Basement Project Part 3... Almost done!

Throughout this long blustery winter I have been working on finishing a large basement along with several other smaller projects.  At the beginning the basement had one finished bedroom and bathroom.  The rest of the basement was unfinished.  Click here for a look back at where we started.

Since then we added a new beam in order to remove one of the supporting posts.  I also added another bedroom and an adjoining large walk-in closet with lots of built-in shelving and drawers.  There was an existing store-room that was completely open and I added lots of shelving to that as well.  The entire basement (walls/ceiling) was framed out, electric for lighting/plugs/switches was added, everything was insulated, dry walled, mudded/sanded, painted, windows/doors were trimmed and hung, and lots of lighting was added.  Before flooring was added I created a trench for the plumbers to add pipes to an island that will be added to a kitchen.  Currently the homeowners have chosen to have the area prepared for having a kitchen, but will add in the cabinets at a later date.  Flooring was added- carpet in most areas with a small area of vinyl tile for the future kitchen.  A custom solid wood stained backboard and basketball hoop along with a custom wood cover for an electric panel was added.  The one supporting post was wrapped and trimmed in solid wood.  The stairs were opened up by removing part of the wall and a custom wood platform was installed.

Here are some photos of the almost completed project.

Custom wood wrapped and trimmed post along with the custom basketball backboard and electric panel cover.

A solid wood ledge was added for visual interest (previously it was just drywall).  The added lighting helps make the nook inviting.

An extra door was added for more access to the storeroom.

Lots of extra shelving makes much better use of the space.  Below are the doors to the two bedrooms along with the interiors of the rooms.

Below are photos of the adjoining walk-in closet with lots of custom shelving and drawers to make efficient use of the space.

Below are photos of the opened up stairway and a quick look back at what it used to look like.

Before: closed off with a door.

Now: a beautiful custom wood platform, open railing with a nice contrast between the white spindles and risers and the dark wood stained pieces.

For a more detailed look back go to

Part 1: Catching up on the basement winter project

Part 2: Drywall progress on the basement project