Finishing a basement is one of the most popular home improvement projects in the country today. Whenever there is a shortage of existing space, and adding a new room is not a feasible action, a basement renovation can give you all the extra space you need at a lower budget. Say for instance, you run a business or work from home, and especially need a home office to organize your work space. With just a few alterations, you can finish your basement to use as a home office. Finished basements can be used as home theaters, family rooms, game rooms for the kids, home gyms, entertainment centers or hobby rooms. If you are a wine aficionado, you can use it as a wine cellar to store your wines, and even turn it into a wine tasting den, and have friends over.
Before you begin looking into paint samples and furniture brochures, get basement water proofing done by a qualified basement remodel contractor. You may also need to install a special sub floor to protect your carpets and rugs from moisture. Your basement wall finishing will include installing adequate installation to keep the area cool all year round. A lack of installation will quickly develop into moisture problems that are hard to get rid of. If you want to install special electrical or plumbing fittings, these will have to be taken care of too. More vent openings can allow air to circulate freely, while larger windows will bring in more natural light. Colors for your walls should be chosen with a view to brightening the room - no browns or grays.
When it comes to finishing a basement, there are 3 steps that are most important -- planning, planning and more planning. If you walk into a basement remodel project without a detailed floor plan, you could find yourself with costs that shoot through the roof, and delayed completion. There are also building code requirements to be met, and building permits to be obtained. Then there is the matter of finding and hiring a basement contractor who can bring your vision to life. Take into consideration that basement contractors are extremely busy during certain times of the year, like summer and may not be able to give you starting dates. Remember, a finished basement will most likely include almost every single element that can be found in the home above -- flooring, electrical and plumbing fixtures, ventilation, water proofing, painting and furnishings. Begin planning your basement renovation at least a few months ahead, discuss all possibilities with your family, and shop around for bargain prices on fittings and accessories, so you can get the most value for your basement remodel cost.
i have a house that i am currently living in that i would like to remodel on the back. the project would be about 15'X40' with a bedroom a half bath and a small living area.
Thomas S
I would like to convert my garage into an office. I would like to raise the floor so that it matches the house. The garage has a bathroom that also needs to be raised. Inside the garage is AC, and gas water heater. Gaage has already been enclosed by previous owner. Would prefer someone with references in garage conversions, so I can see your work.
Javier L