DelCY Award Project: Basement transformation in Malvern turns unused space into family’s play place

Featured in House & Home Magazine
September 2009
By Lindsey Getz

Chester County homeowners Tim and Cindy Byrket had a nice big basement, but because it wasn’t finished, the space wasn’t getting a lot of use.

“When we moved into our new home, the basement was entirely unfinished,” recalls Cindy. “We have a fairly large family, so we were anxious to finish the space in order to have more room for family and friends.”

The homeowners say their main goal for the 2,000 sq. ft. basement was to create an open living space that had different areas to serve various purposes.

“Our wish list included a sitting area with fireplace, a home theater, an exercise room, a large table for board games, a pool table, an area for video games, a bar, a full bath and an office,” Cindy explains.

When it came time to find the right company for the project, Tim and Cindy say they weren’t sure where to start. As recent transplants from Birmingham, AL, the couple decided asking neighbors and co-workers the best way to find the right design team for their large project.

“One of our neighbors showed us a very professional mailer from About Space Builders,” recalls Cindy. “We met with many different companies, but ultimately chose About Space because of its excellent portfolio of space design.”

Once everything came together, the newly finished basement was a true masterpiece. In fact, About Space Builders, was honored with a DelCY Award in the Residential Interior over $100,000 category from the DelChester chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). About Space collaborated on the project with Stone Masters, Inc., and Gas
Works, Inc.

FINDING THE RIGHT REMODELERS

Linda Sinisi, designer, About Space Builders, created two- and three-dimensional space plans to show the homeowners what their new basement would look like. She also recommended key features that would transform their basement into a finished lower level that complemented the rest of the home. Special touches, like decorative columns, trim work and archways, really added to the overall design.

While the Byrkets had a lot they wanted to accomplish, they didn’t want their budget to get out of line.
“They wanted to finish the space so that it looked like they spent a million bucks, even though they didn’t,” says Sinisi. “They wanted to keep cost within reason and economize wherever possible.”

DESIGNING A MULTIPURPOSE BASEMENT

The Byrkets certainly had a tall order for their new basement, and while they had the space for it, Sinisi says it was important to make it look like all of the new areas blended together.

“It was a matter of creating a natural fit for each of these new areas,” she explains. “That meant making sure there was a nice flow from each area and that each space complemented the next.”

While they sought a variety of different functional areas, the family also wanted to maintain the open space. In order to avoid a closed-in feeling coming down the stairs, About Space removed the enclosure around the stairway. A handrail was added with spindles that matched the home’s upper levels, creating a smooth transition between the two levels of the home.

In addition, Sinisi says that utilizing certain flooring, ceiling and lighting effects was a successful way to delineate separate areas without putting up obstructive walls. “We wanted each area to feel like it was its own space, but didn’t want to lose the flexibility of an open floor plan that the homeowners wanted,” she adds.

ADDING A HOME THEATER AREA

In the home theater area, the open floor plan accommodates a very large sectional couch for maximum seating and comfortable movie viewing. “On weekend nights, this movie area is definitely a family favorite,” says Cindy.

The impressive bar area is complete with all the necessary appliances and includes a wall-mounted flat-screen television. Stone Masters, Inc., was involved with the construction of this area.

“The homeowners’ goal was to have a spacious and fully-functional two-level bar for frequent entertaining,” says Ann Marie DiTomaso, marketing manager and owner.

The Byrkets were looking for a darker granite to give some contrast to the room, adds DiTomaso, so they selected a stone called Uba Tuba granite.

“Stone Masters and the customer designed a bar top that had comfortable corners, giving a soft radius look to the bar design,” explains DiTomaso. “They wanted a stainless bar sink away from the entertaining area, and we provided this for them as well.”

SPACE-SAVING FIREPLACE

A new fireplace, installed by Gas Works, Inc., is another highlight of the space. The Byrkets liked the idea of a fireplace façade that projected into the space without consuming a lot of floor space, so it was mounted on the wall using some of the space in the gym (behind the wall).

The family says they now spend a good majority of their time in the lower level of their home.

“We are very happy with the finished product,” says Cindy. “We never dreamed we would be able to achieve all of our goals, but the professionals involved made it happen!”

About Space Builders is located in Pottstown. For more information, visit http://aboutspacebuilders.com or call
610-613-1435.

Gas Works, Inc., is located at 108 Lancaster Ave., Frazer. For more information, visit http://firebbq.com or call 610-296-3557.

Stone Masters, Inc., is located at 515 School House Road, Kennett Square. For more information, visit http://stonemastersinc.net or call 610-444-7200.

About Space Builders featured in House & Home Magazine

Basement Finale: The Last Act - Finishing Touches

Featured in House & Home Magazine
November/December 2008
By Lindsey Getz

When it comes to the final product, the add-ons available for your newly finished basement run the gamut. Homeowners can customize their basement, making it truly one-of-a-kind. By adding details with the right lighting, unique décor and accessories that define specialty areas, such as playrooms, theater rooms or gyms, arriving at this final phase is the fun part.

When completing a basement, homeowners should consider what design options, materials and colors look best in their new space, says Linda Sinisi, designer, About Space Builders. “A finished basement can carry the same theme as the rest of the house, or it can make an entirely new style statement!”

Your new basement can serve almost any purpose—and almost anything you dream up, the experts can build. “It all comes down to what the customer wants, and what they’ll be using the space for,” says Allyn Harth, CEO, Harth Builders. “One basement we completed had a separate bar area, full bath, TV area, office, an exercise room that included mirrors and a ballet bar, and even a complete home theater set-up with a platform for the theater seats. This is an example of the high-end but homeowners have the option to add any of these types of details.”

ADDING AMBIANCE

One of the easiest ways to create a special look in your finished basement is to select the right lighting. Lighting can make a big difference in any room, and the basement is no exception. One of the most popular options is overhead recessed lighting on a dimmer.

“We definitely do a lot of recessed lighting,” says Brian Zeldes, owner, BKZ Contractors, Inc. “We also do specialty lighting, depending on the type of area, such as a media room. Cove lighting and controlled lighting, usually on a dimmer switch, can add ambiance to the space.”

Brad Boucher, owner of Spacements, Inc., agrees: “Accent or specialty lighting is always a nice addition to set off theater areas, bars, or other special areas of the basement. Unique lighting can also serve to separate or highlight a bar or a piece of artwork. “This can be achieved with options, such as wall sconces or pendant lights. In-cabinet lighting for bar areas is also a nice touch,” Boucher adds.

Another way to create a special effect in your basement is to add a fireplace, one of the latest trends in finished basements. It’s not only a great source of heat, but is also aesthetically pleasing, says Karl Claus, owner, The Woodburners. The smartest choice for your basement? A gas fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces can be installed, but because of ventilation issues and other safety concerns, gas is a better choice.

“It’s also the most convenient,” says Claus, who is installing a gas fireplace in his own newly finished basement, which will be the space’s only heat source. “You can put it on a thermostat or a switch and it
becomes instantaneous. And when you’re done using it, you can just shut it right off.”

If you don’t install a fireplace, you still may need a supplemental heat source, says Harth. “The basement temperature is generally not comfortable for spending extended time down there during the colder months,” he explains. “Supplemental heat can be supplied with electric baseboard or perhaps even a small heat pump or gas furnace. You generally don’t need extra cooling in the summer, but it’s likely you’ll need additional heat for the winter.”

ADDITIONAL ACCENTS

When it comes to your ceiling, you don’t have to settle for something standard. Why not opt for a ceiling that will add character to your space? Armstrong’s Metallaire decorative metal ceiling tiles are a great choice for achieving a unique, sophisticated ceiling treatment for your new basement. The tiles add texture and come in a choice of 12 patterns. The finished product can be anything from casual and cozy to formal and luxurious—depending on your personal taste and style. This line allows you to mix and match patterns and finishes to create a unique look or even paint the Metallaire white-finished tiles to match your décor.

Metallaire lay-in panels come in 2 feet by 2 feet sizes and the company offers a color-coordinating grid. They can be suspended from the floor joists similar to a traditional suspended ceiling. The 2 by 2 panels still allow for access to any piping or systems above. You can get a high-end look with plenty of character and still receive the benefits of the suspended ceiling. Another plus? Metal naturally prevents odor- and stain-causing mold and mildew.

Armstrong’s Woodhaven product line is also popular with customers. Armstrong has enhanced the application of this line and now recommends two finishes specifically for wainscoting and backsplashes. Both Painted White and Beadboard open up new possibilities for room design, which can be further expanded by custom painting these planks to suit any décor.

“The wall application is a natural extension of WoodHaven, and we designed the product in response to consumer interest in a cost-effective plank and beadboard texture for walls,” says Rich Wiley, associate marketing manager, Armstrong Residential Ceilings. “Our WoodHaven backsplash and wainscoting provide an affordable update.”

BATH OPTIONS

The addition of a bathroom to your basement is another popular trend. If you plan on spending a lot of time in your newly finished space, or want to entertain guests, it makes sense to have at least a powder room installed.

“Most people want a basic powder room, but there are homeowners who want a full bath,” says Harth. “If the homeowners have a walk-out basement and a pool outside, they often like having a shower installed in their basement so people can come right in and shower off.”

There is no reason to feel limited in what you can do with a basement bathroom. You can have all the amenities you would include in an upstairs bathroom. Boucher says that some of his clients even want more than just a basic shower.

“Turning a standard stall shower into a steam shower can be good for resale value, and also add a nice luxury for the homeowners, especially if they have added a gym to their basement,” he says.

No matter which details you choose for your newly finished basement, adding the right accents to reflect your personality and style will give your new space character. Remember to splurge on complementary decorative and/or themed furniture and accessories, like pictures, artwork and novelty display items…and have a blast choosing them!