The Lower Level

A finished floor, and a private way in.

Most basements are a project you inherit. This one's already done and ready to use, with a separate entrance on the side of the house.

The main room, recessed lighting, tile, and under-stair storage.

The main room is finished, with recessed lighting, a tile floor, and painted walls, plus real storage: four closets and built-in shelving, one of the closets set under the stairs. The result is a bright, usable room, not a basement you avoid.

The full bath has a glass-block window. The laundry and utility area holds shaker cabinets, a corner sink, counters, and a chest freezer beside the washer and dryer.

The lower level has its own grade-level entrance on the side of the house. Someone living down here doesn't have to walk through the living room to get home.

Only the mechanical room is left unfinished, which is where the oil tank, water heater, and working systems belong anyway.

Size
870 sq ft
Bath
Full bath w/ shower
Utility
Laundry + utility area
Access
Separate side entrance

Put it to work

Rec room, office, or in-law suite.

  • 01

    Rec room

    Sectional along the long wall, projector or TV at the end. Friends come in through the side door.

  • 02

    In-law or guest suite

    A bedroom, a full bath with a stand-up shower, and a private entrance.

  • 03

    Home office

    Clients ring the side bell. The full bath and utility area mean fewer trips upstairs.

  • 04

    Long-term rental

    Finished floor with a full bath, laundry, and its own entrance. Local rules apply.

The back corner is built out as a utility area: cabinets, corner sink, washer/dryer, and a chest freezer.
New washer and dryer in the utility area.
A full bath with a glass-block window.
The full bath includes a stand-up shower.
The private grade entrance, come and go without going through the main house.
A closet at the side entrance, coats and shoes stay near the door.
The chest freezer beside the laundry.
The mechanical room: boiler, oil tank, water heater.