home sectionhome section
Designing an attractive staircase can turn your basement entrance into a welcoming retreat rather than a rickety descent into oblivion. There are a range of options to consider when designing a basement staircase, such as materials, style, cost and safety. Fitting a new set of basement stairs usually requires the assistance of building contractors. However, the design phase can usually be completed without professional help.
Choosing the right floor plan for your new home requires much thought and consideration. One important factor in your floor plan and lot choice is the potential for a basement, which can offer additional storage and living space, and can be finished or unfinished. Many people opt for a walk-out basement--which includes a door that leads directly outside--but these basements can have advantages and disadvantages.
Steps leading to a porch can enhance the beauty of the space as well as safety. Design porch stairs to function well, especially if you are carrying items or a small child. Envision how the railing and size of the steps will support you and your visitors, especially when weather is bad. Create appropriate curbside appeal, of course, but invest time in making sure you're happy with the stairs over time. Avoid making the steps too skimpy or too steep by reproducing steps you've actually tried at a neighbor's or friend's house, if possible.
Investing time to create a good basement layout will help utilize every square foot effectively. You want to design living space and storage space with ample room for traffic flow. To get ideas, visit the basements of friends or neighbors. Basement design books and home remodeling magazines will provide inspiration as well. The basement area does not have to match the upstairs living space in design or color. It can be a totally unique space.
When designing a basement to become a livable space, the first step is to plan for function. The way you intend to use this extra space can provide a guide for every other aspect of design. The more precise and detailed a plan you can make during the preparation stage, the more the final result will resemble your dreams. After you've come up with a plan, the next steps include making sure your plans will meet building code regulations and addressing any current moisture problems.
A walkout basement door makes it easier to use basement storage areas. A lower driveway or drive-under garage will enhance the design, too. Some of the possibilities for how to design the yard space and basement will depend upon the slope of the yard. If the yard has a slope that easily exposes one end of the basement or the back of the basement, you can build a patio space near the walkout door.
Finishing a basement increases your home's usable living space by adding an extra room. There are many possible uses for a finished basement. Decide what's right for your family and then put your ideas to work. It's possible to turn a basement into a bedroom, an apartment, a home theater or an office.
A bonus room in the basement with a wet bar adds value to most homes. Perhaps more important, it adds value to your social and family life. A basement bonus room is a place where friends and family can get together for parties or just weekend relaxing. A wet bar makes the room more versatile, allowing you to mix drinks for your friends or make milkshakes for the kids. Invest time and money in this kind of project. Use quality materials so that it will be a space that you love using for years to come.
Designing a basement layout can be quite different from designing other room floor plan layouts. Basement spaces tend to be extremely different, not only in size but also general design. Designing a successful basement takes a large degree of planning and calculation. Fortunately, many free online tools are available to assist in designing a basement.
A basement recreation room is an ideal place for a stone fireplace. Cozy evenings in this space during wintertime call for a nice fire and good media equipment. Building the fireplace takes detailed planning to ensure the firebox and chimney function well. For example, the fireplace should ideally be installed in a basement wall that's not fully underground. Dirt filling against the fireplace might lead to moisture leaks, and the fireplace chimney will be harder to repair in such an event.
Imagine attending an unforgettable party in the comfort of your own home -- every weekend. And think how at ease you'd feel knowing exactly where your teenager is, and who they're with, when they're "hanging out." Turning a basement into your own private club can provide years of joyful memories for family and friends. A club in the basement can provide a stimulating setting for dance parties; a relaxed, pub-style atmosphere for toasting friends' health and sharing lively conversation; or a private, quiet place for a romantic evening at home.
Wine storage is important when you purchase expensive wines and hope to save them for more than a month. Historically, wines are stored in cellars where the average temperature is 50 to 60 degrees, according to the Purdue University Extension. Basements are usually dark and undisturbed and are often cool, all of which are factors that are conducive to good wine storage.
Where better to design a dungeon in your home than the place that is already known for its dark spooky corners and cobwebs--your basement? Give your unfinished basement a dungeon-inspired design which will be perfect for a Halloween haunted house or costume party or even a permanent design that will make your basement a quirky room for gaming or movie nights.
Adding a bathroom to your home often provides extra value and function. Sometimes the easiest place to add a bathroom is in your basement. When designing your basement bathroom, you'll need to consider the special needs of basement construction. Because a basement is below grade, there are likely to be plumbing concerns that may involve special sump pumps and upgrades. It is also a good idea to plan for additional light so that the bathroom will feel spacious and airy. With some good planning, your basement bathroom can become a spa-like destination that adds to the comfort and usability of…
The most important factor in designing a basement for cold climates is interior wall insulation. According to "House Energy," cold climates require a focus on a vapor barrier and insulation. This way the basement can be used as you desire as it will be protected from exterior moisture and winds. There are many different types of insulation that are useful for basements; however, the most relevant piece of information you need to consider is the R-value of the insulation. This value represents the thermal resistance of the insulation, which is the amount of heat flow that can pass through it.
Home renovation gained popularity through reality television shows in which people redecorate houses or rooms as a surprise for a loved one or for families in need. Whether you're building a new home with a basement or just looking for a way to make the one you have more inviting, you can use online tools to help make your dreams of a new basement a reality.
Basements do not have to be dreaded dungeons that have no better use than storing things you no longer want or need. In many homes, the basement has as much square footage as the main level of the house. This unused territory becomes a clean slate for new basement design ideas that add an extra bedroom, family room, bathroom, laundry room and storage space to a house.
Homeowners who refinish their basements often accomplish spectacular feats of transformation. Basements are known for experiencing moisture problems and bad lighting, and can sometimes be downright creepy. However, if you have decided to refinish your basement, you have a brand new room on hand with endless possibilities of use.
Many homes have lots of wasted floor space in basement areas. Adding a family room, bonus room or bedrooms in a basement can increase a home's value substantially. Since the floor, walls and ceiling are basically in place, this creates an initial cost savings in a basement remodeling. The fact that a basement is separate from standard living areas offers opportunities to create privacy areas. For example, a basement might be a good place to add a home office or in-law apartment.
Basement renovations can maximize the living space of a home, adding valuable square footage. Many homeowners propose basement renovations for this exact reason, but struggle with the layout as it can be hard to work around posts and supporting walls and beams, not to mention electrical and HVAC. Using basement design software will give a clear picture of the renovations and upgrades with the ability to see it before it is built.
Whether your basement is in dismal shape or clean but sitting empty, you may consider designing a basement apartment to earn extra income through rent, serve as a bedroom for your teenager or in-law, or provide a place for friends and family to stay when they are visiting from out of town.
You may be storing fuel on your property for an emergency generator or to power up certain kinds of equipment. Fuels that require proper storage include gasoline, diesel, kerosene and propane. You should never attempt to store fuel without understanding and following safe fuel storage and handling practices, particularly those mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Basements offer a wide variety of design ideas for homeowners. You can easily transform a basement into any type of room you need or want, considering the amount of space available and landscaping surrounding the basement. Before you start a remodeling, finishing and decorating project, you should first establish a solid design plan to ensure you get everything you want from your unused basement space.
Walk-out basement doors are a convenient way to provide access for moving storage items into the basement. The door placement can also make it easier to transport items into the living space of your home. An additional benefit of a walk-out door is to provide escape in case of fire. You will want to design the door location after reviewing several aspects of what will work best in terms of foot traffic. One final consideration will also be where to place the door for maximum security, since this door could provide access for unwelcome visitors.
Creating extra livable space in the basement is becoming more common. People enjoy the increased square footage as entertainment areas and, possibly, as income properties. Whether designing a new room or a complete apartment design, software helps visualize the final project.
A basement area is a good place to entertain throughout the year. By installing a bar, you can use the basement for family fun and entertaining guests. You can build the bar from high-tech metal materials, old-fashioned wood or recycled materials. By creating a workable plan in detail, you can construct a design your family and friends will enjoy for years. Designate enough space for the bar to include plenty of storage and seating, since it's easier to carve out this room during the initial design stages.
Finishing your basement with a specific goal will allow you to design the space you and your family crave. Because the basement is tucked away underneath the rest of your house, you can decorate and design the space in a more creative manner that you might not feel comfortable with in more public rooms.
Basements often become the hub of family entertainment, offering a larger family or media room space, an area for game tables, cards and darts, extra space for small work or craft tables and a play area for children. It is also becoming increasingly popular to add a bar to a basement to make it easier to obtain snacks and drinks without having to run up and down stairs. These bar designs are oriented toward entertainment and meeting the needs of all family members.
Take time to design a well-constructed handrail for your basement steps. Use metal or smooth wood versus rough-hewn wood. It can be tempting to skip making handrails and simply expect family and others to hold onto the wall as they move down basement steps. But a basement floor is usually made of concrete, so good hand rails are important for safety. A secure handrail is not necessarily costly to build, but it does take attention to detail. Buying high-end hardware and stainless steel screws to work with should make the job go more smoothly.
Installing secure handrails at basement steps is important for family safety. Since most basements have solid concrete floors, it’s possible for anyone to take a hard fall. Handrails can be installed along stairs that are parallel to the wall or that descend straight into a middle floor space of the basement. Give thought to creating rails that are smooth and splinter-free. It can be tempting to install rough handrails from old lumber, but smooth rails protect the hands.
Designing an unfinished basement can present a real challenge to even the most accomplished home designer. Basements bring forth ideas of dark, creepy cellars and damp dungeons--not exactly the most welcoming place. But with a modest budget and some careful planning, even an unfinished basement can radiate warmth and charm, inviting your family and friends to come on down and stay a while.
When you first build a home, it's easier to include a basement staircase to the upstairs area. But, you can build access into your house from the basement if your home at any time. The main concern will be whether you have sufficient space to spare to accommodate the stairwell. It will take up floor space in the main part of your house that is roughly 3 feet wide by 10 feet long.
A walkout basement is simply a regular basement that is sloped to allow doors on one end. Doors can lead to a patio or yard. When designing your home, adding a basement can be a great way to add square footage and great usable space. A walkout basement can be particularly appealing if you have a sloped lot or simply like the idea of a basement but want the convenience of the basement having an exit. Walkout basements also add the appeal of providing natural light.
In the realm of home decor and design, the basement is often an afterthought. However, the unique open floor plan that many basements have provides the ideal blank canvas for innovative and fashion-forward decorating. Keep the look light and bright to jazz up a dark space, and design with the space's functions in mind, be it a guest room, a lounge, a Tiki bar, a playroom, a home office or mere storage space.
Start your basement design plan by thinking through how you'll use the space. If you plan to add a guest room, you'll want to add a bathroom. A recreation room needs durable flooring and walls. A home theater will re-create the feel of the cinema if the room can be darkened and the floor carpeted. Create a realistic budget, add 10 percent for overruns and use the same methods for designing the basement that you used upstairs.
A basement can be a dark and dingy place, but the uniqueness of these underground quarters can make them ideal spots for innovation and creative design ideas. So take a look through these basement remodeling plans, and get ready to transform your basement into an enjoyable, comfortable addition to your home.
A basement is a room that is either completely or partially below the surface of the ground. Most basements are constructed with the home and the exterior walls are used as foundation to support the upper or main floor living spaces. Often, utilities are positioned in basements as the space may not initially have been designed as a living space. Traditional problems with basements include limited or no light, moisture coming through the exterior walls, cracked foundation walls, low ceiling height, exposed utilities and a lack of egress. The great benefit of a good basement is the additional square footage…
Bars became a staple of basement recreation rooms after World War II. Wet bars, with sinks and taps, followed soon after. The bar can be as simple as a cupboard in your basement with a sink, or it can be an entire entertaining area. Themes such as sports or the look of a wine cellar set a tone. Measure the area where you'll build the bar before you decide which extras to include in your design.
Not all bomb shelters protect against a nuclear explosion. Before talk of nuclear bombs, shelters protected against simple air-strikes. Cellars, basements, tunnels and even underground subway stations would suffice. Today, families generally focus on fall-out shelters which can help them survive a nuclear attack.
