Four Generations of Handcrafted Homes

Since 1947, Stonewood has been the custom home builder for countless families. We invite you to explore and take in what makes Stonewood truly unique with a rich history in homebuilding.

Sven Gustafson

Featured in the 2024 Artisan Home Tour

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this home stands as a testament to the aspirations of its dynamic homeowners — a family with grown children seeking a multifaceted retreat that harmonizes entertainment with relaxation.

Recent Work

The Stonewood Process

Each nuance of our process is a promise kept. Built on the foundation of transparency and simplicity, each step is designed to inspire confidence, so you feel as secure in our management of timelines and budgets as you do in the quality of your custom home.

Phase 1: Architect Selection

Architect Selection

Together, we will interview top local architects to find the best fit for your project. While we will work with any architect you choose, we recommend several with whom we have established trust and strong relationships. Sven participates in the interviews and design meetings to ensure your project stays on track and within budget.

The architect selection process typically considers:

  • Design aesthetic and portfolio of past projects
  • Fee structure
  • The architect’s rapport and personality

Once selected, you will contract directly with the architect, maintaining control over the process and ownership of the work.

Phase 2: Design Development

Design Development

1. Design Schedule

We’ll meet every couple of weeks to review and discuss your home’s design. Typically, this takes 3-4 months, but it can be extended as needed. We encourage early planning and ample time between meetings to fully consider the concepts.

2. Design Preparation

Gather photos that reflect your style and organize them by room. Create a wishlist, noting features, furniture, and how you plan to use each room to help the architect understand your vision.

3. Conceptual Design

Architects will present hand-drawn, loose concepts during the initial design review, capturing the essence of your lifestyle quickly and cost-effectively.

4. Preliminary Budget

We’ll estimate the budget based on expected cost per square foot, informed by our experience and discussions about your home’s amenities, finishes, and features.

5. Design Development

The architect will create detailed CAD drawings leading to a ‘bid set.’ We’ll pause here to prepare a formal budget, ensuring we stay on track with your expectations.

Phase 3: Interior Design

Interior Design

REFINING THE DRAWINGS

Concept sketches are transferred to CAD for detailed construction blueprints, including exterior elevations and floor plans for each level.

LISTENING TO CRAFTSMAN

While most builders wait for final plans, we involve subcontractors early to review plans, ensuring the feasibility of the design and identifying any potential challenges or improvements.

 

MANAGING YOUR BUDGET

We engage top contractors through competitive bidding to ensure cost-effectiveness and take our fiduciary responsibility seriously.

FINE TUNING SELECTIONS

Clients work with the Interior Design team immediately after budget review to select materials, finishes, lighting, furniture, and more, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable process.

Phase 4: Budget Review

Budget Review

We pride ourselves on our exceptionally detailed specifications and budgets. Once we have the Bid Set drawings, we develop comprehensive specifications to cover aspects not included in the drawings. We then compile these to solicit competitive bids for every part of your project. This gives you an early, accurate view of costs, allowing for design adjustments without significant expense.

Known for our meticulous budgeting process, we deliver precise and competitive pricing, often resulting in significant savings. Our approach ensures a lower cost per square foot than competitors, reflecting our commitment to cost-effectiveness and accuracy.

Phase 5: Construction Management

Construction Management

1. Quality Assurance

Our project managers oversee quality assurance at every step, maintaining open communication with subcontractors and homeowners to keep everyone informed and address any questions promptly.

2. Performance Testing

We conduct performance tests throughout construction to ensure that all building practices are followed and details are meticulously attended to, minimizing potential issues.

3. Walkthroughs and Occupancy

Several walkthroughs are performed before occupancy to create a “Punch List” of concerns. A final walkthrough with the clients ensures the home meets our high standards, followed by a white glove cleaning.

4. After Completion

We provide extensive warranty coverage and conduct a thorough inspection after the first year to address any issues as the home settles and is used daily, ensuring ongoing quality and client satisfaction.

A Word From Our Clients

My wife and I have had several houses built in the past and nothing compares with our experience at Stonewood. Sven and his team are a pleasure to work with. Their ultimate goal is that the home owner is completely satisfied with the end product. I would highly recommend Stonewood. – Russell K.
Sven Gustafson and his team provide an efficient, creative, design conscious, client friendly experience. We love the software they developed that provides minute detail on all aspects of the project and which keeps the project on budget and on time! And yet, they remain flexible and willing to work with clients to gain optimum satisfaction. We would work with them on any project! – Linda C.
Our home construction project with Stonewood was a partnership that couldn’t have been more enjoyable. From design through construction, they kept us informed with meetings and emails as well as advising us through the entire selection process. The organization and attention to detail were incredible and a big reason why we came in under budget and on time! If quality craftsmanship combined with honesty and integrity our important to you, then you may want to consider Stonewood! – Rich G.
I hired Sven to build my “Dream Home” on Lake Minnetonka. He was honest, delivered as promised and produced a high quality product. He and his team were also very supportive after we closed taking care of the little adjustments you would expect with any new home. If I built another home, Sven would be at the top of my list for quality builders. – Dick C.
Sven is a person of high character and integrity, and i would highly recommend him as a great builder to anyone considering building a high end home. – Gus R.
It was such a positive experience from start to finish building a custom home with Sven and his entire team at Stonewood. They delivered a beautiful home along with an ongoing partnership far beyond handing the keys to the front door over. Highly recommend!” – B. Sinclair
Having been in our home for roughly 9 months, I can say we’re incredibly pleased with the quality of the home that Stonewood builds. It’s easy to see how they have a reputation for being a premier custom home builder in the Twin Cities. With years of experience behind them, the Stonewood team works hard to ensure that your home fits your lifestyle and budget. Their attention to detail is unmatched in the industry, which is what initially led us to consider them. We enjoyed the building process from start to finish, and we appreciate the honest, ethical company that they are. We’d build again with them in a heartbeat, if the need arose. – Megan W.
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