Timeless Character Near Lake Nokomis

A remodel is underway. Take a look inside.

Follow along as we build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) above a new garage in South Minneapolis.

Design

Challenges

  • An older home with outdated plumbing.
  • The existing large Bathroom needed to be completely reconfigured to hold a double sink vanity and separate tub and shower.
  • Lower Level interior walls were concrete block making it difficult to run electrical.
  • Lower Level radiators were both on the walls and ceilings, as opposed to the floors, forcing us to get creative with framing and finishing, while keeping the system up and running in the middle of winter.

Plans for the remodeled Lower Level and elevation for the new upstairs Kid's Bath.

A rendering of the remodeled upper-level Kid's Bath design.

Solutions

  • All plumbing had to be removed and replaced.
  • We reconfigured the 2nd story bath to accommodate the needs today’s family vs. 90 years ago.
  • We furred out all the interior walls with wood framing to allow for electrical wiring.
  • The hot water heating system had to be drained and brought back up on the same day while removing and relocating three radiators. Most of the radiators remain in place and they will be framed and drywalled around to form recesses that the radiators will be in.

Materials and Finishes

The finishes were selected to stay true to the period of the home. For the upper-level bath, we selected a new claw foot tub, subway tile, wainscot on the walls, and black hex tile floor. We chose cabinetry to match existing woodwork throughout the home, and the fixtures (plumbing, lighting, hardware) compliment the home’s period.

The Kid's Bath remodel fixtures and finishes.

The Lower Level remodel fixtures and finishes.

In the Lower Level, a luxury vinyl plank flooring was selected for its aesthetics and durability, as the family is often coming in and out through the Lower Level going to and from Lake Nokomis to skate, fish, etc. All millwork, cabinetry, and fixtures were also selected to look like they have been there since 1926.

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this type of project?

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