Every week we hear stories that make us shake our heads—projects derailed by missing flashing, crooked framing, or tilework so sloppy it must be torn out and redone. These aren’t minor mistakes. They usually result in delays, snowball into additional problems, add thousands in repair costs, and leave homeowners and
Across the Twin Cities, schools, municipalities, and agencies are feeling the squeeze. Rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and delayed bond sales are forcing important projects—like ADA upgrades, roof replacements, and concrete repairs—onto the back burner. But here’s the reality: waiting often makes things worse. Costs keep rising, safety issues
September 9, 2025Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s quickly becoming a requirement. Across the U.S., and right here in Minnesota, schools, municipalities, and government agencies are facing tighter environmental standards. New laws and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting expectations are driving change in how facilities are designed, built, and maintained. From
Construction has always been about hard work and skilled craftsmanship. But today, it’s also about technology and the efficiencies it offers. From drones and 3D modeling to prefabrication and AI-powered project management tools, innovation is helping contractors deliver projects faster, safer, and with fewer surprises. At Stonewing Builders, we’ve seen
In construction, the way a project is set up can matter just as much as the materials. Two of the most common setups are lump sum contracts and prevailing wage projects. At first glance, they’re just pricing models. But in practice, they impact everyone involved—the customer paying the bill, the
If you’ve solicited a bid for a construction project lately, you’ve probably noticed: This isn’t just a Minnesota issue—it’s happening everywhere. And while it’s frustrating, there are real reasons behind it. Understanding what’s driving costs (and why experienced subs are booked solid) helps schools, cities, agencies, and homeowners plan better,
Here in Minnesota, we know how rough storms can be. Hail, wind, and heavy rain often leave behind a mess—damaged shingles, cracked siding, and leaky roofs. And while you’re trying to figure out repairs, unfortunately some contractors see an opportunity. They’re called “storm chasers.” These are out-of-town crews who roll
When it comes to construction projects—whether it’s a school flat roof replacement, concrete/masonry repair, or ADA upgrades—the bidding process is designed to help owners compare contractors fairly. But if you’ve ever reviewed a stack of proposals, you know it’s not always easy to sort out what you’re really getting. Some
Let’s be honest—price is always part of the decision when you’re picking a contractor. I get it. And yes, I’m often asked to compete with “Angie’s List pricing”—but that’s like comparing apples to oranges. Here’s the thing: if a bid looks way lower than everyone else’s, there’s usually a reason.
You’ve probably heard the story (or lived it): the sump pump runs nonstop during spring storms until the power goes out—and then the basement floods again, leaving new drain tile to get installed and the landscaping is ripped out to re-compact soil along the foundation. Add mold and waterlogged framing
