Jim and Ali were neighbors and good friends. Jim worked for a large corporation, but was not inspired. He left and went to work for a custom homebuilder. After a couple years, he gained some confidence and found he really was inspired to go to work everyday. People respected him and started to respond to his work ethic and knowledge of his craft.So Jim started his own custom construction and remodeling business in 1994. At the same time, Ali was working in an institutional architectural firm and moonlighting as a residential architect. He discovered a love for renovating and restoring older homes, even designing new homes.
Services
Design
Report
Review and discuss project at your home. Measure, photograph and draw your existing home Propose design alternatives (plans and/or elevations), review with you. Collect your feedback. Revise and refine alternatives, review with you. Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 until right solution is reached (usually 2-4 cycles). Develop to Schematic Design level and estimate cost/timeline.
Construction
Report
Reviews (2) Leslie Jablonski
May 07, 2019
When we decided to remodel our 1919 South Minneapolis home, we knew exactly who would be perfect for the job. Awad + Koontz. We admired the work Jim and Ali had done in other old homes and we knew they would maintain the character of the house while giving it a much-needed update and expansion. We echo the words of praise that others have said - Jim and Ali are fabulous to work with as are their subcontractors.
There were no surprises; everything was done on time; everyone respected our home and property; and there were no disappointments. About a year after we renovated our house, we were faced with an unexpected life-changing situation. Our son was paralyzed while playing in a high school hockey game. Suddenly, our home was not suited for a family member living with a disability.
But Jim and Ali assured us that they would make sure we could bring our son home. And they did. Transforming an older home into an accessible one was no easy task, but Awad+Koontz nailed it. Accessibility experts told us that it couldn't be done because the house was too old. Too many challenges. Not for Jim and Ali. They did their homework, made the necessary changes and blended adaptable equipment and needs seamlessly into our home. It's simply stunning. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have worked with Jim and Ali and we never hesitate to recommend Awad + Koontz to others. They're the best.
There were no surprises; everything was done on time; everyone respected our home and property; and there were no disappointments. About a year after we renovated our house, we were faced with an unexpected life-changing situation. Our son was paralyzed while playing in a high school hockey game. Suddenly, our home was not suited for a family member living with a disability.
But Jim and Ali assured us that they would make sure we could bring our son home. And they did. Transforming an older home into an accessible one was no easy task, but Awad+Koontz nailed it. Accessibility experts told us that it couldn't be done because the house was too old. Too many challenges. Not for Jim and Ali. They did their homework, made the necessary changes and blended adaptable equipment and needs seamlessly into our home. It's simply stunning. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have worked with Jim and Ali and we never hesitate to recommend Awad + Koontz to others. They're the best.
Edwin Funk
May 05, 2019
We recently finished a complete gut and remodel of our kitchen and family room in our turn of the century South Minneapolis home. All of the interior surfaces down to the studs, flooring, windows, exterior siding, in floor heating and high velocity AC were replaced or upgraded. Ali Awad and Jim Koontz walked us through the design process as we made many changes into construction.
They had great suggestions and were always patient with us throughout. We were always kept up to date on the project progress with all of the subcontractor's work being thoroughly reviewed by them. The subcontractors were top notch and we've received many compliments on the design and detail work from friends in the trades. Their pricing was fair and within their construction estimate.
We had a fair amount of anxiety going into this, having dealt with other contractors in the past. However, they communicated regularly in person and by text/email, dealing into the many details throughout planning and construction setting us at ease. The end product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to Jim and Ali, we have a beautiful and cozy home as I write this in the family room next to the new fireplace on a subzero Minneapolis morning. We would use them again in a heartbeat and recommend them highly as professionals and individuals.
They had great suggestions and were always patient with us throughout. We were always kept up to date on the project progress with all of the subcontractor's work being thoroughly reviewed by them. The subcontractors were top notch and we've received many compliments on the design and detail work from friends in the trades. Their pricing was fair and within their construction estimate.
We had a fair amount of anxiety going into this, having dealt with other contractors in the past. However, they communicated regularly in person and by text/email, dealing into the many details throughout planning and construction setting us at ease. The end product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to Jim and Ali, we have a beautiful and cozy home as I write this in the family room next to the new fireplace on a subzero Minneapolis morning. We would use them again in a heartbeat and recommend them highly as professionals and individuals.
