<![CDATA[Grandview Buildings - Blog]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:44:18 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Lets talk about Rent-to-Own]]>Thu, 06 Feb 2020 20:54:35 GMThttps://www.grandviewbuildings.com/blog/lets-talk-about-rent-to-ownWe like to stay on top of what's happening in the "shed world" around us.  Although we are a Minnesota made and owned company, we know that there are misconceptions and concerns surrounding programs like rent-to-own.  We also know those concerns are valid because of the practices followed by some Portable Building companies.  So, lets clear things up...

Rent-to-Own is defined as a sales contract that enables a buyer to rent the product they wish to buy until it is paid in full, at which time the buyer takes ownership.

So, what does that mean for you as a Minnesota resident?

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that Rent-to-Own agreements are also a credit sale and limited to an interest rate of 8%.  Yes, you read that right...8%.

It's up to you, the consumer, to only work with companies that are transparent, fair, and honest.  

You deserve to know:
  • Total item price
  • Interest rates
  • Total number of payments
  • Amount of payments
  • Due date for payments
  • Cost of late fees or penalties
  • Procedure and penalty to cancel contract
  • Wear and tear standards
  • Specific warranty breakdown
Things to be aware of when choosing Rent-to-Own:
  • Prepayment penalties
  • Minimum interest that must be paid when paying off early (yes, there are companies doing this in Minnesota!)
  • Interest rates.  Ask for the interest rate and then ask for a Rent-to-Own quote.  See the breakdown for yourself.  If they can't give you an interest rate...that's a big red flag.

Grandview Buildings is aiming to break the stigma around Rent-to-Own.  We've got nothing to hide.  In fact, we have verified all of our documents with the Minnesota Attorney General.  We meet all the Minnesota requirements set forth for a qualified Rent-to-Own company.  We're proud of the work we've done.  We're proud to serve the state of Minnesota that we love, because...we are Minnesota.

Minnesota Made - Minnesota Owned - Minnesota Nice]]><![CDATA[Let's talk Tiny Homes]]>Wed, 29 Jan 2020 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.grandviewbuildings.com/blog/lets-talk-tiny-homes
Tiny Homes (aka Accessory Dwelling Units) are becoming more and more popular among those looking to downsize and those looking to say farewell to the idea of a 30 year mortgage.  
Typically homes under 400 square feet are considered "tiny" and are required to be on a foundation to be considered an ADU.  Tiny Homes on foundations fall under the same building codes as single family homes.  The Minnesota Building Codes regulate and define a Dwelling as "A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation."  

Thinking of pursuing the Tiny Home dream?  What should you do first?  Here's a good place to start:
  1. Call your local planning or zoning department and check if there are any ordinances that would hinder your Tiny Home success.
  2. Obtain a building permit (if needed) and make sure you know what requirements you're responsible to ensure are included in your Tiny Home structure.
  3. Get creative!  Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest!!!
  4. Do your homework.  Find a portable building manufacturer and do your research.  Check reviews and references.  Ask questions about how they build their buildings.  Know what kind of building practices they perform.  What kind of warranty do they offer?  Does their product meet the MN building and snow load codes?  What sort of time-frame will it take to complete your project?  Ask them if there's anything you've missed for your Tiny Home.  They know what they've done in the past and what they should be doing to your project.  
  5. Put pencil to paper and draft a layout.  How many bedrooms do you need?  How much cupboard space is necessary for your family size?  What height do you want your kitchen windows in comparison to your living room or bedroom windows?  Where will you want light switches?   Overhead lights?  What layout is best to provide privacy to all occupants?  Thinking of having a bedroom in a loft?  Be sure to add a window adequate enough to be used as a fire escape.
  6. Electrical.  Be sure your electrician is capable and qualified.  
  7. Be patient in the process.  Typically you're going to be purchasing a shell and will have interior work to be completed.  Enjoy the process.  Join a Facebook group of like-minded Tiny Home hopefuls (they will provide information of things you may have not even considered!).  Take LOTS of pictures of your progress, trust me, you'll be happy to look back at how far you've come.
]]><![CDATA[Grandview Buildings]]>Fri, 22 Nov 2019 23:43:45 GMThttps://www.grandviewbuildings.com/blog/grandview-buildingsWe're in the business of Portable Buildings.  The things that matter to us, might matter to you too... Let's talk about that. 

We are Grandview Buildings.  Established and in business since 2010, we are small town, hardworking Minnesotans who care about our neighbors and communities.   We build quality Portable Buildings that can be used for a variety of important and recreational purposes.  We offer an array of sizes and styles to best fit our consumers needs.  Our building sizes range from 6x8 to 16x40 for most of our styles.  We are happy to offer variations of both gable and gambrel style roofs and excel in our building customization.

My name is April and I've been managing Grandview Buildings since 2015.  If you’re a customer of ours, the chances that we’ve spoken are very good!  In the passing years I've listened and learned, I've implemented changes to benefit our customers, and I've gained respect for a business that identifies and solves the needs of so many Minnesotans.  I spend a large part of my days serving our customers and honestly, it’s my favorite part!  We believe that world class customer service is something that every customer deserves.   As a born and raised Minnesotan, I'm proud of the work we do for the great people of our State.  There really is no better place to live.

Whether you're looking for a backyard shed to store your "out of season" essentials, or you’re a landowner looking for smaller housing possibilities, Grandview Buildings is your Minnesota choice.  We understand Minnesota weather and we know why the Minnesota building codes are so important not only to your financial investment, but your safety.  We offer top notch craftsmanship through our well-trained production team.  They are truly the backbone of Grandview Buildings.  Without their endless knowledge and daily persistence to meet our high expectations, Grandview wouldn't be the World’s Greatest Portable Buildings. 

That's what I plan to relay in this blog; our passions, our unbeatable quality craftsmanship, current trends, and changes we (and hopefully you) look forward to seeing in the future of Portable Buildings. 

-April
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