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
Basement Remodeling in Johnson County and Kansas City for Lower Levels That Work Harder
A finished basement should feel like part of the home, not leftover square footage. Built by Design plans high-end lower levels around layout, comfort, storage, entertaining, code needs, 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
For Johnson County and Kansas City homeowners, a basement remodel can take pressure off the rest of the house. It can create a place to entertain, give kids room to spread out, add a guest suite, support a home gym, hold a media room, or finally give the lower level 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, how the basement connects to the main level, and what the existing conditions will allow.
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 around real service scope: lower-level entertaining, bars, lounges, guest space, bathrooms, gyms, theaters, media rooms, storage, play areas, game rooms, and everyday living.
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
COST AND SCOPE
What affects basement remodeling cost?
Basement finishing costs are not driven by square footage alone. Two basements can be the same size and land in very different places depending on plumbing, cabinetry, code needs, lighting, moisture work, and finish level.
Built by Design does not publish generic pricing because it can mislead homeowners before the scope is understood. The planning conversation is where the cost drivers get named clearly.
Size and layout
Larger lower levels, more rooms, and more defined zones usually mean more framing, drywall, flooring, lighting, and finish coordination.
Plumbing and bathrooms
Bathrooms, wet bars, laundry work, and drain locations can affect scope quickly because they involve plumbing, fixtures, ventilation, and code requirements.
Bars and built-ins
Custom cabinetry, beverage refrigeration, sinks, islands, shelving, counters, and lighting can turn a basement into a real entertaining space, but they need to be planned early.
Egress, code, and existing conditions
Bedroom plans, windows, stairs, ceiling height, moisture, mechanical access, and electrical needs all shape what can be built safely and cleanly.
Lighting and electrical
Basements need layered lighting, enough outlets, media wiring, gym or bar power, and switching that makes sense for how each zone is used.
Finish level
Flooring, tile, trim, doors, hardware, cabinetry, counters, fixtures, and wall details drive how polished the final lower level feels.
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.
Before finishes take over the conversation, the plan needs to answer practical questions: where moisture needs attention, whether egress is required, how the lighting should be layered, what mechanical access must stay reachable, where storage belongs, and how traffic should move from one zone to the next.
The goal is a lower level that feels 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
Explore real basement projects that show how layout, lighting, storage, bathrooms, bars, gyms, and gathering spaces come together when the lower level is planned with real use in mind.
Lenexa basement with bar and gym
Lenexa, KS
A finished basement with a custom bar, lounge, gym, bathroom, built-ins, brick detail, and warm modern finishes.
Lower level, addition, and outdoor living
Kansas City area
A multi-phase remodel with a finished lower level, custom media wall, bar, bathroom, addition, and outdoor living space.
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. Built by Design talks through schedule expectations once the 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. Built by Design can help you understand which choices are driving scope before numbers get too far along.
Does Built by Design remodel basements in Overland Park, Lenexa, and Kansas City?
Yes. Built by Design works with homeowners across Johnson County and the Kansas City area, including basement remodeling and basement finishing projects in communities such as Overland Park and Lenexa.
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.