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.
8 Ideas for a Unique Basement Room
March 16th, 2010 by admin
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 Renovation: Create the Perfect Getaway for Family and Friends
March 8th, 2010 by admin
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.
Easy Basement Renovations & Other Home Renovation Ideas
Read the original:
Basement Renovation: Create the Perfect Getaway for Family and Friends
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.
6 Easy Steps to Dry Rot Repair
December 8th, 2009 by admin
Moist wood is the perfect breeding ground for fungi. As the fungi grow deep in the damaged wood, the tiny spores eat away at the wood and create new spores in the process. The result is wood that is cracked, porous, and unstable. This is known as dry rot.
Steps to Dry Rot Repair
If the dry rot is found in a weight-bearing area, the wood should be torn out and completely replaced. However, dry rot repair can be done in place for areas like baseboards, window frames, and trim. Here’s how:
- Eliminate the source of moisture. There’s no point in repairing an area that will be damaged again. Find the source of the moisture and eliminate it before you proceed.
- Dig it out. Remove as much of the dry rot area as you can, and undercut the area so the filler you use will stay in place.
- Prep the surface. Drill shallow holes around the margin of the wood, creating tiny “cups” that will hold liquid. Then fill the holes with a “wood hardener” liquid that protects the surface and gives the filler something to hold onto. You can choose a one-step treatment or an epoxy blend. If you have trouble getting the liquid into the little cups you drilled, use a turkey baster.
- Fill it up. Choose a high-quality wood filler and carefully mold it to the area, pressing it into place. If the dry rot area is large, cut a piece of wood a bit smaller than the area, embed it in the filler, and nail it in. Fill the space around it with putty until the area looks as it did originally. The putty allows the wood to expand and shrink naturally without forming cracks in the repaired area.
- Sand it. After the filler has had time to cure, sand it smooth. Sand the surrounding wood, as well, to create a smooth, elegant line.
- Prime and Paint. Use a high-quality primer and allow it to dry before brushing on the paint. More than one coat might be necessary to make the area look uniform.
When to Call a Professional
If you have a wide area of dry rot or feel uncomfortable with dry rot repair, stay on the safe side and call a contractor to handle the job for you. If the dry rot is in a weight-bearing area of your home, calling a professional will give you the peace of mind of knowing the job is done, and done well.
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.
Read more:
6 Easy Steps to Dry Rot Repair
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.
Read more here:
Gain Livable Space with Basement Remodeling
5 Great Tips for Basement Remodeling
December 5th, 2009 by admin
If you have an unfinished basement, think about all that space under your home just sitting there, unused. Why not turn it into a new room and increase your living space? A good basement remodeling job can give your home a revitalizing lift.
Five Steps to Basement Remodeling
Be careful to select a qualified basement remodeling contractor. Only someone who understands the intricate details of moisture, concrete, and basement-related issues can help you create a room that will last the lifetime of the house.
- Make the basement waterproof. Even if you don’t have any current concerns with water in the basement, why take a chance? Before you start turning that old basement into a brand new room, use a good concrete sealant to keep the mold at bay and the dangerous radon out. It also helps prevent the “musty” smell some basements emit. Choose a concrete sealant specifically made for use in older buildings to get the most heavy-duty coating.
- Examine the reasonable requirements for your basement. Most finished basements need an additional source of heat, as they tend to be cooler than the rest of the house. What type of flooring will you choose? The lumber you use for the walls should be treated to prevent rot in the event moisture rises up from the basement floor. Much of this work is best left to a reliable basement remodeling contractor.
- Take steps for clean air. Moisture is a common concern in basements, and mold can be a major health issue for your family. Electric floor heating is a great way to help alleviate moisture in this part of the home. Other techniques to reduce moisture include directing water away from the foundation, using heavy-duty mold fighters like RadonSeal, or choosing materials that resist mold.
- Design your space. Now it’s time to have some fun! Design your space to meet all the needs and preferences of your family. Will the room be used for recreational fun or for relaxation? After you choose a direction for the room, decorate it with furnishings that suit your style.
- Turn on the lights. Basements are naturally dark and they often have low ceilings, which can make you feel like you are in a cave. Make the best use of natural lighting by installing glass blocks or window wells. Use mirrors and strategically placed artificial light to make the room feel bigger and brighter.
Your hard work will pay off in a beautiful basement space. Now take the time to enjoy it!
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.
See the original post:
5 Great Tips for Basement Remodeling
Keep Remodeling Costs Real: Budget and Shop for Value, Comfort, and Style
December 5th, 2009 by admin
by Mary Butler
Remodeling materials can make up half the cost of a home improvement project. While you might want to pick trendy flooring or fixtures, be careful to consider what remodeling materials add the most value, comfort, style – and durability to your home.
It’s easy to dream about remodeling your home. Whether you’d love a new kitchen or you simply desire to personalize your space, remodeling is a way to add comfort and style to your home, as well as make your home truly yours. And, depending on where you live, upgrading your home can be a no-brainer investment in the future.
But before you jump into any project, begin with the basics.
Envision Your Remodel
You might know that you want to remodel a room in your house. But do you know how you’d like it to look? Spend some time flipping through magazines and surfing the Internet to find examples of the kinds of remodeling materials and styles that you like. Ask yourself: Do you want a sunken tub in the bathroom? What kind of kitchen countertops appeal to you? Do you want wood floors or would you prefer tile?
Being able to envision your remodel can serve as a helpful touchstone as you begin exploring how to fund and complete the projects you dream about. Knowing what remodeling materials appeal to you can allow you to speak intelligently to designers and contractors about what you want–and it may also give you a head start if you decide you want to do some of the work yourself.
Remodeling Costs
Create a realistic remodeling budget. The average remodeling costs for three popular projects, according to Better Homes and Gardens’ Remodeling Cost Guide, can give you an idea of what to expect: a kitchen project typically begins at $15,000 and goes up to $45,000, with an average remodeling cost of $26,888.
“National averages can’t account for problem plumbing setups or your taste for exotic countertops, but they can tell you that it’s unrealistic to plan on remodeling a whole kitchen for $7,000,” the magazine reports.
Bathroom remodeling generally costs between $7,000 and $20,000, with an average remodeling cost of $11,605. A family room addition may cost a whopping $50,000 to $90,000, with an average remodeling cost of $70,000.
The lesson here is that remodeling is typically expensive. You want to be thoughtful about how you proceed.
The Cost of Remodeling Materials
Next to labor, remodeling materials are traditionally your most expensive budget item.
When remodeling your kitchen, for instance, cabinets can make up half the cost. “Stock cabinets cost $50 to $200 per linear foot. Semi-custom cabinets with more finish and style options can cost two to three times more, and custom cabinets often cost five times more than stock cabinets,” according to Better Homes and Gardens.
Granite countertops usually cost far more than your standard laminate and a hand-blown glass vessel sink are generally more expensive than standard porcelain. But don’t let cost alone drive your decisions. Think about what materials can add the greatest value to your home. You might have to pay extra for durability and sustainability, for instance, but in the long run, those attributes often can more than pay for themselves.
And, sometimes, choosing high-quality materials that are also good for the earth can actually help your bottom line.
Shopping for Remodeling Materials
There are few more cost effective ways to remodel than by reusing building materials. Reuse construction yards are a terrific place to find porcelain tubs and sinks, solid wood doors, tile flooring, among other materials for a fraction of their original cost.
Be careful choose classic designs and colors when purchasing reused building materials. On that same note, avoid paying a premium for trendy items, too.
Consider the rise and fall of the master bath whirlpool tubs. Trendy items are not only expensive when you buy them, they can also severely date your home (remember orange shag carpeting?), lowering the desirability of your home when you try to sell it.
Mary Butler is Colorado-based freelancer. Mary Butler writes about homes and gardens.
Better Homes and Garden