Do you need more space for a home office, a study area, or a den? If so, then you might think of pushing outwards and building an addition. But an outward expansion may not be the appropriate solution if your local area regulations restrict such additions. In such circumstances, you should look inward and do some basement renovations to get more space.
Most homeowners treat their basement space as some form of junk repository. Such space can be cleared and cleaned up to create a cozy auxiliary or family bedroom. This post presents to you some insightful ideas on how to transform your basement into some livable space through a basement remodel plan.
In most old houses, a finished basement isn’t a functional living space. If you live in a home like this, you have to overcome some obstacles and convert such accessory spaces into habitable rooms through a basement remodel. Here are some basics on how a basement renovation can transform your basement into livable space.
1. Do Away With Moisture
If your basement has significant moisture then it may not serve as an ideal living space. The moisture can damage household items such as furniture. You can use special caulking to seal cracks in the wall or use water-lock paint on your basement walls to keep out moisture.
2. Put Up Some Walls
Walls make basement spaces more appealing and you can use them to divide spaces and create rooms for different functions. The walls will also make it easy to run electrical wires and other utility connections such as receptacles and lighting fixtures. The walls may also improve the controlling of temperature within your basement.
3. Decide on Cooling and Heating Needs
Basements can get extremely cold in winter or stuffy and hot in summer if they don’t have proper heating and air conditioning systems. You may choose to use electrical baseboard heaters to provide heating for your basement. Your HVAC system ductwork may also be passing through joists on the floor above your basement and you can tap into this system.
4. Create an Egress
Apart from the doorway exit, your basement needs an additional exit point known as the egress. According to the building codes an egress is a necessary exit because it can serve as a lifesaving exit point. It’s a basic requirement if your basement is to serve as a bedroom.
Some homeowners often side-step this requirement by designating the basement space as a “workshop” or “sewing room.” But the building codes are always established to protect you and your property. You should set up an egress if you’re to use such space as an auxiliary bedroom. You can check your local building codes to determine the kind of egress to build.
5. Ensure Code Compliance
The building code has a set standard of installing electrical connections. For instance, the code may require you to set up a specific number of electrical outlets. Your preferences matter less when it comes to such requirements and you have to adhere to the building code.
6. Install Some Proper Lighting
Many basement spaces have minimal lighting and it’s almost impossible to receive enough external lighting from the outdoors. The height restrictions may not allow you to install the type of lighting that you need. But in such spaces, can lights can be your perfect lighting solution. Can lights provide enough light and they can be tucked into the spaces between the floor joists of the floor above the basement.
A basement remodel can transform your basement space into cozy auxiliary bedrooms, children’s play dens, or perfect storage areas for your bikes or art collection. But before such spaces can become functional and habitable you’ll need to work on them and improve some features such as lighting and air conditioning.
The 2017 True Cost Report made by HomeAdvisor reveals that at least 80% of property owners had plans to improve their homes. Basement improvements can be part of these plans because a basement remodel creates more livable space without spending a lot of money. But before you start the project, consult basement remodeling contractors to get basement remodeling ideas.