Many homeowners think their basement windows are “just for light” — but when it comes to safety and comfort, your egress windows play a critical role. Whether you’re finishing a basement, adding a bedroom, or just checking on your home’s safety, knowing the signs of a failing egress window can save you headaches — and even lives.

1. Difficulty Opening in an Emergency
A window that sticks, jams, or is hard to open can be dangerous in a fire or other emergency. Make sure everyone in your home can easily operate it.

2. Water Damage or Leaks
If you notice water stains, mold, or rotting wood around your window, it’s a sign your egress window isn’t keeping moisture out. Left unchecked, this can lead to bigger structural issues.

3. Drafty or Poorly Insulated
Cold air sneaking in around your window isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s also a signal the seal or frame may be failing. A proper repair improves energy efficiency and keeps your basement cozy year-round.

4. Windows That Don’t Meet Code
Older windows may not meet today’s safety requirements. Code changes over the years, and what was safe decades ago might not be safe now — especially if you’ve converted your basement into a bedroom.

At Ingenuity Builders, we help homeowners in Northern Minnesota ensure their egress windows are safe, functional, and up to code. Don’t wait until a problem becomes an emergency — contact us today to schedule a window check or repair.

If you live in Northern Minnesota, you already know — this place builds character. Long winters, short summers, and weather that doesn’t care about your plans. Homes up here have to work harder, last longer, and still feel comfortable at the end of the day.
That’s why Ingenuity Builders stays true to our motto:

“Beautiful. Made to Fit. Built to Last.”

We’re based in Hibbing, Minnesota, and proudly serve homeowners across the Iron Range and surrounding areas — including Hibbing, Side Lake, Cook, Tower, and Biwabik, south toward Floodwood, Cotton, Swan River, and Meadowlands, and east to the Duluth area, including Proctor, Hermantown, Cloquet, Rice Lake, and Esko.
Wherever you call home in Northern Minnesota, chances are we’ve worked on a house just like yours.



How Ingenuity Builders Got Started?

Ingenuity Builders was started with a simple idea:

Your home should fit you — and outlast you — not the other way around.
We’re not interested in rushing through projects or selling homeowners on things they don’t need. We believe good construction starts with listening — understanding how you live in your home, what’s working, what isn’t, and what you want it to feel like when the project is done.
Whether it’s a basement that’s never been finished, a kitchen that’s seen decades of use, or a home that just needs thoughtful updates, our goal is always the same:
to make your home more comfortable, functional, and enjoyable — year-round.



Building for Minnesota Weather — Because It Matters:
Homes in Northern Minnesota are different. Temperature swings, snow loads, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles all play a role in how a house ages.
That’s why our work isn’t just about how something looks — it’s about how it performs and lasts.
We think about:
* Insulation and warmth in winter
* Moisture control and airflow
* Materials that hold up over time
* Layouts that make sense for real life
It’s the kind of experience you only get by working here, living here, and building here.



The Kind of Projects We Love Helping With:
No two homes — or homeowners — are the same, but we commonly help with:
* Basement finishing and remodeling
* Kitchen and bathroom remodels
* Interior renovations and layout changes
* Windows and doors
* Framing, drywall, flooring, and trim work
* Upgrades that make homes more comfortable and usable
Some homeowners come to us with a full plan. Others just know they want something better than what they have now. Either way, we’ll walk through it together.


What It’s Like to Work With Ingenuity Builders?
We hear this a lot from our clients:
“You guys were easy to work with.”
That matters to us.
We show up when we say we will.
We communicate clearly.
We respect your home.
And we take pride in the finished product.
You’ll see real examples of our work — and real projects — on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube (@IngenuityBuildersLLC).

No stock photos. No staged houses. Just honest craftsmanship.

Serving Northern Minnesota, One Home at a Time
From city homes to rural properties, older houses to newer builds, we’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Northeastern Minnesota.
If you’re thinking about a remodel, finishing a space you’ve never used, or improving how your home functions day-to-day, we’d love to talk.
No pressure. No sales pitch.
Just a conversation about your home and what’s possible.

Let’s build something that lasts.

As the cold air blows over the Iron Range and we gather with family and friends, all of us at Ingenuity Builders want to wish our neighbors a very Happy Holidays. 2025 has been a year of incredible transformations across the Northland, and we are so grateful to be the licensed general contractor in Hibbing, MN that you trust with your homes.

Holiday Hours Announcement: To give our hard-working crew time to recharge and enjoy the season, our office will be taking a short break.

Closed: Wednesday, December 24th – Sunday, December 28th.

Back in Office: Monday, December 29th.

While we are away, we encourage you to take a look around your home. The quiet days between Christmas and New Year are the perfect time to start thinking about the upgrades that will make your 2026 more comfortable and functional.

Dreaming of a 2026 Refresh?
Whether you are looking for a quality basement finish in Duluth, MN or thinking ahead to summer sunsets on a new deck, we are already booking our 2026 calendar. As home remodeling contractors in Northern MN, we specialize in projects that are built to withstand our unique climate.


Here are a few popular projects to consider while you’re relaxing this week:

Energy-Efficient Upgrades: If you noticed drafts during the recent cold snap, it might be time for energy-efficient window upgrades in Northern Minnesota. We are a preferred Pella window installation contractor and provide expert window installation services all around Northern, MN.

Outdoor Living: It’s never too early to plan! Beat the spring rush by talking to us about Trex composite decking installation in Northern Minnesota. Our custom deck builders in Duluth to Grand Rapids up to Side Lake - we can help you design a space that’s ready for the first warm day of spring.

Modern Bathrooms: From small bathroom remodel solutions in Floodwood to a full bathroom renovation near Chisholm, we bring high-end craftsmanship to every square inch.

Accessibility & Safety: We are passionate about helping our neighbors age in place. If you need ADA-compliant home modifications in Duluth or grab bar installation near Grand Rapids, our team provides respectful, professional accessibility home improvements in Duluth, MN.

Serving Our Northern Minnesota Community: From being a remodeling contractor near Tower, MN to providing renovation services near Twig, MN, our mission remains the same: creating spaces that are Beautiful, Made to Fit, and Built to Last. If you are searching for a general contractor in Duluth, MN or a home repair contractor near you to kick off the new year, we’d love to hear from you when we return on the 29th.

Happy Holidays to our clients all across Northern Minnesota!