Easy Basement Remodeling

Archive for the ‘About Basement New Builds’ Category

Prior to remodeling a basement interior the foundation walls should be checked for water leakage and sealed. When remodeling a conditional basement you will also need to insulate the walls.

Aluminum Poured Wall System This system allows you to determine the corners and angles accurately. You can pour from one designated spot to another thanks to special pouring machines. You do not need rods to hold the walls together when using this system.

Wood Form Wall System This system will not cost as much as an aluminum wall system. You will need to use rods to hold the walls together in this system. The rods are later removed leaving holes that need to be repaired using liquid cement. It is easier to manage brick walls with a wood form wall system. You can find forms for wood form wall systems in both 710 and 810.

Styrofoam Wall System

This type of wall system will cost more than either aluminum or wood systems. The best part of these systems is that they will help to keep your basement dry as they resist moisture. They feature slotted edges along the sides to make attaching boards to the wall easier. They also give you a nail base for attaching drywall, eliminating the need for expensive framing.

Designing Basement Walls

The type of basement walls you have will depend on the individual requirements posed by your building site and your budget. The most common types of designed basement walls include concrete reinforced walls, masonry reinforced walls, insulated concrete form walls, and plain concrete. All of these types of walls are strong and durable.

Adding Insulation to Your Basement Walls

It is possible to insulate your basement walls. You will need to thoroughly seal any leaks and band joints prior to installing your basement insulation. The three main options you have when it comes to basement insulation include: Building stud frames and then filling them with fiberglass insulation. Using a basement blanket. This adds insulation without taking up the valuable space that framing requires. Using a wall finishing system that does not require paneling.

This means that you can expect to spend lots of time examining options and making choices while your home is being built. Including a basement in your home plan is a great idea. You will have so many alternatives when it comes to flooring, light fixtures, cabinets, etc. that it can almost be overwhelming. Adding a basement is a sound idea, especially if your neighbors have one as it will help protect the value of your home down the line. Although many people just use their basement for storage, having one make a difference when it comes to determining the sales price for your home. Others who wish to finish the basement for extra living space will not think about purchasing a home without one.

Important Considerations

Basements can add significant room to your home, as well as provide a cool oasis in hot climates. You will also want to ensure that you have proper drainage for both basements and crawl spaces. Crawl spaces can usually be built for less than a full basement, especially if your lot is full of rocks. The presence of solid rock may make it impossible to install a basement in some locations. You will definitely not be happy with just a crawl space if you are the type of person who would like to use a basement for storage or as a work or living space.

Treating Your Basement

Basements are great locations for the wiring, plumbing pipes, furnace, and water heater for your home. Some of the advantages of slab foundations include a reduction in the probability of gas and water leaks and steps which are lower to the ground making them easier for seniors and others to climb. Some of the challenges of slab foundations include the difficulty in repairing cracks which could cause major long term problems. Slabs can get cracked for a variety of reasons including tree limbs and shifting soil. Insects are also more of a problem for those with slab foundations.

You will need to frame your basement if you want to give it a neat and consistent look. The room will also work better for both storage and living space if it is framed. Another advantage of framing is that it cuts down on moisture which can cause a host of problems in your basement when mold and mildew grow.

Basement Framing Equipment

While basement framing may not appear to be that difficult, it is much easier if you have the proper equipment. Some of the basic things that are required for a proper basement framing job include foam to prevent moisture condensation in gaps, concrete nails, and drills. All of this equipment should be standard for anyone you call to complete your basement framing job. While it would be expensive for a homeowner to purchase all the tools they need, they may be able to get them from an expert.

Choosing a Framing Contractor for Your Basement

Your best bet for getting your basement framed is to hire an experienced contractor. While it is not an impossible job for the do-it-yourselfer there is a certain degree of knowledge you will need, such as leaving access to such things as wires and gas valves, in order to properly do the job. A qualified framing contractor can give you an estimate of the cost of framing your basement once they have had a chance to examine it. You may also want to consider hiring an architect to lay out the space.

Basement Framing Resources

It is not difficult to locate websites that give you a list of basement framing contractors and associations. You can give the contractors a general idea of the work that will need to be done to compare prices. You can also find books and manuals online and at your local home improvement center that give you advice as to how to frame your basement. You can usually get lots of help and advice by contacting basement framing contractors and associations.

The basement is often forgotten when it comes to home renovations. While most people immediately think of kitchens and bathrooms when it comes to remodeling the truth is that remodeling your basement can significantly add to the value of your home.

The Benefits of a Finished Basement

Basements are naturally insulated by the ground that surrounds them, helping them to stay cool in summer and warmer in the winter months. You will probably need to install a basement heating system, however, if you live in a particularly cold climate. Basements are a great way to expand the overall living space of your home, including guest bedrooms, home offices, and even master suites. Basements also provide an excellent location for those activities that might disturb the rest of the house and thus make great play rooms, exercise rooms, or home theatres. Basements are also a private place to install a home sauna and spa.

Hiring a Contractor for Your Basement

Make sure you are hiring a qualified contractor to finish your basement. It is best to work with companies that are both licensed and insured. You will want to determine how many years they have been in operation and be sure they are willing to handle everything, including obtaining a building permit. Before they begin work make sure you have an estimate in writing and an agreement as to a work schedule. It is a good idea to ask for and contact recent references of the company.

Common Issues Regarding Finished Basements

Moisture is one of the major problems faced in any basement. Make sure that your contractor addresses any moisture issues prior to beginning work on your basement. Excess moisture in your basement can lead to mold, mildew, and humid air so you will not want to spend time in your newly renovated space. To prevent moisture any wall cracks need to be sealed and pipes and ducts should be insulated to reduce condensation. Your basement should be waterproofed and have proper ventilation before remodeling is done.

Often people choose to make their basements an extension of the rest of their home. Basements can make great bedrooms, home offices or family rooms. No matter what type of room you create it the basement, they are always more practical if you also install a basement toilet.

Planning Your Basement Toilet

Many people over the years have chosen to use their basement as additional storage space. These days it is often used as a place of recreation or entertainment, making a basement toilet more practical. You need to consider plumbing, drainage, and sewage issues when planning for a basement toilet. You also want to ensure that your basement toilet does not add to the bad odors that are typically associated with basements.

Installing Your Basement Toilet

While most people will choose to hire either a contractor or a plumber to install their basement toilet it can also be done by a handy do-it-yourselfer. Since there are many complications that can result from the installation of your basement toilet it is recommended that you seek professional assistance from someone with enough experience to ward off potential problems.

Basement Toilet Costs

The costs for setting up your new basement toilet will include all the necessary materials such as drainage, pipes, pumps, sealants, concrete, and tiles. You also have labor charges if you choose to hire a professional. You can find toilets in a variety of prices depending on your personal requirements. You may also have to make additional renovations to your basement in order to install your toilet, further raising your costs.

Any floor which is below ground level of a building is a basement.

Any floor which is below ground level of a building is a basement. Not every building will have a basement. In homes with basements they are the ideal location for the water heater, furnace, and air conditioning system. Both land use and energy consumption are improved by basements. Basement can also provide for extra usable space in a building. There are certain specifications that must be met for basement ceilings.

Basement Ceiling Construction The framing of a basement ceiling will almost always have extra room to accommodate water pipes, electrical wires, and ducting. The two most types of basement ceiling are drywall or suspended. Drywall often gives you a better look for a lower cost than suspended ceilings. Drywall also allows for the installation of a wooden frame. You will need good furring and framed boxes to properly install a basement ceiling. Acoustic ceiling tiles are another easy to install option for basement ceilings. These tiles can be simply stapled to the furring strips. Both drywall and suspended ceilings can be installed without the assistance of a professional.

Basement Ceiling Options You can improve the aesthetic sense of a basement by how you choose to decorate the basement ceiling. You can highlight a tropical motif by hanging bamboo from the beams. You can also achieve a shirred look by covering the basement ceiling with fabric. You can expand the look of a long and thin basement by gathering the fabric along the width of the basement. You can paint the ducts and water pipes to give your basement a modern look. Dont be afraid to experiment with various colors and textures until you get the look you want. It is easy to find helpful do it yourself guides if you would like some inspiration.

You can create a wonderful living space for your family by remodeling your basement. Basements are very flexible, functioning well as bedrooms, recreation rooms, home offices, or even as a place to entertain friends and family. While the process of renovating your basement for additional living space or storage is fairly simple great care should still be taken when it comes to planning and constructing your space.

Project Planning
You want to plan your entire renovation from start to finish before any work on the project is begun. This simple step can end up saving you time and money down the road. You will also get an idea of the look and feel of the completed project by completing a detailed plan. You can get a good idea of your available space by measuring your basement. You will probably need to include the movement of ducts, beams, walls, and windows as part of your overall plan. You may want to consider hiring a professional to assist you with the planning process.

Basement Design
You can begin to make your other design choices as soon as you have the basic remodeling plan completed. You have get a better idea of what types of fixtures and furnishings the room will require once you have determined what it will be used for. It is a good idea to draw up a specification sheet listing the size, cost, and capacity of every item that will need to be purchased for your basement. Make sure that your cost sheet includes any costs that will be incurred as the result of making structural changes.

Basement Construction
Once the space is planned and designed it is time to start building. It is best to hire a qualified and professional basement remodeling company for this task. A good company should be able to look at your plans and determine if you will need to make any changes.