Are you looking for a space to create that perfect home recreation spot or a home office?
You really don’t have to look too hard if you have an unused basement. Just think of some basement renovation designs and you have it all in place.
However, renovation of the basement should always be done keeping in mind the purpose for which the place would be used.
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Ideas for basement renovation designs
Wet bar, bathroom or kitchen: First, you need proper plumbing. Connecting to the plumbing network above is a good idea. You can also go for bathrooms and kitchen designs customized for underground applications.
Electric appendages: Hire a professional electrician for the purpose. Check that you have enough electrical points, telephone lines and cable hook-ups for installing televisions, lamps, computers, electronic games etc.
Wall finish: Panel, dry wall, or paint the cement walls.
Stairwell strategy: You could open up the enclosed stairwell typical to basements and fix a banister. This would render the basement more airy.
Designer touches: Widen the doorways and decorate it with arches and columns, French style doors, stained glass separators.
Wonder windows: Basements tend to be dark and dingy, so create as many windows as you can. You can use glass block windows with proper security arrangements like grills and shutters.
Right lights: Artificial lighting is best in fluorescent shades, tabletop lights, floor lamps and ceiling lights.
Dramatic ceilings: Try to avoid suspended ceilings since they make the basement look more dingy. Try tray ceilings, which also effectively bounce off the lights.
Color craft: Light, lively or dramatic colors are best for brightening the basement. If you like deep colors don’t worry, match it with proper lighting to liven up the basement.
Floored to a finish: Since the basement floor generally traps damp and cold, create a sub floor between the concrete and flooring space. Otherwise, get loads of padding if you are using a carpet.
Storage basics: Keep in mind all the stuff that you have been storing in the basement all this while. Create a space for them after throwing out the junk.
Noise control: Install thick wall-to-wall carpeting and a good quality pad to absorb the sound. You can use soundproof material in any under layering or sub flooring as well. Another great method is to install a thick insulation between ceiling joists. This is essential of you are creating a basement office.
The finer points
It is not that easy as it seems and it is important you know some points before you go about making an ideal entertainment or official hub out of your basement. Therefore, before your grand plans of pool tables, table tennis tables, dartboards, spa bath, mini theatre or a well-equipped home office, check out these details:
Basement base cracks: There may be minute cracks in the basement foundation caused by lack of maintenance or by settling. Go for hydraulic cement restoration if the reason for the crack is non-existent now. However, this may not be a solution and the crack may reappear if the root problem is not taken care of first.
Damp basement: Moisture problems are very common in this underground space. It maybe caused by constant water seepage from the ground, condensation from basement humidity, leaks in your pipelines and basement cracks. Fix these before the basement renovation. In case of humidity problem, a dehumidifier can be of great help.
Basement temperature control: Before you go ahead with your basement renovation designs, you must make sure that your current heating or cooling arrangement can take the extra load of the basement.
Structural problems: Supporting pillars, low ceilings and floors that are below municipal sewer line level are some of the problems that need to be fixed with the help of professionals before any basement project. Check with the building code of the area and conduct an inspection.
Basement measurements: This is important as the benchmark to properly plan the position of walls, structural pillars, pipelines, hot water reservoirs, water meter, fuse panels, windows and staircase positions. A specialized designer or architect can help you do this and the fees are generally between $500 - $1000; depending on your basement size.
Remember that basement renovation designs and plans should be such so as to give your morbid basement an appeal quite hard to resist.
by Manuel Kupka
