Easy Basement Renovations & Other Home Renovation Ideas » Basement Renovations

Get to Work: Create a Basement Office

admin — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:40:35 +0000

The 2008 Census found that 5.9 million Americans worked at home. That number is sure to rise with the 2010 tally of where we work, and millions more occasionally telecommute to offices. For tax purposes, most people create a separate room for a home office. If you haven’t finished the basement, why not create a basement office?

Obviously the first step is the make sure your basement is dry, free of mold, and has accessible plumbing and wiring to create a comfortable and functional work setting. Even if you design the office yourself, you may need to call in a basement remodeling contractor to ensure that your space is suitable. Moisture-proofing should be an integral part of any basement finishing scheme. This is one area where you don’t want to skimp–cheaper sealants and waterproofing agents may not hold up to the heat or humidity in your climate zone.

Basement Remodeling Ideas: Home Office Must-Haves

Not everyone wants to spend their working week underground. On the other hand, if you’ve worked in a cubicle, a basement office might be a terrific alternative. Make a list of features by necessity, then luxury. Start with a must-have list, then a nice-to-have list. Most people would insist on:

Adequate heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation
Computer, printer, telephone, and fax capability
A bathroom and mini-kitchen (fridge, microwave, coffeemaker, etc.)
Attractive table and chairs for meeting clients
Shelves and hard file storage

Nice-to-have options include a couch, workout bike or treadmill, and a music system and/or television. Don’t forget curtains and shades.

If your basement is near your laundry room, consider putting up a wall to spare yourself the noise and spare your clients your dirty socks. You might also put soundproofing on your list if the rest of the house is busy during the day.

Air and lighting should also be a high priority. Do you want natural ventilation during fair-weather months? Do you have adequate entry and exit passage? Perhaps you want to install a set of steps and a door to head outside to clear your head during spring, summer, and fall. If it’s possible to add a few small windows for light, they can make longs days at your desk far more comfortable.

There’s really no need to go it alone in performing a start-to-end basement remodeling project. We’ve already done homework for you, from making a plan to finding the right basement remodeling contractor.

Turn a Cold Basement into a Cozy Living Area with Radiant-floor Heating

admin — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:10:25 +0000

If you’re thinking about a basement conversion, one of the biggest issues you are likely to face is how to heat the new area.

Although the basement is where your furnace is located, most cellars are not equipped with heat vents or registers. And that can make for a cold and clammy environment.

One way to make sure your basement renovation creates a cozy space for your home is to install radiant or hydronic floor heating. Radiant floor systems installed in a concrete basement floor can translate into warm winter nights and big-time fuel cost savings. This system is ideal for all types of slab construction, which is found in most basements.

Finishing a Basement With Radiant-Floor Heating

Radiant-floor heating comes in many forms–some circulate warm water through tubes under the floor, while others use solid-state electronics to distribute the heat. One thing they have in common is that they’re all more economical than central heat. And it doesn’t just keep your feet warm; radiant-floor heat keeps the whole room warm.

One of the advantages of installing radiant-floor heat during a basement renovation is that you won’t have to face the added cost that comes with retrofitting floor heat to another floor of your house. Basement tubing can be installed in a thin, new, concrete layer to your existing basement slab floor; however, in upper floors, many types of radiant heat have to be embedded in heavy mortar slabs that often require reinforced framing to support the extra weight.

With radiant-floor heating, your concrete basement floor becomes an asset rather than a liability because the concrete helps retain heat longer. It provides what the experts call a “thermal mass” that increases the efficiency of your heating system.

A Basement Remodeling Contractor Can Save You Money

It might also be cheaper to install. Tubing in concrete can be installed 12 inches apart, while heating tubes installed in the sub-floors of upper-floor rooms must be much closer together.

A large area of lower surface temperatures–such as a radiant heat floor in a basement renovation–transfers more heat into a room that a steam radiator or heating vent running at a much higher surface temperature.

Although some homeowners elect to install their own radiant-floor heating systems, others prefer to consult a basement remodeling contractor. In-floor heating systems–particularly if they are being installed beneath wood floors or into concrete–are not simple jobs. A basement remodeling contractor likely has experience installing these systems, and the necessary tools to do the job right.

Be sure to select a contractor who has references. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau and your state contractors’ board. A good contractor can save you time and money in the long run.

About the author: Jim Sloan is a freelance writer in Reno, Nevada.

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Basement Waterproofing: How to Discover and Correct Water Damaged Basements

admin — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:25:34 +0000

“A wet basement is definitely a structural issue” says Reliable Remodeler blogger Jeffrey Anderson in “Finding the Cause of a Wet Basement,” a blog post focused on basement waterproofing. For new homes with chronically wet basements, Anderson recommends contacting the home warranty issuers. For recently purchased, previously occupied homes, contact the realtor and former owners.

If you have owned your home for a while, and are just now deciding to conduct a basement renovation–or to tackle a perpetually wet basement–you need to determine the following:

Basement Waterproofing: What You Can Do

Keep air circulating through open windows, air conditioners, and heaters. Use a dehumidifier.
Choose moisture resistant paints and finishes for interior decorating.
Dry, clean, and caulk cracks in concrete, walls, and other leaky areas.
Make sure that dryer ventilation goes outside, if the laundry is in the basement.

Basement Waterproofing: When to Hire a Basement Remodeling Contractor

Strachybotrys chartarum is a greenish black fungus, or mold, which grows on fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, lint, and items with high cellulose, low nitrogen content that experience sustained exposure to moisture or water.

Human responses to household mold range from allergy and hay fever symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and red irritated eyes, to upper respiratory tract infections, asthma, and pneumonia. The outcomes often depend on individual immune systems and the size of the mold colony.

If you discover a large, black mold colony in your basement, insulation ducts or elsewhere, it is best to hire a basement remodeling contractor specializing in mold removal and prevention. Before hiring a basement remodeling contractor, educate yourself by downloading the free Reliable Remodeler Guide to Working with Contractors. Provide a few details about your basement renovation, and you can also receive free estimates from professional contractors in your area!

Every home remodeler knows that structure comes first. First, verifty the structural integrity of your home’s basement–and ensure it remains free from water damage–then you can begin implementing your best basement remodeling ideas.

About the author: Cheri Renee began her professional writing career at Greenspun Media Group’s Showbiz Weekly magazine. Several years later, she discovered an interest in interior design and home improvement, while on assignment for GMG’s H&D magazine. Cheri holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Augusta State University and an M.S.T. in Adolescent English Education from Fordham University.

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Create a Multi-use Basement that Features Storage, Laundry, and Living Areas

admin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:38:39 +0000

If you’re like most people, your basement does double or even triple duty. It might be a laundry room as well as a workshop, and there’s probably an area used for storage, too.

So, what if you want a basement renovation that carves out an area for some living space? Will you have to move all the other types of areas to another part of the house?

Not at all. The secret is to utilize space-economizing methods to create a multi-use basement that serves many needs.

Analyze Your Needs for the Basement

The first step in this type of basement conversion is to analyze the current uses in the area and look for ways to make them more efficient so they can take up less space. Consider:

Investing in a stackable washer and dryer and a hinged table that you can fold up when you’re not doing laundry. Remodeling contractors can help you determine where and how to incorporate this, and make sure your laundry area is plumbed correctly.
Including movable floor-to-ceiling shelves for all those storage boxes and bins. Organize and consolidate the contents so you have fewer containers to store.
Using shelves or work tables mounted on rolling bases to organize tools, crafting supplies, or household equipment. You can roll it out of the way when it’s not in use.

Creating a Multi-Use Basement

After your areas are well-separated, use curtains, folding partitions, or interior walls to delineate them. This helps make sure things like lint, dust, and wood chips don’t find their way into your living space. Try to put push these “work areas” to one side of your basement so the area closest to the stairs or exterior door contains the new living area.

The basement renovation area can be walled off from the rest of the basement and even have a different flooring from the rest of the basement. You can add heat, recessed lighting, and new ceiling coverings to improve the warmth and appeal of the new space.

Consider using a remodeling contractor to finish off the new living area. Experienced contractors can design the project in a way that lets you eventually expand the room, if you choose. They know which types of flooring work best on basement concrete, and can help you get proper permits for the renovation, as well. A home with increased square footage of living space has an increased market value.

Be sure to select a basement remodeling contractor with references. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau and your state contractors’ board. A good contractor can give you all you were hoping for, and more, in a basement remodel.

8 Ideas for a Unique Basement Room

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:41:33 +0000

Are you making good use of your basement? In many homes, that promising space is relegated to storage, and homeowners never realize its full potential. Make room for fun and unique style in your basement room! Consider these great options for turning your unused space into a well-loved haven.

Consider an office. The basement space can be used to house a small business office. Built-in shelves make good use of tight spaces. Place a small desk under an existing window and perk the space up with a comfortable rug on the floor.
Bounce into a playroom. Offer a place for your kids to play with their friends while staying out of your hair. Such a thing really is possible! Turn the basement into a playroom with a small climbing wall, plenty of colorful drawers for storage, and of course, toys galore.
Turn it into a hobby shop. Are you tired of seeing those model pieces all over the kitchen table? Are you running out of room for your fabric and sewing essentials? Your basement makeover could give ample space for the things you love to do.
Drink to the wine cellar. Line the entire basement with open wine racks, add a small refrigerator for incidentals, and don’t forget a cabinet for the wine glasses. If there is room for a sitting area, opt for comfortable chairs that invite guests to relax.
Create an oasis for relaxation. Why bother to go to the spa when you have one in your very own home? Turn your basement into a steam room or sauna. Include all the elements of relaxation, and create a beautiful retreat that is just a few steps away.
Get the room of a second bathroom. If your bathroom is crowded with everyone trying to get ready and out the door, ease the time crush by creating a basement bathroom. If you have plenty of room in your basement, consider adding laundry facilities, too.
Create a home theater. A large projection screen or a big-screen television is the basis of your new home theater. Add plenty of comfortable chairs to make it a true theater experience.
Turn to the classic gameroom. Add a pool table, pinball machines, and other fun games to balance the big-screen television and sporting decor on the walls. It’s a sporty area of fun!

Don’t let that ample space go to waste! Decide what you would love to have as your “bonus” room and then make it a reality with your basement space.

Basement Remodeling: Choosing Between a Drop Ceiling and Drywall Ceiling

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:30:28 +0000

You have already decided on the flooring and waterproof walls, but what kind of basement ceiling will you choose–a drop ceiling or a drywall ceiling? Your final choice depends on several factors, from style preferences to practical considerations such as access to wiring, pipes, and heating ducts. Read on to learn the pros and cons of each basic basement ceiling type. Be sure to discuss each option with your basement remodeling contractor.

Drop Basement Ceiling Details

Drop ceilings are also known as suspended ceilings. To create a drop ceiling, basement ceiling tiles or panels are placed in a grid of metal bars; these bars are then tethered to overhead joists via wires. Basement remodeling contractors may advocate drop ceilings for the following reasons:

You will have easy access to the inner working of your home, including plumbing, wiring, and ventilation systems. When you need to fix a faulty pipe or install cable TV, you can simply drop out a few ceiling panels.
Drop ceilings can function as sound insulators. Your basement remodeling contractor can easily install a layer of insulation between your drop ceiling and your basement joists. The panels themselves can also muffle noise, so sleeping children won’t be bothered by movie-night sounds.
Drop ceiling panel choices can fit any style. Wood planks, painted tiles, vintage tin, faux metal, or wood are just a few of the numerous options available.
Installation is usually cheaper than the labor costs of putting in a drywall ceiling.

Drywall Basement Ceiling Facts

Your basement remodeling contractor may point out the benefits of a drywall ceiling, including:

Some people prefer the finished look of a drywall ceiling, or they want their basement ceiling to look like the rest of the ceilings in their house.
Your basement may have more finished space and a higher ceiling. Drop ceilings take up a minimum of eight inches of overhead space.
The materials costs are usually not as high as the supplies needed for a drop ceiling.
You can add style to your finished look with a drywall texture finish, such as a drywall ceiling swirl texture.

Weigh your options carefully and talk with your basement remodeling contractor before you pick either a drop ceiling or a drywall ceiling for your basement renovation. You should be happy with your wise choice every time you look up.

About the author: Nancy Schatz Alton writes and edits in Seattle, Washington. Her circa 1925 home just underwent an extensive remodel.

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Brighten Up Your Basement Renovation

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:41:26 +0000

Bringing extra light into a basement is a tricky but worthwhile project. If you’re planning a basement renovation, consider the many ways to enhance your lighting options.

The first place to look is the windows. Many basements have small windows that limit the natural light flowing through. When finishing a basement, look for ways to add good-sized vinyl replacement windows and enlarge the ones you have. Even a few extra feet of window space helps.

While some homeowners can add drywall or install flooring in a basement on their own, it’s often best to leave window installation to a professional. This is particularly true if the project involves expanding window openings and heavy carpentry work.

If you’re lucky enough to have a walk-out basement, where part of the space is raised above ground level, you have plenty of options. Otherwise, look for places where an extra window would brighten the space.

Basement Renovation: Check the Outside

The outside of your foundation is another place that can limit light flowing into the basement. If you have thick bushes right against the basement wall, plan to cut them back during your basement renovation.

When you’ve exhausted natural light options, turn to artificial lighting. A basement renovation often includes upgrades to the electrical system, so this is the time to do it. Maximizing the livable space should also include making it more comfortable and visually appealing.

Focus When Finishing the Basement

Many people like the focused light from canned lighting, while others prefer track lights. In both cases, the lights can be directed to shine on specific areas, such as a pool table. Talk with an electrical contractor about getting the right amount of light. You can always add dimmer switches and turn them down if needed.

After the windows and lighting are in place, you can use decorative options to further brighten your basement renovation. Light colored paint, carpeting, or vinyl flooring can be a perfect complement to the other changes you’ve planned. Glass blocks often give the impression of extra light coming into a basement, too.

When finishing a basement, think about all the things you don’t like about the current space. Chances are you could benefit from added light. By taking a few steps to bring in light, you can transform the basement into a bright, open setting as appealing as your first-floor space.

Basement Renovation: Create the Perfect Getaway for Family and Friends

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:27:07 +0000

In harsh weather areas of the U.S., homes often have a secret getaway–the basement. Whether it’s been raining for weeks or is hot and humid, the basement is surrounded by 55-degree earth, a natural climate equalizer. Often, the ground-level living area is saved for smaller, more formal entertaining, while downstairs, kids can play without getting chided about their muddy feet or breaking Grandma’s teacups. A basement renovation can include some or all of the following:

A modest kitchen with durable, rather than fancy, cabinets
A pantry sized for entertaining, including a freezer and wine storage
An extra-large, informal dining area
A sitting area with casual, durable furniture; TV; hi-fi; and game table
A large open area big enough for ping-pong, dancing, musical instruments, etc.
A guest bedroom
A bathroom
Laundry area with dumbwaiter or a chute from upstairs
Storage area
A workshop for basic repairs or small-space hobbies
A computer or study area
Mar-proof, cozy walls such as wood or fiberboard panelling

Is Your Space Suitable for a Basement Renovation?

You must resolve any problems before you can build new walls as part of your basement renovation. These problems include:

Leaks and flooding potential–a sump pit and float-activated pump with a grating cover can divert water, preventing dangerous molds and damage to furnishings and appliances
Cracked floors and walls–a foundation expert and cement contractor can help analyze and address these issues
Undesirable placement of a furnace, water heater, ducting, or other equipment–these may have to be relocated, along with their ducting or plumbing lines
Kitchen and bathroom drains may have to pump effluent upward to join sewer or septic lines; an experienced plumbing contractor can handle this
Heating and cooling systems sized for the main house may not be adequate for adding a large amount of living space
If you want to add a fireplace, the chimney and air intake must be routed to circumvent upstairs structures

Other than these considerations, finishing a basement is not much different than building any living area. Your basement renovation can enhance your ability to relax, entertain, pursue hobbies, and get away from unpleasant weather. It’s an instant getaway without endless miles on highways or the tedious lines at airports. You already own the space–make it pay you dividends.

About the author: Suzanne Clemenz designed her passive solar home and interacted with the contractors every day of the 6-month project. She started drawing floor plans and making models in the early ’70s after purchasing several building lots. Recently she expanded and remodeled her newly-purchased home, working with contractors on the floorplan, electrical changes, painting, installation of wood laminate flooring, flood prevention walls and stonework, major drainage issues, an irrigation system and a landscaping. Researching and keeping up on issues and products related to home design and maintenance is an ongoing avocation.

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A Healthy Basement Renovation: Build Yourself a Home Gym

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:26:38 +0000

Among the more energetic basement remodeling ideas floating around now is the use of a qualified basement remodeling contractor to build a suitable space for a home gym. Basement waterproofing leads the list for completing this basement renovation the right way. Can you imagine breathing in dust and mildew while amping up your heartbeat on a treadmill?

If your basement has adequate drainage, lighting, heating, ventilation, waterproofed floors, pipes, and walls, you might consider completing the gym transformation on your own. But in most cases, you should call in a qualified basement remodeling contractor to design, bid, and complete the project. There are plenty of benefits to finishing a basement.

The Health-Related Basement Renovation, Simplified

Having a basement gym is a great idea. It can increase your home’s value and bring the workout to you. No driving to the gym on hot or wickedly cold mornings. No membership fees. No excuses.

Before you do anything, can you claim that your basement is dry enough? It may not suffice to install a dehumidifier alone. Have a remodeling contractor conduct a thorough inspection. One thing you may not want, despite how appealing it may be, is a carpet for your basement gym. Instead, consider concrete floors or rubber flooring with adequate padding when finishing a basement.

Even outdoor or tough carpeting may show its wear under the stress and weight of workout equipment, and you may spend more time working out the mildew problem than you do working off fat.

The first step is to determine your workout routine and equipment needs. Are you going for cardio or installing a weight room, too? If your space is too confined for a treadmill or elliptical trainer, perhaps a stationary bicycle will do. Is the electrical supply adequate to power gym equipment, new overall lighting, task lighting, alternate heaters, air conditioners, fans, stereo equipment, televisions, water coolers, refrigerators, etc.? A good basement remodeling contractor can help you answer these questions.

You don’t necessarily need a huge basement to consider adding a home gym. Even a small basement can benefit from some fun basement remodeling ideas.

More Basement Renovation Considerations

Is there room, ample electricity, and plumbing to add a bathroom stall or small shower? Or, do you want to add a hot tub or sauna? Perhaps you’ll just put in a small workout room and segment other sections of the finished basement for laundry, a children’s gaming center, or basement office.

After your basement renovation is finished, it’s time to furnish your new space. When it comes to workout equipment, you can always shop for used gear to help cut the overall basement renovation cost. You can add better-quality treadmills or weight sets when you know that you’ll use the gym.

Soundproofing a Basement Helps Create Comfortable Rooms

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:01:15 +0000

If you are adding new living space to your house by finishing a basement, you should consider soundproofing the new rooms to ensure that unwanted noise doesn’t echo throughout your home. Whether you are adding an extra bedroom, a home gym, or even a state-of-the-art home theater in your basement, soundproofing the walls and ceiling is a simple and effective way to create comfortable and quiet rooms.

Most unwanted sounds coming from your basement are transferred through the basement ceiling, making it an important place to soundproof. One way to stop the noise from traveling between the lower and main levels of your house is to install sound-insulating batts between the wood joists, which can be done if the basement ceiling is exposed. Sound-insulating batts are made from materials like fiberglass and recycled cotton, and are similar to those used to insulate walls. To keep sound from also traveling through the joists themselves, you can stick a layer of foam tape to the underside of the joists before attaching the finished ceiling. This technique will minimize the noise transference between the above room and the basement below.

If your basement renovation is already underway and the overhead joist space is inaccessible, then it may not be possible to insulate the ceiling cavity. In this instance, you can reduce unwanted noise transference by covering the existing ceiling with a layer of sound-dampening drywall. This specialized drywall is installed and finished just like traditional drywall, but it offers a better acoustical barrier.

For rooms that require serious sound insulation, like a recording studio or shop, you can use spray-in foam insulation or sound-deadening panels that are attached to the walls and ceiling with metal channeling. Both of these specialized products are effective at reducing unwanted noise, but they can be expensive, and they most often need to be installed by a professional contractor.

Steps to Soundproofing a Basement

When soundproofing a basement, no matter how many rooms it may be, you should consider the following steps:

Wrap all pipes and vents with sound dampening insulation
Use solid core interior doors
Don’t use hard flooring materials like tile or wood; consider installing carpet with a heavy weight pad instead
Isolate any noisy HVAC equipment in a sound-insulated room

Soundproofing and finishing a basement may require professional expertise and specialized tools, so consult a local contractor if you need help getting started.

About the author: Marshall McCauley is a builder and freelance writer. He writes from his farm on the Bitterroot River in Montana.

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