Get expert advice and insider tips for your Minnesota home remodeling or construction project. Barefoot Construction shares valuable insights on everything from planning your budget and choosing materials to navigating permits and finding the right design style for your home. We provide practical guidance on how to avoid common pitfalls, maximize your home’s value, and ensure a smooth, stress-free building process. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned renovator, our tips and tricks help you make smart decisions and achieve the results you want.

grey and white deck with black railings - Barefoot Construction Strategic Deck Lighting Ideas

Lighting Up the Lake: Strategic Deck Lighting Ideas for Minnesota Summer Nights

There is nothing quite like summer in Minnesota, especially when you live on the water. When the sun dips below the horizon, lake life doesn't stop—it just transitions to the deck. Whether you are unwinding after an afternoon of boating, listening…
rotting wood deck boards with peeling paint - Barefoot Construction is your old wood deck safe
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Is Your Old Wood Deck Safe? 5 Hidden Structural Warnings to Check This June

June has arrived in Minnesota, bringing the peak of outdoor graduation parties, Father’s Day barbecues, and warm summer nights. Before you load up your outdoor space with heavy patio furniture, grills, and groups of friends, there is a critical…
child wearing glasses hugging their white dog - Barefoot Construction Best Barefoot-Friendly Decking Materials for Kids and Pets
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Splinter-Free Summers: The Best Barefoot-Friendly Decking Materials for Kids and Pets

Summertime in Minnesota is precious. When the warm weather finally arrives, life moves outdoors. Your backyard deck becomes the center of everything: morning coffees, weekend barbecues, kids playing tag, and dogs napping in the sun. But if…
two tiered composite decking stairs with black rails - Barefoot Construction deck frost heave repair MN

Why Your Deck Stairs Are Sagging: Identifying Frost Heave Damage After a Minnesota Winter

As the snow melts across the Bold North, homeowners often trade their shovels for clipboards to assess the aftermath of another brutal winter. One of the most common—and frustrating—discoveries is a set of deck stairs that no longer meet…
grey composite deck - Barefoot Construction Maintenance-Free Decking Lino Lakes

Top 5 Composite Decking Colors Trending for Summer 2026

As summer 2026 approaches, Minnesota homeowners are investing in outdoor spaces that are both stylish and built to last. Composite decking continues to lead the way thanks to its durability, low maintenance, and design flexibility. One of the…
exterior of a home in woods with snow and Christmas lights - Barefoot Construction home maintenance

10 Winter Home Maintenance Tasks for January

January is one of the harshest months for Minnesota homeowners. Freezing temperatures, snow accumulation, and ice can put significant stress on your home. Staying proactive with winter home maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, improves…
wood deck covered in snow - Barefoot Construction deck frost heave repair MN

Winterize Your Deck: A Step-by-Step Guide

As the chilly winds of winter approach, it’s time to think about safeguarding your outdoor spaces—particularly deck winterization. If you want to keep it looking pristine and structurally sound through the winter months, winterizing it is…