Total Basement Overhaul

Living in their 1930’s home for several years gave our clients plenty of time to think about what they really needed from their home. The team was tasked with figuring out how to give the family of 4 all the space they were looking for without building an addition that would detract from the coveted yard space. Our designers proposed a total basement overhaul, adding over 600 sq. ft. of finished space to the home, satisfying our clients’ primary spatial needs, including:

•  A new bedroom suite
• A workout zone
• A secondary living room
• Plenty of storage

Working Through Challenges

The design needed to take into account some important limitations imposed by the existing lower level structure. Primary challenges to the design scheme included:

• Locating an egress window with considerations for the property lines
• Maintaining enough storage space in the basement
• Using only full height doors despite dropped ceiling heights
• Working around mechanical locations, structural posts, wiring/plumbing locations, and low soffits

From Unfinished to Thoughtfully Planned

The existing basement was largely one open, unfinished space. Though the owners were able to use the space for storage, they needed much more from their home than the current configuration permitted. In the new layout proposal, the family would have generous recreational space within a family lounge and workout nook as well as enclosed storage, a laundry area, and a new bedroom suite. With some creative maneuvering, our team segmented the unfinished basement into both public and appropriately scaled private zones, like the bedroom, bath, and laundry areas. The suggested changes would give the entire family room to gather or hang out with friends.