project profile
Chevy Chase Basement Renovation Timelapse Video

Homeowner Challenge:

The homeowners living in this Chevy Chase, Maryland residence wished to remodel their basement to create additional recreation and entertaining space that reflects the beautiful craftsmanship and finishes found throughout the rest of the home. The goal of this design build renovation project was to create a multi-use space that would suit the needs of the family’s young children as well as the adults.

The BOWA Solution:

Special care was taken from demolition to completion to ensure the safety of the younger, very curious members of this active family. BOWA’s project manager installed multiple zippered walls to limit access at all times, and provided careful on-site supervision during business hours. To ensure restricted access, all construction traffic was routed around the home directly to the lower-level, which was sometimes challenging due to the tight space.
The existing basement was awkward and poorly finished at best. The homeowner wished to open up the space while still maintaining dedicated areas for entertaining, exercise, gaming and preparing food and drink. Additionally, they didn’t want to give up the rich, warm finishes featured on the upper levels, such as custom woodwork and hardwood flooring, even though they realized that a basement was susceptible to damp conditions or even flooding. The flooring issue was resolved by using chestnut-colored Antico porcelain tiles, which imitate beautiful hardwood floors.

Reconfigured to open up lines of sight and improve flow, the new space includes a kitchenette, designed specifically for ease of use by all. For instance, the microwave was installed at a kid-friendly height to allow the children to pop a bag of popcorn or fix a snack themselves. The new bar feature is on the opposite end and is well suited for adult entertaining.

Project Highlights:

• Custom cabinets, in a natural finish with black glaze, and granite countertops
• GE Profile refrigerator, oven, microwave and wine center, along with a Bosch dishwasher
• Custom wainscoting and moldings were installed and finished to match the existing media and storage unit in the main area of the basement