Is It Time for a Remodel? Expert Advice from Casamia Design & Build Co.
BY EMMA GEARY - NOVEMBER 26, 2024
The Twin Cities are filled with beautiful homes, talented interior designers, and visionary builders making our community one of the country’s most stylish spaces. While there is plenty of inspiration just down the street, how do you know when it’s time to take the leap on a remodel yourself?
Belkis Cruz of Casamia
We sat down with Belkis Cruz, owner of Casamia Build and Design Co., to get her perspective on how to mindfully approach this overwhelming process. Throughout our time working with Belkis on her rebrand, we were always impressed by her ability to see a space’s potential and her ability to bring it to life with creativity and intention.
Her journey into the home design and building industry started in childhood, growing up and going to work with her father on construction sites, sparking her passion for the industry. While she’s been in the building world from an early age, her background is rich with creativity, having dabbled in wedding photography and graphic design. This blend of technical skill and artistry shines through in her work. Today, Belkis’s goal is simple yet powerful: to transform clients' homes in ways that truly make them feel more connected to and comfortable in their spaces.
So we wanted to know: how do you know when it’s time to remodel your home? We asked the experts about when it’s time to make the call.
Is It Time for a Remodel?
If you’re asking yourself whether it’s time to remodel,” says Belkis, “the chances are you've already noticed aspects of your space that don’t serve you.”
Belkis advises clients to look at how a space makes them feel—does it bring stress or comfort? Does it support your daily routines, or do you avoid using certain rooms altogether? These emotional cues are often the first signs that it’s time to consider remodeling.
Functional needs also play a role. “Often, clients are simply outgrowing their spaces,” Belkis explains. Whether it’s the addition of kids or pets or increased storage needs, homes can become less functional over time. Practical issues like water damage or general wear and tear also point to a need for change. “Ultimately, a home should evolve with you,” says Belkis. "When it no longer feels like it’s supporting your lifestyle, it’s time to reimagine it."
The Remodeling Process: Creativity Meets Collaboration
Belkis finds deep fulfillment in the creative process, working hand-in-hand with clients to bring their visions to life. As someone who started in construction and later dove into design, she sees each project as an opportunity to marry functionality with artistry. Her goal is to ensure that every detail, from material choices to layout, speaks to the client’s needs and desires. “We always bring in a drafter to start,” she explains, emphasizing a thoughtful and organic approach to designing each space.
For Belkis, the design process is less about imposing trends and more about understanding her clients on a personal level. “Being able to give clients what they truly want—it’s like providing an act of kindness,” she shares. “Knowing I can make their daily lives easier, happier, or more comfortable through design is what drives me every single day.”
What to Look For in a Remodeler
Belkis believes that communication is the most important factor when selecting a remodeler. “A contractor might offer a lower price, but if they’re not listening to you, it can lead to stress and disappointment,” she says. Her advice to clients is to choose a professional who values their input and encourages collaboration, so the final result feels like a reflection of their unique style and personality.
“It’s easy for someone to be a ‘yes man’ and promise you the world, but it’s important to do research ahead of time to check for licenses and reviews, as well as looking at their past work and their process. I like to work with my clients through every step of the build and design process so they truly feel like they’re providing input on their future home, ensuring that it fits their lifestyle and personality.”
Design Tips for Maximum Coziness
While design trends come and go, Belkis’ favorite tip for clients is to design their home based on what they love. Whether it’s unique antiques, artwork from a family friend, or bunches of your favorite plants, the best way to bring warmth and comfort to your home is by filling it with things that bring you joy.
“My own home is filled with plants because they make me so happy” she shares, “I keep a few of my favorites in the living room next to a window that gets loads of early morning sun, and have my favorite cozy chair nestled there to enjoy my coffee every morning. It starts my day on such a good note because I’m surrounded by things that bring me joy.”
While sifting through decor in a home store or shopping for a new space might be overwhelming, Belkis encourages you to lean on your instincts. “If you love something within the first few seconds of seeing it, it belongs in your home.”
On Taking the Leap
Reflecting on her journey, Belkis encourages aspiring business owners to trust their instincts and take the leap. “The only limit we have is ourselves,” she says. Starting Casamia was a bold decision that she and her husband made together, both leaving their jobs to chase a dream. Her advice to her younger self and others? “Don’t wait until tomorrow to get things started. The sooner you start, the better—you’ll see the benefits and reap what you sow.”
Belkis Cruz has built Casamia Design and Build on a foundation of creativity, compassion, and a drive to make her clients’ lives better through empowering design. Whether you’re contemplating a remodel or simply seeking inspiration to make your home feel cozier, Casamia Design and Build is here to help.
Emma Geary
Emma is the one writing it all down. She's been with LAB since 2021 and is finishing her MFA in Creative Writing in her spare time. Her favorite color right now is cobalt blue.
