-
Vintage Home Restoration
-
Kitchens and Baths
-
Additions
-
Attics and Basements
-
Wine Cellars
-
Decks and Outdoor Rooms
Our Story
Kent Tsui graduated from college with a degree in technical theater and design. Working in the remodeling field during the summers and after graduation, he found a passion for working on custom projects. In 1994, he decided to start up his own remodeling company, working mainly by himself on custom interior finishes. His attention to detail kept his customers coming back—and referring him to their family and friends.
In 2004, Kent met his now business partner Andre Balkcum when they had season tickets to the Timberwolves basketball games and sat near each other. After getting to know each other as fans, they discovered that they were both in the remodeling business and decided to form a partnership to grow the business and complete larger projects.
With Andre, Kent found someone that shared his same vision, values, and drive. They have worked together since then, delivering quality craftsmanship to hundreds of customers. Their attention to detail and propensity for perfection helps them create works of distinction.
Through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Kent holds a Master Certified Remodeler (MCR) designation; and both he and Andre are Certified Remodeling Project Managers (CRPM). These designations are important because it shows that Kent and Andre have made a strong commitment to industry best practices and have proven their technical skills. In order to obtain these distinctions, Kent and Andre successfully completed comprehensive and challenging written exams covering critical subject areas.
Learn more about the Quality Cut staff.
We specialize in designing and remodeling homes in the Minneapolis, Edina, St. Louis Park, St. Paul and other metro cities. We hold the Certified Remodeler and Certified Project Manager designations from NARI-MN, which means that we have passed tests to make sure your bathroom, kitchen, addition, or other project goes as smoothly as possible.
Meet the Team
-
Kent Tsui
PRESIDENT
Kent’s passion for restoring old homes takes him past the normal 8-5 work day. Currently, he lives in Red Wing with his wife Megan in a large 1875 Victorian Italianate home that had been divided up into a rental tri-plex. Years of neglect and mistreatment are apparent, but Kent is in the process of restoring it back into a single family home and its original splendor.
-
Andre Balkcum
VICE PRESIDENT
Andre lives in South Minneapolis with his wife Kim, and their two children Toby and Clara. In his spare time (what spare time, he has two kids!), he gardens and spends time with his family. Andre grew up in the area, and takes great pride especially in restoring homes in his neighborhood. His attention to detail, cleanliness, and just overall nice-ness make him a favorite with customers.
-
Nick Balkcum
PROJECT MANAGER
Nick is a father of two, a music collector, a beer enthusiast, a hugger, and a lover of trim carpentry. His interest in the industry came from his love of working with his hands. He loves to work on challenging projects that make him think outside the box. Nick has been with Quality Cut Design | Remodel for almost 20 years.
-
John Robertson
LEAD CARPENTER
John is our Lead Carpenter and has been working with Quality Cut for almost twenty years. He began as a subcontractor when the company was first started and joined as a full-time employee when it started to take off. John developed a fondness for carpentry as he was growing up, learning from his grandfather and doing some carpentry tasks around his family farm growing up. Carpentry and remodeling became a full time pursuit after his college career.
-
Angie Spencer
CARPENTER
Angie lives in North Minneapolis with her husband, toddler, and two stubborn hound dogs. A natural problem-solver and perfectionist, Angie has thrived at Quality Cut for five years. Inspired by her dad's house projects and custom furniture, Angie has always enjoyed working with her hands. She started by designing and making unique quilts. At Quality Cut, she applies the same skills in pattern recognition, attention to detail, and meticulous construction, but with more muscle power.