The challenge and the problem that we encountered here was that this basement included exposed metal lally columns, open stairs, walls, and plumbing pipes.

We solved this problem by installing conventional wood frame walls using treated lumber in contact with the concrete.

We wrapped the metal lally columns in wood, subsequently wrapped them again, and plastered them. We then created a cubby area under the stairs for such items as a TV, VCR, and tape storage. We added a 1/2 wall with a wood cap handrail to the stairs.

We then created more built-in shelving that included a curio shelf installed to the left of the door and two sets of built-in open book shelves with a wood area above for open glass shelving to the right of the door.

Our final touch included finished walls, colonial style doors and moldings, and a black suspended ceiling that gave this area a pub-style of ambiance. The back wall includes a walk-in style closet and a double louvered door in front of all mechanicals.

We completed this 600 square-foot addition of space to the home by adding finished windows with 16" ledges.