---
title: "Function Basement Design — General Contractors | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/function-basement-design-pfvwus-pf~914797376
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~914797376.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Function Basement Design"
category: ["General Contractors"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2ca3189e02f5138c_6751-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Wheaton, Illinois, United States"
latitude: 41.8724
longitude: -88.1123
phone: "(708) 935-3455"
website: http://www.functionbasementdesign.com
rating: 5
review_count: 26
best_of_houzz_awards: 3
followers: 78
last_updated: 2026-08-10
---

# Function Basement Design

Original Houzz profile: [Function Basement Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/function-basement-design-pfvwus-pf~914797376)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** General Contractors
- **Location:** Wheaton, IL
- **Serves:** Naperville, Palatine, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Lombard, Bartlett, Carol Stream, Addison, Woodridge, Elk Grove Village, Glen Ellyn, West Chicago, Westmont, Lisle, Roselle, Bloomingdale, Darien, Hinsdale, Wood Dale, Warrenville, Burr Ridge, Winfield, Willowbrook, Clarendon Hills, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Wayne, Medinah
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (26 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2017), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves
- Award winning
- High-end
- Offers Custom Work

Function Basement Design is a basement finishing company that aims to be a local leader in the creative design and finishing of functional basement spaces. Function is dedicated to providing professional designs that are inspired by your lifestyle and brought to life through our meticulous craftsmanship. 

We strive to maintain tight quality control for every basement we finish, ensuring uncompromising standards of design. When you choose Function, you choose an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service.

### Services Provided

- Basement Remodeling
- Basement Design and Build

### Areas Served

- Naperville
- Palatine
- Wheaton
- Downers Grove
- Elmhurst
- Lombard
- Bartlett
- Carol Stream
- Addison
- Woodridge
- Elk Grove Village
- Glen Ellyn
- West Chicago
- Westmont
- Lisle
- Roselle
- Bloomingdale
- Darien
- Hinsdale
- Wood Dale
- Warrenville
- Burr Ridge
- Winfield
- Willowbrook
- Clarendon Hills
- Oak Brook
- Oakbrook Terrace
- Wayne
- Medinah

### Typical Job Cost

$30,000 - 250,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Function Basement Design |
| Address | Wheaton, Illinois, United States |
| Phone | (708) 935-3455 |
| Website | http://www.functionbasementdesign.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 78 |

**Social profiles:**
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/howie-coluzzi-a922967
- Blog — http://www.functionbasementdesign.com/

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Function Basement Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/function-basement-design-pfvwus-pf~914797376)
- **Website:** http://www.functionbasementdesign.com
- **Phone:** (708) 935-3455

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Best of Houzz Customer Service Award 2015, 2016, 2017

- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2017), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 26 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Amy Northern, Dec. 2017**

> We used Howie and Function Basement Design in 2016 to finish our basement and we could not be happier with the entire experience!! The design was different from our initial idea for the space and turned out to be absolutely perfect. The entire process from design through construction and completion was completely seamless. Howie and all of his subcontractors were very professional, reliable and completed high quality work. We would 100% recommend Function Basement Design to anyone looking for a great space and a great experience!!

**★★★★★ — Alison Carithers, Jan. 2017**

> We highly recommend Function Basement Design for your project. Howie is a pleasure to work with and knows his stuff!  We met with many contractors in order to find the right one, and we are very glad we chose Howie as he made the project run extremely smoothly and was there every step of the way.  Unlike other contractors, Howie would either answer our call/texts or respond right away to questions/concerns.  Besides that, the work was awesome and he made sure to make our basement feel like an extension of our house by matching all the woodwork and helping with design.  We receive many compliments on the finished product.  You cannot go wrong with Howie and his crew - We promise you!

**★★★★★ — Bridget Schuering, Dec. 2016**

> Howie Coluzzi & Function Basement Design
>
> My wife and I used Howie Coluzzi & Function Basement Design for the finishing of our basement in 2015.  My wife and I had never undertaken such a project and thus had not experience to pull from.  From our initial meeting Howie & Function Basement Design stood out from their completion on their level of professionalism.  Howie not only listened to our ideas but he also provided suggestions to help us to come up with the best design that has exceeded our expectations.   While in the construction process all the contractors showed the same professionalism and courtesy that we had come to expect from the Function Basement Design team.  Howie clearly communicated timing, schedules and expectations weekly throughout the entire process.  During the finishing Howie also helped provide recommendations on paint, carpet and tile which was of great help to us in making our decisions.  Howie was on site for all inspections, final walk through and even personally stopped by several months after the completion of the project as we had a small concern we wanted to have addressed.  A year after the completion of the project we remain very pleased with the choice we made to go with Howie & Function Basement Design and would recommend them to anyone in the market to finish their basement.
>
> Ryan & Bridget, Downers Grove Illinois

**★★★★★ — Jovelt Jeune, Dec. 2016**

> We hired Function Basement Design to finish our basement after being really impressed by the work he did for some friends. Howie was extremely helpful with us throughout the entire process, from producing several different proposals until we were satisfied with the plan to ensuring we were happy with the tile backsplash we selected for our bar area, gym area and space allotted for our new media room.
>
> He worked closely with us, in detailing exact quotes and referrals to facilitate our selection. He showed a great deal of professionalism, reviewing work on site done by his contractors. The quality of work produced by Function Basement Design was top notch. We are absolutely thrilled by the new living area we have acquired in our basement and absolutely love the good work done to provide more space for our kids to play in a nice open area. The kids use the basement pretty much every day.
>
> We have recommended Function Basement Design to some neighbors and friends and hope they truly consider their services due to the quality work  they provide.

**★★★★★ — warrenswim, Dec. 2016**

> We we referred to Function Basement by a co-worker of mine.  After getting multiple bids, Function was the clear choice. They made the process so easy and met every request we had. They were always on time and delivered on every promise made. The only delays we experienced were through the permit process, not anything Function Basement could control. And even those delays were minimal and Function worked through it to make it smooth.
>
> The results were spectacular. We needed them to help us with design, and they didn't disappoint. Our basement is now the focal point of the house, and we couldn't be happier. Truely a spectacular company with dedicated and hard working people that want to do the job right and meet every need of the customer.
>
> Well done!!!

**★★★★★ — Jason Fortun, Dec. 2016**

> Howie and his team were professional and offered great suggestions to enhance the project and kept costs under control. Work quality was great and we also had some unusual requests his team was able to accommodate easily. We love our basement- it's used by the whole family on a daily basis!

**★★★★★ — Kim Ayars, Nov. 2016**

> Howie was absolutely amazing to work with! The communication was superb and quality top notch. We LOVE our basement!  All of his contractors were professional and courteous.  He made everything seem so easy, and there were no surprises -- his proposal was clear and detailed. If we had another basement, we'd use him again!

**★★★★★ — jjanowski, May 2016**

> We Challenged the Function team Chicago style – River North meets West Loop, Warm Rustic + Clean Modern. They absolutely delivered on expectations and went WELL ABOVE. Project challenges included Reclaimed wood, Reclaimed Beam Mantle, Distressed Dark Walnut on top of a 0 cookie cutter template bar… Since the project has completed not one person has stepped in without a jaw dropping immediately followed by “Can we take Pictures?, Can we copy this design?, and WHO DID THIS”. The caliber of quality/craftsmanship is unreal and Howie’s crew knowledge, professionalism couple with problem solving/engineering ability is truly unmatched. HIGHLY recommended – and already sharing contact info...

**★★★★★ — Jason Maslan, April 2016**

> We could not be happier with our finished basement. Howie was excellent to work with every step of the way, from the initial proposal through the execution of the project. His attention to detail is beyond compare. He understood our needs, our style, and our budget. We appreciated the prompt and responsive communications and the detailed financial/budget information he provided. The end result exceeded all of our expectations. We have already recommended him to our friends and we will turn to Howie for any future home improvement needs

**★★★★★ — csuwanski, Feb. 2016**

> We hired Function Basement for 2 separate projects.  For each, Howie was a great partner...much more than a hired contractor.  He spent a lot of time with us to understand how we wanted to use our spaces, what styles and features we liked, and what we didn’t like.  We didn’t need a separate designer to bring our spaces to life because he was able to bring us options that fit what we were looking for.  During the projects, he was always around, making sure that each step was completed to perfection.  He provided detailed timelines and budgets, and stayed within both on each of the projects.  I have complete trust in Howie, and will hire him again for any future projects!

**★★★★★ — lfarinella80, Jan. 2016**

> Howie is extremely well organized, easy to work with, and his team does great work at very competitive prices. We were very pleased with the process from the beginning as Howie provided a highly detailed quote and was on top of all the details throughout the project.  He helped with the design and walked us through each step as necessary. I would definitely recommend him to friends for any basement job.

**★★★★★ — 77bis, Dec. 2015**

> Of the three companies interviewed to finish our basement, we chose Function Basement Design and that turned out to be the best decision we could possibly have made.    Howie was very professional in every aspect, on site daily, extremely easy to work with, very helpful with design, and did the highest quality work at a reasonable price completing the project on time.
>     We love everything about our new basement and constantly receive compliments from family and friends when they visit.   It was truly a pleasure working with Howie Coluzzi and I would give Function Basement Design my highest recommendation.
>
> Paul B.

## Selected projects

- [Wheaton Basement with Reading Nook and Wet Bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wheaton-basement-with-reading-nook-and-wet-bar-pj-vj~3068644)
  - Location: Wheaton, IL
  - Photos: 17
- [Bloomingdale Basement with Coffer Ceiling and Home Theater](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bloomingdale-basement-with-coffer-ceiling-and-home-theater-pj-vj~2175714)
  - Location: Bloomingdale, IL
  - Photos: 8
- [Elmhurst Entertainment Space with Hidden Storage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elmhurst-entertainment-space-with-hidden-storage-pj-vj~3068610)
  - Location: Elmhurst, IL
  - Photos: 15
- [West Chicago Basement with Gaming and Media Areas with Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-chicago-basement-with-gaming-and-media-areas-with-fireplace-pj-vj~3068696)
  - Location: West Chicago, IL
  - Photos: 14
- [La Grange Modern Meets Rustic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-grange-modern-meets-rustic-pj-vj~1766892)
  - Location: La Grange, IL
  - Photos: 19
- [Westmont Wine Cellar & Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westmont-wine-cellar-and-basement-pj-vj~1268688)
  - Location: Westmont, IL
  - Photos: 8
- [Arlington Heights Basement for Entertainment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arlington-heights-basement-for-entertainment-pj-vj~3068739)
  - Location: Arlington Heights, IL
  - Photos: 6
- [Westmont Open Concept with Bar plus Gaming and Media](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westmont-open-concept-with-bar-plus-gaming-and-media-pj-vj~3069163)
  - Location: Westmont, IL
  - Photos: 10
- [Barrington Basement with Farm Doors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barrington-basement-with-farm-doors-pj-vj~1501380)
  - Location: Barrington, IL
  - Photos: 9
- [Elmhurst Family Basement with Something for Everyone](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elmhurst-family-basement-with-something-for-everyone-pj-vj~3069211)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 11
- [Wood Dale Basement Perfect for Sports and Entertainment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wood-dale-basement-perfect-for-sports-and-entertainment-pj-vj~3069250)
  - Location: Wood Dale, IL
  - Photos: 4
- [Elmhurst Basement with Bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elmhurst-basement-with-bar-pj-vj~1995728)
  - Location: Elmhurst, IL
  - Photos: 7
- [Geneva Traditional Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/geneva-traditional-basement-pj-vj~1995737)
  - Location: Geneva, IL
  - Photos: 10
- [Glen Ellyn Basement with Play Area](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glen-ellyn-basement-with-play-area-pj-vj~1501289)
  - Location: Glen Ellyn, IL
  - Photos: 10
- [Geneva Basement with Wet Bar and Large Family Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/geneva-basement-with-wet-bar-and-large-family-space-pj-vj~2175763)
  - Location: Geneva, IL
  - Photos: 9
- [Kildeer Basement for Entertaining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kildeer-basement-for-entertaining-pj-vj~1501269)
  - Location: Kildeer, IL
  - Photos: 8
- [Palatine Basement & Mud Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palatine-basement-and-mud-room-pj-vj~1449719)
  - Location: Palatine, IL
  - Photos: 11
- [Downers Grove Multi-Use Finished Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/downers-grove-multi-use-finished-basement-pj-vj~1501410)
  - Location: Downers Grove, IL
  - Photos: 9
- [Elmhurst Basement Great for Entertaining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elmhurst-basement-great-for-entertaining-pj-vj~3069573)
  - Location: Elmhurst, IL
  - Photos: 10
- [Elmhurst Basement with Traditional Bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elmhurst-basement-with-traditional-bar-pj-vj~1449700)
  - Location: Elmhurst, IL
  - Photos: 7

[See all 55 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/function-basement-design-pfvwus-pf~914797376)

## Community Q&A

**Q: shelf lighting** *(in Photo Questions)*

How did you accomplish the uplighting on the shelf

A: We first ran two individual low voltage wires to each shelf location from an outlet below (under the cabinet) so that you don’t see where the wires come through the drywall. We then routed out a groove in the wood approx 3/4” wide by 1/4” deep so that it would accept an LED strip light. The design is as such so that you can put the bottles over the light groove so it can light up the bottles from below. Hope this helps!
FBD

**Q: theater door theater room** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where did purchase theatre doors

A: These are knotty alder full-light frosted glass doors and were purchased from Exclusive Millwork in Willowbrook, IL.  If you're not in the Chicago area, you can contact a millwork supplier or lumberyard in your area and I'm sure they can sell you the same or at least point you in the right direction.  These doors are 6'-8" tall and 1-3/4" thick.  Good luck!

**Q: grey sleeper couch** *(in Photo Questions)*

Please tell me where the couch is from! Love the space:)

A: It's from Dania and it looks as if it's still available.

**Q: What is the wall color** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Benjamin Moore Monroe Bisque

**Q: What are dimensions of the entire bar area?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Looks like 12x12.  Also dimensions from bar and wall cabinet.  Thanks.

A: 9'-3" x 12'-0".  Sorry, not sure what you mean by "dimensions from bar and wall cabinet."  There is almost 4' of walking space between base cabinets.

**Q: What material is flooring?  Thanks.** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Travertine.  Here's the link to the actual product: http://www.tileshop.com/product/productdetail.aspx?familyID=2118&recordID=5025389

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-10.*