BATC’s Guide to Good Design 2015

BATC_Header

Clockwise from above left: John Huelskamp, Creative Homes, Craig Bares, Elevation Homes

About BATC

The Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) is a nonprofit trade association bringing together 1,100 builders and remodelers, suppliers, subcontractors, vendors and manufacturers, all with the same goal—to maintain a vibrant marketplace for Twin Cities families to choose the home, builder, or remodeler that can turn their dreams into reality.

BATC builder and remodeler members must have a current Minnesota contractor’s license, and all members are required to sign an ethics agreement (in the rare case that a dispute arises, you can call BATC to set up a mediation at no charge). Homes and remodeling projects by BATC members must conform to Minimum Performance Standards as well. 

BATC offers a wide array of resources and information to its members, helping them stay current on codes, regulations, trends, products, and services. BATC also offers quality continuing education courses to fulfill state requirements.

Most Minnesotans know BATC best for its 67 year-old Parade of Homes and 28 year-old Remodelers Showcase every spring and fall, presenting a range of options for new construction and remodeling.

Members are committed to quality craftsmanship, excellence in design, and take great pride in guiding consumers through the building/remodeling process for the maximum return on investment.

Whether you’re ready to build or remodel, hire BATC members.

Vujovich-Design-Build_bathroomVujovich Design Build, Inc; photo by Corey Gaffer

Crystal-Kitchen-Center_modernCrystal Kitchen Center; photo by JH Peterson


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Featured Project: Plekkenpol Builders

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Before

The owners of this Plymouth home had extensive remodeling work done in phases throughout the years, working toward a goal of creating the perfect home for spending their retirement years. The last item on their list was a comfortable and stylish master bath that would accommodate their needs as they grew older.

Their current master bath was cramped, outdated, and failed to function as effectively as it could, especially considering it was the most-used bath in the home. The owners wanted their master bath to feel spacious, yet didn’t want to add square footage to the space. With the help of Plekkenpol Builders, they were able to find the ideal solution—through a creative redistribution of space—without needing to change the home’s existing footprint.

Since the adjacent guest bath was larger than necessary and not frequently used, space was reallocated from the guest bath to the master bath, doubling its previous size. The gorgeous new master bath includes ample storage, a double vanity, and walk-in shower—both practical and beautiful. The space is modern, upscale, and spa-like, designed to enjoy for many, many years to come.

For more information about how Plekenpol Builders can help you with your next project, call 952-888-2225 or visit plekkenpol.com.

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Photos by Brandon Rowell


Photo courtesy of Accent Homes INC

BATC Foundation Serves Those In Need

As the charitable arm of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, the BATC Foundation taps the talents and resources of the association’s member builders, remodelers, suppliers and others to support our communities. They build homes, provide remodeling and repair, and offer scholarships for young people entering the construction industry.

During 2015, the Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary by completing several projects, including remodeling Bluebird House. Managed by Homeward Bound, which provides innovative and life-enriching services to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities, this suburban residence is home to four young men in need of personalized 24-hour nursing care.

BATC Foundation and Vujovich Design-Build took Bluebird House “under their wing” to remodel the too-small space and build a new family room addition, bathroom, laundry room, storage area, and bedroom to accommodate the men and their necessary medical equipment, Homeward Bound staff, and family, friends, and guests. With the addition, there will be room for residents to gather in a large commons area. 

The BATC Foundation also partnered with Homes for Our Troops to provide a new home for Army SPC Marco Solt whose vehicle encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during his deployment to Afghanistan. Marco lost both legs in the explosion and now uses prosthetics and a wheelchair. The Foundation’s build partner, Accent Homes, completed Marco’s new home this fall, making sure it will make life easier and more comfortable for Marco (coming equipped with dozens of special adaptations for full wheelchair accessibility) as well as for his wife Gena and their young son. 

Funds for many Foundation projects are generated through donations and support from the public during the Parade of Homes tours.

The $5 donations to visit Dream Homes and Dream Remodeled Homes add up in a big way, helping the BATC Foundation to give back to the community through ‘Building Heart in Housing.’

Together … we’re making a difference.

Mattamy-Homes_bathroom

Photo Mattamy Homes

BATC Advocacy

BATC’s mission is to help member businesses grow through marketing, advocacy, and industry connections. Advocacy is a pillar of BATC’s activities.

As the leading voice for builders and remodelers, BATC is a powerful force at the Legislature and in the region’s regulatory agencies, working to keep housing affordable, well-built, safe, and durable. 

BATC strives to educate lawmakers about the impact that regulation has on the housing market. Currently, almost 30 percent of the price of a new home is due to regulatory burdens. While BATC supports many of those regulations, it also fights hard to stop excessive fees and bureaucratic overreach.

One way they do that is to host “Builder Day at the Capitol” each spring.  Hundreds of members meet with their legislators one-on-one, helping elected officials better understand the impact that their decisions have on home buyers, homeowners and their businesses, many of which are small, local firms.

Their efforts are really geared to allowing the market (that’s you) to decide where you want to live and what kind of home you choose to live in. And, to keep market-based home building and remodeling affordable so Minnesotans can continue to achieve the American dream of home ownership.

Contact BATC:
2960 Centre Point Dr., Roseville, MN 55113
651-697-1954
batconline.org
paradeofhomes.org

By Chrissy Sarinske, special sections editor

 

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