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.
Basement Remodeling: Choosing Between a Drop Ceiling and Drywall Ceiling
March 15th, 2010 by admin
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.
Easy Basement Renovations & Other Home Renovation Ideas
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Basement Remodeling: Choosing Between a Drop Ceiling and Drywall Ceiling
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
Affordable Remodeling Made Simple
December 5th, 2009 by admin
When you’re planning a remodel, no matter whether your job is small or large in scope, no detail is insignificant. That’s why, before you start knocking down walls or wielding a paint brush, you should consider all of your options, including whether or not it makes financial sense to remodel at all.
Start with a simple list. Prioritize your needs and wants. Collect photographs from magazines and Web sites illustrating examples of what you’re seeking in a home. Consider how you use your home and how you expect to grow in your home, as well as the furnishings you have. Ask: how energy efficient is my home and will I need to upgrade windows, doors, insulation and appliances?
These steps will help you envision exactly what you want–and determine whether the costs of remodeling your home will exceed what it would cost to move to a home that better fits your needs.
Budgeting Basics
Budgeting is a key factor in successful home improvement. Without a remodeling budget, it’s easy to get carried away with projects that, in the end, will improve neither the quality of your life nor value of your home. In fact, spending too much can put a real damper on what should be a positive event in your life. To determine a remodeling budget, begin seeking estimates for your remodel. Ask friends and family members for recommendations for local contractors. Contact at least three.
Contractors ought to be able to give you a high-end estimate that lays out how much it would cost to complete every item on your dream list, as well as middle and low cost options. Be sure to request that each item be listed a la carte to give a sense of possible add-ons down the road.
Do You Need Financing?
Once you have a grasp on the price tag, start crunching the numbers. A number of financing options are available through banks, including home equity lines of credit and fixed-interest home improvement loans.
If you’re handy, perhaps you’ll be completing some, or all, of the work yourself, which is not only satisfying, but also great for your bottom-line. Keep in mind your time constraints and the fact that about 30 percent of contractors’ remodeling jobs result from failed do-it-yourselfers, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Getting a job done professionally is often cost effective simply because it’s done quickly–and right–the first time.
Cost Saving Tips
Green remodeling is all the rage and for good reason. It’s good for the planet, good for your well-being and good for your wallet. New windows and doors, added insulation and energy efficient appliances can reduce your carbon footprint significantly and save you hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of dollars in heating and cooling expenses every year.
Yet another way to be green is to offset construction waste and save money by reusing and recycling building materials. Building material salvage yards offer a treasure trove of bath tubs, solid wood doors, hardware and wood flooring, among other items, all at a considerable discount. Avoid landfill fees and recycle your own construction waste by dissembling rather than destroying items you no longer want. Your trash may be someone else’s gold mine.
And for everything you need to buy new, remember that the current economic recession means you may be able to find excellent bargains. Beyond basic homeowner tax credits for energy efficency updgrades, many home improvement retailers are offering zero-percent financing for a year or more for customers making significant purchases. Some contractors might even be willing to trade services if you can offer something that’s valuable to them, i.e. an accountant might offer tax services or a veterinarian may swap animal care.
Remodeling is expensive and time-consuming. But it can also be highly rewarding: living in a beautiful and comfortable space is a priceless luxury. Avoid headaches and heartaches and make your remodel a good experience by doing your homework and taking time to plan and budget.
If you do these things, not only can your remodel be affordable, it’ll be some of the best money you’ve ever spent.
Thinking about Remodeling, Start With These Resources
Request Free Estimates from Local Contractors
National Association of Home Builders
Look Before You Leap: Home Improvement Cost Versus Return on Investment
December 5th, 2009 by admin
By Roger Diez
Now is an excellent time to tackle that home improvement project you have been considering. Due to the slow economy, cost of materials and labor are down from just two years ago. But if you have several projects under consideration, you might want to concentrate on those that will give you the best return on investment (ROI).
Remodeling Costs and Average Returns
Remodeling Magazine’s most recent survey of remodeling costs indicates that projects that enhance the exterior of your home are generally less costly and yield a greater return on investment than interior improvements. Projects like an outside deck addition, window replacement, and vinyl siding cost on average between $10,000 and $15,000, and return 76 percent to 81 percent of their cost on resale. Higher cost projects typically yield a smaller return. A master suite addition, second story addition, or major kitchen remodel have an average cost of over $100,000 and generally return between between 61 percent and 70 percent of their cost.
Regional Return on Investment Differences: Your Return May Vary
The numbers quoted above are national averages, but there are significant differences in costs and returns depending on where you live. Here is what you can expect in various areas of the country.
New England: High Remodeling Costs, Lower Returns
The highest cost of remodeling in the country is in New England, leading to a somewhat lower return on investment in this area of the country. Remodeling costs can range from 2 percent to 10 percent above the national average, but return on investment can be 2 percent to 10 percent lower than the national average. Homeowners in this region may achieve the best payback on remodeling costs by focusing on high yield exterior home improvement projects.
Southeast: Lowest Home Improvement Costs, Good Value
Remodeling costs in the southeast are the lowest in the country, and the return on investment is significantly higher for some projects. Your deck addition may cost almost $1,700 dollars less than the national average, and your return may be
Kitchen Countertop Materials: Comparison Shopping for your Renovation Project
September 27th, 2009 by adminI was helping my daughter having her kitchen remodelled recently. She was having problems trying to decide on a new countertop material. Walking through the counters area in Home Depot gave her a few ideas, but she was still undecided when the time came to choose a month later. I decided to write out a quick comparison of all the materials and costs for her and when I was done I thought other people might find it useful as well, so here goes.
Most people are familiar with laminate countertops. (Formica is one brand name.) They’re a thin surface of high-pressure laminate applied to a thicker base of plywood or particleboard. Pluses: The standby, available in literally hundreds of patterns and colors, laminates are the least expensive (next to tile) and durable, requiring less upkeep than tile. Minuses: Easy to scorch with hot cookware, the use of layers in their construction makes it tricky to repair chips, show scratches, especially lighter colors, so not usable as a cutting surface. Less durable than natural stone or solid surface; use with under mount sinks is not recommended. Cost: $25 to $50 foot
Solid surfacing, (brand names Corian, Fountainhead, Avonite and Surrell) a newer countertop material, is durable and mimics the appearance of natural stone materials like marble or granite. Pluses: Gives seamless surfaces, easy to care for. High impact resistance, easily repaired, nonporous and seamless, so won’t trap dirt, collect bacteria or stain; easily. Minuses: May melt from hot pot; looks non-natural in some color schemes, licensed contractor required for installation and repair work. Cost: $60 to $110 per foot.
Natural woods. Used in butcher-block style arrangement. Maple, oak and other hardwoods, make durable and elegant countertops. Pluses: Good surface for cutting foods; scratches easily repaired by sanding; easy match with wood cabinets and floors. Minuses: Requires a finish to preserve appearance, may scorch with hot cookware, allows bacterial growth, so needs regular cleaning. Not practical for entire countertop – good for small sections. Cost: $50 to $75 per foot
Granite. Popular for their elegant and rich look, natural stone countertops will last longer than most kitchens. Pluses: Adds to value of home, hard durable surface, very heat resistant. Minuses: very expensive, requires care since it is porous and must be sealed periodically, grease will stain. Cost: 60 to $200 per foot for granite $60 to $130 per foot for marble (stains easily and not recommended for food prep countertop)
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: This is the countertop material my daughter was replacing. While the counters were in pretty bad shape, refurbishing was an option. Tile has a comforting, classic look and is inexpensive.. Pluses: Easy to clean up after a mess. More heat resistant than laminates solid surfaces, inexpensive, unless you are thinking about custom or hand-painted tiles. Minuses: Can chip and crack easily; needs regular maintenance to keep bacteria out of grout. Scrubbing grout. Cost: $10 to $25 per foot.
So, what countertop material did she choose in the end? For it’s reasonable cost and reparability, Corian got the nod for the new kitchen. We found a color that was very close to a granite look and we also liked the ten year warranty.
Home Kitchen Remodeling: Why Update your Countertops and Stoves?
September 27th, 2009 by adminGraceful and chic are the words that you will hear when you ask any home renovators what kind of look they want for the kitchen. Surfaces, including countertops, influence to a large degree the look of a kitchen. That is why chic graceful looking countertops are in demand. There are actually many home renovators who are designing and making their own countertops. One way to add a modern highlight to a traditional countertop is to create beveled wood edges for your countertop. Beveled edges on wood are relatively simple to make and there are other benefits as well.
The beveled wood edge countertop is most easily added during the replacement of an existing laminated countertop area. You can also opt to modify your current countertop by adding a beveled wood edge; but most homeowners find once they begin planning a kitchen makeover, a brand new countertop is a must have. Given the right tools and materials just about any one can renovate a laminate countertop with an elegant beveled wood edge. It is a project that can even be finished in only a few hours.
When shopping for supplies for this project, make sure your new edge wood matches the wood in other features of the room, such as cabinets, if they are unpainted. If most of the kitchen is or will be painted, bring a paint chip and make sure the color of the wood is one that will be harmonious with the room as a whole.
For making the bevel in your wood edge strips, the best tool is a compound sliding miter saw. This is an electric saw which pivots from side to side to create the miter cut, as well as pivoting left to right to create the bevel. If you don’t own one, you can rent one, or alternately, have the store where you bought the wood size and bevel it for you. Be sure to do a few practice cuts on some scrap wood if you have not previously used one of these saws.
A nice extra to having updated kitchen décor details like this is that it is your beveled wood edge countertop probably will raise the value of your home. It might not dramatically go up in price, but it is the small details that homebuyers appreciate, and real estate agents like to point out such countertop designs when showing a home to prospective buyers. It is all the little details added up that make the sell.
Once you’ve learned to successfully add a beveled edge to your kitchen countertops, you can also look to the bathroom and other rooms featuring built-in surfaces to further update your home.