A South Minneapolis homeowner wanted to turn an existing second-story porch into a private primary bathroom. The porch sat directly above a main-level four-season sunroom, making the project dependent on the condition and load capacity of the structure below.
Once construction began, Higgins Construction uncovered significant hidden framing damage that changed the scope of the project. Approximately one-third of the sunroom wall framing had been affected by past moisture intrusion, and the existing porch framing was not adequate for the new enclosed bathroom.
Key Takeaways
- THE CHALLENGEUndersized roof trusses and 33% wall rot were discovered in the lower sunroom structure.
- THE APPROACHRebuilt damaged framing, reinforced support trusses, and installed custom waterproof bathroom systems.
- THE RESULTCompleted a master bathroom addition with a walk-in shower, custom built-ins, and in-floor heating.
Converting existing outdoor structures into interior living space requires verification of underlying framing. Higgins Construction revised the structural plan to address hidden moisture damage and support the weight of a modern bathroom layout.
Project Summary
| Client Profile: |
Residential Homeowner |
| Project Location: |
Minneapolis, MN |
| Primary Objective: |
Expand second-floor living with custom bathroom remodeling services. |
| Core Approach: |
Structural reconstruction and moisture-resistant installations highlighted in our work. |
| Key Outcome: |
Constructed a four-month master bathroom suite featuring a walk-in tile shower and heated flooring. |
Uncovering Hidden Rot & Structural Engineering
Teardown on historic Minneapolis homes often tells a deeper story than what appears on the surface. When our crew removed the upper porch roofing, we uncovered two major structural issues that previous outdoor construction had left behind:
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Undersized Roof Trusses: The original porch roof framing was far too light to support an enclosed, insulated indoor living space.
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Hidden Wall Rot: Historical roof leaks had caused hidden water damage, leaving approximately 33% of the main-level sunroom framing rotted out.
At Higgins Construction, we never cover up structural flaws. Before adding heavy tile fixtures, glass walls, and plumbing lines, we immediately revised our structural plan to ensure complete safety and long-term durability:
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Sunroom Wall Reconstruction: Rebuilt damaged outer wall studs and framing on the main level to restore 100% structural integrity.
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Engineered Truss Installation: Replaced undersized porch framing with engineered, heavy-duty roof trusses.
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Subfloor Reinforcement: Reinforced second-story floor joists and subflooring to safely carry the heavy load of a custom tile bathroom.
Spa-Like Comfort & Seamless Exterior Detail
Even with three unexpected weeks of structural framing repairs, our team maintained clear, daily communication and tight trade coordination to deliver the entire project in just four months.
"Correcting the underlying framing gave us total peace of mind for our new master bathroom." - (Andy, Higgins Construction)
Inside the new second-story suite, we focused on luxury, warmth, and smart utility:
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Walk-In Tile Shower: Custom-built zero-entry shower featuring waterproof membrane systems and precision tile work.
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In-Floor Heating: Installed electric radiant floor heating coils under the tile for cozy Minnesota winters.
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Tailored Built-Ins: Crafted custom storage cabinets to maximize every inch of space in the new upper footprint.
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Matching Siding: Wrapped the exterior addition in low-maintenance LP SmartSide siding, blending the new second-story structure seamlessly with the rest of the home's historic facade.
Custom walk-in tile shower and in-floor heating installed in master bathroom addition.
The Result: Lasting Quality & Complete Peace of Mind
The finished master bathroom addition completely elevated the second floor, providing a warm, quiet, and beautifully insulated retreat. More importantly, by fixing the legacy moisture damage and rebuilding the sunroom below, Higgins Construction gave the homeowners total confidence that their home is solid, dry, and built to last for generations.
Start Your Minneapolis Bathroom Remodel
Higgins Construction brings decades of residential remodeling expertise to complex structural additions and bathroom upgrades throughout Minneapolis. We handle structural repairs, trade permits, and custom tile installations.
Are you planning a master bathroom addition in Minneapolis? Reach out to our team to request an estimate today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an upper-level porch be converted into a master bathroom in Minneapolis?
Yes, upper porches can be converted into living spaces, provided the lower structure can support the added weight. Engineers must inspect existing foundations, wall studs, and floor joists to ensure structural stability and code compliance.
How is framing rot repaired during a bathroom addition?
Rotted framing is addressed by temporarily shoring up the upper structure, cutting out compromised studs or joists, and replacing them with pressure-treated or engineered lumber before sealing the exterior envelope.
What features are recommended for a master bathroom addition?
Master bathroom additions often incorporate electric in-floor heating, custom walk-in tile showers, dedicated ventilation, and built-in storage cabinets to maximize floor space and comfort.