CLIENTS NAME:  Robert & Christine Farrell
PROJECT LOCATION:  Yorktown Heights, NY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A real challenge:  The homeowners could no longer take the headaches and the dizziness due the poor air quality found in most basements - Things like carbon monoxide, high level of humidity, even mold.

The existing finished basement was not only completely stripped to the bare foundations, but the entire (actually about 90%) concrete floor slab was sawed, jack hammered and discarded.  We then removed approximately one foot of dirt and hauled it away, the remaining dirt was then leveled, fine gravel was brought in, leveled and then mechanically compacted.  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, it was finally then that we were able to pour our new concrete floor slab.  But wait! We're not done yet with the floor: Just a few hours after the pour, the concrete was imprinted with a rubber stamp of a 2' x 2' English slate staggered pattern, and eventually sealed after the concrete cured with a permanent hard clear finish.  And... Voila!  Done! We now have a nice, warm, durable, waterproof finished floor for life.

Now that we are done with the floor, it is now time to "mess" with the ceiling.  Temporary support was erected, and part of the existing main beam holding the floor joists was removed.  The joists ends were sawed off to create a "pocket" for the new, now recessed engineered beam. No more "head ducking" when walking down to the basement, excuse me, lower level.

But there is still something reminding us that we are in a basement:  There is no windows, no natural light coming in.  That is not acceptable.  So our concrete saws were brought in again and two large casement windows were then installed, providing the oh so needed light and a emergency egress exit at the same time.  A somewhat large single masonry window well was built around the windows, acting as retaining walls for the rather high grade.  The walls were later finished with stucco and topped with a slate.

Scope of work also includes replacement of stairs, relocation and/or replacement of steel columns, relocation and/or replacement of plumbing and electrical, new lighting, light exterior grading work.

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 below for the floor plans.

PROJECT DESIGNER and/or ARCHITECT:  Sylvain Côté
PROJECT MANAGER:  Russell Hrycko
AGE OF STRUCTURE:  1980's
STYLE OF HOUSE:  Contemporary
SQUARE FOOTAGE OF JOB:  800
STARTING DATE:  February 2004
COMPLETION DATE:  July 2004
CLIENT COMMENTS:  "The team from Absolute have worked on several projects for us and they always deliver as promised. The whole crew is professional, neat and understanding. Since they spent a lot of time in the house on this project, it was important to me and my family that we all felt comfortable.

Regarding the project itself, Sylvain transformed a dark, stuffy "finished" basement to a true living area. Sometimes I think we spend more time in this area than in other parts of our home. The design and execution was flawless . . we particularly like the radiant heat. It is very comfortable and always maintains a constant temperature regardless of the fluctuations outside. Great job all around!!!!"

-Bob & Christine Farrell, 02.20.05.

AVERAGE PRICE RANGE ON SIMILAR PACKAGES*:  $70,000 - $80,000.
*Price based on similar existing conditions, building supplies, square footage and other various factors and therefore subject to change.