September 2020 by robert webber
Economy Garages did an outstanding job of building our garage. We're not associated with them in any way, other than having them build us a garage one time, and I would definitely have them do it again.Firstly, if you are pricing for a garage, or similar type building, in the northern Minnesota area they serve, then don't spend a lot of time looking for a more economical builder: there isn't one. Economy is the price leader, period. I tried to find a more inexpensive builder, and there aren't any, excluding some kind of unique 'sweat equity' arrangement on your own. There's plenty of other fine builders, but none that can compete with them on price. Also, if you are out in the wilderness like me (1 hour from Duluth on a narrow unimproved road), they charge no more for remoteness, as long as it is in the area they serve, which is practically all of northern Minnesota. They serve northern Wisconsin too, but we don't have experience with them there, but it's probably the same.We had to have our site prepared. The price they quoted was the slab, and then the garage built on top of it; separate crews from Economy. There are no hidden charges or cost overruns. The building permit (nominal), electrical (they did install my garage door opener very reasonably to ensure functionality), and any needed plumbing is up to the purchaser. I had water supply, drains and vents for a full bath, and septic connections incorporated into mine.The sales process was transparent and no pressure. The building crews, to a person, were always courteous and professional to myself and my wife, and our property. When we called them, they always answered, or called us right back. Questions? Not a bother to them at all, in terms of sales or construction; excellent customer service, and we called a lot. [Building contractors out there, don't get mad, but a lot of you lack interpersonal skills and everyday tasks like talking on the phone, texting, and emailing, sorry.]The quality quality of the materials and build was fine. We have a beautiful garage plus! If you want a total turnkey Cadillac building where you don't have to do anything, then look elsewhere and prepare to bleed. If you can handle the site prep and electrical/plumbing on your own, and want a perfectly functional family sedan of a garage at an unbeatable price, then call Economy.