Making a Plan to Finish a Basement
Homeowners who are blessed with a basement often wish to finish it, so it can be used as extra living space. Basements make for great recreation rooms or even a spare bedroom. However, planning is essential when finishing a basement. There are plenty of obstacles that can be found during the process and it is better to plan for them before even getting started.
There are some basic structural elements you must consider when planning to finish your basement. You need to consider everything from water heaters to ceiling heights. If there is a structural support in the middle of the room it will have to stay there, so you need to plan around it. You will also, most likely, not wish to relocate water pipes or heating systems that are also usually found in the basement. Another issue in basements is the ceiling height. It is usually much lower than in other parts of the house and is something you cannot change. You should consider this when planning exactly what the room will be used for. You must consider how to work around existing structures that cannot be moved.
There are also a few other major considerations that you must figure out before starting. Lighting is often a problem in basements. They are below ground level and while some may have a few windows, there really isn’t much natural light. This means you will have to bring in lighting fixtures or other light sources. Heating is another issue. While basements are quite cool and nice in the warmer months, they also stay that way in the winter months. You should ensure that your current heating system can heat the basement as well or make plans for alternative heating. Moisture is another big issue in a basement. The biggest way to combat moisture is with a dehumidifier.
Finishing a basement is something that will add extra space and value to your home. It is a major undertaking, but well worth while. If you plan before starting the project, though, you are sure to make the process move along smoothly and find that it turns out to be an enjoyable additional living space.
There are some basic structural elements you must consider when planning to finish your basement. You need to consider everything from water heaters to ceiling heights. If there is a structural support in the middle of the room it will have to stay there, so you need to plan around it. You will also, most likely, not wish to relocate water pipes or heating systems that are also usually found in the basement. Another issue in basements is the ceiling height. It is usually much lower than in other parts of the house and is something you cannot change. You should consider this when planning exactly what the room will be used for. You must consider how to work around existing structures that cannot be moved.
There are also a few other major considerations that you must figure out before starting. Lighting is often a problem in basements. They are below ground level and while some may have a few windows, there really isn’t much natural light. This means you will have to bring in lighting fixtures or other light sources. Heating is another issue. While basements are quite cool and nice in the warmer months, they also stay that way in the winter months. You should ensure that your current heating system can heat the basement as well or make plans for alternative heating. Moisture is another big issue in a basement. The biggest way to combat moisture is with a dehumidifier.
Finishing a basement is something that will add extra space and value to your home. It is a major undertaking, but well worth while. If you plan before starting the project, though, you are sure to make the process move along smoothly and find that it turns out to be an enjoyable additional living space.
