Skip to content

Gerard and Lexi's Manheim Township Basement Remodel

Cozy and Playful: A Basement Designed for Family Living

Project Goals:
  • Create a safe, comfortable play space where their son could move, explore, and burn off energy during the winter months.

  • Design an open, flexible layout that could grow with their family — from playtime now to hosting, lounging, and relaxing in the future.

  • Add convenient features for everyday living, including comfortable carpet, a half bathroom, and reliable temperature control.

Basement Cost Category: Entertainment Zone
Manheim Township Basement Before Remodel Manheim Township Basement After Remodel

Project Overview

What started as an unfinished, unused basement became a warm and inviting extension of this family’s living space. With a young son at home and winter approaching, the homeowners dreamed of a place where he could safely play, move, and use his imagination—without feeling confined to the main floor. They wanted the basement to feel just as welcoming and livable as the rest of the home, while staying flexible enough to evolve with their family over time.

The finished basement now feels bright, comfortable, and purposeful. Thoughtful design choices create an open layout that’s perfect for playtime, family gatherings, and everyday living. Soft finishes make the space feel cozy and safe, while subtle design accents add personality and warmth. The result is a basement that not only solves their everyday challenges, but also gives their family room to grow, play, and make memories together.

Headshot_Madison Wanner

Project Designer

Madison Wanner

Marsha-Hanna-McLennan-Contracting

Project Manager

Marsha Hanna

Project Gallery

Design Concepts

Manheim Township Basement Design Rendering
Manheim Township Basement Design Rendering

Scope of Work

To transform this unfinished basement into a livable family space, our team started by creating a layout that balanced openness with function. We framed the basement to define zones for play, lounging, storage, and a future-friendly half bathroom, while keeping the main area open for maximum flexibility. Insulation, drywall, trim, and paint gave the space a polished, finished feel that blended seamlessly with the rest of the home.

Comfort and safety were major priorities. We installed cozy wall-to-wall carpet to create a soft surface for play, added rounded drywall edges in the under-stairs nook, and selected durable finishes designed to hold up to daily family life. A new split HVAC system was added to give the homeowners full control over the basement temperature, ensuring it stays warm in winter and comfortable year-round. Updated lighting brightened the space and eliminated the dark, unfinished feel.

We also incorporated thoughtful details that made the basement feel intentional rather than “just finished.” The under-stair “Harry Potter nook” was designed as a special hideaway for their son, complete with finished walls and soft materials. The electrical panel was recessed and finished cleanly to blend into the room, and an accent wall created a focal point in the entertainment area. Finally, storage areas were organized and enclosed so the family could keep the basement tidy without losing valuable utility space.

Together, these details turned a cold, unused basement into a space that feels warm, livable, and designed with this family’s everyday life in mind.

Project Timeline

Project Development Start

August 11, 2025

Production Start

October 21, 2025

Project Completion

December 8, 2025

Because this family had a clear vision and made decisions quickly, the project moved smoothly through Project Development and into construction. Once our team began building, progress was steady as the space took shape — from framing and mechanical work to finishes and final touches. Once construction starts, a typical basement remodel takes about 4-8+ weeks, and this project came in right around the 7-week mark. The result was a finished space ready just in time for the winter season, giving their family the extra room they needed when they needed it most.