Wise Basement Remodel Earns 2019 NARI CotY Award
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) named Wise Design & Remodel a Minnesota Contractor of the Year for this project at the trade group’s annual CotY Awards dinner on Nov. 12, 2019. The project won in the Basement Under $100,000 category. NARI judges recognized the remodel for improving functionality and aesthetics, innovative problem solving, superior craftsmanship and meeting the clients’ needs. Nearly 340 fellow NARI members and guests attended the event at ARIA Minneapolis.
Wise Design & Remodel President Philip Hide, left, with 2019 CotY Award and NARI President Guy Selinske at annual awards dinner on Nov. 12, 2019.
Mary and Stu’s Golden Valley basement was a disaster. Previous owners had done a crude job of finishing it themselves in the 1970s. Since then, it had water issues and hazardous asbestos floor tiles were lifting. HVAC ducts and beams compromised headroom. Obtrusive structural posts divided the space. The wood-burning fireplace had back drafted dangerously and blackened the yellow brick surround. The only egress was up the narrow, head-tilting stairs. And small, un-insulated top-swing windows provided minimal natural light and ventilation.
The couple wanted a comfortable, safe, private lounge area, modern bath, and better laundry. After installing an egress window and drain tile, they chose Wise Design and Remodel to design and build out the new space.
Philip Hide and his trade partners addressed and overcame each obstacle to create a beautiful and functional environment that exceeds the simple man cave the clients had first imagined. The new space features an open lounge area with a gas fireplace and large wall-mounted TV. Tile bath, improved laundry with café hinge door and efficient under stairs storage with custom doors.
Mary says the project doubled their living space and was well worth the expense. Here are the highlights:
Comfort Features
- Walls and rim joists are insulated with spray foam for maximum R-value and HVAC registers are strategically positioned for even heat.
- The fireplace is fitted with an efficient sealed-combustion gas insert to improve heating efficiency, air quality, fire safety and convenience.
Headroom Gains
- HVAC ducts were moved alongside the central support beam to minimize the soffit width. The soffit is finished with 3/8-in. beadboard rather than standard framing and drywall to gain 1-5/8-in. of headroom.
- The main beam down the center of the basement is left unclad and finished dark.
- The ceiling framing at the bottom of the stairs was modified and finished with bead board to reduce the need for head tilting.
Open, versatile floor plan
- The upper portions of structural posts are finished unclad and bottoms enlarged with bead board bases and drink rails to transform concrete posts into attractive, functional design elements.
- The door to the storage area was customized to fit under the beam.
Floor Upgrade
- Certified technicians dissolved and removed the asbestos-laced floor tile adhesive. The concrete surface was leveled and finished with durable, easy-clean Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring that resembles wood.
Design Details
- Granite and quartz remnants were used for the fireplace mantel, bathroom vanity top and windowsills to add attractive, quality elements to those areas.
- The laundry door features a themed glass insert for character and allow light to enter the area.
- Service access to plumbing was concealed with discrete, attractive and removable covers.
Better Bathroom
- The new ¾ bath was installed near the laundry room to shorten the waste line and eliminate history of clogging.
- A glass block window admits natural light without sacrificing privacy.
Enhanced Laundry
- The laundry was replumbed, rewired and enlarged.
- A 180-degree swing café style door with decorative glass insert provides hands free access and light.
- The family cat can access a discrete litter box via a pet door in the wall.
