that doesn't make a lot of sense (but may make some sense)

1) as required by law, ask the Bank to provide you the written reason for the decline

2) find another Bank 

I could see the argument that if the re-model has begun and somehow the labor and materials has been paid for, then in a way, asking for a loan results in 'cash out' which the Bank may not want to entertain.  Would the Bank say 'no' if you are only asking for the money for the future re-model needs?  

The denial (verbal so far but I have asked for it in writing) is due to original assessed value of the home no longer being applicable since re-modeling involves changing the state of the original home.