Custom Custom Homes, Inc.
Basement Remodeling
Finishing a basement is one of the most popular home improvement projects in the country today. Whenever there is a shortage of existing space, and adding a new room is not a feasible action, a basement renovation can give you all the extra space you need at a lower budget. Say for instance, you run a business or work from home, and especially need a home office to organize your work space. With just a few alterations, you can finish your basement to use as a home office. Finished basements can be used as home theaters, family rooms, game rooms for the kids, home gyms, entertainment centers or hobby rooms. If you are a wine aficionado, you can use it as a wine cellar to store your wines, and even turn it into a wine tasting den, and have friends over.
The first element of finishing your basement is taking care of waterproofing. A damp basement will not only ruin your furniture and furnishings, and produce that awful smell, but it can also decrease the value of your home by up to 25%. A completely dry basement is entirely possible by installing proper insulation that prevents condensation and moisture problems. After water proofing is done, look at ways to brighten your basement. Dull gray and brown colored paints are absolute no- nos. Look at light pastel shades like cream, ivory or yellow to bring in the light, and create an illusion of spaciousness. Open up existing windows to increase the brightness, and ensure good circulation of air. If you plan to use your basement for more than one purpose, like as a family room and an extra bedroom, demarcate these areas to establish boundaries, and to ensure proper flow in your basement. If you intend to continue using the basement as a storage area, designate a special storage closet or storage room to hold all your junk.
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.
Recent Requests
I would like to convert a 2 car garage into a living room. This would include removing the garage door and adding a window and siding. Also, we would like to add a shower to the existing 1/2 bathroom. (we would need to extend the bathroom into the garage area by 4 feet to make room for the stand up shower)
Kipp M
I have a wheelchair accessible bathroom. The ceramic tile must be ripped off and a new floor put down. Thank you, Marlene
Marlene C