When Shannon and Matt first reached out to us, one thing was clear — they had outgrown their space. Living in a beautiful suburban neighborhood with little room to expand outward (and a budget to match), they needed a creative solution that didn’t compromise comfort or style.
Together, we discovered the perfect answer: transforming their unfinished basement into a functional and beautiful living space. With two growing boys eager for more independence, Shannon and Matt envisioned a retreat that would give everyone room to breathe — a cozy, private area downstairs for them, and the freedom for their kids to enjoy the upstairs.
A thoughtfully designed basement that feels less like a lower level and more like a natural extension of their home — crafted to fit their family’s lifestyle today and for years to come.
This basement did not come without its challenges, especially considering the home was built in the 1960s. Shannon and Matt reached out to us to help solve these challenges by utilizing our design-build approach while maintaining compliance with Massachusetts building code.
Some of those challenges included:
We worked closely with Shannon and Matt from day one — helping them visualize layout options and making smart, space-saving choices for their growing family and also a layout that worked with their budget.
Installing the emergency escape window required careful digging, shoring, and structural work to meet code without compromising the foundation or utilities.
We rerouted electrical and added a new ERV system (Energy Recovery Ventilator) per Massachusetts code to improve air quality in the newly conditioned space. An ERV exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering energy from the outgoing air, maintaining comfortable temperatures and humidity levels while ensuring proper ventilation.
Did you know? Proper ventilation is crucial for finished basements. Learn more about basement ventilation requirements and why they matter.
Our comprehensive finishing approach included:
Is your home bursting at the seams? Whether it’s an unfinished basement, an underutilized attic, or another untapped area, we can help you unlock your home’s full potential.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can bring your vision to life — on time, on budget, and built to last.
