The Arleigh Approach
Helping Twin Cities residents build a home they love and get the most out of the biggest investment of their lives, one no-nonsense solution at a time.
Hi there !
I’m Rachel Schaefer.
After more than 15 years in corporate event planning and project management, I pivoted to the construction industry in 2020.
I’ve worked to tackle the biggest issues preventing homeowners from getting their desired results.
As a woman-led business, I pride myself on operating with integrity, transparency, unmatched organization, attention-to-detail, and unwavering communication in every project I work on.
In other words… I’ve got my shit so together, it’s color-coded.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
How I Can Help
Custom Home Building
I am a General Contractor providing high-end custom home building services for residents in the Twin Cities, primarily in Edina and the southwest metro.
I help my clients actualize their home plans with hands-on support for designing their home, including working closely with designers and architects.
Project Management
Note: not currently accepting new PM only clients.
General Contractors: when you need an extra hand to keep your projects running smoothly, I’m here to support your team, execute your plans, and deliver reliable results.
What I Do
Transparent Costs
I create transparent pricing plans based on your needs. No hidden costs, no surprises fees. Typical build cost starts at $350 per square foot, depending on design, finishes, and site conditions.
Quality Over Quantity
I intentionally limit the number of projects I take on each year, allowing me to dedicate ample time and attention to each one - because I believe in taking the time to do things right.
Keep It Honest
I don’t sugarcoat advice. Ultimately, building a new home is a stressful process and can be very overwhelming. With me, you can rest assured that you always know exactly where your project stands.
Every Detail Matters
When it comes to your dream home, every detail matters. I meticulously check every step of the process—and if there’s ever a question, I’ll double-check to ensure it’s done right.
Have Fun
Even in the midst of construction chaos, I know how to have a good time. I do my best to inject as much fun as possible into every part of the process.
Constant Communication
My no-nonsense approach to custom home building is here to keep you informed at every stage of the design and construction project. From good news to not-so-great updates, I won’t sugarcoat the construction process for you.
Solve Challenges
Building a custom home comes with inevitable challenges—after all, it’s never been built before. But when issues arise, I take a team-oriented approach, working collaboratively to find the best solutions and keep the project moving forward smoothly.
My Process
Consultation Call
Hop on a call to discuss your home concept and see if we’re a good fit—financially, stylistically, and in how we work together.
Initial Designs
Based on your vision, I’ll collaborate with the designer or architect of your choice to provide any guidance or insight for your finalized designs.
If you need a recommendation, I’m happy to provide one.
Pre-Construction Planning
Once your home design is finalized, I’ll get to work creating a realistic timeline and budget.
We will also confirm all design selections.
Construction
I know that construction can feel chaotic. I have a deep history in project management, and I oversee everything. I schedule recurring touch base meetings and site visits to keep you informed and answer any questions along the way.
Final Walkthrough
A few weeks before closing, we’ll do a final walkthrough to review any remaining items, agree on a punch list, and ensure all final details are addressed before you move in.
Closing & Move-In
Time to raise a toast! I’ll walk you through your new home, explain its systems, and provide a maintenance guide. Like a car, a home requires upkeep—but I make sure you’re prepared to take care of it from day one.
Warranty
At the one-year mark, we’ll schedule a walkthrough to address any questions and create a punch list of any necessary touch-ups.
I follow Minnesota’s new home warranty guidelines, covering defects in workmanship and materials for one year, mechanical systems for two years, and structural components for ten years.
Let’s Talk About Your Project > Schedule a consultation