A basement remodeling project can be a terrific way to take an existing unused space and convert it into an extra bedroom, a children's play area, a home theater and more. Take into account the size of the area, the water logging conditions in the Miami, FL area in which you live, and the new use of the basement before you begin finishing your basement. It takes some creativity and a lot of hard work to get a basement from a dank and dark space to a bright and cheerful family room or entertainment center. Basement remodeling is always done to create a new space for leisure, although you can just as easily turn your basement into a home office.
The first element of finishing your basement is taking care of waterproofing. A damp basement will not only ruin your furniture and furnishings, and produce that awful smell, but it can also decrease the value of your home by up to 25%. A completely dry basement is entirely possible by installing proper insulation that prevents condensation and moisture problems. After water proofing is done, look at ways to brighten your basement. Dull gray and brown colored paints are absolute no- nos. Look at light pastel shades like cream, ivory or yellow to bring in the light, and create an illusion of spaciousness. Open up existing windows to increase the brightness, and ensure good circulation of air. If you plan to use your basement for more than one purpose, like as a family room and an extra bedroom, demarcate these areas to establish boundaries, and to ensure proper flow in your basement. If you intend to continue using the basement as a storage area, designate a special storage closet or storage room to hold all your junk.
A basement remodel can proceed like clock work, giving you a beautiful and functional living space that meets all your needs. This can happen only if you plan out the project properly. Generally, a 4 to 6 month period is recommended for your basement remodel planning. Talk to each member of the family about their ideas for a finished basement, before you go hiring contractors. Layouts are difficult to change when you're half way through the project. For instance, the age of the people who use the basement most often must be considered. For instance, if you plan to have a children's play area, you also need a child friendly bathroom, non slip tiles, and simple and easy to clean furnishings. Besides, there are building code requirements to take care of. Expect unplanned for delays to take place, and factor in extra time to handle these.
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Looking to convert half the garage into a living area with bath and toilet |
We are looking to renovate and tear down our existing old cabinets. We are also looking to remove a wall to enlarge the kitchen area |