When Duluth residents Kat and Eric Lauer decided to build a family cabin, they turned to the contractor who built their dream kitchen just two years before. This was important, because the Lauer’s had some very specific ideas for the cabin and wanted a contractor who would work closely with them to achieve their vision, which included reclaiming some parts of an old cabin that once stood on their lakefront property.

“We needed a contractor who was going to let us be hands-on with some of the work, because there were things we wanted to do ourselves,” says Kat. That work included Eric making rustic sliding doors for the main entrances and installing their own kitchen cabinets. The couple also created a custom ceiling in part of the house using galvanized metal salvaged from the previous owners’ cabin.

Another personal touch — a small, insulated bunkhouse with windows that the Lauer’s daughters have claimed as their own during weekend trips to the cabin. “The girls just love being out there,” says Lauer. “We often communicate with walkie talkies when the girls are out there.”

Knutson’s ability to share control of a project has led the Lauers to recommend the construction company to several friends. “Not everyone is going to be comfortable with you doing that much work, but Andrew treated us like real partners in the process,” says Kat. The result — a cabin the entire family loves. “Andrew is truly committed to doing what it takes to ensure you’re getting a quality product,” says Kat.