After a discussion regarding alternative uses for their unfinished basement, our clients, Brad and Aimee decided upon a fantastic and functional finished basement that provides the room that their family needs. Their wishlist was refined to include a family room, playroom for their daughter, and a half bathroom. Secondary options included a bar, a shower in the bathroom, and, the biggest splurge, the installation of two large egress windows on the south end of the home, providing natural daylight and a means of emergency escape.

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The Best Floor Plan For This Finished Basement

Our design team paid particular attention to the furniture placement as well as the concealment of the plumbing and heating mechanicals during the design of this basement. The central stairway wall provided the best viewing location for the TV, and we ensured that there was enough space for a large sectional sofa. The soffit hides the upstairs plumbing, and the standpipe is concealed in a wall bump-out. The most important part of this detail is that it was done in a way that accommodates furniture and looks designed and planned, rather than merely inserted in the space.

Seamless Integration 

This finished basement ties in with the original home so that it does not seem out of place, but it does have a new feel due. This is due to an upgrade in the woodwork from oak to maple and the inclusion of luxury vinyl plank flooring and a superior grade of carpeting, Shaw Platinum Texture Tonal, Landmark and Stainmaster Plus Deluxe.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning

It does not matter what a finished basement looks like or the amenities it has, if it is uncomfortable to be in. This space was designed with a two-zone HVAC system so that the basement has a separate thermostat while the original 2-story house continues to operate on its zone.

 

Storage Space Was Designed Into The Project

The playroom and the area under the stairway have storage niches of varying sizes as well as an under-stairway closet. There is a dedicated closet in the central living space, toy storage in the playroom, and unfinished basement storage with shelving in it. These organizational features ensure that a convenient place for all essential items remained after this home's finished basement upgrade.

Bar Area Cabinetry

The cabinetry is by Dura Supreme. It has a Bella bevel Raised Panel Door style in Maple Wood Java color cabinets. Cabinet boxes are a standard construction with dovetailed full extension soft close drawer slides and soft close concealed hinges. Wisconsin Building Supply provided the cabinetry. The cabinet hardware is by Jeffrey Alexander. It is from the Cairo Collection and has a brushed; oil rubbed bronze finish. A full-size refrigerator, as well as a Thermoelectric wine chiller, means beverages are just a few steps away from the game.

 
 

Project Design

The Team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel

PJ Ender - Lead Carpenter, CLC, CRPM.jpeg

Lead Carpenter

PJ Ender
CLC, CRPM

 
 
“Homes like this with an L-shaped stairway can be more challenging than average. Creating a unique bar area and sneaking the fridge under the stairway was a great solution to what otherwise would have been an unused space. Even better is probably the little playroom under the stairway landing, though. It’s these touches that can truly make your finished lower level just right for you!”
— Abe Degnan, Owner, Degnan Design-Build-Remodel