Back in 2000, when this beautiful Fallston, MD home was constructed, an in-law quarters was added to the original first floor plan. Due to the larger foundation the main area of the basement to be finished now totaled over 1000 sq. ft.

In the Spring of 2010 the homeowners decided it was time to clear out and take advantage of all this space. Lots of easily accessible storage would be needed. A half bath, big screen TV and cabinet/countertops were also desired. Keeping a basement cool in summer is usually not an issue however everyone agreed that some kind of supplemental heat source would need to be installed for use in winter.

Over the years we at J.S. Heartwood, Inc. have become experts at turning a negative, like this unsightly ductwork, into a positive. Many times we have seen where other contractors would simply box something like this in, creating an eyesore that adversely affects the look and functionality of the finished space.

By building an accurate CAD model of the entire basement, including this problem area, we were able to analyze the space and provide a design that went well beyond what the customer expected.

As an option...We can create detailed layout plans.

The ductwork solution? Russ created a two tiered bulkhead creating a mini-theater effect.The homeowners were so happy with this idea that they wound up purchasing a 63" plasma TV instead of a 42". Construction of this area was easy because all of the details had already been worked out well ahead of time.

Here is a view of the centrally located wet bar complete with undercounter beverage cooler, semi-custom cherry cabinets,accent lighting & granite countertops

A state of the art LP gas fireplace was chosen as the alternative heat source. This insert unit has a digital remote that controls two separate flames, fan blower and internal accent light. Architectural stone along with genuine blue stone accents complete this awesome corner design that we created.

"Easy access" is the key phrase when describing this large pantry/storage closet placed out of the way at the bottom of the stairs to the main floor above.

Below are more views of this project completed in July of 2010.

In early summer of 2008 the homeowners decided it was time to start seriously thinking about a new kitchen. They were looking for elegant styling combined with the practicality of additional storage and countertop space. We measured and sketched the existing room in order to create a CAD model from which to work. Over the next few weeks, with constant feedback from the homeowners, we developed the following plan.

This construction photo provides some insight as to the scope of this project. Included in this major upgrade was a revised electrical/lighting plan that required the addition of three new circuits.

The homeowner, a retired electrical engineer, designed and installed a two zone low volt accent lighting system. One switch controls horizontal under cabinet lighting and the other controls vertical lighting inside of cabinets with glass doors.

Below are views of the project that was completed early in September of 2008.

The owner of a beautiful Phoenix, MD home had wanted his own “Irish Pub” for just about as long as he could remember. He and his wife talked about moving, but decided instead to build his dream space. The main, larger side of the basement had been finished shortly after the home was constructed in 1990. The smaller, unfinished side was closed off and used for storage.

A brand new custom bar, an existing billiard table and casual seating area with big screen TV were to be the main features of this plan. An existing powder room was to remain. The original basement stairs were to be replaced with a grand, solid cherry, open staircase. The owner wanted to use as much wood as feasible for the bar and adjacent area. “Kountry Klassics” a Parkton, MD based custom wood shop was called in to assist with the design, fabrication and installation of this part of the project.

We created three distinctive plans from which the owner chose the following.

It was decided that the billiard table and seating areas were to be switched and the new bar was to be built on the unfinished side. The final plan required the relocation of one support column while another was to be incorporated into the solid cherry bar plan.

Construction began with a partial demolition of the finished side of the basement.

The original suspended ceiling was removed in order to extend the new sheetrock ceiling as high as possible.

We measured and sketched the space in order to create a working three dimensional CAD model. Using this model we determined that the only way to really improve the situation was to remove some interior walls. This solution would require additional changes to other parts of the house. Here is a page from the resulting plan/layout that we developed.

Now the question was where to relocate the laundry room. With assistance from our plumber, the homeowner did a great job converting the small 5 th bedroom on the 2 nd floor. Supply and drain lines were run to the basement through an existing entrance foyer coat closet. In order to help lower costs, the homeowner and his sons performed the demolition work related to the pantry and laundry room removal.

This photo shows what the space looked like when J.S. Heartwood took over the construction. Note the original laundry tub has not been moved and is still connected.

Due to the fourteen foot high cathedral ceiling in the connected family room, an extension of the eight foot high kitchen ceiling was specified and built. Here is a picture of the ceiling/bulkhead framing

This view of the finished project was taken from the same location as the first construction photo posted above. The left side of the table is located where the laundry room once was. There is now open access to the family room while allowing ample space for six or more at the table.

Even though J.S. Heartwood mainly designs and constructs interior spaces, we have done home additions. We designed and started construction of this large kitchen/addition project in 2002. The structural aspects were completed with the assistance of Monkton, MD based Messenger Construction, Inc.

The main features of this long term project are: a large kitchen, master bathroom extension, work shop area and hidden RV parking pad. The budget did not allow for the entire project to be completed all at once. This project was to be done in stages over the next five to seven years.

The original kitchen, installed when the house was constructed in 1981 lacked adequate space and just didn’t function very well. The owner wanted the new kitchen to not only be the “heart of the house” but to have a view that naturally focused on the beautiful wooded landscape, sloping to a stream.

With these guidelines we started the design. In order to accent the topography we determined that this large kitchen would have a stepped down table area. This feature in conjunction with large windows on three sides gave the feel of bringing the outside, inside.

Here are some views of the completed kitchen taken during the Christmas season.

Due to the scope of this project we decided to create a CAD model of the entire house with a representation of the landscape.

J.S. Heartwood designs and builds custom decks using the latest "High Tech" materials combined with "Old School" craftsmanship. Let us work with you to plan out the perfect deck design to fit all of your needs.