Are you considering finishing the basement and turning that space into a living area? Experts agree that careful planning creates smoother basement renovations. But many eager homeowners miss essential steps in the planning process, resulting in poorly designed spaces, unreliable construction and lower property values. Try to take your basement renovations slowly, plotting the course with care.
First Step - Solidify Your Vision
This step is vital for any large-scale home improvement project. Write down or sketch out your vision for the space, including any furniture, dècor and family activities that will likely fill the space.
Do you envision a bedroom in the basement, or plan to create a home office in this quiet area? Are your kids longing for a rec room or have you always dreamed about a pool table, big screen TV or dedicated craft room? Forget about budget for now, and focus on exactly how you want the space to look once the renovations are complete.
Some experts suggest creating two lists and categorizing each design element or feature under the “needs†or “wants†list. This helps when trying to please all members of the family, but you should focus on developing the “needs†list into a fairly detailed design.
Use computer software to make an actual picture of the area, or draw out the space on a large piece of graph paper. You don't have to be a professional draftsman - as long as you know what the details are, a simple sketch works perfectly.
Keep this image handy and refer to it often, especially when you feel the project slipping off course or stalling. This step can take days or weeks depending on how many discussions you have with the family and how much research is required.
Second Step - Product Research
Keep in mind that certain unique conditions exist in your basement. This area of your home has more moisture and less airflow, as well as being prone to flooding. Mold and mildew can easily result from finishing the basement, with health problems quickly resulting. Spend some time researching products that provide resistance to mold and mildew growth.
BluWood is specially treated lumber often used in basements and other areas where moisture exists. Stainless steel studs offer another mold-free option for framing. Some drywall manufacturers offer mold resistant products and flooring retailers carry closed-cell underlayment to reduce mold growth in carpets. Find out as much as you can about these products, including availability, price, size and design selection.
You'll also need to include a vapor barrier between the finished living space and foundation wall, in order to block the passage of moisture and condensation. Be sure the floor includes drains to reduce the risk of flooding as well.
Third Step - Talk to the Local Building Department
Individual building departments operate in different region of the United States. While all follow the national building code and fire code, building departments tend to enforce different rules or sections of the codes. Talk to your local inspector about the design requirements applicable to your vision.
Bedrooms often require windows of a certain size. Storage is limited in finished areas near your furnace. And the installation of wood stoves or fireplaces requires adequate clearance and a properly designed chimney. Find out about any specific requirements before you start the project, saving time and money later on.
Fourth Step - Understanding Insulation
Room temperatures tend to be lower due to the fact that your basement is located below-grade. Heating this level efficiently also presents a challenge. Adequate insulation creates a comfortable atmosphere in the room, as well as reducing heating requirements.
Browse through the various options available for basement insulation. Wood or steel framed walls can be filled with fiberglass batting, while rigid foam insulation can also be mounted directly over the foundation wall. Remember that the concrete floor slab also needs to be insulated, often with rigid foam insulation (2-inches thick) or foam underlayment and plywood subfloor.
Fifth Step - Go Green Where Possible
Any home renovation project you embark on should have a green angle. Try to reduce waste and use eco friendly products wherever possible to make your new home healthier.
Think about using natural products, such as bamboo or cork flooring. Or opt for recycled materials, like salvaged buildings products and refurbished cabinetry. With careful planning and an eye for green products and procedures you can ensure your basement remodel is green.
Sixth Step - Consider Air Quality
We talked about reducing mold and mildew to promote a healthier atmosphere, but air quality is another vital factor. Homeowners that invest in a high quality built in HEPA filter benefit throughout the entire house, removing allergens, bacteria and other undesirable particles from the air.
This addition may require mechanical work, as well as electrical upgrades. Budget for this inclusion if possible, and you'll be sure to appreciate the improved health of your family for years to come.
Seventh Step - Find a Contractor
At this point you'll need to find a contractor. It's important to be informed on all of the above aspects before hiring your contractor, in order to find the optimum company and communicate exactly what you need.
Remember to ask questions and clarify everything as quickly as possible. Find out whether or not the company is licensed and bonded, check their references and have the contract and warranty spelled out explicitly. One good rule of thumb to remember is that the more questions you ask, the fewer questions you'll have and the happier you'll be with finished product.
Homeowners need to take it slow with basement renovations, working from the vision through research, building codes, air quality and the environment. Don't give in to impatience or rush through the project. Your finished basement will fit your dreams with careful planning and an experienced contractor.
Posted by: dianaSuggested Reading For You
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