Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Home Builders in Central Minnesota
Since 1962, Lumber One has been a trusted name in residential construction and home remodeling across Central Minnesota. Founded by Terry Schmid with a commitment to honesty and integrity, our family-owned business has evolved into a premier provider of custom home building, multi-family development, and contractor services. Under the leadership of Barb Brandes, Ted Schmid, and Jack Brandes, we maintain the values established by our founder while offering comprehensive solutions including lumber yards, drafting services, and retail stores. Our team brings decades of accumulated expertise to every project, ensuring clients receive personalized attention and high-quality results.We specialize in new home construction, energy-efficient building, large-scale apartment complexes, and full-service remodeling projects. With over 60 years of hands-on experience and strong relationships with local suppliers, we deliver reliable service that balances client aspirations with budgetary realities. Our dedication to transparency and neighborly customer service has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in the communities we serve.
Services
Custom Home Construction
Multi-Family Development
Home Remodeling
Lumber Supply
Drafting Services
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- Family-owned business with 60+ years of local construction experience
- Full-service provider of building materials and professional contractor services
- Specialize in energy-efficient home construction techniques
- Comprehensive support from initial design through project completion
- Proven track record with 5,000+ multi-family housing units built
What people say
Fantastic experience
Knowledgeable & helpful staff
Completed ahead schedule
High quality work
Excellent suggestions
Services
Custom Home Construction
Lumber One creates custom-designed homes tailored to client preferences. Our expert team handles all aspects from foundation to finishing touches. With decades of experience, we deliver energy-efficient construction using premium materials while maintaining strict budget controls. Specialized services include modern designs, traditional layouts, and accessibility modifications.
Multi-Family Development
We specialize in large-scale residential complexes including apartment buildings and townhome communities. Our 40+ years of experience ensures efficient construction of quality multi-family units. Services include site planning, permits acquisition, and complete project management from concept to occupancy.
Home Remodeling
Our remodeling experts handle projects of all sizes from kitchen upgrades to complete home renovations. We provide detailed planning assistance and execute projects efficiently while minimizing disruption. Services include layout redesign, material selection, and code-compliant construction for enhanced functionality and aesthetics.
Lumber Yard
Our full-service lumber yards stock premium construction materials and specialty items. Professional staff provide expert advice on material selection and applications. We offer delivery services and special ordering capabilities for both commercial contractors and DIY customers needing reliable building supplies.
Drafting Services
In-house drafting professionals create detailed construction plans for new homes and renovations. We collaborate closely with clients to develop customized blueprints that balance design aspirations with practical considerations. Services include plan modifications, site analysis, and technical drawing interpretations for successful project execution.
People
Barb Brandes
Chief Executive Officer
Barb Brandes has led Lumber One as CEO since 2001. She began working at the company in 1979 while earning her Business Management Accounting degree. With extensive experience in multifamily development and construction management, she oversees major business operations and strategic direction.
Ted Schmid
Chief Operating Officer
Ted Schmid brings over 20 years of residential construction expertise to his role as COO. He manages day-to-day operations and has significant experience in single-family and multifamily housing projects. Ted contributes industry knowledge through his involvement in property development and zoning negotiations.
Jack Brandes
Vice President
Jack Brandes became Vice President in 2022 after progressing from seasonal laborer to leadership roles. He oversees sales operations and manages single-family contracts. Active in industry organizations, Jack serves as Past President of the Central Minnesota Builders Association and on the St. Johns University Alumni Board.
Questions
What residential services do you offer?
We provide custom home construction, multi-family development, kitchen/bathroom remodeling, exterior renovations, and complete home remodeling projects.
How long have you been in business?
Lumber One has served Central Minnesota since 1962, maintaining family ownership for over 60 years through three generations.
Which areas do you service?
We operate throughout Central Minnesota including Avon, Brainerd, Cold Spring, Litchfield, New London, and Richmond.
Do you offer financing options?
We provide information about mortgage services through our retail store to help with home construction financing needs.
Can I special order building materials?
Yes, our lumber yards and retail stores can special order most required construction materials not immediately available in stock.
Reviews (2)
T. C.
Feb 05, 2019
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Great Company and people to work with, they really take time to understand your needs and deliver a product that is second to none.
A. S.
Jun 04, 2018
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I do not recommend calling Avon Lumber One and working with Dave. We called to have some storm damage looked at for an insurance quote and he took over a week to get back to us. Then, when he finally came out to assess the damage, he didn't even bring a ladder with to climb on the roof (which is where we told him the damage was prior to him coming). Then he rescheduled to come out the next day with a "roof expert" and never showed up.
When we called to find out why he didn't come, he told us he looked at a house a mile down the road from us and they didn't have any damage so we likely don't either. I understand this likely isn't the most exciting type of work to do but then I would appreciate being referred elsewhere vs. shaken off. We have now wasted over a week waiting on Dave when we could have contacted another contractor. And for the record, we had over $8000 worth of damage according to the other contractor we contacted. Don't call Dave!
When we called to find out why he didn't come, he told us he looked at a house a mile down the road from us and they didn't have any damage so we likely don't either. I understand this likely isn't the most exciting type of work to do but then I would appreciate being referred elsewhere vs. shaken off. We have now wasted over a week waiting on Dave when we could have contacted another contractor. And for the record, we had over $8000 worth of damage according to the other contractor we contacted. Don't call Dave!
