Search
Most Popular Articles
- Discussion of the Human Body Defense System
- The story of the 12 animals zodiac in China
- How to Balance Your Body to Get Pregnant
- Eating Junk Food -- The Hidden Price
- How To Stop Your Cat Scratching - Get Rid Of Those Fleas
- Ski Boots -- Testing 1, 2, 3
- Wear it Up or Wear it Down?
- Cat Care, Cat Products and Cat Diseases
- Choosing a Cell Phone
- Artificial Satellite Types
Basement Remodeling - 8 Easy Steps to Creating a Functional Basement
 Category |
: Home Improvement |
 Times Read |
: 78 |
 Date |
: 25 February. 2008 07:00 |
by: Christine Griego
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 dont 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 homes 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, its 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 familys lifestyle.
3. Consider Professional Advice with Your Basement Design
Even though your basement might not be much to look at now, youll 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 youll have an early warning of any problems with the venting of the furnace or any other major appliances.
5. Make the Most of Your Basements 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 basements 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 improvement information, tips, and ideas.
Random Article 1 |
Random Article 2 |
by: Rod Rodriguez Over the years I have heard so many stories pertaining to wood restoration. There has been a lot of controversy relating to how to do it and what is necessary under what circumstances and so forth. A few notable agencies, associations and government segments have tak |
by: Kirstin Carey Kirstin, I am a faux finisher and I do some murals, too. When my clients ask me for referrals for designers, I give them names of people whom I think can help them. Should I let the designer know that I referred them? - Arlene, Baltimore, MD Arlene, N |
Random Article 3 |
Random Article 4 |
by: Kimberly Duncan While some causes of fire are general and can occur anywhere, other causes are more specific for certain rooms. General Causes of Fire Electrical Dont underestimate the fire risk from electricity just because there is no flame involved. The over warming |
by: Norman Fleming If youre lucky enough to have a "guest bathroom", one that isnt used by the family and one where you can always keep clean hand towels hanging for the guests, good for you. For most of us however, we have one or two bathrooms, and they both get a lot of use from the |