Tips For Your Basement Remodeling Project
Liz Wood
If you are looking for an easy and cost-effective way to open
up more living space within your home, consider a basement
remodel. Remodeling your basement gives you the creative power
to add additional living space without having to cut into your
yard with a built-on addition. Not to mention, an addition will
cost about 3 times as much as a basement remodel. Furthermore,
remodeling the basement can be completed much faster than an
addition because there is no need to put the mechanicals,
foundation, and outside walls in place or deal with landscaping
issues.
If you do decide to remodel your basement, make sure to set
some time aside to prepare. The first thing you should consider
is how you intend to use your new basement space. There are many
options available which include turning in your basement into a
lounge room, play room, exercise room, office space, extra
guest bedroom, entertainment room or even into bar. The
possibilities are endless. However, keep in mind, dividing the
space into more than one room can give you more flexibility.
Bottom line, it is absolutely necessary to put thought into
this particular preparation stage because the way you intend to
use the space will guide the entire remodel.
Lighting is an extremely important aspect to a basement
remodel. This is mainly true because basements tend to be dark
and gloomy. With a few lighting tricks you can turn your
basement into a naturally light and brightened space. It is
recommended that you try to increase natural lighting as much
as possible and this can be done by adding or enlarging
windows. Artificial lighting can also be used if adding windows
is not an option.
In addition to lighting, the next major area of importance is
the basement ceiling. You will need to decide whether you want
a hard or soft ceiling. There are pros and cons to both
options. A soft, or suspended, ceiling is designed to conceal
all pipes, ducts and wires from view. It hangs below these
objects, but it still allows ready access for repairs and
alterations.
A hard ceiling, on the other hand, is designed to feel like a
continuation of the rest of the house. However, more planning
is involved with this type of ceiling because you must work out
high- and low-voltage wiring and lay the lines, as well as wrap
both hot and cold water lines and the gas lines to protect
against condensation.
Furthermore, the industrial look has also become popular which
involves painting the ceiling, the pipes and the ducts, usually
a different color from the walls for effect.
The next area of consideration includes the walls. Regardless
of what type of walls you install, you must make sure that you
have proper insulation to regulate the temperature and to keep
out moisture. As you may already know, basements are very moist
areas that need to be waterproofed and insulated in order to
maintain comfort.
Last, but not least, there are many options for flooring.
Common options include tile, marble, carpet, and area rugs, as
well as vinyl, plastic and hardwood. If you are willing to pay
more for your floors, you may also consider heated masonry,
which helps reduce humidity. If you are trying to save money on
your floors, vinyl floors are inexpensive, quick and easy to
install. Carpet offers a warm, soft look and feel, and it also
comes in a variety of styles and colors. But keep in mind that
carpeting your basement may be dangerous because it retains
moisture. Hardwood is also a dangerous option if your basement
is prone to water leaks because water will destroy the wood
overtime.
About The Author: To learn more about basement remodeling, and
for a free price quote on basement finishing, visit
http://www.basementkey.com
Back to Index of
All Info on Basements, Garages & Roofs
Search our site for any Home, Lawn or Garden Info
