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Most basements are dark, gloomy, and simply serve
as a storage area for old toys, clothes, seasonal
items, and anything else that is not used on a
regular basis. Most of us rarely go down into the
basement unless it is to unload more clutter that we
don't want or need.
But, why not turn this gloomy storage room into
something functional and useful? Remodeling your
basement is a cost-effective way to significantly
increase your home's living space. Suddenly you
could have a nice, cozy guest room, a playroom for
your children, a home office, a game room; the
possibilities are endless!
Below are eight simple steps to a brand new
basement.
1. Repair any Basement Water Problems First
Even if your basement hardly ever has issues with
flooding or dampness, it's best to take care of the
problem completely before beginning any
remodeling efforts.
Permanent solutions can take time to put into
operation. A smart place to begin is to get in touch
with a home inspector who specializes in
waterproofing problems.
2. Decide What You Want to Use Your Basement
For
This is where you can turn lemons into lemonade.
Your Basement has poor lighting? Consider setting
up a dark room or a home theater. Is your basement
lonely and isolated? The isolation helps provide a
nice sound cushion for noisy activities such as a
teenager hangout, a game room, or a place for your
kids to practice their musical instruments to their
hearts content. Use your imagination and come up
with something that will benefit your family’s lifestyle.
3. Consider Professional Advice with Your
Basement Design
Even though your basement might not be much to
look at now, you'll want to end up with quality living
space when the project is finished. An interior
designer or architect can help you get the most out
of the space. A little forethought and careful
planning now can help you design a space that is
attractive, comfortable and practical.
4. Consider the Air Circulation
Something important to consider is the air
circulation of your basement. When your home was
originally built, chances are that there were very few
if any registers or vents installed in the basement.
When you remodel your basement, you need to
think about the need for good air circulation, adding
openings where necessary.
To be on the safe side, install a carbon monoxide
detector in your basement so that you'll have an
early warning of any problems with the venting of
the furnace or any other major appliances.
5. Make the Most of Your Basement's Natural Light
Depending on what you are using your basement
for, you may wish to add more natural lighting. This
can be done by enlarging your basement’s
windows. Another benefit of larger windows is that
they provide additional escape routes in case of fire.
Some may be concerned that by having basement
windows that is providing easier access into the
home by thieves. One way to lessen that risk is to
install glass bricks instead of conventional windows
at any location that is high-risk.
Take full advantage of the effect of regular windows
by mounting some windows in the interior walls
between rooms that open pathways for natural light
to reach interior rooms
as a storage area for old toys, clothes, seasonal
items, and anything else that is not used on a
regular basis. Most of us rarely go down into the
basement unless it is to unload more clutter that we
don't want or need.
But, why not turn this gloomy storage room into
something functional and useful? Remodeling your
basement is a cost-effective way to significantly
increase your home's living space. Suddenly you
could have a nice, cozy guest room, a playroom for
your children, a home office, a game room; the
possibilities are endless!
Below are eight simple steps to a brand new
basement.
1. Repair any Basement Water Problems First
Even if your basement hardly ever has issues with
flooding or dampness, it's best to take care of the
problem completely before beginning any
remodeling efforts.
Permanent solutions can take time to put into
operation. A smart place to begin is to get in touch
with a home inspector who specializes in
waterproofing problems.
2. Decide What You Want to Use Your Basement
For
This is where you can turn lemons into lemonade.
Your Basement has poor lighting? Consider setting
up a dark room or a home theater. Is your basement
lonely and isolated? The isolation helps provide a
nice sound cushion for noisy activities such as a
teenager hangout, a game room, or a place for your
kids to practice their musical instruments to their
hearts content. Use your imagination and come up
with something that will benefit your family’s lifestyle.
3. Consider Professional Advice with Your
Basement Design
Even though your basement might not be much to
look at now, you'll want to end up with quality living
space when the project is finished. An interior
designer or architect can help you get the most out
of the space. A little forethought and careful
planning now can help you design a space that is
attractive, comfortable and practical.
4. Consider the Air Circulation
Something important to consider is the air
circulation of your basement. When your home was
originally built, chances are that there were very few
if any registers or vents installed in the basement.
When you remodel your basement, you need to
think about the need for good air circulation, adding
openings where necessary.
To be on the safe side, install a carbon monoxide
detector in your basement so that you'll have an
early warning of any problems with the venting of
the furnace or any other major appliances.
5. Make the Most of Your Basement's Natural Light
Depending on what you are using your basement
for, you may wish to add more natural lighting. This
can be done by enlarging your basement’s
windows. Another benefit of larger windows is that
they provide additional escape routes in case of fire.
Some may be concerned that by having basement
windows that is providing easier access into the
home by thieves. One way to lessen that risk is to
install glass bricks instead of conventional windows
at any location that is high-risk.
Take full advantage of the effect of regular windows
by mounting some windows in the interior walls
between rooms that open pathways for natural light
to reach interior rooms
| About The Author - Christine Griego is the owner of Home-Options.info, a website that provides home |