Reflecting on 2020

As we consider the past year, it’s impossible to ignore the challenges that have defined it. An unprecedented global pandemic caused upheaval for all of us personally and professionally.

Despite this strange year, our team is still thankful for so many things, from our fantastic clients to our talented design partners to our incredible team. We are grateful for each of you who cheers us on and supports this work we love; thank you.

We wish you all a joyful holiday season spent with your nearest and dearest. May your days be merry and bright - Happy Holidays, and cheers to a much more promising 2021!

Scroll below for a few highlights from our year!

Spring Remodelers Showcase

Located in Eden Prairie’s sought-after Olympic Hills neighborhood, this young family transformed their main and upper-level living areas. This stunning renovation includes an updated kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and master suite with dramatic light-filled interiors overlooking the private golf course. Blog link

Remodelers Showcase Cover Feature

We were thrilled and flattered when Parade of Homes Twin Cities shined a spotlight on our Fall 2019 Remodelers Showcase Dream Home! It was an honor to see our work featured on the Spring Remodelers Showcase guidebook! Blog link

Modern & Playful Lower Level Remodel

When it comes to renovations, we're hard-pressed to think of a bigger upgrade than turning an unfinished basement into this modern and playful space! The finished lower level is cozy, bright, trendy, and sophisticated; it's the perfect spot to unwind with a drink in-hand. Blog link

Family-Friendly Edina Luxury Home

Located in Edina's charming Pamela Park neighborhood, this spacious home is over 4,600 finished square feet! A few of our favorite design highlights include the playfully organized mudroom, a bright and open main floor great room, and a lower level sports recreational court! Blog link

Fall Parade of Homes

Spanning 4,600 square feet across two-stories, this incredible home is sure to impress! Five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a large backyard provide ample space for a growing family. It also includes a lower level athletic court, which is sure to keep kids busy. Additional design details include a playfully organized mudroom, a bright and open main floor great room, and a gorgeous kitchen anchored by a large island! Blog link

Holiday Hosting Spaces for Gatherings of All Sizes

Hosting the people you love is one of the greatest joys of homeownership. Our holiday traditions may look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be magical. Life may be easy or hard, but our treasured customs transcend the bumps and bruises of family life and bring people together.

We love helping our clients build homes they enjoy sharing with others. Whether it's a classy lower-level lounge, a great room suited for elegant holiday gatherings, or a sitting room tailored around cozy conversation, creating an intentional environment is the secret to hosting big or small events.

Browse below to see our clients’ most captivating hosting-friendly spaces for holiday gatherings, big or small!

Our Design Process: Common Client Building Questions

Deciding to build a home is a significant undertaking. At REFINED Custom Homes, we take the responsibility of stewarding our clients’ resources seriously. Creating strong working relationships through client care, clear communication, and consistent planning is central to what we do. Many of our clients have similar questions at the beginning of our collaborations.

Today we’re addressing some of the most common questions our clients ask about our design process, scroll below to take a look! Are you searching for an answer you don’t see in this blog? Feel free to contact us - we’d love to chat!

Q: What building trends have you seen throughout 2020?
A: Smart Homes continue to be a high priority for our clients, integrating as much automation as feasible. Technology for new homes is moving at a rapid pace, and our savvy buyers want to implement it as much as possible! We also install a lot of mobile device-controlled applications; garage doors, thermostats, interior/exterior cameras, etc.

Interior design trends continue to be specific to our homeowners, but we’ve seen an uptick of clean lines and blended styles, resulting in more eclectic homes. It’s a fun time to be part of the design process!

Q: How long will it take from digging the hole until we move into our home?
A: Project length depends on a few variables, but typically homes take 6-7 months to complete. A few of the significant timeline determiners could be what season construction takes place, and how decisive you are during the selection process.

Q: Do REFINED Custom Homes include waterproofing systems?
A: Yes, we take multiple steps to ensure water doesn’t get into your new home! Our homes include a foundation waterproofing system, interior and exterior foundation drain tile, a sump basket/pump, and other systems that effectively ensure a dry basement!

Q: Will someone from the REFINED team help me with the selection process?
A: Absolutely - our team guides you through every step of the building process. We are at every meeting; you are never on your own to figure things out. From finding the right lot to working with the architect to navigating the selection process with an interior designer, we’re there by your side, making sure you’re not overwhelmed and advocating for your budget goals.

Q: How do we know we are getting the best value?
A: Once the architecture phase is complete, we send your developed blueprint out to multiple subcontractors and vendors (plumbers, electricians, etc..) to ensure we’re finding the best price. This is how we get the best current pricing, which allows us to deliver the best value to you, our clients!

Q: We’ve never built before; it seems so overwhelming! How do you help your client’s balance it all?
A: There are a lot of things to consider and manage during a new home build, but if the builder is organized and process-oriented (like us), it can really be a fun experience! We handle everything for our clients, layout the process, provide clear expectations, and present necessary information so they can make informed decisions about their new home.

Why to Buy From a Reputable Builder

Buying a new home is a significant investment; it makes sense that you'd want to protect it from the start. The truth is, safeguarding your investment begins long before you move in. It starts with hiring the right builder; they should be reputable in their industry. Of course, the builder you hire will depend on your needs and budget, but it's essential to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Just because a builder costs less, doesn't mean you're saving money. Opting for lower quality often means running into costly issues down the road. So, how do you figure out which builder is right for your home? Truth be told, it requires some time and effort. Keep reading to find out how to hire a respected and trustworthy home builder.

Do Your Homework

Before you decide whether or not a builder is a good fit for your project, you have to do a little research. There are many types of builders out there. You'll want to hire a company that not only has integrity but also offers the services you desire.

See Their Work In Person

An easy way to get a feel for a builder's style and qualifications is to see their work first-hand. Schedule a home tour, visit an open house, or stop by one of their projects during the Parade of Homes. Pay attention to things like the quality of craftsmanship, functionality of the space and floor plan, and the overall design style.

Ask Questions

Don't be afraid to ask questions! It's essential to enter the home building process with eyes wide open. Potential topics to discuss are the builder's experience and process, budgets, warranties, expected timelines, and communication. Another question to ask is how the builder will handle any unexpected complications, expenses, or delays. This conversation ensures everyone is on the same page, prevents surprises later on, and gives you clear expectations for your working relationship.

Buying with REFINED

When you buy from REFINED, you buy from a reputable builder. Our talented team is experienced in building custom homes in Edina and the surrounding areas. Over the years, we've partnered with over 100 families to design and build their dream homes. We strive to make the home building process as simple as possible and tailor it to the needs and wants of our clients. Our team guides homeowners through the design and construction process with our complete architectural and interior design services.In addition, we make it easy to find what elements and features are included in your new home. Unlike other builders who hide this information in lengthy contracts, we offer complete transparency by providing homeowners with a comprehensive list of interior and exterior elements — working with REFINED means peace of mind so you can enjoy your home for years to come. Ready to build the home of your dreams? Contact our team today for more information.