Doug and Rebecca Sandberg had big hopes for finishing their massive basement.
They were using the dusty space as a makeshift fitness area and were ready to remove the “puny” French doors for better outdoor views and natural light. Handcrafted Homes designed and built out the terrace level with a bar and entertainment area, fitness room, playroom, and extra guest room and bath.
“The first night, we sat down there when we put the couch in and turned the fireplace on. The feeling was very relaxing and chill,” Doug said. “You just didn’t want to leave. We still get that feeling.”
Snapshot
Residents: Doug and Rebecca Sandberg, and their children, Caroline, 19, and Arielle, 3, and cats, Maggie and Leo. Doug is a corporate attorney; Rebecca is a finance professional/CPA and interior designer/stager.
Location: Roswell
Size: 6,650 square feet, including 1,875 square feet in the finished basement, six bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths
Year built/bought: 2005
Architect: They modified a plan that was an exclusive design for Southern Living by Stephen Fuller Inc.
Contractors: Handcrafted Homes renovated their basement in 2015.
Architectural style: European/New England country
Favorite architectural elements: The roof line, with a pronounced curve over the front entry; two large porches (front entry and rear); a mix of Cedar shake and stacked stone materials on the exterior.
Renovations: In the basement, added a custom bar, two seating areas, fitness room, playroom, guest bedroom and bathroom. Maximizing the ceiling height and adjusting the fireplace helped them make the rooms larger. Knocking out walls and doors gave them space to install a picture window with backyard views.
Cost of renovations: About $225,000
Interior design style: Transitional. The main floors are more traditional and basement is a mix of coastal, modern and New England-style interiors.
Favorite outdoor features: The porches and a patio built with pavers and a stacked stone wall.
Consultants: Ashman Landscape Group, Elan Custom Painting, CDC Electric, Cool Air Mechanical, Follo's Drywall Service, Monarch Windows and Doors and Dave Meyer Construction. Items sourced from Moda Floors & Interiors, Southern Staircase, Lighting Loft, Masterpiece Lighting, Design Lighting Group, YLighting, Randall Brothers, Oldcastle Surfaces, Ferguson Enterprises, Bell Kitchen & Bath Studios, Vintage Lumber, Wallpaper Plus, Fabric & Fringe, Century Upholstery, Drexler, Georgia Home and Commercial Products, PMC Building Materials, Builder Specialties
Resources: Furniture from Arhaus, Nadeau, Pottery Barn, Overstock.com.
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