Creating a multifunctional, family-friendly getaway in unused basement space.

By Ashley Mastandrea

Scott and Patrice Stricker and their two sons have enjoyed their Lakewood home for the past five years. About a year and a half ago, they started thinking about finishing their cellar-style basement to add more living space to their home. In April, just 55 days after construction began, Basement Escapes (BE) gave the Strickers more than they imagined possible.

“We wanted a space where the adults could mingle, a space for games, a workout room and a separate room for the kids where they can close the door,” said Patrice. “We also wanted an office and full bath for our guests.”

The couple talked about their ideas for about a year and started planning their finances. They began looking for contractors last November. Both Strickers work in sales, often from home, so their schedules are packed. They needed to consider this when choosing a contractor to work with.

“We needed someone who would really take the initiative and make it easy for us,” said Patrice. “Basement Escapes took the headache away and made it simple. They laid out everything we had to choose and kept us on track. Unlike other contractors we interviewed, Basement Escapes came in with a plan from start to finish. The others just weren’t as organized—that’s what we needed.”

Rich Seiler, owner of BE, takes planning and execution seriously. After meeting with the Strickers, he and designer Liz Sokolowski came up with three goals for the project: (1) to give the Strickers a lower level living space that matched the quality and detail of their main living area; (2) to create multiple spaces to accommodate work and play for adults as well as children; (3) to complete the project quickly without disrupting the Strickers and requiring too much of their clients’ precious time.

To meet these goals, Seiler implemented “The Basement Escapes Method,” a plan that carries the project from preconstruction, to design and through construction. Preconstruction begins with a client survey, which pinpoints the client’s vision and project requirements. Next, BE comprehensively and digitally measured and photographed the existing space to prepare an “as-built” drawing representing the space. This drawing, along with the client survey, was used to ensure all applicable codes, regulations and requirements were met. These materials were also used in the design process.

The design process begins with a consultation. Sokolowski met with the Strickers to confirm their requirements for the space, discuss style and design as well as family lifestyle information and furniture or equipment specifications. Based on this discussion, Sokolowski designed the space and generated a floor plan that incorporated style, themes and architectural details.

“We went through multiple layouts, changed a room here and there,” said Patrice. “They were open to working collectively as a team. We met the goals that we wanted to and, at the same time, the space is aesthetically pleasing.”

BE worked with the Strickers, vendors and special consultants to choose lighting, plumbing fixtures, hardware, paint and stains, wall coverings, wood species, moldings, cabinetry, flooring, tile and equipment to compliment the design and fit the project budget. At that point, BE put it all together and presented the Strickers with a three-dimensional tour of their basement escape.

With the plans in place, construction began. A formal project schedule, called a Gantt Chart, dictated timing and sequencing of work and included start and completion dates.

“Rich came in with a blueprint and Gantt Chart—planned the project from start to finish,” said Scott. “We knew who would be coming in and when. We live by schedules, so this was crucial for us.”

“The project goes well when both parties cooperate,” said Seiler. “In order for the schedule to work, the homeowners need to do their part. We got good, constructive feedback from the Strickers.”

Before beginning any work, BE secured all permits necessary and conducted a meeting on the project site with all those working on the project, including the homeowners, to set the groundrules of the project and clear up issues regarding housekeeping, construction traffic patterns, use of facilities, sequencing of work, deliveries and integrated trade work.

Throughout construction, BE monitored daily work and foresaw any possible hold ups, changing the plan if necessary to maintain the schedule. Before wrapping up the project, the Strickers walked through their new basement and noted any corrections that needed to be made. All changes were made that day, and before saying their goodbye, BE gave the Strickers a warranty.

“It took 30 people of different trades to complete this project,” said Seiler, as he showed the four-inch binder that holds all the information about the Stricker’s basement. “We organized them all to make sure everything was up to code—this reduces the risks involved with these types of projects.”

The Wow Factor

There were a few challenges that the BE team had to deal with to ensure the Strickers got the basement they envisioned.

“We wanted people to walk into the basement and immediately get that ‘wow’ factor,” said Seiler.

The Stricker’s cellar-type basement was limited in natural lighting, so the BE team created a layered lighting plan, which included general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. They also got creative with paint and material selection to create a warm, yet bright and pleasing atmosphere.

Existing structural columns, beams and stairs as well as mechanical and plumbing equipment were also something the BE team had to work with.

“We had to work around the foundation and get creative about hiding things,” said Seiler.

The hallway, which lies between previously unsightly structural supports, was designed with two lighted-radius niches, three-dimensional wainscoting and pendant lighting to create a passageway between the theater room and bar area. BE also worked with cumbersome plumbing and duct work to create coffered, recessed and loft ceilings. They also repositioned the sump pump to be concealed, yet accessible, within built-in cabinetry. BE calculated and figured that the new space would require a new heating schematic and an auxiliary furnace as well as a new ejector pump to accommodate the new bathroom.

While these obstacles may have thrown some contractors for a loop, they actually worked in favor of both the contractors and the homeowners. The Strickers originally envisioned an open space, a great room of sorts. Instead, Seiler explained to them what could be gained from working with the existing structure of the basement and creating rooms for the family’s multiple needs.

“The individual spaces are wonderful,” said Scott, in retrospect. “It’s like a home down here. It doesn’t look like a basement.”

The Strickers’ basement includes a home gym, office space, billiard area, home theater and bar area, playroom and room for storage.

“The kids love it,” said Patrice. “And, as they get older, they will love having their own space.”

The Strickers have a basement they love and the journey to it was hardly the nightmare they imagined it could be.

“The craftsmen were great,” said Patrice. “They’re in your house—our sanctuary. It’s a job site, but it’s also our home. Everyone was polite and clean. They even helped me with the groceries a couple of times.”

BE works with many reliable tradespeople. This not only ensures courtesy but also allows the company to work on multiple projects at a time, so their clients aren’t kept waiting.

“We try to do everything promptly, but we don’t want to compromise quality,” said Seiler. “We take pride in the fact that we can tell a client, such as the Strickers, that a project will take 55 days and then do it. This comes from my professional background, working in commercial development.”

“Basement Escapes is unique because they execute this approach and, of course, they specialize in basements,” Patrice added.

“The building boom has left an inventory of unfinished basements,” said Seiler. “This niche of luxury basement work is a place I see myself able to serve.”

“People just need to rethink the open layout,” added Patrice. “We are so happy with the result.”

“It is so good to hear that,” replied Seiler, with a satisfied grin to match the Strickers."