No matter how big your home is, it can always be a little big bigger. Whether you are a parent trying to find extra space to put your kids items, or you want to start a home business or build a home media center, you can probably use an extra space. A costly means of getting more space is to buy a new house while a more economic solution is to renovate your basement.
Yes, that dark and dreary dungeon can be turned into a playroom for your kids, a home office for your new business or an entertainment center for your weekend big parties.
At first, the project might not sound so economical, but despite the time and money to be invested, finishing your basement will end up being easy and a wise financial decision if you do it the right way.
Basement are now being designated for special functions ranging from Media centers, poker parlors, office space and exercise areas. In short you can create a personal fun center right under your ground floor.
The basement’s square footage is usually equivalent to the ground floor’s. It is like having double living space, which can add to your house’s enjoyment and space. What your basement’s space can be used for are only limited by the owner’s imagination since the space has electricity supply and water.
The basement can be partitioned off into different rooms or it can be one huge open space. There are so many things that can be done with the basement. You can tailor its usage according to your requirements. But, before transforming your basement into your dream functional space, it is important you consult a trusted basement renovation contractor who will guide you with the renovation project and help you with your basement renovations in Edmonton.
When your basement requires a renovation, there are some key issues to note before proceeding with the project. First, identify the trouble spots such as enclosed boiler rooms, lowered ceilings and ductwork. Also, leaking spots must be noted as uncontrolled moisture can cause damage and encourages the growth of mold.
Once problem spots have been identified, an action plan to remedy the problem must be conceived followed by a means of determining the space’s layout. Planning your basement space layout can be challenging and a good way to start is by identifying the activities that will take place in the space. Checking out other basement designs will inspire you to design your own basement appropriately.
Also note that the basement has little or no natural light so plan accordingly on how to light up your basement and in no time your basement will spring to life
A critical aspect of basement renovation is waterproofing. It prevents water from entering the basement through the application of special coating substance. To ensure a waterproof basement, one has to build a reliable drainage system so as to prevent water accumulation that will lead to water seeping into your basement. Even with the best drainage and roof, water still penetrate the ground that is why your basement need to be waterproofed.
Applying waterproof coat is a bit challenging since one has to dig deep at least six feet in to the basement wall because coat must be applied outside the basement wall. Thus, it is advisable to enlist the service of a handyman or a specialize basement renovator to do this for you.
The first point to think of when renovating your basement is the function of the space. Will it be a regular living space for your family members or an entertainment room or media center where friends and family can hang out or a special room for occasional uses. This should be the first thing you consider as the intended function of your basement determines the design.
The next tip is to devise a renovation plan taking note of the existing basement structures and design. Are the water pipes accessible? Are framing or insulation already installed? What existing structural formations will you retain? Answering these questions and others will help you produce the best design and also helps you prepare an appropriate budget. In this step, you can remove fundamental structures that doesn’t require changing from your budget. You will also check out your city’s building code to ensure that your basement structure is compliant with it or you will need to update the structure as needed.
Lighting factors need to be emphasized here as the basement is naturally dark. The key thing is to get as much light as possible into your basement rooms. This depends largely on your basement’s location and the existing structures. For a walk out basement with direct access to outside, windows installation should be part of the renovation to let natural light in. However, for a completely underground basement, you will have to consider window wells installation.
Color is an important factor when renovating your basement. The color for your basement must be carefully selected. You should choose colors that will brighten the dark and dull basement. Dull colors should be avoided while warm bright colors such as gold, yellow and orange should be used to spray your basement. Also, your Furnishings, walls, flooring and décor should be of appropriate color. A basement with a warm fell will make staying there very enjoyable.
However, there are some practices to be avoided and precautions to be taken if your basement is to last. The first being that you must prevent damping or flooding of your basement. Flood risk factors such as plumbing leak and broken water tanks must be prevented or repair carried out as soon as they are detected. It is advisable to install a reliable sump pump system.
Avoid improperly installing vapor barriers. Some contractors usually attach poly sheets all over the basement’s walls and floor thinking they can use any type of finish they like. This practice is destructive to the basement as the vapor trapped by the barrier can form condensate which can then encourage mold growth.
Always have a backup sump pump. Even with a fully waterproofed basement and a sump pump in good working condition, your basement is still at the risk of flood if there are no manually operated sump pump. This is because flood inducing storms can also severe your electrical connections. Moreover, backup pump can be very useful in case of failure in the primary pump.
Moisture control is essential to a functional basement. Now that you have a good, drainage, a reliable sump pump, a waterproofed basement and have used the right materials for the floor, walls and ceiling, you need to take it a step further by close monitoring of your basement moisture levels. Basement moisture levels of above 60% will encourage mold growth. Thus keeping moisture level in check is necessary if you are to prevent the musty smells that results from mold growth.
Renovating your basement should not be a one-time project. Make certain that you design for maximum adaptability flexibility so that you can make use of the design later on. In some cases, you can significantly after your basement look by simply making an open stairwell that goes into the basement area. This can make your basement feel more connected to your main house. Basement renovations are physically demanding especially if you have a large house or a busy basement, you can hire a professional basement designer or contractor to do the job for you. The trusted contractor will help manage the project for you so you can enjoy a beautiful basement design that includes more space and rooms.
Comments (1)Subscribe to CommentsComment