Behind the Scenes this Summer at Nor-Son Custom Builders
As August winds down, we find ourselves shifting gears from the leisurely pace of family vacations and weekends at the lake to the hustle of back-to-school activities and fall sports. Before we fully embrace autumn, we wanted to share a “summer roundup” featuring some behind-the-scenes moments at Nor-Son Custom Builders, along with highlights of the stunning custom homes we’ve had the pleasure to work on. It’s been a busy and rewarding season!
May: The Start of Summer
May is always an exciting time for us as the weather begins to improve, road restrictions are lifted, and craftsmen are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the projects that began during the winter months. One of the most fulfilling aspects of our job is handing over the keys to our clients in time for them to enjoy their new custom home over the Memorial Day weekend. It’s a moment of joy and pride for everyone involved.
Vendor Appreciation and Strengthening Partnerships
At the end of May, we hosted a Vendor Appreciation Party to thank our valued partners and trade members for their hard work and collaboration over the past year. This event was not only a chance to express our gratitude but also an opportunity for our teams to share experiences, network with other trade members, and strengthen our relationship within the custom home building industry. Strong partnerships are key to creating the best experience and outcomes for our clients.
June: Kicking Off the Summer with Style
June brought the start of the summer season and with it, the Artisan Home Tour hosted by Housing First of Minnesota. We were thrilled to feature this traditional home designed by Alexander Design Group in Independence, MN. Over 1,500 attendees toured this custom home, admiring its timeless architectural details, including arched cased openings and a grand custom staircase.
The beginning of summer also saw several groundbreaking ceremonies, including one for a modern prairie home set on a large, wooded lot. This home, with its expansive windows and seamless integration with nature, promises to be a stunning addition to our portfolio. We also began collaborating with architects and interior designers on projects scheduled for fall construction. As always, getting your team together early in the process is key to a successful project.
July: Exploring History and Design Collaboration
In July, many of our team members toured the historic Pillsbury Castle, originally built in 1903 and recently renovated by members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI). Thirty designers and eight remodelers came together to transform this home with luxurious furnishings, trending building products, and cutting-edge technology.
We also participated in the Showroom Shimmy hosted by Women in New Construction (WINC). Each Wednesday in July, 16 selected showrooms hosted events to showcase their products, services, and provide a little summer-themed entertainment. It was a fun way to stay connected with the latest trends in the industry.
Capturing Our Clients’ Visions
Summer also provided the perfect backdrop for showcasing our clients’ beautiful custom homes through professional photography. Despite the unusually rainy weather this year, we were fortunate to capture some truly spectacular new lake homes on picture-perfect days and evenings.
Team Building and a Farewell
Of course, we made time for some team-building events this summer. Our fishing launch on Lake Mille Lacs was a big hit—everyone on the launch caught a fish! In August, we bid farewell to Bob Kummet, Project Superintendent at Nor-Son Custom Builders, who retired after 40 years of dedicated service. Bob leaves behind an impactful legacy and will be greatly missed by colleagues, friends, and clients alike.
Looking Ahead to Fall
As we gear up for fall construction starts, we’re excited about the upcoming Fall Artisan Home Tour this October. We can’t wait to showcase this modern home in Excelsior, MN—a multi-level abode designed by David Charlez Designs and A. Sadowski Interiors. This custom home, uniquely designed to fit on a narrow lot on Lake Minnetonka, features a contrasting color scheme, expansive windows, and personalized architectural details that offer a fresh take on lake home living.
We hope your summer was as productive and enjoyable as ours! If you’re planning a new custom build or an extensive renovation, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’d love to bring your dream home to life.
