Minneapolis Bathroom Remodel: Traditional Style with Smarter Flow

A warm, multi-purpose lower level designed for entertaining, relaxation, and long-term value.

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Project Summary

This Minneapolis bathroom remodel started with a space that felt far smaller and colder than it should have. A closet crowded the room, vanity access was tight, and outdated plumbing and electrical systems limited both comfort and safety. The homeowners wanted to modernize the bathroom while staying true to the traditional character of their home—and to make it more functional for a growing family.

Located in Minneapolis, this project became a great example of how thoughtful design and experienced construction can dramatically improve how a space works without losing its original charm.

Goals: Open the Space and Plan for the Future

From the beginning, the homeowners had clear goals for their bathroom renovation:

• Remove the closet to open up the room and improve circulation

• Enlarge the vanity and upgrade from one sink to two

• Eliminate the shower door to make tub use easier, especially for future baby bathing

• Improve warmth and comfort by addressing insulation and plumbing placement

• Maintain a traditional aesthetic while updating finishes

• Create a convenient passthrough between bedrooms, avoiding frequent stair use

These priorities guided every design and construction decision throughout the project.

Design & Materials:

Classic Style with Custom Details

Using drawings and CAD layouts, the new design reimagined the bathroom footprint and improved flow immediately. With the closet removed, the vanity could be repositioned and expanded, making the room feel significantly larger.

Material selections balanced durability, tradition, and standout craftsmanship:

• A 78” custom-built hickory vanity with a natural finish became the centerpiece of the space, offering warmth and generous storage.

• An “Arctic White” quartz countertop with undermount sinks provided a clean contrast and everyday durability.

• Delta Trinsic Series faucets and shower/tub controls in matte black added a modern accent without overpowering the traditional style.

• “Calcutta Bianco” porcelain tile flooring delivered a timeless look with excellent moisture resistance.

• A Delta Classic 400 Curve tub offered comfort and ease of use for all stages of family life.

• A truly unique feature—a secret bookshelf passthrough by Hoffman Custom Cabinetry—created fast, discreet access between bedrooms while adding character and craftsmanship.

Challenges & Solutions: Solving What You Can’t See

As with many older homes, demolition revealed several hidden issues that required experience and adaptability.

Behind the new passthrough opening, our team uncovered two abandoned boiler lines. Fortunately, the system was no longer active, allowing us to safely cut and cap the lines below the substrate.

Bathroom demolition also revealed poorly executed plumbing and live, unprotected electrical wiring. To bring the space up to code, plumbing was relocated from an exterior wall into conditioned space, and unsafe electrical was backpulled and properly eliminated.

The most significant surprise came from the flooring system. Instead of a standard wood substrate, we discovered a 7-inch-thick mortar bed. This required additional demolition and concrete removal. The floor was reframed with 2x6 construction and ¾” tongue-and-groove sheeting to achieve proper heights across adjacent rooms.

Finally, the bathroom floor pitch was severely out of level. We corrected this by self-leveling the floor with a concrete pour, creating a plumb surface ready for tile installation.

The Result:

A Bathroom That Works Beautifully

The finished bathroom feels open, warm, and intentional—designed for daily use and future needs alike. By combining traditional finishes with smart layout changes and behind-the-scenes upgrades, Honey-Doers delivered a remodel that improved comfort, safety, and flow throughout the home.

For homeowners looking for experienced bathroom remodeling in Minneapolis, MN, this project shows the value of working with a contractor who plans for what’s visible—and what’s not.

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