Apple Valley, MN
Expert basement finishing for Apple Valley, MN homeowners — family rooms, home offices, guest suites, and more. Quality craftsmanship from a team you can trust.
Why Remodel
Apple Valley's housing stock spans the 1980s–2000s suburban development era — a mix of split-levels, ramblers, and two-story builds with great bones and strong demand for modern updates. Many of these homes have unfinished basements that sit underutilized for years — valuable square footage waiting to become a family room, home office, guest suite, or entertainment space. Apple Valley homeowners increasingly invest in basement finishing to add livable square footage without the cost of an addition, and the return on investment is consistently strong.
Common challenges we solve:
Unfinished or partially finished lower levels, moisture concerns, low ceiling heights, and the challenge of creating livable space from raw square footage are the most common basement issues we solve.
Our Work
We know Apple Valley's neighborhoods — and we bring that local knowledge to every project.
A 323-acre mixed-use development built around a former gravel pit that was turned into a lake. The homes are 2000s construction, so the work here is rarely structural — it is islands, cabinetry, and finishes catching up to how the family actually uses the main floor.
Apple Valley's oldest housing, mostly 1960s and 1970s midcentury homes on quarter-acre lots. Compartmentalized kitchens and single main baths are the norm, and these are the properties where opening a wall or finishing the lower level changes the house rather than decorating it.
Established homes on the city's north end, well maintained and long held. Owners here tend to plan a primary-bath renovation or a kitchen they intend to keep for twenty years, which changes the material conversation more than the construction one.
Homes bordering the 1,869-acre regional park — the largest in Dakota County, and marsh and wetland across much of it. Walkout lower levels are common on this side of the city, and they are the ones most worth finishing because they already have the daylight.
We pull the permits and coordinate the inspections. Here is what that involves in Apple Valley.
Apple Valley's Building Inspections division, at the Municipal Center, 7100 147th Street West. Permits are applied for through the city's online ePermits portal, and inspections are scheduled at 952-953-2588, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. City phone numbers change from time to time — if this one doesn't connect, applevalleymn.gov/288/Building-Inspections has the current one.
Apple Valley wants drawings at a true architectural scale — a quarter inch or an eighth inch to the foot, not a sketch — and it wants two of them. The floor plan shows exterior and interior walls, room names, door and window locations and sizes, wall materials, plumbing fixtures, the furnace and water heater, stairways, fireplaces, and smoke detector locations. The cross section shows finished ceiling height, wall and ceiling finish materials, and insulation. The inspection sequence is longer than most cities run and the order matters: rough-in electrical, plumbing, and heating come first; framing and rough mechanical and plumbing are inspected only after the electrical has been approved; then insulation, then final plumbing and heating, then the electrical, then the building final once everything is complete.
Apple Valley allows a finished ceiling height of 6 feet 4 inches in an existing basement, measured under beams, soffits, and ducts — the same allowance Richfield makes and lower than Burnsville's 7 feet, which matters in the 1960s and 1970s houses around Diamond Path. Egress is where Apple Valley is most specific: a bedroom window needs 5.7 square feet of clear opening, or 5.0 where the sill sits within 44 inches of finished grade, with at least 20 inches of clear width, 24 inches of clear height, and the sill no more than 44 inches above the floor. A below-grade window also needs a window well of at least 9 square feet with no dimension under 36 inches, which is a bigger excavation than homeowners expect and the item most likely to move a budget. Bottom plates must be approved treated wood unless the slab is separated from the ground by an impervious moisture barrier.
Apple Valley was farmland until the mid-1950s and was built out on sand and gravel — the city has been dotted with gravel mines since its Lebanon Township days, and the pits were progressively filled and built over as it grew. Cobblestone Lake is one of them, reclaimed as a lake. Two practical consequences follow. Native sand and gravel drains well, which is generally kind to lower-level finishing. But where a site sits over filled ground, bearing capacity for an addition is a question to answer before design rather than during excavation. The terrain also rolls — over a hundred feet of elevation across the city, with the downtown in a shallow valley — so walkout and lookout lower levels are common, and the ground near the Lebanon Hills marshes and wetlands carries a higher water table than the rest of the city. Dakota County is in the state's Zone II for frost protection, putting footings at a minimum of 42 inches.
We make basement remodeling simple, efficient, and hassle-free.
Typical Cost Range
$40,000–$100,000+
Typical Timeline
6–10 weeks depending on scope
Serving
Apple Valley, MN
We assess your basement — ceiling height, egress, moisture conditions, mechanicals — and discuss how you want to use the space. You receive a detailed estimate for your review.
Phase 1
We assess your basement — ceiling height, egress, moisture conditions, mechanicals — and discuss how you want to use the space. You receive a detailed estimate for your review.
We create a floor plan that maximizes your square footage while accounting for mechanicals, egress windows, and any structural elements that must be preserved.
Phase 2
We create a floor plan that maximizes your square footage while accounting for mechanicals, egress windows, and any structural elements that must be preserved.
Choose flooring, wall finishes, lighting, trim, doors, and any custom millwork or built-ins with our guidance. We help you balance aesthetics, durability, and budget.
Phase 3
Choose flooring, wall finishes, lighting, trim, doors, and any custom millwork or built-ins with our guidance. We help you balance aesthetics, durability, and budget.
We pull all required permits, schedule inspections, and coordinate licensed trades for framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-in.
Phase 4
We pull all required permits, schedule inspections, and coordinate licensed trades for framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-in.
Framing, insulation, drywall, electrical, plumbing (if applicable), flooring, and finish work completed in a logical sequence with daily cleanup throughout.
Phase 5
Framing, insulation, drywall, electrical, plumbing (if applicable), flooring, and finish work completed in a logical sequence with daily cleanup throughout.
We walk through every detail with you, complete any punch-list items, and deliver warranty documentation before calling the project finished.
Phase 6
We walk through every detail with you, complete any punch-list items, and deliver warranty documentation before calling the project finished.
We're local, licensed, and have been serving the Twin Cities metro for over 30 years. One point of contact, clean worksites, transparent pricing, and craftsmanship that stands up over time.
"I want to thank everyone at Honey-Doers for the amazing work on my deck rebuild. It was fast and everyone was professional and pleasant to work with. I give this company 10+ stars. Perfect rebuild — communication, attention to detail, and professionalism throughout the whole process. Thank you especially to Shelly, Rick, Jon and Jake!"
— Kim M.
Exterior & Outdoor · Apple Valley
"My relationship with Honey-Doers started with replacing an entrance door. For even that isolated project I could tell they cared about quality workmanship. Their latest work involved replacing home windows and a storm door — they matched trim and wall colors, and replaced rotted materials uncovered during the project. I have no reservations recommending them for projects from simple to those that impact the worthiness and worth of one's home."
— Steve K.
Home Maintenance · Apple Valley
"I have never worked with a company that I felt valued my business as much as this one. My shower remodel from a plastic surround to a master bath luxury shower turned out amazing. I would highly recommend them."
— Kristin C.
Bathroom Remodeling
"We did a complete remodel of our primary bathroom and it is perfect! We also did an upgrade to our laundry room. The work is impeccable and the communication and planning were top-notch. Special shout out to Shelly for keeping us informed on the daily!"
— Rhonda P.
Bathroom Remodeling
"The entire team was top notch from the start. They kept their word on timing and cost, even accelerating it from what we originally expected. Best experience with home improvement of any sort yet!"
— Bill H.
Whole-Home Remodeling
"I can't say enough nice things about the team at Honey Doers. Everyone was so professional and the quality of the work performed was outstanding. Shelly, the project manager, flawlessly kept us up-to-date. This is the 2nd time we've contracted with Honey-Doers with wonderful satisfaction."
— J. Rice
Whole-Home Remodeling
"I have used Honey-Doers for several projects — an exterior door, gutters, landscaping, and even a raccoon that took up residence in our house. Each project was completed in an affordable, timely and professional manner. Honey-Doers is our first call for projects large and small!"
— Darrell S.
Home Maintenance · Inver Grove Heights
"High praise to the whole Honey-Doers team! I needed an exterior door install — a smaller job that's hard to find folks willing to take on. Rick, Shelly, Joe & Elliott were all fantastic. Great communication and workmanship. Will definitely use them again!"
— Nick H.
Home Maintenance · Minneapolis
"The project involved removing the old popcorn finish, repairing cracks, re-finishing with knockdown ceiling, installing new recessed lighting and painting several rooms. Kudos to Rick, Dan, Shelley, Joe, Freddy, Victor and others. I was always kept informed of scheduling. I'm very pleased with the end result and would highly recommend Honey-Doers."
— Sandy H.
Whole-Home Remodeling · Lakeville
"Honey Doers is a first class company. I was assisted in the many decisions to put my townhome back into shape after serious water damage. They notified me of each day's schedule and the people involved arrived promptly. Above all, the work was exceptional."
— Toni A.
Whole-Home Remodeling · Lakeville
"I have done a number of projects with Honey-Doers and have been 100% satisfied with their work. They are my go-to people for complex or simple jobs. Their work ethic is excellent and the quality of their work is first rate. They just completed a deck repair — demo and replacement of floor boards all in one day. The finished work is absolutely perfect!"
— Bob B.
Exterior & Outdoor · Lakeville
"Honey-Doers constructed our new deck, which included flower boxes and benches. They did an excellent job. Their workmanship was superb. Rick and all who worked on the project addressed all our concerns and were easy to work with. We highly recommend them."
— Howard K.
Exterior & Outdoor
"We just completed a major kitchen and laundry room remodel. The project was completed on time in a seamless, no problems manner. Dan, Dana, Joe, Ryan and Joey were terrific to work with. We ended up saving $35,000 compared to another contractor's bid. They were an incredible choice, and we would unequivocally recommend them. No project is too small or too big for them."
— Dale J.
Kitchen Remodeling · Lakeville
"I met Randy in 1996-97 when we built our house — he's been our fix-it guy ever since. Rick, Joe, and Shelley have all been just as prompt, courteous, and competent. Over nearly 30 years they've handled windows, doors, a radon vent, and countless repairs. If they say they can do the job, they can."
— Bridget H.
Home Maintenance
"We had an overflowing shower that wrecked flooring, carpet, woodwork and a ceiling. We selected Honey-Doers and it was the absolute best choice possible. They worked with our insurance company, took care of everything, and did a fantastic job returning our home to better than before the flood."
— Mike S.
Whole-Home Remodeling
"Honey Doers completed a two bathroom refresh for me including a tub to walk-in shower conversion with custom tile. Very pleased with the craftsmanship and project management."
— Perry G.
Bathroom Remodeling · Lakeville
"I have a 100+ year old home and had storm damage. From beginning to end Adam was regularly in touch, honest, responsive and helpful. He understood all the issues, gave great advice and sorted through the insurance maze. All the subs knew what to do and clearly were treated with respect. I enthusiastically give them 5 stars."
— Mary A.
Home Maintenance
"Honey-Doers accomplished two projects in an office condo we recently purchased. When most contractors are in a hurry to get the job done and move on, their professional took his time to make sure everything was right and we were satisfied. A refreshing change. I would highly recommend Honey-Doers."
— Douglas A.
Whole-Home Remodeling
"ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Dan is a master at coordinating so many details. He explained things to me in plain English and helped me navigate the nightmare of insurance claims when no one else would. Larry and Joe were super friendly and helpful. Everyone was prompt — when they said they were coming at a certain time, they showed up then. For my next project, I will go back to them and nobody else!"
— Karin R.
Home Maintenance
"In a world where service has kind of gone downhill, this team blows it out of the water. We had water damage — a massive hole in both the wall and ceiling. Honey-Doers came out ahead of a snow storm and began exterior work to make sure we were insulated and safe before it hit. They were quick and masters at their craft. I would recommend Honey-Doers to all."
— Jack D.
Whole-Home Remodeling
"My home flooded from the upstairs through to the main level just after Thanksgiving — our baby was just 6 months old. I had never filed a claim before and had no idea what to do. From start to finish Dan and his team went above and beyond. I've never had a business treat me with such respect, patience and understanding. I couldn't be more happy with how it turned out."
— Crystal C.
Whole-Home Remodeling
"Honey-Doers is my go-to company for home repair needs. I am a Realtor and refer them to my clients prior to listing their homes and after they get settled into their new home. Honey-Doers staff are responsive and do a great job!"
— Eileen C.
Home Maintenance
"The Honey-Doers team are A+ to work with. Organized, detailed, knowledgeable, professional are top words to describe this remodeling company. As interior designers, it's very important to our design firm that we have reliable teams to work with on remodel projects — and Honey-Doers fits that mold."
— Amber G.
Whole-Home Remodeling
We use quality materials and proven techniques on every project — no shortcuts.
140+ verified 5-star reviews and 30+ years serving Twin Cities homeowners.
One point of contact, clear timelines, and a clean worksite from day one to final walkthrough.
Fully licensed, bonded, and insured in Minnesota — your home and investment are protected.
Our team welcomes you to a free consultation to discuss your goals with no pressure and no obligation.
Reviews: 140
