CLIENTS NAME:  Ian & Robyn
PROJECT LOCATION:  New Rochelle, NY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Transform a very old, noisy, dark, dingy, damp basement into a living space;  Provide a full bathroom, incl. a custom shower.  Create a "real", comfortable, bright laundry room.  Install a wet bar with an under-counter refrigerator.  A few built-ins with seating area were also built.
The only positive thing this basement had going was an existing beautiful large stone fireplace.  Unfortunately, it couldn't be used due to its surrounding!

The thin concrete slab was jack hammered and discarded;  Approximately one foot of dirt was then hauled away to increase ceiling height.  A vapor barrier was installed, followed with a layer of rigid insulation board, wire lath and finally PEX tubing for our hydronic radiant heat floor.  After the tubing was pressurized with air and tested for leaks, we were finally able to pour our new concrete floor slab. Just a few hours after the pour, the concrete was imprinted with rubber stamp slate random size pattern, and eventually sealed after the concrete cured with a permanent hard clear finish.  And... Voila!  Done! We now have a very nice, warm to the feet, durable, waterproof finished floor for life.

Concrete saws were brought in again and two larger casement windows were then installed, providing the oh so needed light and an emergency egress exit at the same time.  Large existing stone window wells were touched up and topped with slate.

Scope of work also includes removal of a partition wall, replacement and slight relocation of existing stairs with a new custom made set, incl. rails, balusters and spindles, "pulling them back" to provide more head room;  A bit of structural work, mainly to reinforce existing ceiling joists was also in order.  Extensive relocation and replacement of overhead heating pipes was also in order for the again much needed head room.  Quite a bit more of plumbing work, incl. relocation of the water heater, mechanical ventilation, extensive electrical, incl. relocation of main panel was also part of the scope of work, as well as new lighting.

Ok, that is it for the technical "stuff".  The photographs will do the rest of the talking.  Please take a good look at them and make sure to click on the link above for the floor plans.

PROJECT DESIGNER and/or ARCHITECT:  Sylvain Côté & Peter Bowden
PROJECT MANAGER:  Russell Hrycko
AGE OF STRUCTURE:  1920's
STYLE OF HOUSE:  Tudor
SQUARE FOOTAGE OF JOB:  800
STARTING DATE:  October 2004
COMPLETION DATE:  April 2005
CLIENT COMMENTS:  "We've seen the photos on your website. It's hard to believe that
the basement really looked that bad but the photos prove it.
My family in Australia have also looked up your site and are very impressed with the changes to the space.
The children use the new bathroom by choice, walking down two flights of stairs to do so, rather than their own small, old one.
Despite the heavy rains recently the basement has not had any water damage either.
We're still writing up some notes from us for your site, but have had a deadline to meet at work".

I spoke with [prospect client] on Monday. Her concerns were based on previous experiences that turned out to include lots of extra charges and a contractor who may not/have completed the job.
I assured her that our contract was accurate and complete with no hidden charges and that the crew was reliable and trustworthy and worked to the highest standards.
She declined to view the job in person since the web site showed the quality.
Two colleagues at work who are at the considering stage of a kitchen renovation, questioned us about quality of workmanship and the security aspects of having a crew in the house.  Both Ian and I agreed that after our experience with your crews we would feel comfortable having work done in the house (as opposed to in the basement) without one of us always having to be at home.