Our Process: What to Expect During a Historic Home Renovation with New Leaf Restorations
At New Leaf Restorations, we believe every historic home in Minneapolis has a story worth preserving. Whether it’s a craftsman bungalow in Northeast Minneapolis, a Tudor revival near Lake of the Isles, or a Colonial in Macalester-Groveland, each project we take on starts with the same core values: respect for the home’s original character, skilled craftsmanship, and clear, honest communication.
When a homeowner reaches out to us, it usually begins with a walk-through of their property. Often, they’ve lived in the home for years and are ready to take on long-postponed repairs, or they’ve recently purchased a vintage home and are unsure where to start. We listen closely to what they love about the house, what’s causing frustration, and what they hope to preserve or improve. Our first goal is to understand not just the structure, but the people who live in it.
From there, we conduct a thorough assessment of the home. In many older homes, especially those in Northeast Minneapolis and South Minneapolis neighborhoods, we often encounter issues like wood rot, aging plaster, damaged siding, or poorly executed past renovations. We look for signs of moisture intrusion, inspect original millwork and trim, and identify what’s still in good shape and what needs attention. Unlike many contractors, we don’t suggest tearing things out unless it’s absolutely necessary. We aim to repair and restore before we replace.
Once we understand the home’s condition and the scope of work, we work with you to develop a thoughtful renovation plan. This might include restoring original wood windows in a Lake of the Isles home, repairing structural rot in a 1920s porch in Edina, or blending modern functionality into a historic South Minneapolis kitchen. Our team collaborates with you on materials, finishes, and design decisions that balance livability with authenticity. We’re here to make sure you end up with a home that works for you—without erasing its story.
Because we specialize in historic home renovations, we’re well-versed in permitting, preservation guidelines, and working within the constraints of older construction. We take care of those logistics so you don’t have to worry about jumping through city or historical society hoops. We know how to speak the language of both building inspectors and preservationists.
Once work begins, our experienced craftspeople bring the plan to life. We show up on time, protect your home like it’s our own, and stay in regular communication throughout the project. Whether we’re replicating original crown molding, repairing rot around a bay window, or blending old and new in a bathroom update, the goal is always the same: to do it right the first time, and to do it with integrity.
When the project wraps up, we walk through everything with you—down to the last detail. We want you to feel proud of the transformation and confident in the work that’s been done. And because we believe in long-term care for old homes, we’re always available for follow-up questions, maintenance, or future phases of your restoration.
Working on a historic home takes more time, more skill, and more attention to detail—but we believe it’s worth it. These homes have stood for generations, and with the right care, they’ll stand for many more.
If you’re thinking about restoring your home in Northeast Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, Edina, Macalester-Groveland, or anywhere in the Twin Cities, New Leaf Restorations is here to help. We bring expert rot repair, historic renovation experience, and a deep respect for old homes to every project.
Let’s talk about what’s next for your home—and how we can help you write its next chapter.
