Finding more room in a Charlestown row house by digging out the basement

Lynn and Ted Turner's century-old Victorian farmhouse in Whitefish Bay has undergone a series of significant renovations over the past three decades, transforming it into a personalized and functional living space. The most recent and extensive project involved installing an Endless Pool in their basement. Initially intended as an above-ground resistance pool for Lynn's hip replacement recovery, the low ceiling height necessitated a change of plans. This led to a major undertaking: a two-foot-deep excavation into the concrete basement floor to partially submerge the pool. The renovation, which took a year of planning and another year of construction, involved a team of five workers and extensive dirt removal, culminating in their first swim in December 2013. The basement, once a storage area for forgotten items, was transformed into a spa-like oasis. Original brickwork was left exposed, and neutral stone tile now surrounds the pool. A former doorway was converted into an alcove for a Buddha statue, and a new bathroom was added conveniently near the pool. Beyond the pool area, the basement now features an additional family room, which the Turners use for watching football games and playing cards. A storage closet was cleverly repurposed into a climate-controlled wine cellar, housing bottles from their travels and waiting for special occasions. A pantry area was also incorporated, providing extra refrigeration and storage for infrequently used kitchen appliances. The Turners, who celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary, have meticulously curated their belongings throughout their home, blending inherited pieces, travel finds, and art fair acquisitions. Approximately 90% of their furniture holds a family connection, reflecting a blend of old and new, modern and classic styles. Their renovation journey began 15 years ago, initially addressing hazardous winder stairs in the basement. This project expanded to include a family room addition off the kitchen and a tiled mudroom. Subsequent renovations involved converting a sun porch into a master bathroom with a steam shower and whirlpool tub, updating the main floor powder room, and tackling the home's four bedrooms, living room, and dining room. Lynn demonstrates a keen eye for maximizing space, incorporating pocket doors to separate rooms like the dining room and kitchen, and installing a hidden Zoom-Bed in her office cabinetry. The couple has worked with Bob Prindeville from Design Group Three for nearly all their renovation projects. While extensive, certain areas remain on their future renovation list, including replacing the home's siding and renovating the attic, which is described as a beautiful space as large as the entire house. When asked about design ideas, Lynn mentions Houzz as a valuable resource. The article concludes with an invitation for readers to submit their own unique living spaces to be featured in the 'At Home' series. #HomeRenovation #BasementRemodel #PoolInstallation #VictorianFarmhouse #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #FamilyHome #WineCellar #SpaceMaximization

Mike Hancock, a former nuclear power plant project manager with an engineering background, established Basement Contractors of Oklahoma in 1994. Upon moving to Oklahoma, he observed a significant absence of proper basements in residential construction, where typical foundation companies offered unreinforced stem walls, leading to frequent water problems. Despite this, commercial properties in the area featured underground parking and walk-out basements, indicating the feasibility of such structures. Hancock identified an opportunity to introduce properly constructed residential basements to the market. He began building houses with basements on sloped lots, which were typically cheaper, allowing for walk-out designs. This initiative attracted the attention of local builders, who then sought his services. Basement Contractors of Oklahoma successfully cultivated a market for residential basements, now constructing approximately 70 residential basements annually. Hancock's approach extends beyond just building; he provides engineering services to homebuilders, guiding them on site treatment after his crew completes the basement. He also conducts educational classes for the local building community, in collaboration with organizations like the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and a local concrete supplier. These classes cover the physics of proper basement construction, backfilling techniques, and appropriate landscaping around foundations. Hancock emphasizes a comprehensive service model, offering everything related to the basement, including drainage, waterproofing, and flatwork, allowing builders to focus on framing. Additionally, the company offers structural engineering services for framing, decks, and HVAC system design, and can extend its concrete work beyond basements to include concrete decks, structural staircases, and above-grade walls. Currently, basements account for about 70% of the company's sales, with home and commercial building making up 15%, and other areas such as engineering and specialty applications comprising the remaining 15%. Approximately a decade ago, Basement Contractors expanded into building insulated above-grade concrete walls, completing about 20 homes and several light commercial properties using this method. Hancock notes a growing momentum in the green building market, though he acknowledges that economic considerations often influence homeowners' decisions. He highlights that an insulated concrete home, leveraging the thermal mass of its walls, offers superior environmental stability and represents a cost-effective green building investment for homeowners, with returns realized through energy savings. In the commercial sector, there's a rising inclination towards thermally efficient construction to minimize exposure to damage in industrial zones while maintaining architectural appeal, where concrete, in various forms like tilt-up, poured-in-place, or Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs), is a suitable material. Basement Contractors' crews are proficient in multiple insulated concrete systems, including Thermomass, ThermaEZE, and E-MAXX, all used with aluminum forms, and are trained on major ICF brands. Hancock selects the optimal system based on project specifics, for instance, favoring Thermomass when both sides of a wall are exposed for finishing, or using E-MAXX or ThermaEZE with external foam when brick siding is planned. For enhanced soundproofing and internal sheetrock, foam can be placed on both interior and exterior. ICFs are utilized for specific construction scenarios like one-sided pours or against existing structures in remodels. For energy efficiency, particularly in southern climates like Oklahoma, basement walls are often left uninsulated to exploit the consistent 65-degree Fahrenheit soil temperature, which helps cool the house. In such climates, the priority is to insulate against exterior heat transfer, allowing warmer indoor air to dissipate into the cooler ground via uninsulated basement walls. The company also incorporates fly ash and blast slag into concrete mixes, substituting cement with industrial waste for a greener product. A recent significant project demonstrating the company's green building expertise is an 8,000-square-foot Greek Orthodox church in Norman, Oklahoma, featuring insulated concrete walls and a walk-out basement. Initially planned as an ICF build, Hancock re-engineered it into an insulated poured-wall project, proving more economical and energy-efficient. The use of Thermomass panels within the concrete walls mitigated concerns about hail damage to external foam. The church also includes stained concrete floors, stucco exterior, plaster interior, and a design that eliminates the need for a joist ledge. Basement Contractors of Oklahoma has successfully demonstrated the versatility and benefits of concrete construction, establishing a basement market where none existed and delivering energy-efficient buildings that result in long-term savings for owners. The company recently commenced construction on its 500th basement, an 8,000-square-foot house aiming for LEED for Homes Platinum and NAHB Emerald green certifications. This project features concrete construction from the basement to the roof soffit, with Thermomass-insulated concrete walls, a high fly ash concrete mix, and factory-pre-cut foam panels to reduce on-site waste. Additional green features include geothermal heating/cooling, a clay tile roof, and reclaimed materials like wood floors, rafters, doors, and antique fixtures. #BasementConstruction #ConcreteFoundations #GreenBuilding #EnergyEfficiency #InsulatedConcreteForms #Thermomass #ResidentialConstruction #CommercialBuilding #OklahomaConstruction

This article, titled "Homestyle: Awesome basements," explores the concept of transforming basements into functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Often overlooked, basements hold significant potential for expanding a home's usable area and enhancing its overall value. The article emphasizes that with thoughtful design and strategic planning, these subterranean spaces can be reimagined to suit a variety of needs, from entertainment zones to guest suites or home offices. The content highlights the versatility of basement renovations. Rather than serving merely as storage areas or utility rooms, basements can be converted into vibrant extensions of the main living quarters. This transformation typically involves addressing common basement challenges such as moisture control, inadequate lighting, and temperature regulation. Modern renovation techniques and materials are often employed to create environments that are not only comfortable but also seamlessly integrated with the rest of the home's aesthetic. The article showcases diverse examples of successful basement remodels, illustrating how different design choices can cater to various lifestyles and preferences. For instance, some basements are converted into dedicated home theaters, complete with surround sound systems and comfortable seating, providing a unique cinematic experience. Others are designed as playrooms for children, featuring durable flooring and creative storage solutions, or as private gyms equipped with exercise machinery. Furthermore, the article touches upon the practicality of adding extra bedrooms and bathrooms in the basement. This can be particularly beneficial for growing families or those who frequently host guests, effectively increasing the home's capacity and privacy for occupants. The integration of proper ventilation, egress windows, and appropriate insulation are crucial considerations for ensuring safety and comfort in these living areas. Another significant aspect discussed is the potential for basements to become personalized retreats. This might involve creating a quiet reading nook, a dedicated hobby room, or a sophisticated wine cellar. The design process often includes selecting finishes, furniture, and lighting that contribute to a desired ambiance, whether it's cozy and intimate or bright and contemporary. In essence, the article serves as an inspiration and guide for homeowners considering a basement renovation. It underlines that with creativity and attention to detail, a basement can evolve from an underutilized space into a cherished part of the home, significantly enhancing both its functionality and appeal. #Homestyle #BasementDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LivingSpaces #HomeImprovement #HomeDecor