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Basement

Basement Water

Basement water caused by water leakage is one of the most common problems found in houses. While basement foundation damage caused by water leakage is not common, basement water can be a major inconvenience, and often causes damage to basement flooring and stored items.

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In addition, odors caused by mold and mildew can be particularly offensive to some people and can even be a source of allergic reactions. It has been documented that at least 98% of all basements will leak at some point as a house ages and settles.

Basement water leakage is one of the most common defects identified during an inspection for resale of a home. And can also be one of the most preventable. Basement water leakage is very often the result of improperly laid exterior grading, where the surfaces of a driveway or patio have settled and cracked to form a conduit for water to seep into your basement.

Combined with a lack of proper gutters and drainage, basement water can become a major nuisance. But very often, preventing basement repair is as simple as thinking ahead. If the home that you own or are considering purchasing has a basement, you need to know if there has ever been water or dampness in the basement and where it comes from.

If you find basement water, the first step in curing a basement water problem is to determine the source of the water. Basically, you can divide potential basement water sources into three categories:

  • Surface water is a flow of water whose basic source is primarily water from run-off, rain, snow, or poor drainage. This type of water problem is generally restricted to the top four feet of soil.
  • Ground water is a flow of water produced from high water tables, springs and rivers, and can be made worse by poor soil. This type of water problem can extend from the surface and then run down past the level of the basement floor.
  • Other water comes from different sources and can originate from inside or outside of your home, due to condensation, temperature differences, and plumbing leakage.

To solve your basement water problem, and before you start basement repairs, think about whether basement water shows up after only heavy rains, or every time it rains. Is the leakage usually confined to one specific area, and if so, can you associate an external source with this area, such as a window well, or a poorly sloped driveway?

Once you have isolated your basement water problems, then any basement repair, basement refinishing and basement remodeling become easier. Basement waterproofing is important, because basement water and the damage that it can do to your home is nothing that any home owner wants to suffer from.

Hidden Benefits of Fixing a Wet Basement

You would like to call in a professionalg. But you are not sure about expense of waterproofing versus the benefits.

Benefit #1 – Increased your property value of your home. Nothing drops the resell price of house like a wet and smelly basement. Just think, if you don’t like the idea of messing around in a wet basement, then neither will your potential customers. By waterproofing your basement you can increase the value of your home by much as 25%.

Benefit #2 – Increase the structural integrity of your foundation. The most significant cause of foundation failure is long-term and chronic water damage. If you think waterproofing is expensive, just do some research and have a look at the price of redoing a few walls in your base. You will quickly see why waterproofing a moist basement can turn out to be a great bargain.

Benefit #3 – You may get a healthier home for your loved ones. Wet basements increase the humidity all through your residence. The increased moisture are perfect breeding grounds for molds, mildews as well as dust mites. Each one of these conditions can lead to health problems such as asthma, sinusitis, respiratory difficulties in addition to permanent damage to the automobile immune system.

Benefit #4 – Have a warmer house in the winter and save on heating bills. Humid air is more difficult to heat then normal. Whenever your house is damp due to a wet basement, your heating system must work overtime to warm any moisture laden air. This is turn pushes up your heating costs. This may be quite expensive over the long term. The money you spend in hiring someone from a business like Atlantic waterproofing can be made back in heating bills savings.

Benefit #5 – Enjoy your new living area. Once you get that wet basement fixed it is possible to turn that new area into a playroom, home office, family room, exercise room or save in case for secure, dry storage area. By waterproofing your basement, you boost your living room by nearly twice. The design possibilities for this new space are endless.

Benefit #6 – And lastly the most significant advantage: you will have peace of mind and a more comfortable home. Just think, no longer worrying about the basement every time it rains. No stress and hassle of moving things around in the cellar from wet spot to dry. Your cellar is an rediscovered addition to your house and no longer an eye sore and secret problem.

Preventing Water Damage in Your Basement

The wet basement can develop into a complete disaster especially since many maintenance systems are installed in it. For example: electrical wires, water and sewage pipes, garbage disposal etc. Read these following guide lines to learn how to prevent water damage caused by HVAC systems, ventilation systems, pipes condensations, sump pumps, walls, ceiling, and the foundations.

Be thorough when performing these inspections and be sure to inspect your basement regularly

HVAC Systems

Heating and air conditioning systems must be inspected frequently. Check the drain pans and remove debris to allow free flow. Inspect the filters and replace whenever needed. When inspecting the HVAC, look at the ductwork and seal deteriorating insulations.

Pipes Condensations

Pipes condensation is a common plumbing problem caused by sweating pipes. This problem promotes mold corrosion and rot if ignored. Insulating your pipes will reduce condensation.

Sump Pumps

Sump pump systems assist in keeping unwanted water out of your home. When checking the pump, make sure the outlet pipe is not frozen or clogged and that it directs water away from your home. Clean the air hole in the discharge line and make sure that the motor is running well. Test the pump by filling the sump pit with water to make sure the pump is working properly. Check that the pump is actually pumping out water.

Walls and Ceiling

Check the walls and look for moisture signs. Moist walls may indicate an internal leak. Look at the walls and search for stains. If you detect stains, follow them to locate the source of the problem and fix it. Even the smallest sign for a leak in the basement must be treated promptly.

The Foundations

Foundations are not always waterproof. Gaps and cracks are created as the house shifts and settles over time. Landscape is also changing over time and may lead to excessive water in the soil around your home. Seek professional help if you need to make any landscape or foundations repairs.

Ventilation

When checking the ventilation systems, be sure to inspect all ventilation systems including water heater, exhaust fans, dryer vents etc. if you suspect any failure in these systems, repair it right away.

Wet Basement/Crawlspace, Foundation Movement, Mold Growth – Checked Your Sump Pump Lately?

Sump Pump importance

How many of us understand the importance of the sump pump in keeping water away from the foundation of our homes? When was the last time you checked your sump pump for proper operation? Notice any foundation cracks around your home? Ever make the connection that your sump pump may be the cause of this cracking….? Think again. Water is the #1 enemy of a home. As a homeowner, your maintenance checklist should include checking the key items that ensure all surface and sub-surface water is directed away from the home.

This includes controlling surface water, controlling sub-surface water, and a properly operating and maintained sump pump discharge system. The following components are an integral part of a water control program for every homeowner;

1) Surface Water Control

• Gutters & Downspouts

o Ensure no obstructions are in the gutters and ensure downspouts push out away from home

• Lot Grading

o Ensure landscaping does not slope back towards the home

2) Sub-Surface Water Control

• Perimeter Drain System

o Surface water can move along the foundation wall

o This water is collected by the perimeter drain system and sent to the sump pump for discharge away from the home

3) Sump Pump Discharge System

• The sump pit gathers water from the perimeter drains, allowing this water to flow away from the foundation

• When the level reaches a set height, the sump turns on and discharges water away from the home

Sump Pump Problems

• Stuck floats & pump failure are the #1 sump problems

o If your float is stuck, or the pump fails, the sump will not come on and will not discharge the water

o This fills the sump, traps water in the perimeter drains, and traps water against the foundation walls of the home

Sump Pump Failure Results

• The results of sump failures can be dramatic and costly:

o Foundation wall movement (due to expansive soils)
o Flooded basement
o Mold growth

Sump Pump Testing

It is important to check your sump pump regularly to make sure that it is in proper working condition.

•Remove the cover and slowly pour water into the sump tank.
•Watch for the “float” to rise and trigger the pump.
•Once the pump is engaged, the water level will quickly lower and the float will shut off the pump.

Simple maintenance steps are all it takes to prevent costly problems from developing. After a hard rain or heavy snow melt, take a look at your sump pump. Check the level and pump operation regularly. When purchasing a home, look closely at these areas, or ask you home inspector to focus on these areas in a separate walk through of the home. The cost of an inspection will be well worth the peace of mind in knowing that these components are functioning and installed properly. Using simple observational analysis and visual inspections can be the difference between solving a problem early on, and being faced with extensive, costly repairs.

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Basement

Being banished to the basement doesn’t always have to be punishment! Nowadays, owners of homes with a basement consider the space to be prime square footage. Everything from hobby rooms, play rooms, media centers, music rooms, poker parlors, exercise areas, office space and of course, it’s original purpose, storage space, is finding new life in the space “down below.”

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The definition of a basement is an area that is either fully or partially below ground level. This is not to be confused with the crawl space of a house, since another part of the definition is that a person should be able to stand upright in the area.

The amount of square footage in the basement is generally equivalent to that on the ground floor. In most homes, it’s like having another entire level of living space, which can add up to quite a bit! The options for utilizing that amount of space really are limited only by the imagination since the space usually will have electricity and plumbing.

The basement can be partitioned off into different rooms or it can be one huge open space. If this part of your home is “finished” then consider yourself lucky. If not, or if the space is on the remodeling To Do list, there are issues to consider before proceeding with the project. First, it’s important to identify “trouble” spots such as lowered ceilings, enclosed boiler rooms, and ductwork. Second, the space must not leak. Uncontrolled moisture will cause a number of dangerous and damaging problems including the growth of mold.

Once the identification and remediation of basement problem areas is finished, the next step is determining a layout for the space. The task can be overwhelming, and a good way to begin is by determining the activities that’ll likely take place in the space. Looking at pictures or at what others have done always helps jump-start the imagination.

Keep in mind that the basement will have little or no natural light so consider this when planning the layout. Slowly but surely this space will spring to life and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Next time you think it’s no big deal, remember that over time, excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to the onset of eye conditions including retina damage and even cataracts. So do your eyes a favor – eat your carrots and be sure to carry your sunglasses with you at all times!

8 Easy Steps to Creating a Functional Basement

Most basements are dark, gloomy, and simply serve as a storage area for old toys, clothes, seasonal items, and anything else that is not used on a regular basis. Most of us rarely go down into the basement unless it is to unload more clutter that we don’t want or need.

But, why not turn this gloomy storage room into something functional and useful? Remodeling your basement is a cost-effective way to significantly increase your home’s living space. Suddenly you could have a nice, cozy guest room, a playroom for your children, a home office, a game room; the possibilities are endless!

Below are eight simple steps to a brand new basement.

1. Repair any Basement Water Problems First

Even if your basement hardly ever has issues with flooding or dampness, it’s best to take care of the problem completely before beginning any remodeling efforts.
Permanent solutions can take time to put into operation. A smart place to begin is to get in touch with a home inspector who specializes in waterproofing problems.

2. Decide What You Want to Use Your Basement For

This is where you can turn lemons into lemonade. Your Basement has poor lighting? Consider setting up a dark room or a home theater. Is your basement lonely and isolated? The isolation helps provide a nice sound cushion for noisy activities such as a teenager hangout, a game room, or a place for your kids to practice their musical instruments to their hearts content. Use your imagination and come up with something that will benefit your family’s lifestyle.

3. Consider Professional Advice with Your Basement Design

Even though your basement might not be much to look at now, you’ll want to end up with quality living space when the project is finished. An interior designer or architect can help you get the most out of the space. A little forethought and careful planning now can help you design a space that is attractive, comfortable and practical.

4. Consider the Air Circulation

Something important to consider is the air circulation of your basement. When your home was originally built, chances are that there were very few if any registers or vents installed in the basement. When you remodel your basement, you need to think about the need for good air circulation, adding openings where necessary.
To be on the safe side, install a carbon monoxide detector in your basement so that you’ll have an early warning of any problems with the venting of the furnace or any other major appliances.

5. Make the Most of Your Basement’s Natural Light

Depending on what you are using your basement for, you may wish to add more natural lighting. This can be done by enlarging your basement’s windows. Another benefit of larger windows is that they provide additional escape routes in case of fire.

Some may be concerned that by having basement windows that is providing easier access into the home by thieves. One way to lessen that risk is to install glass bricks instead of conventional windows at any location that is high-risk.

Take full advantage of the effect of regular windows by mounting some windows in the interior walls between rooms that open pathways for natural light to reach interior rooms.

Basement Renovation

A finished basement can be a great place where you can entertain your family and friends by putting in a recreation room which includes a pool table, ping pong table, pinball machine, and/or dartboard.

Before a basement renovation you should:

1. Look for basement foundation cracks. Hairline cracks in the basement can be the fault of improper curing where as large cracks are most likely caused by settling. Both can be repaired with hydraulic cement if the crack is not active i.e. whatever caused the crack is no longer an existing problem. If the basement crack is still active then the crack patching may be re-opened later.

2. Look for basement moisture problems. Moisture problems may be tough to fix. Water is persistent and can make its way through the basement walls that are considered permeable. An easy way to test water problems is to tape a piece of aluminum foil to various places on the basement walls and floors. Seal the edges of the foil tightly and leave in place for several days. After several days, if moisture droplets appear beneath the foil then moisture is going through the basement masonry.

If the moisture appears on top of the foil, the problem is condensation from basement humidity. Look for other water problems by looking in the underside of the basement’s first subflooring for signs of leaks. Fix any faulty pipes and fixtures. Look for brownish stains on the basement subfloor and sides of the basement joists. This will indicate active or an old leak that has been repaired. If the stain is spongy, an active leak exists.

Basement renovation planning is key to the success of your basement. For instance, if you decide you want a wetbar and/or bathroom, you will need to have the plumbing done first. This would be a top priority because the plumbing usually goes beneath the cement floor. After the plumbing is completed, you need to plan and install the electric which may include hiring a certified electrician.

Your plans should include enough electrical outlets, telephone lines and cable hook-ups. These will be used for your television(s), lamp(s), computer(s), electronic games, and a computer modem. Once installed, you must decide on paneling, dry walling, or painting to cover your cement walls. Although paneling might be cheaper, the refined look of drywall makes it the material of choice for finished spaces.

Paneling can look dated and does not always last long.

The next phase in your plans should be the stairwell. Some professionals suggest you should open up the stairwell and install a banister because a basement typically features stairwells that are enclosed. By opening up the basement stairwell you remove some of the basement like atmosphere. Some designers would like to see the doorways of the basement widened and employ arches and columns to dress them up. Examples include French Doors for privacy or a partial separator using decorative glass to add elegance to the basement room.

When looking at windows, if applicable, add as many as you can. Basements tend to be dark and gloomy but with more natural light it becomes a better and well lit area. If windows are very limited, look into security and use glass block windows. When it comes to artificial lighting, the choices are fluorescent lights, table lights, floor lamps and ceiling lights. If your budget allows, stay away from the fluorescent lighting since it is not the most appealing in design.

When installing the ceiling, stay away from suspended ceilings because they make the basement look like a basement. Consider using tray ceilings. When choosing the color for painting, use a light, bright, or dramatic color scheme. With these colors, you can turn that dark gloomy basement into a room that opens and brightens.

The basement floor is always cold since it is in direct contact with the ground. Look at having a subfloor between the concrete and flooring space. This will make it a warmer and dryer living area and a smooth surface for your carpet or flooring of your choosing. If a subfloor is not in your plans and you are using carpet, get plenty of padding to put under the carpet. Try to have a storage room added, maybe around the sump and furnace area. This would be convenient for all those things that can’t be thrown out. Think about adding shelves to this room to keep it fairly organized.

To control noise, have thick wall to wall carpeting and a high quality pad can absorb much of the sound. You can use sound deadening material below any underlayment or subfloor. This is nice especially if the basement is used for a bedroom or office. An easy way to reduce noise is by installation of thick insulation between ceiling joists.

In below-ground basement renovations, should you want to add a kitchen or bath you can tie into the plumbing system that is in place above. You can buy toilets and lavatories that are specifically designed for below grade applications.

After your basement renovation are complete, start adding the “toys” that will make it an enjoyable area where you get away from it all.

Beautifying Your Basement

Quick Tips for a Successful Basement Remodel

Need a place to entertain the guys and house the pool table? Want to rid the family room of toys from tots and teens? Remodeling your basement is the easiest and most affordable way to add value and additional living space to your home.

Depending on your skill level, you may need to hire a professional contractor to help out with parts of the project. However, with a little preparation and planning, refinishing your basement can be simple.

Plumbing and Patching — If you’re planning to install a bathroom or a wet bar, plumbing needs to be the first priority since pipes may need to be installed beneath the cement floor. Once all plumbing is installed, be sure to patch all cracks in the floor and walls. Use a low-odor, polyurethane sealant, such as PL Concrete and Masonry Sealant (www.stickwithPL.com), which will produce a flexible, long-lasting seal for all cracks in the foundation.

Block in Beauty and Security — If your basement is not already equipped with glass block windows, it may be a good idea to have them installed now. Glass block windows (www.pittsburghcorning.com) not only provide aesthetic appeal and light transmission, but also provide added security from intruders.

Electrical — Once the plumbing system is in place, it is time for the electric. Be sure to install a sufficient number of electrical outlets and telephone lines to accommodate televisions, lamps and computer modems. And don’t forget the cable lines too!

Walls — Drywalling is the easiest way to cover cement walls to create a smooth surface. Be sure to use a low-odor, fast-grabbing adhesive such as PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive (www.stickwithPL.com) to create a secure bond and to reduce the need for difficult nailing into the cement block. Once the drywall is in place, PL Premium can be used to adhere baseboards and wainscoting over the drywall. These decorative accents will not only add beauty, but also functionality to the walls by protecting the drywall from dents or scratches from flying cue balls or toy car crashes.

Drop the Ceiling — When it comes to ceiling choices, acoustical tiles are a safe bet. Not only are these tiles aesthetically pleasing, but they will also provide easy access to utilities for the rest of the house.

Flooring — Since the floor of the basement is in direct contact with the ground, it is most likely going to be cold! Installing a subfloor between the concrete and flooring surface will provide a warmer, dryer environment for your new basement living area. In addition, it will provide a smooth, secure surface for your carpet or other flooring choice.

How to Finish Your Basement

Finishing your basement can almost double the square foot living space of your home. A finished basement can include new living space such as a recreation room, a game room, a bar and even bedrooms and bathrooms.

Finishing a basement or remodeling a basement is also a relatively inexpensive remodeling job as frequently outside construction is not required. And since it is not a critical living area it can be completed at a leisurely pace. Consequently finishing a basement is a project that do it yourself homeowners can tackle.

Prior to the start of finishing a basement, a do it yourself homeowner should first develop a well thought out finished basement construction plan. To help in formulating a basement construction plan a homeowner should carefully evaluate the condition of their home’s existing basement and what type of living space they want to achieve in the finished basement. Frequently when finishing a basement, the mechanical equipment such as water heaters, furnaces, and water and oil storage tanks will need to be moved. With careful planning some of this movement can be minimized.

When finishing a basement a homeowner should also consider any water or moisture problems that do exist or could exist in the basement. Perimeter drains may be required. In addition the exterior and interior concrete walls of the basement may need to be sealed.

If a bathroom or wet bar is to be installed, then plumbing will need to be carefully considered, particularly if the home is on a private septic system. A pump up waste water system may be required and if so a portion of the existing concrete floor may need to be removed to allow room for the drain lines and pump-up system.

Lighting is another important aspect of finishing a basement. If natural light can be installed, via the installation of windows, then I highly recommend it. Besides letting light in, windows also add character to the finished basement. In addition, ceiling lights should also be included in the finished basement plans, and the more the better. Finally, workspace lighting should be added where necessary and each set of workspace lighting should be controlled separately.

Ceiling height is another major concern when finishing basements. Frequently homeowners elect to go with dropped ceilings; however dropped ceilings can significantly reduce ceiling height if not carefully planned. A drywalled ceiling can preserve more ceiling height and give a better finished look to the basement, however careful planning needs to be made for access points to valves and to kitchen and bathroom plumbing traps.

Frequently finished basements include home theater systems. Particular attention should be given to electrical wiring for basement home theater systems. Besides electrical wiring, there is speaker wire, cable wire, and Cat-5 wiring that is typically required for a quality home theater system.

With a well thought out basement remodeling plan a finished basement can be major plus to your home, both in personal utilization and resale value. Addressing up front key items such as basement water and moisture issues, as well as lighting and ceiling heights concerns, can help to ensure you get the finished basement you have been dreaming about.

For more help on finishing your basement, see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Basement Remodeling Bid sheet. The Basement Remodeling Bid Sheet will help ensure that your bathroom remodeling project goes smoothly and you get the finished basement you are looking for. In addition it will help to ensure that finishing your basement will be accomplished on time and on budget.

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Basement

It’s one of those spaces that can easily be wasted in a home, yet it has the potential to be one of the best places in the house. What are we talking about? Yes, you’ve guessed it; the humble basement.

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If you are keen to transform your current dark, messy basement into a cool and usable space you definitely have a wise head on your shoulders. That being said, for most of us, our wise head is not accompanied by an endless amount of money to blow as we please! So how can you do up your basement on a shoestring? Allow us to indulge you in some great basement ideas on a budget, they are sure to get your creative juices flowing very nicely.

Go For Raw Appeal

We all know that when it comes to our kitchen, dining room living room and so forth, we need to ensure that the look is ‘finished’. Exposed ceilings or walls that lack drywall aren’t exactly going to give your home the look you want. However, are such niceties’ necessary in a basement that you plan to convert?

Actually, you may be able to make more of an impact by skipping these embellishments, hence not only saving you money but also giving you a sense of ‘real’ style! That industrial decor look for a basement can really add a sense of uniqueness to your space. It can separate the room as somewhere a little different from the rest of the house and even create an atmosphere that is more conducive to relaxing. You see, creating a cool space does not need to be about spending a lot of money; trust us.

Choose Colors Wisely

As is the case in any room your choice of color can have a major impact on how the finished room looks. If your basement does not benefit from a lot of natural light (which is the case for many basements) you may want to consider using only white as wall paint and bringing in a few bold color statement pieces to bring the room to life.

On the other hand, if your basement is blessed with natural light, you will be able to get away with a feature wall boasting a stronger color to create a great vibe for the room.

Remember, paint is relatively inexpensive, especially if you search the bargain bins at your local DIY store. You may be surprised at what great deals you can come across just by taking a few extra minutes to dig around and see what is lurking at the bottom. Don’t forget that the price of a reduced tin of paint does not diminish in any way the phenomenal effect it can have on a room. Indeed, paint can be on of the greatest secrets to great basement ideas on a budget.

Of course, before you go purchasing every promotional tin of paint you can get your paws on you do need to take the time to consider what ‘look’ you are going for in your basement. By having your chosen style firmly in your mind you will be able to choose colors that will compliment it well and really bring your vision to life in a spectacular way. Just don’t forget that you still need to take into account how much natural light the basement gets when making your choice.

Indeed, the humble basement has bags of potential but it’s up to you whether you make the most of it or not. Having a small budget should not be a reason to hold back on converting your basement. It only takes a little cash, a few great basement ideas on a budget and a big imagination to truly make a space magical.

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Basement

A low ceiling in areas such as the basement creates an oppressive feeling that makes it hard to find such a space habitable let along usable. However, revamping the basement in a great way of updating your home to get to most out of the available space. Of the many upgrading basement ideas with low ceilings out there, excavating the floor is often an option quickly pop up in the mind of many homeowners. However, it is a costly undertaking in as much as it is a possibility.

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So how do you maximize the available room in your basement when faced with the restrictive nature of the low ceiling? The answer lies in finding ways of creating the illusion of additional vertical space, and you can achieve this with the following simple renovations and decorating techniques:

1. Illuminate the ceiling

The introduction of lights that point upwards to the low ceiling can help increase the perceived height. You can achieve this using small spotlights installed in the walls and can be adjusted to point up towards the ceiling at the desired angle. Track lighting or wall sconces and also suffice. The lighting should be installed above eye level so that the illumination does not interfere with the line of vision. Lights should also be installed at the highest point of a low sloped ceiling to help draw eyes upwards and achieve the desired illusion of additional vertical height. Moreover, the use of a few colored bulbs can add a vibrant decorative touch to the basement.

2. Introduce pale colors and use a monochromatic scheme

The use of bright shades of paint can help make a low ceilinged basement feel less of a cave. Dark colors emphasize the limited vertical room available. Colors that reflect the available light – be it natural or artificial lighting – are an excellent choice when thinking of refurbishing basement ideas with low ceilings. The colors help to inject a sense of roominess in the basement. The best effects are achieved through painting the walls with pale colors and the ceiling with a bright contrasting color. Consider using a monochromatic color scheme to create the feeling of openness in the room.

3. Low raftered ceilings with exposed beams

For a raftered low ceiling with exposed beams, boarding them up is not the way to go. The home remodeling gurus suggest leaving the rafters exposed and finding areas in their placement that can be transformed into an architectural feature. Also, identify a focal point where you can install some spotlights in the beams. Sanding and refinishing the rafters with a beautiful polish is an excellent option if you are going for a rustic décor. Painting them can also help add some vitality to the beams.

4. Adding patterns to create visual illusions

For basements with flat low ceilings that are lacking a decorative element, you can inject some life into them by creating patterns that run from the walls to the center or a particular point of the ceiling. Place strips around the walls to make a grid pattern that has a layered effect and then paint the strips with a color that contrasts that of the walls and ceiling. Alternatively, you can place the strips only on the walls and then paint them with the same color as the ceiling. The two options create an illusion that helps to draw the eyes upwards, and this makes the basement feel roomier.

5. Work with a low décor design

Lastly, the type décor design to consider when thinking of revamping basement ideas with low ceilings should be one that capitalizes on elements that help the basement feel more spacious. For instance, use low furniture such as throw pillows and low-backed chairs for seating. Also, install Decorative pieces such as wall hangings and drapes that help reinforce the illusion of additional vertical height.

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Basement

The basement can be an area that offers valuable extra space. And while such areas are a luxury that most homes have, they are often unutilized. Changing the basement into a room for one or more purposes can be a value-addition project for the home. It is possible to transform such a space when on a budget using a bit of creativity when implementing DIY basement ideas.

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The idea of renovating the basement is something that most homeowners loath. For them, they count the costs of framing, electrical wiring, installing electrical fixtures, the flooring, drywall, and finishes that amount to a considerable expenditure and that is before bringing in the new décor. As such, below are some creative and inexpensive DIY ideas of transforming the basement on a shoestring budget.

Update The Floor

Most basements have a concrete floor, and it often looks harsh and unfinished. Such a basement can be a cold place and adding throw down area rugs can help warm it up. Moreover, adding some foam mats can help soften up the floor turning it into a surface ideal for doing yoga, workouts, or playtime with the kids. To bring in a creative décor touch, by square and rectangular rugs in different sizes, colors, and patterns and lay them down to create a puzzle.

Install Storage Options

In most cases, basements have the potential of being storage spaces. However, it can be a storage area that can be used for more than keeping items. Installing some cabinets and shelves to make use of the naked walls is one way of utilizing the vertical space and leaving more room for other things on the floor, such as a few old sofas for chilling or a pool table for some hidden playtime.

Create Partitions

If the basement is a vast open space, then partitioning it to create secluded segments can help have two or more areas serving different purposes. Installing a simple and inexpensive curtain system is a fantastic way of building walls. The curtain partition will also serve as a decorative touch. It is one of the easy DIY basement ideas worth implement because can opt to use flat sheet attached to a picture wire taut the stretches across the room. You can have this set up if one side of the basement is for storage or doing laundry and you want it to stay hidden from plain view.

Update The Ceiling

If the basement has a raftered ceiling that you find somewhat off and not to your liking, adding a few boards and painting them can be transformational. Alternatively, you give the beams a paint job, and the result will be a new look that leaves room for doing making repairs or doing planned renovations in the future when you have the money for such upgrades. You can as well opt to craft a canopy for the ceiling if you lack the money for the new ceiling boards. You can achieve this by hanging swaths of similar or different fabrics of one color or two complementary shades. Top it all off with a whimsical pendant lighting fixture that will complement the overall look.

Add Light

The location of the basement can see some have little to no natural lights peering inside. Moreover, the basements will have few power outlets and a couple of naked lighting fixtures on the ceiling. Taking down the old bulb fixtures and bringing in something new and trendy can help inject a playful ambiance into the room. Consider handing some industrial string lights if you have a basement with a high ceiling. Conversely, you can do spotlights on the walls that illuminate a low ceiling made of bare wood beams; remember to refinish the beams so that they stand out in the light.

The above DIY basement ideas are examples of what can be achieved when on a budget but with apt creativity. Implementing them can change any basement from a cold, glooming room in and a space that feels adequately homey.

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Basement

Modern basements have become smaller than before. Gone are the days when you could fit a sofa set, a couple of tables, and your washing machine in the basement and move around freely.

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The ones that are available now are more compact. But they are spacious enough to be used as an additional room if you decorate it cleverly. Remodelling the basement will not cost you a fortune. However, if you want to make it look like a definite part of the house, here are some of the ideas that you can follow:

1. Make it colorful and comfortable

Unlike the other rooms in the house that follow a standard color code and are more sober, you can take a different approach for the basement. Try to make it as colorful as possible. Starting from the walls to the fixtures in the basement, make sure everything has a definite color instead of the shabby black or gray or white. You can turn the basement into your dedicated TV room. Install a big and have a comfortable bed with colorful bed-sheets to complement the colors on the walls. Also, do not forget to light up the basement with LED lights. This will make it look brighter and more colorful.

2. Make it your personal lounge

If your basement does not have enough room for a bed or a giant TV, you can turn it into your personal lounge. There are numerous small basement ideas that can be implemented but everything depends on the size of the basement. Ideally, you should get an L-shaped sofa. These sofas look beautiful and they don’t take much space. Additionally, you can add antique center tables that will give a groovy look to the basement. Instead of installing fixed lights on the ceiling or the wall, it would be better to have hanging lights from the ceiling. You can strategically place the lights just above the center tables to give a better aesthetic feel. And, do not forget to add cushions for the sofa.

3. Turn it into a reading room

Probably the easiest of the small basement ideas will be to convert the basement into a reading room. Modern houses have become so expensive that you can hardly afford to have an extra room that you can use for reading or working purposes. But, the basement can be remodeled into a study-room without much of a hassle. Remove the washing machine or other gadgets along with the existing furniture and fixtures. Paint sober colors on the walls such as light blue or peach or light green. If you already have a bookshelf that is hard to accommodate in the other rooms, bring it down to the basement. Add a table and a chair facing the staircase and enjoy your very own reading room or study room.

4. Make it a gaming room

Most houses don’t have a room where you and your friends can enjoy hours playing with the Xbox. So, your basement can make way and become a gaming room. There is not much that you have to do. Paint the walls and install bright lights. You can have a mini-fridge if you want to keep a few bottles of beer. Bring a couple of small tables and install a big TV one of the walls. Add two or three bean bags and it will be enough to convert the basement into a gaming room. This is another of the small basement ideas that are easy to implement.

Now that you have four different ideas, decide which one will be perfect for your basement and start off with the remodelling as quickly as possible.

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Basement

So, your children are growing up and now that they have more friends in school, you find them coving over at the weekend to play with the Xbox. If you find it challenging to work in your room with all the noise around, it will be great to arrange for a dedicated room in the basement for the teenagers.

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Instead of using the space as a storeroom, you can easily convert it into a room that your children and their friends will love. So, here are some of the ideas for your teen’s basement that you can implement:

1. Minimal furniture approach

Basements are often not big enough like the other rooms in the house. Adding an extra piece of furniture might leave no more room to move around freely. It will be tricky to decide which furniture to keep and which one to move out. Well, you need to consult with your child and determine whether he/she will be using it as a place to hang out with friends or use it as an extra bedroom. If it will be used as a hangout place, you can keep a few bean bags and a couple of small tables. Bean bags are trendy these days and you will not have to spend a lot on sofas. If they decide to use the basement as an extra bedroom, you can get an average-sized mattress instead of a big bed.

2. The dim light approach

The basement does not receive too much of light ever. It looks dim all the time. Use it to your advantage because dim lights can add to the groove of the room. There are LED bulbs with an amber color that will look amazing when they are fitted at the corners. These are very cost-effective ideas for your teen’s basement. You can also install a center light or a small chandelier in the middle with dim lighting effects to add to the overall setting.

3. Funky wallpaper approach

Teenagers love wallpapers. Whether it is their favorite Barbie or their chosen superheroes or the music band they just cannot seem to part with – if you want to design a basement that your child is going to love, make sure you know which wallpapers they are fond of. Also, don’t use the same wallpaper that they already have in their rooms. You can surprise them with your knowledge about their favorite comic characters or the basketball player or the favorite musician. So, talk to your child about these things and try to find out what they love. Numerous companies make customized wallpapers at reasonable prices and your child will be ecstatic to find them in the basement.

4. Design the ceiling

Typically, all that your kids will see at the ceiling of the basement are polished pieces of wood. But you can turn them into a glowing sky full of stars, asteroids, planets, and moon. There are lots of stickers available that glow at night. Since they will spend a considerable amount of time in the basement with their friends, you can also arrange for lights that are fitted on the ceiling.

There can be many more ideas for your teen’s basement depending on what he/she likes. But if you are not looking to spend a lot yet create a basement room that your child will be happy to use, then the above tips will definitely help. All you have to do is move out the existing fixtures and make enough space for your child and his/her friends to enjoy freely. Also, a little bit of music will make for a fantastic evening. So, give them your old cassette player and they will love you forever.

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