The Hasselquist Journal

Home Improvement Ideas & Guides

Expert advice, cost guides, and renovation inspiration for Twin Cities homeowners.

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Home Improvement

Mid-July in Minnesota: The Home Projects Worth Doing Right Now

July 15th is the midpoint of summer. The weather is as good as it gets, daylight is still long, and there are a handful of home projects that are best done exactly now — before fall sneaks up and closes the window.

Jul 15, 2026·4 min read

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Home Improvement

What the 4th of July Weekend Revealed About Your Home

Family came over, the house got put to the test, and you noticed things. The kitchen that couldn't keep up. The bathroom everyone had to wait for. The deck you apologized for. Here's what to do about it before summer ends.

Jul 7, 2026·7 min read

Home Improvement

July Is When Fall Remodels Get Booked: How to Get Ahead of the Rush

The calendar hits July and suddenly fall feels close. If a kitchen, bathroom, or basement project is on your list for this year, the time to start the conversation is now — before contractor schedules lock up.

Jul 1, 2026·6 min read

Home Improvement

Your Summer Home Improvement Checklist: What to Do Now, What to Plan for Fall

Late June in Minnesota means the outdoor season is in full swing — but it's also the ideal window to line up indoor projects before the back-to-school rush. Here's how to use the rest of summer well.

Jun 22, 2026·5 min read

Interior Remodeling

Garage Finishing & Upgrades: Getting More Out of Your Most Underused Space

Most Minnesota garages are treated like utility closets. Here's how to turn yours into a workspace, storage powerhouse, or finished extra room — and what it actually costs.

Jun 17, 2026·7 min read

Additions & Remodeling

Screen Porches & Three-Season Rooms: Making the Most of Minnesota Summers

Minnesota summers are short and beautiful — and absolutely full of mosquitoes. Here's how a screen porch or three-season room lets you enjoy every minute of them.

Jun 10, 2026·6 min read

Home Maintenance

Minnesota Storm Season Is Here: How to Protect Your Home

June through August brings severe weather to the Twin Cities. Here's how to assess your home's vulnerabilities before the storms hit — and what to do after.

Jun 5, 2026·6 min read

Bathroom Remodeling

Master Bathroom Renovation: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

Planning a master bathroom renovation? This complete guide covers layout planning, shower and tub decisions, storage, lighting, and what to budget for a stunning result.

May 30, 2026·9 min read

Decks & Outdoor

Outdoor Living Season Is Here: Decks, Patios & Pergolas in the Twin Cities

Memorial Day has come and gone. Here's how to make the most of your backyard this summer with the right outdoor structure for your home and lifestyle.

May 29, 2026·5 min read

Home Maintenance

Your Post-Winter Home Inspection Checklist for Minnesota

Minnesota winters are relentless. Here's how to walk your property in late May and catch the damage before small problems turn into expensive repairs.

May 22, 2026·6 min read

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Remodeling Cost Guide for Shakopee Homeowners

A detailed breakdown of kitchen remodeling costs in Shakopee, MN - from cabinet refacing to full gut renovations. Know what to budget before you start.

May 15, 2026·7 min read

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen Countertop Materials: A Complete Comparison Guide

Quartz vs. granite vs. marble vs. laminate - a real comparison of kitchen countertop materials on durability, maintenance, cost, and aesthetics to help you choose wisely.

May 8, 2026·8 min read

Kitchen Remodeling

How to Plan a Kitchen Remodel Timeline (Without Losing Your Mind)

A kitchen remodel takes longer than you think, but it doesn't have to be chaos. Here's how to plan a realistic timeline, avoid the biggest delays, and keep your sanity.

May 1, 2026·8 min read

Home Improvement Tips

How to Choose the Right Contractor in Shakopee, MN

Don't hire the wrong contractor for your home renovation. Learn exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and the red flags to avoid when hiring in Shakopee, MN.

Apr 24, 2026·7 min read

Home Improvement Tips

Home Addition vs. Renovation: What's Right for Your Family?

Need more space? Before you decide between adding on and renovating what you have, read this honest comparison of home additions vs. renovations for Twin Cities homeowners.

Apr 17, 2026·7 min read

Flooring

Choosing the Right Flooring for Minnesota's Harsh Climate

Minnesota's climate puts unique demands on flooring. Here's how to choose floors that will last through freeze-thaw cycles, heavy salt and sand tracking, and dramatic humidity swings.

Apr 10, 2026·8 min read

Home Improvement Tips

Electrical Upgrades to Do Before a Major Home Remodel

Before you start a kitchen or bathroom remodel, there are electrical upgrades you should do while the walls are open. This guide covers what to address and why it matters.

Apr 3, 2026·8 min read

Home Improvement Tips

Drywall Repair: When to DIY and When to Call a Pro

Not every drywall repair is created equal. Learn which repairs are genuinely doable as a weekend project - and which ones need a professional to look right and last.

Mar 20, 2026·7 min read

Decks & Outdoor

Deck Building Guide for Minnesota Homeowners

Planning a deck in Minnesota? This guide covers materials, design, frost-line footings, permits, and real costs for building a deck that lasts through our harsh winters.

Mar 6, 2026·8 min read

Carpentry

Carpentry Upgrades That Significantly Add Value to Your Home

Custom carpentry upgrades - from built-ins to crown molding to wainscoting - can dramatically elevate your home's appearance and value. Here's what's worth investing in.

Feb 20, 2026·8 min read

Flooring

Best Flooring Options for Your Home Renovation

A practical guide to choosing the right flooring for every room in your home - hardwood, LVP, tile, carpet, and more - with real cost comparisons and honest advice.

Feb 6, 2026·8 min read

Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom Tile Trends Worth Considering in Your Next Renovation

From zellige and terrazzo to large-format porcelain and graphic floors, these bathroom tile trends are genuinely beautiful - and some are worth your investment right now.

Jan 23, 2026·7 min read

Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom Renovation Trends in the Twin Cities for 2025

Discover the bathroom renovation trends taking off across the Twin Cities in 2025 - from spa-inspired showers to bold tile choices - and which ones are worth the investment.

Jan 9, 2026·7 min read

Basement Finishing

Basement Finishing Ideas for Minnesota Homes

Turn your unfinished Minnesota basement into usable living space. Ideas for family rooms, home offices, guest suites, home gyms, and more - with real cost estimates.

Dec 19, 2025·7 min read

Basement Finishing

Basement Bar Ideas for Twin Cities Homeowners

A basement bar turns your lower level into the favorite gathering spot in your home. Explore design ideas, must-have features, and real costs for Twin Cities homeowners.

Dec 5, 2025·8 min read