A REFINED BATH BECOMES A SPA.

Expert Bathroom Remodeling
in St. Paul & Minneapolis

At Refined Homes, we specialize in bathroom remodeling throughout St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the Twin Cities, with particular expertise in historic and vintage homes. Our bathroom remodels transform outdated spaces into spa-like retreats while addressing accessibility needs and family functionality.

From Mac-Groveland to Highland Park in St. Paul, to Hiawatha and Lynnhurst in Minneapolis, we've created stunning bathroom remodels that honor your home's character while incorporating modern conveniences. Each bathroom remodeling project reflects our commitment to quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design for Twin Cities families.

Our Bathroom Remodeling
Services Include:

Complete Bathroom Remodels:
Full-scale bathroom remodeling from vintage to modern
Accessibility Improvements:
Aging-in-place features and safety enhancements
Historic Home Specialization:
Expert bathroom remodels for Twin Cities period homes
Family-Focused Design:
Kid-friendly features and growing family accommodations
Spa-Like Transformations:
Luxury upgrades for everyday relaxation

Bathroom Addition Quiz | Refined Homes

Refined Homes | Bathroom Addition

Is adding a bathroom the right move for your home?

Seven quick questions. We'll tell you where you stand and what to do next -- no pitch, just an honest read on your situation.

1 of 7

Question 1 of 7

Have you ever had to wait for another family member to finish before you could get in the shower?

Question 2 of 7

Do you have children who will be teenagers in the next five to ten years?

Question 3 of 7

Do guests ever stay overnight at your home?

Question 4 of 7

Do you have unfinished or underused basement space?

Question 5 of 7

How long do you plan to stay in your current home?

Question 6 of 7

Do you know roughly where your home's main drain stack is?

Question 7 of 7

When was your home built?

One more step -- where should we send your results?

Enter your email and we'll add you to the Refined Homes list. Your free decision guide, Should You Add a Bathroom?, is waiting for you on the next screen.

No spam. Unsubscribe any time. We'll also add you to the Refined Homes newsletter -- quarterly, not constant.

Likely a good fit

Your home is telling you something. It's probably time to listen.

Based on your answers, a bathroom addition makes strong sense for your household. The demand is real, your timeline supports the investment, and at least one location in your home is likely a practical candidate. The main work now is turning that general sense into a real plan.

Your next steps

📋

Download the decision guide Should You Add a Bathroom? covers where additions typically go in Twin Cities homes, what they cost, and the plumbing questions to think through before your first conversation. Download it here →

🗺️

Walk your basement (or the upper level) Before your first consultation, spend ten minutes identifying where your main stack runs. It's usually visible in an unfinished basement ceiling. That one piece of information shapes everything else.

📅

Start the conversation now, not when it's urgent Permits take time. Good work takes time. The homeowners who start early are the ones who have a finished project by the time they actually need it.

Ready to find out what's possible in your home?

Tricia and Ian have been doing this work in Twin Cities homes for years. The first conversation is just that -- a conversation.

Schedule a Consultation

Worth a closer look

The pieces are mostly there. A few things are worth thinking through first.

Your situation has real potential, but one or two variables are worth working through before you commit. That's not a reason to wait -- it's a reason to go into the first conversation with the right questions.

Your next steps

📋

Download the decision guide Should You Add a Bathroom? is worth a careful read in your situation. Pay particular attention to Part 2 (where additions go) and Part 4 (the plumbing reality). Download it here →

🔍

Get clear on the location question The biggest variable in bathroom addition cost is where the new space sits relative to your existing drain lines. If you haven't identified a likely spot, that's the first thing to figure out -- even just a rough idea helps.

💬

Ask your timeline question early If you're in a three-to-five year window before a possible sale, a bathroom addition can still make sense -- but the calculus is different. Worth a direct conversation about what adds real value in your neighborhood.

Not sure where you stand? That's exactly what the first conversation is for.

Tricia and Ian can give you an honest read on whether an addition makes sense for your specific home -- no pressure, no pitch.

Schedule a Conversation

Let's talk first

A bathroom addition might not be the right move right now -- but let's make sure.

Your answers suggest the timing or the household fit isn't quite there yet. That doesn't mean it's off the table -- it means the first step is a conversation, not a project plan.

Your next steps

📋

Download the decision guide anyway Even if the timing isn't right today, Should You Add a Bathroom? gives you a real baseline for when it is. Download it here →

🏠

Think about what your home actually needs Sometimes the right move isn't an addition -- it's a remodel of what you already have. A thoughtfully remodeled bathroom can resolve a lot of the same friction without the full addition scope.

📅

Keep the timeline in mind If you're planning to stay long-term but the household demand isn't there yet, it's still worth a preliminary conversation. Knowing what's possible in your home costs nothing and gives you a real baseline when the time comes.

Still have questions? We're happy to talk it through.

Sometimes the most useful thing is an honest conversation about whether a project makes sense at all. That's what we're here for.

Talk to Tricia and Ian

Family Bathroom Remodeling: 1922 Mac-Groveland St. Paul, MN

Picture this: you're trying to bathe a squirmy two-year-old in a bathroom that works fine but feels more like a contractor's afterthought than a family sanctuary. With baby number two on the way, these homeowners knew their "functional but forgettable" bathroom needed to become something special. You know what they say—when you're about to double your diaper duty, every detail matters! This family of three (very soon to be four) wanted more than just working plumbing; they wanted a space designed with deep consideration for both daily use and everyday joy. This St. Paul bathroom remodeling project showcases our expertise in creating family-friendly spaces that blend safety with style for growing families in the Twin Cities.

See the Details

Beauty meets function: Every detail was thoughtfully designed for a growing family's needs, from toddler bath time to those middle-of-the-night diaper changes that are coming soon.
Structural integrity restored: We addressed the compromised floor joists discovered during demolition, ensuring rock-solid stability for generations to come.
Safe lead remediation with in-depth testing that revealed lead was indeed present, so demolition was completed to EPA's lead standard for the safety of the entire family and workers.
Expert craftsmanship around unexpected discoveries, including a curve in the wall revealed during demo that our cabinet maker expertly designed around. Sometimes the discoveries made during demo are not all bad news!
Custom collaborative design: In a fun twist, the homeowner wanted creative input on the floor tile pattern. Working alongside our design team, he charted out a unique pattern that perfectly reflects his family's personality.
Unlacquered brass knobs and pulls chosen by the homeowners who wanted to experience the natural aging process—sometimes the most beautiful finishes are the ones that tell their own story over time.
Thoughtful family-focused features: From easy-to-clean surfaces to strategic storage solutions, every element was chosen with busy parents and little ones in mind.

There's something deeply satisfying about transforming a space from "it works" to "it works beautifully"—especially when you discover and fix hidden structural issues along the way! This bathroom went from being merely functional to being a true family retreat, proving that the best renovations aren't just about what you can see, but about building something that will serve your family perfectly for decades to come.

LET'S REFINE IT

Second Level Bathroom Remodel: Mac-Groveland, St. Paul, MN

You know that project you keep saying you'll get to "once the kids are out of the house"? These empty nesters had been saying it for years, putting the bathroom on hold through college tuitions and all the priorities that come with raising a family. When the time finally came, they knew exactly what they wanted: a beautifully built, structurally sound bathroom done by a remodel partner who understands older homes. They found us through a neighbor who had already been through multiple projects with Refined Homes. (That's the kind of referral you can't buy.)

See the Details

Function first, then let the design follow: The homeowners came in with a clear priority: make it work well. From there, they gauged their design preferences through the process itself, making decisions as the project took shape rather than locking everything down upfront.
Smart trade-offs, openly discussed: Trade-offs were a candid, ongoing part of the conversation. They chose a pre-designed vanity and shower door over fully custom options, which freed up budget for the things that mattered most to them. A fully upgraded Refined Homes remodel would typically include a hand-held shower head, custom vanity, and glass shower door sized to the full available space. They knew the options and made confident choices.
Radiant in-floor heat (and a better outcome than expected): The homeowners originally wanted a toe-kick heater like the one in their kitchen. Because they chose a furniture-style vanity with legs, that wasn't an option. Plot twist: once the in-floor heat was in, they admitted the kitchen's toe-kick heater from 20 years ago had never really warmed the space the way they'd hoped. The "compromise" turned out to be the upgrade.
A shower they chose over the only tub in the home: They made the intentional, informed decision to replace their second-floor bathtub with a walk-in shower. The original clawfoot tub had been modified by previous owners with a built-up deck, a leaky design that was long overdue for a proper solution.
A travel-inspired upgrade: An upgraded Toto Aquavia IV bidet, inspired by their international travels, was a priority from the start. Some of the best remodel ideas come from the places you've been.
Tile that made her day: She came in wanting beautiful tile, and the finished result delivered. After the project wrapped, she shared how thrilled she was with the tilework and how much they enjoy the bathroom every single day.
Glass block window flush with the shower wall: Installed to bring natural light into the shower without compromising privacy or breaking the tile plane.
Updated lighting throughout: The original push-button sconce switches were replaced with modern switched lighting, a small change that makes the room feel completely current.

There's something satisfying about a project that starts with "let's just make it work" and ends with homeowners who can't stop talking about how much they love the result. Function came first. Beauty followed. And before the dust had even settled, they were already asking us about what the main floor could look like next. That's the kind of conversation we love having.

LET'S REFINE IT

Accessible Bathroom Renovation: 1961 Hiawatha Minneapolis, MN

This Minneapolis couple initially approached us for bathroom remodeling to replace their shower due to mold problems. Since old elements would not blend well with the new features, like extensively tiled walls, they decided to avoid a partial remodel and chose a complete bathroom renovation. They were keen to maintain their home's modern, clean, and white aesthetic. During our design consultation, we realized that their priority was to incorporate features that would allow them to age in place comfortably. Therefore, we included accessibility features in our design.

See the Details

Auto-sensing exhaust fan to conveniently remove steam and unwanted smells from the room when in use.
A tile backsplash has been installed behind the vanity and continues below to the flooring. This setup allows for easy replacement with a wheelchair-accessible vanity, should the need arise.
All surfaces are durable and easy to clean and maintain.
Anti-scald protection with a new single lever faucet.
Comfort height toilet and bidet for easy sitting and rising.
Handheld shower and shower seat make use easy for anyone.
Safety in the dark with illuminated floor from under vanity lighting.
Easy on-off rocker style switches range lighting from dim to bright white.

LET'S REFINE IT

Owners' Suite Remodel: 1915 Mac-Groveland St. Paul, MN

As part of this St. Paul home renovation, the bathroom remodeling perfectly complements the home's historic character. Paul and Jenny had a growing family. They knew it was time to remodel or move on from their beloved home. With Refined Homes, Paul and Jenny renovated the house to fit their family’s lifestyle while maintaining the period character and integrity they love about the home. As part of a main floor remodel, the bathroom was explicitly designed with homeowners’ impeccable taste in mind. Having an updated owners’ suite in their 1915 home was a dream.

See the Details

By transforming a traditional main floor bathroom, an en suite with luxurious amenities has been added to a 1900s home.
The details were not taken lightly. To match existing molding and millwork throughout the home, custom-made cornices and baseboards were made era-specific.
The owner's ensuite has been custom-built with a beautiful stained vanity that features a quartz vanity top and fixtures from the Kohler Artifacts line. The new bathroom occupies the area that was previously a bedroom.
Each detail, including the three shower niches (one not shown), was meticulously chosen and positioned according to their liking.
A niche in the shower near the floor can serve as a convenient footrest for shaving legs. Additionally, it could provide a cozy home for a toddler's rubber duckie, bringing joy to bathing time.
Before, there was only a linen closet in this bathroom. Now, it has two built-in medicine cabinets and convenient countertop outlets.

This bathroom is part of a first-floor home renovation. Read about the entire project here. Explore the entire first floor through a virtual walkthrough here.

LET'S REFINE IT

Complete Home Bathroom Remodeling:
1953 Highland Park St. Paul, MN

We were contacted by a recently retired couple who were thinking of remodeling their bathroom. The plumbing in their lower level was failing, creating an unhealthy environment. They requested our assistance in conducting a thorough investigation and ultimately decided to renovate all five bathrooms in their home in two stages. This comprehensive St. Paul bathroom remodeling project demonstrates our ability to transform multiple spaces throughout a single home.

See the Details

Wet basement odor was eliminated by installing code-compliant plumbing, new wallboard, and tile.
The client was looking for an opportunity to "splurge." They decided to upgrade the everyday shower into a steam shower.
Comfort height 36-inch vanities replaced former standard height bathroom vanities.
Easy-to-use single lever faucets replaced spread handle faucets on the main floor.
Custom built-in shelves were installed in the main floor bathroom, which can easily be converted into an en suite bathroom in the future to accommodate aging in place.
To make a home more conducive to aging in place, several upgrades were implemented: installation of discreetly concealed grab bars, comfort height toilets, and laying tile and flooring beneath and behind vanities for easier replacement with wheelchair-accessible options in the future.
Besides having five new, functioning bathrooms, these upgrades considerably enhanced resale value.

LET'S REFINE IT

Lower Level Bathroom Completion: Mount Curve, St. Paul, MN

Picture this: You're giving someone a tour of your home, and when you reach the lower level, there it is—the bathroom that time forgot. Exposed plumbing reaching toward nowhere, half-started walls whispering promises of what could have been, and that sinking feeling that comes from watching a dream defer itself indefinitely. For these homeowners, that abandoned bathroom project had been haunting their lower level for far too long. When they reached out to Refined Homes, we didn't just see unfinished business—we saw an opportunity to transform "what went wrong" into "wow, that's exactly right."

See the Details

Beauty meets function: Every detail was thoughtfully designed for a growing family's needs, from toddler bath time to those middle-of-the-night diaper changes that are coming soon.
Structural integrity restored: We addressed the compromised floor joists discovered during demolition, ensuring rock-solid stability for generations to come.
Safe lead remediation with in-depth testing that revealed lead was indeed present, so demolition was completed to EPA's lead standard for the safety of the entire family and workers.
Expert craftsmanship around unexpected discoveries, including a curve in the wall revealed during demo that our cabinet maker expertly designed around. Sometimes the discoveries made during demo are not all bad news!
Custom collaborative design: In a fun twist, the homeowner wanted creative input on the floor tile pattern. Working alongside our design team, he charted out a unique pattern that perfectly reflects his family's personality.
Unlacquered brass knobs and pulls chosen by the homeowners who wanted to experience the natural aging process—sometimes the most beautiful finishes are the ones that tell their own story over time.
Thoughtful family-focused features: From easy-to-clean surfaces to strategic storage solutions, every element was chosen with busy parents and little ones in mind.

LET'S REFINE IT

Lower-Level Bathroom Addition: Nordic Functional in a 1919 Mac-Groveland Home

Picture this: a family who loves their neighborhood so much they text their neighbors before letting a contractor in. They met Tricia and Ian at a neighborhood home improvement fair, told them they had a 1919 Mac-Groveland home with a basement that wasn't doing much, and asked a simple question: what are our options?

What followed was a seven-meeting design process — three in person, four on Zoom — that gradually built out a plan as intentional as the home it would live in. Their priorities were clear from the start: a bathroom, a sauna, a level floor, and heat. What they needed was guidance on the trade-offs. That's exactly what we do.

See the Details

Nordic functional design: The aesthetic brief was industrial and unfussy — polished concrete floors, clean lines, nothing extra. Every finish was chosen for durability and long-term character, not surface appeal.
A sauna worth building around: The sauna anchors the space and sets the temperature for everything around it. Literally. An upgraded sauna stove pairs with a two-zone heated floor system, so the sauna can run at hot-yoga heat while the bathroom holds steady at something more livable.
Smarter concrete: The decision to replace the entire floor opened up a cascade of updates only possible while the floor was out — a relocated soil stack, new drain tile along every wall, and a fully zoned in-floor heating system. Each decision led to the next, and we walked them through the costs and benefits of every one.
A sink that does two jobs: Rather than plumbing a separate utility sink near the washer, we sized up the bathroom sink to serve both purposes. One fixture, two functions, no redundancy.
Minimal-maintenance Corian shower panels: Easy to clean, built to last, and consistent with the industrial character of the space.
Separate Heating Zones: The bath can be warm for a shower. The sauna can be hotter than the bath. All while the workout area stays cool—so you can jump into the other two zones!
Decisions made together: From soil stack placement to heated floor zones, every choice was made through honest conversation about trade-offs. One of our Zoom meetings happened while the clients were mid-road trip in northern Minnesota. They pulled over. That's the kind of process we aim for.

There's something deeply satisfying about a basement that used to be an afterthought becoming the most interesting floor in the house. This one earned it.

LET'S REFINE IT

Main Level Bathroom Addition: Highland Park, St. Paul, MN

Picture this: You build your home, and one room is the afterthought. The den. The "maybe someday" space on the plans. For this retired couple, that someday arrived when they started thinking ahead, not just about how they live now, but about how they want their home to work five and ten years from now. Adding a bathroom to the main level was supposed to be practical. A guest bath. A room that could eventually support an in-home care provider. What nobody expected? It became the favorite bathroom in the entire house.

See the Details

A custom vanity that stole the show: A natural Maple vanity paired with a Cambria Quartz New Quay Polished countertop was designed for durability. It became the piece the whole household gravitates toward. Sometimes the practical choice turns out to be the beautiful one.
Diamond-pattern tile with a seamless finish: Simple 6x6" square tile laid in a diamond pattern completely transformed the feel of the space. A nearly invisible tiled shower drain keeps the pattern flowing without interruption, creating a clean, unbroken visual line.
Lighting that enhances without competing: The Hinkley Jude light fixture sits so naturally in the space it almost disappears into the design. That's the mark of a well-chosen fixture.
A mirror that elevates everything around it: The 36" x 48" Uttermost Lanester Mirror was the finishing detail that pulled the whole room together, adding a sense of scale and elegance that makes the space feel intentional from every angle.
Future-ready by design: The room was planned with aging in place in mind. An in-home health care provider would have a centrally located space on the main level, while visiting family can stay privately in the lower level, with the homeowners' bedrooms upstairs. What works as a den today is ready to become a bedroom whenever the time comes.

The best surprise in this project? Every thoughtful, practical decision they made for function ended up being the thing that makes the room special. The vanity they chose for durability became the design centerpiece. The tile layout they picked for easy maintenance became the visual signature. This bathroom was never supposed to be the favorite. And that's exactly why it is.

LET'S REFINE IT

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

THE REFINED APPROACH

Refined Homes founders Tricia and Ian Wiitanen, personally focus on each project to provide superior craftsmanship and customer care. Discover Our Approach

REFINED HOMES IS DEDICATED TO LOCAL TRADES PEOPLE

Excavation, concrete, framing, drywall, paint—from below ground to the roof, Refined Homes takes great care in selecting our trade partners. We select partners who align with our values of respect, extraordinary service, exceptional skill, and history of success. These long-term partnerships ensure our projects stay on track with open communication and priority scheduling:

Concrete: poured foundations, foundations, underpinning, flat work
Custom cabinetry
Custom glass
Design
Drywall hanging & taping
Electrical
Elevator install

Finish carpentry
Fireplace
Flooring
Framing: house, interior remodels, deck
Garage door
Glass, shower & mirror
HVAC
Insulation

Landscaping
Painting
Plumbing & plumbing supply
Roofing
Solar panels
Stucco: repair, tie-in for remodeling, new construction
Tile setting
Wallpaper hanging

Just ask our clients about our service and craftsmanship:

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?

Whether you're planning a single-bathroom remodel in St. Paul, a complete bathroom remodel in Minneapolis, or accessibility improvements throughout the Twin Cities, Refined Homes brings decades of expertise to every bathroom transformation.

From Mac-Groveland's historic charm to Hiawatha's modern functionality, from Highland Park's comprehensive renovations to family-focused remodels across the metro, we've helped Twin Cities homeowners create bathrooms that perfectly balance beauty, function, and safety.

Contact us today to discuss your bathroom remodeling project. Discover why St. Paul and Minneapolis families trust Refined Homes to transform their bathrooms into spa-like retreats that serve their unique needs for years to come.

TELL US

I'd love a frameless shower—just like a hotel bathroom!

A REFINED BATH BECOMES A SPA.

Expert Bathroom Remodelingin St. Paul & Minneapolis

Our Bathroom RemodelingServices Include:

Is adding a bathroom the right move for your home?

One more step -- where should we send your results?

Your home is telling you something. It's probably time to listen.

The pieces are mostly there. A few things are worth thinking through first.

A bathroom addition might not be the right move right now -- but let's make sure.

Family Bathroom Remodeling: 1922 Mac-Groveland St. Paul, MN

See the Details

Second Level Bathroom Remodel: Mac-Groveland, St. Paul, MN

See the Details

Accessible Bathroom Renovation: 1961 Hiawatha Minneapolis, MN

See the Details

Owners' Suite Remodel: 1915 Mac-Groveland St. Paul, MN

See the Details

Complete Home Bathroom Remodeling:1953 Highland Park St. Paul, MN

See the Details

See the Details

See the Details

See the Details

BUILD IT

THE REFINED APPROACH

REFINED HOMES IS DEDICATED TO LOCAL TRADES PEOPLE

Just ask our clients about our service and craftsmanship:

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.

Everything went great and we appreciate the personal attention and commitment to the agreed upon timeline. Our kitchen update looks fantastic.

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.

How would you like to refine your home?

Expert Bathroom Remodeling
in St. Paul & Minneapolis

Our Bathroom Remodeling
Services Include:

Complete Home Bathroom Remodeling:
1953 Highland Park St. Paul, MN