At this 1910s Craftsman Bungalow, the existing home offered historic charm and a great location, but the basement lacked connection to the main level and functionality for a growing family. We worked closely with the homeowners, engineer, and contractor, to replace an existing addition as well as improve and expand the partially finished basement.
Basement before
On the main level, we removed a small addition and replaced it with a slightly larger one to accommodate the laundry room and stairs. This additional space allowed us to replace the dark, steep, and tight staircase to the basement as well as create a functional mudroom / laundry room. The new staircase also offers improved access to the backyard.
Basement during construction
In order to maximize the space, the team excavated the basement. This included lowering the basement floor down and installing new, taller foundation walls to get 9ft high ceilings in the existing section of the basement and excavating the existing crawlspace to create new living space.
Interior of the addition
Exterior of the addition
Now, when you walk downstairs, you enter a small hallway with access to the pantry, storage under the stairs, and the family room. The family room features a large space perfect for the entire family to gather. We also added doors on both entrances so that when one person wants to stay up and watch a movie or work out early in the morning, the rest of the family can sleep.
Pantry
Family room
Down the hall, we created two bedrooms, storage with access to the mechanical room, and a bathroom.
Bathroom
Bedroom #1
Bedroom #2
In the family room and both bedrooms, we added egress windows for safety and natural light. We also incorporated many of the original details found on the main level into the addition and basement, such as casings found around the windows and doors.
Door casing in the family room
This project transformed the overall flow and function of this home by replacing an addition and expanding and finishing the basement with spaces that the homeowners will use for years to come.
Project Team:
Architect: Annie Schwemmer AIA, Renovation Design Group
Contractor: Zac Hicks, Bluebird Renovations
Structural Engineer: Jared Palfreyman, LEI
Photographer: Matt Garner
Additional Content From This Project:
Interview with the clients: