Posted on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 by Ingenuity Builders
Northern Minnesota winters aren't just cold—they're unforgiving.
If your home isn't sealed, insulated, or properly upgraded, you could be facing high energy bills, water damage, or frozen pipes. That’s why fall is the perfect time to take on smart, seasonal remodeling projects that protect your home when it matters most.
At Ingenuity Builders, we help homeowners across the Iron Range - all the way to Duluth to Big Fork- and get ready for whatever winter throws at them.
Why Remodel in the Fall?
Fall gives you a short but ideal window to upgrade key areas of your home before deep cold sets in. Whether it’s tightening up your home’s thermal envelope or improving function and comfort, now’s the time to act.
Here are a few of the best remodeling projects to tackle before winter hits.
1. Replace Entry Doors:
Old doors often let in cold air, especially if they’re warped or poorly sealed. Installing a new, insulated exterior door can drastically improve your home’s efficiency and curb appeal.
2. Install Storm Windows or New Energy-Efficient Options:
Storm windows are a great solution, but if your windows are original or outdated, a full replacement might be more cost-effective long-term.
We install top-rated Pella windows with options that meet energy codes and keep the warmth in—even during those -20°F nights.
3. Upgrade Flooring in Cold Zones:
Have a chilly basement or drafty front room? Consider insulated flooring upgrades like LVP with thermal backing or subfloor systems that reduce cold transfer from concrete. Our team can recommend durable options that hold up to snowy boots and winter mess.
4. Tighten Up Exterior Trim and Siding:
Wind and moisture can sneak into tiny gaps around your siding, fascia, and soffits. Our remodeling crew checks all the small details—especially on older homes—so you're not dealing with leaks or frost damage come January.
5. Redo the Mudroom or Back Entry:
If there’s one room that gets the brunt of a Minnesota winter, it’s your entryway. From snow-covered boots to wet gloves, we can remodel your back entrance or mudroom with better storage, flooring, and materials designed to handle heavy use and moisture.
Let’s get your home ready for winter—before the first snowflake falls.
Contact Ingenuity Builders today to start your fall remodel.
We’ll help you pick the right projects, stay in budget, and build something that lasts through the harshest season in Northern Minnesota.