A basement set-up is a great way to utilize some extra living space. You can either turn the basement into a family entertainment spot, a home office, a cozy bedroom, guestroom, the kids’ playroom or even a storage space.
However, before you move into your underground haven, you need to ensure proper planning for finishing a basement.
Ideas can also be discussed with expert basement-finishing firm or a competent and experienced contractor.
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A correct finishing will ensure practicable use of the basement space and guarantee its durability. You just need to invest the same amount of thought, care, time and money as you have for the rest of your home.
Essential ideas for finishing a basement
Construction code clearance;
This is the most important aspect you need to check before you finish a basement. For, you may just find that structurally your basement is not legal.
So check for conformity with the building code of your area. Many building codes put ceiling height, egress, and waterproofing, etc. limitations on basements.
So if you do not want to get into a building permit hassle after you have finished your basement or when you resale your property, get an inspection done.
Waterproofing and moisture control
A basement usually conjures the image of a damp, dark and spidery space. You need to clear all this up before you think about finishing basement ideas. Waterproofing is the first step to prevent damp, floods and drainage seepage.
Take the following measures:
- Install vapor barriers.
- Go for a waterproof coating and drywalls to protect the interiors and the walls from water seepage.
- If your house is in a low-lying area, then there maybe be flooding during monsoons. Hence, it is essential to install a pump that can drain out the water before it accumulates in the basement.
- Ensure that the basement is warm and dry. Go for an easy to clean and waterproof floor matting that can keep away the damp and smelly vapor that often trap in carpets and cause it to quickly mold and rot.
- Also, check for cracks in the foundation of the basement to seal all entry of damp.
- Prevent moisture traps by good ventilation, covering exposed water pipes and wall insulation.
- A dehumidifier can be an additional asset to get rid of excess moisture.
- Damp proofing by sprayed liquid asphalt can also help but cannot be a substitute for waterproofing the basement.
Temperature control
Since basements are naturally insulated in the underground they are cooler in summers and warmer in winters compared to the rest of the house. However, to withstand extreme weather you can go for a heating system with a separate thermostat or a separate cooler in the summers.
Alternatively, you could go for an exclusive system just for the basement, such as a wood stove, a fireplace or a floor warming or cooling arrangement.
Wall make-up
The walls need special attention. Keep these tips in mind:
- Go for the right kind of lumber for the walls to prevent moisture accumulation.
- Properly plumb the walls before nailing.
- After plumbing, nail every other stud space.
Furnishing and flooring facts
Go for stuff that will not trap moisture. Take extra care about storing garments, linens and books in a basement. Make sure the closets are water and damp proof. To cover floors use small and easy to vacuum rugs.
If you fancy wall-to-wall carpeting, go for a low pile commercial or indoor/outdoor kind. A good idea is to spend a little extra and get a thick carpet pad. It also smoothens the uneven patches on the concrete foundation. However, in case of laminate floors get rid of the carpet pad and go for one suitable for the new finishing. Carpet pads are too thick and soft for laminate floors.
Special Lighting
Since basements tend to be dark in their underground location, it needs special lighting. Try to ensure more daylight and ventilation by creating as many windows as possible, even ones very close to the ceiling.
This can be effectively combined with fluorescent lighting inbuilt in the ceiling, which reflects well on a drywall soffit or trayed ceiling. Light fittings with electronic ballasts save power and money.
Electric bulbs that create more natural skin tones are better than the conventional standby cool or warm white bulbs. Add some special anti-glare lighting for your games corner if it is one of your ideas for finishing a basement.
by Manuel Kupka
