Living in a classic colonial home near 55th and DuPont in South Minneapolis offers historic character and a vibrant neighborhood setting, but older floor plans often struggle to keep pace with modern family life. For one local family, everyday life was feeling increasingly cramped. Their kitchen lacked the counter and storage space needed for daily meal prep, the home lacked a dedicated entry mudroom to catch coats and boots, and the upper floor lacked a proper primary suite.
Expanding outward, however, came with a major urban hurdle: the property line sat just five feet away from a shared driveway. To gain space without encroaching on neighbor access, any new construction had to meet strict municipal fire-safety codes.
The homeowners turned to the team at Higgins Construction. Bringing over 30 years of general contracting experience and a reputation for transparent, precision work, our family-owned team engineered a vertical, three-story extension that doubled the home's functional space while blending seamlessly with its historic facade.
Key Takeaways
- THE CHALLENGE: A tight lot line required fire-rated exterior assemblies within 5 feet of a shared driveway.
- THE INSTALL: We framed a three-story extension using fire-rated sheathing, custom James Hardie siding, and integrated exterior downspouts.
- THE RESULT: The home doubled its kitchen size, gained a main-floor mudroom and powder room, and added a full primary suite upstairs.
To satisfy Minneapolis city building codes while increasing interior square footage, our crew executed a vertical three-story expansion. Careful planning ensured seamless siding integration and structural alignment with the original colonial home.
Project Summary
| Client Profile: |
South Minneapolis Homeowner |
| Project Location: |
South Minneapolis, MN |
| Primary Objective: |
Expand kitchen, mudroom, and upstairs primary bedroom space through a multi-level home addition. |
| System Installed: |
Three-story frame extension with exterior fire-rated drywall sheathing, custom James Hardie siding, and an exterior deck. |
| Key Outcome: |
A six-month build adding a mudroom, doubled kitchen, and primary suite within city fire code guidelines. |
Fire-Rated Construction and Custom Siding Matching
Building within five feet of a shared driveway meant that city building codes required specialized fire-resistant exterior wall construction. Before framing could proceed, our crew installed fire-rated exterior drywall sheathing and fire-rated plywood along the shared drive boundary, ensuring total structural safety and full code compliance.
Another major challenge was matching the home's existing exterior. When tying new James Hardie siding into existing weathered siding, natural age and sun exposure can create subtle sheen variations along the seam. Rather than leaving a visible transition line, Andy and Mike used a clever architectural trick:
"To match the existing custom exterior siding color, our team strategically placed a downspout to break up the visual plane." - (Andy, Higgins Construction)
By aligning the exterior downspout directly over the structural transition, we were able to create a natural visual break that made the new 14-foot extension look like it had always been part of the original home.
Our three-story home addition with custom James Hardie siding and attached deck.
Integrating Three Levels of Tailored Family Space
Once construction compliance was ensured, we got right to work. Over the six-month build, here's how our team managed every trade under one roof to maximize square footage on all three levels:
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Main-Level Expansion: We built a dedicated mudroom equipped with custom storage lockers to organize daily family gear, added a convenient powder room, and doubled the size of the original kitchen to create an open, highly functional cooking space.
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Upper-Level Primary Suite: Upstairs, we framed a spacious primary bedroom complete with a private full bathroom and a generous walk-in closet.
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Outdoor Integration: We completed the addition by constructing a rear exterior deck, offering effortless indoor-outdoor flow into the backyard.
The Result: Lasting Quality & a Lifetime Partnership
Delivered in six months, the three-story addition solved the home's spatial bottlenecks without sacrificing outdoor yard space or neighbor access. The family gained a dedicated entry area, a significantly larger kitchen and a priveate upper-level primary suit.
Extremely satisfied with our transparent communication, daily site care, and meticulous craftsmanship, the homeowners retained Higgins Construction for future window upgrade projects, a testament to the lasting relationships we build with every client!
Remodel Your Minneapolis Home With Higgins Construction!
With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Higgins Construction is the Twin Cities’ trusted partner for multi-level additions, structural remodels, and custom home transformations. We navigate local zoning laws, tight property setbacks, and trade permits with complete honesty and dedicated family care.
Considering a home addition in South Minneapolis? Contact Higgins Construction today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a three-story home addition take in Minneapolis?
A multi-story home addition typically takes about six months to complete. Timeline factors include permitting, weather conditions, structural framing, and interior finish work.
What are fire code requirements for additions near property lines?
Structures built within 5 feet of property lines require fire-resistant wall construction. Builders use specialized fire-rated drywall sheathing and fire-rated plywood to meet municipal fire safety codes.
How do contractors match new siding to existing exterior walls?
Contractors source matching siding profiles and color formulations from manufacturers like James Hardie. Downspouts and trim boards are placed strategically at seams to mask sheen variations between old and new panels.