We’re going to start a series of posts where we show the before and after throughout the house. It’s a good way of tying things up since we’re nearly done (thank goodness).
Last time we showed you the front of the house. Now let’s move to the basement.
The basement was partially finished when we bought the house. There were three finished rooms down there - an empty room, a bedroom for the main floor tenant, and a storage room. About 50% of the area down there was done…but not very nicely.
When we started our renos the basement got torn apart. Plumbing and electrical had to be accessed and changed and concrete had to be busted open to better support the open concept we were going for on the main floor. Here’s how things looked:
Once all of the electrical, plumbing, boiler, hot water and sewage lines were replaced we decided to finish the basement. We wanted a big playroom, storage room, tool room, spare bedroom and bathroom. It took us a long time to agree on a layout but we finally rolled the dice and we’re happy with the result. Here it is:
Next up…the backyard…
26 responses so far ↓
1 laurajane // Nov 14, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Looks great, I adore the after bathroom!
2 Sharon // Nov 19, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Beatiful … very open and a great use of space. It is amazing how you can’t even recognize the before. Congrats!
3 Kirk // Nov 19, 2009 at 7:17 pm
So nice of you to say Sharon, thanks. Your blog looks great as well.
Best. Kirk
4 FRECKLES CHICK // Dec 14, 2009 at 10:45 pm
The part I love the most is that it doesn’t have the “feel” of a basement, you know? With your choice of layout & the recessed lighting, it’s light, bright & airy! Amazing transformation!
(I’m especially enamored by the mix of marble mini’s mixed w/ the subway tiles in the shower. Beautiful.)
5 Kirk // Dec 15, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Thanks so much for the nice words. We purposely went with very light wood floors and white walls to ensure a bright and airy space. Usually we are suckers for dark, dark wood floors but in this case it felt wrong.
We’ve been really happy with the tiles in the shower. We were actually using leftover marble from the kitchen backsplash. It ended up working out really well.
6 sp // Jan 23, 2010 at 2:23 am
I have a question about your shower tiles. They are so beautiful. We are renovating our entire house and I found out today (after buying 5000 worth of tiles) that they can’t use glass mosaic tile over subway tile because the subway tile is thicker than the glass so it won’t be flush. Did you run into this problem? I would be SO greatful if you could let me know asap…..very confused over here
7 Kirk // Jan 30, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Hi SP
Sorry to hear the news! We didn’t have that problem so I’m not sure I can offer any advice. Sorry!
8 Toronto Basement Renovations // Feb 15, 2010 at 7:03 am
Fabulous Snaps! It is good-looking and well deliberated.
9 ashlee // Feb 22, 2010 at 3:52 am
oh my gosh! how did you get that tree on the wall in the playroom…? is that a decal of some sort, or was it handpainted?
10 Kirk // Feb 22, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Hi Ashlee
You’re 100% right - it’s a decal. I wish I could paint like that!
11 Lauren McPhillips // Apr 7, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Hi Kirk and Anke!
I’m the web editor for styleathome.com and would love to feature your basement reno in a story we’re doing on DIY bloggers. Please send me an e-mail if you’re interested and I’ll give you more details.
Cheers!
12 toronto home renovations // Apr 23, 2010 at 12:30 pm
I love this idea, definitely something I will be following… Beautiful house.
13 karl // Jun 3, 2010 at 2:28 am
Wow, what a transformation. looks great !!
14 michelle chafin // Jul 30, 2010 at 1:50 pm
you have done a sensational job ….we have just built a home and need help wish you were in Perth!!!!
15 Chrissy // Oct 13, 2010 at 9:57 pm
You did a fantastic job. It’s great to see home owners finishing spaces like basements and attics to make them into more comfortable and usable spaces! Love the bathroom, looks great. Will keep some of your ideas in mind when consulting with clients for up coming basement renovations. Nice Job!!!
Chrissy
~See The Difference~
HomeImprovementsDoneRight
16 Lee // Oct 15, 2010 at 5:53 am
Wow, that is a serious undertaking that you guys took on yourself. Good job!
17 dallas mover // Dec 2, 2010 at 5:36 am
This is absolutely amazing decoration of bathroom. Here are different types of bathroom wall decorations created by manufacturers to be placed in different areas of the bathroom.
18 Octavio // Jan 30, 2011 at 1:13 am
Nice Job!! Recessed lights are always a good choice for basement lighting.
19 Karoline // Jan 30, 2011 at 1:18 am
Adding light, whether it is natural or artificial, can make a significant difference in your basement’s overall feel. You can read more about basement lighting techniques at http://www.vancouverelectricianblog.com
20 Laura // Mar 31, 2011 at 2:43 am
It’s important to reserve judgement on works in progress, I always have to remind myself. Case in point, I really questioned the shower tile in your earlier photos, but with the grout, glass panel installed and the marble base, it all comes together splendidly. I’m so pleased for you. This site is such an inspiration. I hope you are enjoying your house.
21 Kirk // Mar 31, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Hi Laura
Thanks so much for the kind words. We’re definitely enjoying the house and so are our three kids. Now that they are getting a bit older (6, 4 and 15 months) they are taking advantage of the basement more and more.
22 Los Angeles General Contractor // Aug 12, 2011 at 11:45 pm
There is no comparison! What a great renovation, kudos!
23 Toronto Plumber Dmitry // Aug 23, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Nice job! How do you find time to renovate, blog, and raise three kids? Good decision to replace plumbing since you have kids who will spend a lot of time in the basement. Nothing is worse for their health than wet moldy basement. It all came together really nicely. Congrats on finishing and enjoy your home!
24 breana // Oct 28, 2011 at 2:11 am
this looks great!
25 Donna // Jan 21, 2012 at 3:23 am
Hi guys - great job! But I have to admit I am so disappointed… this blog just ends with NO after pics of the entire house! I would love to see ALL 4 floors today along with the before pictures. Thanks a bunch!! I’ll be checking back to hopefully see them soon
26 Donna // Jan 21, 2012 at 3:23 am
Bedrooms included!
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