With the amount of people moving their offices from the workplace to their own homes in the past year, it has brought home office design to the spotlight. Creating an environment that is both functional and personal can be a challenge for anyone who has never had to think about design in that way. Rochester Area Builders has many professional members with years of experience in this area ready to design the office of your dreams. Things to consider when designing your home office: Natural
From the report: "According to the recently completed Olmsted County Comprehensive Housing Study, commissioned by the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing, over the next decade, Olmsted County will need over 18,000 new housing units, including over 5,400 new senior housing units. Many seniors live in single family homes, which are in short supply for the overall housing market. Seniors need more housing options that meet their needs and desires, and the local housing market will benefit from seniors
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See below for the latest Rochester Area Builders' Newsletter, "Foundations". Most Recent Edition: December 2021 - January 2022 View past issues of Foundations at https://issuu.com/rochesterareabuilders
Four Reasons Why a Custom Home is the Right Choice for You Have you been thinking about building a home? Are you stuck between a custom build or a stock build? Rochester Area Builders is here to help you decide if a custom build is the best decision for the home you want. Here are four reasons that a custom build is the right choice for you: You have a unique lot that you plan to build on. A unique lot can mean the size won’t allow for a stock plan to fit appropriately; therefore, you will
Many people believe that the basics of every home in Rochester, MN, are the same. Floor plans are standard issue, materials are consistent, and the overall product will be an average, run-of-the-mill suburban home. But the reality of home building is that creative visions are just as possible as those standard builds. And for individuals with something special in mind, the residential builders with Rochester Area Builders (RAB) are committed to realizing visions from the safe and practical to the truly
Finding a single, comprehensive home building guide is nearly impossible thanks to the huge array of tips and tools that exist in the world of home building, but at Rochester Area Builders (RAB), we can help you start your building journey with some basics to get you moving forward. Once you understand the overarching process involved in home building, you can turn to RAB so we can match you with building professionals who can guide you through the rest of the Rochester, MN, construction experience. Step
Mark your calendars, start dreaming up your next home project, and prepare to be inspired – the Rochester Area Builders 43rd Annual Home Show will be here before we know it. As strong believers in supporting local, RAB is honored to bring the so many talented members from the Rochester home industry together in one place. Looking to build a new custom home? Or maybe you’re planning to remodel your existing home. Either way, you don’t want to miss this. This event will take place February 4-5-6, 2022 at
Building a House that Best Suits Your Family in Rochester, MN In times of uncertainty, having a home to call your own can provide stability and comfort to families and individuals who are looking to set down roots. For Rochester MN, residents, building a house can be the perfect way to establish your family in the area of your dreams and begin to build a life that fits you perfectly. Rochester Area Builders’ (RAB’s) members work hard to ensure that you can make a home-building plan that suits your needs
Fall is officially here. This means it’s time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. We put together this checklist for you that will keep your utility bills low and preserve your investment in your home. As you go through this list, look to members of Rochester Area Builders, some of the best professionals in the industry. Tune Up Your Heating System Don’t wait until it’s already cold enough to turn your furnace on before testing it out for the season. We encourage you to call a service
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” --Thomas Edison Choosing a career path is an exciting, yet often confusing and overwhelming experience. If you’re in high school and college, you probably have a lot of interests - but how many of these interests can you build a career out of? Most want a career that will bring them happiness. But how do you know, without any experience, that dedicating your life to one career path will bring them the joy that
Identifying “Green Flags” for House Builders in Rochester, MN Selecting a house builder for your Rochester, MN, home can feel overwhelming due to the sheer volume of potential builders in the construction market. But it’s possible to weed out “red flag” residential builders with a little bit of know-how and a shortlist of requirements. Rochester Area Builders (RAB) recommends looking for some of the following “green flags” when selecting a house builder that’s right for you. Professional
We are so excited to announce that Studs, Struts & Stilettos is officially back in October. Whether you’re a seasoned vet, or looking to attend your very first show, below you’ll find everything you need to know about our 2021 Studs, Struts & Stilettos fashion exposé. Strut Through HistoryThis year’s theme is titled, “Strut Through History”. Designers will handcraft unique clothing designs inspired by historical figures, events, or time periods. Models will walk the runway, showcasing their designer’s
The Benefits of New Home Building in Rochester, MN Securing the home of your future is a process that necessitates big decision after big decision, and one of the biggest must be made right at the start of your home building journey: whether to buy an old house or build a new one. At Rochester Area Builders (RAB), we can help you make a decision that suits your goals, your budget, and your family’s core needs. Whether you’re looking to build a small family home in the city or a large generational manor in
First Annual Bean Bag Tournament Presented by 40 Below Now that summer is officially here, we’re excited to take full advantage of the weather with our first annual Bean Bag Tournament - Builders, Bags & Brews. RAB Members, it’s time to gather your team and get ready to face off against one another in a friendly competition on August 7, 2021. Is cornhole not really your thing? No worries! This event includes a variety of other activities to enjoy. What is Builders, Bags & Brews? Builders, Bags &
Selecting a Residential Builder that Suits Your Home Needs in Rochester, MN Finding the right builder for your residential construction project is one of the most stressful steps in the home-building process. A bad match can result in delays, conflict, and dissatisfaction, whereas the right fit will streamline the building process and ensure a final product that you can truly call home. At Rochester Area Builders, we strive to provide that perfect final product every time. For Rochester, MN, families
Rochester Area Builders is proud to offer scholarships to graduating high school seniors and college freshman in the southeast Minnesota region. Scholarships are for attendance in post-secondary programs in a construction-related field including technical school, trade school, or college. RAB is dedicated to continuing to educate our youth on the importance of the skilled trades industry through several initiatives.Promoting Skilled Trades There is a significant job shortage in the Minnesota trades
Essential Priorities for Choosing a Commercial Building Contractor in Rochester, MN Finding the right commercial building team for your project can be a struggle if you’re new to the area, looking for a team you haven’t worked with before, or just fresh to the commercial building experience as a whole. But creating a shortlist of essential priorities can help trim the options and facilitate the selection of a team that will meet and exceed all your expectations. At Rochester Area Builders (RAB), we
How Do I Buy A New Home? Interest rates may be creeping higher, but home buying remains strong. New construction is booming in southeast Minnesota and with Rochester recently dubbed as a “mini mega city”, the growth shows no end in sight. For those moving into the area, newly constructed homes are in high demand. In many cases, buyers will be purchasing the home directly from the builder. We’ve provided some tips on what you need to know when you’re in the market to buy a new home. Do Your
Building a House in Rochester, MN? Call Rochester Area Builders. We Are Here to Help. Building a house in Rochester is a good call. After all, Rochester Minnesota is, and has been, consistently rated as one of the best cities to live in America. In fact, there are all kinds of lists and polls from publication after publication proclaiming Rochester as a premier residential city. Too many to list here, but a quick Google search will easily back this statement up. You probably already know that which is
Join us April 17-18 and 24-25 for two big weekends of the Rochester Area Spring Showcase of Homes! This year’s event is completely free and features a digital magazine for guests to self-guide themselves through the various home locations. What to Expect Get inspired for your next home build or design with a little help from members of Rochester Area Builders! The Spring Showcase of Homes offers the opportunity for members to showcase their unique work to local homebuyers and the general public. This
Commercial builders are in the business of building and leasing or selling spaces in the private sector. To us, these spaces are mostly visible as office buildings, manufacturing plants, and retail shopping centers. Of course, here in Rochester MN, a large portion of commercial building projects also include medical facilities. Commercial building construction projects can vary greatly in size and scope. While some commercial builders are equipped and focused on building large-scale manufacturing plants,
The Rochester Area Builders’ 42nd Annual Home Show is right around the corner and we’re excited for you to join us! Enjoy free admission to our in-person event at the Mayo Civic Center or join our seminars virtually on our website April 9-11, 2021. Lots of opportunities to interact with local experts and participate in a variety of activities the whole family can enjoy. Here’s more of what you can expect from the 2021 Home Show. Gain Insight from Local Experts The RAB Home Show gives you an exclusive,
3 Types of Residential Construction in Rochester, MN There are three types of residential construction in Rochester, MN. We will quickly identify these types of construction and explain a few of the pros and cons of each. If you’re in need of additional information, Rochester Area Builders is always available at (507) 282-7698 to help guide you. Three Types of Residential Construction Tract BuildersSpeculative BuildersCustom Builders Tract Builders are primarily large, established builders that
2021 Continuing Education Courses are Almost Here Take advantage of Rochester Area Builders' educational courses being offered this winter. With both in-person and virtual learning options, these classes are a great way to stay up to date on building trends, happenings, and licensing. Keep reading to learn more about our variety of classes and learning options. RRCC Building Blocks 2021 A new series of Minnesota building codes were recently announced following 2020, meaning builders are now required
When we hear the term commercial builder, many of us often think of the basic industrial structures: warehouses, shopping centers, office suites. Commercial builders in Rochester MN, have a wide range of responsibilities and complete oversight of construction projects. Commercial builders oversee the project from start to finish. They have the expertise to pick up the tools themselves, but their experience is best used to delegate the work needed. Commercial construction companies typically have a
Growing Your Network and Business in 2021 as an RAB Member As you begin to settle into the new year, what goals have you set for yourself professionally? As a member of Rochester Area Builders, you have access to an array of opportunities to both grow your business and yourself. Here are three ways you can set yourself up for optimal growth in the new year using the opportunities being an RAB member allows. Showcase Your Products & Services in Our Range of EventsBeing an RAB member means you have ample
Six Home Builder Tips to Help You Get Started Building Your New Home in Rochester Rochester Area Builders (RAB) started in 1953 as a professional builder’s organization. Our membership role includes residential and commercial builders, remodelers, and developers. We are a network of contractors, builders, and skilled artisans coming together to help make your dream home come to life. Our members have provided a few home builder tips we would like to pass along to you when you’re considering building
As we begin our descent into the new year, we want to take the time to look back and reflect on the events of 2020. This past year was a hard-hitting year for many. Numerous individuals’ and families’ lives were turned upside down. As we navigated through it all, we strived to never lose sight of our main mission: to advance the building industry in southeast Minnesota by providing leadership, education, networking, and information to members, the community, and government officials. To continue
Building a new home in Rochester MN is an exciting prospect and rightfully so. Rochester consistently ranks as one of the best cities in America to live in.Rochester Area Builders has been helping new home builders establish their own homes since 1953. When you first look into building your new home, you may wonder how the home building process unfolds. We can help by providing a brief bullet-point home building guide that highlights the steps taken by the developers, contractors, builders, and other
Contributing to a Younger Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals Careers in the skilled trades industry are more vital now than ever. Often times, students approaching high school graduation have a sole focus on attending higher education and working towards a 4-year degree. What many don’t realize before choosing a direction to go after high school are the opportunities that skilled trades careers have to offer. As advocates for the skilled trades industry, we feel it’s important ensure that skilled
Building a House in Rochester, MN? Begin with Rochester Area Builders! Building a house in Rochester Minnesota is an exciting endeavor to undertake. It takes discipline and preparation, with most of the work taking place before ground is ever broken. You’ll have lots of questions and you’ll receive lots of advice, which can be overwhelming and difficult to sift through. We’re here to help you not only get started building a home, but to also help guide you along the path that leads to the front door of
NAHB/Builders Mutual Safety Award for Excellence (SAFE) Safety within the home building industry is top priority, especially since industry-related jobs are among the top 25 most dangerous in America. This year, safety has taken on a whole new meaning. Day-to-day safety procedures have been altered and enhanced to include COVID-19 procedures. Members of Rochester Area Builders are trustworthy sources for the most up-to-date safety procedures and best practices. We want to encourage those who have
Whether building new or undertaking a complete or partial renovation, eco-friendly homes in Rochester, MN are having a positive impact for our community and the entire world. What defines an eco-friendly home? Eco-friendly homes are specifically designed and built to have a low impact on our environmental resources by using materials and technology to reduce a home’s energy needs. When lower energy needs are achieved, we help our community and the planet by decreasing our personal carbon
DUPLICATE Construction Technology Trend: BIM Technology Technology is now playing a larger role than ever in how companies plan and function on a day-to-day basis. In the construction industry, every day operations are often measured by IF the job is getting done and not HOW the job is getting done. Rather than focusing on the ability to get the job done, how can you focus on getting the job done efficiently? Utilizing technology can help cut down on time and money wasted when going through outdated
Construction Technology Trend: BIM Technology Technology is now playing a larger role than ever in how companies plan and function on a day-to-day basis. In the construction industry, every day operations are often measured by IF the job is getting done and not HOW the job is getting done. Rather than focusing on the ability to get the job done, how can you focus on getting the job done efficiently? Utilizing technology can help cut down on time and money wasted when going through outdated and often
Home Builders Are Dream Makers in Rochester, MN When the time is right for you, the members of Rochester Area Builders can turn the home of your dreams into an outstanding, beautiful reality. The home builders of Rochester Area Builders are dream makers. When you build your own home, it reflects your family and your values. It’s a statement that says this is where I want to create our family’s memories; this is the land, city, and neighborhood where I want to put down roots. It’s an awesome feeling
A Modern Take on Leasing: What to Know About Build-To-Rent Homes Build-to-Rent (BTR) homes have been an increasingly popular trend amongst home buyers and builders alike since 2019. Emerging from the Foreclosure Crisis of 2007-2010 came the concept of “house flipping”. Many investors took advantage of the crisis by purchasing shambled homes, with plans to rebuild them from the inside-out, creating a sustainable space for renters to reside. Once housing prices began to increase, house flipping began to
Building Strong Community, Building Together – The Residential Builders of Rochester, MN Since 1953, Rochester Area Builders has been building Rochester, Minnesota’s framework of businesses and homes, helping create one of the most desirable cities in America to live in. RAB is a professional builder’s organization comprised of developers, contractors, and commercial and residential builders. All RAB members are licensed, insured, and agree to abide by a code of ethics that promotes trust and growth
How Rochester Was Built Founded in 1854, the city of Rochester has a rich history. The skyline is brimming with iconic buildings that represent the city's diverse community. Rochester Area Builders was chartered in 1953 with a mission to advance the building industry in southeast Minnesota. We’ve highlighted three of our favorite local historic landmarks. Mayowood Mansion Originally situated on more than 3,000 acres, the Mayowood Mansion has been an integral part of Rochester’s history since 1911.
As jobsites reopen, the construction industry is anything but “business as usual”. The pandemic of 2020 has affected how we operate on every level. From job safety to project timelines to labor, the virus has changed many aspects of the industry. But how do we move forward? Here are a few construction trends we can expect after COVID-19. Social Distancing with Technology The current social separation on jobsites will likely continue long after the pandemic ends. Expect to see less group activities and
Quality of Life and Quality Residential Construction in Rochester, MN It’s a safe bet that you can look at any poll or survey regarding American cities and their quality of life, and without a doubt, you’ll see Rochester MN on the top of most of these surveys. When reality is truth, everyone takes notice. Rochester is home to the world-famous Mayo Clinic, a five-star public school system, unique and growing neighborhoods with close proximity to major sports teams, and an abundance of designated outdoor
The future of the building industry in southeast Minnesota starts with our community’s students. Rochester Area Builders sponsors a variety of programs from scholarships to job shadowing. Our goal is to expose our youth to different industry jobs and give them the opportunity to pursue building careers. We encourage school administrators, counselors, students, and anyone who wants to be involved in helping restore the skilled trades industry to contact Rochester Area Builders. “Our goal is to get
You’ve worked your whole life for this moment. You’ve taken your idea, created a product, launched a business, and now you’re ready to expand. You’ve found the perfect location, and the time is now at hand to design and construct a building. However, when you look at all the listings for commercial builders in the Rochester, MN area, where do you even start? There are many to choose from. You ask around for recommendations, and you get a mixed bag of good, bad, indifferent, or somewhere in-between. So,
Rochester Area Builders is an association that includes hundreds of local businesses. Over the past 67 years, we have been focused on building our community. Right now, our community needs support more than ever. We’ve put together a list of resources to help support local building professionals and residents during this time. For Builders: • COVID-19 Emergency Economic Development loans for small businesses directly affected by the Governor’s Order. • OSHA guidance and resources for preventing
Job Shadow Spotlight: Kraus-Anderson Construction Rochester Area Builders is proud to offer job shadow opportunities to students interested in the skilled trades industry. This has been a successful way to introduce local youth to the trades and ensure local employers have access to a talent pool of qualified candidates. Kraus-Anderson Construction recently hosted students through the program and was able to hire Daniel Hadrath as an Apprentice Carpenter. “The construction industry and, in
For many folks, building their dream home can be a lifelong goal and a great opportunity to create something they’ve always wanted. This wonderful ambition can bring some difficult choices and extensive hours of manual labor. For some, they may enjoy the idea of taking years to build their home themselves. While it may sound like a good idea, the licensing and permits required can be difficult to attain. Some of the main steps involved in home building in Rochester, MN can be quite extensive and hard for
When you are thinking about your time and resources this year and where you want to invest it, you might just want to consider Rochester Area Builders. As a major advocate for our industry, the RAB and all of its members continuously campaign for improved processes and policies, continuing education opportunities, and promoting skilled trades careers to our local youth. Charted in 1953, RAB is the trusted voice of the building industry in southeast Minnesota. Hundreds of members throughout the area
For anyone looking to build a commercial property, it’s just as important to find the right builder as it is the perfect property. The best professionals usually join organizations that help them network and share new skills. Professional builders strive to learn the most they can about their field to ensure they can do the best job possible for their customers. Great builders are also well established and have positive references from past jobs. For individuals looking for the best commercial builders in
Grab your planner and save the dates for the 2020 Rochester Area Builders Home Show, February 7 – 9 at the Mayo Civic Center. Forget Pinterest, the Home Show is where you can have real conversations with local builders. This annual event is full of extremely talented builders, ready to share the latest design ideas, tips, tricks, and hacks to make your next home project experience a breeze. Whether you’re looking to build a custom home or remodel your existing home, you’ll be blown away and inspired by the
“Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” This commonly-used phrase implies that if you find a job that you are passionate about, it won’t feel like “work.” Instead, it will be fun and enjoyable every day. The reality is that even people who love their jobs have bad days, experience disappointment, and get frustrated. According to a recent Gallup survey, “71% of American workers are either not engaged or feel actively disengaged from their jobs, with highly educated and middle-aged
Those of us who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s probably heard our parents say, “Go to college to get a good job” a few dozen times in our young adulthood. This advice implicated that if you earn a four-year degree, you are guaranteed a good paying, white collar career. However, it’s no secret that universities are places of higher learning, not job readiness institutions. College May Not Be Their Best Option This misconception has resulted in monumental student loan debt and the harsh reality that –
“So, what are you going to do when you graduate?” If you are a junior or senior in high school, you’ve probably been asked that a few (hundred) times by friends and family. News flash: Attending a 4-year college is not the only choice you have when you’re deciding on your career path. If “Assistant to the Regional Manager” is not exactly your idea of career goals, we have a better solution. Here are four reasons you should consider learning a skilled trade:1. Break the cycle of debt Millennials have
As greater numbers of baby boomers retire from the workforce, the need to attract and retain younger employees is important to every industry, but in building and construction, it’s becoming more and more vital. 40 Below is a young professional’s group created as an extension of the Rochester Area Builders (RAB) to help provide personal and professional development opportunities and a dedicated space for professionals under 40 to connect. RAB’s Membership and Education Director Rebekah Nielsen believes
Medicine might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of careers in Rochester, Minnesota, but the cranes that dot the downtown skyline pinpoint another growing opportunity that exists in the Med City. The construction industry is critical to the strength, evolution, and economic vitality of cities like Rochester. Not only is a career in the trades viable, it is both profitable and desirable. For decades, school-aged students have been encouraged to apply to four-year universities and seek
Housing is at the center of many conversations these days. But what we often see addressed is the shortage of what is commonly referred to as “affordable housing,” such as section 8 or low-income. The real challenge we face is much greater than meeting the needs of any single segment of the population. What we need to explore is how to make housing affordable for everyone. Housing is a person’s single most important – and often greatest – expense. When anyone is spending more than 30 percent of their
