Basement Planning Guide
Planning a makeover for your basement can spark many ideas about how best to use this new addition to your living space. The planning stage should ideally begin with an assessment of what you expect and need from your basement. Focusing your plans on the specific purpose that this extra living area can provide will help guide you through a process that ends with the realization of those plans in a way that meets all your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Purpose
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Once you have established the purpose of your basement renovation, the first step is collect ideas for what can be done to achieve this purpose. Look through design and decorating books and magazines devoted to basement remodeling. When you find an idea you especially like, immediately clip it out and insert it into your basement planning diary. This will allow you to quickly refer back to an idea you may have forgotten about or forgotten where you saw it.
Measuring and Scale Drawing
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Measure the entire area of your basement and create a visual plan for what you desire to do with the space. Use either a computer software program or just a pencil and paper to draw to scale the dimensions of your basement. Add in elements of your design plan, like lighting, partition walls, additional electrical outlets, heating units, storage space and general outline of the furnishings you intend to add.
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Flooring
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Take a good look at your basement floor and decide how you want to attend to it. Considerations include carpeting, vinyl tile, a wooden overlay and leaving it as is. Get solid estimates for the cost of laying down new flooring, and make it a priority in your budget. A target estimate for flooring the average basement runs anywhere from $1,000 to $7,000, depending the type and quality of flooring material.
Moisture Problems
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Before you dive into making your basement plan a reality, conduct a thorough search for signs of moisture accumulation and leaking water. Patch any cracks in the walls with hydraulic cement. Fill in larger holes in the walls with a mortar mix. Added protection against future problems with moisture can be addressed by painting the walls with waterproof paint.
Insulation
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If the basement has little or no insulation, jot down adequate installation on your planning guide. The specific type of insulation you need will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. Plan on adding special soundproof insulation if the basement is going to be used for purposes likely to produce loud noises, like a game room or home movie theater. The price of hiring a professional to install basement insulation can rise over $1,000, when the cost for insulating the exact same space yourself might be as little as $500.
Outdoor Exits
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When planning a remodel of a basement, it behooves you to seriously consider the addition of a doorway exit outside or at least a window. The doorway will be highly valued if the basement is being planned as an extra bedroom. The addition of a window provides a safety valve in your emergency escape plan in the event that egress through the interior door is impossible or unsafe.
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References
Resources
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