"I have never worked with a company that I felt valued my business as much as this one. My shower remodel from a plastic surround to a master bath luxury shower turned out amazing. I would highly recommend them."
— Kristin C.
Bathroom Remodeling
Richfield, MN
Basement Remodeling in Richfield, MN
Expert basement finishing for Richfield, MN homeowners — family rooms, home offices, guest suites, and more. Quality craftsmanship from a team you can trust.
140+ Verified 5-Star Reviews
30+ Years Experience Licensed & Insured in MN
Why Remodel
Why Richfield Homeowners
Remodel Their Basement
Richfield is dominated by 1940s–1960s post-war and mid-century construction — well-built homes full of character that respond beautifully to thoughtful modernization. Many of these homes have unfinished basements that sit underutilized for years — valuable square footage waiting to become a family room, home office, guest suite, or entertainment space. Richfield homeowners increasingly invest in basement finishing to add livable square footage without the cost of an addition, and the return on investment is consistently strong.
Common challenges we solve:
Unfinished or partially finished lower levels, moisture concerns, low ceiling heights, and the challenge of creating livable space from raw square footage are the most common basement issues we solve.
Our Work
See the Transformations. Imagine the Possibilities.
Basement Remodeling by Neighborhood
We know Richfield's neighborhoods — and we bring that local knowledge to every project.
Woodlake
The streets around Wood Lake Nature Center hold some of Richfield's most sought-after postwar homes. Owners here tend to invest rather than move, which makes this our most common neighborhood for a full kitchen reconfiguration rather than a refresh.
Sheridan Park
A dense block of late-1940s and early-1950s ramblers and story-and-a-halfs, many still on their original single bathroom. Adding a second bath — often carved out of an oversized bedroom or the lower level — is the project we are asked for most often here.
Taft Park
Compact postwar homes on small lots where going up or down beats going out. Lower-level finishing and attic or upper-half-story conversions do more for these houses than an addition the lot cannot really accommodate.
Garfield Park
Centrally located ramblers and ranches, typically 900 to 1,400 square feet with a single-car garage and an original tile bathroom. These are the homes where opening the kitchen to the living room changes how the whole main floor works.
Permits and Inspections for Basement Remodeling in Richfield
We pull the permits and coordinate the inspections. Here is what that involves in Richfield.
Where the permit comes from
Richfield's Inspections Division, at 6700 Portland Avenue South. Permits and inspections are handled at 612-861-9860, and zoning questions — the ones that decide whether an addition fits the lot — go to the Zoning Administrator at 612-861-9776. City phone numbers change from time to time — if either of these doesn't connect, richfieldmn.gov/700/Inspections-Permits has the current ones.
How the process runs
Richfield issues plumbing, mechanical, re-siding, re-roofing, and window replacement permits over the counter at the time of application. Anything larger — a remodel, a basement finish, an addition — is reviewed first and takes up to 10 working days, so the drawings are the schedule. Plans must be to scale and include both a floor plan and a cross section showing the proposed finished ceiling height, wall, floor, and ceiling materials, and the rise, run, and headroom of the existing stairway. One change catches people out: since November 1, 2024 Richfield no longer issues electrical permits at all — those go directly to the State of Minnesota through the Department of Labor and Industry. Richfield requires 24 hours' notice ahead of every inspection.
What basement remodeling specifically triggers
Richfield is unusually workable for basement finishing in one specific respect: an existing basement needs a ceiling height of only 6 feet 4 inches, measured including beams, girders, and ducts, where most metro cities want 7 feet. In a 1950s Richfield rambler that is often the difference between a finished lower level and a non-starter. The second break is the energy code — R-value, air barrier, and vapor retarder requirements do not apply to existing basements, foundations, and crawl spaces if the original dwelling was permitted before June 1, 2009, which covers essentially the entire city. The inspection sequence is short: framing after the rough-ins pass, an insulation inspection only if foam plastic insulation is used, then final. Bottom plates in contact with the concrete must be treated or decay-resistant, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have to be installed and working before the final.
Building conditions in Richfield
Richfield was built out fast in the 1940s and 1950s, mostly as ramblers and story-and-a-halfs of roughly 800 to 1,400 square feet, and that history shows up in the work. Basements are shallow by modern standards, which is why the city's 6-foot-4 minimum ceiling height matters more here than anywhere else we work. Lots are small and largely flat, so additions run into setback, yard-coverage, and height limits quickly and going up or down is usually the better move. Much of the city sits under the MSP approach path, so sound attenuation is worth designing into any wall or window work rather than regretting later. Hennepin County is in the state's Zone II for frost protection, putting footings for an addition at a minimum of 42 inches.
Our Basement Finishing Process in Richfield
We make basement remodeling simple, efficient, and hassle-free.
Typical Cost Range
$40,000–$100,000+
Typical Timeline
6–10 weeks depending on scope
Serving
Richfield, MN
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Initial Consultation & Space Planning
1–3 daysWe assess your basement — ceiling height, egress, moisture conditions, mechanicals — and discuss how you want to use the space. You receive a detailed estimate for your review.
Phase 1
Initial Consultation & Space Planning
1–3 daysWe assess your basement — ceiling height, egress, moisture conditions, mechanicals — and discuss how you want to use the space. You receive a detailed estimate for your review.
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Design & Layout Planning
1–2 weeksWe create a floor plan that maximizes your square footage while accounting for mechanicals, egress windows, and any structural elements that must be preserved.
Phase 2
Design & Layout Planning
1–2 weeksWe create a floor plan that maximizes your square footage while accounting for mechanicals, egress windows, and any structural elements that must be preserved.
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Material & Finish Selections
1–2 weeksChoose flooring, wall finishes, lighting, trim, doors, and any custom millwork or built-ins with our guidance. We help you balance aesthetics, durability, and budget.
Phase 3
Material & Finish Selections
1–2 weeksChoose flooring, wall finishes, lighting, trim, doors, and any custom millwork or built-ins with our guidance. We help you balance aesthetics, durability, and budget.
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Permits & Pre-Construction
1–2 weeksWe pull all required permits, schedule inspections, and coordinate licensed trades for framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-in.
Phase 4
Permits & Pre-Construction
1–2 weeksWe pull all required permits, schedule inspections, and coordinate licensed trades for framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-in.
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Framing & Build-Out
3–6 weeksFraming, insulation, drywall, electrical, plumbing (if applicable), flooring, and finish work completed in a logical sequence with daily cleanup throughout.
Phase 5
Framing & Build-Out
3–6 weeksFraming, insulation, drywall, electrical, plumbing (if applicable), flooring, and finish work completed in a logical sequence with daily cleanup throughout.
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Final Walkthrough & Closeout
1–2 daysWe walk through every detail with you, complete any punch-list items, and deliver warranty documentation before calling the project finished.
Phase 6
Final Walkthrough & Closeout
1–2 daysWe walk through every detail with you, complete any punch-list items, and deliver warranty documentation before calling the project finished.
Why Richfield Homeowners Choose Honey-Doers
We're local, licensed, and have been serving the Twin Cities metro for over 30 years. One point of contact, clean worksites, transparent pricing, and craftsmanship that stands up over time.
What Homeowners Are Saying
"We did a complete remodel of our primary bathroom and it is perfect! We also did an upgrade to our laundry room. The work is impeccable and the communication and planning were top-notch. Special shout out to Shelly for keeping us informed on the daily!"
— Rhonda P.
Bathroom Remodeling
"The entire team was top notch from the start. They kept their word on timing and cost, even accelerating it from what we originally expected. Best experience with home improvement of any sort yet!"
— Bill H.
Whole-Home Remodeling
"I can't say enough nice things about the team at Honey Doers. Everyone was so professional and the quality of the work performed was outstanding. Shelly, the project manager, flawlessly kept us up-to-date. This is the 2nd time we've contracted with Honey-Doers with wonderful satisfaction."
— J. Rice
Whole-Home Remodeling
"I have used Honey-Doers for several projects — an exterior door, gutters, landscaping, and even a raccoon that took up residence in our house. Each project was completed in an affordable, timely and professional manner. Honey-Doers is our first call for projects large and small!"
— Darrell S.
Home Maintenance · Inver Grove Heights
"High praise to the whole Honey-Doers team! I needed an exterior door install — a smaller job that's hard to find folks willing to take on. Rick, Shelly, Joe & Elliott were all fantastic. Great communication and workmanship. Will definitely use them again!"
— Nick H.
Home Maintenance · Minneapolis
"The project involved removing the old popcorn finish, repairing cracks, re-finishing with knockdown ceiling, installing new recessed lighting and painting several rooms. Kudos to Rick, Dan, Shelley, Joe, Freddy, Victor and others. I was always kept informed of scheduling. I'm very pleased with the end result and would highly recommend Honey-Doers."
— Sandy H.
Whole-Home Remodeling · Lakeville
"Honey Doers is a first class company. I was assisted in the many decisions to put my townhome back into shape after serious water damage. They notified me of each day's schedule and the people involved arrived promptly. Above all, the work was exceptional."
— Toni A.
Whole-Home Remodeling · Lakeville
"I have done a number of projects with Honey-Doers and have been 100% satisfied with their work. They are my go-to people for complex or simple jobs. Their work ethic is excellent and the quality of their work is first rate. They just completed a deck repair — demo and replacement of floor boards all in one day. The finished work is absolutely perfect!"
— Bob B.
Exterior & Outdoor · Lakeville
"I want to thank everyone at Honey-Doers for the amazing work on my deck rebuild. It was fast and everyone was professional and pleasant to work with. I give this company 10+ stars. Perfect rebuild — communication, attention to detail, and professionalism throughout the whole process. Thank you especially to Shelly, Rick, Jon and Jake!"
— Kim M.
Exterior & Outdoor · Apple Valley
"Honey-Doers constructed our new deck, which included flower boxes and benches. They did an excellent job. Their workmanship was superb. Rick and all who worked on the project addressed all our concerns and were easy to work with. We highly recommend them."
— Howard K.
Exterior & Outdoor
"We just completed a major kitchen and laundry room remodel. The project was completed on time in a seamless, no problems manner. Dan, Dana, Joe, Ryan and Joey were terrific to work with. We ended up saving $35,000 compared to another contractor's bid. They were an incredible choice, and we would unequivocally recommend them. No project is too small or too big for them."
— Dale J.
Kitchen Remodeling · Lakeville
"I met Randy in 1996-97 when we built our house — he's been our fix-it guy ever since. Rick, Joe, and Shelley have all been just as prompt, courteous, and competent. Over nearly 30 years they've handled windows, doors, a radon vent, and countless repairs. If they say they can do the job, they can."
— Bridget H.
Home Maintenance
"We had an overflowing shower that wrecked flooring, carpet, woodwork and a ceiling. We selected Honey-Doers and it was the absolute best choice possible. They worked with our insurance company, took care of everything, and did a fantastic job returning our home to better than before the flood."
— Mike S.
Whole-Home Remodeling
"Honey Doers completed a two bathroom refresh for me including a tub to walk-in shower conversion with custom tile. Very pleased with the craftsmanship and project management."
— Perry G.
Bathroom Remodeling · Lakeville
"I have a 100+ year old home and had storm damage. From beginning to end Adam was regularly in touch, honest, responsive and helpful. He understood all the issues, gave great advice and sorted through the insurance maze. All the subs knew what to do and clearly were treated with respect. I enthusiastically give them 5 stars."
— Mary A.
Home Maintenance
"Honey-Doers accomplished two projects in an office condo we recently purchased. When most contractors are in a hurry to get the job done and move on, their professional took his time to make sure everything was right and we were satisfied. A refreshing change. I would highly recommend Honey-Doers."
— Douglas A.
Whole-Home Remodeling
"ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Dan is a master at coordinating so many details. He explained things to me in plain English and helped me navigate the nightmare of insurance claims when no one else would. Larry and Joe were super friendly and helpful. Everyone was prompt — when they said they were coming at a certain time, they showed up then. For my next project, I will go back to them and nobody else!"
— Karin R.
Home Maintenance
"In a world where service has kind of gone downhill, this team blows it out of the water. We had water damage — a massive hole in both the wall and ceiling. Honey-Doers came out ahead of a snow storm and began exterior work to make sure we were insulated and safe before it hit. They were quick and masters at their craft. I would recommend Honey-Doers to all."
— Jack D.
Whole-Home Remodeling
"My home flooded from the upstairs through to the main level just after Thanksgiving — our baby was just 6 months old. I had never filed a claim before and had no idea what to do. From start to finish Dan and his team went above and beyond. I've never had a business treat me with such respect, patience and understanding. I couldn't be more happy with how it turned out."
— Crystal C.
Whole-Home Remodeling
"Honey-Doers is my go-to company for home repair needs. I am a Realtor and refer them to my clients prior to listing their homes and after they get settled into their new home. Honey-Doers staff are responsive and do a great job!"
— Eileen C.
Home Maintenance
"The Honey-Doers team are A+ to work with. Organized, detailed, knowledgeable, professional are top words to describe this remodeling company. As interior designers, it's very important to our design firm that we have reliable teams to work with on remodel projects — and Honey-Doers fits that mold."
— Amber G.
Whole-Home Remodeling
"My relationship with Honey-Doers started with replacing an entrance door. For even that isolated project I could tell they cared about quality workmanship. Their latest work involved replacing home windows and a storm door — they matched trim and wall colors, and replaced rotted materials uncovered during the project. I have no reservations recommending them for projects from simple to those that impact the worthiness and worth of one's home."
— Steve K.
Home Maintenance · Apple Valley
Common Questions About Basement Remodeling in Richfield
6 feet 4 inches — and that is measured including beams, girders, ducts, and any other obstruction, not to the underside of the joists. This is meaningfully lower than the 7 feet most metro cities require and it is the single most important fact about finishing a basement in Richfield, because the city's 1940s and 1950s houses were built with shallow basements. Projects that would be impossible one suburb over are routinely permitted here.
Three, and the sequence is simpler than most cities. Framing is inspected after all framing is complete and the rough-in electrical, plumbing, and heating have each been inspected and approved. An insulation inspection is required only if foam plastic insulation products are used. Then the final, once the heating, electrical, and plumbing work has passed its own final. Richfield requires 24 hours' notice ahead of every one of them, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be installed and working before the final can happen.
Yes. We install basement bathrooms including rough-in plumbing, tile showers, vanities, and all required permits and inspections.
Most basement finishing projects take 6–10 weeks from permits to final walkthrough, depending on complexity and scope.
Usually not. Insulation R-value, air barrier, and vapor retarder requirements do not apply to existing basements, foundations, and crawl spaces when the original dwelling was permitted before the energy code date of June 1, 2009 — which covers essentially every house in Richfield. We still insulate for comfort and for the sound benefit under the airport approach path, but the requirement is not what drives the detail. If foam plastic insulation is used it must be an approved type and separated from the interior by at least half-inch gypsum board or an equivalent 15-minute thermal barrier.
The details that get missed. Bottom plates in contact with the concrete floor must be treated or decay-resistant. Enclosed accessible space under the stairs needs half-inch gypsum board on the enclosed side, including the under-stair surface and any soffits. Top plate penetrations and concealed spaces such as soffits need fire blocking at horizontal intervals over 10 feet. Furnace rooms need outside combustion air within 12 inches of the floor, and gas piping joints, regulators, and fittings cannot be concealed inside wall or ceiling construction. Every bedroom needs an emergency escape or rescue window.
Most basement finishing projects range from $40,000–$100,000+ depending on square footage, finishes selected, and whether plumbing is added. We provide a detailed estimate before work begins.
6 feet 4 inches — and that is measured including beams, girders, ducts, and any other obstruction, not to the underside of the joists. This is meaningfully lower than the 7 feet most metro cities require and it is the single most important fact about finishing a basement in Richfield, because the city's 1940s and 1950s houses were built with shallow basements. Projects that would be impossible one suburb over are routinely permitted here.
Usually not. Insulation R-value, air barrier, and vapor retarder requirements do not apply to existing basements, foundations, and crawl spaces when the original dwelling was permitted before the energy code date of June 1, 2009 — which covers essentially every house in Richfield. We still insulate for comfort and for the sound benefit under the airport approach path, but the requirement is not what drives the detail. If foam plastic insulation is used it must be an approved type and separated from the interior by at least half-inch gypsum board or an equivalent 15-minute thermal barrier.
Three, and the sequence is simpler than most cities. Framing is inspected after all framing is complete and the rough-in electrical, plumbing, and heating have each been inspected and approved. An insulation inspection is required only if foam plastic insulation products are used. Then the final, once the heating, electrical, and plumbing work has passed its own final. Richfield requires 24 hours' notice ahead of every one of them, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be installed and working before the final can happen.
The details that get missed. Bottom plates in contact with the concrete floor must be treated or decay-resistant. Enclosed accessible space under the stairs needs half-inch gypsum board on the enclosed side, including the under-stair surface and any soffits. Top plate penetrations and concealed spaces such as soffits need fire blocking at horizontal intervals over 10 feet. Furnace rooms need outside combustion air within 12 inches of the floor, and gas piping joints, regulators, and fittings cannot be concealed inside wall or ceiling construction. Every bedroom needs an emergency escape or rescue window.
Yes. We install basement bathrooms including rough-in plumbing, tile showers, vanities, and all required permits and inspections.
Most basement finishing projects range from $40,000–$100,000+ depending on square footage, finishes selected, and whether plumbing is added. We provide a detailed estimate before work begins.
Most basement finishing projects take 6–10 weeks from permits to final walkthrough, depending on complexity and scope.
Why Homeowners Trust Honey-Doers
Built to Last
We use quality materials and proven techniques on every project — no shortcuts.
Proven Trust
140+ verified 5-star reviews and 30+ years serving Twin Cities homeowners.
Seamless Experience
One point of contact, clear timelines, and a clean worksite from day one to final walkthrough.
Licensed & Insured
Fully licensed, bonded, and insured in Minnesota — your home and investment are protected.
Let's Bring Your Vision
to Life.
Our team welcomes you to a free consultation to discuss your goals with no pressure and no obligation.
Reviews: 140