Testimonials
The Schneider's
John and Cheri Schneider are building their first home - they just got married last October - but they have definite ideas about what they want.
"Cheri works in commercial construction, and went to school for architecture," said John. "We both agreed we wanted a home that was 'ours,' which is why we decided to build.
"We talked to several builders, but McDonald Construction was recommended to us by my uncle, who works for a company that is a supplier to McDonald.
"Because we are new to building, we wanted a company that we could trust," he continued. "After talking to representatives from McDonald, we went with them." "They are also active in Minnesota's GreenStar program, which attracted us," said Cheri. "We toured the company's GreenStar home in Woodbury before we made any plans." The house under construction - due for fall move-in - will be a five-bedroom, fourbath two-story with a walkout in Victoria.
Cheri said the home will include several "green" features, including eucalyptus wood floors, low-flow and Energy Star appliances, LED lighting and the use of fly-ash concrete.
"We're looking at geo-thermal heating, too," she said. The couple praised their McDonald team. "They've been very helpful and friendly," said Cheri. "They're very interested in GreenStar, so they're eager to learn with us."
Bob McDonald and New Home Consultant Kim Vetter review blueprints with Curtis Stratton
With two small children and a third on the way, Curtis and Jennifer Stratton wanted a home with all the bedrooms on one floor. They also desired more bathrooms than they had.
They looked at existing homes for about a year, but couldn't find any they wanted. "I wanted to build, but my wife didn't. She had had a bad experience with a builder, so was reluctant," said Curtis.
"Builders were dropping their prices, however, and we realized we could build for the same price as buying, and get all the amenities we wanted.
"We talked to three builders. One was a smaller company that just couldn't do anything about the pricing. We liked another builder's homes, but we weren't comfortable with the staff. "Then we looked at a couple of McDonald models," he continued. "Both of us were very pleased after we saw the homes and their quality value, and spoke to a couple of McDonald's agents.
"Everyone (during the construction process) has been very accommodating," he commented. "They've explained everything. And they don't make you feel like you're bothering them if you ask the same question two or three times." Their home in Victoria will be completed in the fall. It has four bedrooms on one floor, and five bathrooms.
He said one of the couple's considerations when it came to locations was the school district. "We plan to stay in the home until our kids are gone."
New Home Consultant Diana Rusca speaks with Tracy Kriener.
Tracy and Duane Kriener had specific ideas of what they wanted in a house. They decided to build in Woodbury's Stonemill Farms development because they couldn't find those touches in existing homes.
"We wanted certain carpet textures, arches throughout; detailing around the doors; quality trim work; tailored, high-quality woodwork and more," said Tracy."
"None of the builders we talked to would give us the amenities we wanted for the same cost as McDonald Construction. There was no comparison."
She said that other builders had "set in stone" choices and floor plans, with few custom features. "I wanted a basement laundry and clothes chute from the second floor. Most of the builders we talked to just wouldn't do that. McDonald shifted the floor plan so that it worked."
"Energy efficiency was also important," added Tracy. "McDonald made sure we have Andersen windows, plenty of insulation between the floors, and sealed outlets, so that air can't come in through them.
"We wanted a home with a southern exposure, with a lot of windows throughout," she said. "McDonald was able to show us several lots where we could situate the house to let in plenty of sun."
The construction phase went well and the carpenters and other craftsmen were very courteous. We liked that the subcontractors had worked with McDonald for a long time, we felt that was a good sign."
The couple moved into their two-story home with their children in 2007. "We have a main floor master suite so that we can stay their indefinitely. It's a fun house," she concluded.
The Nelson's
Keith and Julie Nelson's home in Woodbury's Dancing Waters development is their fourth house - the third one they've built.
"It had been about 15 years since we'd built a home, but needed more room for our children and grandchildren when they visit," said Keith. Their previous home was also in Woodbury.
"We had updated our house as much as we cared to," he stated, "and decided we wanted something new. We wanted a second-floor laundry, and a lot more cabinetry." They chose Dancing Waters two years ago because "We wanted to be in one of the city's top developments," explained Julie.
"We really like the development, especially for its resale potential. We like the amenities, too, such as the community pool and the 'neighborhood' feel. "We also like the development's use of sidewalks," she continued. "Kids don't need to play and walk in the street. And the front porches on many of the homes remind me of my grandmother's home - very old-fashioned."
The couple had planned to build a rambler, but ended up with a two-story home with a walkout. It has four bedrooms and three baths. The unfinished basement has room for another bedroom and bathroom.
"We visited a lot of Parade of Homes houses, and narrowed down our choices," said Julie. "We liked McDonald Construction's homes, and all the customers we talked to were happy with their houses.
"Our choice was a spec house, and had all the features we wanted," she said. "It has nicelooking cabinetry - in almost every room in the house - and granite countertops. We like the rear walkout to the patio."
Bill and Donna Quintus
Bill and Donna Quintus have lived in their McDonald Construction Home in Apple valley since 1990. It's a two-story, four bedroom/
four-bath home with a three-car garage, finished walkout basement large kitchen and full-wall fireplace in the great room.
"The home was originally a traditional two-story design that Bob McDonald let us customize to our needs and taste." said Bill.
For example, they added a curved staircase, and a larger master suite with a "huge" walk-in closet.
I wasn't sure I wanted to build at the time," said Bill. "We only had one son still living at home, and I didn't think we needed all those bedrooms. But what really appealed to me was that Bob himself worked with us to get the amenities we wanted within our budget. He made it possible for us to have a finished basement when we built, not add it later. He worked with us - it wouldn't have gotten done otherwise.
"We would absolutely recommend McDonald Construction," concluded Bill. "Bob is a real straight-shooter - he did what he said he would do all along the way."
Tim and Diane Wood
Woodland Preserve of Inver Grove Heights
Tim and Diane Wood love their McDonald home in Woodland Preserve of Inver Grove Heights. They and their two dogs moved into their walkout rambler last February. Located on a wooded setting just under three acres, the three-bedroom home is about 4,000 square feet. It features Brazilian cherry floors, his-and-hers baths near the master bedroom, gourmet kitchen, a "dog room" that goes out into the fenced yard, basement hot tub room and other special features. "My parents owned this land, and suggested we build here," said Tim. "We bought the property from them, and interviewed several local builders. We saw one of McDonald's model homes, and instantly liked the quality of the materials and the workmanship. "They took our ideas, offered suggestions and came up with our house. We love it! And the staff was so easy to work with. We met so many nice people while they were building the house. Both the staff members and subcontractors really worked well with us. We didn't miss a day going there, because we really liked the building process. "There wasn't one hitch," he continued. "They took care of everything instantly. We've recommended McDonald Construction to several people. We suggested them to our daughter, who had the company build her house, which is also really nice."
Tracy and Don Hains
Wilds Ridge of Prior Lake
Tracy and Don Hains were very familiar with McDonald Construction because they built their rambler in July 2005. "He's easy to work with," said Tracy. "When we were considering building our own home, we asked for recommendations from some of their clients. McDonald has a lot of repeat customers, which we liked. Plus, we kept hearing how McDonald delivered on their promises. We certainly found that to be true on our project. "Our house in Wilds Ridge of Prior Lake was the first one we built, and it was a good experience." The couple moved into their 5,000 square feet home, explained Tracy, "with a huge gourmet kitchen. We wanted to be able to entertain small or large groups and have the home feel inviting to everyone. We also have a dedicated home theater room, and connecting three- and four-season porches in the back, which overlooks a wooded part of The Wilds Golf Course. "We love our house, and we would definitely do the project again with McDonald Construction."
Michael and Kelly Codega
Prior Lake, Minnesota
We are very pleased with the remodeling of our lower level and it is of the same high-quality as our McDonald home. Project management covered all aspects of the job and changes were incorporated seamlessly. Personal attention was always at the forefront and the McDonald Representatives worked with us as a team. Communication on construction status was timely.
There was always someone available to take calls. Coordination of subcontractors went very well. When one was complete the next was on site. Attention was paid to details and assignment of responsibility was clear. One of the best remodeling and renovation jobs we've ever experienced. We would certainly recommend McDonald Remodeling as our contractor of choice.
Tom and Sherrie Busse
Rosemount, Minnesota
We chose McDonald Construction for our project because they do new construction and remodeling and our project included both. Everyone involved was easy to work with, courteous and professional. Our house is now more functional, spacious and beautiful! We would recommend McDonald Construction to anyone. They produce quality results.
Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed.