Hi John, We did a similar project on our basement a few years before we embarked on our kitchen reno, for us it was well worth it -- mainly because we love our neighborhood and really needed the extra space. But -- it's good to know up front how much it will mean to you and your family because in terms of resale it will bring a mere pittance compared to what you spend doing it. We found that out when we brought a realtor in while deciding whether to reno our kitchen, thinking moving might make more financial sense, and we found the basement, while it impressed the realtor, only raised the proposed asking price by about 1/4 - 1/3 of what we spent on the project, of course that could vary from area to area and also depends on how much you DIY (we had a not-inexpensive contractor do most of it -- we love to DIY, but it was too much work for a weekend here and a weekend there to get it done before the kids were grown and gone, anyway. If you love where you are at and plan to stay there a while, then consider it -- it's just good to know up front what you're saying "yes" to in terms of likely recoupment of your costs should you need/decide to sell. Maybe our case was a little different because we had a lot of expenses upfront moving plumbing, putting in a french drain, enlarging windows, etc. in addition to using a contractor. That said, like you we put in the kitchen, full bath, laundry room and storage (this area is still unfinished) -- we have loved having the set up and while it hasn't been used as an in-law suite yet, it has housed many people short term. As we could see in the next year setting it up to house a returning college student as well while she saves for her own place. It's been very versatile -- having the full bath and kitchen has made it so, I'm also glad we have an outside entrance for the times when we've hosted longer term guests (interns, etc.). Some of the things we're glad we did based on how we used it: - full bath (including a tub) - full kitchen (we put the wiring in but left the stove out for now, code doesn't allow it) - laundry room is in an area accessible by both us and whoever is staying down there - large windows - lots of insulation in the ceiling (sound rated) - plastered ceiling - closets under stairwell - pocket door to living area (usually open except when guests are staying with us Hope this isn't TMI. Good luck with your research/decision making phase. Would love to help you brainstorm layouts if you move forward. Kris

I love it!!! Amazing transformation and I love the blue color with the white desk...beautiful! That link to the hinged door closet that forhgtv posted above is really interesting (I just might have to use that in my home somewhere :P). Have you checked out Ballard? They have some really nice chair options that might look great with your office closet. Also, I agree with the suggestion above about removing the doors completely. Your transformed space looks so inviting and beautiful...why would you want to hide it behind closed doors?? But if you do need to close it off for praticial purposed a more creative door solution (like the one forghtv posted) might be the answer. I know for me, I would definitely find it frustrating if one of the drawers could not fully open because of the doors being in the way. In my previous home, I removed my daughter's sliding closet doors to help open up her small room. I used a white shower curtain rod and hung a really pretty curtain panel that coordinated with her bedding. I had those metal holdbacks on the walls to tuck the curtain behind so it was easy to access the closet.

Ok just one thing caught my little mind in that post....(ok and the compliment as well...thank you very much!) The idea to keep the granite "consistant throughout the house". Now that idea I want to pooh pooh if you're only using the same granite because it's going to match the kitchen. That just bores me to death...seeing the same stone in every room (I just saw that in a townhouse we looked at last week...pretty granite, but the same granite in every bathroom and kitchen, on all levels....blah!). I mean...if you LOVE it, go for it, but I'd shake things up with a complimentary granite, but not the same one. A beautiful black granite (which is a very family friendly stone) would go with almost any decor, even pink :OP Personally, I find replacing counters to be a major hassel in the whole scheme of things. Especially if you have a backsplash in tile. I'd do something you plan on keeping for the long run verses putting in one counter with the plan to change later. Hitting the remnant yard isn't a bad idea :) You'd be amazed at the savings you can get. Frankly, if it were me, I'd be looking at onyx (but that's because I try to sneek it in wherever possible LOL). A kitchenette like this won't really be getting that much abuse. It's not like you're going to let the girls stirfry and slather soy sauce about are you? What's a high end laminate? Gad I wish I knew the brand. I know that the cost of the one I picked was about two thirds more than the stuff the cabinet maker had out in the main room. I thought it was a better looking "fake" stone pattern than the ones they had in the main showroom. It just cost more (but in comparison to my granite, marble and onyx, was much cheeper). One other option....how about metal? Is your space the kind of space that a gorgeous copper or zinc would work in? Or stainless? Those are all great wearing surfaces that keep you in the same quality level as your granite counters will.

Update on the transformer and dimmer issue. The retailer sent a 60 Watt transformer to test with an ELV dimmer instead of the magnetic one. It's tiny, smaller than the dimmer and much cheaper, like $65 instead of $200 for the 150 Watt transformers. We got the package via UPS on Monday (not Next Day Air when sent on a Friday) and the lights worked fine but the dimmer did not work. The transformer was installed in a wall space near the ceiling. Today they disconnected the transformer and installed it all a different way, with the transformer installed behind the dimmer/electric box. It all seems to work with the exception of one bulb that won't fully dim. I'm just glad we have lights finally. They will install the kitchen lights once the additional 3 transformers arrive, which should be tomorrow.