Basement Designs

Basement is generally a room or number of rooms in a building, completely or partly below the level of the ground. Design is a sketch or drawing or plan using which something – for example basement – may be made.

When most people think of an addition to their home, they think about adding on to the existing structure. What many seem to forget is that their "addition," already 30% completed, is literally right under their noses – in the basement.

Professionally finished basements are a plus whereas unprofessionally finished basements are a minus.

No matter what we are building, it should start with a plan, with all specifications mapped out. In order to have a proper start and a perfect finish to our project, we must determine what our needs are today and in the future. If we cannot do this ourselves, we must consult an architect who would charge a fee, depending on the size of the space. Ideally, we need an architect to draw and design our basement, but a designer that specializes in this field can do a great job.

Planning

We must see the unfinished basement as an empty canvas and be able to freely create anything new in addition to our basic living needs.

A well thought out design will bring an enjoyable space for years to come. It is recommended planning for now as well as the future. We have to think about small children who are going to remain in the home for an extended period of time as their needs may change accordingly. It is best to cover all bases.

To make the basement a successful extension of our home, we will need to have some concept of where we will be going with this.

There are a couple of approaches that work well. The least inexpensive is to use 1/4" square graph paper to create our drawing using the 1/4" = 1 ft.

In a proper scenario, the designer/architect will sit down and discuss our needs. Once they have gathered all the information, then they can start the drawing process. If you bypass this first step, we're headed down the wrong path.

Depending on the size of the basement, the designer may use different scales. The most common scale is 1/4" per foot. Take our time when examining our drawings of the proposed basement layout. Let the designer explain the layout and why they have positioned things where they have. A proper drawing should include all walls, built-in furniture, and furniture such as sofas, chairs and pool table. We want to know that the furniture fits and that we can walk around the pool table.

Consider the placement of items with regards to what is on the first floor. We do not want a bedroom below the kitchen, or the home theatre area near the stairs. Most plans are open concept, so try to tuck the bathroom in a place that is out of the way, but make it easily accessible.

Our plans should come with a specification sheet detailing all materials. This should be very detailed! For example, it should include the model and make of the toilet. There is a great selection and difference of quality in all of the materials going into the project.

Without such detail, we cannot compare plans/specifications from more than one source. Now take the drawings home and look at them for 3 to 5 days. It is very easy to make changes on paper. It is a lot harder once the walls are up. Let us get back to our designer within a week when both parties are fresh regarding the drawings and make a detailed list of any changes we want, including items we want to add.

With our drawings and specifications, we have the information to give to the company bidding on the work. This is the information required for pricing. If they try to change everything, and everything is cheaper, beware! If one company is a lot less than the other, but both are using the same materials, watch out for the company charging less. Ask for an explanation. It is a common mistake to not price a project properly.

There are two options for a plan submission; the requirements for each are listed below. When submitting plans, two complete sets are required for review.

A comprehensive set of construction plans must meet the requirements or show the items listed below.

• Minimum scale of 1/ 4" = 1'-0"; all dimensions must be shown.
• Minimum sheet size: 8 1/ 2" x 11", no pencil.
• Name, address, and occupation of the building designer.

We need to bring the construction documents where our permit process will begin. Here we will complete a building permit application. Permit technicians will direct us to the appropriate agencies necessary for permit approval.

The building permit is issued when all required approvals have been obtained and applicable fees have been paid. Once our permits are issued, we must post a copy on the job site until the project has received final approval. Electrical and plumbing permits are issued after the building permit is approved, but may be processed at the same time. Plan submittals are not required.