Basement Remodel

Basement Remodeling is the fastest way to add a new room, or more, to our home without the higher expense of an addition. Because most basements are unfinished, and used for storing all the things we have forgotten we have, it is a relatively simple job for a Basement Remodeling Professional to add quality living space to our home without losing valuable square feet from our yard, lawn, or garden.

Most basements are dark areas where we store seasonal decorations, old toys, sporting equipment and anything else not used on a regular basis.

It is time we reconsider how we use our basement. Remodeling the basement is a cost-effective way to greatly expand our home's living space. Suddenly we could have a guest room, a children's playroom, a home office, a recreation room–the possibilities are only limited by our imagination.

Eight easy steps to reclaim basement:

By remodeling their newly found additions, homeowners gain several advantages:

• Basements are naturally insulated by the earth, which means they are cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Moving the family room, home entertainment center, home office, or children’s playroom to the basement frees up additional space in the main living area, which can mean an expanded kitchen or bath, a larger master bedroom, or an additional guest bedroom or living quarters.
• Of course, if the house does not currently have room for a family room, home office, etc., one can be built economically in the basement.
• By putting a home entertainment center, exercise area, workroom or other "activity" room in the basement, the rest of the house can be quieter and more stress free.

1. Solving basement water problems

Even if our basement rarely has problems with dampness or flooding, it's best to solve the problem completely before beginning any remodeling work. Permanent solutions can take time to implement. A good place to start is to talk to an independent home inspector who specializes in waterproofing problems.

2. Deciding on the best use of basement

Consider using the space for activities for which typical basement characteristics offer natural advantages. The lack of light is useful when setting up a home theater or a dark room. The isolation helps create a sound break for a play area, a teenager's hangout or a place to practice a musical instrument.

Also, in basements, there is usually ready access to things like water lines and heating and cooling ducts. This makes adding a bath easier than it would be elsewhere in the house

3. Getting help with basement design

While our basement may not be much to look at now, we will like to end up with quality living space when the project is complete. An architect or interior designer can help we get the most out of the space. A little forethought and careful planning now can help us create a space that is attractive, comfortable and useful.

4. Paying attention to air circulation

When our home was first built, the odds are that there were few if any registers or vents installed in the basement. When we remodel our basement, we need to think about the need for good air circulation, adding openings where necessary.

We will also have to include a return air duct, but it's important that it be located far from the furnace. Otherwise, it may suck dangerous furnace exhaust fumes back into the house.

To be on the safe side, install a carbon monoxide detector in our basement so that we will have an early warning of any problems with the venting of the furnace or any other major appliances.

5. Maximizing basement's natural light

For many reasons, we will probably want to add more light in our basement. If parts of the basement extend above the ground, we can add new windows or enlarge existing ones.

If that isn't possible, another option is to dig window wells. Window wells can increase the odds of water problems, so it's a good idea to build ones with waterproof covers.

Another advantage of enlarged windows is that they provide alternative escape routes in case of fire. One concern that some people have about basement windows is that they provide thieves with ideal access to the home. One way to mitigate that risk is to install glass bricks (rather than conventional windows) at high-risk locations.

It is necessary to maximize the effect of regular windows by mounting some windows in the interior walls between rooms that open pathways for natural light to reach interior rooms.

6. Making creative use of artificial light

Typically, basement ceilings are low, creating the feeling that we are in a cave. To offset this, use indirect lighting that splashes large pools of light on the ceiling. This will open up the space and make rooms appear higher than they are.

A mix of this up-lighting and traditional recessed lighting will give us the flexibility we need to create a variety of lighting moods. Mirrors, mounted on the walls or even ceilings, can also amplify and reinforce lighting effects.

7. Insulating basement well

Proper insulation is critical to creating a comfortable, dry basement. Besides keeping out the cold, basement insulation prevents condensation. The ground stays cool year round. It in turn keeps basement walls cool. When the warmer air in the room comes in contact with all those cool walls, it has to give up some of its moisture in the form of condensation.

Condensation is, in fact, the primary source of the moisture that causes mold and mildew problems in basements. Effective insulation separates the warm air of the room from the cool walls, thereby preventing the moisture problems that stem from condensation.

8. Selecting practical furnishings

Let us use plush carpets and drapes sparingly, if at all. Surfaces that don't absorb moisture are best. Also, we must be careful about storing clothes, linens and books in a basement. For floors, area rugs are ideal because they can be removed, cleaned and dried. If we must have wall-to-wall carpeting, let us consider a low pile commercial or indoor/outdoor type.

If we pay attention to details, there is no reason why we can't create high value, high comfort living space in a basement. Properly finishing a basement only costs a fraction of what it costs to build an addition. That means we will have more money in our pocket for the next big home improvement project on our list!