REFINE THE YOUR WAY OF LIVING.

Expert Living Space & Basement Remodeling in St. Paul & Minneapolis

At Refined Homes, we specialize in transforming underutilized spaces into beautiful, functional living areas throughout St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the Twin Cities. Our living space renovations include basement remodeling, laundry room upgrades, home offices, entertainment areas, and multi-purpose family spaces.

From historic St. Paul basements to Minneapolis home additions, we create living spaces that blend seamlessly with your home's character while meeting modern family needs. Each basement remodeling project and living space renovation reflects our commitment to quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

Our Living Space Remodeling Services:

Basement Finishing & Renovation: Complete basement remodeling from storage space to award-winning family areas
Laundry Room Upgrades: Transform utility spaces into efficient, beautiful work areas
Home Office Creation: Design productive workspaces within existing Twin Cities homes
Entertainment Areas: Multi-purpose spaces perfect for St. Paul and Minneapolis family living
Guest Accommodations: Comfortable spaces for extended family and overnight visitors

Refined Homes | Living Spaces

Is your home hiding space you're not using?

Seven quick questions. We'll tell you where you stand and what to think about next -- no pitch, just an honest read on your home's potential.

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Question 1 of 7

Does your family have enough room to spread out -- or does everyone end up in the same space?

Question 2 of 7

Is there space in your home that's not earning its keep?

Question 3 of 7

Do you have a clear picture of what you'd do with the space?

Question 4 of 7

Has your basement ever had water issues?

Question 5 of 7

Which best describes your household right now?

Question 6 of 7

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

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, Your Home Has More Space Than You Think, 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.

Your home is ready

There's real potential in your home. It's probably time to unlock it.

Based on your answers, a living space project makes strong sense for your household. You know what's not working, you have underused space to work with, and your timeline supports the investment. The main work now is turning that into a plan.

Your next steps

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Download the decision guide Your Home Has More Space Than You Think covers where space hides in Twin Cities homes, what drives the cost, and the questions to think through before your first conversation. Download it here →

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Walk the space with fresh eyes Before your first consultation, spend ten minutes in the basement, half-story, or whatever space you're considering. Note the ceiling height, where the mechanicals are, and whether you've ever had water. That context helps us get to a real conversation faster.

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Start the conversation now, not when you've hit your limit Design takes time. Permits take time. The homeowners who start early are the ones with a finished space before 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 a couple of variables are worth sorting out 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

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Download the decision guide Your Home Has More Space Than You Think is worth a close read in your situation. Pay particular attention to Part 2 (where the space is hiding) and Part 3 (what drives the cost). Download it here →

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Get clear on the real need Is it a lack of space, the wrong kind of space, or a life stage that's changed? Knowing the root issue helps determine whether you're looking at a basement finish, a main-floor reconfiguration, or something else entirely -- and those are very different conversations.

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Ask the moisture question early If you're considering below-grade space and aren't sure about water history, that's the single most valuable thing to figure out before a first meeting.

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

Tricia and Ian can give you an honest read on what your home really has to offer -- no pressure, no pitch.

Schedule a Conversation

Let's talk first

A living space project might not be the right move right now -- but let's make sure.

Your answers suggest the need is there but the timing or the details haven't fully come together. That doesn't mean it's off the table -- it means the first step is a conversation, not a project plan.

Your next steps

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Download the decision guide anyway Even if the timing isn't right today, Your Home Has More Space Than You Think gives you a real baseline for when it is. Download it here →

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Think about what's actually bothering you Sometimes the right move isn't a major project -- it's solving the one or two things that make your home feel like it's not keeping up. A targeted remodel of an existing room can change how the whole house feels day to day.

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Keep the timeline in mind If you're planning to stay long-term but the project isn't urgent yet, a preliminary conversation still helps. 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

Complete Basement Remodel: 1923 Mac-Groveland St. Paul, MN

A musical family with two teenagers needed to transform their cold, disorganized 1923 basement into a welcoming multi-purpose space. As repeat clients who loved their previous bathroom renovations, they trusted us to create a cohesive lower level that could serve as an office, entertainment area, and guest space. The existing basement was essentially an oversized closet with a makeshift office/exercise area. Through thoughtful design and careful planning, we created an inviting space that perfectly balances work, family time, and entertaining. This comprehensive basement remodeling project in St. Paul showcases our expertise in transforming underground spaces into multifunctional living areas, tailored to how our clients want to live.

See the Details

Relocated the laundry room to the second floor, bringing everyday convenience to this historic home
Created a custom hexagon-shaped reading nook with built-in shelving, inspired by the family's travels
Installed a sophisticated zoned in-floor heating system that works in harmony with the existing boiler
Added comprehensive drainage solutions and a radon mitigation system for safety and peace of mind
Installed mineral wool soundproofing in the ceiling to ensure perfect acoustics for this musical family
Collaborated with our master cabinetmaker to design custom shelving featuring built-in lighting and intricate trim work that matches the home's original craftsman style

LET'S REFINE IT

Lower-Level Remodel: 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

Laundry Room Transformation: 1941 Highland Park St. Paul, MN

Picture this: after decades of raising kids, shuttling them to sports practices, and conquering mountains of athletic gear laundry, these St. Paul empty nesters looked at their exposed-beam, concrete-floor laundry space and thought, "You know what? We've earned better than this!" Their beautiful Highland Park home was missing just one thing—a laundry room that didn't feel like an unfinished afterthought.

She was absolutely thrilled to finally choose exactly what she wanted for this hardworking space, because let's face it—if you're going to spend time doing laundry (and we all are), why not enjoy it as much as humanly possible? The design process included several rounds of cabinetry and shelving conversations to nail that sweet spot between budget-friendly and storage-smart. One little plot twist? That awkwardly placed dryer vent. Our solution? We concealed it behind a wall where it could still be easily accessed for maintenance but wouldn't interrupt the clean design lines.

See the Details

Polyurea flooring proved to be the perfect problem-solver—durable, gorgeous, and way more budget-friendly than leveling that uneven original concrete for luxury vinyl tile
Formica countertops with waterfall edging delivered the high-end look without the high-end price tag
Painted ceiling maximized every precious inch of ceiling height while keeping the design intentional and cohesive
Vinyl floor base instead of our usual wood recommendation helped keep costs reasonable while still looking polished
Added a custom platform to raise the washer and dryer for comfort

LET'S REFINE IT

Award-Winning Basement Remodel: 1919 Lynnhurst Minneapolis, MN

A family of three, with a young daughter, wanted a cozy place for their extended family to stay during visits. Although the renovation began with the bedroom, they were also thrilled about increasing their home's usable space. Prior to the remodel, the basement was in disarray due to various updates throughout the home's history. During the design phase, this family had a lot of expectations. They wanted a family room, an updated full bathroom, and a laundry room. Thanks to Refined Homes, they now have an award-winning space that meets all their needs. This comprehensive basement remodeling project in St. Paul showcases our expertise in transforming underground spaces into award-winning living areas.

See the Details

An unusual 18-inch raised floor beneath the porch area was removed and underpinned adequately for structural soundness—this area became the new bedroom.
Added family room with enough room to play games and watch movies—at the same time.
A newly installed egress window provides a secure location for guests to stay overnight and for their daughter to have sleepovers.
Refined Homes constructed a well-designed laundry room that features a door to provide privacy when entertaining guests.
Add comfort with an expanded HVAC system, including a basement climate zone.

LET'S REFINE IT

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): Mac Groveland, Saint Paul

ADUs are a great way to add value to your property while maximizing every square foot. Building an ADU is the ultimate home addition and has become increasingly popular in the Twin Cities. ADUs can be used as a convenient home office or workspace, a place for visitors from outside the area, or even as a source of passive income from rental units. ADUs can help conserve land and provide independence while supporting aging-in-place and multi-generational living.

See the Details

This is not just a garage band garage. We’ve created a separate space from the family living area to work from home.
Separate stairs and walk-in entrance from street and yard.
Dedicated studio space with both kitchenette and bathroom. Suitable for renting.
Separate heating, cooling, and electricity from the main house.
Millwork, fixtures, tiles, and accents made to match and complement the main house.
3-stall garage port on the main floor with high ceilings and loading doors to the backyard.

NARI 2024 CotY_Residential Detached Structure_National Winner_color

LET'S REFINE IT

Multi-Room Living Space Remodel: 1915 Mac-Groveland St. Paul, MN

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. After multiple projects, Paul and Jenny say they “could not find a better home in the St. Paul neighborhood they adore, and we looked!” This comprehensive living space renovation illustrates our expertise in St. Paul home remodeling across multiple rooms and functions.

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The details were not taken lightly. To match existing moulding and millwork throughout the home, custom made cornice and baseboards were made era specific.
Owners' ensuite: custom built, stained, vanity including a quartz vanity top with fixtures from the Kohler Artifacts line. The new bathroom is in the space that was formerly a bedroom (now a bathroom and pantry).
Owners' suite walk in closet
Every detail including the 3 shower niches (one not pictured) was carefully selected and placed per their preference.
Added a half bath on the main floor after reconfiguring the stair landing and doorway.
Cut in a new stair landing into a lath & plaster wall with new custom built and stained molding.
Added mudroom for a family of 4 to use for winter boots and sports gear rather than using the stairway.

LET'S REFINE IT

3-Season Porch Addition
1921 Minneapolis, MN Home

A young professional wanted to have additional space for entertaining. He was excited to make better use of his backyard by adding a porch addition adjacent to his new hot tub. Our homeowner found many porches for inspiration, and he showed us a picture of how he wanted it to look during the design process. The rooftop balcony is the cherry on top of a warm summer evening.

See the Details

LET'S REFINE IT

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

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

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

Transform Your Twin Cities Living Spaces

Whether you're envisioning a stunning basement remodeling project in St. Paul, a laundry room makeover in Minneapolis, or comprehensive living space renovations throughout the Twin Cities, Refined Homes brings decades of expertise to every project.

From Mac-Groveland to Lynnhurst, from Highland Park to Linden Hills, we've helped Twin Cities families maximize their homes' potential through thoughtful living space design and quality craftsmanship.

Contact us today to discuss your basement remodeling or living space renovation project. Discover why St. Paul and Minneapolis homeowners trust Refined Homes to transform their spaces into beautiful, functional areas for modern family living.

TELL US

It's about time we add a home office...

REFINE THE YOUR WAY OF LIVING.

Expert Living Space & Basement Remodeling in St. Paul & Minneapolis

Our Living Space Remodeling Services:

Is your home hiding space you're not using?

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

There's real potential in your home. It's probably time to unlock it.

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

A living space project might not be the right move right now -- but let's make sure.

Complete Basement Remodel: 1923 Mac-Groveland St. Paul, MN

See the Details

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

See the Details

Laundry Room Transformation: 1941 Highland Park St. Paul, MN

See the Details

Award-Winning Basement Remodel: 1919 Lynnhurst Minneapolis, MN

See the Details

See the Details

See the Details

See the Details

REFINED HOMES IS DEDICATED TO LOCAL TRADES PEOPLE

BUILD IT

THE REFINED APPROACH

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.

Transform Your Twin Cities Living Spaces