![]() |
WHITE PLAINS BASEMENT |
![]() |
|
before
|
after |
|
before
|
after |
|
before
|
after |
|
before
|
after |
![]() |
before
|
after |
|
before
|
after |
|
before
|
after |
|
before
|
after |
|
before
|
after |
![]() |
before
|
after |
View the floor plan & 3D drawings |
Client: |
Alan & Natonée Weisenfeld White Plains, Westchester, NY. Sylvain Côté, Absolute Green Homes, Inc. Robert Eckenrode, R.T. Eckenrode Design Natonée Weisenfeld, Sylvain Côté Sylvain Côté Sylvain Côté 1900s 1000 May 2010 February 2011 |
Client's Comments: |
""Our basement is a gift that keeps on
giving. I still just go there to just look around and marvel at it." - Alan, 01.23.13 "We are still enjoying our new basement as if it were just finished. Its like living in a new house. Thanks again for everything." - Alan, 11.07.11 "We are very excited about our new lower level.
Sylvain and Absolute Green Homes were able to turn a wet, dark, damp and
useless basement into our favorite family space. Sylvain used his keen
sense of design to bring as much light into the new lower level as we
have on our main floor. The project was a masterful use of space which
helped to reclaim dead areas by removing the 30 year old massive clunky
boiler and replacing it with a super efficient gas boiler and hot water
heater barely larger than a [window] air conditioner. By removing the
oil tank under our porch, Sylvain was able to help us create a relaxing
lounge area and sun room. "OMG, these photos are amazing, the entire family fully enjoyed viewing them. Everyone couldn't believe the transformation, especially after looking at the before photos." - Natonée, 04.03.11 |
Comments By Friends, Family, Others: |
"This new basement looks amazing! If you didn't have the pictures you'd never believe it. You created a surprisingly awesome space." - Jean Sheff, Editor, Westchester Family Magazine, 04.05.11 |
![]() |
(formerly) Ugly Ceilings ... in White Plains, N.Y. |
Project Description: |
A complete rebuild, including extensive
mechanicals replacement.
First, the entire
concrete floor slab was jack hammered and discarded. To increase
headroom 36 cubic yards of dirt were dug up by hand. Together, roughly
80 yards of concrete and dirt were hauled away in four dumpsters.
Concrete foundations repairs became part of the scope of work since
footings were barely existed. A new, load-bearing, steel post was
placed over a newly poured concrete footing which replaced the once
bulky centrally located brick column. A new, much smaller, wall-hung, ultra efficient, condensing, natural gas boiler was not only installed in lieu of the decaying oil boiler, but relocated from the center of the basement to under the stairs. The same tiny, super quiet unit takes care of the domestic hot water as well. The large, dirty, smelly oil tank was then removed and disposed of, reclaiming even more valuable and useful living space. All of the underground plumbing waste lines were replaced. Most if not all overhead waste lines, water lines and gas lines were also replaced and/or relocated. A radiant floor heating system was installed prior to pouring the new insulated concrete slab, which was quickly stamped to mimic large flagstone. Other mechanical work included replacement and
relocation of most of the electric cables and wires, phone lines, cable
lines and alarm system wiring. A new ventilation system consisting of an
air exchanger also referred to as a HRV - heat recovery ventilator - was
installed, providing a constant fresh air supply. Finally, new custom stairs and a railing were built and the entire stairwell was opened up. That required the removal of the formal door and wall, which provided another new connection, this time with the upstairs. This was originally not part of the scope of work, but quickly became an appealing and desirable option that the homeowner embraced with very little hesitation. This "basement" now features more than an additional 1000 square feet of some of the most valuable, quality living space of the entire home, complete with surround sound through-out, a home theatre area, a kitchenette, a full bathroom boasting a steam shower and a built-in speaker. There's also a large work out area equipped with two additional TVs, a nice lounge area furnished with a soothing, built-in waterfall that sits nicely right next to the gym area. Finally there's also a wine closet, two other storage closets, and one small mechanical room. I think it is safe to say that this new addition to the home quickly became the families preferred space to spend time together. All that for just a fraction of what it would have cost building a 1000 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 less expensive (literally - you are welcome to check with your local building department). 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? It beats me. |
Portfolio
| Profile |
Fan Mail |
Press coverage |
Project Inquiry |
My Green Tips
![]() |
Email Us |