Basement Finishing Ideas

Basement Finishing Ideas

Finishing the basement is one of the best ways to expand your living space, but before you turn your basement finishing ideas into reality you must first consider the following.

Moisture problems need to be fixed first before any basement finishing projects are started. Drywall panels and wood framing lumber typically support mold and mildew growth, and may eventually rot due to moisture damage. Also, fiberglass batt insulation will lose insulation value when wet, and may compress or settle over time, further diminishing its R-value. Mold can ruin the appearance of a finished basement and completely ruin your investment. In addition to this, mold can present a very dangerous health hazard, particularly to those with existing conditions such as asthma. Check for dampness, tamper, leaks, mold or fungus and correct those problems.

When incorporating your basement finishing ideas don’t forget that when you finish the basement, make sure that you can still have easy access to the plumbing and electric or you may end up tearing your basement apart if you ever have a problem and need to access either of them.

Once you have determined your basement is ready for renovations, basement finishing ideas can come from many sources. The easiest place to start is on your couch in front of the television. There are many great television shows dedicated to professionals fixing homes. Watching these shows can let you see real examples of people and what they have done with their properties. You don’t have to copy exactly what you see, instead try to see what you like or don’t like.

Other good sources for finding basement remodeling ideas can be using magazines and the internet. But the best source will be how-to & home improvement books especially the ones that focus only on basements. These home improvement books will guide you through the remodeling process in an organized and efficient way.

After you have a basic idea picked out, you can save yourself a lot of time and a number of headaches if you begin your design by sketching out the floor space in your basement. Use these basement finishing ideas to guide you as you revamp your basement.

• Show where any windows are located
• Indicate an exterior door
• Indicate the point(s) of access from the main floor
• Locate and indicate on your drawing, the location of your fuse box or circuit breaker box, shut-off valves for water, gas, etc. (You will need to design around these items to keep them accessible.)
• Indicate the location of any plumbing access pipes
• Indicate the location of appliances – furnace, heat pump, water heater, washer and dryer, etc.
• Indicate the location of any support poles or beams

If ducts for heat and air have already been installed, you might want to include a reminder of the location of any ducts or duct work you will need to accommodate when you install a ceiling.

Some of the most popular uses for finished basement space are:

• Playroom for children
• Home office space
• Teen or In-Law suite
• Guest Bedroom
• Home Theater
• Game room
• Computer or homework room
• Hobby or craft room
• Carpentry workshop
• Storage

Finishing your basement can be a bit of work, but the rewards are wonderful. Just be sure that you check for moisture before you start, leave easy access to plumbing and electric, and come up with the plans for everything before you get started. Do all this, and your basement is sure to be a success once it is finished.