The bathroom that we replaced had been installed several years ago.  Due to budget constraints at that time, our clients used inexpensive finish materials from a box store.  As a result, the bathroom started failing after just a few short years.  This time our clients were determined to “do it right” with quality finishes and a more thoughtful approach.

Our client wished for a “man’s bathroom that isn’t too manly,” as well as being easy to clean and maintain.  Our solutions included a vanity cabinet from our custom shop which features a soft close drawers and a rich black finish.  The shower walls are clad in Corian solid surface panels for a beautiful but easy to clean surface with no grout.  Due to the low 7′ ceiling in this basement, we clad the shower ceiling with Corian as well to avoid paint failure above the shower.

Designer

Eric Bader

Project Manager

Eric Bader

Although this basement was previously finished, our clients just didn’t feel that it was comfortable enough for entertaining, particularly in the cooler winter months.  Our team worked with the clients to achieve a comfortable space that is also flexible for different types of entertaining.

GOALS

More comfortable space for entertaining

Space to display sports memorabilia, which was stored in boxes

Dedicated space for exercise

Space for a pool table

Flexible space for entertaining friends and for grandkid visits

DESIGN & PLANNING

Our design team went to work figuring out how to fit all of our clients wishes into the odd-shaped space.  Once this was resolved, our mechanical contractor designed an in-floor heat system to keep feet warm and toasty, as well as provide some general room heating for the colder months.  Our cabinet company came up with some creative solutions to provide storage without using a lot of floor space.  In addition, some space planning was done to make sure that our clients important treasures and memorabilia will fit in the new space.

CONSTRUCTION

After demolition and some minor re-framing, our mechanical contractor got to work on the extensive in-floor heat system.  The in-floor heat system is powered by a boiler which feeds tubing in the floor.  This tubing is then encapsulated in liquid cement.  This process has the added bonus of flattening out any imperfections in the floor, which makes floor installation much easier.  Our electricians installed plenty of lighting and power for all of the electronics.  After inspections, we turned things over to the drywallers and painters before installing the flooring and finishing touches.

DETAILS

The powder room features a floating walnut vanity as well as a nice-sized built-in storage unit.  If desired in the future, another owner could remove this storage unit and place a shower in this location.  The gaming area features comfortable seating for a chat while others play slots or pinball.  A “hidden” trap door in this area allows access under the stairs for storage without a bulky and obvious door.  Family photos and memories are tastefully displayed throughout the area.  The exercise area features space for a treadmill and yoga mats, with large custom framed mirrors to keep track of your progress.

Moving into the entertainment area, a built-in solid walnut bar features a mirrored backsplash tile to make the space feel larger.  In addition, a pull-out workspace gives space for mixology and tucks back into the unit when not in use.  2 fridges are recessed under the stairs to maximize floor space.  A large custom walnut table with Granicrete top can be moved dependign on the size of the group.

The rear area of the basement includes room for a pool table and displays our clients collection of memorabilia.  A custom walnut and glass cabinet includes internal lighting to show off the treasures, while jerseys hang on the wall to the side.  Custom lighting makes sure that billiard players can see just where their shot is going.  A wainscot accent wall adds dimension without distraction.

Vinyl plank flooring throughout the basement cleans easily and looks great.  A rich color palette and a rich matte finish from Hirshfields paint adorns the walls and ceilings.  All lighting is installed with dimmer switches or smart switches for maximum control over the mood at all times.  We are grateful to these amazing clients for allowing us some creative freedom to come up with a functional space that also looks great.

DESIGN TEAM

Jennifer Leslie

Tracy Morris

Brian and Julie Widiker

PROJECT MANAGER

Eric Bader

This project touched nearly every room on all 3 floors of the home.

KITCHEN

The crown jewel of this project is the kitchen.  Careful planning and a full gut job allowed this space to really open up and become a useful space for our clients.  Old wonky framing was repaired.  The plumbing, electrical, and ventilation were all brought up to date.  Spray foam insulation made an instant difference in the comfort level of the room before the drywall went up.  Custom trim was curated to perfectly match what was in the other rooms of the home, and then the painters did a great job in making it all pop.

Next, the custom cabinets were installed.  The cabinets include soft close doors and drawers, along with hidden rollout trays and a trash/recycling drawer.  Cambria quartz countertops look great and will be easy to maintain.  The wavy tile backsplash is super fun.  Tons of lighting was included ,both overhead and undercabinet.  Stainless appliances finish things off.

BASEMENT

A foundation leak led to much of the existing finishes being removed.  A drain tile system with sump pump was installed to deter future water infiltration.  Our team discussed some different ideas and options with the clients.  Ultimately it was decided to maintain the existing wood wall coverings on the existing interior walls, and rebuild the exterior walls with a drywall covering.  Painting all of these surfaces the same color really ties things together.  Since the ceiling height was so low, we left it open instead of covering it with drywall.  Painting the existing floor framing above makes the space feel much taller than it really is.  Our team added tons of lighting and updated the electrical system.  Updated heating supplies and returns, along with spray foam insulation really makes this basement feel cozy, even during winter months.

LIVING ROOM/HALLWAY/BEDROOMS

These areas received a nice cosmetic update.  Walls, ceilings, and trim were painted.  The wood floors were sanded and refinished.  Fun note on the wood floors:  2 other wood floor companies turned the job down because they didn’t feel the floors could be saved.  Kudos to our team for their efforts and beautiful results.  The finished attic received new vinyl plank flooring, along with new carpet on the stairs.

OTHER TOUCHES

Both exterior storm doors were replaced and a new electrical subpanel was installed.

DESIGN TEAM

Kitchen – Carly Hand

Flooring and colors – Tracy Morris

PROJECT MANAGER

Eric Bader

Our team was tasked with a couple of challenges on this bathroom project.  First off, this is the only bathroom in the home, so keeping the toilet functional during the project was of paramount importance.  Second, our client had recently had the floor re-tiled, which meant that we needed to design the other finishes around the floor, as well as keep the floor protected during the rest of the construction.

The new vanity looks sharp in a modern style.  The tub/shower was removed in favor of a large shower, meaning our client doesn’t need to climb over a tub to use the shower.  New fixtures and a fresh coat of paint complete the project.  We are happy to report that the floor made it through the project without being damaged!

Designer:  Chris Albrecht

This basement was semi-finished several years ago.  Water infiltration through the foundation caused severe damage to the finishes, so the space was demo’d out and a new drain-tile system with sump pump was installed.  After that, it was a matter of rebuilding things with updated electrical and HVAC systems, including a new electrical panel.  Plenty of lighting was added.  A beautiful paint job looks sharp.  Luxury vinyl plank flooring will be easy to maintain and resist moisture.  Since the height of this space is only 7′, custom doors were ordered to ensure a proper fit.  This project will provide great usable space for a growing family.

Our client was seeking some space for her growing family, particularly a hangout for the teenagers.  As we discussed her ideas, it became clear that “mom” needed some space to make her life easier as well.  The finished basement includes 2 primary areas:  A Home Theater for entertainment, as well as a Laundry and Kitchenette.

HOME THEATER

Our trade partners did a wonderful job in designing the theater area for the family.  The primary TV is connected to a surround sound system that “shakes the house” according to our client.  The two smaller televisions are connected to video game systems.  The entire system is controlled via an app and either cell phones or tablets.  Our team also custom designed and built a sofa table to match a photo that our client found online.  The table features a knotty alder top and black legs.

LAUNDRY/KITCHENETTE

With 5 kids, this family does a LOT of laundry.  Our team specified 2 commercial grade washers and dryers.  These are the same machines that are used in laundromats, just missing the coin slots.  They will withstand the constant use.  2 undercabinet fridges store snacks and drinks.  One of the fridges locks to keep the adult beverages safely stored.  Our electrical partners wired all of the appliances on separate circuits, so our clients will not need to worry about tripped circuit breakers.  The porcelain tile floor will be easy to clean and hold up great.

ELEVATOR

Another company was engaged to build the elevator, which was critical for this family.  Our team coordinated with the other firm and carefully scheduled our work and our permits to not interfere with the elevator construction.

OTHER FEATURES

Both windows were replaced with Marvin casement windows.  Our team specified and installed plenty of recessed lighting with dimmers to control the level of light for each area.  Our mechanical partners did a great job with making the space warm and cozy.  Commercial carpet will hold up great for years against the teenage traffic.

DESIGN TEAM

Leah Johnson

Carly Hand

PROJECT MANAGER

Eric Bader

Our Inver Grove Heights clients wished to mimic the cozy feel of their favorite Irish pub.  Our design team made the most of a small space and low ceiling height.  The basement remodel features a custom bar, custom cabinets with custom stained glass and integrated sound system, a gas fireplace, bedroom with egress window, and a ¾ bathroom.  The bathroom took on a hockey theme.  In addition, the laundry room and mechanical room received new paint and luxury vinyl flooring.

This was a fun project for us, as our clients gave us freedom to produce some very custom touches for them, such as the hockey stick towel rack in the bathroom, custom cold-air return grate, and stained glass cabinet doors.

Our client had a makeshift bathroom in her basement.  Unfortunately, it was poorly installed and leaked severely.  In addition, the space was dark and cold and not very hospitable.

After going over some options and scenarios with our client, it was decided to start from scratch.  After full demo, our team installed the underground plumbing needed to drain the new bathroom.  In addition, the space was framed and insulated.  Wiring was brought in to code.  An exhaust fan was installed to keep the space well ventilated.

The biggest challenge that our team faced on this project was an underground spring that was discovered.  This spring caused our plumbing trenches to continuously fill with water.  Creative use of additional trenches and pumps allowed us to keep working.

The finishes in this basement bathroom are simple and functional without being over the top.  A mission style vanity looks sharp.  Rustic lighting provides plenty of light.  A simple shower insert with glass door allows the light to enter the shower area.  Luxury vinyl sheet flooring has a linen-look to it.  An electric baseboard heater provides a little extra warmth on winter days.

This older home has a very low ceiling height and a lot of pipes and obstructions in the ceiling.  As a result, our client elected to have us leave the ceiling exposed and simply paint it black to finish off the rustic industrial look.

Although previously finished by a past owner, this basement in Eagan MN needed a little TLC.  This project includes new 6-panel doors, electrical and lighting updates, drywall in place of a sagging grid/panel ceiling, paint, and carpet.

This project touched every single room of this 4-level split in Little Canada MN.

Highlights include:

Full remodels of two bathrooms

Partial remodel of a third bathroom

Painting of all walls and ceilings in the entire home

New floorcovering in every room of the home, including carpet, vinyl, and tile

Updated lighting

Since our clients were living in the home throughout the project, we decided to perform the transformation in two phases:  First the lower two levels, and then the upper two levels.  A furniture moving company was hired to relocate our clients belongings prior to each phase, and again at the completion of all of the work. At the conclusion of the project, our professional cleaning team removed all traces of dust and remodeling residue.

Our designer worked tirelessly with the clients to perfect all of the numerous choices in flooring, tile patterns, and paint colors.  She even helped our client hang her pictures and artwork.  Since each room of the home was touched by the project, careful consideration was given to how the different colors and textures work together.

Among the challenges that were faced and overcome:  A hidden mouse infestation that required much disinfectant and odor-blocking primer, An alarm system installation that had wires snaked where our hardwood floors needed to go, and a sensitive fire alarm that was set off during a wood cutting operation (You’ll be glad to know that the Little Canada Fire Chief is a nice fellow).

TESTIMONIAL

“Eric and Ruth Bader presented a personal, professional and competent response to the project that I proposed to them.  Never did I sense reluctance or unwillingness to adjust or modify what I wanted done.  Their suggestions were also made with an understanding of my needs and the outcomes that I wanted.

They have assembled a quality team of trades-people who were friendly, professional, and competent.

Over the 2-1/2 months of work, I felt my home and the project were in good hands.  I appreciated that all the work was supervised, double checked for perfection, and generally completed on schedule.  Thanks for a job well done!”

Alice, Little Canada MN