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TOTAL HOME MAGAZINE
SPRING 2015
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wall dividing the space was removed and
replaced by a steel beam while the floor
joists were sistered and leveled.
A new custom staircase was built entirely on
site to fit the narrow width and was extend-
ed to reach the lower elevation of the new
floor. They were also able to gain some head
clearance in the stairwell without affecting
the existing upper level stairs.
The whitewashed concrete foundation was
strapped and spray foam insulation
applied to make the new living space energy
efficient and comfortable. To make the most
of the seven existing windows, each was
tapered from the exterior to interior to
allow more light to enter the basement.
Another priority with this project was to use
materials that were consistent with the age
of the home. “This house has been here for
100 years. I didn’t want to put in materials
that would only last 10 or 20 years,” adds
Kathy.
For instance, the new bathroom has con-
temporary features along with a distinctive
custom sliding door made of solid oak.
Kathy is obviously delighted with it as she
notes that “new doors can look like old
doors but I wanted the solid feel of an orig-
inal door.” In looking around the basement,
other details indicate this same quality:
wide wooden baseboards, the beautiful oak
staircase and a polished concrete floor.
To maximize the space, the furnace was
relocated and the air ducts were redone.
Utility space was also created in the back
corner to house a new tankless water heater
and salt free water softener. The washer and
dryer were also tucked neatly under the
stairs with lots of working space in front of
them.
Months after project completion, Kathy
still thinks contacting Way-Mar was the
right decision. She likes that Way-Mar uses
“quality, local tradespeople” and noted that
most of them “know each other and work
well together.” Paul also did a great job of
coordinating the trades and scheduling the
project appropriately.
Paul says: “When you see photos of the
original basement and compare it to the
finished product, that’s what makes this
project so great. We were able to truly trans-
form the space.”
As Kathy looks around her new basement
she comments that “90% of the work done
in here you can’t actually see. But it has
effectively doubled the living space in the
house and now I enjoy coming down here
to sit and read a book. Sometimes I just
want to do laundry because it’s such a nice
space now.”
When asked if there are more projects on
her wish list, without hesitation Kathy says
“the kitchen”.
Why? “Maybe I can have a dishwasher
then!”
“It has effectively doubled the living space in the house.”
Before
After