Finishing a basement is one of the most popular home improvement projects in the country today. Whenever there is a shortage of existing space, and adding a new room is not a feasible action, a basement renovation can give you all the extra space you need at a lower budget. Say for instance, you run a business or work from home, and especially need a home office to organize your work space. With just a few alterations, you can finish your basement to use as a home office. Finished basements can be used as home theaters, family rooms, game rooms for the kids, home gyms, entertainment centers or hobby rooms. If you are a wine aficionado, you can use it as a wine cellar to store your wines, and even turn it into a wine tasting den, and have friends over.
A damp and leaky basement is hardly the kind of place where you would like to spend any amount of time. Besides, the dampness can reduce the value of your house dramatically. Water proofing of your basement is the most important step in basement renovation. Through proper insulation, your basement finishing contractor will be able to control the flow of air, thereby reducing moisture. You will also need to install a sub floor over your existing concrete floor before you use floor coverings like rugs and carpets. Since the basement is home to the entire pipe work of the house, you will need to use your imagination to hide these pipes and wiring from visibility. False ceilings and special screens can hide these unsightly elements.
When it comes to finishing a basement, there are 3 steps that are most important -- planning, planning and more planning. If you walk into a basement remodel project without a detailed floor plan, you could find yourself with costs that shoot through the roof, and delayed completion. There are also building code requirements to be met, and building permits to be obtained. Then there is the matter of finding and hiring a basement contractor who can bring your vision to life. Take into consideration that basement contractors are extremely busy during certain times of the year, like summer and may not be able to give you starting dates. Remember, a finished basement will most likely include almost every single element that can be found in the home above -- flooring, electrical and plumbing fixtures, ventilation, water proofing, painting and furnishings. Begin planning your basement renovation at least a few months ahead, discuss all possibilities with your family, and shop around for bargain prices on fittings and accessories, so you can get the most value for your basement remodel cost.
Looking to remodel master bath. New shower tile, door, toilet, sink, cabinet, floor tile as well.
Joan C
I am buying a house and need the garage remodeled. It is a 2 door garage made from brick and stone and I need a door put in on the side and a dividing wall inside with a door. I want to be able to still open the existing door.
Uli B