In 2023, my wife and I decided it was time to renovate our cottage in Eagle River, WI--a place we've cherished since purchasing it in the mid-1990s. The cottage is over 115 years old and includes a second cottage on the property. Originally built as one of the first cottages on the lake, the property began as a two-story fisherman's cabin with four bedrooms and one bathroom. Over the years, it had seen its fair share of wear and tear, and it was time to update it for the next generation of our family.
Our goal was simple: we wanted to create a space where our entire family--ourselves, our three children and their spouses, plus our five grandsons--could all gather and enjoy the beauty of the Northwoods and the lake. We aimed to keep the rustic charm of the cabin intact but also add much-needed space and functionality, like extra bathrooms, a laundry room, a garage, and a mudroom. Of course, we also knew we'd have to address some significant structural issues, including foundation rot, and HVAC, electrical, and plumbing system upgrades. Our vision was to create a warm, inviting, and comfortable cabin that would be a perfect family retreat year-round.
But the challenge was that we had very little experience with a remodel of this scale. So, we knew we'd need an expert builder who could guide us through the process, handle the complexities and unforeseen hurdles of the job, and bring our vision to life. After researching several builders in the area, we were looking for someone with a proven track record, expertise in construction, and a reputation for high-quality work and customer satisfaction. We didn't want any surprises - we wanted a "no regrets" experience.
That's when we found North Twin Builders (NTB).
We learned about NTB while watching a John McGivern show on a local television station, which featured Eagle River and highlighted John Volkmann and his company, North Twin Builders. The show really resonated with us, and we were impressed by the company's professionalism, commitment to quality, and experience with projects just like ours. It felt like we'd found exactly what we were looking for.
From the very first conversation, we knew we were in good hands. John Volkmann and his team took the time to understand our vision and provide us with valuable options and recommendations. They thoroughly assessed the structural issues with our property and gave us clear, honest estimates on the costs to address them. They also provided thoughtful suggestions on everything from heating and cooling systems to insulation and window efficiency.
What stood out to us most was how well-organized and transparent NTB was throughout the entire process. They maintained clear communication with regular updates on our project schedule and budget, and the dedicated foreman and team of skilled carpenters did amazing work. The coordination with subcontractors for plumbing, HVAC, electrical, masonry, flooring, and building materials was seamless, which kept the project running smoothly from start to finish.
John himself was involved at every stage. He visited the site almost every week to review progress and answer our questions, and his expertise was invaluable. Whether it was offering design alternatives or providing insights into technical aspects of the build, John's hands-on approach made all the difference.
The result? Our remodeled cottage turned out even better than we had hoped. It's exactly what we envisioned--rustic, warm, and full of charm, with all the modern amenities we needed to make it a functional, year-round getaway for our growing family.
If you're looking for a builder who can handle a major renovation project with professionalism, expertise, and a commitment to quality, we highly recommend North Twin Builders. Our experience with them was truly exceptional, and we couldn't be happier with the final result. read more
