Home Interior » Basement http://www.rattlecan.net Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:07:41 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 Options for a Basement Bathroom Toilet http://www.rattlecan.net/options-for-a-basement-bathroom-toilet/ http://www.rattlecan.net/options-for-a-basement-bathroom-toilet/#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 12:11:56 +0000 admin http://www.rattlecan.net/options-for-a-basement-bathroom-toilet/ If you’re thinking about remodeling your basement and adding a bathroom, you’re making a smart decision.  Homeowners can often recoup as much as eighty-five percent of the cost of their bathroom addition if they decide to sell later.  After all, an additional bathroom adds real value to a house, making it much more convenient for everyone living there.  Many older homes were built with only a single bathroom, which is difficult for modern families to deal with.  Add guests in, and you could be facing a frustrating situation.  The right basement bathroom with the right basement bathroom toilet could be the solution to all your problems.A basement bathroom remodel is a unique situation, unlike adding another bathroom above ground.  The room’s location in the basement means that you’ll have moisture and lighting concerns, a real need for ventilation, and some special plumbing requirements.  A toilet located below the level of your sewage lines won’t flush properly, after all, and sinks and showers or tubs in the basement won’t drain.  This is why your basement bathroom toilet and other fixtures need to be set up properly.You can install a sewage ejector as part of your basement bathroom renovation.  This is the most common and conventional method.  To do so, however, you’ll need to excavate a portion of the basement floor in order to install the ejector.  Waste water of all kinds can be handled this way, and it’s a relatively well tested system for making sure your basement bathroom toilet works properly.  You may need to talk to a professional about installing this kind of system, unless you have a lot of experience with plumbing, or you’ve dealt with one before.Another option that’s more costly for the fixture, but sometimes cheaper in the long run, is a macerating toilet.  This kind of bathroom installation can also handle sink and tube waste water as well, as long as you choose a unit of the correct size.  However, unlike an ejector, it requires no digging.  Some additional space is needed for a pump box and macerating unit, located either behind the toilet or in the wall.  This method is relatively easy and requires no maintenance, but it is a little more costly to set up at first than a sewage ejector.No matter what kind of basement bathroom toilet setup you decide to use, you’ll need to know a fair amount about your plumbing and what you want out of your renovation.  Pay attention to your budget and your pre-existing piping and wiring setups in order to create the right basement bathroom plans for your needs.  Your stark, unfinished basement has the potential to become a really useful space for you, and the addition of a basement bathroom is an important part of that process.  With the right plan, you’ll have no problem putting together a basement bathroom that’s right for you and for your family.  It’s a great way to add value and livability to your home!

]]> http://www.rattlecan.net/options-for-a-basement-bathroom-toilet/feed/ 0 The Benefits of Adding a Basement Bedroom http://www.rattlecan.net/the-benefits-of-adding-a-basement-bedroom/ http://www.rattlecan.net/the-benefits-of-adding-a-basement-bedroom/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 19:07:59 +0000 admin http://www.rattlecan.net/the-benefits-of-adding-a-basement-bedroom/ Adding a bedroom to the basement is much less expensive and time consuming than adding a bedroom on to the house. Still, as in any other remodeling projects, adding a bedroom to the basement takes some time and planning.
Adding an egress window to new construction is roughly around $800-$1200; adding to a retro-fit is roughly $2,000 to $3,500. Add a bedroom to the basement is much less costly and time consuming to add in a bedroom of the house. However, as in any other remodeling project, adding a basement room to take some time and planning.
Finishing off a basement is a great choice for homeowners. It makes more use of your entire house, it doesn’t require costly additions because the space is already there, and it adds value to your home. Finished rooms in the lower level are listed under the Basement Finish section on these property records.
Egress windows must be put in any basement if you are planning on having a bedroom or living area. Egress windows are required in every room used for sleeping purposes (bedrooms) on any floor and in basements with habitable space. If you are constructing a new home, the code requires that you put an egress window in each bedroom. Egress means a way out or exit, so a basement egress window is an exit or means of escape generally in case of fire. Basement windows used to be tiny spaces that allowed a slight amount of light into the basement.
Heating ducts typically run in the ceiling of the basement (since there is not an empty floor below to run the ducts). Ducts extending from the ceiling down to the floor help heat the cold floors of the basement. If cold air returns are needed they can come from the ceiling or be brought down the walls also. Usually a standard basement comes with a few basement heats and you may just be lucky enough that you can hook up into one of them.
All plans for a finished basement installation are subject to all applicable local building codes and regulations, including, without limitation, if applicable, the issuance of valid building permit(s). As the installation of the finished basement takes place, each and every mechanical trade, including Heating and cooling, Plumbing, Fireplace and Electrical must be inspected. If any of these inspections happen to fail, all corrections must be made in order to continue with the work schedule.
Finished rooms in the Basement are listed under the Basement Finish section of property records. Finishing space in the basement is especially great for creating rooms that can be used in order to get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house. You can actually get work done in office space in the basement because you are not right next to the living room or the kitchen (rooms which tend to be the activity hubs of the house).
As always just be sure to do your homework when trying to find the best contractor for the job. The lowest price is not always the best way to go and if you choose to make your final decision on just that fact, be prepared to be disappointed most of the time.

]]> http://www.rattlecan.net/the-benefits-of-adding-a-basement-bedroom/feed/ 0 Basement Bathroom Plumbing and Remodeling Considerations http://www.rattlecan.net/basement-bathroom-plumbing-and-remodeling-considerations/ http://www.rattlecan.net/basement-bathroom-plumbing-and-remodeling-considerations/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:11:17 +0000 admin http://www.rattlecan.net/basement-bathroom-plumbing-and-remodeling-considerations/ Adding a basement bathroom to your home has a lot of benefits.  You’ll be adding value to your home – houses with more than one bathroom have a real advantage, even in slow markets – and you’ll be increasing livable area and convenience.  The basement is the best place to add a new bathroom to just about any home.  After all, it’s less costly than expanding the existing house, and easier than sacrificing upstairs living space for another bath.  However, before you jump into this project, there are a few things you should know about basement bathroom plumbing and remodeling projects.Before you get started, you need to do your research.  Basement bathroom plumbing, in particular, can be a really difficult prospect if you don’t know what you’re doing.  You’ll need a good plan, you’ll have to locate your bathroom correctly, and you’ll need to have a good idea of what you want and can get out of your new room.  Remember to make a budget and stick to it, but do plenty of research beforehand so your budget will be as accurate as possible.You need to know what you’re doing with the space before you start any kind of construction or renovation.  Find out where plumbing outlets and piping is, where you can tap into household wiring, and what the code requirements are for a basement bathroom in your area.  If you don’t know much about plumbing to start with, there’s a good chance that basement bathroom plumbing shouldn’t be your first big project.  Be willing to do only the parts of the work you know how to deal with, and contact an expert when you aren’t sure.  It’ll save you money, trouble, and frustration down the line.  There’s a fairly good chance you’ll need to talk to a pro at some point during the project, anyway.  That’s because many building codes will require you to at least have your remodeling work inspected by someone who does this job for a living.  This applies to both plumbing and electricity.  A professional may even be required by code to be there for the hookup of the last few pieces.Basement bathroom plumbing is uniquely complex, but not so hard that you can’t do it on your own.  You need to understand that if your bathroom is below your sewer lines, you’ll have to invest in a method to get waste water up to the sewer or to the septic tank.  Gravity will keep it from going there on its own.  The two most popular methods are a macerating toilet and a sewage ejection system.  Both remove waste water (including sink and tub water from drains if you have a large enough system) and prevent big problems in your basement bathroom.  They do cost more than an ordinary toilet, but it’s worth it in the end to get one of these options.

]]> http://www.rattlecan.net/basement-bathroom-plumbing-and-remodeling-considerations/feed/ 0 Are Bathroom in Basement Remodels for You? http://www.rattlecan.net/are-bathroom-in-basement-remodels-for-you/ http://www.rattlecan.net/are-bathroom-in-basement-remodels-for-you/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:20:31 +0000 admin http://www.rattlecan.net/are-bathroom-in-basement-remodels-for-you/ Are you thinking about expanding your home, but out of space on your main floors?  If that’s the case, it might be time to do something about your unfinished basement area.  A small office, a guest room, a personal gym, or even an entertainment room might do the trick, but if you want to spend time down there, there’s something else you’ll need.  A basement bathroom will keep you from having to run up and down stairs all the time, and it’ll also add value to your home.  End lines at the bathroom door by performing a bathroom in basement remodel.There are a few things to keep in mind before you get that renovation started, however.  You’ll need a project plan with your intended schedule, budget, cost estimates, and work you want done.  Keep this updated throughout the process of building your basement bathroom in order to get the best and most predictable results.  Start by looking for ideas on your basement bathroom remodel.  Home improvement stores, online articles and sites, and magazines are all a good place to start when you decide what you want your finished basement to look like.  Think about color, lighting, space set up, and more.  The better your plan is, the more likely you are to end up with a bathroom you love.You’ll also need to think about ceiling height, available space, moisture in the basement, basement temperature, and stability of the basement itself.  Windows and lighting will be important if you don’t want your bathroom in basement remodel to end up like a cave.  You’ll also have to consider ventilation to keep air moving in the house.  An enclosed bathroom with no air movement could end up seeming musty and unpleasant.  Remember to decide early on if you want a full or a half bath.If you’re thinking about doing the work yourself, you’ll need to know a few things.  Most people need basic carpentry and wiring skills to put up walls and get light fixtures working.  You’ll also have to have a good amount of plumbing experience if you plan on installing the toilet, sink, and tub or shower on your own.  However, you don’t have to do everything on your own.  Calling a professional in for part or all of the work on your bathroom in basement remodel is a smart idea if you’re not one yourself.It may be a good idea to call a professional plumber for the piping, if you don’t have the experience and knowledge to do it yourself.  In some cases, you may also need to have a pro oversee or sign off on work that you’ve done yourself.  That way, you’ll be legal and up to local code.  If you know how to frame, wire, and hang drywall (choose moisture resistant board for basements), but aren’t sure about plumbing, calling a pro might be the best method you can use.  It’ll certainly save you some frustration and effort in the long run.  Your bathroom in basement remodel can be a real success.  All you have to do is have a good plan.

]]> http://www.rattlecan.net/are-bathroom-in-basement-remodels-for-you/feed/ 0 Adding Basement Bathroom Functionality – a Guide for Beginners http://www.rattlecan.net/adding-basement-bathroom-functionality-a-guide-for-beginners/ http://www.rattlecan.net/adding-basement-bathroom-functionality-a-guide-for-beginners/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:19:56 +0000 admin http://www.rattlecan.net/adding-basement-bathroom-functionality-a-guide-for-beginners/ Remodeling professionals say that if you want to add a bathroom to your home on a limited budget, the first place to head is the basement.  Adding basement bathroom functionality to your home is a smart choice that will raise its value and increase your home’s convenience.  It’ll be a much more pleasant place to be.  The basement is the best choice because it’s the least expensive place to do this kind of renovation.  Adding a bath with a new footer, foundation or slab, as well as new roofing or siding, is likely to cost at least a third more than adding basement bathroom space to your home.  You can put a bath in the basement without adding to the exterior footprint of your house.  Most people aren’t willing to sacrifice other existing living space, such as part of a bedroom, to add a bathroom elsewhere in the house, and even if you are, you’ll have to deal with re-routing plumbing.  A basement bathroom, on the other hand, uses existing walls and usually existing plumbing and electrical wiring, to produce an exceedingly inexpensive option.You’ll want to work closely with your remodeling contractor (if you use one) to choose the products and fixtures you’ll be installing in the bathroom.  Make sure that anyone you’re working with is aware of your budget, and can help direct you to products that will be the most effective for your situation without falling outside your price range.  You may wish to supply your own fixtures to be installed by someone else (it’s an inexpensive alternative), but do take care.  You’re assuming the risk that the fixtures and products you buy are appropriate for the use you’d like to put them to.Adding basement bathroom space to your bathroom is relatively simple if you have experience with plumbing, building, and wiring, or if you’re working with an experienced contractor.  Remember that if you’re doing part of the work, the contractor may need to look over to make sure it’s being done well.  Even if you’re doing all of it, many building codes will require you to have a pro come in and perform the last few major hookups or an inspection on the work you’ve done.  This may seem inconvenient and expensive, but it prevents big problems later on.Plumbing makes up the biggest chunk of your expenses when adding basement bathroom functionality to your home.  Out of a fifteen thousand dollar renovation job, installing plumbing would make up about ten thousand.  If you locate the new bathroom close to the old one, and make sure that you use the most efficient methods to get things working, you can save quite a bit.  However, many basement bathrooms have complicated requirements, due to the difficulties with disposing of waste water below ground level.  If you’re in a situation like this and don’t have much experience, make sure that you talk to a professional about your basement bathroom design.

]]> http://www.rattlecan.net/adding-basement-bathroom-functionality-a-guide-for-beginners/feed/ 0 A Bathroom in a Basement Doesn’t Have to be a Cave http://www.rattlecan.net/a-bathroom-in-a-basement-doesnt-have-to-be-a-cave/ http://www.rattlecan.net/a-bathroom-in-a-basement-doesnt-have-to-be-a-cave/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:20:24 +0000 admin http://www.rattlecan.net/a-bathroom-in-a-basement-doesnt-have-to-be-a-cave/ Putting a new bathroom in your home is an excellent investment.  You’ll be able to improve your home’s value, plus it’s a lot more convenient.  The basement is one of the best places to install a new bathroom.  However, many people have only experienced poorly done basement bathrooms.  Don’t think that a bathroom below ground level has to be cold, dark, and claustrophobic!  A bathroom in a basement can be a very pleasant place to be.  You just have to pay attention to all the factors.If you’re considering installing a bathroom in a basement, you’re going to need to pay attention to size, ventilation, and drainage if you want to have one that works.  To make sure that the bathroom is not just functional, but is also attractive, you’ll also have to carefully think about layout, colors, lighting, and temperature.  These things will help you create a bathroom that’s not the cold, moist, dim place you might associate with basement facilities.Size matters.  While your bathroom in a basement doesn’t have to be bigger than about three feet by six feet if you’re putting in just a toilet and sink, that kind of space is pretty cramped for most people to use.  Think about not only the space that’s going to be taken up by the fixtures, but the space you’ll want to move comfortably.  Make ceilings as high as you can without creating problems or leaving them unfinished, as that also reduces the tendency for these rooms to feel closed in.Drain pipes and vent stacks are also important for a bathroom in basement.  In some basements, this can be a problem, requiring digging to access the main drain for the house.  Pay attention to the distance from the drain pipe and the slope of your drain, and remember to tie new drains to current vent stacks to keep odors down.  If you’ve been thinking about building your bathroom in a basement project, but aren’t sure you can manage all the wiring and plumbing on your own, don’t worry.  You can do the parts of the work you’re capable of, and then call a pro to help you with the parts you’re not so sure about.Additional ventilation is important for a basement bathroom, especially one with a shower.  These damp spaces can be a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and unpleasant smells.  To keep this from happening, you’ll need to add ventilation to the outside.  Remember to buy a strong but silent fan.Consider heating in your basement bathroom as well.  That could make the difference between a room you’d like to bathe in and one that’s not comfortable.  Even if you have only a half bath, people will be reluctant to use a bathroom in the basement if the porcelain is chilly.  Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to extend most household heating systems to be useful in your bathroom.  Add warm, bright, but not glaring lighting and you’ll have a room that’s pleasant as well as useful, even if it is in the basement.  A bathroom in a basement can be a truly pleasant place to be.

]]> http://www.rattlecan.net/a-bathroom-in-a-basement-doesnt-have-to-be-a-cave/feed/ 0 Considerations for Great Basement Bathroom Design http://www.rattlecan.net/considerations-for-great-basement-bathroom-design/ http://www.rattlecan.net/considerations-for-great-basement-bathroom-design/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:19:54 +0000 admin http://www.rattlecan.net/considerations-for-great-basement-bathroom-design/ Do you have some extra room in the basement that’s not being used? Thinking about installing a bathroom? It’s a great idea, since many older homes were built with only a single bathroom. Installing a new bathroom in your basement is a lot more convenient for families and guests, and it’s not as hard as you might think. However, you’ll need to make sure you pay attention to a few important basement bathroom design factors. That’ll help you be sure that you’re getting the most out of your space, and you’ll be able to avoid unexpected problems later.The first thing to do is look at the space you have available and pay attention to your available utilities so that you can lay out your basement bathroom design. You’ll want to locate the bathroom such that it’s close to plumbing and electrical wiring, so that hookups will be inexpensive and simple. As long as you’ve got access to electricity and plumbing, you’ll be able to put together a space that works well and is pleasant to be in.Many people choose to position their basement bathroom directly under the one on the upper floor, because everything is already set up. This is the best choice, but if you can’t do so because of layout concerns, try to get yours as close as you can. Once you know where in your basement the bathroom will be located, it’s time to get out your pencil, paper, and design skills. Make sure that your basement bathroom design takes fixture size and shape into account, leaving plenty of room to move around and add storage if that’s needed.You’ll want to decide whether or not you want a full or half bath. Full baths include a shower or tub in addition to a sink and toilet. They’re a lot more convenient, but not all basements have the space or are conducive to bathing. If the room tends to be chilly or won’t deal with the additional moisture well, you may wish to skip the shower or tub. If you do install a tub, think about things like warmth, water-proof flooring, non-skid mats and wall tile in addition to your other design concerns.Like any other bathroom, your basement bathroom design will need to take your routine and budget into account. However, there are a few things about building a room like this in the basement that you may not be expecting. Lighting, for instance. Basements don’t usually have many windows to provide lighting in the bathroom, so you’ll need to make sure there’s even, inviting, bright lighting in the bathroom itself and along the path to it. No one wants to wash up in a cave, after all. There’s also plumbing to think about – a bathroom that’s below your existing pipes may need special plumbing mechanisms to get rid of waste water. These aren’t hard to install, but they cost more and may have their own special requirements.Adding a basement bathroom to your home is a relatively simple home remodeling project. Just remember to put a lot of through into your basement bathroom design before you get started. That way, you’ll be able to avoid problems, stay under budget, and get a bathroom that’s pleasant and functional, too.

]]> http://www.rattlecan.net/considerations-for-great-basement-bathroom-design/feed/ 0 Putting Together Basement Bathroom Plans http://www.rattlecan.net/putting-together-basement-bathroom-plans/ http://www.rattlecan.net/putting-together-basement-bathroom-plans/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:10:12 +0000 admin http://www.rattlecan.net/putting-together-basement-bathroom-plans/ If you’re thinking about adding a bathroom to your basement, there are a few things you’ll need to think about.  Without the right plans, you may have trouble getting the room put together and all fixtures correctly installed.  Fortunately, all you need to do is think ahead and pay attention to what you can do and what you expect out of your new room.  Basement bathroom plans may seem complex, but they don’t have to be.  Here are a few things to think about when you’re deciding how to put your bathroom together.Will you be adding a full bath or half bath?  This will make a big difference in the amount of space you need and how you finish the room.  A shower or tub will improve your basement bathroom’s functionality, but it’ll also take up more space and be more difficult to install.  Remember to think about whether or not your basement is comfortable for bathing – many below ground spaces feel cold, and aren’t a pleasant place to shower.  If you want to include a shower or bath in a chilly basement, you may need to invest in heating.You’ll also have to think about the type of toilet you’ll be using in your basement bathroom plans.  An above floor plumbing system with a macerator is one method that’s relatively easy and requires no digging up of the floor.  The down side of this type is that it’s more costly.  Sewage ejectors are also used to remove waste water from a basement bathroom.  These are less expensive, but may require you to excavate space in the floor.  Decide which is best, based on your needs, budget, and what you expect out of your bathroom.You’re going to need to think about the size of fixtures and the amount of space needed to comfortably move around in the basement bathroom.  Before settling on the fixtures and spaces you’re thinking about in your basement bathroom plans, you may want to snap chalk lines in the area you’d like to use and see if it looks like you have enough space.  After all, no one wants to create a basement space that’s cramped and claustrophobic.To prevent that cave like feeling that’s common in basement rooms, lighting and mirrors are a good choice.  You can install ambient lighting and use wall mirrors to make the space in your basement bathroom seem much larger.  Just don’t use lights that are too bright or badly positioned – glare and too much light aren’t any more pleasant than too little.  You want your basement bathroom to feel inviting and pleasant to be in.  Your plans should reflect that fact.  Basement bathroom plans shouldn’t just stop at the fixtures and plumbing – include paint, flooring, and other finishing features to help you create the perfect room.If you spend a little time thinking and researching, your basement bathroom plans will be accurate and you’ll have no trouble coming in under budget.  You’ll get a great new addition to your home that gives you more value and functionality, making the basement a pleasant place to be.  Many people want to add to their useful basement space, and a bathroom installation is the perfect way to do it.  Get started planning your new basement bathroom today.

]]> http://www.rattlecan.net/putting-together-basement-bathroom-plans/feed/ 0 Basement Interior Design Principles http://www.rattlecan.net/basement-interior-design-principles/ http://www.rattlecan.net/basement-interior-design-principles/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:10:32 +0000 admin http://www.rattlecan.net/basement-interior-design-principles/ Basement interior design calls for a highly specialized set of skills. Because of the qualities unique to a basement, such as the absence of natural ventilation or lighting, a professional specializing in basement interior design would have to consider a lot more than one who does ordinary rooms.

Training for basement interior design may be achieved by enrolling in a design school with course specific to basement interior design principles, or by working with professionally trained individuals who have had years of experience in this field.

Things To Consider In Basement Interior Design

There are certain considerations a basement interior design professional must keep in mind when dealing with basement interior design, as these are situated at the bottom of buildings and houses and are therefore either built underground or just slightly aboveground.

First, basements have to have artificial lighting to compensate for the absence of natural light. In this regard, window treatments may be done away with when undertaking basement interior design.

An alternative would be to create a faux window for the basement just to counteract the effects of an enclosed space, but keep in mind that this may entail additional expenses you may not have taken into consideration during the initial planning stages of basement interior design.

Second, basements do not have natural ventilation either, so you have to consider air conditioning or vents when preparing your basement interior design. This will eventually affect the placement or furniture within the area.

A client may also have other basement interior design ideas about what to do with an existing basement. For instance, an artist may opt to convert it into an art studio, or a dance instructor may choose to use it as a dance studio. In the same vein, a musician may use it to double as a rehearsal studio for his band.

In all these cases, the basement interior design would have to be adapted to suit the function it is intended for, and this entails more than the ordinary expenses of a simple refurbishing. You will then find your skills as the Project Manager of this particular basement interior design put to the test!

What Type of Construction Would Be Involved?

Again, depending on the extent of changes the client wants to implement, construction on your basement interior design project may range from very simple to extremely complicated and drawn-out. In most cases, paneling the walls and hiding pipes and wiring would be involved. For more info see http://www.1interiordesign.com/Interior_Design_Bathrooms/ on Interior Design Bathrooms

If you’re dealing with a large basement, you may even deal with additional walls and dividers plus new entrances. Of course, it’s always practical to work using existing structures, but there are clients for whom money is no object, and this can give you the extra freedom your creativity needs.

Otherwise, you would have to discuss all possibilities with the client before starting on the project. Always earmark funds for contingency expenses, and go back to the basement interior design drawing boards if necessary.

A basement interior design project can be fun and exciting, especially if you get to compare the “before” and “after” looks. You’ll be amazed at what paint, panels, and a play on light can do.

You can also find more info on Interior Design and Home Interior Design. 1interiordesign.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Interior Design.
]]> http://www.rattlecan.net/basement-interior-design-principles/feed/ 0 Steps to Adding a Bedroom to Your Basement http://www.rattlecan.net/steps-to-adding-a-bedroom-to-your-basement/ http://www.rattlecan.net/steps-to-adding-a-bedroom-to-your-basement/#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:08:04 +0000 admin http://www.rattlecan.net/steps-to-adding-a-bedroom-to-your-basement/ If you have a growing family, you may want to add a new bedroom to your house. Adding a bedroom can also add more value to your house. If you have space in your basement, then you should first consider adding the bedroom there. Adding a bedroom to the basement is much less expensive and time consuming than adding a bedroom on to the house. Still, as in any other remodeling project, adding a bedroom to the basement takes some time and planning. Properly planned, a basement bedroom can be a comfortable, and inviting place.

What Are The Important Steps To Adding A Bedroom To My Basement?

1. When planning a bedroom, you will want to take into consideration some safety factors. Among these factors include an alternate exit from the bedroom, in case the stairway is blocked by fire. With this in mind, it is very wise to have a window that opens (an egress window) or other means of escape from the basement room.

2. You will also want to consider dampness of the basement itself. This dampness can cause all sorts of problems if you are not careful so it is wise to make sure your basement is dried out before proceeding to the next step. You can read more about drying out a basement on our website fixmyownbasement.com.

3. Make sure to clear out the area of the basement where you are planning to add your your room. Remove all items such as sporting equipment, boxes and furniture to give you space to work with.

4. If any new floor covering will be applied, be sure to sweep the existing floor and mop the floor surface with a commercial or consumer floor cleaner.

5. Plan your walls. Some people add paneling for the walls while others add drywall. With a little extra effort, drywall provides a thicker wall that offers extra protection as well as holding picture frames and other wall art that paneling might not hold up.

6. If you plan on hanging drywall, frame in the bedroom with 2×4s. Be sure to cut holes for outlets and telephone connections in the drywall. Make sure to insulate the walls and the ceiling according to construction standards.

7. Since lighting is an important issue in basements due to the lack of natural light, you’ll need to choose a lighting fixture or scheme for the space.

8. Apply paint to the newly formed walls by putting on a primer coat first followed by two coats of paint. Make sure you let each coat of paint dry thoroughly (preferably overnight), before adding the next coat of paint.

9. Since basements in general have a cold cement floor, adding flooring or perhaps carpeting would be preferable and much more comfortable. Even though natural wood floorings are popular, modular carpeting and throw rugs are just as popular for that comfortable and homey feel.

10. Move bedroom furniture inside your new room and arrange to your liking

11. Enjoy your new room for years to come.

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