2024: A Year of Innovation and Excellence at Refined Homes
What a year it's been at Refined Homes! As we flip through our 2023 portfolio, three extraordinary transformations have us incredibly excited to share. Picture a musician's basement turning into a cozy concert hall, a "slightly slanty" historic porch becoming perfectly level, and a dream home that would make The Jetsons jealous. These aren't just renovation projects—they're stories of creativity, problem-solving, and the kind of craftsmanship that makes us jump out of bed each morning. So grab a cup of coffee (or maybe a blueprint), and let's walk through the projects that had us thinking outside the box and building inside the lines in 2024.
From Basement to Beautiful:
A Musical Family's Dream Space
When repeat clients approached us to reimagine their 1923 home's basement, we were thrilled to build on the success of our previous bathroom renovations. This family of musicians envisioned transforming their cold, disorganized basement into a space that matched the quality and style of their recently remodeled bathrooms.
The existing basement essentially served as an oversized closet, with one homeowner carving out a makeshift office/exercise area. Though initially hesitant to include his existing finished office space in the renovation plans, he ultimately recognized the value of a cohesive design throughout the entire lower level.
Before: Laundry in the lower level
After: Laundry relocated upstairs
After: A basement transformation!
The transformation began with strategic planning:
- Relocated the laundry room to the second floor, bringing everyday convenience to this historic home
- Installed a sophisticated zoned in-floor heating system (Wirsbo) that works in harmony with the existing boiler
- Added comprehensive drainage solutions and a radon mitigation system for safety and peace of mind
- Investigated options for maximum ceiling height—while we always explore opportunities to increase basement height by lowering the floor, this home's existing footings prevented that approach
- Created a custom hexagon-shaped reading nook inspired by the family's travels
- Collaborated with our master cabinetmaker to design and build custom shelving within the reading nook, featuring built-in lighting, adjustable shelves, and intricate trim work that matches the home's original craftsman style
- Installed mineral wool soundproofing to ensure perfect acoustics for this musical family
The result? A warm, welcoming lower level that perfectly serves multiple needs: a dedicated office/workout space for daily use, a comfortable family room for entertainment and gatherings, and inviting accommodations for overnight guests. What was once a cold, cluttered basement has become a thoughtfully zoned, multi-functional space where every family member and visitor can find their perfect spot. From focused work to family fun, this transformed basement proves that with the right design, one space can serve many purposes without compromise.
Before: Bathroom area
After: Bathroom with heated floor
Before: A dirty office and workout area
After: Treadmill while you Zoom
"Refined Homes went above and beyond to ensure that every detail in our basement renovation aligned with our vision. Our multi-use space is our new favorite spot for lounging, working, and studying, with details that show our personality and meet all of our needs."
—Emily, Homeowner
Engineering Excellence:
The 1920s Porch Revival
If you've ever strolled through Saint Paul's historic neighborhoods, you know these charming homes have stories to tell—and sometimes those stories include a few creaky floorboards and tilting porches! When it comes to fixing these century-old quirks, you can't just swing a hammer and hope for the best. It's more like architectural detective work, where we balance historical charm with modern stability. This porch project? Well, it's one of our favorite tales of bringing an old beauty back to its glory days.
The Problem:
A charming 1920s bungalow's porch had developed such a severe slope that a marble would roll from the front door to the storm door—a clear sign of underlying structural issues. Accompanying cracks in the stucco indicated the problem was worsening.
Our Solution:
- Comprehensive foundation stabilization
- Strategic lifting to address settling
- Installation of sistered floor joists to restore proper slope
- Careful preservation of original architectural elements
- Transformation from a 1-½" slope per four feet to a near-perfect level
Let's just say the marbles aren't rolling anywhere anymore! Not only can our clients now walk through their front door without feeling like they're on a carnival ride, but their porch looks precisely like it did when Calvin Coolidge was president—minus the slant, of course. It's a win-win that has the neighbors stopping to admire and the local historical society giving enthusiastic thumbs-ups. Now that's what we call making history level!
"We hired Refined Homes to shore up the sinking front porch of our historic 1923 home. After getting several quotes, we chose Refined Homes, and we are SO glad we did. From start to finish, they were professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about preserving the integrity of our home.
The team expertly navigated the challenges of adding a foundation under an existing structure, especially one over 100 years old. They explained the process, kept us informed every step of the way, and addressed our concerns with patience and understanding. The work was completed efficiently and with no disruption to our daily lives.
Our porch is now solid and stable with a beautiful new floor. We can’t wait for Spring when we can enjoy the new space!
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Refined Homes! Thank you for giving us peace of mind and saving our beloved porch!"
—Dan, Homeowner
Building Dreams:
A Custom Home for the Future
You know what they say - after you've trusted someone with five bathrooms, letting them build your entire dream home is the natural next step! These longtime clients had already seen us navigate everything from vintage plumbing surprises to tile pattern perfectionism, so when it came time to create their forever home, they knew we spoke their language. Think of this project as our greatest hits album—combining everything we learned about their style, needs, and dreams into one spectacular symphony of modern design and smart living. And boy, did we get to flex our creative muscles on this one!
Aging-in-place-considerations:
- Custom elevator installation
- Strategically placed grab bars
- Dedicated space for future care needs
Technology and Efficiency:
- State-of-the-art car lift system
- Solar panel integration
- Energy-efficient in-floor heating
- Impact-resistant entry door
- Smart home automation throughout
Design Elements:
- Clean, contemporary lines
- Custom cabinetry and premium countertops
- Thoughtfully designed bathrooms
- Versatile lower level for entertainment
- Seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces
Looking Ahead to 2025
These projects represent more than just construction and renovation—they're transformations that enhance our clients' daily lives. Whether we're breathing new life into a century-old basement, stabilizing historic architecture, or building dreams from the ground up, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Whether you're dreaming of transforming your basement, need structural repairs, or are ready to build your custom home, Refined Homes brings the expertise, innovation, and craftsmanship to make it happen. Contact Tricia and Ian today to discuss your vision for 2025.
Call Tricia to reserve your spot today!
