Project case study
Exposed Brick Basement Remodel in Philadelphia
An unfinished Philadelphia rowhome basement became finished living space, with restored original brick, an open living area, and a full bathroom.
- Location
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Project type
- Basement remodeling
- Signature detail
- Restored exposed brick
Project overview
What the work involved
We renovated an unfinished storage and utility basement into a finished lower level with an open living area, a bedroom, and a full bathroom. Original brick walls and columns were cleaned and restored, keeping the rowhome's masonry visible alongside new interior finishes.
The challenge
The starting space had exposed joists, aging wiring and pipes, painted brick, and a worn staircase. The remodel brought together framing, electrical and plumbing work, bathroom construction, and finish work while preserving the existing brick as a defining feature.
Scope of work
What NK Construction & Design did
- Full basement renovation and finished living space
- New framing, drywall, and finished ceilings
- Cleaning and restoration of original brick walls and columns
- Electrical installation and recessed lighting
- Plumbing and full bathroom construction
- Staircase finishes, wood-look flooring, and hallway improvements
Original rowhome character
Exposed brick at the heart of the remodel
Rather than covering the original masonry, we cleaned and restored the brick walls, columns, and stairwell. The finished photographs show the brick's texture against light walls, white trim, and wood-look flooring.
Brick columns frame the open living area, while the feature wall and stairwell carry that material through the lower level.
Basement finishing
A connected living area and finished rooms
New framing, drywall, and finished ceilings turned the utility and storage space into rooms that work together. Recessed lighting and a black ceiling fan complement the open living area, with a gold accent wall adding color beside the exposed brick.
Wood-look flooring and white baseboards continue through the living space and hallways. The finished staircase connects the remodeled lower level with the rest of the home.
Bathroom construction
A full bathroom within the finished basement
Plumbing and bathroom construction added a full bathroom to the lower level. The completed room pairs a glass shower enclosure with white wall tile, black tile at the shower base, a white vanity, and a patterned black-and-white floor.
The hallway photographs show the bathroom entrance alongside the restored brick and the adjoining finished rooms, keeping the bathroom connected to the basement plan.
Project gallery
Details from the project
Project outcome
The completed space
The finished basement brings together an open living area, a bedroom, and a full bathroom. Restored brick preserves the character of the original rowhome, while updated lighting, flooring, trim, and staircase finishes give the lower level a cohesive appearance.
Explore related work
The services behind this project
Plan your basement renovation