Rules for Basement Bedrooms
A basement is an ideal space for a teenager's bedroom -- your teen has privacy, and you have solace from music and loud televisions. This is also an ideal space for a guest room. A basement bedroom is a haven, however, only if there are several cautions heeded when developing the space. Does this Spark an idea?
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Insulation
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Ensure that a basement bedroom is properly insulated; you do not want to run up large heating bills because too few precautions have been taken. Have an electrical professional check the heater. Safety should always be paramount when completing renovations in the home.
Lighting
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Basements have a reputation as being dark and dingy. Be sure your basement bedroom is well-lit. Install pot lighting or pendant lighting through the room. Add nightstand lamps where possible. Experiment with different kinds of bulbs and lamp positions; this will help you find your best lighting fit. The overall priority is that the room is well-lit and that activities such as reading and studying will be completed with ease.
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Flooring
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Choose flooring that works for the basement, as its floor may be colder than the rooms upstairs. If you live in a colder climate, opt for carpet or rugs on hardwood flooring. Heated floors are an option for people with larger budgets. Heated floors can be computerized and have timers set to ensure that your floors are heated when you want them to be at their warmest. You can also set them to turn off at a particular time.
First Impressions
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After investing time in creating your ideal basement bedroom, consider another rule: Make sure the path to your basement bedroom is clear of debris. Basements are like garages and attics, they can be magnets for clutter. Be sure to create a good first impression, and have the hallway and areas adjacent to the basement bedroom appropriately cleaned before anyone takes up residence there.
Paint Color
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Make this room as light and airy as possible by using lighter colors on the walls. Avoid darker colors such as black, deep navy and deep red. Stick with cream, white, shades of yellow, green and even light blue. Any color that has a pop to it and will give a bright vibe to the space will help open up the room.
Local Requirements
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Consult your local building and construction division and find out the size requirements for basement windows. Size requirements ensure that a quick and easy escape is possible in the event of a fire. Review all other safety requirements related to basement living during your visit to the local office that manages building and construction.
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References
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