Minneapolis, MN
Expert basement finishing for Minneapolis, MN homeowners — family rooms, home offices, guest suites, and more. Quality craftsmanship from a team you can trust.
Why Remodel
Minneapolis homes range from pre-war Craftsman bungalows and Tudor revivals to 1950s–1960s mid-century ramblers — architecturally rich homes that reward careful, character-preserving renovations. 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. Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis's neighborhoods — and we bring that local knowledge to every project.
A Chain-of-Lakes streetcar suburb built out in Craftsman bungalows and foursquares through the 1910s and 1920s along the line that once ran to Lake Harriet. Basements here were built for coal storage and a wringer washer, not living space, so the original ceiling height is usually the first thing a finish project has to design around.
Minneapolis's oldest and largest houses ring Lake of the Isles — Victorian and Colonial Revival homes built from the 1890s through the 1920s on deep lots platted before the automobile. A kitchen or whole-home project here is less often about adding space than about opening up a floor plan built around a butler's pantry and a separate servants' stair.
Bungalows and postwar infill built out along Minnehaha Creek as it drops toward the falls and the Mississippi, more attainable than the lake district a mile north. A basement apartment finish is the most common request in this stretch of the city, since the original bungalow layout leaves the lower level as the only real place to add square footage.
The city's original working-class immigrant district, built up around the river's lumber mills and rail yards from the 1880s on with narrow lots, worker cottages, and duplexes. Foundations here run older and shallower than the rest of the city, which is usually the deciding factor in whether a basement can be finished as habitable space at all.
We pull the permits and coordinate the inspections. Here is what that involves in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis's Construction Code Services Division, in the Public Service Building at 505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320. Permit questions go to 612-673-3000 (or 311 from inside the city) or Development@minneapolismn.gov. City phone numbers change from time to time — if this one doesn't connect, minneapolismn.gov/business-services/licenses-permits-inspections has the current one.
Minneapolis runs plan submission, review, permit issuance, and inspection scheduling through a single portal, ProjectDox — once a permit is paid for, the approved plans and the permit itself download from the same system. The plan review fee is 65% of the building permit fee, and Minnesota's statewide surcharge of 0.0005 times the job's value is added on top of both. A basement finish specifically needs two copies of plans submitted to the Plan Review Section, showing compliance with the city's basement-finish bulletin before the permit issues.
An existing Minneapolis basement needs a ceiling height of at least 6 feet 4 inches to count as habitable space, measured to the lowest beam, girder, or duct — the same statewide minimum most metro cities use. Minneapolis is more specific than most on the window well: it needs the standard 9-square-foot, 36-inch-minimum opening, but the well must also extend at least 8 inches past each side of the window for a wood-to-earth separation, and it carries its own 2-foot zoning setback from the side or rear property line — two dimensions we've seen enforced together only here. A bedroom carved from the space also has to clear a natural-light formula: at least 8% of the room's floor area in window glass, with 4% of that openable, unless a mechanical ventilation system covers it instead.
Minneapolis exists because of a 50-foot limestone ledge in the Mississippi River — Saint Anthony Falls, the only true waterfall on the entire river and the water-power source that built the city's flour-milling industry. The falls sit on a hard cap of Platteville limestone over soft St. Peter sandstone, and by the 1860s the sandstone had eroded badly enough to threaten the falls' collapse; the city built a timber apron in 1880 and replaced it with the concrete one visible today in the 1950s. That same soft-sandstone-under-hard-cap geology runs through the gorge neighborhoods closest to the river, while the chain-of-lakes district further out sits on the glacial till and kettle lakes the last ice sheet left behind. Hennepin County is in Minnesota's Zone II for frost protection, so footings for any 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
Minneapolis, 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.
"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 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
"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
"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
"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
"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 welcomes you to a free consultation to discuss your goals with no pressure and no obligation.
Reviews: 140
