Basement renovation is a quick and easy way to add more rooms to your house without the need for expensive home additions. The large space provides a wealth of remodeling and design possibilities. Your cold and dark basement can quickly turn into a cheerful family room, and entertaining area for your friends, a den with a built bar, a play room or an extra bedroom. You might even find using a finished basement as a home office enhances productivity, and allows you to spend more time at home. If you have a hobby that needs a separate working area like wood work or sewing, or if you run a home business that requires a large production space, look no further than your finished basement for your new work center.
The first element of finishing your basement is taking care of waterproofing. A damp basement will not only ruin your furniture and furnishings, and produce that awful smell, but it can also decrease the value of your home by up to 25%. A completely dry basement is entirely possible by installing proper insulation that prevents condensation and moisture problems. After water proofing is done, look at ways to brighten your basement. Dull gray and brown colored paints are absolute no- nos. Look at light pastel shades like cream, ivory or yellow to bring in the light, and create an illusion of spaciousness. Open up existing windows to increase the brightness, and ensure good circulation of air. If you plan to use your basement for more than one purpose, like as a family room and an extra bedroom, demarcate these areas to establish boundaries, and to ensure proper flow in your basement. If you intend to continue using the basement as a storage area, designate a special storage closet or storage room to hold all your junk.
The only thing standing between you and your dream finished basement is planning. The lack of a detailed plan that includes the use of the new basement, the age of the people using it, the marking of boundaries between separate areas are all factors that could eat into your budget, and delay the basement remodel project if not taken care of. First of all, take time to have brainstorming sessions with family members to determine your collective vision for the new finished basement. Also, factor in the special design modifications you'll need depending on the age group of the people using the basement. For instance, an extra bedroom for your parents to use when they visit will also need a tub-attached bath, as well as appropriately comfortable furniture. Lighting should be bright enough, but not so much that it hurts their eyes. These are all things that can be extremely expensive to fix once you've already begun the basement renovation project.
We need to add an additional bedroom and bathroom and would like to have it in the attic if possible.
Cindy G
home built in 2006, have mold permeating drywall around base of wall and in subflooring around standup shower in master bath, second floor. HELP. Looking for a handyman contractor to help me fix it!
Thomas Y