Client's Comments:

"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.
We absolutely love the many small luxuries that Sylvain was able to build such as the temperature controlled wine closet, the radiant heat, the steam shower and the built in waterfall. All of this work was blended seamlessly with the design and architecture of the rest of our home. Most of all, we were so impressed with the high quality of all the work, and the incredible attention to every last detail. We felt like it was as much a labor of love for Sylvain and his team as it was for us."   - Alan, 04.05.11

"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:

(formerly) Ugly Ceilings ... in White Plains, N.Y.
05.10.11. by Leah Thayer. Day six of our May contest: (formerly) Ugly Ceilings.
  - This very basement is featured in this leading remodeling industry daily newsletter.
 

Project Description:

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.

The scope of work also called for replacing the narrow door with approximately nine feet of glass, consisting of one French door flanked by two stationary glass panels, providing much needed natural light to any basement. In addition, several windows were added. All that glass brought "the outside inside" and made everything much brighter. It also made the backyard so much more inviting... And the view...

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.