Basement Remodeling Project in Arlington, MA
This Arlington basement remodel turned an unfinished storage space into a finished, modern‑industrial hangout with a full bathroom, laundry, and utility closet that all work hard behind the scenes. The project also let the A‑Z Finish Carpentry crew flex some newer skills for the company, like concrete cutting, barn doors, and a seamless epoxy floor system.
Pictured below is how the bathroom looked before our renovation, with an unfinished basement space that was more utility than livable. Read on to learn how this project came together step‑by‑step and see more photos from different stages of the job, from rough framing to the final modern‑industrial finish.
Arlington Basement Renovation Overview
The existing basement was typical New England: exposed foundation walls, open joists, mechanicals in the way, and a cold concrete slab that didn’t invite hanging out. The Arlington homeowner wanted to turn it into a true extension of their living space where they could relax, entertain, and handle day‑to‑day chores without heading upstairs. Over roughly 14 weeks, A‑Z Finish Carpentry framed, insulated, wired, plumbed, and finished the entire level, transforming it into a warm, bright, and highly functional lower‑level suite.
Basement finishing and concrete work
Because the original slab and layout weren’t designed for finished living space, the crew started with precision concrete cutting for basement plumbing to reroute lines and create proper drains for the new bathroom and laundry area. After trenching and rough plumbing, the slab was carefully backfilled and re‑poured so the finished floor would be flat and ready for a high‑performance epoxy basement flooring system. New framing defined the bathroom, utility closet, laundry zone, and main entertainment area while preserving headroom and working around existing structural posts and beams as part of A‑Z’s full‑service basement finishing package.
New Basement Bathroom and Dog‑Friendly Shower
One of the homeowners must have features was a shower specifically designed for rinsing off muddy dog paws after walks, so A‑Z designed a spacious, walk‑in custom tile shower with a low curb for easy access. The shower features a pebble‑style shower floor for extra grip underfoot and an oversized niche for shampoos and towels, showcasing the team’s detail‑driven bathroom remodeling work. Handmade‑look wall and ceiling tile, plus the frosted window well, keep the space bright and spa‑like while still matching the rest of the basement’s modern‑industrial style.
Laundry, Storage, and Utility Room Upgrades
Instead of hiding the practical parts of the basement as an afterthought, the layout pulls everything together with a compact, efficient basement laundry room next to a stainless utility sink. The gas and water meters, heating equipment, and mechanicals are contained in a dedicated utility closet build‑out, with clean access panels and organized wiring so future maintenance is easy and the rest of the room stays uncluttered. Under‑stair shelving and painted built‑ins add extra custom storage and shelving for baskets, linens, and seasonal gear without stealing floor space from the entertainment area.
Modern industrial finishes: barn doors & epoxy floors
For finishes, the homeowner wanted a modern industrial feel rather than a traditional “finished basement” look, so A‑Z kept the ceiling structure exposed and sprayed it a deep, uniform color with new recessed lighting. Sliding interior barn doors close off the bathroom and utility spaces while adding character and saving swing space, highlighting the team’s interior finish carpentry skills. The black epoxy floor coating ties the whole level together, providing a durable, easy‑to‑clean surface that stands up to pets, laundry, and everyday traffic, making this lower level ready for entertaining in every season.
Ready to explore what’s possible in your own basement? Contact A‑Z Finish Carpentry to discuss your project and start planning the next transformation in your home.
Crafted Corners: A Showcase of Our Home Improvement Projects
