Archive for April, 2011
Basement Renovation Ideas
Need more living space, but can’t afford a bigger home or just simply love your neighborhood? Explore the underground! Most homes in Canada have an unfinished basement. Remodeling this commonly under used space might give you the needed exercise room, extra family room, a relaxing entertainment space or just an extra playroom, game room for your kids. Whatever your need might be, finishing the basement is always the most effective way to extend your living space.
When considering a basement renovation, start by making a floor plan. Remember to mark the existing location of your furnace, sump-pump, washer and dryer (if applicable) and any large appliances. Take notes on:
- Location of windows and doors
- Location of support columns and bins
- Current location of Rough-in plumbing and where you wish to have your extra bathroom
- Stair locations – from upstairs and outside
- Electrical panel location
- Duct pipes location and their heights
Basement renovations can be often more challenging then what first meet the eye. Before you start your basement finishing project you should check for any cracks that could cause water leaking. Before you finish your basement, you should fix any drainage problems around the perimeter of your house. This should relieve pressure on foundation walls and prevent further cracking. Existing cracks then should be sealed from inside using hydraulic cement or silicone caulk. Professional Basement Renovation Contractors can help you take appropriate measures to ensure your basement is free of moisture.
Many basements have low ceilings and few small windows. But this doesn’t have to limit your basement finishing plans. A professional electrician can help you to explore many creative ways to make your basement a bright and joinable space. Always use a licensed electrician who will use appropriate electrical lines and outlets to comply with building codes.
The following basement finishing ideas can help you transform your unfinished basement into a beautiful, functional living space.
- Stay away from dark wood paneling and instead consider drywall painted in light tones to make the room brighter. Semi-gloss paint will gently reflect even more light into the room.
- Open up the visual space. Double doors—even glass double interior doors—take away the typical cubicle look. How about a rounded archway or pass-through area from one room into another? Glass blocks are great to let the light in while still giving enough privacy to separate and office room. Mirrors can be used to give you the visual of a bigger room.
- Check to see if existing windows can be enlarged. Or, consider installing a small boxed window for a mini-garden to grow herbs or start plant seedlings. This will greatly increase the amount of light coming into the basement and provide a view to the great outdoors.
- Built-in bookcases and entertainment units add a richness and depth to a room. Light them with either interior lights or from the top to cast light upwards.
- Disguise vertical support beams, and horizontal ceiling pipes or floor joists by boxing them in. Or, you might decide to actually use pipes and beams as interesting accents by painting them with bold colors or with subtle earth tones.
An unfinished basement is much like a diamond in the rough—unexplored and awaiting your discovery! If you have any questions about basement renovation options, don’t hesitate to contract our top rated contractors and service professionals from our Contractor Directory.
If you are not a hands-on person and don’t feel comfortable to begin your DIY basement finishing project or you might just not be familiar with certain basic code requirements just take few moments to post your basement renovation project for free and have local quality contractors compete for your project.
Which basement finishing ideas turned out to be the best choices for your family in the long run and which ones where overprices extras you never really used to their maximum benefit?
