Lake Forest Basement Remodeling - Custom Entertainment Space & Playhouse
From unfinished basement to stunning family entertainment space featuring custom playhouse, wet bar, and maple hardwood flooring
Lake Forest Basement Transformation
See how we transformed an unfinished basement into a vibrant family entertainment space with custom features
Custom Wallpaper Work
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Before: Unfinished Basement
After: Stunning Transformation
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Custom Playhouse
Designed and built a dream playhouse with custom wallpaper installation throughout multiple rooms and ceiling accents for an immersive play experience.
Wet Bar Entertainment
Complete wet bar installation with custom gray cabinetry and white quartz countertops, creating the perfect space for entertaining guests.
Maple Hardwood Floors
Beautiful maple hardwood flooring installed throughout the entire basement, providing warmth and durability for high-traffic family use.
Complete Infrastructure
Rough plumbing and electrical work, plus 100+ sheets of new drywall to transform the unfinished space into a fully functional living area.
Project Gallery
Browse through the complete transformation process from unfinished space to stunning entertainment area
Lake Forest Basement Remodeling - Complete Entertainment Space
This Kimmer Court basement transformation in Lake Forest shows what's possible when homeowners maximize underutilized square footage. I'm Viktor with Assembly Squad Remodeling LLC—we've completed 300+ renovation projects since 2013 (Illinois License #TGC098779, BBB A+ rating), with extensive basement finishing experience throughout Lake Forest and the North Shore.
The clients purchased a beautiful Lake Forest home on Kimmer Ct with an unfinished basement. As young parents, they wanted to create a vibrant entertainment space where their family could spend quality time together and guests could gather comfortably.
Complete Infrastructure: Plumbing, Electrical, and Drywall
We began with complete gut-out and infrastructure work. The rough plumbing positioned water supply and drainage for the wet bar—critical work that must happen before drywall. Electrical rough-in dramatically increased outlet coverage from the original 4-5 basement circuits to proper distribution throughout, including dedicated circuits for the wet bar, recessed LED lighting on dimmer switches, and separate lighting zones for the playhouse.
Installing approximately 100 sheets of new drywall transformed the raw space into defined rooms. We worked around existing ductwork and structural beams, creating bulkheads and soffits where necessary to conceal systems while maintaining ceiling height. The playhouse area required perfectly smooth surfaces for the custom wallpaper installation—attention to substrate preparation that proved essential for flawless final results.
Maple Hardwood Flooring Throughout
We installed maple hardwood throughout the entire finished basement. Maple offers exceptional durability for high-traffic family use—it's one of the hardest domestic hardwoods (Janka rating around 1450), resistant to denting from furniture and children's activities.
Installing hardwood in basements requires proper moisture management. We applied moisture vapor barrier to the concrete slab, installed plywood subfloor with expansion gaps, and used nail-down installation methods. Properly installed hardwood performs excellently in below-grade applications—we've installed hundreds of basement floors since 2013 across Chicago and the North Shore with consistently great results.
Custom Playhouse with Professional Wallpaper
The custom playhouse represents this project's most memorable feature. The clients envisioned a dedicated space where their children could engage in imaginative play, distinct from the main entertainment area but integrated into the overall design.
We framed a defined playhouse structure with walls approximately 7 feet high and an open entry (maintaining sightlines for parental supervision). Our wallpaper team executed custom wallpaper installation throughout the playhouse interior—walls and ceiling sections—featuring whimsical patterns: nature themes, storybook characters, and sky motifs that created an immersive environment.
The ceiling treatment proved particularly striking. Selected wallpaper sections created a "sky" or "canopy" effect that elevated the playhouse from simple play area to memorable childhood space.
Wet Bar with Custom Gray Cabinetry
The wet bar anchors the entertainment functionality. We designed the layout to provide bar seating for 3-4 guests, ample storage for glassware and supplies, and comfortable working space for drink preparation.
The clients specifically wanted gray cabinetry. We used custom kitchen-grade construction with full-overlay shaker doors (timeless design), soft-close hardware, and adjustable shelving. The configuration included base cabinets with deep drawers, wall cabinets for glassware, and open shelving for frequently-accessed items. We incorporated wine rack inserts and specialized storage for bar tools.
White quartz countertops topped the gray cabinets, creating classic contrast while providing extremely durable work surface. Quartz handles basement humidity perfectly, resists staining from spills, and won't etch from acidic liquids. The undermount sink installation gave clean lines and easy cleanup.
Paint, Lighting, and Final Details
Professional paint application used premium products throughout (Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams). Color selection coordinated with the maple flooring, gray cabinetry, and overall aesthetic.
Lighting design balanced multiple needs: recessed LED can lights for general ambient lighting, pendant fixtures over the bar area, accent lighting in the playhouse, and dimmer controls allowing adjustment for different activities (movie watching versus entertaining guests).
Complete Scope of Work
- Complete demolition and preparation of unfinished Lake Forest basement
- Rough plumbing installation for wet bar with future bathroom provisions
- Complete electrical rough-in with new circuits and increased outlet coverage
- Installation of approximately 100 sheets of drywall throughout walls and ceilings
- Custom bulkheads and soffits concealing mechanical systems
- Moisture vapor barrier and plywood subfloor on concrete slab
- Beautiful maple hardwood flooring throughout entire finished area
- Custom playhouse framing and construction
- Professional wallpaper installation throughout playhouse walls and ceiling
- Custom gray kitchen-grade cabinetry with soft-close hardware
- White quartz countertops with undermount sink
- Complete wet bar plumbing: sink, faucet, supply lines, drainage
- Bar seating area design and construction
- Premium paint application: walls, ceilings, trim
- LED recessed lighting installation with dimmer controls
- Task and accent lighting for wet bar and playhouse
- All required Lake Forest permits and inspections
Timeline and Design Collaboration
This Kimmer Court basement finishing in Lake Forest took 12 weeks from consultation to completion. The clients collaborated with our design team for over three weeks to achieve the final design—reviewing layout options, selecting materials, refining the playhouse concept, and designing the wet bar configuration. This upfront design investment prevented costly mid-project changes and ensured clear expectations.
The timeline broke down into: design and planning (3 weeks), permit approval (2 weeks), demolition and rough-in (2 weeks), framing and drywall (2 weeks), flooring and cabinetry (2 weeks), and painting, wallpaper, and final details (1 week).
Investment and Value
Complete basement finishing in Lake Forest typically ranges from $75,000 to $150,000+ depending on square footage, finish selections, and feature complexity. This project—with maple hardwood throughout, custom cabinetry and quartz countertops, specialized playhouse with professional wallpaper, and complete infrastructure upgrades—represented mid-to-upper range investment.
Finished basements in Lake Forest add significant home value and marketability. Properties with well-finished basements typically recover 60-75% of renovation cost at resale. More importantly, homeowners gain immediate lifestyle benefits: additional living space, entertainment capabilities, dedicated play areas for children, and better home functionality overall.
Why North Shore Homeowners Choose Basement Finishing
Housing inventory stays tight on the North Shore, and moving is expensive with current rates and transaction costs. Improving the home you're in often makes more financial sense. Basements represent underutilized square footage you're already maintaining—converting that space into functional living area gives you more usable square footage without dealing with addition permits or setback requirements.
Lake Forest homes have excellent bones for renovation work—solid construction, good infrastructure, and basement ceiling heights that accommodate comfortable finished spaces. Many homes feature walk-out or daylight basements with windows providing natural light—ideal for creating inviting living areas.
Getting Started with Your Lake Forest Basement
If you're considering basement finishing in Lake Forest or surrounding North Shore communities, start by understanding what you're working with—ceiling height, existing plumbing/electrical locations, moisture conditions, and mechanical system placement. These factors inform good design decisions.
Assembly Squad operates throughout Lake Forest and the North Shore as licensed general contractors (License #TGC098779) with 300+ renovations completed since 2013. We understand Lake Forest building requirements, know what works in these homes, and maintain relationships with trades who execute to proper standards.
Reach out through our contact page to schedule a consultation. We'll look at your space, discuss your goals, and provide realistic information about timelines, costs, and what's feasible. No pressure—just straightforward information from contractors who've done this work hundreds of times throughout the North Shore.
Lake Forest Basement Remodeling FAQs
Complete basement finishing projects typically take 8-14 weeks depending on scope and complexity. This includes design consultation (2-3 weeks), permit approval with Lake Forest building department (1-2 weeks), and construction phases (5-9 weeks). Projects with custom features like playhouses or extensive wet bars may require additional time. We provide detailed timelines during initial consultations so homeowners can plan accordingly.
Lake Forest requires building permits for basement finishing projects that include electrical work, plumbing additions, or structural modifications. Our team handles all permit applications and coordinates required inspections (electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, framing, and final inspection). As licensed general contractors (IL License #TGC098779), we ensure all work meets Lake Forest building codes and passes inspection on first submission.
Yes—hardwood flooring performs excellently in basements when properly installed with moisture management. We apply vapor barriers to concrete slabs, install plywood subfloor systems with expansion gaps, and use nail-down installation methods for stability. Maple hardwood (featured in this Lake Forest project) offers exceptional durability with Janka rating around 1450, making it ideal for high-traffic family basements. We've installed hundreds of basement hardwood floors throughout Chicago and the North Shore since 2013 with excellent long-term performance.
Complete basement finishing in Lake Forest typically ranges from $75,000 to $150,000+ depending on square footage (most projects cover 1,000-2,000 square feet), finish quality (builder-grade versus custom materials), and feature complexity (basic finishing versus wet bars, custom playhouses, or premium built-ins). We provide detailed line-item proposals during consultation so homeowners understand exactly where renovation investment goes—no vague estimates or hidden costs.
Finished basements significantly enhance Lake Forest home values and marketability. North Shore real estate data shows well-finished basements typically recover 60-75% of renovation cost at resale while dramatically improving home appeal to buyers. Beyond financial return, homeowners gain immediate lifestyle benefits: additional living space for growing families, entertainment capabilities, dedicated areas for specific activities, and better overall home functionality. Many Lake Forest homeowners find basement finishing delivers better value than moving to larger homes or building additions.
Custom playhouses represent one of our favorite basement features to design and build. We create dedicated play spaces with defined walls, themed wallpaper installations, appropriate lighting, and dimensions suited for children's activities. This Lake Forest project showcased professional wallpaper installation on walls and ceiling sections, creating immersive play environment children absolutely love. Custom playhouses add unique character to basement spaces while providing practical benefit for families with young children.
Complete wet bar installations include custom cabinetry (base and wall cabinets with specialized storage), countertops (quartz recommended for durability and stain resistance), undermount sink with kitchen-style faucet, complete plumbing (supply lines and drainage to code), bar seating design and construction, electrical outlets for appliances, and lighting (task and ambient). We design wet bars for both functionality and aesthetics, creating spaces where homeowners comfortably entertain guests while maintaining practical storage and workspace.
Moisture management is critical for successful basement finishing. We assess moisture conditions during initial evaluation, address any active water intrusion before finishing begins, install vapor barriers on foundation walls and under flooring systems, use moisture-resistant materials in appropriate applications (green board drywall near plumbing), and ensure proper ventilation and dehumidification capacity. Lake Forest homes generally have good drainage and foundation construction, but we never skip moisture evaluation—it's essential for long-term basement performance and preventing future problems.
Ready to Transform Your Lake Forest Basement?
Licensed Illinois contractor with 300+ projects completed since 2013. We specialize in North Shore basement finishing with proven expertise in Lake Forest building requirements and design approaches that work beautifully in these homes.