In November of 2016 we were contacted by a customer to provide an estimate to finish a new construction basement in Bluebell, PA. The customer had recently purchased the home and was in the process of moving in shortly after our initial meeting.
Both we and the customer were very optimistic about working together after our first meeting. After trading ideas for a bit, it became clear that we were on the same page for what the basement could be when completed. We produced a few options possible layouts for the customer as well as a preliminary estimate for the work requested. Thankfully very soon after receipt, RJE was contracted to make their ideas come to fruition.
This was a very exciting project for us and the customers. The customers worked very closely with us for the design and material selections. They were excellent in communicating with us throughout the project. We take pride in having open lines of communication with our customers and vendors. Several custom features were added that really make this basement something special. The final product proved to be a great combination of the customer’s ideas and our recommendations.
As you enter the basement you immediately notice the wood look ceramic tile flooring. Your eyes are then drawn to the large barn doors running floor to ceiling. These doors are used for access to a storage area and the bathroom. As you progress to the bathroom you find a large tiled shower with frameless glass doors and pebble tile floor. The accent tile within the shower was also used in a small storage niche above the toilet. This small additional feature really helps bring the bathroom together.
Moving on towards the main entertainment of the basement you find a full wet bar. This area was designed to include a microwave, wine cooler, sink, and full refrigerator. A few custom features were added for additional flair. Mirror glass panels in the rear of the open shelves and over/under cabinet lighting. The customer specifically requested the additional lighting so that when the lights were dimmed within the room there would still be plenty of light for serving drinks and snacks. We went a little farther than asked and added a different feature to the over cabinet lighting. These lights have the ability to change colors at the push of a button! A very neat feature for adding flair to any occasion.
Turning the corner into the main entertainment area you come upon a very robust ceramic tile fireplace surround. Large metallic look tiles were laid vertically in a brick pattern to compliment the modern gas fireplace installed within. These tiles were also used for the backsplash above the bar area. The addition of angular returns to the sides of the surround add dimension and mimic the lines of the display wall on the corner of the mechanical room. To compliment the rustic look of the barn doors a custom mantle was created. This beam was sourced from an old barn and refinished using a variety of methods to create an authentic look.
All of the wires, control boxes, and dvd/blueray player are located within the mechanical room adding to the clean look of the install. There is also an HD sound system with recessed speakers within the fireplace surround, walls, and ceiling within the basement. This compliments the 65 inch television well making this area the favorite for game day and movie night.
Adjacent to the main entertainment area you find the mechanical, media, and storage room. Another preliminary requirement of the customer was to have plenty of storage space. We accomplished this with hand built shelving in this room and the area behind the bathroom, where electrical and plumbing can also be accessed. Another storage option commonly overlooked is the area below the stairs. We finished this area as well as a crawl space for additional storage.
Heating and cooling within the basement is handled by the existing system. It was large enough to handle the additional square footage of the basement. However, it has been set up as its own independent zone. The basement can be heated very easily as well by the gas fireplace. It will also stay fairly cool on its own in the hot summer months being below ground.
Overall this project evolved into something beautiful yet functional. Through diligent planning, open lines of communication, multiple vendors, and outstanding craftsmanship the basement not only met, but exceeded our and the customers' expectations. We are very proud of the final results as are the customers who we know will enjoy their new basement for years to come. Click the following link to see more before and after of this basement remodel.