A Basement Renovation Done Right: From Chaos to a Thoughtfully Designed Space in Medford, MA
At FiveTen Construction & Design, we’re often called in when homeowners feel overwhelmed—and this basement renovation in Medford, MA is a perfect example of how experienced general contracting and construction design support can completely change the course of a project.
What It Was
When the homeowners first reached out, they were left with a partially demoed and framed basement—and no real plan. A previous contractor had started work without clear direction, leaving behind unfinished framing, questionable decisions, and a serious lack of attention to detail.
The space felt more like a geriatric DIY experiment than a livable extension of the home—tile was installed everywhere, including wrapped around the lally columns. There was no cohesive layout, no vision, and no confidence moving forward.
After we stepped in to assess the space, it became clear that the project needed more than construction—it needed a plan.
“Ever since you took over this project, I have slept well… every night.”
That’s exactly why we do what we do.
The Wish List
Once the homeowners felt supported, we worked together to define what the basement should be:
A whole-home water filtration system
An additional water meter for the irrigation system
A smart layout for:
Kids’ hangout space
Entertaining
A functional laundry area
As much storage as possible
A “little something extra” when it came to design
A refreshed powder room with beadboard, wallpaper, and updated fixtures
The Plan: Construction Design with Intention
As a design-forward general contractor in Medford, MA, our first step was to pause construction and focus on how the space would actually be used.
Key planning decisions included:
Designing a dedicated utility closet to house the water systems and whole-home filtration
Widening the existing stairwell to improve access and flow
Meeting current building codes by installing a steel beam, ensuring proper head clearance at the bottom of the stairs
Framing a finished laundry closet, smartly utilizing the existing location and under-stairwell space
Creating a layout that balanced everyday functionality with comfort, storage, and visual interest
Every decision was made with long-term usability in mind—not just what looked good on paper.
What We Created
The finished basement is now a space that truly works for the family—and feels intentional from top to bottom:
A new keypad lock providing easy after-school access from the garage
A charming dry bar complete with:
Beverage fridge
A custom green base cabinet
Quartz countertop
Floating shelves
Elevated design through statement lighting, including:
A ceiling fixture
Two sconces flanking the wall-mounted TV
Recessed lighting on dimmers to adapt the space for play, entertaining, or relaxing
And finally… the cutest powder room you’ve ever seen, featuring:
Beadboard detail
Bold wallpaper
Updated fixtures that bring personality and polish
Why Planning Matters in Basement Renovations
This project is a perfect reminder that successful renovations—especially basements—require more than framing and finishes. They require clear planning, code knowledge, and thoughtful construction design.
If you’re considering a basement renovation in Medford, MA, or you’ve inherited a project that doesn’t feel right, FiveTen Construction & Design is here to help you reset, refine, and move forward with confidence.
📍 Serving Medford, MA and surrounding communities
🛠️ Woman-owned | Design-driven | Detail-obsessed
