Description of Work:

This project transformed an unfinished basement into a fully self-contained, ADA-compliant apartment built specifically for the homeowners’ elderly family members. The family originally weighed building a detached in-law suite, but after evaluating cost against the footprint they already had below grade, a basement conversion made far more sense. The existing space was large enough to support a true two-bedroom layout with room to spare.

Before any framing began, we worked with the town to secure the variances and permits required to legally classify the space as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). That included cutting the existing foundation to install 3-by-3 egress windows in both bedrooms, a code requirement for any below-grade sleeping space.

Inside, the unit is laid out around a central family area with two bedrooms and a full kitchen. The kitchen anchors the opposite end with an electric range, dishwasher, farmhouse-style sink, and a six-foot island finished in navy blue against classic white perimeter cabinetry. The two-tone palette keeps the space feeling bright despite being below grade.

Accessibility drove the bathroom design from the start. The ADA-compliant shower is built with a wide, low-threshold entry and a fixed bench, paired with brushed nickel grab bars and a single-sink vanity with built-in linen storage so daily essentials stay within reach.

For climate control, mini-splits and a Schluter heated floor system were installed throughout the apartment. Each zone is controlled by its own thermostat that’s fully programmable from a phone. A new side entrance finishes the conversion, giving the in-law unit private, accessible access independent of the main home.