Client's Comments:

- The Hauser Family, 12.17.13

Project Description:

First order: a new, much smaller, wall-hung, ultra efficient, condensing, propane gas boiler was installed in lieu of the 18 year old oil boiler.  The same tiny, super quiet unit takes care of the domestic hot water as well.  The two existing large oil tanks were removed and disposed of, allowing for newly found additional storage space.

To allow for extra headroom, additional closet space and overall more efficient use of the entire space, an air handler, some of the sewage and vent lines, water lines, gas lines and finally central vacuum lines were either replaced or relocated.  Other mechanical work included replacement and relocation of some of the electric cables and wires, phone lines, cable lines and alarm system wiring. A radon exhaust system was also installed. Our proven insulation and framing system, and the building science behind it, assures the occupants of superior indoor air quality so scarcely found in most basements.

Lastly but not least, several architectural details completed this basement transformation.  To open up the basement and to make it more inviting, the existing stairwell wall was removed, alterations were made to the existing stairs, and a new open railing was designed and built to match the existing railing upstairs.

All things considered, the real story and focal point of this renovation is not just the stairs details but rather the incomparable and perhaps unprecedented quantities of custom design built-in-cabinetry; there is four of them next to the stairwell, two more in the gym area, another one with all the colorful storage bins by the exterior door, and finally yet another one being the long, horse-shoe shaped built-in bench below the three windows (all 5 tops do open up, allowing additional storage space). Did we mention the kitchenette, the bathroom vanity, and the home theatre? Our basement lighting, which is 100% LED, was designed to mostly highlight all our built-ins.

This "basement" now provides an additional 1800 square feet of some of the most valuable, quality living space of the entire home, featuring a home theatre area housing a 75" flat screen TV with its surround sound, a pool table and game area, a kitchenette, a home gym, a large play area just for the kids, and finally a Jack and Jill bathroom with pocket doors and a 'Split Face Mini Brick White Quartz Mosaic' tiles shower with niche and built-in seat. The workout area is equipped with an additional TV. There's also a wine fridge, four double-doors closets, two single-door closets for ample storage. The much smaller mechanical room is now nicely concealed behind the home gym three floor-to-ceiling sliding mirror doors.

I think it is safe to say that this new addition to the home quickly became the family preferred space to spend time together. All that for just a fraction of what it would have cost building a 1800 SF addition. Add to that the fact that heating and cooling a properly designed and built basement also costs a fraction compared to an addition. And finally, a third reason for reclaiming your basement is that the property taxes on a finished basement are 50% less expensive (literally - you are welcome to check with your local tax assessor). That is correct, each square foot of your basement is assessed at half the price of the upstairs area. Or, of an addition for that matter.

Now, why would you leave all that unused space going to waste and build out or up instead?!?