South Minneapolis is a vibrant area comprised of unique city neighborhoods—from Linden Hills and Fulton to Kingfield, Nokomis, Longfellow, and Powderhorn Park—filled with charming early-20th‑century homes. Many of these houses were built before WWII, featuring compact footprints, tight kitchens, small bathrooms, and minimal storage. Remodeling such spaces requires creativity and deep understanding of older constructions, especially when it comes to fitting modern amenities into narrower layouts without disrupting historic charm. That’s why hiring a seasoned, design‑build remodeling firm is essential to maximize functionality and aesthetic appeal within these tighter spaces.

Below are the top five remodeling companies in South Minneapolis, each offering design expertise, craftsmanship, and experience working with the area’s unique homes.

1. Castle Building & Remodeling

Castle Building & Remodeling is a long established, second generation design build firm serving the Twin Cities since 1977. They maintain a South Minneapolis showroom and production headquarters and are well-versed in restoring and upgrading historic homes in neighborhoods like Longfellow, Lynnhurst, Linden Hills, Fulton, Kenwood, and Nokomis. With in-house designers, convenient design studios, transparent fixed pricing, detailed timelines, and full project management, Castle ensures homeowners experience minimal surprises and seamless execution.

2. New Spaces

New Spaces Design Build Remodeling has worked in the Twin Cities for over 35 years, including extensive projects in South Metro and downtown Minneapolis. They emphasize clear budgeting, timely completion, and a no‑surprises approach—often offering homeowners multiple design options to choose from. New Spaces has been recognized with regional CotY awards in 2024 for whole‑house and bathroom remodels under budget thresholds.

3. Sawhorse Designers & Builders

Founded in 1977, Sawhorse Designers & Builders offers full-service design and remodeling with an emphasis on craftsmanship and professionalism. In 2025, they were acquired by Castle Building & Remodeling, joining forces to bring combined expertise to clients across the metro area. Their long history and joint team offer continuity, reliable budgeting, and seasoned trade execution. In local recommendation threads, Sawhorse is often praised as “quality work… not the cheapest, but what they quote is what you actually pay”.

4. White Crane

White Crane Construction is a woman owned Minneapolis firm founded in 2002. They specialize in renovating older homes throughout the Twin Cities, with a reputation for a thoughtful, community focused design and reliable on time, on budget execution. Homeowners appreciate their teamwork of designers, project managers, and carpenters, and the firm’s respectful, communicative process.

5. OA Design Build Architecture

OA Design Build Architecture is an award-winning, architecture integrated remodeling firm based in Minneapolis. They offer full architectural and construction services with a strong commitment to green, sustainable design and urban living. Known for meticulous craftsmanship and a holistic client experience, OA is often described in local forums as meticulous and quality driven, ideal for transforming older homes thoughtfully and sustainably.

Summary

South Minneapolis is defined by its older homes: cozy, character filled, but often lacking in modern flow or storage. Remodeling in these neighborhoods demands firms that understand how to integrate new design within historic framework, maximize space in tight layouts, and manage projects smoothly from design through build. These five companies—Castle Building & Remodeling; New Spaces; Sawhorse Designers & Builders; White Crane Construction; and OA Design Build Architecture—are standout choices. Each brings deep local experience, strong designbuild integration, clear communication, and a commitment to quality in transforming South Minneapolis homes into functional, beautiful spaces for modern living.