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Certain Considerations in Basement Design

March 22nd, 2010 No comments

Purpose

The possible functions you want for you basement must be determined. Would you like it to be an additional bedroom, game or home entertainment room, office room, workout room or possibly a bar? If you have a particular purpose planned, then this will help in identifying the needs required in making it possible.

Layout Planning

Before any part of the house is built or remodeled, a suitable layout planning must be conducted. This serves as helpful tips so the builders as well as the designers may have a standpoint regarding how to begin with the construction.

Relocate posts and columns to areas where they can be concealed by walls. Plumbing and air ducts should be moved along beams and not in ceilings to give more headway. Remember too, that horizontal designs will make a room appear wider and bigger. Set the tiles in a diagonal pattern to generate the illusion of width and length.

Flooring and Walls

Concrete should be the material from which the flooring and walls are built. About 99 percent of homes in the country are made up of hard concrete. This is because concrete is permanent and provides a sturdy base. Moreover, it doesn’t deteriorate with time. Also, termites cannot attack on concrete. With regards to protecting the basement from moisture, concrete does a great job by sealing off the area via a membrane that prevents water penetration. The walls may be painted either in bright, dramatic shades. Since the basement is usually dark, shades of red, blue, yellow, orange and green give a certain light to it. Colorful rugs may also add texture to the room. Also, angled walls add a certain architectural interest. The typical 2×4 walls inside concrete walls facilitate straightening of crooked and unsteady walls. Additionally , it provides a smooth medium for insulation, wiring and plumbing.

Lighting

Since the basement usually receive less natural light, it is very important for lighting to be considered. Recessed lighting and light valances can be added to provide artificial lighting. Along with light colored surfaces, particularly the flooring, it reflects the light thus making it less dim and more inviting. Additional windows may also assist in increasing the daylight coming in.

Insulation, Heating and Mold control

To prevent molds from growing due to moisture seeping in the basement, proper ventilation and insulation must be done. Water seeks to seep in the lowest part of the house, which is the basement. Moisture tends to develop as a result then. To prevent this, homeowners can use dehumidifiers. Another technique is waterproofing that seals the water out and prevents it from seeping in.

In order to have a multifunctional basement, practical and innovative basement design must be considered when constructing or remodeling your basement. Do this for your convenience and enjoyment and also to increase the resale worth of you home.

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