Custom One Renovation

Whole home remodel taken to the studs with five-foot addition, new 2-car garage and service door for easy grocery drop-off, larger kitchen, open-concept layout, and big new windows to showcase lake views. Added third bathroom, all-new mechanicals, updated exterior, windows, and gutters. Designed with a luxury feel on a smart budget to maximize space, improve flow, and support family living.

This Bloomington home had so much going for it: a paid-off mortgage, beautiful lake views, and a location close to family. For the homeowner, those were priceless advantages she didn’t want to give up. But while the setting was perfect, the house itself didn’t support the life she was building. She was welcoming her older nieces and nephews into her care and needed a true family home where everyone could feel comfortable, connected, and truly at home together.

The existing layout simply couldn’t deliver that vision. The kitchen and dining room were closed off from the living room, leaving family time fragmented and disconnected. Without windows along the back of the house, the stunning lake view was completely hidden from the spaces where the family spent most of their time. Stair walls cut off sightlines and blocked natural light from spreading throughout, making the entire main level feel smaller, darker, and less inviting. Storage was limited, which added daily frustration and made it difficult to stay organized. Without a garage, even something as basic as unloading groceries during a Minnesota winter became a constant challenge.

Custom One Renovation partnered with the homeowner to completely transform the house into a space that truly worked for family living. They stripped the entire interior down to the studs, which allowed them to rethink the floor plan from scratch and design it around the family’s needs. A five-foot addition along one side of the home expanded the family room and dining area, creating enough space for everyone to gather comfortably, whether for family meals, holidays, or everyday moments.

One of the most meaningful changes was the addition of a new two-car garage with a service door that leads directly into the kitchen. This wasn’t just about parking; it meant groceries could be unloaded quickly and safely, no matter the weather, and it added essential storage for everything from outdoor gear to kids’ activities.

Inside, the new layout replaced walls with an open-concept design that feels bright, spacious, and easy to navigate, encouraging family connection throughout the main level. The larger kitchen was designed with generous prep space and opens directly into the living area, so conversations flow naturally while meals are prepared. An affordable electric fireplace was added to provide a warm, welcoming focal point without straining the budget.

To finally take full advantage of the home’s best feature, large new windows were installed along the back, filling the main level with natural light and framing the lake view that makes the location special. Beyond the major layout changes, the renovation delivered practical, thoughtful upgrades. All-new mechanical systems ensure reliable comfort and efficiency. A third bathroom was added to make daily routines easier for a busy family. The exterior was fully updated with new finishes, windows, and gutters to improve curb appeal and durability for years to come. Even the lower level was refinished while preserving its existing layout, creating a cohesive, polished look throughout the entire home.

This renovation wasn’t just about giving the house a new look—it was about making it work for the people who live there. It transformed a beloved property into a warm, welcoming, and functional space designed for real family life. It shows that with careful planning and expert craftsmanship, you can create a home that’s not only beautiful but truly built for the way you want to live.