Basement Remodel with Basement Bar in Seattle
Renova Contractors LLC recently completed a full basement remodel in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood, transforming an underutilized lower level into a warm, fully functional living space. The project included structural layout adjustments, new plumbing and electrical, built-ins, a custom bar, and full cosmetic finishes – all completed to Seattle code.
🛠️ Layout & Structural Adjustments
We reframed select sections of the basement to accommodate:
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- A dedicated entertainment area
- A custom basement bar
- Two built-in closets for storage and clothing
- All framing and drywall met Seattle Residential Code (SRC) fire-rating and egress standards.
- We ensured a minimum finished ceiling height of 7′-0″, per Seattle basement requirements.
🎨 Color & Finish Selections
- Walls: Painted in a soft greige tone (between warm gray and beige) for a modern but cozy look.
- Trim and doors: Finished in bright white satin for clean contrast.
- Flooring: Continuous LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring in a light natural oak tone, waterproof and scratch-resistant – perfect for a below-grade space.
- Recessed LED lights installed throughout, offering clean and even illumination with 4000K temperature for a neutral-white color tone.
🧰 Custom Built-ins
- We constructed two symmetrical built-in closets with shaker-style doors and upper cubbies for overflow storage.
- All closets include integrated lighting and adjustable shelving.
- These closets were custom built on-site, with wood panels scribed to uneven basement foundation surfaces, ensuring a seamless fit.
- Soft-close hardware was used for all doors and drawer fronts.
🍸 Basement Bar Construction
A custom basement bar was added along one wall, featuring:
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- Quartz countertop with eased edge
- Base cabinets painted in charcoal gray (color-matched to Benjamin Moore “Kendall Charcoal”)
- Undermount bar sink with a sleek brushed nickel faucet
- Mosaic tile backsplash with natural stone and glass blend
- Floating shelves mounted with hidden brackets
- Backside of the bar has rough-in space for a future under-counter beverage fridge.
- All plumbing was tied into an existing 2″ basement drain and vented per UPC 2021 (Seattle enforces UPC with amendments).
💧 Plumbing & Electrical
Plumbing upgrades included:
- New PEX lines for the bar sink
- Dedicated shutoff valves with hammer arrestors
- Drain ties into the existing main with added cleanout
Electrical upgrades included:
- New dedicated GFCI circuits for bar appliances
- 20A circuit for lighting and outlets
- All wiring inspected under a Seattle SDCI electrical permit
- Smoke/CO detectors installed in compliance with R314 and R315 (IRC as adopted by Seattle).
🪚 Final Carpentry & Inspection
- We did select drywall replacement where old paneling and utilities were demo’d.
- Trim carpentry included baseboards, casing, and scribed returns for irregular basement edges.
- Paint was sprayed for even finish and back-rolled to seal drywall texture.
- The project passed final inspections for both electrical and plumbing with no corrections noted.
Timeline & Project Notes
- The full remodel took just under 4 weeks from demolition to final paint.
- All work adhered to Seattle’s residential basement code, including insulation and ventilation requirements (R-15 cavity insulation at exterior walls, dedicated return air to HVAC).
- Despite limited access through a narrow stairwell, we completed material deliveries and debris removal with minimal disruption to the rest of the home.
For anyone considering a Seattle basement remodel, this project shows what’s possible with the right layout planning and code-compliant execution. RENOVA Contractors LLC handles every step from design to final inspection — helping you unlock the full value of your basement.
Contact Info:
RENOVA Contractors LLC
221 1st Ave W #247, Seattle, WA 98119
📞 206-255-2708
🌐 www.renova.contractors/basement-finishing-seattle
