Featured basement remodel
Overland Park, KS
A finished lower level with a custom bar, lounge, game space, bathroom, gym, and everyday room to spread out.
BASEMENT REMODELING
Luxury Basement Remodeling for Lower Levels That Deserve Better Than Leftover Space
A finished basement should feel like part of the home, not the room everyone apologizes for before turning on the lights. Built by Design plans lower levels around comfort, layout, storage, entertaining, and the details that make the space feel finished.
MORE THAN FINISHED SQUARE FOOTAGE
A better basement starts with what the space is supposed to do
Basements can do a lot: entertain guests, give kids room to spread out, create a private guest suite, add a gym, hold a home theater, or finally give the house a proper bar and lounge. But the best lower levels aren't just packed with features. They're planned around how people will actually use the space.
That means thinking through lighting, ceiling height, moisture, mechanical access, sound, storage, traffic flow, and how the lower level connects to the rest of the home.
What we plan around
- Ceiling height
- Moisture control
- Mechanical access
- Lighting
- Storage
- Traffic flow
What your lower level can become
The right basement remodel can add some of the most useful square footage in the home when it's planned correctly.
Custom bar and lounge
A finished place to host, watch games, pour drinks, and make the lower level feel like somewhere people want to be.
Home theater or media room
A darker, quieter space designed around comfort, sound, seating, lighting, and screen placement.
Guest suite
A private lower-level setup with better comfort, storage, bathroom access, and room for overnight guests.
Home gym
A practical fitness space with the right flooring, lighting, ventilation, and layout.
Kids' hangout space
Room for games, movies, friends, and mess that doesn't take over the main level.
Wine room or speakeasy
A more refined lower-level feature that adds character, storage, and a reason to show people downstairs.
Game room
A flexible space for pool, cards, built-ins, screens, seating, and storage.
Home office or flex space
A quieter lower-level room for work, hobbies, guests, or whatever the main level can't comfortably handle.
Golf simulator
A dedicated practice and hangout zone planned around ceiling height, screen placement, lighting, seating, and equipment storage.
What Built by Design helps plan
A good basement remodel has to solve what you see and what you don't. The pretty parts matter, but so do the hidden conditions that decide whether the space works long-term.
Lower-level layout planning
Custom bar and cabinetry planning
Lighting layout and fixture coordination
Bathroom and guest suite planning
Flooring, trim, and finish selections
Moisture and comfort considerations
Egress and code planning
Mechanical access and storage planning
Sound and media room considerations
THE DETAILS MATTER DOWNSTAIRS
A finished basement only works when the planning does
A basement has different rules than the main level. Ceiling height, concrete floors, plumbing locations, ductwork, windows, moisture, stair placement, and mechanical systems all affect what can be built and how good the finished space will feel.
The goal is to make the lower level feel intentional, comfortable, and connected to the rest of the home, not like someone finished whatever space was left over.
HOW THE PROCESS STARTS
How the process starts
Every lower level is different, but the first step is the same: understand what the space needs to become and what the existing conditions will allow.
Initial conversation
We talk through the home, the goals for the lower level, and whether the project feels aligned.
Lower-level goals and layout planning
We look at how the basement should function, what rooms or features are involved, and how people will move through the space.
Design direction and selections
Finishes, lighting, cabinetry, flooring, tile, and other details start to shape the look and feel of the space.
Scope and investment planning
We talk through what's included, what affects cost, and what needs to be confirmed before construction starts.
Build phase
The work moves forward with coordination, communication, and attention to the conditions that matter in a lower level.
Final walkthrough
The finished space is reviewed for details, function, and completion.
PROJECT PROOF
Basement work should be easy to see
Use this section for real Built by Design basement photography and case studies once final photos and project notes are added.
Lower-level bar and lounge
Basement entertaining space
A lower level planned around hosting, seating, storage, lighting, and the details that make people want to stay downstairs.
LOWER-LEVEL FEEDBACK
Basements homeowners actually live in
Theater spaces, gathering areas, and finished lower levels that feel like part of the home, not an afterthought.
Our home theater is now the coziest, most luxurious space, we use it almost every night.
“The theater is hands-down our favorite part of the basement. Kristen turned it into the perfect place to watch movies, games, and everything in between. The setup feels high-end but still super comfortable. It's like having a private cinema at home. She really thought of everything, and now it's where we spend most of our evenings as a family.”
Our basement feels like a whole new level of our home. Kristen and Mike did an incredible job.
“Mike and Kristen did an incredible job on our basement, and they made the behind-the-scenes so easy. We weren't expecting such clear communication during the process, but we certainly got it! The blue island is the centerpiece and we get compliments on it every time someone comes over. The space feels open, inviting, and perfect for hosting. The team was so easy to work with and made sure every detail came together just right. It honestly feels like we added another level to our house, not just a basement. Couldn't be happier with the outcome.”
Our basement feels like a true extension of our home.
“Our basement remodel turned out better than we imagined. The mix of textures, the stone countertops, and the way the space flows all make it feel really special. It's comfortable for everyday use but also perfect when we have people over. BBD was great to work with from start to finish. They kept us in the loop, made sure details were right, and gave us a space that feels like part of the home, not just a basement. We absolutely love it. We get home from work and race to the basement!”
FAQ
Questions homeowners ask first
Practical planning context—your project team confirms what applies after a walkthrough and written scope review.
How long does a basement remodel usually take?
Timeline depends on the basement size, layout, bathroom or bar work, selections, permitting, and existing conditions. Confirm what to expect for your job with Built by Design once scope is clearer.
What should we consider before finishing a basement?
Start with moisture, ceiling height, mechanical access, lighting, egress, plumbing locations, storage, and what the space actually needs to do.
Can Built by Design add a bar, bathroom, theater, or guest suite?
Yes. Those features can be part of a basement remodel when the layout, plumbing, code requirements, and budget support them.
Do basement remodels need permits?
Many basement projects require permits, especially when electrical, plumbing, framing, bathrooms, or egress are involved. Final permit language should be confirmed for the specific city and project.
What kind of budget should we expect for a luxury basement remodel?
Budget depends on the size of the lower level, features included, finish level, bathroom or bar work, and existing conditions. Publish dollar examples only when your team signs off on them.
READY TO TALK?
Ready to make the lower level worth showing off?
Tell us what you want the basement to become, what's currently down there, and which features matter most. We'll help you understand whether the project is a fit and what the next step should be.