A Garage Built to Store, Spread Out, and Enjoy
Garage Builders in Minnesota & Western Wisconsin | Designed for Storage, Hobbies, and Space to Call Your Own
Built for the Work You Love
Imagine a proper workshop with room to build, tinker, and spread out. A place for the projects, the hobbies, the vehicles, and all the gear a full life collects. Somewhere you can head out to, close the door on the rest of the day, and lose a few good hours doing what you love. This is where you escape into your passions, spark new ideas, and finally bring them to life.
Garage Builds We Are Proud Of
What a garage build looks like at Knollwood Builders:
At Knollwood Builders, we build detached garages and workshops from the ground up, sized anywhere from a simple structure to a multi-level build. We also convert structures you already have, like garages or outbuildings, into finished, functional spaces.
What that becomes is entirely up to you. For some, it is straightforward storage for vehicles, boats, and equipment, with room to keep everything organized and within reach. For others, it is a dedicated workshop for projects big and small, a finished room upstairs for a favorite hobby, or a comfortable place to gather. Whatever yours becomes, we make it a space you will want to spend time in.
Why Families Choose Us for Their Garage Build
Promises from Our Family to Yours
Every garage looks different because every homeowner needs something a little different. Here is what stays the same on every project:
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Design and Construction Expertise Under One Roof
At Knollwood, your designer and your builder are the same team. With decades of hands-on experience across virtually every trade, we bring both the design eye and the construction knowledge to every garage, so the details get thought through together from day one, from the footprint and the rooflines to the finished space inside. What we design is always something we know we can build.
We Handle the Hard Part Before You Break Ground
A new detached structure brings challenges a home remodel never touches, both on your lot and on paper. Site conditions and how the building meets the ground. Permits, zoning, lot coverage, and setback requirements. We anticipate what your project will need and take care of all of it upfront, digging into your property's specific requirements and confirming with the city what is possible. You never have to navigate the surprises or the paperwork yourself, and your build moves forward smoothly from the first day to the last.
Honest Answers Before You Commit
You deserve a clear picture before you get attached to a plan. We do our research first, confirming what your lot and local rules will allow before we ever ask you to sign anything. When we tell you your garage can be built, it is because we have already worked out how. That groundwork is what lets you plan with confidence from the very beginning.
A Garage That Looks Like It Belongs
A detached garage should feel like a natural part of your property. We design every structure to complement your home and your land, with rooflines, materials, and finish details chosen to look considered from every angle. The result is a building that adds to the character of your property and looks like it was always meant to be there.
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A Structure That Does So Much More Than Store Your Car
A garage can be one of the hardest-working spaces on your property, and we design it to be. A workshop with room to work. An upper level built for hosting or hobbies. A finished bay that doubles as a place to gather. Whatever you picture, we build in the function that turns a garage into one of your favorite places to spend time.
Family at the Core of Every Project
Knollwood Builders is a family business, and that shapes everything about how we work. You will always reach us directly, always know who is making decisions about your project, and always feel like a priority. We care about the people we work with as much as the work itself, and that is something you will feel from the very first conversation.
Trusted Brands & Associations
How Your Garage Build Comes Together
Our Proven Design-Build Process
Building a garage with us feels clear, organized, and easier than you might expect. We guide you from the first call to the final walkthrough with honest communication, thorough planning, and hands-on care every step of the way. You will always know what is happening, what is coming next, and that the work meets a standard we would be proud of on our own property.
Discovery Call
Everything starts with a conversation. We want to understand what you are looking to achieve, how you picture using the space, and what this garage or workshop needs to do for the way you live. We talk through your goals, your property, and the possibilities you have in mind. It is also a chance for both of us to make sure we are the right fit for each other.
On-Site Meeting
We come out to walk your property together and see the space firsthand. For a new build, we take in the site conditions, access, and setbacks, and talk through where the structure will sit, whether you already have a spot in mind or want our input on the best one. For a conversion, we assess the existing building and what it will take to transform it. Throughout, we are listening to how you want to use the space. With design and construction expertise in the same conversation from the start, we leave with everything we need to put honest numbers together.
Preliminary Budget
After the on-site visit, we put together a preliminary budget built from your goals and what your property requires. Honest numbers, drawn from real project experience, are delivered before any commitment is made. We give you time to sit with it and ask every question you have. There is no pressure to move forward before you are ready and confident.
Design
Once you decide to move forward, we get to work on the plan. We develop the footprint, the layout, the rooflines, and any finished interior selections tailored to how you want to use the space. So much of a great garage build depends on getting the groundwork right, so this is where the detailed planning that makes your project possible really takes shape.
Project Schedule and Procurement
Every project comes with its own layer of city approvals, and we handle all of it. For a new detached structure, that typically means zoning, lot coverage, setbacks, and permits. For a conversion, it means securing the approvals your specific project requires. With the plan set, we lock in a final contract price based on your selections and confirmed labor, handle procurement, and place a detailed construction schedule in your hands so you always know what is happening and when.
Production and Construction
This is where your garage takes shape. We are on site regularly throughout the build, managing our long-standing team of trusted subcontractors who handle specialty trades. We keep the work organized on-site, respect the surrounding property, and stay in close contact with regular updates. If something unexpected comes up, you hear about it from us directly and right away.
Project Completion
We finish your project the same way we started it, with care and attention to every detail. The final step is a walkthrough of your completed garage or workshop. Every project ends with a professional construction cleaning, so your new space is ready to use from day one. We stand behind our work with a warranty on craftsmanship, and our door stays open long after the project is done.
Preferred Installer Partnerships
Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Builds
What can I build with a garage or workshop from Knollwood Builders?
Almost anything the space can hold. Some clients want straightforward storage for vehicles, boats, and equipment. Others want a true workshop, a golf simulator room, a hobby space, or a finished upper level built for gathering. We also convert existing structures, transforming something like an old storage building into a fully finished space with everything from a kitchen to a theater. We start by asking what you are hoping to do, then build the structure around that answer.
What size garage should I build?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it is a smart one to ask early. There is a real cost benefit to certain dimensions, because standard lumber lengths make some sizes more efficient to build than others. Josh can walk you through the most cost-effective footprint for what you are trying to accomplish, so your budget goes as far as it possibly can. We help you weigh what you want against what makes the most sense to build.
Do you build new garages, convert existing structures, or both?
Both, and a few variations in between. We build new detached garages and workshops, which make up much of our garage work across the rural and semi-rural areas we serve, along with detached multi-purpose structures that add a finished room above or beside the bays. We convert existing buildings into finished, functional space, and when an attached garage is the right fit for keeping your vehicles out of Minnesota weather, we can work with that as well. Whichever path fits your property and your goals, we design and build it to last.
Do you handle the permitting and city approvals?
Yes, all of it. A detached structure comes with its own permits, zoning approvals, lot coverage review, and setback requirements, and we manage the entire process for you. We do the research upfront to confirm what your property allows before anything is promised, so you can move forward with confidence and without the paperwork.
How long does it take to build a garage?
Most garage builds take approximately eight weeks, though this is one project where weather plays a real role in the timeline. We build a detailed schedule before work begins and keep you updated throughout, so you always know what is happening and what comes next. Because a garage is usually not part of your daily living space, the build tends to be far less disruptive than a project inside your home.
Can a garage be more than just storage?
Absolutely, and more and more of them are. We design garages as true extensions of the home, with room for a workshop, a hobby space, a place to gather, or a finished upper level. Whatever you picture the space becoming, we build in the function that makes it one of your favorite places to spend time.
Will we work directly with the owners throughout the process?
Yes, always. Josh leads every garage build personally, with Sara's design expertise right alongside him, from the first conversation through the final walkthrough. When you reach out, you reach us.
Can you build in the winter?
Yes. We work year-round and sequence the weather-sensitive phases thoughtfully so your project keeps moving. Because Minnesota weather has more say over an outdoor build than an indoor one, we walk you through the timing honestly during planning, so you always know what to expect.
What Our Clients Say
We couldn’t be happier with our experience working with Knollwood Builders! They recently completed a porch build-out and deck for our home, and the results exceeded our expectations in every way.
From the start, their communication was outstanding—they took the time to walk us through the plan, timeline, and what to expect throughout the project. Once things got underway, we were kept informed every step of the way, which gave us great peace of mind.
The craftsmanship is top-notch. Every detail, from the structure to the finishing touches, reflects a level of care and quality that’s hard to find. It’s clear they take great pride in their work.
Pricing was also more than fair for the level of professionalism and quality delivered. There were no surprises, and we truly feel we received excellent value.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for reliable, skilled, and communicative builders. We’re thrilled with the finished product! We will reach out to them when we have our next project (master bathroom).
We cannot say enough great things about Knollwood Builders! From the very first consultation to the final touches, they transformed our outdated kitchen into an absolute dream space. The design process was smooth and collaborative, with Sara and Josh taking the time to listen to our needs and preferences. The attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship is unmatched. Every part of the project was handled with professionalism, meticulous details, and they kept us informed every step of the way.
What really stood out was their commitment to delivering exactly what we wanted while staying within our budget and timeline. Our kitchen (main living area) is stunning – it’s stylish, functional, and now the heart of our home. The whole team worked efficiently, and they left the space spotless once everything was finished (and during the process). If you're looking for the best remodeler and designer around, we highly recommend Knollwood Builders!
Knollwood Builders constructed a new garage for us a year ago. We highly recommend them!! Do yourself a favor and reach out to Josh and Sara for your next project. We contacted a couple of other construction companies on the project, those companies were medium-sized. There is an obvious advantage to working with a small, family-owned business like Knollwood Builders. The planning, communication, and execution aspects were absolutely seamless. Pride in a job well done, as promised and on time is obviously very important to them.
Thank you for the great experience!!
Knollwood Builders just completed a master bath remodel for us. We could not be more impressed with Sarah and Josh. From the introductory meeting through the design, planning, and work stages the project was as stress-free as could be. Their professionalism, knowledge, experience, quality work and attention to detail, care for and cleanliness to our home, responsiveness to questions, and the daily progress updates by Sarah, Josh and/or their excellent subcontractors created an atmosphere of total confidence in our decision to contract with them. As important, Sarah and Josh were personally courteous, genuine friendly people, as were their subs, which created a comfortable atmosphere of familiarity for a first-time partnership. All of this was seamless even when we had to be out of town for two and a half weeks in the middle of the project. We are very pleased with our beautiful new bathroom and highly recommend Sarah and Josh for your design/build dreams.
Knollwood Builders was nothing short of amazing from the first telephone call to the final inspection. They were professional, timely and did an amazing job. Not only did Josh listen to my ideas, but he gave me a couple of ideas that we brought into the final project and I couldn't be happier. The only downside is we are coming up on cold weather and I won't be able to use it again until spring!
I highly recommend Knollwood Builders and suggest that if you have a project in mind to reach out to them and get on their schedule. You won't be disappointed!
We connected with Knollwood Builders, LLC (Josh Chouinard) last October to provide us with a quote for a remodeling project. From the start my wife and I were impressed. Josh provided us with an initial timely estimate. He mentioned that his wife Sara and he partner on certain projects- he handles construction and she works on providing decorative design choices... paint color/tile, solid-surface style/fixtures. For us, their combination was very effective. We also liked the communication we received. Josh and Sara were both very responsive to our questions returning emails and voice mails. Once we had our selections made Knollwood provided us with a project plan and milestone/payment schedule that was easy to understand. House cleanliness during the project was important. Also we had previous plans to be away during part of the project. Both concerns were shared with Josh and he assured us that they spend time prepping the house before his team goes on site. They also cleaned up daily after project work before they left and did a full detailed cleanup at end of project. We had a very positive experience with Knollwood Builders, LLC. In fact, we already have started to discuss further projects in our home.
We would highly recommend giving them a call if you are considering projects in your home.
From the first meeting, we knew we had the contractor dream team with Josh and Sara. They did an amazing job of taking our basement finishing vision and marrying it with their own experience and creativity. Here are some of things we appreciated most.
📱 Excellent communication and updates throughout the project.
🕐 The construction process ran like clock-work and stayed on time.
🧹 A well organized and clean job-site.
💡 Josh & Sara had brilliant ideas on how we could make the space feel unique while also working towards our goals.
🌌 Sara understood our desired design aesthetic and offered amazing suggestions.
😌 When there was problem-solving required, Josh brought a sense of calm and understanding to those situations.
To sum up working with Knollwood, the process and the product were both top notch. We are planning on working with them again and highly recommend them to others.
We had Knollwood put in a new bay window and replace our old oak railing into updated, beautiful railings! We couldn’t be happier with the work. There was a bit of a delay with the leadtime on the windows, but we are extremely happy with the finished product! You can’t see a nail hole and everything was impeccably done!
We’ve had projects done by other contractors, and although we were also happy with them, Knollwood Builders went above and beyond, and The completed project was better than we ever expected! Josh and Sara clearly pay attention to every detail and it was great working with them!
Sara and Josh were great to work with. Great communication before and during the project. Our deck looks amazing! Great quality materials and craftsmanship. Thank you!
The bathroom remodel, replacement of outdated interior doors and replacement of the deck flooring and railings for my home turned out beautifully. Josh and Sarah were wonderful to work with. They provided helpful guidance with the details of the projects, stayed on schedule, and got everything completed to my satisfaction. I appreciated their attention to detail and care taken while working in my home.
Wow! It is extremely rare to find a company like Knollwood Builders who treat their clients like family.
Over the last 20 years, many of my clients come to me and ask for referrals to builders. I am so glad to have met Josh and Sara and to have a builder whom I can recommend with confidence.
When I think of Josh, Sara, and the team at Knollwood Builders, I see a team who can turn home dreams into reality. If you are looking for a company who treats their clients like family and who values integrity and hard work, feel confident that you will find that in Knollwood Builders.
Sara and Josh have creative ideas and provide lots of options for making a project work well for the needs of the clients. They both have easy to understand processes that complement one another when planning and implementing the project. Style, enthusiasm and commitment are the words that come to mind when I reflect on my experience with Knollwood Builders.
Unbelievable service and quality of work. Always extremely responsive with calls or texts, extremely professional, kind and very reasonable on all prices. Will trust them for all my home improvement needs and projects. Josh and his crew are so good. Have had several home improvement contractors and they are far and away the best. Very glad we found them!
Knollwood Builder is an amazing company. They work and help you design an amazing space. They listen to your ideas and what you want and give wonderful suggestions to make your project your vision. They are always on time and very honest! They are wonderful people and it shows in their dedication to your project. We highly recommend them to anyone that needs a contractor. We will be using them again for other project.
Let's Create Your New Garage Together
You have pictured this space for a while now. Let us help you build it.