Winnetka Basement Remodel - Luxury Laundry Room Transformation
From Design to Reality - Winnetka Basement Transformation
See how our professional design concept transformed into a stunning luxury laundry room on Fairview Ave
Design Concept & Planning
After: Stunning Transformation
Basement Laundry Room Remodel on Fairview Avenue, Winnetka
This basement project on Fairview Avenue demonstrates what North Shore homeowners can realistically accomplish when transforming an underutilized basement space. We're Viktor with Assembly Squad, and we've completed more than 300 renovation projects since 2013 (Illinois License #TGC098779, BBB A+ rating), with about 80-100 basement projects specifically throughout Winnetka, Kenilworth, Wilmette, and the North Shore.
Our clients needed storage, better layout, and a space that didn't feel like an afterthought. The ceiling measured 84 inches—standard for Winnetka basements—with existing plumbing, electrical panels, sump pump, and soffit that all needed integration into the design.
Custom Cabinet Solution
The cabinet system maximizes every inch with 84-inch ceilings. We used gray shaker-style semi-custom cabinets with full-height pantry storage, base cabinets with deep drawers, and upper cabinets positioned to avoid making the space feel cramped. Semi-custom gives you quality construction without 12-week lead times—critical for keeping projects on schedule.
The sump pump sat where we wanted storage, so we built custom cabinet framing around it with access panels. You maintain full pump access, but when closed, it integrates into the cabinet system. This problem-solving approach is essential for North Shore basement work where mechanical systems can't be easily relocated.
Countertops, Backsplash, and Sink
We installed quartz countertops—the material I recommend for 90% of Chicago projects. Quartz handles basement humidity, won't stain from bleach or cleaning products, and doesn't require sealing like natural stone. We've installed hundreds since 2013 with minimal warranty claims.
The backsplash uses vertical sage green tile running from counter to upper cabinets, eliminating grout seams and making cleanup easier. The Silgranit sink (Blanco's 80% granite composite) is practically indestructible—heat resistant to 536°F, won't chip or stain, and holds up to daily laundry room use better than stainless or porcelain.
Champagne Bronze Fixtures Throughout
The bridge-style faucet in champagne bronze provides excellent clearance for filling buckets and hand-washing items. Champagne bronze resists Chicago's hard water spots better than chrome or brushed nickel. All cabinet hardware uses matching champagne bronze for visual cohesion—one finish means easier replacement if needed down the line.
Bridge faucets have fewer connection points than pulldown models, meaning fewer potential leak points—important in basements where small leaks might go unnoticed. We've installed this style throughout the North Shore for years with consistently reliable results.
Solving Mechanical Access and Exposed Pipes
Electrical panels and plumbing on the back wall needed periodic access without ugly panels ruining the finished look. We built cabinetry with bi-fold door hardware that opens for full access when needed. Closed, it looks like standard cabinetry. I've used this solution since 2016—homeowners really appreciate having proper access without compromising aesthetics.
Exposed pipes along basement walls are standard in pre-1980 Winnetka homes. We built custom shelving that conceals the pipe runs while creating functional storage for linens and supplies. This costs more than simple drywall boxing, but you're solving two problems simultaneously—concealment plus storage.
Wallpaper, Lighting, and Storage Details
We added vinyl-coated wallpaper with a floral pattern that brings personality to the space while handling basement humidity—we've installed this type in 30-40 North Shore basements since 2018 without callbacks for failure. The decorative flush-mount fixture provides good general lighting (necessary with limited natural light), while recessed lights over work surfaces offer task lighting on separate switches.
Beyond the cabinet system, we created floor-level openings for rolling hampers (pull out when sorting, roll back when done), installed a wall-mounted folding drying rack (15-20 linear feet of hanging space that folds flat), and added open shelving with rails for frequently-used items like detergent and fabric softener.
Complete Scope of Work
- Complete basement laundry room demolition and preparation on Fairview Ave, Winnetka
- Custom gray shaker-style semi-custom cabinets with soft-close hardware
- Full-height pantry cabinets for dry goods and cleaning supply storage
- Premium quartz countertops with undermount sink installation
- Sage green vertical tile backsplash from counter to upper cabinets
- Silgranit undermount sink with champagne bronze bridge faucet
- Custom cabinet framing around sump pump with access panels
- Bi-fold access doors for mechanical and electrical systems
- Custom shelving to conceal exposed pipe runs along walls
- Decorative flush-mount light fixture with LED bulbs
- Recessed task lighting over work surfaces on separate switches
- Professional vinyl-coated wallpaper installation
- Wall-mounted folding drying rack system
- Custom openings for rolling hamper storage
- Decorative open shelving with rail system
- Champagne bronze hardware on all cabinets
Timeline, Investment, and What Makes Quality Work
This Fairview Avenue project took 6-8 weeks from consultation to completion: design/planning (1-2 weeks), material ordering (4-6 weeks for semi-custom cabinets), permits if needed (1-2 weeks), and construction (3-4 weeks). Cabinet lead times drive the schedule—currently 4-6 weeks for most lines we use.
Projects like this typically run $35,000-$55,000 depending on cabinet selection, countertop material, and complexity of mechanical work. Cabinet systems represent 30-40% of total cost ($12,000-$20,000 for semi-custom quality). Quartz countertops run $85-$125 per square foot installed in Chicago. The Silgranit sink adds $400-$600, bridge faucet $300-$500, and tile backsplash $15-$25 per square foot with professional installation.
From an investment perspective, basement improvements typically return 60-75% of cost at resale in North Shore markets. The real value is daily functionality—these spaces get used multiple times per week for years. Clients consistently tell us basement laundry upgrades rank among their best home improvement decisions.
Why Winnetka Homeowners Are Renovating Basements Now
Housing inventory stays tight on the North Shore, and moving is expensive with current rates and transaction costs. Improving the house you're in often makes more financial sense. Basements represent underutilized square footage you're already paying to maintain—converting that space into something functional gives you more usable area without dealing with addition permits or setback requirements.
North Shore homes have good bones and infrastructure to support renovation work. The question is maximizing spaces that haven't been updated in 20-40 years. Well-finished basements absolutely factor into marketability and sale price—properties with finished basements move faster and command premiums over those with rough concrete and exposed mechanicals.
Getting Started with Your Winnetka Basement Project
If you're considering basement remodeling in Winnetka or surrounding North Shore communities, start by understanding what you're working with—ceiling height, existing plumbing/electrical locations, moisture conditions, foundation type. These constraints inform good design decisions rather than being obstacles to avoid.
Assembly Squad operates throughout Chicago and the North Shore as licensed general contractors (License #TGC098779) with 300+ renovations completed since 2013. We understand Winnetka 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 within your constraints. No pressure—just straightforward information from contractors who've done this work hundreds of times throughout the North Shore.
Ready to Transform Your Winnetka Basement?
Licensed contractor with 80-100 basement projects completed throughout the North Shore. We understand Winnetka building requirements and what works in these homes.