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.
Brighten Up Your Basement Renovation
March 10th, 2010 by admin
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.
A Healthy Basement Renovation: Build Yourself a Home Gym
March 5th, 2010 by admin
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.
10 Steps to a Perfect Caulking Repair Job
February 1st, 2010 by admin
Caulking around tubs and sinks is a simple task, but it is one of the most important home repair jobs you could handle. Water seeping into small cracks and crevices can quickly lead to thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home.
Steps for a Successful Caulking Project
Protect your investment with a little time and a good amount of high-quality caulk. Here’s how:
- Remove all the old caulking using a razor scraper and a utility knife, if necessary. Clean the entire area to remove all the old residue. Let it dry thoroughly before applying the caulk.
- Inspect the area where you have removed the caulk. If you see rotting wood or mold, you have a more serious repair job on your hands. Stop your work and call a professional handyman to help. If you don’t see damage, carry on!
- Cut the tip of the caulking tube at an angle, and puncture the nozzle’s seal. Load the tube into the caulking gun and press the plunger forward until it touches the back of the tube.
- Using both hands to keep the line steady, press the tip of the nozzle where you want to begin caulking and gently squeeze the trigger.
- When the caulk begins to flow, guide it along the edge, filling the area with a thick bead of caulk. Use firm, steady pressure.
- When you have filled an area, let go of the trigger. It might take a few seconds for the caulk to stop flowing.
- Now it’s time to shape the caulk. Dip your fingertip into a bit of mineral oil (or baby oil, if that’s what you have on hand) and run your finger over the caulking, smoothing out the bead. Take your time in spreading the caulk, but don’t press too hard–you want a thick seal.
- Wipe off excess caulking with a paper towel and continue along the bead until you have smoothed out the whole section.
- Repeat the process until you’ve caulked along the entire edge. Inspect your work and perform touch-ups if necessary.
- Don’t use any water in the area until the caulking has dried thoroughly. Depending upon the type of caulk used, the drying time could take a few days.
Finally, a bonus tip: If you are caulking a bathtub, fill the tub halfway with water while you work. The weight of the water pulls the tub away from the wall just the slightest bit, and makes for a tighter caulking job.
About the author: Shannon Dauphin is a freelance writer based near Nashville, Tennessee. Her house was built in 1901, so home repair and renovation have become her hobbies.
Easy Basement Renovations & Other Home Renovation Ideas
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10 Steps to a Perfect Caulking Repair Job
Have You Heard Of Pre-Manufactured Deck Railing?
December 5th, 2009 by
What many people don’t realize is that those wonderful decks their friends and family have weren’t installed by a professional.
Basement Remodeling from Start to Finish
December 5th, 2009 by admin
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where basements are a common feature, you could have a hidden treasure located just under your house! Whether your basement is currently unfinished or it’s just being used for storage, those that put a little bit of time and energy into this area of their house will only end up reaping the benefits. Not only will finishing your basement increase the living size of your home, but it will also increase the value, making it a better investment for the future. Plus, the only limit to what the basement can become is your imagination: a home theatre, game room, bonus room for the kids, office space, or even an apartment for a member of the family, the possibilities are endless.
Creating a Plan
First is the enjoyable task of deciding what you want your basement remodeling project to be. Once you’ve made up your mind to install that bar and billiards table you’ve always wanted, it’s time to get down to brass tacks and think about what your basement is currently missing and what features you’d ultimately like to add. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll have to keep basics in mind, including electricity, plumbing, heat for the winter and keeping the space cool in the summer, if you need it. You’ll also want to remember to have the floors and walls checked to make sure they are waterproof.
If your basement is already finished but in need of an update, important things to remember will be to have the electricity checked, especially if it hasn’t been used in quite a while. If the space has only been used for storage or has been forgotten for a long period of time, it may not be a bad idea to have the floors and walls checked to ensure they are still waterproof before starting your home improvement project.
Possibly the most important aspect of updating your basement will be finding the right solution for your flooring. Since basement floors are usually made of concrete, they can be uncomfortable and cold, especially in winter. Some ideas to consider include floor heating, adding a layer of insulation under hardwood floors, or choosing an extra-thick carpet to keep you warm and comfortable.
Last but not least, some areas will require certain permits for some home improvements, including finishing your basement. You should be able to confirm what paperwork will need to be completed by contacting your local government or visiting their website.
Hiring a Local Contractor
Finding a home improvement contractor for your basement remodeling project should not be a difficult or intimidating experience for anyone involved. You are certainly under no obligation to hire the first contractor you meet. In fact, it is recommended that you receive three estimates on your project.
In choosing your contractor, be on the lookout for those that try to pressure you into features that you don’t need or want. A good contractor will be one that listens closely to your wishes and will work to get as close as your initial plan as possible. He should be able to provide a written estimate and a written contract before starting and may even agree to take care of all necessary permits.
Large scale home improvement projects, like finishing your basement, can be intimidating, but the long term benefits far outweigh the relatively short amount of time spent on it. In the end, you will have increased the value of your home, so don’t be afraid to start working on creating your new space!
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Basement Remodeling from Start to Finish
Gain Livable Space with Basement Remodeling
December 5th, 2009 by admin
by Roger Diez
You may need some extra space because your family is growing or a relative needs to move in with you. Or maybe you need a place to entertain? You can’t add a second story and moving is out of the question, so what do you do? Well, with a little imagination and some ingenuity and hard work, finishing your basement can transform that dark, dank junk storage space into something usable and even elegant. And when you are ready to sell your home, a finished basement can add to its value.
Basement Remodeling Ideas You Can Use
A remodeled basement has many potential uses. You can make it a recreation/play room with a pool table or ping-pong table. If you work out of your home, basement remodeling can provide you with a home office or a craft room. Do you want to get in shape? A home gym is another excellent use for the space. You can also remodel your basement into an extra bedroom for your growing family or for in-law quarters, complete with bath and cooking facilities. If you have separate access to the basement, you could even create an apartment for rental.
Plan Your Basement Remodel
Now that you have decided on finishing your basement, you don’t want to head downstairs with a load of lumber, some nails, a hammer, and a bucket of paint. If you want your project to succeed, a little planning goes a long way. First, take measurements so you know the space you are dealing with. Then lay out what you have and what you want the finished product to look like. You can use graph paper and pencil for the layout, or you can use basement remodeling software for a more sophisticated plan.
How About a Basement Remodeling Contractor?
If you are good at home improvement projects, you might want to try finishing your basement by yourself. But there are many facets to consider, particularly if your basement is damp. Are you skilled in the use of special coatings used to keep basements dry? Do you know about using specially treated lumber? How do you block off your furnace and water heater from view, but still have easy access? Can you get the proper permits and install plumbing and electrical systems that meet building codes? If not, you may want to bring in a specialized basement remodeling contractor. The contractor can determine whether or not you need exterior grading or a sump pump to keep your basement dry. They will be able to advise you on materials such as flooring and paint, and help design a proper heating and ventilation system. Make sure you select a basement remodeling 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.
Enjoy Your New Space
Once the work is done, you will wonder why finishing your basement didn’t occur to you sooner. Now you can have fun furnishing it. Whether you put in bedroom furniture for guests or in-laws, a poker table or pool table for recreation, a stair-climber for exercise or a computer desk for work, your remodeled basement is likely to get a lot of use and give you a lot of pleasure.
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Gain Livable Space with Basement Remodeling