Basement renovation is a quick and easy way to add more rooms to your house without the need for expensive home additions. The large space provides a wealth of remodeling and design possibilities. Your cold and dark basement can quickly turn into a cheerful family room, and entertaining area for your friends, a den with a built bar, a play room or an extra bedroom. You might even find using a finished basement as a home office enhances productivity, and allows you to spend more time at home. If you have a hobby that needs a separate working area like wood work or sewing, or if you run a home business that requires a large production space, look no further than your finished basement for your new work center.
The first step towards a beautifully finished basement is waterproofing. Moisture problems in your basement can quickly lead to icky mold and mildew growing on the walls, peeling paint, musty odors, and cracked and crumbling walls. Even if your basement looks perfectly dry, it is advisable to take care of water proofing before basement finishing to avoid damage from flooding or leaks later.
The flooring too may have to be reinforced by laying a sub floor over the concrete basement floor. This provides a base for your other floor coverings. Use light colored paints on your walls to create an illusion of brightness. For finished basement that will have multiple uses, don't clutter the entire area with furniture and equipment. Instead, section off the basement into separate areas by using partitions, or putting up walls.
When it comes to finishing a basement, there are 3 steps that are most important -- planning, planning and more planning. If you walk into a basement remodel project without a detailed floor plan, you could find yourself with costs that shoot through the roof, and delayed completion. There are also building code requirements to be met, and building permits to be obtained. Then there is the matter of finding and hiring a basement contractor who can bring your vision to life. Take into consideration that basement contractors are extremely busy during certain times of the year, like summer and may not be able to give you starting dates. Remember, a finished basement will most likely include almost every single element that can be found in the home above -- flooring, electrical and plumbing fixtures, ventilation, water proofing, painting and furnishings. Begin planning your basement renovation at least a few months ahead, discuss all possibilities with your family, and shop around for bargain prices on fittings and accessories, so you can get the most value for your basement remodel cost.
I would like to convert my garage into an office. I would like to raise the floor so that it matches the house. The garage has a bathroom that also needs to be raised. Inside the garage is AC, and gas water heater. Gaage has already been enclosed by previous owner. Would prefer someone with references in garage conversions, so I can see your work.
Javier L
We are thinking about a garage conversion but don't know where to begin.
Chris K