Easy Basement Remodeling

Archive for the ‘Creating Your Dream Basement’ Category

Your basement is the perfect location to play many different types of sports when the weather makes it impossible to play them outside. Some great basement games include ping pong (table tennis), badminton, and squash.

Squash, Badminton and Ping Pong You need an opponent in all three of these sports, which is great for motivating you to continue playing even when you are tired. A great sport to test your body and your mind is squash. Since it is fast paced it will allow you to get a great work out in a short amount of time.

You get a great upper body workout with badminton as you need to get the shuttlecock over the net. Ping pong is second only to soccer as the most popular sport in the world. To be good at ping pong you need speedy reflexes and excellent hand eye coordination. Ping pong can be enjoyed by people of all ages and all physical abilities.

Other Indoor Sports Options One idea is to create an indoor gym in your basement, complete with treadmills, exercise bicycles, rowing machines, climbing machines, and weight machines. This will allow you to get an excellent work out no matter what the weather.

Another popular option for the basement is a billiards table for playing billiards, snooker, and pool. This sport uses a cue stick to place balls within pockets along the sides of the table.

Card games and board games are another popular form of indoor entertainment. Card games usually engage the mind as you try to outwit your opponents. Many board games, such as backgammon and monopoly, are a combination of skill and luck as the roll of the dice in part determines your outcome. One great board game which requires mental skill is chess. There are different types of playing pieces, each with their own unique features. The goal of the game is to trap your opponents king.

Basements require the same type of high quality construction materials and techniques as the rest of your new home.

Basements require the same type of high quality construction materials and techniques as the rest of your new home. Homeowners can improve their basements themselves using a few quality construction techniques. You can check the quality of your new home by referring to a general checklist of quality basement construction. A basement waterproofing system will give you the best defense against problems cause by water and moisture.

Basement Insulation There are many advantages to using exterior insulation on your basement. You basement is protected from climate changes in both the air and the soil as the insulation protects the waterproofing membrane. There is also a reduction in the possibility of cracking since the insulation barrier protects the wall from thermally induced expansion and contraction. Insulation also helps to prevent condensation along the basement wall as the interior temperature and exterior temperature are more aligned.

Basement Drainage One of the best options to protect your basement is to install a perimeter footing drainage system to relieve hydrostatic pressure from surface water and the water table. While most would agree that an external system works best, many experts make the argument for both an internal and external system. When used together the internal system works by releasing gases from the soil and to back up the external system. A sump pump should be connected to the drainage system. To make drainage system maintenance simpler a clean out should also be installed.

Protection from the Water Table Pressure from the water table becomes a greater issue as basements become larger. For proper drainage you need at least a four inch layer of gravel evenly spread under the slab. To relieve the pressure from the center of the slab a pathway should be included. A trench which is six to eight inches deep and in the form of an X should be filled with gravel and connected to the drainage system. A sump pump drainage system can help relieve any pressure caused by a rising water table. To give the slab extra protection the top of the perimeter exterior drain tile should be below the surface of the interior slab.

Customization is in these days when it comes to home design.

Customization is in these days when it comes to home design. One of the hot new items is a basement bathroom. Many homes are choosing to add bathrooms to their basements, even though their construction tends to be both tedious and expensive.

Requirements for a Basement Bathroom Common features in a basement bathroom include a pedestal sink, ceramic toilet, and sealed shower. There is usually a vanity light of some sort installed above the sink. In order to have warm water for bathing you will also need a bathroom heater in your basement bathroom. Copper piping is usually used for the plumbing and GFI electrical outlets are required. Other common items found in a basement bathroom include a soap dish, shower curtain, towel hanger, and medicine cabinet.

Basement Bathroom Benefits A bathroom is a great way to utilize the empty space in your basement. It also gives you an extra bathroom for use by guest and family members alike. They do not take up too much space or require a lot of equipment. Basemen bathrooms can also significantly add to your homes value.

Points to Consider The lighting of your basement bathroom will be very important as basements typically do not have windows. Proper lighting and sufficient mirrors will help this small space appear larger. Adding cabinets for storage is a great way to make sure that your bathroom can be well equipped.

Want a great space to spend time with friends and family?

Think about adding a basement bar. To make your basement bar an enjoyable space take the following points into consideration during your planning.

Space The first step is to ensure that the basement in your home is large enough to accommodate the bar. While the bar will not take up much room, think about having adequate seating for both cozy gatherings and parties.

Set Up You can either purchase a pre-made bar or have one custom built for your space. Those who want to put their bar into action quickly should purchase a pre-made model. If having custom features is more important than speed then you will want to hire a carpenter to make one just for you.

Refrigeration You bar will need to have some way to keep drinks such as beer nice and cold. It is much easier to serve drinks from a refrigerated unit than form coolers full of ice.

Appropriate Seating Think about the functions you would like to host in your bar and then go about finding seating to match. Are you going to have poker nights, football nights, or games of pool? It is great to provide an area when guests can sit comfortably and watch television while enjoying their drinks. Some of the best basement bar seating includes bar stools and comfortable couches. You also want a television so that you and your friends can sit around, watch your favorite sports, and relax.

When planning to add a basement apartment you will first need to determine if it is permitted by local municipal codes, including both fire and building codes.

When planning to add a basement apartment you will first need to determine if it is permitted by local municipal codes, including both fire and building codes. All existing and new basement apartments will need to comply with existing laws and regulations. City governments have the jurisdiction to determine whether they will allow an additional dwelling unit to be added to a home. Cities can also prohibit additional dwelling units in some areas.

Things to Think About There should be at least a 30 minute fire rating on all materials used for walls, floors, and ceilings. All dwelling units of the home should be covered by at least a 15 minute fire rating and an interconnected fire alarm system. Smoke detectors should be operational in all floors of the home, even when they are not lived in. Your local government can give you the exact regulations as to smoke detectors for your area. If materials that are not fire rated are used it may mean that a sprinkler system will need to be installed. The basement apartment will need its own private entrance that does not require entering the main dwelling of the home. There must also be an alternate exit available with clear access through the door.

Prior to Beginning Construction Take a close look at local building codes to determine whether building a basement apartment in your home is really feasible. Always follow municipal regulations regarding building permits. To help ensure that your new apartment passes inspections from fire and building officials it is best to meet with them ahead of time and get clear expectations.

Watch Out For There are private companies out there that advertise their services as basement apartment and fire code specialists. You should know that the only people who can determine your compliance with local codes are municipal building and fire officials. Dont let these companies take advantage of you. Always make sure things are done correctly, as building a basement apartment can be a large investment.