Waterproofing: An Essential Step In Basement Remodeling
Waterproofing: An Essential Step In Basement Remodeling
To maximize the use of every square footage, basement remodeling is truly a project worth looking into. Without having to demolish and build walls anew, you can afford the family that much needed living space in a practical and economic way. Thus this home improvement is ideal for New York homeowners that have long since been suffering from the housing crunch, made more taxing by the recent economic downfall. To enjoy all the rewards basement remodeling has got to offer in a long time, waterproofing is crucial whether you are in Long Island, Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan, or Brooklyn.
Why waterproof? Though the answer is quite obvious, many homeowners still overlook the importance of ensuring a waterproofed basement remodeling finish. By implementing proper measures of waterproofing, comfort is maximized and energy efficiency is enjoyed. These results to enhanced quality of indoor living as well as a good cutback on your monthly energy bills.
Water is among the most common problems when it comes to homes. What makes water dangerous is that it works its way in the most silent way and can unbelievably reach even the most remote areas in the house. Unless there are visible signs, damages are usually spotted when they have already escalated. With this, protection through waterproofing is really a must to enjoy whatever finish is planned in the longest time possible. Some signs that indicate water or moisture problems include:
watermarks
damp spots
deformed and rotting wood
rusted metals
flooding
molds and mildew
blistering and peeling paint
presence of white, chalky substance on walls
There are various waterproofing methods that can be implemented as a part of your basement remodeling and these are commonly done either from the outside or in the inside. What means you choose will depend on what moisture and water problems are faced and the extent of the issue. Other than being a solution, these methods can also be great investments as preventive measures. Here are some of the most common methods that you can consider:
Paints and Sealants
These waterproofing products are common and can easily be bought from your nearest home improvement store. This special type of paint can be applied to the interior walls to serve both as a finishing touch to the basement remodeling project while adding protection to the walls at the same time. When visible cracks are present, sealants can be used to fill these up from fine hairlines to larger crevices.
Fountain Drain
Also referred to as French drains, this waterproofing tools are designed and installed to channel water away from the foundations of your home. The system prevents damages by preventing water from getting near and pooling around the house.
Hydroclay
This type of waterproofing compound works by filling in cracks along the foundation. When in contact with water, the Hydroclay expands thus creating a flexible membrane protecting your basement walls from water from the outside. Though commonly applied at construction stage, this can still be of great use to patch up holes or serve as preventive waterproof layer.
Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid the common remodeling New York pitfalls by matching their needs with prescreened Basement Remodeling Contractors.
Feel free to use our Basement Remodeling Calculator
.
Article from articlesbase.com
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Essential, Remodeling, Step, Waterproofing
Important Things to Remember in Basement Remodeling
Important Things to Remember in Basement Remodeling
Planning for a basement remodeling project presupposes that the basement space is already present. A remodeled basement can be a statement by itself- a modern and contemporary design yet still giving a welcoming and homey feeling to the occupants. To make your remodeled basement last and stand the test of time, here are some tips to remember.
The first step in basement remodeling is to assess the current condition of its foundation and walls. It is very important to detect and repair all sources of water entry such as pipe and ceiling leaks, defective plumbing and foundation cracks. This will include waterproofing the entire space. This preventive measure will protect your floor, furniture and equipments from problems such as molds and mildew later on. This can be quite an expensive and time-consuming undertaking but moisture problems which could arise by ignoring these concerns could cost you even more.
Next, pay a lot of attention to your walls. Aside from waterproofing them, insulation for walls traps heat inside during winter and expels it during the summer months. A cold, damp concrete slab for a wall is not very inviting, is it? Insulation will also keep your energy bills down, something everyone looks forward to.
Last but certainly just as essential in basement remodeling is the type of flooring you should have. This will depend largely on what you intend to use your basement for. Carpets are ideal for a basement bedroom while ceramic tiles or laminates would look good for an entertainment room or home office. Vinyls are cost-effective if you are working on a tight budget .The options are varied and the styles and designs are endless.
Ultimately, it is the quality of workmanship and design that determine the value of a basement remodeling product. If your basement is the place where you or your family like to spend a lot of time, then you know you have a valuable gem in your possession, both in the pleasure you get from it and the resale value of your house.
Looking for fresh basement ideas for home remodeling? Discover more basement remodeling ideas online.
Article from articlesbase.com
Related Basement Damp Articles
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Important, remember, Remodeling, Things
Square Footage Can Be Maximized and Heat Escaped bt Remodeling the Basement
Square Footage Can Be Maximized and Heat Escaped bt Remodeling the Basement
Copyright (c) 2010 Gerry Stringer
The bad news is real estate is down an average of 24.5 percent from only a year ago. Even worse, real estate values are almost 30 percent off, which means those who bought a home relatively recently at 10 percent down are already about 20 percent up side down.
So the question for those homeowners who aren’t ready to fold and want to hold onto their credit ratings and real property until the economy recovers is whether to remodel.
The basement is, of course, the natural place to deploy smart expansion. Interestingly, the appreciation in a home’s value by remodeling or finishing the basement can offer energy savings vs. the expense that automatically accompanies popping the top (adding a second level) or enlarging the home’s footprint.
How’s that?
Well, a basement with exposed ducts allows valuable heat to be lost. The R-value of concrete’s measurement is as low as 0.08/inch. Multiply that times the standard eight-foot height of a basement and there’s savings to be had by simply furring out the walls and filling in with insulation and drywall. Uncovered heat ducts in an unfinished basement are the worst energy abuser, the heat dissipating into the cold basement through conduction.
Even the youngest baby boomers may not be old enough to remember potato cellars. But those come from America’s Midwest will recall the cool dampness of the cellar and the function of that cool temperature to preserve food (okay, potatoes) that otherwise would go bad sooner than later. That same cool can be turned into a welcome summer retreat when used as an entertainment room, in-home theater, a peaceful corner of the house for homework or even a home office. Sans cold potatoes.
Besides rooms in which to live, homeowners are in dire need of storage space in 2010. One in 10 U, Wikipedia states.S. households rent a self-storage unit in the year 2010. On average, a household spends ,200 a year on a modest-sized storage unit, a cost that is repeated annually for many. You could fill an 18-foot long wall with 6-foot high Metro shelving for ,200 and pay it completely off in a year with the money spared in storage costs.
And when it comes to rooms that can enhance the value of one’s home from a 2010 economic perspective, top on the list is the home office. Now what does that tell you about employment trends? Remote workplace opportunities are growing as well as the number of full-time self-employed people and individuals with two jobs, one by day and a second venture/hobby/second income operating out of home base.
Truly functional square footage is all about quality finishes. By the same token, basement space that would otherwise go unused can be converted into luxury square footage by a professional basement remodeling company.
Gerry Stringer’s career is buying, selling and remodeling homes. His vast experience has led him to Chase Custom Homes for all of his home building needs in Colorado and his basement remodeling services throughout the Denver metro area. http://denvercustomhomebuilder.com/
Article from articlesbase.com
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Escaped, Footage, heat, Maximized, Remodeling, Square
3 Essentials To A Successful Basement Remodeling
3 Essentials To A Successful Basement Remodeling
In New York, where the housing crunch runs decades back, extending living space can be a real luxury. One practical way that many homeowners miss to consider is basement remodeling. Undertaking such a project saves your house from the unnecessary breaking down of walls and your pocketbook from the financial burden that a home addition poses. When done right, this would surely prove beneficial by affording you and the family more living area to make everyday life simply more enjoyable as well as increasing the value of the property letting you enjoy a recoup on your remodeling investment. So whether you are in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Long Island, or Queens; ensure these 3 essentials to a successful basement remodeling.
Basement Remodeling Plan
No matter what project you decide to take on, big or small, it is the plan that lays out success from the very beginning. This comes especially important with basement remodeling. Why? It does not qualify for your average renovation work and the job presents a set of unique challenges. With this said, your best and safest way to go about the project is through hiring a qualified contractor unless you are one yourself. With one, you will be giving the most value for your money with a completion that is within budget as well as timeframe. Your specification plan should cover everything from the major steps to the littlest of details. Take note of both your needs and wants and discuss with your contractor the best possible ways to achieve them considering your budget and what your basement can accommodate.
Basement Finish Idea
When it comes to ideas, there are a good number of options that you can explore. But whichever finish you opt to pursue, it is important that the result would complement well with the family’s lifestyle and that the idea will make the best use of the area. One great tip though that may come in handy is that you could take advantage of the ready access to plumbing by adding another bathroom or kitchenette in the plan. Aside from being practical, this an also add more value to your home.
Waterproofing
Originally constructed to not serve as a living area, there are factors that you should look into first to be able to maximize functionality and comfort. It would be best to let your hired contractor or other qualified professionals evaluate the area first to know the extent of problems and the appropriate solutions to implement.
When it comes to any basement, water and moisture issues can be considered a universal issue faced by homeowners. Other than the obvious signs such as flooding, here are other indications to be wary of:
damp spots
chalky white residues on your walls
rust on metal surfaces and dry rot on wood
peeling or blistering paint
mold and mildew, from obvious growth to moldy odor
Varying levels of moisture or water problems will require different methods of repair and waterproofing. But even if no signs have been spotted, preventive waterproofing should still be in place to ensure a long-lasting basement remodeling finish.
Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid the common remodeling New York pitfalls by matching their needs with prescreened contractors NYC.
Visit us for more on remodeling ideas.
Article from articlesbase.com
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Essentials, Remodeling, Successful
Basement Remodeling: Realizing Your Dream of Added Living Space
Basement Remodeling: Realizing Your Dream of Added Living Space
More living space is a luxury that many homeowners long for. A practical and great way to achieve this without having to break down walls and the bank is seeing and using the potential of your basement. Other than providing for a priced extension to your New York home making up for better everyday life and enjoyment for the household, it can also be your ticket to added home value. If done right, a good amount of your investment can be recouped. Here are crucial basement remodeling tips to realize your dream of an appealing and functional living space ideal whether you are in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island or Long Island.
Evaluate and Correct
Being partially or entirely underground and not having been originally constructed to serve as a living space, there are essential issues that should be attended to first to maximize comfort and functionality in your basement remodeling finish. A thorough evaluation is crucial to know the extent of problems and what methods of repair should be undertaken.
Waterproofing. Moisture and water problems are common in basements. There are obvious signs of such problems such as flooding but there are also those that are unnoticeable until you take a long, hard look. Here are additional signs that you should be wary about:
Dry rot on wood and rust on metal Damp spots Water marks Mold and mildew Peeling paint White chalky stains on walls
Different waterproofing methods apply for specific issues and these can range from simply coating concrete sealers, rerouting gutters and downspouts, to using sump pumps for excessive entry of water.
Foundation and Soil Condition. Securing that your foundation and soil are sound and in good condition will rule out chances of unexpected damages and repairs that might waste basement remodeling efforts and budget. Some of the most common soil and foundation issues include:
Uneven settlement Warped foundation walls Cracks in walls, footings or slabs Unpleasant odors or poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in general Pest infestation Radon infiltration Crumbling concrete or mortar
Insulation and Ventilation. Basements are generally constructed in concrete slabs which are among the greatest sources of moisture. To prevent problems with moisture, proper insulation and ventilation should be ensured.
Basement Finish
There are many valuable resources that you can brose through for basement remodeling ideas. But when thinking out what finish to aspire, you have to consider the needs and lifestyle of the family to land with a practical and often used extension of your home’s living space. One tip would be taking advantage of the ready access to plumbing which makes an added kitchenette or bathroom ideal.
Basement Remodeling Plan
Working on recreating your basement into added living space is not your average renovation job. Basement remodeling poses a lot more challenges. So if you are not confident that you can handle the work efficiently, then one excellent step to add into your plan is finding and hiring a qualified contractor to give the most value for your money. With your hired contractor, discuss your plan specifications, budget, and the possible options for you to take to achieve goals without busting the budget. The key to save some is to work creatively with the challenges and integrating them into the design.
Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid pitfalls by matching their needs with prescreened basement contractors.
Visit us for more on basement finishing articles.
Article from articlesbase.com
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: added, Basement, Dream, living, Realizing, Remodeling, space
Atlanta Basement Remodeling
Atlanta Basement Remodeling
Basement remodeling is just plain fun! For most people, the basement of the house is merely a place used for storage. The washer and dryer might be down there, but otherwise it’s a place that doesn’t really get used all that much. And in some cases, the basement represents a lot of square footage – that’s a lot of space just going to waste. But after a basement remodeling, that space will be put to good use.
Basement remodeling is a broad term that can include a variety of possibilities. However, before you embark on any work in your basement, you need to first make an appointment with us to come out and view the basement. We will check it for stability and dampness. We will then discuss with you the options that could be available. You want to take into consideration things like bedrooms. If you want an extra bedroom in the basement it has to have proper egress, which means a way out in case of fire or other emergency. We will take into consideration the plumbing lines to see if you would need a sewer ejector pump. We will look at the existing framing to see if we can open some walls up by use of engineered beams.
A lot of our customers have a basement that is just one big room with drab cement walls and poor lighting. That’s all going to change now.
Here are some possibilities that you might consider for your basement remodeling:
Family room
This is probably the most common project for a basement. Depending on the space available, you could have a pool table down there, or a ping pong table (or both). The whole room can be finished with drywall, painted, carpeted, and perhaps even a tray ceiling to hide the floor joists from view. When that is complete, you will find that the family room is the favorite room in the house.
Home gym
Why continue to pay a monthly membership to a gym when you can work out at home? For most people, the biggest issue is where to put the exercise equipment. The garage doesn’t have enough space (or you might not have a garage) and you don’t want a treadmill sitting in your living room on a permanent basis. With a basement remodeling, you have your workout site just a few steps away! You can mount a television on the wall for entertainment, and install a water cooler to stay hydrated. And the nice thing about basements is that they are naturally cool – perfect for exercise.
Home office
Sometimes a spare bedroom is used as an office, but that doesn’t always offer adequate space. And maybe all of your bedrooms are already being used. We have known some people to convert their basement to not only a home office, but they run a whole company from there. Everything you need to work can be there – phones, fax, internet, etc. And since the space will be used for business, it may be tax deductible (consult your tax advisor for details).
Home theater
This is quickly becoming a very popular type of basement remodeling project. With the cost of large-screen televisions continuing to come down, home theaters are becoming very affordable. The basement provides a perfect location. Just put the big screen at one end of the room, 6 or 8 comfortable chairs facing it, and a snack bar at the back with a microwave for popcorn and a fridge for cold drinks. And no home theater would be complete without surround sound speakers! You’ll want to have movie night every night.
Visit our website for home remodeling in Atlanta.
Article from articlesbase.com
Related Basement Damp Articles
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Atlanta, Basement, Remodeling
Creative Basement remodeling ideas
Creative Basement remodeling ideas
Basement remodeling is fun and interesting. Usually basement is the most neglected part of the house and people use it for storage. One can find all the waste items in the basement but it has a lot of space that can be put to use for good. With the help of basement remodeling, you can turn the place into a constructive area. There are endless ideas that can be used for giving a makeover to your basement but before start with remodeling, get the place checked for dampness and stability. You can turn your basement into any of the following.
Family room
This is one of the most popular choices for the basement remodeling. Based on the space that is available, you can adjust a pool table in the area or a ping-pong table. Decorate the room with painted, drywall and carpets and try ceiling for hiding floor joists from the view. When you adorn this room properly, your basement turned family room would be the favorite hangout place.
Home gym
If all your family members are fitness freaks then home gym is the best option. Do not put a dent in your pocket with heavy gym membership, when your own gym can be constructed in the basement. You can easily accommodate fitness equipments in the basement as it has enough space to do so. Some people keep fitness equipments in their living room or bedroom, which takes away the beauty of the place. Do not add unwelcome guests in your living area rather build your own fitness gym by utilizing your basement.
Home office
Some people use their spare bedrooms as office but the rooms have lack of space and they do not even look professional. So, make use of your basement and turn it into your work area. You cannot only turn your basement into home office but run your company from there. Everything that you might need for working from your place- fax, internet, telephones, computer can arranged at the place.
Home theatre
Home theatre is another important type of basement remodeling projects. With decreasing cost of large screens, home theatres are becoming a preferred choice among people. Basement offers perfect location for the entertainment system for you and your family. Just by putting a big screen at end of room with comfortable chairs, you can make the home theatre system comfortable and cozy. You can also make a snack bar at the place with microwave for popcorns and fridge for storing cold drinks. Do not forget to install surround sound speakers in the area.
Kid’s playroom
If you have small kids at your place, playroom might be a suitable choice for basement. No matter your budget is small or big, playroom for kids can be made without any hassles in the basement. You can make the place colorful and add a zing of style to it by using different colors and accessories for kids. Get creative and add stripes and polka dots on the walls to make the room look bright and lively.
Rather than making your basement a dump, make full use of the space available in the area.
<p> Find more information relating to <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.basementremodeling.org”>Basement Remodeling</a>, Please Visit http://www.basementremodeling.org . </p>
Article from articlesbase.com
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Creative, Ideas, Remodeling
Basement Remodeling Ideas
Basement Remodeling Ideas
Basement Remodeling
Basement remodeling can be a great improvement to your home. If you haven’t properly waterproofed your basement, are you prepared to throw thousands of dollars down the drain? Here’s a few things you should look for to see if your basement needs to be waterproofed.
Basement Remodeling Ideas and Things to Consider:
1. Does your basement feel damp? If so, you might want to reconsider remodeling your basement.
2. Have you noticed water seepage on the walls?
3. Do you have peeling paint on basement walls?
4. Have you seen mold or mildew growing anywhere in your basement?
5. Do you smell a musty or moldy smell in your basement?
6. Do you basement walls have cracks?
7. Do you have flooring in your basement that is cracking or lifting?
8. Have you noticed rust on pipes, furnaces or other metals in the basement?
9. Do you have efflorescence (white or brown powdery substance water leaves behind on concrete) on your walls
Basement ideas are great, but if you have seen one or more of these symptoms, you need to call in a professional waterproofing contractor right away! A waterproofing specialist can inspect your basement and determine not only where the water is coming from but also how to stop it.
Many homeowners will wait on their dream remodeling idea, because they know it can be damaged. Investing thousands of dollars into a remodeled basement is a wonderful idea, until the water comes. Nothing is worse than looking at saggy, soaking-wet drywall and wishing you had invested into a waterproofing system first.
In short, before you spend thousands of dollars on a remodel project, you need peace of mind that your efforts will not be in vain. Without proper waterproofing, your remodel will be ruined in a matter of months if not weeks. Make the right decision. You’ll be thankful in the upcoming years.
Damion Rutherford is the online marketing director for www.Wet-Basement-Waterproofing.com. Offering FREE referrals and advice… www.wet-basement-waterproofing.com line resource for anyone experiencing water problems in their basement.
Article from articlesbase.com
Find More Basement Damp Articles
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Ideas, Remodeling
A Basement Remodeling Picture to Help you Design your Plan
A Basement Remodeling Picture to Help you Design your Plan
There’s more than enough basement remodeling pictures going around to help you design your remodeling plans. It’s either basement owners simply want to flaunt their achievement or just plain documentation. Building a basement requires time well spent in planning. What makes this project more exciting is when you get to compare old dingy basements with the newly renovated ones. The best documentation are photos of it.
One other satisfying thing about a basement picture is that you’re sharing your ideas to others who might also be interested in basement remodeling. Sure you did it all by yourself. From design planning to walling system and down up to the finishing touches. But not everyone is as talented and skillful as you. Most of them who fall short of ideas go to basement photo galleries online for reference.
Most of the beautiful basement images published doesn’t even look like a basement at all. This is what makes it more challenging and interesting. From the old smelly and damp basement, a good idea can make wonders. So take this route and aim for a basement that is just like what you see in a basement remodeling picture. Get your inspiration from it.
The first step is to list down what you want to achieve with your basement. Here are some of those basements that are commonly used for different purposes:
– As a Home Office – The basement is the perfect place for setting up a home office. Chose the best area to place your office tables and chairs. Make sure there’s enough light coming in from your basement windows. You won’t be working at night, will you? Not only does it make sense, it also saves you energy and therefore money.
– Basement Bar – Your basement is also a great place to entertain your friends and guests with a bar. You can set a basement bar in your home. Look into a basement remodeling picture that falls under this category. You will discover that there are so many ideas that can help you.
– Entertainment Area – Because basements can be dark, homeowners can take advantage of this by creating a mini-theater in it. If you look into a basement remodeling picture of an entertainment area, you’d be surprised how beautiful and cozy it can make you feel just by looking at them.
– Guest Rooms – If your family is huge and you thought the rooms are not enough to fill up all the members, set up extra rooms below. Some basements have fantastic interior designs of guest rooms you think of spending the rest of your days there. This is true. Look for a basement remodeling picture under this category and you’ll find out.
These are just four of the many possibilities you can do with your basement area. All it takes is one basement remodeling picture to help you get ideas and draft your plan. From there you will be able to know how much it’s going to cost you. You will also understand how long it will take you to finish it. There are also basement photo galleries that illustrate how each step in building your basement is done. Get yourself started. It should be fun.
Can a basement remodeling picture help a clueless homeowner? Discover more about basement remodel idea from experts now.
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Design, Help, Picture, Plan, Remodeling
Basement Remodeling: the Essentials
Basement Remodeling: the Essentials
In New York City, living space is a luxury that is mostly availed by the grand money-makers. For the average thriving everyday in busy New York, condos, apartments and small townhouses are the more popular option. Space is always an issue. But what most of these people have not realized is that there are still areas in the house left unused. If you are one of these people who have left their basements as storage where everything just catches dust or mold, then it is high time to consider some serious basement remodeling.
To start off, do ample research and hire a basement remodeling contractor in New York that you think is best suitable for the job that you need done. This project would require an advanced knowledge not only in construction and design, but also in flooring, heating, waterproofing, wiring, as well as plumbing. So, unless you are a contractor yourself, this project is better left for the pros to handle.
The NYC contractor makes sure that the job is done in reference to your needs, taste and plan. When deciding on the most suitable space to create out of the basement, consider the readily available advantages that it offers. You can plan to set it up as a dark room or home theatre, music room, play area, or just anyplace where you can enjoy the isolation and privacy. There are essential things to take into consideration while drafting your basement remodeling plan and these are:
Dampness and other water problems
The basement is an area in the house known to be more prone to dampness, flooding and other water problems. Before heading on to the rest of the work, this should be your primary concern. Depending on your budget, you can either have a de-humidifier or have good floor heating with waterproofing membrane to take care of the dampness. But even if the issues given rarely occur, you should still consider that proper insulation is in place. A basement remodeling founded by giving permanent solution to future problems would result to lesser costs in the long run with less risks of maintenance.
Lighting
Another important element in basement remodeling is lighting. Having at least one wall above the ground is advantageous in maximizing natural light. To get more sunlight, you can have new windows added or increase the size of existing ones. For areas without windows, you can have radiant lighting fixtures. Mirrors mounted on ceilings and/or walls also help in heightening the effects of the lights.
Heating and air conditioning
Have a professional check if the heating and air conditioning of the whole house could amply accommodate the additional space resulting from the basement remodeling. If the existing system does well, the next step to consider would be having zoned heating and cooling. If not, have another heating and air conditioning system installed to control the temperature in the new living space in the house.
To achieve a basement remodeling project result to last a long time, focus on the given essentials. If you need to cut-off on the budget on some areas, be more creative and try to make use of the current floor plan. Incorporate the existing posts, support beams and other features that basement originally have into the design. Removing the visible duct work would also be expensive. To solve this unsightly portion, you can opt to have a low ceiling and just play with the lighting to make it seem higher, or frame boxes around the duct work with the rest of the ceiling in its original height.
Eugene Makeev has been in the home improvement industry for a while. His skills and expertise, which have been polished through time, are now used to help New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in home improvements by matching their needs with the right, prescreened Basement Remodeling Contractor New York. To know more, visit New York Contractors.
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Essentials, Remodeling
Basement Remodeling Challenges
Basement Remodeling Challenges
When you first look at an unfinished basement it can be difficult to see the many possibilities for creating wonderful living space for your family. At first glance, a basement offers a huge amount of undefined space that is rough and bare and empty. On the one hand, it has unlimited possibilities, and it offers enough space for everything you can imagine. On the other hand, however, all that unfinished space can make it hard to imagine what your basement can look like when you finish remodeling it.
There are many ways to approach a basement remodel. The entire area can be left open, or it can be divided into rooms. It can be elegantly finished or it can be given a rustic design. The only limits are the boundaries of your imagination.
The major challenges of most basement refinishing projects and plans are:
1. Ceiling height. You will probably encounter visible duct work and/or a low ceiling level. You can decide to either live with a lower ceiling or you can frame boxes around the duct work and have the rest of the ceiling higher. You can also move the duct work, but that is an expensive job.
2. Dampness. A dampness problem in a finished basement can open the door to all kinds of problems. The dampness will make the area feel cooler or warmer. But more important, the dampness will breed mold and mildew. So the first step in finishing a basement is to correct any dampness problems and then seal the floor and walls carefully. If your budget allows, one way to deal with this is to install radiant floor heating with a waterproofing membrane. If your budget doesn’t support this, a de-humidifier will be a wise investment.
3. Support beams or posts. You may discover two or more support posts or beams in the basement. You will need expert assistance if you decide to try to remove them, and doing so will be costly. The better solution might be to lay out your floor plan so that the support beams are in walls or closets. If you can’t work with them in this way and you want something more attractive, then either put a fiberglass column around them or build a square box around them with drywall.
4. Concrete floors. Concrete floors may be hard on your back, legs or feet if you plan activities that require prolonged standing. Choosing floor covering can take a little more time and effort than for other rooms. First, attend to potential dampness. If your basement does not have a drain to prevent water build-up under the basement, you might want to start with a layer of plastic. Then you will probably want an extra layer of padding under carpet, and even under hardwood floors.
5. Access to plumbing. Access to plumbing, wiring, and some appliances may begin in your basement. Before you decide how to finish your ceiling, you will need to consider how you will achieve the look you want and still have access to these areas. You might find that a drop ceiling is the best option. But it is also possible to place small doors in the ceiling to make these areas accessible.
6. Lighting. If you have a “sunlight basement” (meaning that at least one wall is above ground and has windows to let in sunlight), providing light for part of the area will be much easier. In areas without windows, you will need to really pay attention to lighting. Choosing energy-efficient fixtures and light bulbs will help to protect the environment and save you money.
7. Heat and Air Conditioning. You will probably want to check with a professional to decide whether your current heat and air conditioning system is adequate for the entire house once you finish the basement. You might need a separate heating and air conditioning system to control the temperature in the whole house. If you stay with a single system, you might do well to consider zoned heating and cooling.
8. Plumbing and Hot Water Supply. If you add a kitchen or a bathroom in the basement, you might want to think about hot water supply and the size of your hot water heater. You might find it more economical and easier to install an in-line or instant water heater in a bathroom or kitchen.
9. Access. The decisions you make about how you will use the new living space in your basement might mean you will need to create a second access to the basement from the first floor. If you divide the space into family areas and a teen suite, for example, you might find that a second access allows more privacy. A spiral staircase might be the perfect answer because it uses less space. You will also want to have some kind of immediate exterior access in case of emergency.
10. Alternatives to Walls. You can, of course install (or have installed) drywall or paneling in your remodeled basement. You can also do other, more creative things to divide spaces and invest less money in the project. For example, you can use permanent shoji screens or other types of room dividers. You can also define spaces without walls in the way you install different types of floor coverings.
By thinking creatively about how you will use the space and being flexible enough to work around existing challenges (such as support columns), you can create almost anything you want in a basement remodel. Your new living space can be as formal or as relaxed as you choose. So turn your imagination loose and enjoy finding solutions to the challenges of basement remodeling.
Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing
Dan Fritschen, the remodel-or-move guru is President and Publisher at ABCD Publishing and operates three very popular websites — www.remodelormove.com, which helps homeowners make this important decision on the basis of knowledge and reliable cost estimates, and www.remodelestimates, which offers a variety of articles on various aspects of remodeling and remodeling cost estimate calculators, as well as referrals to great contractors throughout the nation, and www.remodelingorganizer.com). He is the author of three books on home remodeling.
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Challenges, Remodeling
Basement Remodeling 101
Basement Remodeling 101
We all have a favorite room in our home. For some it’s a warm cozy kitchen. For others it’s a sumptuous living room or a comfortable bedroom. When is the favorite room ever the basement? You can transform a boring basement into a getaway room and create a new favorite place. Upgrade that lost space and get more out of your home’s square footage.
Did you know that the cost of remodeling your basement is significantly cheaper than adding on an extra room? The savings are even higher if you are able to start with a dry basement. With the average cost of a basement remodel at about per square foot, basement transformations are a real space solution for some. There are a few things to consider before starting a basement remodel. If you are unsure about where to get started, it’s wise to consult a local general contractor. Estimates are usually free.
The Official Basics
Most city and county regulations require basements to have 7-foot ceilings. Without the right ceiling height, you might have a difficult time getting a building permit. If your ceilings come close to that height, check with a local contractor. They will be able to offer you some ceiling solutions that can help you find more head space. Don’t be too concerned about overhead pipes and wiring. Pipes and wires can be moved or drop ceilings can be hung. It’s also great to have a qualified contractor who can educate you on building codes for your getaway room. He’ll be familiar with what’s important to local inspectors.
Damp or Dry?
The next concern should be basement dampness. Some older homes have significant dampness and even occasional flooding. Of course, it would not be wise to remodel your basement without addressing these serious issues first. Flooding occurs mainly because of runoff problems. You’ll have to reroute drainage away from your basement. You may also have to make gutter repairs to keep water away from your home. Any foundation cracks will have to be addressed as well. Cracks in your foundation will allow rainwater to accumulate in your basement. Repairing and installing drains are important too. Also have your contractor check for radon before building. Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that can be found in settled water like underground pipes. It would be a good idea to check for radon before beginning a basement remodel.
Ventilation in Your Getaway Room
Ventilation is a must in your newly remodeled basement. You’ll need cold air returns and heating. Your contractor will be able to run ducts, set registers and adjust any outflow piping. Or you can purchase a basement ventilation system. Check with your contractor about which is right for your situation.
From Dark to Light
Your getaway space will need some light! With windows out of the question in many basements, recessed lighting is a great way to fake natural light in your new room. Check local stores for lighting fixtures that best suit your overall decorating scheme.
Fabulous Flooring
To fight a damp feeling in your new room, you may consider installing heated flooring. What a cozy way to keep your feet warm! However, there are tons of great flooring choices available from hardwood to tile. Even carpet is a great accent and brings a level of coziness to your new room.
Which Room?
You can change that dead space into a busy family room or create a home theater. Underground game rooms and party rooms are also popular choices! You should also consider a workout room, an extra guest room or just your very own artist’s retreat. Whatever you choose, your getaway room will be perfect with a little help from your local contractor.
Mimi Bullock is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.local.yodle.com/articles”> contractor</a> or more <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://local.yodle.com/articles/topics/home-garden/”> home improvement</a> articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://local.yodle.com/articles/basement-remodeling-101″> Basement Remodeling 101</a>
Mimi Bullock is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a contractor or more home improvement articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Basement Remodeling 101
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Remodeling