Brandon and Kaci’s remodeling journey didn’t exactly end up where they first imagined. But what a view!
The couple started by exploring the feasibility of updating their 1910 Golden Valley farmhouse. When the initial contractor estimated the remodel would cost as much as the house, they decide to buy and remodel a home with better potential on Schmidt Lake in Plymouth. This time they tapped Matt Wagoner’s Limitless Construction to create a sleek, modern environment there with a panoramic water perspective that embraces their new lakeshore lifestyle.
After removing interior walls to open the floor plan, Limitless basically reengineered the entire back of the house to accommodate the largest energy efficient Pella windows and glass doors that would fit. Some of the new engineered structural beams were so long and heavy that members needed to be hoisted individually and assembled in place.
Windows Drove the Design
Kaci recalled, “One of the first things I told Matt and his team was, we don’t buy art. We want the lake to be our art. Put in the biggest windows and as many windows as you can. And they really delivered.” Brandon agreed, “We moved to a lake, not to look at walls or trees, but to look at the lake and the reflection it brings.” With the new window wall, removal of two trees and logging a dozen family pontoon cruises in just two weeks, he declared mission accomplished.
The lake-first design is so successful the water view now wows visitors the moment they approach the oversized front entry. And it continues throughout the living room, dining room, kitchen and lounging area. After a neighbor recently remarked that the open design enhances her own lake view, Kaci noted that she may consider installing window treatments on the front of the house.
Clean, Uncluttered, Contemporary
Both Kaci and Brandon work in the medical industry, which could explain why the uncluttered design has an almost “clean room” vibe. The kitchen features custom white enameled cabinetry, white quartzite countertops and an unbroken smooth white ceiling. Black-framed casement windows are installed without wood trim or window treatments. Appliances are stainless steel. Warmth comes from the natural sunlight, furnishings, fixtures and the wood used for live-edge tables, flooring and cabinetry accents.
Kaci credits collaborative Houzz.com Ideabooks for enabling her to communicate her design vision with Matt and his cabinetry partner Joe Bernau. She used the online platform to review dozens of online photos she had collected with them, sharing what she liked and disliked about each scene.
Clients Appreciated Agile Approach
For his part, Brandon believes they achieved the perfect remodeling outcome because Matt uses an “agile” rather than “waterfall” business process. It’s built on frequent check-ins and ongoing collaboration. He also noted that the family truly embraced the remodeling journey by helping with demolition and hunkering down in the lower level so they were available throughout construction. “Lots of family bonding,” Kaci smiled as she recalled them sharing one bedroom with their toddler and the makeshift kitchen that doubled as her home office.
The couple says the remodeled space already has worked out well for holiday entertaining and making traditional Norwegian lefse on the 5×9-ft. stone island. And low drawers and an undercounter beverage fridge provide their young daughter easy access and early independence.
“We’re so excited to be able to enjoy our home this summer,” Kaci said. But they already have begun to plan a new deck and to carve a main level powder room out of the new barn-door mudroom next year. Brandon said they envisioned the future phases from the outset. For now they’re ready for the best summer ever.