How to Remodel your Basement Ideas

Remodeling your basement can a bit more challenging than other rooms. Here are some tips to make those challenges work in your favor.

The basement is usually the coldest room in the house. Clever use of a very popular heating system – radiant floor heating - can take care of that problem. The grids that would normally lay under your flooring can be modified to hang instead.

These units can be converted into wall heaters by using the appropriate glue or nails. This system will function much like the floor version if placed behind the wall panels, provided there is air movement. Before this, though, you will need to fix any water or moisture problems on your basement walls.

Basements are also usually dark. There are a few ways to use this to your advantage as well.

You could use the area as a darkroom, if you can provide the necessary ventilation and plumbing. To avoid someone entering the area while in use, you may also have to partition it.

You could also utilize this area as a home entertainment center. There are numerous speaker kits available today that allow several of them to be placed in various locations. This is a great way to create a home theater environment.

There are several materials you’ll need to consider that will enhance sound quality. Non-shag carpet, acoustic ceiling tiles and wall panels are just a few of these. Although wood flooring and wall panels are visually pleasing, they do not provide the sound quality needed for home theater use.

Lighting is another major consideration for home theater design. Track lighting may not be the best choice due to the possibility of glare on the screen. Reflective shelves or sconces will bounce the light off of various materials in the room, providing a subtle and comfortable light source.

Many basements are plagued with moisture problems. This is typically not a good thing, no matter what you use the room for. There are, however, a few uses for an environment such as this. Saunas and greenhouses are examples of this.

The key to designing a sauna is finding a way to provide hot water plumbing and steam generation. You should be able to find an appropriate system that will fit your budget. You’ll also need a way to drain excess water buildup.

The fact that the basement is enclosed makes it easier to maintain warm temperatures. The area should be well insulated. Try to avoid cork, as it tends to promote mold buildup. There are, however, numerous other options available that should work for you.

The actual sauna area should be partitioned to keep it small. You can then create a tiled area for cooling down and drying off. Warm-colored paint is recommended, but should be given plenty of time to completely dry.

Basements are easily converted to greenhouses. Mold and mildew control is the key here. Many ‘hot-house’ flowers can be grown here using heat lamps for light and warmth.

Be careful to avoid water coming into contact with electrical systems. There are affordable options available, such as conduit and pipe wrapping materials.

If you’re planning on spending a lot of time in your basement, you’ll need to monitor the radon gas and carbon monoxide levels. If they are too high, proper ventilation should take care of the problem.

An inexpensive way to acquire materials for your basement project is to visit antique stores, old school remodeling projects and so on. You’ll be surprised at the treasures you might find.

By using some of these tips, you can avoid the $35,000 bill that accompanies most basement remodeling projects.

         

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