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remodeled basement crawl space

Clackamas Crawlspace Conversion

Crawlspace to Play Room Renovation for an Active Child

With a young child needing more room to play, the owners of this suburban Clackamas home decided it was time to transform part of their house into a kid-friendly playroom. They wanted a space filled with fun physical toys for their son, but the limitations of the property posed significant challenges to adding on to their living space.

Due to limited lot space, their home couldn’t be expanded into the yard. Rather than expand the home out or up, we expanded the crawl space to add living space.

The process of transforming an unfinished crawl space into usable living space requires extensive design and engineering work. To erase structural posts in the crawl space, we installed a large structural beam to span the basement living area. This allowed for an open, unobstructed space perfect for a young child’s playroom.

We also installed a full bathroom with a toilet and shower in the new basement space. This presented its own set of challenges, namely that the bathroom plumbing sits below the sewer line attached to the home.

To remedy this issue, we installed an ejector pump to remove wastewater and transfer it to the sewer line.

In addition, we added extra storage space in the part of the crawl space that wasn’t converted into living space, ensuring the family had plenty of room for their belongings.

The new basement features some truly unique features designed specifically for this space. A hidden bookcase door leading to the crawl space storage area adds functionality with a touch of whimsy, while a spiral staircase minimizes the stairwell area and adds a unique visual element.

Because spiral staircases are notorious for making it difficult to move furniture up and down, we installed a large egress window, making it easy to move large items in and out of the home. It also comes with the added benefit of providing an abundance of natural light.

The transformation has made a significant impact on the homeowners’ lives. They love the new space, though their biggest issue now is that their son doesn’t want to leave the basement. The whole family often hangs out in the basement during summer heat waves to stay cool.

This remodel not only provided a fun, safe play area for their son but also created a versatile family room that has quickly become a constant gathering place in their home.

ClackamasCrawlSpaceBefore
Before
ClackamasCrawlSpaceAfter
After

Project Photos

Remodel Location