How did you get started in the building industry?
We are a third-generation family company. We’ve been building custom homes since 1969. Our founder, Walter Bauer, launched WF Bauer (the forerunner of Zawadski Homes) as a way to fill his summer breaks while teaching high school English. His early home building successes convinced him to dive into the entry-level home construction market.
After several years of success, Walter began building larger and more elaborate homes, and also brought his son-in-law, Steve Zawadski, into the business. Steve continued to expand the company, acquiring property for development throughout the northeast Twin Cities, and also began offering residential remodeling services. Many of Walter’s initial clients came to us for help in revitalizing and updating their homes.
Steve’s son, Nick, has joined the company, representing the third generation of family members to continue our tradition of elegant home building. We are proud of our nearly 60 years of building homes that stand the test of time.
What sets your company apart?
Our overall goal is to reflect the personality and lifestyle of the homeowner, which makes each of our custom-built homes truly unique. With three generations of experience building custom homes in Minnesota, we go above and beyond to make sure every detail is considered. Our whole team is committed to quality before speed.
What inspires and influences your work?
We take inspiration from the joy our homeowners feel from the first meeting to the day they walk in their front door for the first time. We believe in timeless, elegant design concepts and going above and beyond to reflect the homeowner’s vision throughout the home. Many of our home properties are connected to nature, from urban lake homes to country estates. The natural environment always informs our designs. Our homes fit seamlessly within their surroundings and welcome the outdoors in.
How would you describe your team’s approach to a new project?
Our core company belief is that personal attention and communication are the keys to a successful and positive building experience. Our partnership and collaboration with the homeowner from the onset of each project creates a solid foundation that sets the stage for a smooth, efficient build.
How do you bring a client’s vision to life?
Our design professionals will meet with our clients several times before starting the design process. We want to get to know them and learn their family’s needs. At each step of our process, we guide them through the necessary decisions. In addition to our own architecture and design team, we work closely with those architecture and design firms that our clients engage for the design phase. Our construction and procurement professionals choose the optimal materials and fixtures and tried-and-true construction techniques to ensure every home stands the test of time.
What do you enjoy most about building custom homes?
We live to see the joy on our homeowners’ faces as they walk into their newly completed homes for the first time.
What are some of your favorite trends and styles in new construction?
We are passionate about sustainability, bringing in tons of natural light, and blending materials in unique ways in our home designs. We are proud to be a Green Path Builder and of our efforts to reduce costs and utility use for our homeowners. We love expansive windows and high ceilings that let the sunshine and serene views of our neighborhoods into the living space. Making bold statements with unique combinations of wood, stone, tile and other materials puts the icing on top of our designs.
Photo by K.E.A. Photography
