Lincoln Park, DC - Finished Basement

Brief Explanation of the Scope of Work

Two times is a charm, sometimes.

Years ago, we renovated this home's kitchen. As is the case with many DC homes, the kitchen happened to be located in an enclosed screened porch. The floor surface not only sloped to the rear, it was also stepped down from the main floor level. Although we had suggested and urged that the floor be raised, the homeowners felt that they didn't mind the slight slope or the step down, so we renovated the kitchen without modifying the floor structure.

Years later, they contacted us to renovate their basement and to expand it into the dogleg under the kitchen to create a "man zone." By this time they had also decided that stepping down into the kitchen and a slightly-sloped floor were less than ideal. To remedy the problem, we completely removed the kitchen and rebuilt the floor approximately twelve inches higher. At the same time, we dug out the areaway underneath it, underpinned the existing foundation walls and added a new foundation wall in this area. The kitchen was reinstalled, this time in plane with the rest of the first floor and with a new wood floor. The moral of the story, of course, is that with renovation, if you don't make it nice the first time, you or a future owner of the home may have to pay twice the next time.

Unusual Constraints/Challenges & Creative Solutions

The existing basement level, except for an existing infrared sauna, was initially unfinished. By finishing the basement, we were able to add plenty of square footage of new living space in a previously underutilized area of the home. We disassembled the sauna and reinstalled it in a more appropriate location in the basement. The newly finished basement is now a great escape within the home, and includes a full bathroom, the aforementioned sauna, a work-out center, a family room, and a substantial bar/kitchenette area. With its open floor plan and many stations, it is a versatile space for many enjoyable activities.

The project not only improved the basement, it presented an opportunity to redo the rear elevation of the home and the rear yard. A new concrete areaway stair provides access to the rear yard. An oversized drainage grate ensures that the basement will never get flooded. The rear elevation is much more handsome and finished-looking than it was before. In rebuilding the foundation, we were able to build a new brick knee wall and replace all of the existing siding and trim with new fiber-cement material. In the rear yard we constructed a large flagstone patio and flower bed area. We surrounded the yard with a new shadowbox-and-lattice wood fence to add privacy. These elements are all combined to create a relaxing and private exterior space.

Overall Results

	After - View of sauna and new bathroom