Crimson Design & Construction » Lower Level Finishing

Work Begins on Batavia Mother-in-Law Suite

Neil — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:02:12 +0000

We recently started the renovation of an existing basement in Batavia to accommodate a mother-in-law suite. As you can see in the photo, the first step was to add a new exterior basement stairway. This is not as impossible as most people think. The stairs took about two weeks to get to the point you see in the photo. We still need to add a railing and some landscaping to complete the stairs.

Inside work is underway to create a full bathroom, kitchenette, bedroom and living room. It’s almost a complete house in a basement. Because of Batavia zoning regulations there are some things we cannot add to make it a fully independent home. However, it’s still a great way to have an older relative live independently will still having them close if help is needed.

This project has been a great way for Joel to put to use his Certified Aging in Place designation (CAPS) from the NAHB. CAPS takes into account everything from shower grab bars to locations and style of light switches. As people age and their physical skills become less agile many things can be done in a home to make living there more convenient. This is something we have seen a lot in the last couple of years as the baby boomers plan for their future.

We’ll keep you updated on this project.

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Naperville Basement Finish With A New Twist

Neil — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:50:57 +0000

We just finished a basement in Naperville where we did something new for us. We left the ceiling alone and painted it flat black. All the joists, ductwork, and pipes are still visible but the flat black paint makes it all disappear. It really is quite amazing!

By leaving the ceiling exposed the client gained valuable ceiling height in a house built before a 9′ basement was more common. Not only did they get an extra 4″ of ceiling height but it feels like even more because you can see up into the spaces between the joists.

The painted ceiling costs less than a traditional drop ceiling and quite a bit less than a drywall ceiling. On the other side, you have to be comfortable with the urban/industrial look of the black. No other color would work as well. The flat black hides all the pipework exceptionally well.

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Naperville Basement Renovation

Neil — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:11:24 +0000

We just finished a basement project in Naperville. One of the nice things about this project is the new stairway. Previously, this stairway was just a carpenter built stair from when the house was built in the late sixties. It was just pine and only suitable for carpet. We replaced it with an oak stair that matches the stairway from the client’s main stairway upstairs. Oak treads and rail with painted risers and stringers. The split paint/stain look is very nice.

Additionally, we took out the wall and the doorway that used to be at the top of the stairs and opened the basement up to the kitchen. No more door! It really helps to add some natural light to the basement and it makes the kitchen feel so much larger.

Also note the kids play area under the stairs. It’s too small for much else, but it makes a great hiding space for small children. In these photos the door isn’t on it yet, but we made a custom triangular door to match the opening.

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