Adding Capacity and Character  

Once Tim Lemke Construction completed a three-season porch addition and deck onto the Wolff residence, the family had only one problem: figuring out how to turn their house around 180 degrees.

They found themselves preferring the back of the house to the front. Prior to the addition, the family of six had a small, cramped family room; three on the couch, three on the floor, and no space for the family to interact. The Wolffs needed more space, a three-season porch and a more open layout.

Homeowner Dan Wolf comments that “everything went very smoothly with the project and everyone at TLC was a pleasure to work with.” He and his wife Mary also appreciated feeling like a partner with TLC in the project’s design. Working collaboratively meant that the finished design was not only beautiful, but exactly what they wanted. It took less than four months to complete, and the new addition accommodates the whole family and is now the hub of the house.

Upon the project’s completion, the homeowners found themselves entertaining four straight weekends–finally they had the space for it. “The best thing about our project is that we have no regrets. Quality is excellent, plans become reality. The second best thing is that it really did not compromise our summer with our family. Having someone do all the work rather than trying to do the project ourselves saved a lot of stress on our family,” says homeowner Mary Wolff.

Showstopper in Scandia  

This lake home was beautifully transformed into a true northern escape, easily enjoyed all year round.

This complete remodel in Scandia was done in several phases. The first project was an overhaul of the first floor–inside and out. A new kitchen, bathroom, and deck formed the beginning of the transformation of the entire house. Next, the homeowners asked us to return to install new windows and doors, to finish the basement to a recreation room and create two new bedrooms for guests. The third phase brought a 25-foot-long screen porch overlooking the lake and an update to the exterior of the house. Finally, the last phase was a front addition–with the finished project finding nearly every aspect of the house pleasingly refreshed.

Originally a lakeside getaway, this house became the primary home after the homeowners retired. The remodel and additions created a great space for visiting children and grandchildren to stay. The project was not without its obstacles–including the installation of beams and structural supports in tight locations, the moving of a boiler, and the addition of forced air heat and air conditioning into newly discovered unused areas of the foundation–but every challenge was successfully overcome.

"Tim's crew did a wonderful job, as this was a tricky project,” the homeowners said. “Sometimes they had to be creative and do something other than what was on the plan–and it was always the right thing. They were forever solving problems–including making custom-made lighting. We are the envy of the neighborhood!" (See "Before" photo in siding section)

More than 1,300 homeowners toured this lovely St. Paul home as part of the fall 2006 Remodelers Showcase. The family loved everything we did--and when we asked for their permission to show off their house, it was a resounding YES.  They were so proud. (See more details on 3-day event on REMODELERS SHOWCASE)

Tim Lemke Construction has worked in and around the entire 1924 home. The family wanted it updated, but to retain the feel of a 1920's gracious home in the Mac/Groveland area.  They got that…and much more.

• Created a master bath upstairs out of an unused porch.  (See kitchen and bath section for details)
• Extended the present kitchen, adding a first-floor laundry room, built-in wine bar and wonderful Marvin windows and French doors (see kitchen and bath section for details)
• Built new detached garage with upper level to match the home's design details (see garage section)
• Updated stucco siding and added new roof
• Wonderful patio area outside the dinette area, easily accessible through French doors (see deck section)
• Built a covered pergola leading to the garage
• Installed new mechanicals and central air

"We tried to be open to the unusual suggestions for the sunroom, decking and landscaping – and both Tim and the creative landscaper were always right on with what would please us.

"Our neighbors were so impressed with the considerate letter Tim Lemke Construction sent before starting this huge project. The letter explained their effort not to disturb the neighbors more than necessary, and their responsibility about cleanup.