At Cates Fine Homes, exceptional craftsmanship is more than just a promise—it's in our blood. Founded in 1970, our family-owned business has been dedicated to building luxurious, custom homes in the picturesque areas east of the Twin Cities, focusing on Stillwater, MN, and its surrounding lakes and rivers. Our team, led by Jay, Jennifer, and Jeff Cates, upholds a legacy passed down from our father, a master craftsman, ensuring that every project reflects the highest standards of quality and attention to detail.

Meet the Cates

  • Jay Cates

    Jay, responsible for pricing and bidding, ensures projects start with a solid foundation before progressing to the next crucial stage. With a background in carpentry and leadership as a former Gopher hockey team captain, he brings precision, dedication, and unmatched expertise to every project he oversees.

  • Jennifer Cates Peterson

    Jennifer, a skilled multi-tasker with a CPA and a business degree from the University of Minnesota, oversees business operations and communications, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable building process for clients. She balances her professional role with active community involvement while living on a hobby farm near Osceola, Wisconsin.

  • Jeff Cates

    Jeff, the project manager, oversees every detail with a blend of courtesy and resourcefulness, drawing on skills learned from his father. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, where he captained the team to a Division 3 National Hockey Championship, Jeff continues his passion for hockey through his two sons.

Cates Fine Homes, founded in 1970, carries on the legacy of Judd and Julie Cates, who imparted a strong sense of craftsmanship and dedication to us, their children. As a family-owned business, now led by Jay, Jennifer, and Jeff, we continue to embody the values and skills passed down from our parents, ensuring that every home we build reflects our high standards. Based in the serene areas surrounding Stillwater, MN, we are renowned for our luxurious, custom-built homes and thoughtful renovations. Our unique approach, characterized by our hands-on involvement in each project and supported by our team of in-house carpenters, enables us to imbue every home with a profound dedication to excellence, unmatched expertise, and an unwavering passion for the craft. By collaborating with architects, designers, and skilled craftsmen, we ensure every detail is meticulously executed to match our client’s vision. With a foundation built on honesty, integrity, and a deep respect for the craft, we consistently deliver on our promise: "If you can dream it, we can build it."

  • "I’ve been in this field since 1999 and you guys have truly impressed. We can’t say enough great things to people about Cates. You have exceeded our expectations, which were already high to start with!"

    -Sarah

  • "Thanks so much! This garage and backyard has improved our lives so much. We are so grateful."

    -Kelly

  • "Everything turned out amazing!! Cates Fine Homes does a wonderful job!"

    -Tricia

  • "We’ve partnered with Cates Fine Homes for over 24 years and are always impressed by their professionalism and attention to detail. We look forward to continuing our collaboration on future projects and highly recommend them to anyone seeking a skilled and reliable builder."

    -Michael Huber Architects, LLC

  • "The Cates team kept us informed every step of the way and worked with us to quickly resolve any issues that arose during the process. They’re mindful of costs, prioritize quality, and their workmanship is exceptional. Plus, they and their subcontractors are some of the nicest people we’ve ever worked with!"

    -Randy & Katherine

  • "The Cates Family is an incredibly talented Team. They work together from the initial design to decorating the finished home. They built a custom home for me and I couldn’t be happier!"

    -David

  • "Excellent contractor! Cates completed a major addition to our home, including a bathroom, laundry room, garage, siding, and driveway, all to the highest standards—we love it! Their reputation and integrity are unmatched. Highly recommended!"

    -Robert