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    Featured image of How Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite
    Save My Reno

    How Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

    February 19, 2020 Sharon Miki Chan

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    When tasked with converting a compact, cave-like basement into an inviting guest suite for family, contractor Sebastian Clovis and designer Samantha Pynn had their work cut out for them. By using creative ideas smart construction ideas, the Save My Reno team was able to open up the space — while sticking to a tight budget.

    Save My Reno airs Tuesdays at 9 and 9:30PM e/p on HGTV Canada and on HGTV.ca.

    bright white basement with blue rug, green kitchenette and white and grey furniture
    Save My Reno

    How Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite


    February 19, 2020 Sharon Miki Chan

    When tasked with converting a compact, cave-like basement into an inviting guest suite for family, contractor Sebastian Clovis and designer Samantha Pynn had their work cut out for them. By using creative ideas smart construction ideas, the Save My Reno team was able to open up the space — while sticking to a tight budget.

    Save My Reno airs Tuesdays at 9 and 9:30PM e/p on HGTV Canada and on HGTV.ca.

    • Finding Space for Family

      1/12
      bright white basement with blue rug, green kitchenette and white and grey furniture

      Finding Space for Family

      1/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      Homeowners Hannah and Daniel were looking forward to having a place for their parents to stay with them, but their super-compact basement was far from welcoming thanks to low ceilings, dark design and potential water issues. With a $40,000 budget to renovate their home's entryway and create a new guest suite, they needed the <em>Save My Reno</em> team's help. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/basement-renovations-thatll-blow-you-away-1924212/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30 Basement Renovations That'll Blow You Away</a>
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      Finding Space for Family

      PHOTO 1 of 12
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      Homeowners Hannah and Daniel were looking forward to having a place for their parents to stay with them, but their super-compact basement was far from welcoming thanks to low ceilings, dark design and potential water issues. With a $40,000 budget to renovate their home's entryway and create a new guest suite, they needed the <em>Save My Reno</em> team's help. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/basement-renovations-thatll-blow-you-away-1924212/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30 Basement Renovations That'll Blow You Away</a>

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

    • Not So Welcoming

      2/12
      beige entryway with white tiles and brown stairs

      Not So Welcoming

      2/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      The entryway and mudroom that led into the basement suite before the <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/save-my-reno/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Save My Reno</a> </em>crew arrived forced the family to walk in to a messy situation with rickety stairs, outdated tile and a lack of storage. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/mudroom-design-ideas-1933801/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Winter is Coming: 16 Mudroom Design Ideas</a>
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      Not So Welcoming

      PHOTO 2 of 12
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      The entryway and mudroom that led into the basement suite before the <em><a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/save-my-reno/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Save My Reno</a> </em>crew arrived forced the family to walk in to a messy situation with rickety stairs, outdated tile and a lack of storage. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/mudroom-design-ideas-1933801/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Winter is Coming: 16 Mudroom Design Ideas</a>

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

    • Making an Entrance

      3/12
      white entryway with blue staircase, brown floors and white bench seating

      Making an Entrance

      3/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      By clearing out the clutter — including an extra washing machine that wasn't needed — the team was able to create a cozy, welcoming and functional entryway. Fresh white paint makes the space feel bigger, while a custom storage unit keeps shoes and coats beautifully organized.
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      Making an Entrance

      PHOTO 3 of 12
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      By clearing out the clutter — including an extra washing machine that wasn't needed — the team was able to create a cozy, welcoming and functional entryway. Fresh white paint makes the space feel bigger, while a custom storage unit keeps shoes and coats beautifully organized.

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

    • Saving the Stairs

      4/12
      blue and white staircase in white entryway

      Saving the Stairs

      4/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      The staircase in the entryway had seen better days, but it didn't necessarily need to be discarded. To save costs and create a design-enhancing look, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/save-my-reno/videos/diy-stair-refurbish-/bb07dfc0-5321-11ea-b808-0e0ccc8a1e08/">Samantha and Hannah completely refurbished the existing staircase by sanding and painting it</a> in a bright mix of blue and white.
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      Saving the Stairs

      PHOTO 4 of 12
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      The staircase in the entryway had seen better days, but it didn't necessarily need to be discarded. To save costs and create a design-enhancing look, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/save-my-reno/videos/diy-stair-refurbish-/bb07dfc0-5321-11ea-b808-0e0ccc8a1e08/">Samantha and Hannah completely refurbished the existing staircase by sanding and painting it</a> in a bright mix of blue and white.

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

    • A Tight Fit

      5/12
      brown basement suite with tile floors and white kitchenette

      A Tight Fit

      5/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      Downstairs, the basement felt tight in multiple ways, with dark walls, old flooring and low ceilings that barely fit the team. Making the basement a bowling alley seemed like a possible solution. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/cost-to-lower-basement-common-basement-questions-1929736/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How Much Does it Cost to Lower a Basement? And Other Common Basement Questions</a>
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      A Tight Fit

      PHOTO 5 of 12
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      Downstairs, the basement felt tight in multiple ways, with dark walls, old flooring and low ceilings that barely fit the team. Making the basement a bowling alley seemed like a possible solution. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/cost-to-lower-basement-common-basement-questions-1929736/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How Much Does it Cost to Lower a Basement? And Other Common Basement Questions</a>

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

    • Waterproof Wonders

      6/12
      white living room with white and grey furniture and a blue rug

      Waterproof Wonders

      6/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      One of the most important elements of Hannah and Daniel's reno was something that can't been seen — waterproofing the basement. To meet this challenge, the <em>Save My Reno</em> team installed a cost-effective internal weeping tile system, which adds drainage and keeps water away from the home. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/ways-to-prevent-flooded-basement-1904127/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Ways to Prevent a Flooded Basement</a>
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      Waterproof Wonders

      PHOTO 6 of 12
      READ LESS -
      One of the most important elements of Hannah and Daniel's reno was something that can't been seen — waterproofing the basement. To meet this challenge, the <em>Save My Reno</em> team installed a cost-effective internal weeping tile system, which adds drainage and keeps water away from the home. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/ways-to-prevent-flooded-basement-1904127/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Ways to Prevent a Flooded Basement</a>

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

    • Raising the Roof

      7/12
      white basement with green kitchenette

      Raising the Roof

      7/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      Samantha and Sebastian used all their best tricks and tools to make the tight basement appear bigger and more inviting: They used white paint to give the entire space — walls and ceiling — an open feeling, removed unnecessary ceiling moulding and installed pot lights. They also added wood-look vinyl floors for a thinner, more flexible and cost-effective flooring solution. The result? The basement feels taller without expensive construction or underpinning the floor. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/20-easy-ways-to-brighten-up-a-dark-basement-1912447/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement</a>
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      Raising the Roof

      PHOTO 7 of 12
      READ LESS -
      Samantha and Sebastian used all their best tricks and tools to make the tight basement appear bigger and more inviting: They used white paint to give the entire space — walls and ceiling — an open feeling, removed unnecessary ceiling moulding and installed pot lights. They also added wood-look vinyl floors for a thinner, more flexible and cost-effective flooring solution. The result? The basement feels taller without expensive construction or underpinning the floor. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/basements/photos/20-easy-ways-to-brighten-up-a-dark-basement-1912447/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">25 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement</a>

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

    • Dark and Damp

      8/12
      white bathroom with glass tiles

      Dark and Damp

      8/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      The bathroom was dark, damp and dingy. Not helping the situation, the bathroom vent was blowing air into the room, instead of pulling air out — creating a mildew situation. This was a room in need of more than a little attention.
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      Dark and Damp

      PHOTO 8 of 12
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      The bathroom was dark, damp and dingy. Not helping the situation, the bathroom vent was blowing air into the room, instead of pulling air out — creating a mildew situation. This was a room in need of more than a little attention.

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

    • Clean and Fresh

      9/12
      modern white bathroom with grey double vanity

      Clean and Fresh

      9/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      Even though the team found some mold, it was minimal — so the team was able to deal with it before it got worse. They then refreshed the room with a big double-sink vanity, modern lighting and new flooring. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/holmes-makes-it-right/blog/ask-mike-holmes-how-do-i-know-if-theres-mould-in-a-house-28408/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mike Holmes on how to tell if there is mould in your home. </a>
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      Clean and Fresh

      PHOTO 9 of 12
      READ LESS -
      Even though the team found some mold, it was minimal — so the team was able to deal with it before it got worse. They then refreshed the room with a big double-sink vanity, modern lighting and new flooring. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/holmes-makes-it-right/blog/ask-mike-holmes-how-do-i-know-if-theres-mould-in-a-house-28408/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mike Holmes on how to tell if there is mould in your home. </a>

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

    • Standing Room

      10/12
      white bathroom with floral shower curtain and tiled shower

      Standing Room

      10/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      A spacious shower with classic white subway-tile-walls creates the look of more space. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/favourite-bathroom-renovations-from-hgtv-shows-1934009/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 of Our Favourite 2019 Bathroom Renovations From HGTV Shows</a>
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      Standing Room

      PHOTO 10 of 12
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      A spacious shower with classic white subway-tile-walls creates the look of more space. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/favourite-bathroom-renovations-from-hgtv-shows-1934009/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 of Our Favourite 2019 Bathroom Renovations From HGTV Shows</a>

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

    • Shower in Style

      11/12
      close up of grey tile in white shower

      Shower in Style

      11/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      Contemporary grey geometric tile creates modern contrast and adds dimension to the shower floor.
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      Shower in Style

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      Contemporary grey geometric tile creates modern contrast and adds dimension to the shower floor.

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

    • A Better Bedroom

      12/12
      bright white bedroom with wood-style feature wall and blue bed

      A Better Bedroom

      12/12

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

      The team made the once-dark basement bedroom into an oasis fit for Daniel and Hannah's parents. In addition to following the beachy white, grey and blue colour scheme, the team added a wood-like-wallpaper feature wall behind the bed. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/steal-worthy-bedroom-decorating-ideas-1924403/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Steal-Worthy Bedroom Decorating Ideas</a>
      Save My RenoHow Save My Reno Turns a Tight Basement Into an Airy Guest Suite

      A Better Bedroom

      PHOTO 12 of 12
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      The team made the once-dark basement bedroom into an oasis fit for Daniel and Hannah's parents. In addition to following the beachy white, grey and blue colour scheme, the team added a wood-like-wallpaper feature wall behind the bed. <br><br>Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/steal-worthy-bedroom-decorating-ideas-1924403/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Steal-Worthy Bedroom Decorating Ideas</a>

      Photo Credit: HGTV Canada

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