Renovation of the Basement

Renovation of the Basement

Installing a pool table, ping pong table, pinball machine, and/or dartboard in a finished basement may make it a fun area for friends and family to gather and play.

To get the most out of your basement renovation, you should:

Check for cracks in the basement's foundation. Inadequate curing can cause little cracks in the basement, although settling is more likely to be the cause of larger fissures. If the fracture is not active that is, if the underlying cause of the crack has been resolved hydraulic cement can be used to patch either type of damage. The basement crack may reopen in the future if it is still leaking.

Check for wetness issues in the basement. The issue of moisture may be difficult to resolve. Permeable basement walls aren't impervious to water's constant seepage. Taping aluminum foil to the basement's walls and floors is a quick and easy approach to checking for water leaks. Leave the foil in place for a few days, with the edges well sealed. If condensation forms behind the foil after several days, water is entering the basement through the walls. Condensation from basement dampness is likely to be to blame if moisture develops on top of the foil. 

Examine the underside of the first subflooring in the basement for leaks and other evidence of water damage. Take care of broken plumbing and fittings. Examine the subfloor and the sides of the basement joists for brownish stains. This would point to a current or previously fixed leak. A leak is active if the stain has a spongelike consistency.

Preparation is the key to a successful basement renovation. Wet bars and bathrooms, for instance, necessitate plumbing work before they can be installed. Since plumbing is typically installed beneath the concrete floor, this would be a major undertaking. Planning and installing the electricity may require the services of a professional electrician and should follow the completion of the plumbing. You need to make sure that there will be enough power outlets, phone jacks, and cable TV connections in your designs. Televisions, lights, computers, game consoles, and a modem will all benefit from these. Once the cement walls are up, you can either panel them, dry-wall them, or paint them. 

Even though paneling can be more cost-effective, drywall is typically used for finished rooms because of its more polished appearance.

Sometimes it doesn't survive very long and often looks old, which is why paneling isn't a great investment.

Adding the stairwell is the next logical step in your design. Since basements often have enclosed stairwells, some experts recommend opening up the stairwell and installing a banister. The damp, underground feel is diminished somewhat when the basement stairs are exposed to the outside world. Some architects and decorators advocate for widening the basement's entryway and embellishing it with arches and columns. French doors provide solitude and can be partially partitioned with ornamental glass to make a basement room look more sophisticated.

If possible, maximize the number of windows in your design. Natural light may transform a dreary basement into a pleasant living space. Consider safety and install glass blocks if you don't have many windows.Fluorescent lights, table lamps, floor lamps, and ceiling lights are all viable options for artificial illumination. Fluorescent lighting is not the most aesthetically pleasing option; therefore, if at all possible, you should avoid using it.

Avoid using suspended ceilings if you want to avoid giving the basement a subterranean feel. Think about installing a tray ceiling. Use a light, brilliant, or dramatic color scheme when painting. These hues are just what you need to give that dank cellar a new lease on life.

Because of its proximity to the earth, the basement floor is constantly chilly. Think about installing a subfloor over the concrete below the flooring. Aside from making the room cozier and drier, this will also make the floor nice and even for installing carpet or hardwood. If you are installing carpet without a subfloor, it is important to do so with adequate padding. Try to get a closet built, preferably near the basement's sump pump and furnace. Everything that can't be thrown away could find a good home here. Putting up some shelves could help you keep the space in this area relatively tidy.

Wall-to-wall carpeting with a high-quality cushion can significantly reduce noise levels. Any underlayment or subfloor can benefit from having soundproofing material installed underneath it. This is a pleasant amenity if a bedroom or office is located down there. Installing substantial insulation between ceiling joists is a simple approach to lessen noise.

Additions to the kitchen and bathroom in a basement can be connected to the existing plumbing system. Toilets and lavatories that are waterproof and otherwise well-suited for use below ground level are available for purchase.

As soon as the structural repairs to your basement are done, you can begin putting in the finishing touches: the "toys" that will make it a relaxing retreat.