Just because you have an in-grade basement doesn’t mean you can’t have a luxurious finished lower level filled with natural light and an exterior view. We started construction this week on a lower level space in Fenton, Missouri. Once completed, the lower level will include a rec room, wet bar, half-bath and exercise room with mirrors and ballet barre. It’s important to the homeowners that the lower level does not feel like the typical finished basement so we’ve identified several solutions to really elevate the feel of the space.
We are adding a well and renovating to replace four standard 16” x 32” windows with two 4’x4’ slider egress windows. These improvements will serve two purposes. First, we are adhering to Fenton Fire Protection’s requirement for one egress window. Also, we are ensuring the homeowners satisfaction by providing a beautiful lower level with more natural light and better exterior views. This is the key to making the lower level space feel less like a finished basement on an in-grade homesite.
To upgrade the look and feel of this lower level, care was taken to select high-end materials for the well. Many of these wells are created with a standard grade corrugated metal that come with a grate or plastic cover over the top. In this case, the homeowners opted for a concrete block retaining wall, which will provide lower maintenance, better aesthetics and an exterior view because there is no grate cover. The concrete block well will be finished in the bottom with nice landscape rock and surrounded by landscaping.
Follow us here and on Facebook and Twitter for updates on this and other projects. If you’re thinking about finishing your basement, contact us for a free consultation.
