A 2,800 square Foot Basement
The layout of the 2,800 square foot basement.
Water Guard Connected to One of Two Triple Safe Sump Pump Systems
We installed our Patented French Drain style system, WaterGuard, around the entire perimeter of the home, under the slab on top of the footing. WaterGuard is the only non-clogging system on the market; it ensures longevity, and has a lifetime warranty. We connected the WaterGuard to our patented TripleSafe Sump Pump System to discharge the water. The TripleSafe is 3 pumps in one liner, with wireless alarms and floor drains. One of the pumps includes a Battery Backup System with its own charger system to restore power if the battery pump is used. Because of the basement's size, we installed 2 TripleSafes, for a total of 6 pumps.
Water Guard Under the Slab on Top of the Footing
WaterGuard under the slab on top of the footing, cemented even with the old slab in anticipation of flooring to be installed.
Before: Numbered Pavers
For the outside door entrance we installed a Trench Drain, which is used for "above ground" water, clearly an issue in the stairwell. Because we knew this would continue to be an ongoing, major issue, we installed a "dual" Trench Drain, one on the inside and one on the outside, and connected both to the WaterGuard. This ensured the capture of all water in even the most severe weather conditions. The landing had custom brick pavers in the design. We numbered the pavers to be removed to ensure that when we replaced them after the installation of the Trench Drain they would look untouched.
After: Numbered Pavers Replaced
Numbered pavers replaced perfectly.
Clean Space Vapor Barrier Installed
We used CleanSpace, our patented 12 Mil low density, high density polyethylene antimicrobial liner, nylon-reinforced for strength, as a vapor barrier on the walls. The CleanSpace is tucked into the WaterGuard (see photo below) so that if any foundation leaks occur in future, they will be channeled to the WaterGuard, ensuring that the living space remains free from water and possible mold, preventing any resultant health issues.
Sani-Dry Dehumidifier Installed
The air conditioning unit will dehumidify the air, but is limited by the thermostat setting for temperature. We installed a SaniDry Dehumidifier and ducted it into the open space. The humidistat is set for 55% relative humidity and the unit will turn on any time the humidity rises above 55%. The SaniDry also has a dual filter system to filter the air down to 2 microns in size. Our stand-alone SaniDry Dehumidifier will eliminate the musty smells usually associated with basements for many years to come.
Final Sketch Drawing for the Basement
The homeowner knew exactly what he wanted and where he wanted it: a gym, bathroom, play area for children, a small office, and a refreshment bar area. He was very helpful in the full design of the basement, so it was easy to sketch out the basement plan on paper and symmetrically arrange the various spaces. He was very interested in having an "open" look, as opposed to compartmentalizing the basement. All the rooms were chalked on the floor so the homeowner could have a good visual.
Before: From the Right Side
From the right side, looking toward the gym located in the left corner.
Before: From the Left Side
From the left side, looking toward the gym.
Before: Front view, bathroom location
We installed the bathroom by the sewer lines, which worked out extremely well because of a bump out in the foundation. This also gave us the advantage of being able to tuck the bathroom in a space away and apart from the open area.
Before: Side view, bathroom location
Side view, bathroom location.
Bathroom CleanSpace Vapor Barrier Encapsulation.
CleanSpace Vapor Barrier Encapsulation.
Spacious Shower in a Small Area
CAREFUL MEASURING = A SPACIOUS SHOWER IN A SMALL AREA. It was necessary to customize the shower to fit the limited space available for the bathroom.
Customized Shower and Shower Pan
To achieve this tight fit, we customized the shower and shower pan. We first framed the pan, and then poured a cement base to size. The base was wrapped with RedGuard Rubber and pitched to drain.
Customized Shower Door
There is a lally column that we hid in the shower wall to the left. From that point, we could determine the size the shower would be when tucked in that area, which is why the base needed to be customized first. The shower door, custom made to the exact dimensions of the shower, is a sliding door from left to right with an inside out top roller.
Beautiful Finished Bath
The river stone tiles were chosen by the homeowner at a retail store. We covered the base with the tiles, then installed a matching border on the shower wall to break up the wall tiles for effect. The homeowners wanted the bathroom easily accessible from the main area but not IN the open area. Tucked away in a bump out in the foundation, this creative solution met their requirements. As the bathroom is centrally located, and next to the children's refreshment bar area, it's perfectly placed for children to use the bathroom and wash their hands before eating or drinking.
Waterproof Flooring
Basements are also susceptible to plumbing leaks, so we always recommend and install waterproof and antimicrobial types of flooring. For this project we chose Cortec Plus 7" Waterproof Vinyl Planks, which is waterproof and resists mold; if the product is under water, it can be picked up and dried and re-installed. It will not swell when exposed to water and does not expand or contract. Cortec is made with Cork Underlayment for comfort under foot, with good sound insulation. It has a rigid core and can be installed over imperfect subfloors and existing hard surface floors. It is a floating floor with a locking groove and tongue system to connect the panels, completely glue-free. Typically, with floating floors there are often "clapping" sounds when walking on it. Cortec products lay down perfectly and there is no sound. Another great reason for choosing Cortec is that they have a large selection of colors. The homeowners chose the Plank Style Blackstone Oak 7". The boxes came with three different shades for a "natural" wood look. We were careful not to place them in a "pattern" according to shades, to authenticate the natural look throughout.
After Flooring Installed
Because of the large square footage of the basement, the flooring is the most showcased product that everyone sees when they enter. Any imperfections in the floor will easily be seen down a lengthy stretch. We installed the floor panels lengthwise rather than horizontal to keep in line with the flow of the basement. The flooring really is striking, because it beautifully epitomizes and enhances the grandeur of the open, symmetrical design the homeowner requested.
Gym Before New Flooring
The homeowners knew exactly what equipment they wanted, so we were able to provide sufficient space for the workout equipment as well as a TV. The homeowners wanted the gym located at the far end of the basement, which worked beautifully as it could be easily separated from the large main "open" area. Although the homeowner wanted the gym in a separate area, they also wished to maintain the open look, so we decided on a glass wall and mirror to enclose the area but keep it visible, preserving the expansive open appearance. Perhaps more important, the parents wanted to be able to see their children at all times.
Gym Ceilng Soffit
Because the trunk of the air conditioner ran on the right side of the gym, we closed it in with a soffit. We decided to frame the left side with a soffit the same size, keeping the look of the ceiling balanced.
Custom Glass Wall Installation for Gym
We called a glass company to customize a safety glass wall, and they were able to instruct us in building the wall into which the glass would be fitted. The homeowner hired this company, and we worked closely with them in preparation for the install. We did all the trim work.
Custom Glass Wall Installed
The homeowner chose the carpet for the gym and had the carpet company install it. We installed all the chair rails and gym molding after the homeowner chose the colors and accents.
The Finished Gym
The homeowners were thrilled with their new gym! They were able to work out while watching the morning news or evening programs on TV and the glass wall enabled them to keep a close eye on their children anywhere in the basement while they exercised. The children were kept safely away from potentially hazardous gym equipment while it was being used, but could always be seen and heard by their parents. The homeowners could get in their daily stress-relief workouts, and still spend quality time with their children, watching them play, and interacting with them whenever they wished. Most importantly, the parents were only a few steps away from their young children, and could reach them in seconds if necessary. And they loved the calm, cool beauty and atmosphere of their new basement and gym!
Play Room Before
The homeowners wanted to be able to see into the Play Room yet needed wall space for a TV, fireplace, and storage cabinets. They also wanted to be able to see from the stairs past the walls into other areas of the basement. So we designed two symmetrically square openings, just far enough apart to fit a 50-inch TV in the middle. The homeowners also picked out an electric fireplace to make the room cheerful and cozy. The design of the wall had to be adjusted to be wider than the other walls to accommodate the depth of the fireplace.
Play Room Columns
We designed the half walls not only for the open look, but also to separate the room and to design the columns into the walls. We also incorporated the lally column into a half wall and put trim around top and bottom, creating the appearance of a support pole.
Play Room Carpet
We advised the homeowner to install a "vapor break" between the carpet and the concrete floor in the Play Room, for several reasons. First, the carpet needs to be kept off the concrete slab, which gives off water vapor. This water vapor attaches itself to the carpet, creating a musty smell. Additionally, the carpet will be softer if it is not resting on a cement surface. We installed our ThermalDry Floor Matting, which prevents water vapor from reaching the carpet, because spaces underneath the flooring prevent condensation. This also increases the temperature from the concrete to the top of the flooring approximately 10 degrees.
Play Room Carpet Transition Strip
There is approximately ¼" inch height difference between the carpet and the Cortec flooring in the Play Room. For safety, we installed a transition strip from the carpet to the flooring.
Play Room Storage Closets
Because the storage closet doors needed to look even, we had a mill company customize the raised panels on the doors. We centered the doors exactly under the square openings and on either side of the fireplace, carrying the open symmetrical look through into even the smallest details, like storage closet doors.
Play Room Columns After
We designed the half walls not only for the open look, but also to separate the room and to design the columns into the walls. We also incorporated the lally column into a half wall and put trim around top and bottom, creating the appearance of a support pole.
Play Room Column Spacing
The column spacing determined the opening into the Play Room. We kept the distance from opening to column exactly the same on both walls to maintain the symmetrical look of the rest of the basement.
Play Room After: Careful Planning Results in Perfect Symmetry
This pleasing design accommodates the requirements of the homeowner for complete visibility and the open, symmetrical design criteria as well. However, this perfect symmetry required careful planning. Each item is placed to not only appear perfectly symmetrical, but IS exactly symmetrical, from the large square openings to the small knobs on the storage cabinets.
Children's Room Refreshment Bar
The children's refreshment area "bar" is smaller than average, because it's a place for the children to eat and drink with their friends.
Children's Refreshment Bar and Games Area
Behind the children's refreshment bar is a small sink tucked away in the corner of the bump out of the foundation, another good use of otherwise wasted space. It's not easily visible because it is short, so it may be easily reached by small children to get a quick drink of water, to wash their hands before eating, and to rinse the dirty dishes after lunch or snacks. Underneath the bar is a mini-fridge stocked with bottled water, fruit juices, yogurt cups, cheese bites, and other healthy snacks.
Utility Room Upgrade
We installed an air conditioning unit to fully accommodate the needs of the full 2,800 square feet of space. The ductwork was run down the middle of basement next to the girder. It was necessary to move some water pipes to accommodate the trunk.
Extended width of the Soffit throughout the basement
Ductwork went to the left of the girder and we ran the trunks parallel with the joists in between so as to not lose any height in ceiling. This allowed us to make the soffit wider to keep the open space look for the customer. This photo shows the extended width of the soffit to bury the air conditioning trunk. It goes the full length of the basement into the gym.
Custom Light Installation
Because the soffit was very wide, we needed a creative concept so the lighting would be both functional and symmetrically balanced. The 56 High Hats installed, also preferred by the homeowner, were the perfect solution. They provide a dramatic aura to the room, as they cast semi-spherical highlights in perfect symmetry down the soffit. The rounded highlights also soften the sharp angles of the basement's strictly symmetrical design
Crown Molding
We installed beautiful crown molding throughout the room.
Crown Molding Insatallation
Another view of the crown molding.
Finished Basement
Finished basement, view from gym.
Panoramic View of The Finished Basement
The homeowners wanted a fully finished basement designed specifically for their children and children's friends, with a great deal of space for them to play in, as well as expand into, as the children (and the size of their toys) grow. Their primary concern was to create and maintain a healthy space. Their key design objective was an open, symmetrical space, with certain sections functionally designed for different types of entertainment or toys for the children, but not separate from the rest of the room. They wanted a good flow of the space; open for complete visibility but with separate usage areas. The rest of the home is extremely tasteful on a grand scale, exemplifying the beauty of large open spaces and lack of clutter. They wanted to continue this look of high-end distinction in creating the design of a very large, very unique, and very upscale basement. That is why we recommended the crown moldings, the symmetrical angles of every item from the square cutouts in the walls to the spacing of lally columns, the gorgeous flooring, the custom shower, and small storage closet doors. The homeowners are so pleased that they're referring us to all their neighbors, friends, and family members, and many of their referrals have already booked appointments for estimates. The homeowners are thrilled with their new basement, and so are we!