrical, structure, or egress requires permits and inspections in Orono. A legitimate contractor pulls the permits themselves — treat any suggestion to skip permitting as a red flag.
Whole-home projects vary widely; phased renovations run 4–12+ months. Your design-build contract should include a construction schedule with milestones.
Tell us about your project and we’ll shortlist up to 3 vetted local builders that fit your city, budget, and timeline.
Working out a budget? See what a remodel costs in Minnesota — sourced whole-home remodel figures, the code rules that move the number, and what cities charge to permit it. Planning new construction instead? See Orono home builders.
