The Cliffside Project | Laconia, New Hampshire

This Laconia, NH basement remodeling project was designed to turn an unfinished lower level into valuable, family-focused living space. With more room needed for visiting kids and grandkids, Lighthouse Contracting Group transformed the basement into a finished retreat with two bedrooms, a full bathroom, a living area, and a wet bar, all built around a practical approach that prioritized simple, easy-to-maintain, and highly resilient finishes. The result is a comfortable extension of the home that makes gathering easier and shows how an existing unfinished basement can be reimagined to better support the way a family lives and grows.

Location: Laconia, New Hampshire
Year Completed: 2026
Timeline: 4 months
House Style: Cape Cod
Total Living Area: 1,300 sq ft lower level
Design Build Team: Lighthouse Contracting Group + Backdrop Interior Design
Project Manager: Jason Chilvers, Certified NARI Professional
Project Type: Unfinished Lower Level

The vision for this lower level was rooted in simplicity, durability, and long-term usability. With grandchildren in mind and the natural wear that comes with an active family environment, the design leaned into materials that are easy to clean, resistant to damage, and capable of holding up over time without constant maintenance. Finishes were intentionally selected to feel warm and inviting without being overly delicate, creating a space that the client can enjoy without worrying about everyday use. The result is a lower level that balances comfort with practicality, designed to support real life while still feeling cohesive with the rest of the home.

A major component of this project was preparing the existing structure to meet modern performance standards. The original concrete slab presented challenges, as it was not level enough to properly support new flooring. To address this, our team installed a self-leveling underlayment to bring the surface within industry tolerances required for LVP flooring, ensuring both longevity and a clean finished look.

Moisture management was another critical focus. After leveling, a roll-on moisture barrier system was applied to protect the flooring and maintain the integrity of the space over time, particularly important in a below-grade environment.

To enhance comfort and functionality between floors, we incorporated a mineral wool suspended ceiling system. This not only provides a clean, finished appearance but also acts as an effective sound barrier, reducing noise transfer between the main living areas above and the newly finished lower level.

This project also included thoughtful upgrades aimed at improving the overall performance and livability of the home. A whole-home dehumidification system was installed to regulate humidity levels in the lower level, helping to protect finishes, improve indoor air quality, and create a more comfortable environment year-round.

To further safeguard the home, we integrated a Phyn Smart Water Assistant + Shutoff system. This digital water monitoring and shutoff device provides real-time insights into water usage and can detect leaks early, offering our client added peace of mind and protection against potential water damage.

Together, these systems work behind the scenes to ensure the space not only looks great but performs reliably for years to come.

Jason Chilvers, NARI Certified Professional

Jason led this project with the same steady leadership and attention to detail that define his work at Lighthouse. Starting his career with the team as an apprentice after connecting through the Huot Technical Center, Jason quickly proved himself through his work ethic, curiosity, and commitment to learning the craft. That foundation, combined with years of hands-on experience in the field, has shaped him into a trusted Project Manager capable of guiding complex residential remodels with confidence.

For this project, Jason played a key role in coordinating trades, maintaining clear communication with the homeowners, and ensuring each phase of work met Lighthouse’s standards for quality. His ability to anticipate challenges, stay organized, and keep the project moving forward helped create a smooth experience for everyone involved. Clients and teammates alike rely on Jason to deliver results that are thoughtful, well-executed, and built to last.

Ready to Start Your Lake Winnipesaukee Home Remodeling Project in NH?

Whether your family needs more space, modern finishes, or a full transformation, Lighthouse Contracting Group brings craftsmanship, creativity, and care to every project.