Basements can add useful livable space to any home, but if your basement is
unfinished, there are precautions you'll have to take before trying to do any
kind of
basement remodel.
Don't start until it's dry
Before you begin framing out walls, adding insulation and
sheet rock, make sure that there won't be any water issues that could cause
damage.
Basements are generally damp, dark and dank spaces but once the
necessary precautions are taken, it can become warm and welcoming for you, your
family or guests.
- Go outside and inspect the exterior walls for moisture
problems, making sure the ground is sloped away from foundation walls. Double
check your downspouts, if they're clogged you could be getting more moisture in
your basement than you think.
- When framing out the walls for sheetrock, be sure to leave
space between the interior wall and the moisture on the outside wall.
- Keep any moisture from seeping in with polyurethane
sheeting or consider using insulation that's completely enclosed in a vapor
barrier - you won't have to deal with itchy insulation fibers (an added bonus!).
- Use a drop ceiling so that you'll have access to plumbing
and electrical systems once it's in place, otherwise you'll have to create
access panels with a drywall ceiling.
- Leave the furnace and laundry room unfinished to save money. There should
generally be about two feet of space maintained around the unit.
- Before placing flooring down, put down a vapor barrier then
frame out a base for the floor to rest on and insulate in between the beams.
Then lay plywood over the insulation leaving you with a smooth, insulated sub
floor to lay down carpet, wood flooring or any other kind of flooring you have
in mind.
Once your basement is finished, you'll have a blank
canvas for decorating. Think about what you would want to use the extra space
for. Here are a few ideas to start with:
- Home Theater
- Extra TV/Living Room
- Kids Playroom
- Man Cave
- Game Room
- Guest Room
- Basement Apartment - For a basement apartment, make sure you research any
building codes, ordinances or policies your town/city/state may have about
below-ground apartments.
Home theater
Home theaters are a great idea for basement remodels. Since
they're below ground, they usually only have one or two windows which let in
minimal light reducing glare on your TV or move screens.
If you're going
to transform your basement to a home theater or TV room, think of the interior
of your favorite movie theater - dark colored walls covered in fabric to absorb
the sound - and mimic that in your basement. Start off with a darker shade of
paint for your walls, and then hang heavy curtains to block out the light from
any windows in a coordinating color.
Don't forget the comfy couches!
Choose a plush sofa with lots of room to relax and watch a movie
in.
Since you'll have a dedicated space for watching movies, games or
just your favorite Saturday night lineup, why not jazz it up with some of your
favorite movie posters and movie memorabilia?
Consider These
Additions: A movie projector and screen, surround sound, mini-fridge, popcorn maker
Kids playroom
If you'd like to turn your extra space into a kids' playroom, choose bright colors for the walls and if
you've chosen to have wood flooring installed in your basement, playful area
rugs are a great addition to the space and will muffle any noises from tiny
feet.
Painting one of the walls with chalkboard paint is a great idea to
let their creative side out without having the hassle of drawing on
walls.
If your kids are big fans of playing dress-up, consider having
area to put on shows for you along with a small stage and curtain.
Guest bedroom
If the idea of having an extra bedroom for when
the in-laws come over or when your kids flock back to the nest after college
sounds perfect to you, then consider turning your finished basement into a guest
bedroom.
If you have access to plumbing systems from the basement then it
shouldn't be a problem to add in a small half or full bathroom, creating a
completely private space for your guests.
Once you furnish the room with
a comfortable bed, a simple dresser and a few light fixtures, it can quickly
become a space that your guests won't ever want to leave.