Remodeling vs. Custom Build: How REFINED's Dual Expertise Helps You Decide What's Best for Your Family

 

The Foundation of Your Dream Home

Family life is full of countless decisions, both big and small. What should we eat for dinner tonight? Should the kids play soccer or basketball? Where should we go on vacation this summer? When it comes to home ownership, the decisions can be even more endless, the greatest being: should we remodel our home or build a new custom one? How do you know which option is best for your family? What does that conversation even look like?

Where you live feels consequential because it is - it touches every part of family life. Remodeling or building a new home impacts your finances, community, and lifestyle. Not to mention the emotional stakes when kids are involved; their house, school, and neighborhood are the center of a kid’s universe. Change can be good, but it’s still challenging.

If your family is weighing whether or not to remodel or build, REFINED Custom Homes is uniquely qualified to lead the process. Our team has built and renovated over 100 homes in Edina and the surrounding area. We know the ins and outs of high-end remodeling, custom building, and real estate. This dual expertise is the single most valuable resource for determining the ideal path for your family and future.

Keep reading to explore the pros and cons of remodeling versus building and how our team can help you navigate the process.

The Case for Remodeling: Enhancing What You Have

So, what’s the case for staying put and remodeling? Above all else, you get to avoid the logistical headache of moving, but here are a few more pros:

  • Preserve Your Location
    You can replace a house and things, but you can’t replace people. Staying in your current neighborhood means maintaining ties to school, community, family, and friends. Those connections are irreplaceable.

  • Targeted Improvement
    Remodeling is an ideal solution for focusing on specific problem areas in your home (for example, the kitchen, master suite, or basement) without having to start over again from scratch.

  • Understanding the Process
    At REFINED, our team understands that remodeling is about equally balancing the need to maximize and maintain an existing structure. We take great care to respect every home’s history while fulfilling its design potential. Scroll through our Remodeling gallery for a glimpse of our work!

  • When to Remodel
    To summarize, here are a few key indicators that may indicate remodeling is a better fit for your home/family: a desirable location, a good mortgage rate, increased equity, strong school/community connections, a smaller project scope, and a tight housing market/low inventory.

The Appeal of Custom Building: Starting with a Blank Slate

We’ve covered the benefits of remodeling, so what are the advantages of starting over with a custom build? Namely, the biggest win is designing exactly what you want, but here are some more pros:

  • Total Personalization
    Have you been dreaming of a fully customized space? Building from scratch ensures near total design freedom - every detail and choice can reflect your vision and lifestyle.

  • Modern Performance
    A new home means the latest in technology, performance materials, smart home features, and energy efficiency upgrades. No need to worry about replacing decades-old water heaters or inefficient windows; it’s smooth sailing with brand-new warranties.

  • Understanding the Process
    When it comes to building custom homes in the Twin Cities Metro, the REFINED team has done it all. We’ve built over 100 custom homes in Edina and the surrounding area, and our experienced professionals guide you seamlessly through the entire process, from lot selection to architectural design to materials selection to construction to the final move-in.

  • When to Custom Build

    To summarize, here are a few key indicators that may indicate building a custom home is a better fit for your home/family: an unappealing location, limited space for expansion, too many updates needed, or potential repairs outpace the home’s value.

REFINED's Dual Expertise: Your Trusted Advisor
After you’ve weighed out all of the pros and cons of remodeling or building, the next crucial step is finding a team you can trust. The people you invite into your home aren’t just tradespeople for hire; they’re your trusted advisors. At REFINED Custom Homes, our dual expertise in building and remodeling is exactly the skillset you want in your corner. Here are a few of the standout elements of our design process:

  • The Crucial Consultation
    Before any new project, our team begins with an in-depth consultation. We assess your home, your current and future lifestyle needs, your budget, and long-term family goals before making recommendations.

  • Unbiased Guidance
    We are committed to providing our clients with unbiased guidance. Our priority above all else is helping you find the best option for your family and home with our experience and expertise as a guide.

  • Pivoting with Confidence
    We all know surprises happen, and plans change, especially when it comes to home projects. A huge advantage of a builder like REFINED is that we can seamlessly transition from a complex remodel to a custom build if the existing structure proves too limiting or costly.

Making the Right Decision for Your Family

Being at a decision-making crossroads with your home can be paralyzing. With so many factors to consider, it can feel impossible to decipher the right path. However, what’s most important in the end is finding the right decision for your specific family.

Whether you stay put and remodel your current home or start over with a new build, each process has its benefits and drawbacks. At REFINED, you don't have to choose a builder who only specializes in one area. As your plans evolve, you’ll have a design partner who can lead you down the best path for you. Contact REFINED today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and start planning your project!

 

Our 2025 Year in Review

 

Can you believe the holidays are already here? As 2025 comes to an end, we’re reflecting on the year. Our team has so much to be thankful for: work that inspires us, talented collaborators, brilliant coworkers, and our fabulous clients.

Want to learn all about our favorite projects and trends from the past year? Keep reading below to see a few of our top highlights! Lastly, we want to wish you a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and love. We hope your coming year is abundant with good health, overflowing happiness, and new growth - cheers to 2026!

2025 Home Exterior Inspiration

From pulling into the driveway to walking up to the front door for the first time, your home should make a memorable design impression. Building a custom home is about the details. We calibrate elements to your distinct taste from top to bottom. We carefully craft our clients' homes because the small things matter; they become the background of our lives. Read the blog for some of our favorite exterior design inspiration!

Style Spotlight Series: Coastal Design

In 2025, we launched the Style Spotlight Series on our blog! The first trend we explored was coastal design. Breezy, bright, and natural, coastal style stands the test of time. Originating in seaside vacation homes, coastal design evolved into an aesthetic that transcends the beach. We love this style because it creates calm, classic, welcoming spaces. Head to the blog for our clients’ beautiful variations on this captivating style!

Style Spotlight Series: Eclectic Home Design

The second trend we highlighted in our Style Spotlight Series was Eclectic Design. One of the more elusive styles to pin down, the chief rule of eclectic style is that there are no rules. Fun and surprising, this style is all about showcasing your unique taste and design personality. Although there’s no guidebook, some hallmarks that define eclectic style are mixing patterns, worldly or travel-inspired decor, combining old and new, bold use of color, and unexpected choices. Visit the blog to see more of this playful, inspiring home style!

Home Design We Love: Indoor-Outdoor Living

When it comes to home design we love, it’s hard to top indoor-outdoor living spaces - they’re truly the best of both worlds! Indoor-outdoor home features allow you to enjoy the sunshine without the humidity, a warm evening free from bugs, or lounge poolside with the bar steps away. As the seasons change, these spaces are a real lifesaver during rollercoaster weather days. You get a taste of the outdoors but can still control your environment - think fireplaces! Read the blog to explore our clients’ stunning indoor-outdoor spaces!


Style Spotlight Series: Minimalist Home Design

The third installment of our Style Spotlight series was Minimalist Home Design. While the name implies simplicity, minimalist home design can be complex to nail down. Minimalism isn’t only about having fewer things; it’s about making selections with intention and letting them shine. The phrase “less is more” is often ascribed to minimalists. We’d also emphasize “quality over quantity”. Want to see more of our favorite minimalist homes? Scroll through the blog for our clients’ elegant spaces!


Creekside Casual New Construction

How do you seamlessly blend traditional elements and casual California style? This new construction in Edina is a remarkable example of a timeless yet on-trend aesthetic. Inside and out, this beautiful home boasts clean lines, warm woodwork, neutral colors, and splashes of pattern and moody tones. Are you ready to see more of this beautiful Edina home? Head to the blog to view our favorite features and every stunning detail!



New Build: Charming Traditional in Edina

Although it wasn’t furnished yet, we couldn’t resist sharing a sneak peek of this traditional new construction in Edina! Part of the delight of our work is that everything we build is a blank slate, a new chapter for those homeowners. Helping people define their version of home is deeply meaningful - it always will be. This lovely project is filled with features and flourishes that distinguish it from any run-of-the-mill traditional home. Visit the blog to look inside and virtually walk through this charming Edina home!

 

2026 Home Design Trends

 

The one constant in life is change. Just as the seasons shift, so too do our homes. As we enter the final months of 2025, we’re thinking ahead to the home design trends 2026 will bring. Designers always have their finger on the pulse of what interests homeowners; it’s their job to soak up industry and client trends like a sponge.

However, discernment is another essential dimension of their work. As design and construction guides, our clients count on us for expert advice. Knowing the industry inside and out isn’t just our passion; it’s paramount to our credibility and to your project’s success. Keep reading to see which trends our team predicts will rise to the top in 2026!


Wellness Takes Center Stage
Good health is wealth; this truth resonates more than ever post-pandemic. As more homeowners incorporate wellness routines into their lifestyles, their homes naturally follow suit. Current wellness trends revolve around creating a space to recharge, find peace, and ground oneself through self-care practices such as meditation, cold plunging, red light therapy, yoga, pilates, or saunas.

Color Drenching
Whether you love or loathe them, stark whites have dominated homes in recent years. In 2026, minimalist aesthetics are falling to the wayside in favor of maximalism. This embrace of more includes everything: more patterns, more textiles, more color, more tile, more furnishings. A perfect example of this trend is color drenching, which covers every detail of a space with a single shade, from walls to trim to ceilings. The result? A striking space that leaves an impression!

Room for Recreation
Long live hobbies! Balancing work and play is a hot topic for a reason: so many people are burnt out and craving fun. More and more homeowners are creating spaces for their passions, hobbies, and recreation. We’ve seen an increase in things like golf simulators, batting cages, pickleball courts, and, of course, sports courts. For those who aren’t as into breaking a sweat, game rooms, reading nooks, libraries, and craft rooms are also popular home additions.

Connection to Nature
Few things restore the mind and body like nature. As our lives become increasingly hectic, online, and automated, homeowners are seeking a greater connection with nature. This trend manifests in many ways, from material choices to natural lighting to organic textures to indoor/outdoor spaces to plants and landscaping. Our clients, in particular, love sunrooms, porches, and patios that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces— they’re a beautiful way to let nature in!

Artisan Craftsmanship
The last design trend we’re predicting for 2026 is a renewed appreciation for artisan craftsmanship. Rather than opting for cookie-cutter style or mass-produced materials, our clients are seeking out one-of-a-kind objects. People are embracing imperfection in the name of authenticity, sourcing items such as vintage pieces, heirlooms, local artwork, and custom-made artisan furniture. Not only do these items tell a story, but they also grow in character as they age with you. Personal spaces are winning out over polished perfection.

 

Designing a Multi-Purpose Lower Level

 

As the weather cools in the Twin Cities, spending more time inside is inevitable. The functionality of our homes is on full display during the winter months, particularly when they seem to feel inefficient. When it comes to maximizing indoor spaces, you can’t beat the flexibility of lower levels!

Since they’re not the main thoroughfare, basements offer perpetual options for customization. From new construction to remodeling, our team has helped countless clients design multipurpose lower levels over the years.

Has your basement seen better days? Whether you’re searching for design inspiration or already have your dream space in mind, this blog will cover lower level remodeling ideas from A to Z. Read on below for our top basement remodeling tips, ideas, and advice - we want you to consider everything your lower level could be!

Think in Zones

When beginning any remodel, it’s helpful to think in zones. Ask yourself, what are my family’s needs? How do we use our space? What’s on our wish list? Creating a multipurpose space is a complex puzzle - the pieces have to all fit together perfectly.

First, make a list of all the activities your lower level will house; those activities are your zones. For example, many basements include areas for lounging, hosting, watching media, working out, kids playing, and storing seasonal items.

Thinking in zones is the key that unlocks your space. This method transforms lower levels into versatile spaces for the entire family. So, what functional and fun zones might your basement include? Scroll down for a list of popular basement upgrade ideas our clients love!

family Lounge

The primary function of most basements is a casual family room. Unlike the upstairs living room, these spaces are all about putting your feet up and letting your hair down. A comfortable and cozy lounge is the perfect anchor for a lower level. Start with that at the center and then build out other areas from there.

Media Room

Similar to an area for lounging, most basements include some media component. We’ve created all types of customized media rooms for our clients, from the state-of-the-art home theaters for die-hard cinemaphiles to relaxing family rooms with plenty of seating and snacks for Disney marathons. The most crucial factor to consider is whether you prefer an integrated or separate media space, or maybe both!

Basement Bar

Whether you prefer a stiff cocktail, a glass of red wine, or a crisp Diet Coke, a basement bar is a classic upgrade. Integrated bars are for more than just alcohol; they’re a downstairs serving area, a hub for snacks, dishware, and NA drinks (think beverage drawers and fridges). To expand functionality, incorporate bar seating, a banquette, and counterspace for both prep and serving.

Game Room

Want to do more than watch TV downstairs? One playful way to personalize a lower level is by adding space for games. Go old-school and build out an arcade, design the ultimate video-gaming room, designate a table for puzzles and board games, create a swanky lounge for poker nights, or make room for pool and ping pong tournaments.

Play Space

If you have young kids at home, then you know managing toys is a full-time job. Toys will probably migrate throughout your home, no matter what you do; however, playrooms go a long way to keep the chaos at bay. A separate playroom is ideal for housing larger items, such as small climbers/slides, toy kitchens, dollhouses, dress-up areas, indoor swings, and mini trampolines. An exclusive kids’ area also allows for adults to hang out in the next room and have a full conversation - well, that’s the hope, at least ;)

Game Day Hub

Is your house game day central? Watch your favorite team in style with the ultimate game day hub! Add everything you and your crew need to watch, snack, and cheer together comfortably. An excellent layout option for these spaces is different levels of seating. For example, a long high-top table behind the sofa maximizes possible seating and maintains everyone’s sight lines of the game. Win-win!

Home Gym

Want to break a sweat without the time commitment or hassle of going to the club? A home gym, weight room, or yoga/pilates studio could be just what you need! Home gyms are a massive design trend on the rise for good reason; they’re convenient, infinitely customizable, and an investment in your wellbeing. We love helping clients prioritize their health and well-being by designing their self-care sanctuaries.

Recrational Sports Court

Have a major baller, dancer, gymnast, or hockey player at home? Recreational sports courts are a fantastic upgrade for everyone, from serious athletes to active families. Additionally, indoor recreation areas are a secret weapon for hosting kids’ birthday parties or staving off cabin fever during harsh Midwest winters. I mean, who isn’t always looking for a place for their kids to burn off their extra energy?

Hobby spot

Does your family have a habit of collecting hobbies? These passions bring many good things into our lives, but they also often involve a lot of extra stuff. From knitting to scrapbooking to woodworking to sewing to pottery to crafting and DIY projects, a dedicated hobby spot gives everything you need a home that’s easily within reach.

Storage space

Every home needs organized and well-planned storage. Basements are ideally suited for storing seasonal items like outerwear, holiday decorations, and sports equipment - they stay out of sight, but are still accessible. You could also build out an extra pantry for bulk items, a giftwrap station, heirloom storage, a hidden safe for valuables, or anything else you can dream up!

Wine Cellar

Are you a wine connoisseur? Do you host whiskey tastings for friends? Collections of expensive glass bottles are delicate; once they grow too large, you need a safe place to house them. Certainly, not everyone needs a wine cellar, but they’re such a classy and functional feature for collectors! Go all out with custom shelves, a tasting table, temperature controls, lighting design, and a secure entrance for peace of mind.

Guest SuitE

Does your family host relatives for Christmas every year? Do your in-laws or grandkids live out of state? Lower levels lend themselves well to accommodating guests; they’re separate, private, and spacious. Our design team can help you strategize your space, from a whimsical bunk room for grandkid sleepovers to a fully independent in-law suite for lengthier stays to a cozy guest room and bath.

Indoor/Outdoor

If you have a walk-out basement, then an indoor/outdoor porch with backyard access is a fabulous feature! Just like the main floor, lower levels benefit from sunshine, fresh air, and outdoor entertaining. Create a versatile space by building out a screened porch, patio seating, a bonfire area, or a backyard kitchen that allows for both indoor and outdoor hosting with flexibility and style.

Ready to start?

Has all of this inspiration got you dreaming about your own lower level finish or remodel? Please, reach out and connect with our team whenever you're ready - we would love to help you get the ball rolling! You can also visit the galleries to explore more of our previous new construction and remodeling projects.