| homeowners, it's the best-kept secret in space | | | | own windows wells from scratch, for a more finished |
| expansion. Before you say "no way", consider these | | | | and consistent look. |
| facts: | | | | * Don't be stingy with artificial lighting; a basement |
| Finishing the basement is a simple and cost-effective | | | | should be lit more heavily than above-grade areas, |
| alternative to adding square footage to a house. In | | | | especially if it will be used as a children's playroom. |
| fact, the cost of finishing your basement, with all or | | | | * Replace the existing door on the main floor |
| most of the same features [the skylights are the | | | | leading to the basement stairs with a French door. |
| only exception] you would get with an all-new | | | | Not only more light will reach the basement, but since |
| 'built-up' or 'built-out' addition, is around 25% ! The | | | | you can now see through the door, when walking to |
| key is to stop thinking of the remodeling space as a | | | | the upstairs, you just eliminated the risk of swinging |
| 'basement' and reconsider it as an addition. That is | | | | open the door in someone's face! One more |
| exactly what you'll get if you apply the following tips. | | | | benefit: when the kids forget to turn off the lights, |
| Since basements are surrounded by earth that | | | | which never, ever happens, you'll know right away! |
| remains at a relatively constant temperature year | | | | If the home is only one story, 'tunnel' sunlight from |
| around, they're naturally cooler in the summer than | | | | the roof to the stairwell via a 'skylight tube' available |
| above ground rooms. In the winter, the opposite | | | | from 5 or 6 different manufacturer at very |
| holds true. Dense masonry foundations keep them | | | | reasonable prices. |
| quiet, too, which makes them perfect for the | | | | * Access to the outdoors is an underestimated asset. |
| functions people most want to add to their homes: a | | | | Replace the existing door with a set of French |
| playroom for the kids, a home office, an exercise | | | | doors connecting to the backyard, [that's usually |
| area, a large custom shower, a sauna, a guest space | | | | where you find the grade at its lowest height] even |
| or just a place to unwind and shoot some pool, | | | | if that requires again cutting through solid concrete |
| throw darts, play ping pong. The dark end of a | | | | foundation walls. Picture this: If your new doors are |
| basement is the ideal place for a home theater. A | | | | facing south, you will love the winter, when the sun is |
| kitchenette or a wet bar adds a nice touch, not to | | | | at its lowest and therefore "soaks" your entire |
| mention practicality. | | | | basement! Click here to see an example. |
| Do you have teenagers? Not yet? Well, if you do, | | | | * Ducts and plumbing may need to be relocated |
| there's another, considerable benefit that could prove | | | | along walls or beams, where head-room isn't so |
| priceless. You can convert your basement to quality | | | | critical. Leave ceilings high in the center of rooms. |
| space where they can "hang out" with their friends, | | | | Along the walls where the ceiling is too low, a |
| rather than "who knows where." It's a sensible | | | | carpenter can install custom built-ins [cabinets or |
| way to keep control on what they're doing. | | | | shelving]. It is also the perfect place to locate |
| Since the work usually takes place in an | | | | closets. Design the rooms so that the posts or |
| out-of-the-way area with its own entrance, the | | | | columns are concealed inside the walls; eliminating one |
| contractor and his crew can spare the occupants | | | | or two is definitely possible, and in most cases |
| much of the hassle that goes with remodeling other | | | | desirable. |
| parts of the house. | | | | * Use horizontal design elements to emphasize the |
| To be sure, basements present challenges -- small | | | | width and length of the room rather than its lack of |
| windows, low ceilings, structural columns. But with the | | | | height. Set tiles in a diagonal pattern to make the |
| right budget, all can be overcome or even | | | | room feel wider. |
| transformed into assets. And unlike other existing | | | | * Slightly shorten the doors [and jambs!] by an inch |
| spaces, basements flaws are obvious, so you won't | | | | or two; The ceiling will seem higher and you will feel |
| have to budget for unpleasant surprises. | | | | taller! [do not try this if you're 6' 6" or taller!] You can |
| Best of all, the structure is already there: four walls, a | | | | also use smaller molding--for example, a 1" x 2" base |
| floor and ceiling, all paid for. What homeowner | | | | [rather than the usual 3 1/2"] to make walls seem |
| wouldn't like to hear that the job is 30 percent | | | | taller. |
| finished before the contractor even picks up a | | | | * Carpet is acceptable, but "Mexican" tiles are prime |
| hammer? | | | | choice if you want low maintenance and durability. |
| DESIGN TIPS FOR DOWN UNDER | | | | Unlike carpet, ceramic tiles don't hold moisture. |
| * Maximize window area, for emergency escape as | | | | Remember, you're still below grade and below other |
| well as maximum daylight. Most building codes require | | | | floor[s]; accidents, like a clogged dishwasher, wash |
| every room to have two ways to exit [NOTE: a | | | | machine, bathtub, toilet, or other fixture can and will |
| window is considered a way to exit, but only if the | | | | happen. Kids will spill drinks. With tiles, all you do is |
| bottom of that window is no higher than 54" from | | | | get the mop out! If you must have carpet, use |
| the finished floor]. Keep the floor plan "open"; this will | | | | area rugs. Area rugs also helps in defining different |
| make the place brighter, and lower your overall | | | | areas. When they do get wet or dirty, you just roll |
| project costs. Funnel in as much daylight as possible. | | | | them up and send them out for cleaning! voil |
| The existing windows wells can be dug deeper, so | | | | * Include a new separate heating zone, with its |
| that larger and lower windows can be installed. This | | | | own thermostat. |
| remains true even if cutting through solid, poured | | | | * Hang the pictures slightly lower than you would |
| concrete foundation walls is necessary. There's a | | | | on other floors. * An extra full bathroom used |
| company ['Bilco'] that introduced a product called | | | | to be an option; now it is considered a must. In |
| 'Scapewel'. It's a large window well system made of | | | | fact, many of our clients opt for a custom shower, |
| structural rigid foam. Terraced steps scoop in natural | | | | with some of the following options: built-in seat, |
| light and provide easy escape. The steps can be | | | | steam, walk-in, multiple heads. Saunas are also |
| enhanced with potted plants. We prefer to build our | | | | increasing in popularity. |