Downsizing

How about this for downsizing?   We compressed our entire lives from our previous 1200 sq ft of living space to an amazingly cozy 195 sq ft!

"The Bunker" is officially complete, except for doors and few minor finishes.  We transformed the lower level of our house from a typical dirty old basement, into new living space.  We are now living in the bunker while we complete the construction of the upper two floors.  Our new found space consists of a full bathroom, a laundry alcove, two closets, a storage/mechanical room, and a home office that we are currently using as our bedroom.  All total -195sf of finished space.

Before we began work, the basement was a mess! The old stone walls were crumbling from differential settlement, utilities were haphazardly running everywhere, the concrete floor was 3-4 inches out of level, and the stair was caveing in on itself. To give you an idea of what we have been up to all summer long, here is a summarized list of all of the work done in the basement:

• First floor leveled - masonry pockets re-worked and joist shimmed +/- 4"
• Existing basement stair removed
• New concrete spread footing poured
• New stair opening cut and framed wider for comfort and appliances
• All stone walls parged and sealed w/ hydraulic sealer
• All existing utilities removed - electrical, gas lines, water supply, DWV, Furnace, and duct work
• New partitions framed
• All new plumbing installed. - water supply and DWV - including trenched under-slab waste lines
• Sewage ejector installed - bunker bathroom is below the house house drain
• New electrical - power and lighting
• Wallboard installed
• Painting all walls and ceilings w/ shellac primer and latex top coat
• Porcelain tile floor installed
• Ceramic subway tile tub surround installed
• New cabinets for sink vanity and laundry alcove
• New storage shelving installed   

Take a look at some process photos:

Laundry Alcove: 

 

Bunker Sink and Vanity:

 

Bunker Shower Tub & Toilet:

 

In future posts, we will go into greater detail on specific materials selected. ie: plumbing fixtures, lighting, tile flooring, etc.  Next post - we will share a floor plan of "the bunker."