What you want your basement to serve as should be established. Would you like it to be an extra bedroom, game or home entertainment room, office room, workout room or perhaps a basement bar? If you have a particular purpose in mind, then this will aid in identifying the needs required in making it possible.
Layout Planning
Prior to building and or remodeling any part of the house, an appropriate layout planning must be done. This serves as a guide so the builders as well as the designers may have a standpoint on how to go about with the construction.
Relocate posts and columns to areas where they can be concealed by walls. Plumbing and air ducts should be moved along beams and not in ceilings to give more headway. Remember too, that horizontal designs will make a room appear wider and bigger. Set the tiles in a diagonal pattern to generate the illusion of width and length.
Flooring and Walls
It's strongly suggested that the basement flooring and walls be made of concrete. About 99 percent of homes in the country are made up of hard concrete. This is because concrete is permanent and provides a sturdy base. Moreover, it does not deteriorate after some time. Also, termites cannot attack on concrete. When it comes to protecting the basement from moisture, concrete does a great job by sealing off the area through a membrane that prevents water penetration. The walls can be painted either in bright, dramatic shades. Considering that the basement is commonly dark, shades of red, blue, yellow, orange and green add a certain light to it. Colorful rugs may also add texture to the room. Also, angled walls give a certain architectural interest. The typical 2x4 walls inside concrete walls facilitate straightening of crooked and unsteady walls. Additionally, it provides a smooth medium for insulation, wiring and plumbing.
Lighting
Usually, the basement receives less natural light than other parts of the house thus lighting is very important. Recessed lighting and light valances can be added to provide artificial lighting. Together with light colored surfaces, particularly the basement flooring, it reflects the light thus making it less dim and more inviting. Additional windows may also help in increasing the daylight coming in.
Insulation, Heating and Mold Control
Moisture seeping in the basement allows the growth of molds, to prevent this proper ventilation and insulation must be done. Water seeks to seep inside the lowest part of the house, which is the basement. Moisture tends to develop hence then. To prevent this, homeowners may use dehumidifiers. Another technique is waterproofing that seals the water out and prevents it from seeping in.
Practical and innovative design must be considered in basement remodeling in order for it to be multifunctional. Do this for your convenience and enjoyment and also to raise the resale worth of your home.