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Going Underground In
First Class
Looking for space to put an exercise
room, entertainment center or playroom? Go
underground! If your home has an unfinished
basement, remodeling might be a great way to
transform this commonly under-used space.
When considering a basement remodel, start by making
a floor plan. As you do, be sure to mark the
location of your furnace, washer and dryer, and any
other large appliances. Take notes on:
access to the basement from upstairs and outside;
where plumbing is already located if you want an
additional bathroom; where vertical support columns
are located; location of windows and doors; floor /
ceiling / wall materials.
With constant contact with the earth, basements are
vulnerable to dampness, making basement remodeling a
bit more complex than first meets the eye. We’ll
help you take appropriate measures to ensure a room
free from moisture.
Most basements have low ceilings and few windows.
But this doesn’t have to limit you. There are many
creative ways to make your basement light and airy.
Talk to us about the variety of wall and ceiling
lighting options available.
Creative Remodeling Solutions will help
you make sure that appropriate electrical lines and
outlets are provided from the beginning.
Here are some tricks-of-the-trade in making your
underground space first class:
Stay away from dark wood paneling and instead
consider drywall painted in light
tones to make the room brighter. Semi-gloss paint
will gently reflect even more light
into the room.
Open up the visual space. Double doors—even glass
double interior doors—take
away the typical cubicle look. Or, how about a
rounded archway or pass-through area from one room
into another.
Check to see if existing windows can be enlarged.
Or, consider installing a small boxed window for a
mini-garden to grow herbs or start plant seedlings.
This will greatly increase the amount of light
coming into the basement and provide a view to the
great outdoors.
Built-in bookcases and entertainment units add a
richness and depth to a room. Light them with either
interior lights or from the top to cast light
upwards.
Disguise vertical support beams, and horizontal
ceiling pipes or floor joists by boxing them in. Or,
you might decide to actually use pipes and beams as
interesting accents by painting them with bold
colors or with subtle earth tones.
An unfinished basement is much like a diamond in the
rough—unexplored splendor
awaiting your discovery!
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