The basement is that large underutilized space below your feet. You know it’s there because you keep a lot of the items you don’t use every day there just in case you might need them someday. It’s the place where your kids were afraid to go when they were little. The basement is the dark, damp, unfriendly space under your kitchen, your family room and your main floor bathroom. Just sitting there, waiting for something wonderful to happen to it!
Now that the kids are all grown up and you have no plans on moving anytime soon, you want to remodel your basement. You want to use that extra space for something extra-special for you. Here are 5 “must have” ideas to plan for when remodeling your basement.
The tendency is to make sure that all the square footage in your basement is livable. Be sure to plan for a small room that can be used for extra storage. Keep holiday decorations, gift wrap, or items you use on occasion in the basement storage. Add shelving to organize well. You can also use this space to store wine, if the basement in not a walk out!
Radiant floor heating
Basements can be cold. When remodeling the basement, plan for radiant floor heating to warm the basement in the colder months. Radiant floor heating can add value to your home and make living or entertaining in the basement more enjoyable. Heat travels upward so warming the basement will also be warming the rest of the house. Don’t forget to add basement insulation in the ceiling and walls for extra energy savings.
Consider alternative flooring
Flooring in the basement can be a place to get creative. Consider partial tile or adding hardwood or acid staining the concrete that is already there. Artisan Construction can also cut lines in the concrete and stain it to make it look like 16 or 20” tiles at a significant cost savings.
Take advantage of the remodel for extra additions
Now is the time to evaluate and take care of any creaking in the main floor above the basement. If you have hardwood floors that are making noise, make sure you take care of them before you remodel the basement. Now is also the time to add additional electrical outlets or water spikettes to the backyard.
Build a covered patio
If you have a walk out basement, add a larger door to accommodate an under deck outdoor patio. Add a paver patio or a poured concrete patio outside your remodeled basement. Use the deck floor above as the ceiling for your patio. Consider enclosing the patio for a screened in porch to enjoy the outdoors even in the summer mosquito weather. Add a ceiling fan for additional comfort and function.
Winter is the perfect time to remodel your basement and the experts at Artisan Construction can include all your wants and expose you to some ideas that can add function and usability to your basement. Every remodeling project is done with attention to detail with an artist’s eye. In business since 1993, Chad and his team are perfectionists. They work with their clients to ensure satisfaction. Most of Chad’s clients love their remodeling projects because Chad makes the experience easy and enjoyable. No remodeling horror stories with Artisan Construction! Remodel your basement this winter and enjoy it this spring!
By Chad Pfeffer
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