The Refined Team
Refined Homes is a real-life family business serving clients’ building and remodeling needs in the Twin Cities. Minnesota Contractor of the Year recipients and NARI Universal Design Certified Professionals Tricia and Ian Wiitanen personally focus on each project and provide superior craftsmanship and customer care. You will enjoy their attentive, balanced, and refined approach throughout your build or remodel project.
Tricia is the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI’s) 2020 Minnesota Member of the Year. Tricia manages the business with a true heart for customer service that complements Ian’s attention to detail and old-world craftsmanship. While he cares for the projects, she serves the clients. The result is a concierge-level building and remodeling team that partners with homeowners to produce outstanding projects. Tricia has expanded her design and construction knowledge by getting certified as a Universal Design Professional, serving on the National Association Remodeling Industry’s NARI Cares nonprofit board, and joining industry roundtables that include veterans in the remodeling industry who have become mentors.
She joined her husband to grow Refined Homes in 2016 after a thriving corporate staffing, management, and sales career. Growing up with a family business that valued customers and focused on community needs, Tricia always had the ambition to do the same. While some couples have rules to separate family and business, it’s just part of Refined Homes.
“We talk about projects at the dinner table. It’s good for our kids to see mom and dad collaborating,” Tricia explained, “they can experience what it’s like to run a family business and earn clients’ trust,”
Tricia habitually drops by job sites toward the end of the day so she can check in with customers (and occasionally do a bit of sweeping). She schedules trade partners, orders products, manages the finances, oversees marketing, and represents the company in a Rotary Club. Tricia sits on the board of the Minnesota Chapter of The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
Ian (pronounced EYE-in, not EE-in) is a craftsman who prefers achievement to talk unless the topic is building science. He is responsible for estimating costs, managing construction, and directing trade partners. Ian also does some of the building himself. Unlike contractors who quote a single-figure price with no breakdown, he lets clients know general categories of costs to understand their decisions’ impact. Ian is motivated to educate and collaborate on the job site. Expect him to explain his thinking behind mechanical and structural options. And if he notices a potential deficiency in your home, he’ll suggest a solution. “Refined Homes will build it, and they’ll love it,” he said.
If Ian notices a potential deficiency in your home, he’ll suggest a solution. “Refined Homes will build it, and they’ll love it,” he said.
Ian learned construction hands-on, one tool and project at a time. Now, he combines fine craftsmanship with his passion for balancing building systems to create living spaces that are healthy, comfortable, energy-efficient, durable, and beautiful. Considering Minnesota’s extreme seasons, that’s a tall order for any contractor. But Ian relishes the challenge of getting it right.
We ensure perfection in every detail for each build and remodel
Ian and Tricia are humbled to be recognized by their peers with these awards:
BUILD It
Refined Homes takes pride in process, meticulous attention to detail, and working with trade partners who are closely aligned with our mission to make building your dream home exciting and rewarding. Let’s Build Yours
REMODEL It
Our award-winning team works closely with you throughout the whole process to learn about your home’s story and your dreams for remodeling. See Remodels
Just ask our clients about our Team
I really appreciated the additional time I was given to evolve through the process. Input along the way brought me to the best possible outcome.
-Customer Feedback via Survey Monkey
Excellent service! I loved being able to discuss large and small projects for my home for different options. Exceptional quality of work. I hired Refined Homes at least 3 times each year over a 5 year period and was extremely pleased with the work, outcome and communication. If you have a home project, please call Refined Homes! You will not be disappointed!
-Anna R., Bloomington, MN
Everything went great and we appreciate the personal attention and commitment to the agreed upon timeline. Our kitchen update looks fantastic.
-Customer Feedback via Survey Monkey
We have nothing but great things to say! We hired Refined Homes to do a complete basement overhaul and are so happy with the outcome! We had a unique structural component that we debated about dealing with due to cost. But we are so happy we went for it, adding an entire bedroom with a closet and egress window. Our home feels so much bigger with the finished space. The work quality is fantastic! Ian and Tricia were true professionals throughout the entire process and the nicest people to work with. All of the subcontracts they used were just as great. They did a great job cleaning up after their day; we always knew where things were at with orders and timelines, and they were quick to respond and explain any questions we had. You will not be disappointed with Refined Homes!
Not only were the contractors respectful and courteous, all of the subcontractors were as well. If I had more projects, I'd hire them again in a heartbeat.
-Customer Feedback via Survey Monkey
How would you like to refine your home?
A new home office addition...