This 1911 classic Craftsman's basement remodel now meets the 21st-century needs of its longtime homeowners. Previously, the basement was unfinished and used ineffectively for anything but storage, laundry, and access to the single-car garage from the house.
The homeowners took on this project to capture more square footage, address their need for a home office, and their desire for a home theater, as well as resolving ongoing moisture issues.
Scope:
The large space was segmented into three rooms plus storage. To provide additional light, windows were enlarged and added.
The office is a colorful light-filled space with ample storage and a closet under the stairs to the first floor. A wide barn door can remain open or close off the space for privacy.
The theater is the largest room in the basement. It includes a low-profile screen, speakers, and recessed media equipment, allowing for an unobstructed pathway to the bonus workout area.
The furnace was moved into a mechanical room next to the new laundry room with a utility sink. Access from the home’s first floor to the garage is now simple through the storage area.
Challenges:
The homeowners had a level of investment that they needed to honor. Circumstances arose during construction that required additional funds, such as costs associated with moisture issues from the concrete slab and the ceiling. The low 7-foot ceiling height was an issue for the client, who is over 6’ tall. Electrical and venting to the first floor were moved, which allowed for the installation of tongue-and-groove between the joists to create a finished look and allure of extra headroom in the office and theater.
Features:
The homeowners are members of a local artistic community. During the remodel, they brought in friends within that community to help with design aesthetics, including creating the unique ombre feature wall.
The powder room reflects the homeowners’ love of music with unique cassette tape tiles that act as a backsplash to the wall-mounted vanity.
Results:
What was once a large and underutilized space is fully functional and meets several needs of this modern family. Everything now has a place and space that works.
