Maryland · Northern Virginia · Washington, D.C.
Make More of Your Lower Level
Plan space for gathering, working, storage or entertaining, with layout, lighting and existing conditions considered together.
What Your Basement Remodel Can Include
An unfinished basement and an outdated finished basement need different starting points. Begin with how you want to use the space, then assess the conditions that will support that use.
Living & Gathering
Plan seating, media and circulation so the lower level supports the way your household spends time together.
Work & Flexible Space
Consider privacy, storage and how a room may need to adapt over time.
Entertaining Areas
Explore gathering space and features such as a bar, with utilities and circulation considered early.
Bathrooms & Guest Use
Discuss the proposed use and assess the systems, access and project requirements it would involve.
Light, Comfort & Storage
Coordinate lighting, finishes, storage and heating or cooling needs with the layout.
Existing Conditions
Review moisture concerns, ceiling heights, access, daylight and existing building systems before covering them with finishes.
Basement remodeling may be right for you when unused or outdated lower-level space could better support your household, subject to the conditions of the home.
Basement Finishing & Remodeling Projects
Explore BST Design & Build lower-level projects in Shady Side and Fulton. These galleries show different approaches to open space, storage, lighting and gathering areas.
Shady Side, Maryland
Basement Finishing
See cabinetry, counter space and a compact dining area beside a window, with coordinated lighting and floor finishes.
View the Shady Side Project →
Fulton, Maryland
Basement Renovation
Explore an open lower-level room with recessed lighting, continuous flooring and a counter-and-cabinet area near the stairs.
View the Fulton Project →Let’s Plan Your Remodel
Tell us about your project. Our team will contact you to discuss the next steps.
What Our Clients Say
Hear from homeowners about planning, communication and the finished spaces. Read client feedback on their experience with BST Design & Build.Client reviews from Google, Houzz, Yelp and Facebook
★★★★★
“We had our kitchen renovated. We had the cabinets, countertops, handles, and backlash done. The entire experience with Matt and BST Design and Build was great. The best part is we could go to their store and pick out everything in their small showroom. Matt recommended we move the refrigerator from…”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“Matt and his team remodeled two bathrooms for us and we are very pleased with the results. The results are modern and attractive bathrooms that offer more amenities and make much better use of space than the old ones. Design: Matt listened well and understood what we wanted, immediately picked up…”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“I am super happy with my new kitchen. We had the kitchen from the original build and it was 25 years old….long over due. Matt was great, addressed all questions that popped up and made sure we were happy. I would recommend BST to anyone.”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“After reviewing many contractor companies, we reached an agreement with BST Design&Built for basement restoration. Frankly, we had some hesitations because we received the best offer, but after a while, we left the whole process to BST employees with peace of mind. I would like to thank them for…”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“We recently had our basement and kitchen renovated and we couldn't be happier with the results. The team was professional, efficient, and paid great attention to detail in both projects. The quality of their work exceeded our expectations, transforming our basement into a beautiful, functional…”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“Our partnership with BST Design & Build was truly exceptional and exceeded all expectations. Our experience with the vinyl flooring in our newly built community building grounds has been exceptional. Its combination of visual appeal, durability, ease of maintenance, sustainability, and versatility…”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“We had a great experience with BST Design & Build. The project was scoped out, started on time and took about 5 weeks which was in the estimated 4-6 week schedule. During the project, questions were answered and the onsite team was very responsive to our wishes, even being creative to ensure our…”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“Our experience with BST for our home renovations was beyond exceptional. From the moment we engaged their services, it was evident that we had made the right choice. Not only was their pricing fair, but the level of professionalism displayed by their team was truly commendable. They arrived on…”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“Great selection and courteous, helpful staff. The showroom is beautiful.Highly Recommended”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“We had our entire kitchen redone and we could not be happier! Excellent service! I would highly recommend.”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“After interviewing several companies, I selected BST Design & Build. Meeting with Matt and showing him my plans for the primary bathroom remodel, he made me feel comfortable with the process, budget and time to complete the work. The project was completed professionally, timely and on budget. I…”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“We presented Matt with a challenge. Transform every room of our townhouse with us still living there. It took time and there were a few miscommunications, but, the work is complete and phenomenal. Matt's team have a great finishing touch and we're thrilled with how everything turned out. We're very…”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“BST Design and Build did an excellent job of designing and constructing our new kitchen. The crew that did the majority of the work were very talented in their craft. They protected the surrounding area from dust and debris and took their time cleaning up at the end of the day. They were polite,…”Read Full Review
★★★★★
“We had our floor work and basement done. Matt has a professional team and he is very responsive. Now I love my house more than before.”Read Full Review
Awards & Recognition
Working with BST Design & Build
Start with the Conditions, Then Develop the Rooms
BST Design & Build helps you develop the layout and material selections for the basement projects we build. We consider how the lower level connects to your home and how the proposed rooms will be used.
Known moisture issues, building systems and the requirements of the proposed use should be discussed before the finish plan is settled. We identify the specialist input needed and coordinate work, selections and communication within the agreed scope.
Your Basement Remodeling Process
Six connected steps, adapted to the needs of your project.
Define the Purpose
Discuss how you want to use the basement and your priorities.
Evaluate & Design
Review existing conditions, access, systems and layout options.
Align the Scope
Coordinate finishes, features and any specialist work.
Plan & Prepare
Confirm materials, storage, access and the construction sequence.
Coordinate & Build
Manage construction and communicate about project decisions.
Walkthrough & Care
Review the finished space, remaining items and care information.
Planning Your Basement Investment
The intended rooms and the basement’s existing condition shape the scope. Review systems and moisture concerns before committing to finishes.
Before construction, clarify:
- Known water or moisture issues and the assessment they need.
- Whether plumbing, electrical or heating and cooling changes are included.
- Which finishes, features and allowances form part of the scope.
- How access, material delivery and unexpected conditions will be handled.
Prepare the Lower Level for Construction
Discuss moving stored belongings, access to utilities and equipment, and the route workers and materials will use. Identify any areas your household needs to reach during the work.
Share concerns about noise, pets, work-from-home routines or access through finished rooms. The construction sequence should account for the practical needs of the home.
Basement Finishing & Remodeling Questions
How can we compare basement remodeling estimates?
Compare the same finished areas and features. Check whether bathrooms, bar plumbing, heating and cooling changes, and any required moisture work are included. Separate finish allowances from defined work so the totals describe comparable projects.
How long does a basement remodel take?
Allow time to assess the lower level and resolve the layout before construction. Confirm which materials and specialist work must be ready for each stage, and agree on a schedule for the defined scope.
Can an already-finished basement be remodeled?
Yes. Share what currently exists, what is not working and how you would like to use the space instead. The team can discuss which elements might remain and what changes need assessment.
What if there has been water or moisture in the basement?
Tell the team during the first discussion. The cause and appropriate response need to be assessed before new finishes are installed. A finish plan should account for required specialist work rather than conceal the issue.
Can we add a bathroom or sleeping area?
These options depend on the property, systems, access and requirements of the proposed use. Feasibility must be evaluated before including them in the agreed plan. A finished room should not be assumed to be approved for sleeping or rental use.
Can we include a bar or entertaining area?
These features can be discussed as part of the layout. Cabinetry, seating, lighting and any plumbing or electrical needs should be coordinated with circulation and the rest of the lower level.
Can the basement be part of a larger remodel?
Yes. Discuss related work elsewhere in the house so priorities, selections and the sequence of construction can be considered together.