#76 Jeff Wieland, Benefits of a Finished Lower Level in a Custom Home

WB Download

WB Download
#76 Jeff Wieland, Benefits of a Finished Lower Level in a Custom Home
Feb 10, 2026 Season 4 Episode 76
Jeff Wieland

Finished Lower Levels: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Custom Home

In this episode of The WB Download, host Jeff Wieland dives below the surface, literally to explore one of the most valuable and often underutilized spaces in a custom home: the finished lower level.

Jeff shares why today’s basements are no longer just storage areas. Instead, they’re thoughtfully designed extensions of the home that add meaningful square footage, everyday functionality, and incredible entertainment value. From maximizing natural light and creating seamless walkouts to patios and pools, to incorporating higher ceilings that match the main floor, Jeff explains how modern lower levels feel anything but “below ground.”

He walks through popular features homeowners are requesting, including custom bars, exercise rooms, golf simulators, wine rooms, saunas, guest suites, and even multi-generational living spaces. Jeff also highlights the growing demand for lower-level home offices and wellness spaces as families rethink how they live, work, and relax at home.

Planning ahead is a key theme throughout the episode. Jeff discusses designing with the future in mind, adding extra bathrooms, unfinished storage, proper heating and cooling, egress windows, and smart layouts that allow for easy renovations down the road. It’s all about creating spaces that adapt as life changes while boosting comfort and resale value.

If you’re building a custom home or considering finishing your basement, this episode is packed with insights and ideas to help you make the most of every square foot.

For more details and inspiration from our custom homes and finished lower levels, check out our blog featuring our very own custom homes

Email Jeff your comments, questions, and topic requests, or be a guest on The WB Download.

Email: WBDOWNLOAD@wielandbuilders.com

See Wieland Builders custom home gallery  www.wielandbuilders.com

Receive inspiration monthly in our monthly newsletter 

See podcast behind the scenes photos

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Houzz or Pinterest 

Episode Artwork #76 Jeff Wieland, Benefits of a Finished Lower Level in a Custom Home 40:50 Episode Artwork #75 Kramer Plumbing - Brian Kramer and Katie Cook 1:08:02 Episode Artwork #74 Wieland Builders 2026 Company Goals & Objectives 29:02 Episode Artwork 2025 Podcast Year In Review With Jeff Wieland 46:42 Episode Artwork #72 Mike O'Rourke, O'Rourke Wrecking Company 1:37:03 Episode Artwork #71 Then vs. Now: How Home Building Has Evolved 46:48 Episode Artwork #70 Don Weiler, Bailey Weiler Design Build Renovate 1:28:30 Episode Artwork #69 Tanner Konrady, Konrady & Son Construction 1:14:34 Episode Artwork #68 Brian Lapthorn, Client and Mental Health Advocate 1:24:26 Episode Artwork #67 Andy Korb, Stockyards Packing Co. 1:35:29 Episode Artwork #66 Everything Homearama Including Favorite Rooms & Luxury Design Inspiration 52:42 Episode Artwork #65 Simplify In Style, Danielle Boerger 51:34 Episode Artwork #64 Kitchens By Rutenschroer (KBR), Pam Carr 1:18:32 Episode Artwork #63 Payton's Lemonade Stand, Payton & Jess Obert 1:23:54 Episode Artwork #62 Working With Tough Clients and Recognizing Red Flags While Building Custom Home 50:49 Episode Artwork #61 Caroline on Design, Carrie Barker 52:59 Episode Artwork #60 Gordian Design & Construction, John Lohr 1:29:00 Episode Artwork #59 Adam Hehlke, Built QC 1:37:17 Episode Artwork #58 California Closets, Leah Eggert and Krista Heinrich 1:27:42 Episode Artwork #57 Mother's Day: Jeff & Mike Wieland with Mother Sue Wieland 1:33:17 Episode Artwork #56 Murphy Insurance Agency, Ryan Murphy 1:17:06 Episode Artwork #55 Florida Tile, Kelly Schnelle 1:16:38 Episode Artwork #54 Home Air Filtration Barriers & Company Goals & Objectives 48:00 Episode Artwork #53 SiteWORX - Matt Smith 1:30:36 Episode Artwork #52 Ferguson, Sarah Muri and Mark Waflart 1:20:04