Basement Remodeling

How to Design for a Finished Basement

 
by Woodrow Aames
 
If your basement looks like a torture chamber, a nursery for spiders, or a storage unit for dusty boxes, it's not appealing to spend time there. But with a basement conversion or remodel, you can turn it into a useful addition as an entertainment center, bedroom, crafts space, or workout gym. A finished basement can recoup its cost over time, creating years of exceptional use and added home value.
 
But before you design a new basement, you may want to call in a builder or basement contractor to inspect the existing space and utilities to ensure the new basement remodel will provide a safe and healthy environment. Obviously, your specific needs will present themselves once you decide how you plan to use your basement. Let's look at some key concerns.
 
Design Well for a BasementFinished
A basement contractor can also let you know if your existing space--and design for remodel--lends itself to a useful, livable space.Your most critical concern in creating a good design is whether your finished basement will have adequate exits, windows, or doors in the event of a fire, flood, or other emergency. Will your existing doors and stairwells serve the needs of the room or will you need additions? Is there adequate ventilation, or can your basement builder provide fans and vents during the finishing?
 
Will the new basement be waterproof, and will there be adequate lighting for residents and guests? Will existing electrical and plumbing systems handle the load under the new design? And how about heating, cooling, and dehumidifier systems? Consider the headroom and whether people will have sufficient room to move about comfortably. Basement builders typically recommend at least a seven and a half-foot clearance for headroom.
 
Last, how about the flooring? The overall use and whether or not the basement is dry can influence your choices on carpet or concrete. And will your project meet the local construction codes? Before you or your basement contractor pick up a hammer, there's plenty to consider.
 
About the Author:
Woodrow Aames has written articles and profiles for Yahoo, Microsoft Network, Microsoft Encarta, and other websites and print magazines around the world. He holds an MFA degree and has taught English abroad.
 
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