Complete Basement Frame-up Remodel in Lansing, MI
- Christopher
- May 24
- 2 min read
Project Overview
A homeowner in Lansing wanted to convert an unfinished basement into usable living space. The concrete-shell floor had no interior walls, minimal lighting and no egress windows. Our goal was to frame and finish a family room with a wet bar, home office nook and powder room—meeting all code requirements and creating seamless integration with the main house.
Structural & Framing Work
Egress window installation: Excavated exterior wall, installed steel lintel and vinyl-clad egress window to satisfy safety and escape standards.
Steel support beam: Reinforced existing joists by installing a powder-coated steel I-beam on concrete piers to open up the floor plan.
Wall framing: Built 2×4 stud walls on pressure-treated bottom plates anchored to the slab; included blocking for cabinetry and fixtures.
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing
Rough-in plumbing: Ran PEX lines for bar sink and future powder-room fixtures; installed drain and vent stacks to code.
Electrical wiring: Installed dedicated circuits for wet bar refrigerator, recessed LED cans, wall outlets, data drops for the office and GFCI protection in wet areas.
HVAC integration: Extended forced-air ductwork with insulated flex runs and added a return grill to balance airflow.
Insulation & Drywall
Moisture control: Applied vapor barrier sheeting on exterior walls and sill plate sealant to guard against concrete moisture.
Insulation: Filled cavities with engineered fiberglass batts for R-13 wall insulation and R-30 ceiling insulation to improve energy efficiency and sound control.
Drywall: Hung mold-resistant, ½″ drywall on walls and ceilings; taped, sanded and skim-coated for a smooth finish.
Finishing Touches
Flooring: Laid luxury vinyl plank with click-lock installation, elevating the space above basement moisture.
Trim & millwork: Installed colonial baseboards, door and window casings, and a custom-built wet bar with shaker-style cabinetry and quartz countertop.
Painting & lighting: Painted walls in a warm, neutral tone and installed dimmable LED fixtures to create ambiance.
Cleanup & Final Walkthrough
Throughout the remodel, dust was contained with zip-wall barriers and floors protected with rosin paper. Debris was hauled away daily. On completion day, Christopher conducted a walkthrough with the homeowner—reviewing every detail, demonstrating the wet bar plumbing and handing over maintenance tips.
Benefits & Results
Brand-new egress window boosts natural light and safety
Open, code-compliant living space adds resale value
Energy-efficient insulation and lighting reduce utility costs
Turnkey service eliminates contractor coordination headaches
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