But, perhaps it is time you reconsider how you use your basement? Remodeling the basement is a cost-effective way to greatly expand your home's living space. Suddenly you could have a guest room, a children's play room, a home office, a recreation room–the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
Below are five easy steps to reclaim your basement.
1. Solve Basement Water Problems First
Even if your basement rarely has problems with dampness or flooding,
it's best to solve the problem completely before beginning any
remodeling work.
Permanent solutions can take time to implement. A good place to start is
to talk to an independent home inspector who specializes in basement or
foundation waterproofing problems.
2. Decide on the Best Use of Your Basement
Consider using the space for activities for which typical basement
characteristics offer natural advantages.
The lack of light is useful when setting up a home theater or a dark
room. The isolation helps create a sound break for a play area, a
teenager's hangout or a place to practice a musical instrument.
Also, in basements, there is usually ready access to things like water
lines and heating and cooling ducts. This makes adding a bath easier
than it would be elsewhere in the house.
3. Get Help with Your Basement Design
While your basement may not be much to look at now, you'll want to end
up with quality living space when the project is complete. An architect
or interior designer can help you get the most out of the space. A
little forethought and careful planning now can help you create a space
that is attractive, comfortable and useful.
4. Pay Attention to Air Circulation
When your home was first built, the odds are that there were 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.
You'll also have to include a return air duct, but it's important that
it be located far from the furnace. Otherwise, it may suck dangerous
furnace exhaust fumes back into the house.
To be on the safe side, install a carbon monoxide detector in your
basement so that you'll have an early warning of any problems with the
venting of the furnace or any other major appliances.
5. Maximize Your Basement's Natural Light
For many reasons, you'll probably want to add more light in your
basement.
If parts of the basement extend above the ground, you can add new
windows or enlarge existing ones.
If that isn't possible, another option is to dig window wells. Window
wells can increase the odds of water problems, so it's a good idea to
build ones with waterproof covers.
Another advantage of enlarged windows is that they provide alternative
escape routes in case of fire.
One concern that some people have about basement windows is that they
provide thieves with ideal access to the home. One way to mitigate that
risk is to install glass bricks (rather than conventional windows) at
high-risk locations.
Maximize 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.
