Lakeville, MN
Expert basement finishing for Lakeville, MN homeowners — family rooms, home offices, guest suites, and more. Quality craftsmanship from a team you can trust.
Why Remodel
Lakeville features predominantly early-2000s through 2020s construction — larger floor plans with open kitchens and builder-grade finishes that are prime candidates for thoughtful upgrades. 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. Lakeville 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 Lakeville's neighborhoods — and we bring that local knowledge to every project.
The name is not decoration — this was the site of Marion Savage's Antlers Amusement Park, which his Dan Patch railroad line was built in 1910 to serve. The housing around it is some of the oldest in Lakeville, which in a city this new means it is the part where a remodel actually meets original construction rather than builder-grade finishes.
Lakeville's historic core, and the small share of the city that predates its growth era. Homes here are older and more varied than the subdivisions, so projects tend to involve reworking a layout that was never open rather than upgrading one that already is.
Near-lake and lakefront properties where finished lower levels and primary-bath renovations are the most requested work. Walkout lower levels are common on the sloping lots, and a walkout already has the daylight that makes finishing it worthwhile.
The rural edge, where lots are larger and a good number of homes are still on private septic. That changes one thing specifically: adding a bedroom to a home on a septic system triggers a compliance inspection by a licensed SSTS inspector, which is a step to plan for rather than discover.
We pull the permits and coordinate the inspections. Here is what that involves in Lakeville.
Lakeville's Building Inspections department, at 20195 Holyoke Avenue, open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday on 952-985-4440. Permits are applied for through the BS&A online portal, which runs separate homeowner and contractor logins — contractors have to register the first time before they can apply. City phone numbers change from time to time — if this one doesn't connect, lakevillemn.gov/167/Building-Inspections has the current one.
Lakeville issues its own electrical permits, which is worth stating because two of its neighbours no longer do: a basement finish here needs a separate city electrical permit, where Richfield sends electrical to the State and Chaska has the State inspector handle the rough-in. Plans are submitted through BS&A and drawn to scale, as a floor plan and a cross section — the floor plan showing the location and type of exterior basement walls, block or stud, existing and proposed walls with dimensions, room names, window and door sizes, plumbing fixtures, furnace and water heater, stairway, fireplaces and smoke detectors; the cross section showing proposed finished ceiling height, finish materials, and existing and proposed insulation and vapour barrier. Hard-copy plans, if you submit them, have to be 11x17 or smaller. Allow a minimum of 24 hours for all inspections. Lakeville also runs photo-based electronic inspections for some replacement work — HVAC, plumbing, roofing and siding — with an onsite inspection scheduled afterwards.
Lakeville sets ceiling height in two parts: habitable rooms, hallways and bathrooms need not less than 7 feet, while beams, girders, ducts and soffits may come down to 6 feet 4 inches. That is a different rule from Richfield's or Apple Valley's flat 6-foot-4 for an existing basement, and it means the ductwork can be low but the room cannot. Every sleeping room needs an escape window of at least 5.7 square feet net clear opening, 24 inches of clear height, 20 inches of clear width, and a finished sill no more than 44 inches above the floor. The requirement that surprises people most is the alarms: a basement finish requires the entire home to be brought up to current code for smoke alarms, hardwired and interconnected with battery backup, with battery-powered units accepted in existing finished areas only where interconnecting them would mean removing finish materials.
Lakeville is the youngest housing stock we work in, and that shapes every project here. The city stayed farmland long after its neighbours suburbanised — Interstate 35 reached it late and it did not incorporate until 1967 — and then grew faster than anywhere else in the state, topping the metro for residential building permits year after year and adding roughly a third again to its population since 2000. The practical result is that most Lakeville homes are structurally sound, built to a modern energy code, and finished to a builder's budget. So the work is rarely repair. It is lower levels the builder left unfinished, and finishes that were chosen to hit a price. One newer-construction detail matters more here than anywhere else: where an engineered rim joist with built-in insulation was used, Lakeville asks that no additional insulation be added to the rim area — a well-meant upgrade that causes problems in exactly the homes most likely to receive it. Dakota County is in the state's Zone II for frost protection, so footings for an addition go a minimum of 42 inches down.
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
Lakeville, 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.
"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 and I will miss their presence."
— 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
"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
"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 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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
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 is ready to transform your home. Let's start with a free consultation — no pressure, no obligation.
Reviews: 140
