We just got done with a 2 month project with James Barton and it turned out wonderfully! We finished our previously unfinished basement. Everyone I talk to consistently has delays and issues, and we didnt have any of that. They were on time or early the entire time, communicated often with us so we knew what was going on, and anytime something didnt go to plan, we got to discuss it and make a choice together. They truly take pride in their work and it shows in their final product. They were very detail-oriented, they cleaned up their workspace every day and were super respectful when entering our home. We had just a fantastic experience and will be using them again for our next project.

James Barton Design just completed a second story remodel for us. The process from the first day we met with John from James Barton until today has been incredibly satisfying. The computer-based design process made it so easy to envision what our new bedrooms, bathroom, and laundry area would look like. We love our new space! The step by step process they use is exactly what we needed to commit to such a large project. They are thorough, detailed, and customer-oriented. We enjoyed working with the entire staff. They complement each other and work as a team. The entire project was so clean, every day they took great care of our home as they worked. Not only are we extremely pleased with the final result of our second floor, but we are also excited to have found a reputable, respectable, trustworthy company to partner with again in the future. The team at James Barton quickly becomes more than a construction partner; they become trusted friends who you know have your best interests at heart. We are grateful for the recommendation we originally received and wholeheartedly pay it forward. We sincerely recommend James Barton Design and hope to have them back for other projects. Thanks for completing our home project making our ideas come to life!

We are thrilled! Our exterior project has turned out better than expected. The whole team from initial consultation to scheduling to the excellent carpentry went like clockwork. We are so pleased with the paint job. It’s perfect. Special thanks to Dan and his carpentry, and Alex and crew for their professionalism and quality work.

We recently had both our master bathroom and guest bath renovated by James Barton. This was our 2nd time working with the James Barton team and it was once again a very smooth and positive experience. The entire process from bidding to design to completion went smoothly and on schedule. Selecting materials working with designer Kayleigh was a breeze and we are very happy with the final selections. Troy did an excellent job of communicating the weekly/daily schedule. Our lead carpenter Dan was great to work with. Dan replied to questions very quickly, was thorough in communicating daily updates and was very courteous. My wife and I work from home several days a week so we had the opportunity to frequently observe progress and we greatly appreciate the care the Barton team as well as the subcontractors took (clean up, shoe removal etc.) as they worked through project completion. If we ever decide to pursue a 3rd renovation project, James Barton would be our first choice for the job. Thank you! Pat and Michelle Peterson.

Hello, I would like to thank every single person who was involved with my James Barton remodel. From concept to design and build the workmanship and attention to detail was exceptional. Could not be happier with how the project turned out, BEAUTIFUL, everything functions per design perfectly. I appreciate all the hard work and effort that resulted in a stunning remodel. Thank-You Lon R Buske.

From the first phone call to the last finishing touches, and more, everyone at JBDB has been nothing but professional, courteous, thorough, friendly and on time!We added a mudroom laundry room addition off the back of our main level as well as remodeling our kitchen, living room and dining room. The craftsmanship from every sub is amazing! I am in love with every little detail. Sounds strange but the laundry room is my favorite.We started our remodel design in August 2020, during a pandemic. We were told that our project would not start until March 2021. Waiting to start was the hardest part of the whole remodel and the most rewarding. We could not be happier with the outcome!There will be a phase 2 project with JBDB!

We worked with James Barton on our master bathroom and they did a fabulous job. We were impressed with all the small details they had already thought of. I would recommend them to anyone. They truly are a top notch company. I can’t wait to have them back for another project!

Everyone at JBDB was professional and personable. From the beginning of the project, they were open to my ideas but also brought their expertise to help me see my vision through, without being pushy or salesy about anything. They were very practical and straight forward. Everyone was excellent at communicating throughout the project. Additionally, everyone was incredibly understanding of my familys requests to keep socially distant during COVID, and were very flexible working around our guidelines to stay safe and get the job done. Their team always replied to any questions same-day, and addressed issues that came up, or followed through to do so. I especially appreciated the attention to detail on the project. When there were things I noticed needed to be taken care of, before I could even ask about them, the team would do them - right down to all of the finishes. Id like to add that I was the point person for this project, and as a female I never felt like they mansplained things to me, or said run this by your husband. I was impressed by this - you dont always see that in this line of work. I highly recommend James Barton Design-Build for your project! We love our new space.

Our experience with James Barton Design - Build was excellent. We had a large project - gut of kitchen, main bath and main level floors. I had searched for years for the right fit for this project. They were on schedule, high quality work, cleaned up after themselves everyday, and all the professionals were friendly and accommodating. They were not the least expensive, however you get what you pay for. There were no surprises, project went exactly as they had laid it out beforehand. We are very happy with the results! Thank you James Barton Team!

May 2020Our kitchen remodel was our third project working with James Barton Design Build.Each member of the Barton team is skilled, conscientious and kind -- and, they have selected subcontractors who are the same. The project’s timeline and progression was organized and always communicated to us. And, they are concerned for protecting your existing household during the project.At the end of our project, we realized their goal was not just to satisfy you -- they want you to be impressed. And, we are – the new kitchen is high-quality and beautiful! And, we look forward to working with them again.

Its my pleasure to recommend JBDB to anyone considering a home remodel or renovation. They are an incredibly talented, professional, and curtious team. I first met James and John about 4 years ago through a mutual connection and was impressed with how much they care about their craft.

We had been wanting to update our kitchen but couldnt really decide to take the big step until we met with James Barton. We were impressed with their enthusiasm for what our vision was. They were very helpful and professional every step of the way. Each step of the project was completed on time, and everyone coming into our house to work was courteous and respectful of our space. We were very pleased with the results and definitely would recommend them for whatever your visions are..

James Barton did a fabulous job on our bathroom remodels. From design to completion, each step was executed with professionalism and expertise. They kept us up to date on what was happening and were in communication with us every day, they stayed on schedule, and the work was excellent. We are so happy with our transformation.

Sent an inquiry about a project. The guy that called was dismissive and super rude and basically said he didn’t want the job after I tried asking a few basic questions and a ballpark. I was stunned at how rude he was.

Weve used JBDB for several projects over the past several years, including (1) a full basement remodel, (2) whole home re-siding, and (3) a big outdoor project that included a gas firepit, stone patio, large deck and new landscaping.Weve always found our experience with JBDBs entire team of designers, project managers and contractors to be very professional and first-class. Weve had many friends and family (and some who are very picky!) comment about the amazing quality of their work. While they certainly are not the cheapest, my experience with other general contractors leads me to believe they are the best and worth the investment. They follow a very detailed schedule, hitting each key milestone (including city building code inspections) to the day, with regular updates on project progress. And every concern weve ever raised has always been addressed very quickly, even answering late night texts.We would highly recommend JBDB!

Excellent planning, design and on time execution of three level home remodel. We were very impressed with communication and team work. All the team members were very attentive to our requests and worked to our satisfaction. Definitely great value for money!

We talked to several companies before settling on JBDB for our screened in porch project. James took the time to call us and answer any questions we had. Our experience with them has been awesome! The crew was professional and meticulous and just as important, the communication was top notch. We just love our new space!

JBDB has been wonderful to work with! From the very first call in to their office until the final walk through of our completed project, everyone has been kind and friendly. Their in office crew is very responsive, always returning emails or phone calls within a short time frame. Often times they’d accommodate our schedules with phone calls outside of their normal working hours. They really went above and beyond to always make sure all communication was timely and precise. Our project required quite a bit of back and forth with our insurance company and they were there to guide us every step of the way and went to bat for us throughout that entire insurance process. While signing the contract, the work scope is very clear and easy to understand. As changes were made along the way, everything was documented so everyone was always aligned with expectations.Not only was the office crew exceptional but the on site crew was as well. The crew arrived each morning at the same time, worked hard all day and cleaned up the work site beyond our expectations every evening. We could tell by watching them work that nothing was rushed, they were very precise and cared about every detail to make sure it looked the best it possibly could and was constructed correctly. There’s no doubt in my mind that no shortcuts were taken and the end product is great quality!We are extremely happy with our finished roof, deck and covered patio. Thank you to everyone at JBDB!

Beware, owner will use the phrase, Fixed price for a finished product, when working up an estimate for your project. As a previous reviewer stated, James Barton will NOT provide you an itemized estimate for your project. When we ask for an itemized quote, he argued with us as to why he wouldnt provide it. We told him thats a huge problem. If a remodel business refuses to provide this critical step in a remodel, beware signing a contract for their services. It leaves the door open for many problems and issues.

Our first project with JBDB was a kitchen renovation. A great experience from the initial consultation, through design and product selection, onto installation and continuing to post-project review. Complete professionalism all around. We were so impressed that the following year we hired JBDB to redesign our backyard, a complete overhaul of grading and drainage, patio installation and continuing to our front walkway. Again, awesome job from design to completion. They make sure everything is exactly how/what you agreed to. The contract, project steps and management is wonderful. We have been so impressed that they are the only design build company we will work with going forward. We look forward to the next project(s)...maybe our bathrooms or mudrooms. They are always on time, always on schedule and within budget. No surprises.

Fantastic experience with a first floor remodel including new kitchen, wood work, floors and windows. JBDB delivered what they promised with great quality while being on-time and on-budget. I will use them again.

One year ago we hired James Barton to remodel our kitchen and master bathroom. But they also removed the popcorn ceilings on the first floor and refinished it with a knockdown texture. They refinished all the hardwood floors on the first floor plus installed new hardwood flooring and finished it in the master bedroom. We worked with John Miller and Emily both of which were outstanding. Everything they promised they delivered. Moving and storing everything on the first floor was a major obstacle for us. We were shocked when John told us they could handle that for us. Prior to starting the project they provided us a construction schedule. It started with movers packing and ended with the movers unpacking. I was shocked that the date ten weeks later that they said the movers would unpack happened on that exact date. They met every construction milestone. All of the James Barton employees and contractors were exceptional to work with. I would highly recommend James Barton for any remodeling project. They may not be the cheapest but their attention to every detail and the quality of both their people and work is more than worth it. Feel free to contact me for additional info.

I have worked with John Miller and the crew for many years in a few different capacities. James Barton Design Build does solid work and is well organized. I would not hesitate to complete a project with them.

I was looking around for a company to do some remodel work and had been considering James Barton. By chance I happened to be at the local dmv and James was there. There was no mistaking him from his online photos and his black James Barton Design truck. I had gotten to the dmv about an hour early and there was already a short line of about 10-15 people waiting outside. Well, James arrived about 10 or 15 minutes before the dmv opened and let me tell you, all he did was complain loudly to everyone in line that this is what we get for voting for govenor walz and that all the precautions to not spread covid-19 was b.s. He complained that he had been at the dmv the day prior, mid-late afternoon mind you, and had been waiting in line for a long time and and then was told at around 4 that theyd have to stop taking people because the office was closing soon for the day. Well James, had you gotten there early either day you would have been in and out of the dmv fairly quickly. I had gotten there early and only spent about 10 minutes inside. James went on and on about how its all governor walzs fault, its all the democrats, and its stupid to wear a mask because the percentage of covid-19 cases in mn is low. James wasnt wearing a mask like 98% of the people waiting in line and had been yelling back and forth with someone he knew who was about 10 people behind him, which as studies now show, talking loudly/singing can expell more aerosols into the air which has the potential to get someone sick if they happen to have covid-19 and perhaps are asymptomatic. James, dont you think wearing a mask, social distancing, getting to a place early, would be a small price to pay if there was even a chance that it might help save a grandmother, grandfather, mother, or father from getting sick? I had been considering James Barton for remodel work, but Ive lost all respect for him and wont be a customer.

We had the main floor in our house updated including painting, refinishing our wood floor, enameling and staining kitchen cabinets, new kitchen backsplash and new fireplace stone. Our whole experience was very positive. From the designer to the site manager to the subs, we were very happy with the quality of the work and the professionalism they showed. Any questions or concerns we had were addressed very quickly, professionally and satisfactorily. We were told all costs and time frames up front so there were no surprises. We love the finished main floor and will definitely be using James Barton Design Build again soon to finish updating the rest of our house!

Very positive experience with the whole team at James Barton. You can set your watch to their schedule. They have a very tight process & fantastic partners with whom theyve worked for decades. Your project will be done right and on schedule. They wont be the cheapest quote you get for your project...but they will deliver great results.

As a sub contractor I have been doing business with James Barton Design Build for over 10 years, The jobs are always on time and very well organized. It is always a pleasure doing business with them. The quality of the work performed is always exceptional!!!!I would highly recommend them for any project large or small

Great place for home remodels.

Stay away from James Barton Design Build. James Madsen, owner, is quite a fast talker and attempts to intimidate clients. He will put the hurry, hurry, sign now fear in customers so you do not have time to read the 65-page contract which protects only him. James is present to only talk the talk but never walk the walk. Beware of all his promises upon meeting and conferring with him; none of his promises are in writing so you will never see the results. He will never give ANY prices of specifics in the bid or even in conversation no matter how often you ask. BEWARE of using a contractor who doesnt use line-item pricing.He will claim his priced bid stands and will never change, no matter any errors on the companys part (disregarding change orders). This is false also. He tried to squeeze extra money out of us with things forgotten (by him) in the original bid. Any time there is a problem, James will twist the story to place blame elsewhere and never take responsibility so his company doesnt have to repair it.My husband and I had a TOTAL kitchen remodel with dismantled walls, a new wall added, new electrical lines, new ventilation in the floors, etc., and James never pulled a single permit, nor did he, as a general contractor, make sure any subcontractors pulled permits. Never was a single inspection done nor permits pulled, and now we are living in a home we do not know whether it even meets code or is safe. He is currently under investigation by the MN Dept. of Labor and Industry.Please beware and search for other design build companies. There are MANY reputable ones out there.

We had James Barton Design Team tackle a remodel on our very dated, run down master bathroom. My husband tried a DYI on the floor, and James team was able to work around the new floor. They were able to demolish a wall, re-do a shower and put in beautiful granite in the shower and vanity. All with out a scratch to the floor!!!The craftsmanship and work ethic went beyond our expectation. They were very respectful of my time, and I totally felt comfortable with them in my home when I needed to be out. When I would return, my home looked as if they hadnt been there at all, the work was beautifully done, yet ALL the evidence was gone...the clean-up was totally taken care of...so, so happy!!Loved that I didnt have live in sheetrock dust!!They let us know on a daily basis what the next step would be and when in would be completed. We really appreciated that communication, made it easy to go through a remodel.The finished bathroom looks awesome, love to show it off to all our friends!Thank you James and team!!

We have worked with other remodeling companies over the years and have remodeled various rooms of our home and we found James Barton Design to be very professional and organized, as they deliver on-schedule and on-budget! We love the results and love our home so much more because of the quality of work and the design.

We used James Barton Design to remodel our unfinished basement. We were impressed with the speed with which the job was completed. The quality was top-notch and we were incredibly impressed with how clean the worksite was at the end of each day of work, even while doing the drywall sanding. We were so happy with the job that we had the company come back years later to do a garage floor demo and new pour that also turned out perfect...thank you JBDB!!!

These guys are awesome! Ive worked with Darren Wagner several times in the past and hes provided me with awesome service! You cant go wrong with choosing James Barton Design!

Just completed the 4th project with this company over the last 7-8 years and cannot say how pleased we are with this firm. From the beginning stages of planning to the final finish the work is top job. Everyone is professional as well as pleasant to work with and all are more than helpful in the completion of the job. Weve had all of our projects done while living in our home-in-progress and they have made the disruption of having workmen in the home almost enjoyable. The problems that have come up (its construction) have been minimal and easily resolved. Cant ask for a better group to work with. I highly recommend them.

JBDB has done two projects for me - a master bathroom and kitchen. Excellent customer service and craftsmanship - always cleaned up atthe end of the day. Couldnt be happier with the results - would recommend to family and friends.

From the very first meeting with the design team to the projects sign-off, we were impressed with the professionalism of James Bartons staff. Our project could not have gone any smoother, and it is exactly what we dreamed of. Would use JBDB again for any other remodels.

My experience with JBDB has been positive since day one. I worked closely with James the owner for over a year putting together all the pieces of our major, major unique project. We had them literally gutour rambler, add a second story addition, wrap around decks, completely install new siding and paint the exterior, along with building out our post to give a more craftsman style look, then put everything inside back together to give the open concept functionality.It was our aim to customize our home to meet the specific needs of my disabled veteran son that suffers from TBI. His entire team was committed to seeing this through for our family handling the many hurdles that cropped up. Ranging from multiple funding sources to specific change orders to personal health challenges.They demoed the house which required us to move out for six months. James is well connected and referred a reputable moving company, as well as other useful tips and in the twenty fifth hour, nearly at the crucial finishing of the project when our lender proved to be predictory, (requiring the need for a new one, which is highly irregular) he stepped in and set up a successful meeting with a local bank that worked all the details out and allowed us to complete that phase of the project and saved us a great deal of money. I cant express the gratitude that our family has for JBDB family, suffice it to say our relationship is indeed special.His entire team from the office manager/receptionist to designers to project managers, to subcontractors were ALL professional and vested to the success of our project. They were respectful of our unique family dynamic as well as the special needs of my son. The made agreed upon schedules and stuck to them. They cleaned up behind themselves which I really appreciated considering some other people.Our home has more than doubled in value and yes it wasnt the cheapest bid but the quality, work ethic, and dedication to meet our special needs was hands down better than any of the companies that I had encountered. JBDB was the right fit for our family for sure. We had some minor issues upon completion and the team jumped on them immediately to straighten out those concerns. Additionally, we had them to complete another small project of screening in a porch for my disabled son to enjoy and experience the outside space in private.Our home has been the talk of the neighborhood since its completion. JBDB hosted an open house for us and neighbors clamoured in to see the modifications, our Forever home has been redone, rebuilt, it is up to code with any new construction home. It boasts two fully updated kitchens, one lower level kitchenette, two masters w/ baths, three separate level living spaces, two other bedrooms, a full bath on mainfloor, mainfloor laundry, totally accessible roll in wet room on lower level. Lower level laundry room, ceiling left and tracking system throughout lower level, accessible power door and a telecab (vanishing elevator) that runs between the mainfloor and lower level. JBDB helped us design and build an accessible home that is stylish, updated and looks nothing like a typical special needs home. Because of it outstanding design, and construction JBDB was awarded for the accomplishment of best special in that category by the Twin Cities Builders Association. We couldnt be more satisfied and proud if JBDB and our Unique home.

Very bad service. Nothing went according to plan. I would never recommend it to anybody. Go with anybody else but these guys. The owner is the most disrespectful person Ive met in my life.

Don’t recommend