Large Deck Remodel in Minnetonka

What started as a 3 or 4-season porch expansion, turned into a large deck project with a minor porch and front entry update. Sometimes the budget causes redirection that still reaches the home life improvement goal.

Project Summary 

This project is a perfect example of why our unique “programming” approach with early identification of investment limits is so essential to a successful remodel.  At the start, these homeowners wanted to explore the possibility of 3 season porch addition off the back of their home.  The goal was to expand gathering and entertainment space for their family and friends, addressing the current cramped porch and uncovered deck.

It became clear to everyone after diligent time spent in phase one of programming that also addressing other concerns in the home, such as the front entry porch and fixing the windows in the existing 4 season porch, would blow the budget.

We worked through a re-design with the homeowner over the next months and eventually created a large deck, an updated porch with new windows and patio door, and a front entry deck.  We installed a water drainage system underneath the deck with LED lighting, so the homeowner could finish an additional patio space underneath the new deck.

This couple made the decision early on that this was their last home and therefore the investment was more than mere ROI would suggest is proper. However, they also wanted to remodel within their means, and we wanted that too.

 

 

Homeowner Karl explains his remodeling journey and how we worked with him to stay within his budget and still achieve his goals.

New large 18 x 20 porch looks out on Lake Minnewashta.
AFTER: New Lifestyle Pella casement windows and patio door bring energy efficiency and more light into the space.
AFTER: Full 24 x 22-foot Timber-Tech prime plus decking in sea salt gray.


Before Remodel

Before remodeling pictures snow-covered 2nd floor deck.
BEFORE: This deck was in disrepair and oddly shaped for proper use with outdated railings that give it a cage-like aethetic.
Before image of stairs off 2nd floor deck.
Before image of interior just inside main entrance
Before image of elaborate ceiling beams
Before image of living room just off of deck entrance
Before image of kitchen view of entrance to deck
Before image of living room ceiling beams

BEFORE: All the areas of the home we addressed in this remodel.


After

After image exterior venting panels and gutters, LED light
AFTER: Deck footprint large enough for a soccer team celebration!
After image of new porch addition exterior in sunlight and colorful fall trees
AFTER: Large enough for a grill, chef station, and smoker.
After images (2) of porch addition exterior deck stairs and view of lake
AFTER: Powder-coated (Black Walnut) aluminum railings.
After image reverse angle perspective looking back toward porch entance and TV on brick wall
AFTER: Dimable lighted stair posts make entertaining long into the evening a luminous joy.  Yes, we wish they had mowed before photo day, but we take as we find them.
After image close up view of Sunspace panels, 8-inch baseboard trim and DekTek cement floor tile
AFTER: Trex rain escapes systems.
After image of DekTek cement floor tiles next to blue cloth chairs
AFTER:  Trex rain escapes systems uses a singe run of gutter.
After image of hand-distressed ceiling beams in new porch addition
AFTER:  LED lights installed under water proof membrane for future under deck use.
After image of helical pier footings from Goliathtec
AFTER: Goliathtec helical pier footings carry the weight of the new porch.
AFTER: New front porch decking and railing to match back yard deck.
AFTER: Side view of front porch decking, railing, and steps.
Although part of the homeowner's current garden, we did not include this front door in the remodel.  Sometimes it is best to leave charming and cute alone.

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