Does anyone have experience finishing their cellar for owner-use
(we do not intend to rent it , which I understand is illegal). The basement already has a concrete floor and seems pretty dry, but there is not much there except meters and washer/dryer, utility sink.
Also is it legally possible to put a shower in a finished cellar ?
Finally, does anyone have a GC recommendation to do this type of work ? Thanks.


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  1. We did this in our basement, turned it into a carpeted playroom for the little one, refinished laundry room, enclosed the boiler to code. Our contractor was Richard of Masterpiece Construction 646-645-2300

  2. Owner use is legal, and very different from rental. See links I posted in response to Basem’t Rental, Code Questions thread. See also: http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/downloads/pdf/PreservationSvcsBrochure_BasementCellar.pdf
    There was someone on the Park Slope house tour approx. 3 years ago who had turned their basement into a very beautiful and usable finished room. Try calling the Park Slope Civic Council to see if they can put you in touch with the owner.

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