The Ultimate Sports Basement — Project Profile

These Alabama homeowners were ready to reclaim their basement space to welcome friends and family on game day. They got what they wanted.

“The homeowners initially called us because parts of their basement just didn't function the way they needed, and the bathroom needed a facelift,” explains Liz Kennedy, Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer with Elm Construction, LLC. “As you can tell in the project photos, they are huge sports fans and wanted to be able to highlight the memorabilia they have collected throughout the years, as well as enjoy multiple games at a time with their guests.”

As part of an extensive remodel, engineered flooring was installed throughout for a warm feel from the bottom up. Painted white walls and sprayed black open ceilings create a

backdrop for the family’s sports memorabilia that has been collected over the years.

Notable aspects of this basement remodel include a doorway that was enclosed between adjoining rooms. Adding closets to each of these rooms, as well as adding a window

in one of the rooms, allowed one area to serve as a separate entertainment area with a sectional sofa, and the other to be a private bedroom. One of the closets also functions as the space for the new HVAC equipment to service the downstairs. 

A wall was framed at the laundry area to create a cutoff/privacy point to the washer and dryer, as well as provide a space to house the new electrical panel, which the basement required.

The old bathroom was completely gutted, and Elm Construction installed a full-size shower with glass tile and mosaic floor with matte black plumbing fixtures. Floating shelves with a stained wood finish provided a warm contrast.

New bathroom.

The main living area allows for multiple areas of entertainment. (1) At the end of the room is a poker-table area, which includes an overhead cable track light to feature the client’s jerseys and collectibles. (2) The TV area provides space for multiple games to be viewed at once, with more memorabilia featured on the opposite wall with a second cable track light system. (3) The prized jewel of the basement is the custom-built bar area.

Poker alcove.

The most complex and visited space of this entertaining area, the bar includes a large wall niche with a third cable track light system, which gives even more space to highlight sports memories adjacent to the functional wet bar. An undermount sink and matte black faucet provide the bar with the functionality the homeowners desired, along with a microwave drawer, wine fridge and beverage refrigerator. The wrought iron custom shelving units accent the antique mirror backsplash and the matte black, textured glass pendant. Quartz countertops provide ample service space in contrast with the black cabinetry.

Awesome new bar.

Island with microwave.

All ceilings are left open to provide more height throughout the space, while the wood floor provides a contrasting warmth. 

Kennedy notes some of the challenges associated with a major basement remodel. “Some of the challenges we faced included the HVAC system,” she explains. “The original location plan was not going to be functional, so we had to change the direction in how the HVAC would operate, and also change the trunk-line size for optimal height in the finished space.”

She adds, “A concrete platform had to be removed where an original washer and dryer were housed, and we had to coordinate with a waterproofing company to install waterproofing barriers and to pump water onto the other side of the driveway. And due to the open ceiling concept, gaps and penetrations had to be sealed and insulated for code purposes between the basement and main floor.”

The result of all the work is stunning. Between the four TVs on display, the relaxing sofa room, and the spotlights on collectibles, the basement is now a sports enthusiast’s dream entertainment space.

Before/After

Elm Construction LLC utilizes a design-build process that allows for better coordination between the designers and the contractor to create more efficient and buildable designs and a coordinated team approach. The company’s concept is to use one plan, one contract, and one unified flow of work from the initial concept, through construction, and into project completion. You can find out more about Elm Construction LLC at www.elmbuilds.com.