One of the easiest ways to "add a new room or rooms" to your home is
to better utilize the space you already have.
Most basements are dark areas where we store seasonal
decorations, old toys, sporting equipment and anything else not used
on a regular basis.
But, perhaps it is time you reconsider how you use your basement?
Remodeling the basement is a cost-effective way to greatly
expand your home's living space. Suddenly you could have a guest
room, a children's play room, a home office, a recreation room–the
possibilities are only limited by your imagination.Below are five
easy steps to reclaim your basement.
1. Solve Basement Water Problems First
Even if your basement rarely has problems with dampness or
flooding, it's best to solve the problem completely before beginning
any remodeling work.
Permanent solutions can take time to implement. A good place to
start is to talk to an independent home inspector who specializes in
basement or foundation waterproofing problems.
2. Decide on the Best Use of Your Basement
Consider using the space for activities for which typical
basement characteristics offer natural advantages.
The lack of light is useful when setting up a home theater or a dark
room. The isolation helps create a sound break for a play area, a
teenager's hangout or a place to practice a musical instrument.
Also, in basements, there is usually ready access to things like
water lines and heating and cooling ducts. This makes adding a bath
easier than it would be elsewhere in the house.
3. Get Help with Your Basement Design
While your basement may not be much to look at now, you'll want
to end up with quality living space when the project is complete. An
architect or interior designer can help you get the most out of the
space. A little forethought and careful planning now can help you
create a space that is attractive, comfortable and useful.
4. Pay Attention to Air Circulation
When your Pittsburgh home was first built, the odds are that
there were few if any registers or vents installed in the basement.
When you
remodel your basement, you need to think about the need for good
air circulation, adding openings where necessary.
You'll also have to include a return air duct, but it's important
that it be located far from the furnace. Otherwise, it may suck
dangerous furnace exhaust fumes back into the house.
To be on the safe side, install a carbon monoxide detector in your
basement so that you'll have an early warning of any problems with
the venting of the furnace or any other major appliances.
5. Maximize Your Basement's Natural Light
For many reasons, you'll probably want to add more light in your
basement.
If parts of the basement extend above the ground, you can add new
windows or enlarge existing ones.
If that isn't possible, another option is to dig window wells.
Window wells can increase the odds of water problems, so it's a good
idea to build ones with waterproof covers.
Another advantage of
enlarged windows is that they provide alternative escape routes
in case of fire.
One concern that some people have about basement windows is that
they provide thieves with ideal access to the home. One way to
mitigate that risk is to install glass bricks (rather than
conventional windows) at high-risk locations.
Maximize the
effect of regular windows by mounting some windows in the
interior walls between rooms that open pathways for natural light to
reach interior rooms. |
