MASTERWERKS LLC BUILDING SERVICES Custom Home Building, Transformations, Renovations
Case Studies
RETROFITTED HOMES
Architectural Light Remodeling
RETROFITTED HOMES
Improving their old house made it saleable, so improving their new house became affordable.
The clients were referred to us by a local real estate agent who was attempting to sell their existing home so that they could purchase the one on Edina Boulevard.
Challenge:
The clients had remodeled the interior of their home, but had left the exterior as is. Consequently, the home’s lack of curb appeal—as well as its one-car garage—made selling problematic at their desired price point.
Meanwhile, the house they intended to purchase on Edina Boulevard had been extensively remodeled, but with glaring deficiencies, including poor function and flow in the configuration of the kitchen, mudroom, and den. The clients needed to redesign and realign those spaces to better suit to their active family of four children.
Additionally, the HVAC system was old and poorly engineered, while problems with insulation and venting caused severe ice build-up in the winter. This, combined with a lack of appropriate ductwork, made some of the remodeled portions of the home cold and drafty. Some of the previous finishing work had been poorly executed as well and needed to be redone, while the lower level included non-permitted—and potentially hazardous—electrical wiring.
Strategy:
We designed options for an exterior facelift and double garage for the existing home, along with preliminary cost estimates. This helped the clients conclude the sale of their existing home and facilitate the purchase of the Edina Boulevard home.
There, we redesigned and reconfigured the kitchen, mudroom, and den, creating a family room, office, and bar area, as well as a larger mudroom with plenty of storage. Now the rooms flow together in a logical and efficient manner, rather than being cramped and cut up.
To fix the heating issues, we installed a new, properly zoned HVAC system with additional ductwork, and re-insulated and sheetrocked the third floor attic. We also refinished the hardwood floors, installed new cabinetry in the mudroom, family room, office, and bar area, and re-wired the home to address the code violations as well as other issues with the AV system. We finished by redesigning the basement for maximum storage as well as a future wine room. Outside, we installed wrought-iron safety fencing separating the patio from the pool and added screening fence around the pool equipment.
Result:
By focusing on visual effects rather than liveability, the previous owners and their contractors had taken too many shortcuts, sacrificing both safety and performance. In contrast, the result of our strategy was a warm, comfortable, family-friendly home, designed and crafted to be the house it was always meant to be.
BEFORE
AFTER
RETROFITTED HOMES
The “just right” investment made this home more enjoyable now and profitable downstream.
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These clients were referred to us by one of our designers. The clients currently own several houses in other parts of the country,but maintain a home in Edina for family considerations and for entertaining long-time friends and business associates.
Challenge:
The clients had considered selling their house and purchasing a townhome or condominium. However, they were reluctant to leave the home in which they had raised their children. In addition, they were concerned about the high association fees and lack of privacy in a townhouse or condo alternative. The clients were also aware that at some future date their home would be a prime candidate for a full Transformation or Replacement, making them reluctant to undertake extensive improvements that might not pay off in the long run.
Rather than moving, the clients decided to stay in their current home but update it for their personal use and enjoyment, investing in those improvements that would enhance their quality of life without making major structural changes.
Strategy:
Accordingly, our strategy focused on areas such as installing new trim and hardware and replacing older skylights, tile, counters, and backsplashes. We also reconfigured the laundry room for better flow and updated the electrical system, installing a more efficient, computer-controlled lighting system. Outdoors, we resurfaced the garage floors, replaced the roof, and re-tuckpointed the brick exterior. We then repainted both interior and exterior and augmented the landscape lighting.
Result:
The result is a refreshed and enhanced home, perfect for family living as well as entertaining friends and associates. Our custom strategy leveraged previous improvements to the kitchen and baths while adding a new level of polish and sophistication. This allowed the clients to raise the perceived value of their home while contributing to their immediate comfort and convenience—all without spending monies that might not be recouped in the long term.
