About us
We're not just contractors. We're a family who gets it.
Independence by Design was built by local tradespeople who are also parents to children with disabilities. We know firsthand what families need — because we live it.
Why we started Independence by Design
Independence by Design grew out of a simple truth: the families who need home modifications the most are often the ones least equipped to navigate the process alone. As parents to children with disabilities ourselves, we've sat in the same waiting rooms, filled out the same paperwork, and felt the same frustration when the system moves slowly and the home still isn't safe.
We're local contractors based in the rural Duluth area. We know this region, we know the winters, and we know what it takes to get a project done right when the roads are long and the timelines are tight. When we saw how many families were struggling to find someone who could both understand their needs and actually do the work — we decided to be that someone.
Every project we take on is personal to us. We treat your home the way we'd want someone to treat ours — with skill, care, and respect for the people who live there.
What guides us
Our values
Dignity first
Every person we serve deserves to be treated with respect — in their home, in their decisions, and in every interaction with our team. We never judge, and we never rush.
Independence matters
A safe, accessible home isn't a luxury — it's the foundation for living life on your own terms. We take that seriously in every modification we make.
Compassion in action
We're parents. We're neighbors. We understand what it means to care for someone you love. That understanding shapes how we show up for every family we work with.
Truly local
We live and work in the Duluth area. We're not a distant company dispatching crews — we're your neighbors, and we're invested in this community.
Ready to get started?
Whether you're a participant, a family member, or a case manager — we're here to help. Reach out and let's talk about what your home needs.