Todd, do you see much tornado danger where you plan to build? That would make a difference in my decision. Since you already own the lot, suggesting a side slope won't help you. That's what we have (& have had before) and it's one thing we still really like about this house. It provides us with direct access to a large level backyard from the kitchen/hearth room and living room. The lot slopes at one side and there are multiple french doors and a window in one end of the basement, and the windowless portion houses the home theater. While you're not concerned about resale in the near future, you might still want to talk to some RE agents about how basements are valued in your area. Here finished basements appraise for loans at about 1/2 the value of above grade space, even with comparable finishes. However, some RE agents told us that many of their buyers prefer unfinished basements for the extra storage and that our previous homes' basements would not add much to their resale value. If you intend to age-in-place, I'd suggest you keep the direct access from the main floor instead of building an elevated deck. You can always install an elevator inside, but you can't do much about those outside stairs if you or your spouse develop mobility problems.

I ordered the French Doors through a lumber yard. Had to have them delivered "knocked down" because pre-hung units would not make it down the stairs. Home Centers were unable to have them delivered knocked down. They came primed and we painted them. The glass has been frosted with a 3M window film available from Home Centers. I obtained the theatrical film from a specilty lighting place in, I believe, Skokie IL. I'll try to find the paperwork this week for you. It's been several years so no idea if they are still in business. It was an investment but I can tell you that blue rope lights delivered turquois color and DW was not going for that! Buy the glass block and construct the glass block wall first! VOICE OF EXPERIENCE We did it last and it was a "*itch" getting the last row in place. We purchased sufficient block to define their placement and height in order to size the bar but thought installing them last was the correct sequence - smarter now for your benefit. Installing the block was relatively simple - if you've ever mixed any mortar, have a level, rubber mallot and a straight line you're set. It took us parts of 2 days to built it. Purchased from Menards and they and the manufactures website gave us the need-to-know information. The corner blocks are the expensive part but made the look we wanted. We use the bar often. Not just for entertaining, but for project work space and for food prep of things when lots of counter space is needed. Rule here is we do not carry things to the basement and just set them on the bar! We would truly miss not having a second kitchen. Best of luck with yours. I'll see if I have info on the film and post here if I do.

I am painting our newly finished basement this weekend and I would love some paint recommendations...I have read some excellent ideas on this forum and would love help/suggestions regarding color, etc. I plan to paint most of it SW Blonde, because most people here love that color. The front part 1st basement picture will be blonde and when you look to the left of the first picture the cabinets will be hung there. Then we were thinking the hallways (stairs and hallway to back room) to paint the SW Navajo White. The back room will be the kids (boys) playroom/workout room with carpet and black padded flooring for the exercise equipment. We were thinking a light blue, maybe SW Windy Blue. We have no idea what to paint the bathroom. It is TINY 32" x 70" we have a small pedestal sink and toilet in there. What color do you recommend there? We are either going to use the tile pictured or a light tan/neutral one. The tile pictured will go around the double french door and in the kitchen area. The flooring in the main room with be the oak pictured. Please give me feedback. This is SO stressful. Thanks. Melissa

Maybe try BM Moonshine, or SW Comfort Gray. I know you said grey hasn't worked in the past, but maybe it's just a matter of finding the right one. With basement lighting, in a perennially overcast area, everything will look different in your room. I would take the time to try loads of swatches. Like, I would probably grab 15-20 paint chips, and look at them at home. From there narrow it down to 5-10 to get samples of, and paint large swatches. It's a pain, but it's worth it.