Where to begin your basement finish/remodel

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You have now decided to finish your basement, GREAT! Now, you need to think about what you are going to use that space for…Entertaining? Family Time? Fitness? The possibilities are endless! 

Besides the main open space that your family will use endlessly, what other things would you like to have? We think adding a full bathroom is most important; not only for your family, but also for those overnight guests. From there it could be a home office, wet or dry bar, home theater, dry sauna, home fitness room, wine cellar, or even a laundry room. So many possibilities! The key is thinking and planning the space out so it benefits your family’s needs now and in the future. We will show you the ideas and together create your perfect design.

When finishing your basement, it should begin at the top of the basement stairs. Make it feel welcoming, like you have on your main level. A great way to do this is by simply removing the door at the top of the stairs. If possible, we also recommend opening up the walls and adding railings. Doing these minor items will be a huge added value to your home as well as make your basement feel more open and inviting, becoming the finished lower level.

Once your basement is complete, it should be an extension of your home, your finished lower level. Accomplishing this is done by using the same materials (doors, hardware, railings, base & casement moldings) and finishes as you have in your main level(s). Once you come down your stairs to your new finished lower level, it should feel inviting. Open both sides of the stairs, if the design allows, and add railings to match the upper level(s). 

Drywall installed on walls and CEILINGS! People often think they need to install a suspended (drop) ceiling when finishing their basement, this is not the case! When a suspended ceiling is installed, you lose valuable ceiling height and the feel of being an extension of the home. Ceiling tiles were designed for commercial use. You wouldn’t install a suspended ceiling on your 1st or 2nd level of your home where you have the same electrical, plumbing, and heating mechanicals running through; so why would you want one in your basement? The money you save by installing ceiling tiles is not worth the value you lose with a proper finished lower level, there is no comparison. If you have access points needed, we will show you the proper way to deal with those during our first on-site meeting.