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.
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.
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
Continue reading here:
10 Steps to a Perfect Caulking Repair Job
The Best Kitchen Lighting is Practical and Dramatic
December 5th, 2009 by admin
The proper kitchen lighting can turn your cooking space from ho-hum to “wow” in the time it takes to flip a switch. You already know you need ample lighting for your kitchen workspace, but what about lighting that adds that unique flair? Kitchen lighting is the finishing touch that makes your space warm and inviting.
By consulting with a kitchen remodeling contractor about both the practical and the artistic possibilities of your kitchen, you can have the best blend of the practical and the dramatic!
Kitchen Lighting Options
The options for lighting your kitchen are limited only by your imagination. Here are a few tips to get you started on the road to kitchen lighting:
- Make task areas a priority. The best kitchen lighting will be necessary where you work the most–countertops, sinks, tables, and rangetops. Installing bright lights underneath the kitchen cabinets can work well for directing light right where you need it. Don’t forget to install bright lights in the pantry as well.
- What about the kitchen island? Hanging pendant-style lighting, such as a wide chandelier directly over the island space, can work wonders for lighting up the room and the island countertop.
- Consider ambient lighting. If you are simply sitting at the kitchen table and talking among friends, ambient light from above can give the room a hearty glow. A central fixture works well for this, but recessed lighting often makes a grander statement.
- Accent lighting adds flair. Small lamps that highlight collectibles, wall scones that glow alongside artwork, and recessed lights that reveal elegant architectural details are all perfect for the dramatic kitchen.
- The fixtures matter. Unique kitchen lighting is not just about the light itself–how it is presented matters, too. An elegant chandelier or a striking antique fixture can make for a beautiful conversation piece.
- Dimmers offer more control. Does the light seem perfect before dinner, but too bright during the meal? Use a dimmer switch to tailor the light to the mood.
Ask Your Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
Though you may have a few great lighting ideas in mind, your kitchen remodeling contractor might be able to offer further insight. Monty Gilbertson of Lighting Design in Lacrosse, Wisconsin recommends letting a professional offer valuable tips. “There are many ways to light a kitchen, some better than others,” he says. “There are a lot of things an expert can bring to the party and make any room in the house more livable.”
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.
View post:
The Best Kitchen Lighting is Practical and Dramatic
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
Five Tips for Choosing the Best Electrical Contractor
December 5th, 2009 by admin
One of the most important parts of building or renovating a home is the work of the electrical contractor. The last thing you want is a problem with your wiring or even an electrical fire. When you are choosing an electrician, keep the following tips in mind.
- Know exactly what you want. You can make life easier on yourself and your electrical contractor if you know what you need from the very beginning. Are you hoping to “go green” with your renovations? Do you live in an older house that needs serious rewiring work? If you can guide your electrical contractor through what you want, the professional can then guide you through what it should take to get there.
- Listen to recommendations. Your neighbors, family members, friends, and even colleagues at work have probably dealt with an electrical contractor at some point. Who would they recommend? Once you start asking questions, you may find certain names pop up again and again.
- Do some serious research. Make a list of contractors, and then narrow it down. The best professionals should expect you to examine their reputation, so give them a call and ask if they have a list of former clients you can call. Most states require electricians to be licensed, so make sure those requirements are met, and don’t forget to check with the Better Business Bureau.
- Get a firm estimate. When you’ve narrowed down your list of electrical contractors, get estimates from each. A firm estimate can give you an idea of cost for parts, labor, repairs, and any other work that might be necessary to fulfill your electricity needs.
- Make the hire and then get out of the way. Check every aspect of the estimates and contracts to make sure you understand all the fine print, and then do what you can to make the job easier. Make sure the workspaces are cleared of any household items. If furniture may need to be moved, do it before the contractor shows up. The less “extra” work a contractor has to do, the faster the job should get done and the faster you can experience the warm glow of new lights.
The best electrical contractors got their sterling reputations by working many jobs over a period of years and delivering excellent work each time. Many of the best will be listed by contracting websites, such as Reliable Remodeler. Take your time and do your homework to find the perfect electrician for your particular 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.
Read the rest here:
Five Tips for Choosing the Best Electrical Contractor
8 Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector
December 5th, 2009 by admin
If you live in or are looking to purchase a house, whether it is older or a new custom home, at some point you will need to hire a home inspector. The opinions and knowledge of a home inspector help determine the market value of a home, the cost of renovations, and whether or not certain additions are feasible. A home inspector pinpoints areas that need repair work and finds any hidden hazards needing attention.
Eight Questions for a Home Inspector
What should you ask before hiring a home inspector? Start with these questions:
- What is included in the inspection? Your inspector should cover at least the minimum requirements of your state, but most will go above and beyond. If you prefer that other items be included, be sure to ask about them right away.
- How much experience do you have? Get informed about the home inspector’s background and ask for a list of references.
- How long will the inspection take? For a single family home, 2 or 3 hours is often enough time; however, larger homes may take longer. If the time spent is much less than average, the inspection might not be thorough enough.
- How much do you charge? The cost for a home inspection depends on the region, age of the home, and other factors unique to each situation. Get several quotes to determine an average cost.
- What type of report do you provide? If your needs dictate a certain type of report, make sure the home inspector can provide it. Typically, a report should be in your hands within 24 hours after the inspection.
- Do you offer repairs based on your inspection? If the answer is yes, be careful. This could be a clear conflict of interest. Check with local, state, and association regulations if you are unsure.
- What organizations do you belong to? Reliable professionals often belong to a state or national organization for home inspectors. Find out where they hold memberships and do a follow-up if you want to learn more about their history and experience.
- Can I watch the inspection? Watching the inspection is an excellent learning experience. If the home inspector doesn’t want you there, be wary.
Working with a Home Inspector
Make certain the home inspector you choose has experience with your type of home. Inspecting a new, custom home is quite different from evaluating an older house. During the inspection, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Reliable inspection professionals are happy to teach clients all they can about a home.
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.
Continue reading here:
8 Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector