|  When
homeowners need more living space, they usually look up to the attic
or out to the backyard. Indeed, the vast majority of Del Sol Construction's
remodeling projects are additions, including many second story additions
over an existing garage. Sometimes when space or budget considerations
rule out an addition, that space down under the home becomes prime
remodeling territory. Remodelers and homeowners alike are discovering
why the basement is the best kept secret in space expansion. Finishing
the basement provides a simple and cost effective alternative to
adding square footage to a house. Because basements are surrounded
by earth that remains at a relatively constant temperature, they
are naturally cooler in the summer than above ground rooms. Dense
masonry foundations keep basements quiet, too, which makes them
perfect for some of the functions people most want to add to their
homes: a playroom for the kids, a home office, an exercise room
or guest space. The dark end of a basement is the ideal place for
a home theater. Perhaps best of all, the basic structure is already
there: four unfinished walls, a sub floor and framed ceiling, all
paid for when the home was built. What homeowner wouldn’t
like to hear that the job is 30 percent finished even before the
first nail is driven?
To be sure, basements present challenges - small windows, low ceilings,
structural columns - but they can be overcome or transformed into
assets. Unlike other existing spaces, basement flaws are usually
obvious, so you won't have to budget for unpleasant surprises. Because
the work usually takes place in an out of the way area with its
own entrance, the contractor can spare the occupants much of the
hassle that goes with remodeling other parts of the house
Basement Design Tips
- Maximize window area, for emergency
escape as well as daylight. Funnel in as much daylight as possible.
Do whatever it takes: dig the window wells deeper and/or break
into the foundation and create new openings.
- Don't be stingy with artificial lighting;
a basement should be lit more heavily than above grade areas,
especially if it will be used as a children's playroom.
- Access to the outdoors is a great asset.
If outside grade permits, replace the existing small door with
a set of French doors or a slider connecting to the backyard.
The results will be worth it, even if it requires breaking through
the foundation.
- Concentrate ducts and plumbing along walls
or column lines, or existing heating trunks where head room is
not so critical, and leave ceilings high in the center of rooms.
Design the rooms so that the posts or columns are concealed inside
the walls.
- Use horizontal design elements to emphasize
the width and length of the room rather than its lack of height.
- For the cooler months you may want to include
supplemental heat, the thermostat is still upstairs and sometimes
the basement will stay cooler than the rest of the house. Of course
this is an advantage in the warmer months so existing air conditioning
equipment is usually adequate.
- While you are remodeling your basement you
should consider adding a bathroom; you will be forever grateful
you did.
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