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Finished Basement Ideas :: Finishing Your Basement
Finishing Your Basement Can be Very
Rewarding by Mark Donovan
Transforming your home's basement into a finished space can prove to be
very rewarding. Frequently the additional living space is used for a variety
of entertainment functions including: Recreation Rooms, Bars, Gyms, Billiard
Rooms, Home Theatres and Family Rooms. In addition, Bedrooms and Bathrooms
are also incorporated into the floor space. Typically the square foot cost
of finishing a basement is significantly lower than other floors within the
home.
Planning is critical before starting a Finished Basement project. From a
financial standpoint, first determine how big your budget is and how you
will finance the project. Will a mortgage be required or can you refinance
or obtain a home equity loan?
From the project standpoint, carefully consider what you want to use the
space for. As part of this consideration, consider ceiling heights, existing
pipes, Oil Tanks, and Heating and Water systems. Also consider lighting. To
make a Finished Basement cozy, warm and comfortable, the number and kinds of
lights to install is key. In addition, consider natural lighting. Can
additional windows be installed and will they be appropriate for the
finished space?
Installing a Bathroom in a basement can be a challenge, particularly if a
pump-up system is required. It is important you meet with a plumber before
you start any work, as they will have many questions and requirements for
your bathroom. Potentially the most onerous aspect of installing a Bathroom
may be the removal of some of the cement flooring. This is a very dusty and
messy job!
Also consider heating. Does your existing furnace have the capacity to
support the additional space? If not, you will need to consider putting in a
bigger system or creating a secondary heating system.
Finally, and probably the most important aspect to consider, is dealing with
moisture. A finished basement will quickly loose its charm if water problems
create mold and mildew. Basement floors and walls should be sealed and
insulated to reduce moisture content in the basement. Even with these
precautions, a dehumidifier may be required.
About the Author:
Me_Donovan@comcast.net
www.homeadditionplus.com
Over the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building
homes and home additions. Mr. Donovan's formal education & profession
have been as an Electrical Engineer & Marketing Manager.
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