Things You'll Need:
- Know what you need the space for.
- Determine your budget.
- Enjoy the extra space you already had.
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Step 1
Before you begin your basement remodeling project here are some things to think about.
-Waterproofing - the first and most important step. Ensure that any moisture problems occurring in your basement are resolved.
-Decide what you will use your space for - family room, office, workout area, etc?
-Determine if you will be spending enough time in your new basement to need a new bathroom.
-Use closets to enclose utilities & create storage space.
-Drywall the ceilings instead of the common drop-style ceilings to provide a natural room appearance.
-If parts of the basement extend above the ground, add new windows or enlarge existing ones.
-Use a mix of up-lighting, recessed, and fluorescent lighting.
-Make sure you can hear your doorbell or incorporate one into your design.
-Ensure that you have smoke detectors and an alternate means of escape if your stairway would become blocked by fire.
-At least one window should be egress style so it is easily removable to be used as a means of escape. -
Step 2
Basement moisture concerns.
There are obvious signs that you have waterproofing problems in your basement. If these are apparent in your basement you need to contact a local waterproof specialist for the most appropriate resolution.
-Mold and Mildew - Fungus that grows in damp and dark areas.
-Moldy Odors - A result of the decay process.
-Peeling Paint - You have moisture and waterproofing issues.
-Damp Spots on Walls - Water has absorbed through your walls.
-White Substance on Basement Walls - The bonding agent is breaking down - possible structural weakening.
-Cracked Walls
-Rust on appliances or furniture sign of moist environment.
-Dry Rot - Black fungus that causes wood to decay. -
Step 3
Keep your basement warm.
Basement floors are cold. When you modernize your basement consider these solutions to keep your legs and feet warm.
Radiant floor heating systems:
-No floor buildup is necessary and no ducts need to be run that will lower the height of the room.
-Can be installed in new construction and retrofit applications.
-Quality investment for raising the value of your home.
Mesh System:
-A 12-inch wide bronze mesh similar to screen door material.
-Low profile, installing any floor surface over it is simple and effective.
-Can be installed under cement board so no mortar buildup is necessary.
Cable System:
-A 10 gauge insulated copper cable.
-Easy to install in awkward and hard to reach areas of your floor layout.
-The cable can be customized in any pattern on your floor.
Mat System:
-A cable mat 12 or 18 inches wide.
-Cables are properly spaced and secured with tape for easy installation.
-The system allows you to cut the tape to free up the cable for hard to reach areas. -
Step 4
Basement flooring ideas.
Of the varieties of flooring, which floorings work best in basements? Here are suggestions to help you determine what will be right for your modern basement.
-Carpeting. Dense varieties are not recommended for basements. Take precautions by installing a vapor guard under the carpeting.
-Hardwood floor. Not recommended for basements since variations in humidity will warp hardwood.
-Engineered floor. An alternative to hardwood floor. Add extra insulation you can pick the look you want.
-Laminate floor. These are floating floors which makes installation directly on the concrete or putting a vapor guard down easier.
-Ceramic or porcelain tile. The tiles can be installed directly on the cement floor. Cracks should be fixed before any basement remodeling as cracks in the cement will actually fracture the tiles at the surface.
-Painting or staining. There's flexibility with color schemes. Look into the creative floor painting that creates the look of vinyl or texture. The downside is any problems that may develop in the floor will be visible.
Comments
Codebreak said
on 2/28/2009 Great article!
jseven said
on 2/16/2009 Clear and helpful! 5*
jseven said
on 2/16/2009 Clear and helpful! 5*
jseven said
on 2/16/2009 Clear and helpful! 5*
keytothestars said
on 2/14/2009 Good article with all the technical details spelled out. Thanks!