A lot of basements don’t have sufficient head room to create livable space. Older homes especially have inadequate ceiling height since the space was barely ever meant to be used as storage space finished basement photos. In addition, basements will often have pipes and duct work that hang up below the floor structure of the main floor level. It is often impossible or too pricey to relocate these. So when measuring head height, compute from the lowest objects (ducts, pipes, etc) on the ceiling. Keep in mind that if ducts in addition to pipes are confined to one area, it might be possible to phase the ceiling height so some areas are higher than others.

A good number of cities will require the walls of the basement be insulated if it is being turned into a living space. Typically this is accomplished by installing 2×4 stud walls adjacent to the basement walls and installing fiberglass batts. Keep in mind that wood that is not pressure treated should never be in contact with concrete, so often times the 2×4 walls are held away from the concrete, so only the bottom sole plate has to be pressure treated finished basement videos. Take into account using a higher R-value foam insulation as a substitute for fiberglass. Since foam filling has a higher R-value for each inch, you can reduce the thickness of the perimeter insulating walls by just about 2″. This means additional floor space. Also a closed cell foam will help as a vapor retarder as well, which will help keep the wall cavity free of dampness.

Lots of basements need another bathroom since it’s not convenient to go upstairs every time you require to use the bathroom. Installing a basement bathroom can be complicated because most basements have a concrete block as the floor. Usually this means cutting out portions of the slab to install drains for plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and tubs. Do this instead of installing a floor on top of the slab in addition to having a step up to the bathroom. In the end, it will be worth the additional money spent.

It is also necessary to understand how the building is connected to the sewer system, and the elevation of the drain or septic system. It is a lot easier to install a bathroom when the sewer outlet is below the level of the new basement bathroom drains. If the sewer outlet is higher than the concrete basement floor (as it often is in older homes) then the sewerage will need to be pumped up to the sewer outlet. Safety systems with alarms should be installed to notify the home occupants if the pump fails or if there is a power outage.

A basement remodel is one of the most popular renovations because often times it makes use of space that is already existing. While it appears to be undemanding, it can be one of the more difficult projects to complete. But a basement along with a good design often becomes the preferred ‘hang out space’, so it’s well worth the investment of time and money. Don’t skimp on doing the correct thing, because in the long run you will get much enjoyment out of a well planned space.