Golden Valley, MN is a delightful mix of mid-century charm, ramblers, split‑levels, and lakeside estates—many built between the 1950s and 1970s. These homes offer warmth, character, and thoughtful design, yet often fall short of modern expectations: dated kitchens and baths, limited storage, basement finishes that feel cramped, and energy inefficiencies. Working with a seasoned remodeler is essential to unlock these homes’ potential—optimizing space, enhancing flow, preserving architectural integrity, and integrating today’s comforts seamlessly.

Here are the top five remodeling companies serving Golden Valley, known for their respect for these homes, creative design, and reliable execution:

1. Castle Building & Remodeling

With a dedicated Golden Valley design studio, Castle specializes in updating classic rambler, split-level, and mid-century homes across areas like Tyrol Hills, Sweeney Lake, Hampshire Park, and near Golden Valley Country Club. Their full design-build process—featuring in-house architects, project managers, and craftsmen—ensures cohesive planning, fixed pricing, and smooth execution. From kitchen and bathroom remodels to entire-house overhauls, Castle blends modern functionality with timeless design.

2. TreHus Architects + Interior Designers + Builders

Based on Olson Memorial Highway, TreHus has been a Twin Cities staple since 1982. Their Master Carpenter System assigns a dedicated master craftsperson to each project, backed by on-staff AIA architects and ASID interior designers. This deep collaboration delivers award-winning, precise craftsmanship. Their services range from historic renovations to full-scale remodels and custom additions—perfect for Golden Valley homes needing both elegance and innovation.

3. Vujovich Design Build

One of the metro’s oldest design-build firms (est. 1977), Vujovich has earned accolades like NARI Remodeler of the Year and numerous Contractor of the Year awards. Their concierge-style process delivers personalized service, architectural design, and seamless construction. Whether updating kitchens in split-levels or reconfiguring spaces in rambler ranches, Vujovich crafts spaces that marry historic details with contemporary lifestyle requirements.

4. Sawhorse Designers & Builders

A veteran of the Minneapolis–St. Paul remodeling scene since 1977, Sawhorse is known for hands-on craftsmanship and honest budgeting. Though based in Minneapolis, they serve surrounding suburbs including Golden Valley. Their long-standing reputation centers on quality results, upfront quotes, and a no-surprise approach—ideal for homeowners seeking dependable service and integrity.

5. Bluestem Remodeling

Operating for over 25 years, Bluestem brings a fully integrated design-build team—designers, craftspeople, and project managers—to every project. Their portfolio includes award-winning kitchens, baths, additions, and whole-home remodels. Bluestem is recognized both regionally and nationally (Qualified Remodeler Top 500; multiple CotY awards), making them an excellent choice for Golden Valley families seeking high-end, streamlined remodels.

Summary

Golden Valley’s rich architectural tapestry—from mid-century modern to rambler ranches—needs thoughtful remodeling to fit modern lifestyles. These five firms stand out for their experience, design and build integration, and residential craftsmanship:

• Castle Building & Remodeling: Local presence, fixed-price transparency, and full-service studios.
• TreHus Architects + Interior Designers + Builders: Master-carpenter-led teams and award-winning design.
• Vujovich Design Build: Concierge-level service with deep architectural heritage.
• Sawhorse Designers & Builders: Straightforward quotes and dependable quality.
• Bluestem Construction: Multi-award-winning projects with cohesive design-build teams.

Each of these remodelers respect Golden Valley’s character, maximizes usable space in tighter layouts, handles unexpected challenges with professionalism, and delivers on time. Choosing one means transforming your older home into a functional, beautiful space—ready for modern living without losing its original soul.

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.