Look for Sass Construction on the TV Show Bath Crashers!!

May 18th, 2012

We are making our TV debut! Look for us to be featured on Bath Crashers on Monday May 21st at 9:30pm on the DYI Network. If you are not able to catch the episode then, here are some additional times it will be airing. Bath Crashers Sass Construction Episode Schedule.

A Note From Mark Sass

May 16th, 2012

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost here - time sure does fly! I just wanted to take a minute to reflect on the past few months and what I have learned.

I have been going to Alaska for part of the winter for many years now, helping my son Brent live out his dream of dog mushing. I appreciate my time away and always come back with a new eye opening perspective on life.

This year in Alaska I worked on equipment, helped with logistics, feed dogs, and pitched in just about anywhere I was needed. In addition, I went with Brent to the races he competed in – the Yukon Quest, and for the first time ever the Iditarod. Brent placed 13th in the Iditarod and received the Rookie of the Year award – we are all very proud of him. And now that the racing season is over we are all looking forward to next year.

During the season I put on 5,500 miles traveling around Alaska, along with following Brent through the race checkpoints to cheer him on and help out with the dogs. Along the way I had the pleasure of meeting many interesting people from all walks of life. I also spent time dog mushing, snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling.

If I’m remained one thing from my trip to Alaska each year – it’s we all need to slow down and enjoy life a little more. I hope that this note finds you well and that you can take some time to slow down this summer and enjoy all the important people in your life!

As always, let us know if there is anything we can do to help you! We appreciate your business and look forward to a great summer!

Preparing Your Home For A Summer Party

May 3rd, 2012

With graduations in the air and wedding season nearly in full swing, it is easy to see that summer is the season of celebration. Whether you will be hosting the neighborhood pool party, a backyard barbeque, or a whimsical wedding, it is time to start thinking about preparing your home for summer festivities. Not sure where to start? Here is a list of items that we typically see popping up on our clients’ “to-do” lists this time of year:

Kitchen
- New Countertops
- Add a Island or Sitting Space
- New Flooring
- New Cabinets
- New Lighting
- New Paint
- Whole Kitchen Remodel

Baths
- Install Dual Vanities
- Install New Soak Tub, Steam Shower, Rain Shower, etc.
- Custom Cabinet Solutions
- New Lighting
- New Paint
- Whole Bathroom Remodel

Living Areas
- Window Replacement
- New Flooring
- Whole Living Room Remodel
- Install Home Theater or Entertainment Viewing Area
- New Paint

Outdoor Entertaining Area
- New Deck
- New Patio
- Porch Renovation
- Stain The Fence
- Install A Raised Garden Bed Or Retaining Wall
- Outdoor Kitchen Installation

…And the list goes on. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be – we have you covered. We offer a full line of home repair, maintenance, and renovation services. No job is too big or too small for our professional team. Whether you need your windows replaced or your bathroom painted, we can help. Contact us today to get your to-do list squared away.

Meet Chris Sass - Vice President of Sass Construction

April 26th, 2012

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Name: Chris Sass

Job Title: Vice President

How long have you been with Sass?
From the very beginning, 30+ years. Mark and I started Sass Construction in 1980. We did business out of our house for 10 years, then moved into an office building in Excelsior for 13 years and 8 1/2 years ago moved to Chanhassen.

What do you like best about your job?
I went from doing all the clerical and bookkeeping and payroll for 9 years, to Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll for 7 years, to Payroll and Human Resources for the last 16 years. What I like the most about my job is the flexibility I have in the hours that I work and that everyone likes it when I show up for work on payroll day.

Name one thing you miss about being a kid?
Sitting on my Mom and Dad’s lap and playing on my tree swing in the backyard.

What kind of activities do you like to do for fun?
I have been on a bowling league for 25 years. I like to bowl but the enjoyment is visiting with these ladies every week in my league. I like to read and take my dog for walks too.

What do you like best about living in Minnesota?
The four seasons we have of weather and my favorite is Fall. I have to admit, we Minnesotan’s are Minnesota nice!

If you could plan a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I don’t really care about travelling abroad anymore but if I did I would choose Ireland. My daughter has been there twice and she say’s “you gotta go Mom”. I have a little Irish in me and would love to see the beautiful scenery and learn more about the history of Ireland.

Video: Lighting Ideas for Home Remodeling

April 20th, 2012

In the third and final video of our series host Jeff Wuensch, of Sass Construction, will introduce you to a few lighting trends and ideas over at the Ferguson showroom in Golden Valley, Minnesota.

Edina Home Remodeling Project

April 18th, 2012

We recently had the opportunity to remodel a 1956 two-story, walkout home in Edina. The homeowners, whom we have had the pleasure of working with many times in the past, asked us to make their home more accommodating for their now multigenerational family. Their goal was to create a bright and relaxing entertainment space appropriate for the adults, with a nearby play structure for the grandchildren.

We started on the home’s main floor. The family’s existing living room had an outdated fireplace mantel and surround, dated carpeting and white paint on the walls. Their floor plan also left something to be desired – the family’s office wasn’t adequately separated from the living room, making it difficult to use both spaces simultaneously. To punch up their space and make the lower level more multi-use, we removed the pass-through that separated the office and living room and framed a new wall in its place, eliminating the noise that had previously passed through to the office. We also installed a new fireplace face complete with a glass subway tile surround, replaced the existing carpet with natural maple hardwood floors, and repainted the walls with a bright and updated color.

On the lower level we reworked the family’s exercise space to better accommodate their equipment. We began by removing a wall and expanding the space. We also replaced the carpet with wood floors, repainted, and installed a wall-hanging widescreen television to enjoy while working out.

We also rearranged the basement to better serve the family’s multiple needs. Before the renovation, the basement had a hallway to the old exercise room and two closets for storage with a play area to the right of the existing fireplace. To better accommodate new needs, we removed one closet completely to give the basement more living area, remodeled the single existing closet to have a more functional storage area and converted the play area into a bar, complete with a wine cooler, microwave, sink, granite countertops, and maple cabinets. We installed new recess can lighting in the family room and pendant lights above the new bar area. But don’t worry – we didn’t leave the kids hanging. We also made a new and improved play area for the grandchildren!

We were so pleased with the overall outcome and, happily, our clients were as well!The family has since reported that their remodel resulted in a home the whole family loves! In their newly reorganized basement they are able to entertain the adults while at the same time provide a place for the grandchildren to play. A happy homeowner makes for a happy home remodeler!

What Is CAPS?

April 4th, 2012

As the average life expectancy of Americans continues to increase, more and more older adults are interested in planning for growing old and aging in their current home, as opposed to moving into senior housing. This trend, known as “aging-in-place,” is one committed to allowing individuals to remain in their homes safely, independently, and comfortably regardless of age or ability level.

In fact, aging-in-place, also sometimes referred to as universal design or barrier free design - has become such an important part of today’s construction industry that that National Association of Home Builders has recognized it as a sub-specialty. CAPS – or the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist designation program - teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place.

Sass is proud to employ aging-in-place specialists, including our Production Manager, Jeff Wuensch. Jeff enjoys creating home solutions and offering comprehensive and practical home accessibility resolutions. It is his belief that home modifications can be both beautiful and functional, while still allowing access to individuals of all age and ability levels. Common aging-in-place modifications that Jeff recommends include the installation of bath and shower grab bars, the adjustment of countertop heights to increase access and maneuverability, and the creation of multifunctional first floor master suites.

If you are hoping to stay in your existing home as you age or if you are just interested in learning what modifications you may need as you get older, contact us for a consultation.

Meet Paul Weld - Sass Construction Sales and Design

March 29th, 2012

Paul Weld has over 20 years of experience in residential remodeling. He is educated in design, structural engineering, plumbing, electrical and most important, in the field of listening. Paul believes helping you make your dreams come to life is the best part of his job.

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Name: Paul Weld

Job title: Sales and Design

How long have you been with Sass? 2 ½ years

What do you like best about your job? Meeting people and making their dreams a reality.

Name one thing you miss about being a kid? No responsibilities!

What kind of activities do you like to do for fun? Ski, skate, sliding, rollerblading, hiking

What do you like best about living in Minnesota? The four seasons

If you could plan a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go? Italy  - architecture

Bloomington Home Show Photos

March 28th, 2012

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

March 22nd, 2012

spring-photoMarch 20th marked the first day of spring and the beginning of the transition from blustery mornings and frosted windows to the season of new growth and spring cleaning. Now that spring has officially sprung, take some time to ensure that your house is as ready for the new season as you are, with these spring home maintenance tips:

Air Conditioner: Don’t let the first hot day of summer be the first time that you test out your air conditioning system. Instead, have a certified HVAC professional check out your system at your earliest convenience. Not only does this ensure that the system is up and running, it can also verify that the AC is running at its manufacturer-rated efficiency, giving you the most bang for your buck on your electrical bill.

Exterior Inspection: Inspect your roof shingles to ensure that winter wear and tear hasn’t done any damage. Then, to help make sure built-up condensation is moving off the roof, clear your gutters of leaves and debris. To avoid basement flooding, check to make sure that all downspouts are directed away from your home foundation. In addition, check your home’s grading to ensure that all water flows away from your house.

Windows: Inspect and replace window and door caulking. Improper caulking can lead to moisture entering your home and walls, and can ultimately lead to mold. If you think it might be time to replace your windows altogether, give us a call and we inspect them for you - giving you our professional opinion.

Sideways and Driveways: Check your home’s pavement for cracks. Finding these flaws early on prevents weeds from taking up residence or from cracks expanding. Deal with any surface flaws with a home patching job or concrete surface filler.

Think Big: Don’t forget spring is a great time to plan your next home renovation or addition. Are you ready to plan your project? Contact us at Sass Construction today to get started!