About
Tom Schiebout, President
Tom Schiebout is among Minnesota’s most experienced and highly credentialed remodeling contractors. He has operated a successful design-build general contracting and remodeling company since 1979 and has earned many special certifications through his active memberships in the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the Builder Association of the Twin Cities (BATC).
Tomco is best known for large, complex remodeling projects such as additions, whole-house makeovers and custom kitchens. It is especially skilled at incorporating the best universal design practices, which makes spaces convenient, accessible and safe for people of all ages and abilities while enhancing aesthetic and resale appeal. And you can count on Tomco to think green and health when considering energy and water conservation and indoor air quality.
After homeowners and businesses choose Tom Schiebout for a project he usually becomes their Contractor for Life. He’s the first remodeler past customers call for in-law suites, basement upgrades, replacement windows, or a Minnesota-worthy entries or decks.
Outstanding Guild Quality and Houzz.com reviews, the Angie’s List A rating and an A+ Better Business Bureau Accreditation are just a few signs that Tomco does exceptional work and treats every customer right.
Tomco empowers homeowners and businesses through collaborative design and clear communication.
Carol Klein, Interior Designer
Carol is Tomco Company’s interior designer of choice. While Tom develops floor plans and pricing, Carol helps clients specify fixtures, surfaces and colors.
“Many remodeling clients can be overwhelmed by all of the choices. I get to know them and their homes and simplify the process by guiding them toward safe selections that will suit their design styles, homes and budgets,” she said.
Carol started her own interior design business in 1984, just one year after getting her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from University of Wisconsin-Stout. As a recent empty nester, she says she finally feels she can balance a dozen projects and her passion for hiking, skiing and gardening.
The Circle Pines designer has two tips for Tomco clients:
- Pick furnishings such as upholstered furniture and throw rugs first and paint colors last. Color choices for furnishings are limited, but paint colors are endless.
- Consider the domino effect. If you plan to remodel one room, you probably will need to do at least something to the adjacent spaces.
"Clients not only need to make a lot of choices, they must approach them in the right sequence,“ she added.
She reminds Tomco customers to remember the big picture. “When friends come to see your new kitchen, make sure the guest powder room also makes the grade. Changing the light fixture and sink and removing old wallpaper when the electrician, plumber and painter are already there won’t add much to the cost of the project, but it will have a big impact on the overall impression you make,” she said.
Carol charges Tomco clients by the hour. Her services range from offering a professional take on the homeowners’ choices to meeting couples at showrooms and shopping for items on her own.
Carol sees herself as a bridge. “The sales person at the showroom may want to sell people top of the line everything, even if it is not appropriate for their budgets or the rest of their homes. I’m interested closing the gap and making everything work together.” she said.
Tom calls Carol an important, trusted resource on the Tomco Company team. “We often work in the background to discuss selections and budgets. Most often I sit in on the initial meeting to answer questions that may arise about particular products. Then I trust Carol go it on her own,” he said.
Credentials & Certifications
Tom Schiebout is a true professional who learned construction from the bottom up and continues to push himself to keep abreast of best practices after more than 30 years in the remodeling business.
As of May 2020, Tom is one of only four Minnesota contractors who have earned the Master Certified Remodeler (MCR) credentials from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). To attain this recognition a contractor must have held the Certified Remodeler (CR) designation for at least 10 consecutive years and attained at least one other NARI certification. He also must prove involvement in his local NARI chapter or as a leader in the local community. Candidates are required to submit a letter of recommendation from their chapter executive, chapter president or three letters of recommendation from recent clients. Certified Remodeler (CR) requires 16 hours of classes and an all-day exam that covers 20 knowledge areas. Tom also holds NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR) credentials and Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) distinction from the National Association of Homebuilders.
Tomco Company excels in every measure of quality, service and reliability. Customers give Tomco a near perfect rating in all 13 feedback criteria in the industry-leading Guild Quality survey. Tomco also enjoys an A rating on Angie’s List and A+ Accreditation with the Better Business Bureau.