The Story
John’s Fox Point home had a beautiful main floor, but its divided layout made it difficult for him and his daughter to comfortably gather with friends.
Downstairs, the unfinished basement offered plenty of square footage but no practical way to use it. The Build It Right team transformed the lower level into a welcoming entertainment space complete with a wet bar, a full bathroom, and a home gym — the space this home had been missing.
Fox Point, WI
3 months
$165,000
“I am remarkably lucky someone recommended him for the job. He is by far the best, most thorough, and professional contractor I’ve ever worked with. He is incredibly up-front and accurate about costs and timelines, which he laid out in remarkable detail at the start of the project. All changes to the initial plan were discussed thoroughly, and there were never any surprises, which is rare. I Couldn’t be happier with the quality and appearance of the finished project, truly an outstanding job. Highly recommended.”
— John, Fox Point, WI
The basement was dark and unfinished, with exposed pipes, ductwork, mechanical equipment, and no defined rooms. While it provided storage and space for exercise equipment, it was not organized or comfortable enough for entertaining, working out, or spending time together.
The basement had enough room for an entertainment area, bathroom, and gym, but it wasn’t set up in a way that made it easy to use naturally. John had plenty of square footage downstairs, but no comfortable way to enjoy it with his daughter or guests.
By enclosing the utilities and designing around the existing sump crock and water meter, the unused lower level could be turned into a functional, connected space without unnecessarily relocating major systems.
The Chief Architect plan divided the open basement into three purposeful areas: an entertainment room with a wet bar, a dedicated home gym, and a full bathroom.
A new 60-inch-by-48-inch egress window introduced natural light and a code-compliant exit. Existing utilities remained in place where practical, helping keep the project focused and within budget.
3D renderings gave John a clear vision of the wet bar, cabinetry, open shelving, egress window, and overall room arrangement before construction began. He could see how the finished spaces would connect and feel confident about the plan before the work moved forward.
The finished basement is a bright, organized lower level centered around a wet bar and comfortable entertainment area.
A full bathroom and enclosed home gym give John and his daughter more ways to use the home, all without changing its exterior footprint. Each room serves a distinct purpose, while the connected layout allows the basement to feel open, comfortable, and cohesive.
Client Must Haves
Dark-stained Showplace cabinetry, black quartz countertops, and white subway tile give the wet bar a polished look that complements the rest of the home. A full-size refrigerator, open shelving, and ample storage make it easy to entertain downstairs without crowding the main floor.
Blue-gray tile, a herringbone shower floor, matte black fixtures, and frameless glass give the lower-level bathroom the same level of detail and finish found throughout the rest of the home.
A new 60-inch-by-48-inch egress window introduces natural light into the lower level while providing a code-compliant exit. Recessed LED lighting keeps the rest of the lower level bright and comfortable.
Glass double doors open into a dedicated home gym, creating separation from the entertainment area without making the basement feel divided or enclosed.
Custom drawers turn an awkward wet-bar corner into practical, easy-to-access storage.
Custom wood doors conceal the electrical panel and security equipment creating a cleaner finished appearance.
A near-flush refrigerator and pull-out trash drawer keep the bar's lines clean.
One flooring material connects the entertainment room and hallway, while tile in the bathroom and rubber flooring in the gym provide durability where needed.
Stained maple cabinets and black hardware create a consistent look across the wet bar and surrounding millwork.
Rockwool insulation in the ceilings and spray foam along the exterior walls improve comfort, reduce sound transfer, and help the finished rooms maintain a consistent temperature.
The result
John’s basement now provides the gathering space the divided main floor could not. The wet bar, bathroom, and gym each serve a distinct purpose, while the connected layout makes the entire lower level feel like a natural extension of the home.
What was once unused space beneath the house is now one of the places John and his daughter enjoy most.
Contact Us
We can help you see what is possible within the walls you already have.
Your home should grow with you. Whether you’re opening your layout, modernizing your space, or finishing your basement, our team is ready to bring your vision to life.
