Unfinished basements often become glorified storage rooms for unused furniture and kids’ outgrown toys, offering little to no value to your home. Basement Remodeling Tacoma, WA, turns it into a recreational space for the family, a distraction-free home office or guest suite, a gym, and more.
Work with a knowledgeable contractor to craft your plan and ensure a smooth process.
The floor is one of the most expensive parts of the project when finishing your basement. It also needs to be able to withstand the moisture that naturally exists in this part of the home. This is why it is best to work with a professional flooring contractor who can offer the best solutions for your specific needs.
The best basement flooring is a hard material that can stand up to moisture, like concrete or ceramic tile. Unlike carpeting that can absorb water and deteriorate, these materials are inorganic and do not grow mold or rot. They also dry out faster than multi-layered floors that trap water and need to be sanded down and redone.
Concrete is a durable, cost effective and relatively easy to maintain option for your finished basement floor. It can be painted and sealed to match your new decor, or left in its raw state if you prefer the industrial look of concrete.
Tile flooring is also an option that is impervious to moisture and can be installed directly over concrete. Since tile is cold to the touch, radiant heating can be added underneath to make the room more comfortable.
Vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring is a good choice because it can be installed over concrete and comes in a wide variety of styles. It is easy to install and can be made to look like different types of wood or even ceramic tile. The advantage of vinyl over other types of flooring is that it can be easily repaired when damaged.
Before you start your remodeling project, it is a good idea to have an interior designer assist you. This will help you get an understanding of the layout of your space, which will allow you to plan for items such as furniture, televisions and other entertainment systems. This will help you avoid wasting money on unnecessary pieces that don’t fit the space or that are too small for their purpose. It will also ensure that all the pieces of your design work together seamlessly.
Walls
Your basement is a blank canvas that can be transformed into whatever you need it to be. The possibilities are nearly endless, from a media room to an in-home gym. You can even transform your basement into a guest suite with an ensuite bathroom. Whatever you decide to do, the walls will help to create a cohesive space that adds value and function to your home.
Regardless of what you choose to do with your remodeled basement, it’s important to check that the walls are straight and level before beginning construction. It’s rare that a newer home’s concrete walls will be perfectly flat and straight, especially in the corners. Use a 6-foot level to travel across the walls from corner to corner and look for any bumps or imperfections that need to be corrected. This will save you from having to go back and redo any work after the fact.
If you’re building any walls in your basement, make sure to follow local codes for electric, plumbing and air ducts. Most places require you to run all of this behind the drywall and hire a licensed electrician to install it. Then you’ll need to frame in the drywall and cut access holes for outlets or valves only after the drywall is up.
In addition to framing in the drywall, you’ll need to make sure the basement is well insulated to keep it warm and dry. Insulation also helps keep sound from traveling through the floor and walls.
When you’re building walls in the basement, consider a solution like the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System. This basement remodeling solution is professionally installed in just two weeks, and includes finished walls, ceiling and floor. It is 100% mold and mildew resistant, and it keeps the foundation, plumbing and electrical lines hidden but easily accessible for inspection or maintenance.
You can also use a simple solution to add insulation and waterproofing to your existing basement concrete walls by placing a layer of polyethylene plastic over the entire surface. This will protect the concrete from moisture and mold while adding an extra layer of warmth and comfort to your basement.
Lighting
Basements often lack natural light, and the fixtures you choose are important. For ambient lighting, recessed ceiling lights (also known as can lights or high-hats) are a great option. They don’t require a lot of room in the ceiling, and their bulbs are available in various color temperatures to fit the aesthetic you’re going for.
For task lighting, adjustable pendant lights and track-mounted spotlights are popular choices. Using dimmers, they give you the flexibility to change lighting levels as your needs change throughout the day. Another good choice is tucked LED strip lights into ceiling coves, which emit a soft glow and highlight architectural details without drawing attention to low ceilings.
There’s also plenty of creative basement remodeling options for illuminating the space. A faux lighted window is an easy-to-build custom light fixture that brings above-ground ambiance to a dark basement with a creative illusion. It features trim, casing, and polycarbonate window panes to look like a real glass window, and it can be framed with drapes for filtered and natural sunlight.
For accent lighting, sconces or rope lights are effective choices. They can be used on a wall near a stairway, for example, and they’re useful for illuminating decorative accents like artwork or collectibles. You can also add lighting to existing built-ins, like a bench in front of a window or a set of shelves.
If you’re a DIYer, it’s important to be prepared for any basement remodel by getting the right tools and materials for the job, and understanding what it will take to stay safe. This includes wearing safety goggles, long pants and work gloves, as well as construction boots, a dust mask, first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
Lighting is one of the simplest basement remodeling projects, but it’s also an opportunity to make your finished basement more beautiful and functional. By taking the time to plan out your project and choose the right light fixtures, you’ll be able to enjoy your basement conversion for years to come. This will give you a great return on your investment and a space that’s perfect for entertaining, relaxing or just hanging out.
Storage
Basement remodeling often means converting storage spaces to functional living areas. When done well, it can turn a glorified storage room into a new recreation area for the kids, a distraction-free home office, a guest suite, or even a home gym. Whatever you decide to use your new space for, a smart and efficient design will keep things organized and easy to find.
To maximize storage potential, consider installing shelving units or a wall-mounted storage system that takes advantage of vertical space. These solutions are customizable and can be adjusted based on your storage needs. Be sure to use moisture-proof containers for items that are susceptible to damage from dampness. It’s also a good idea to label bins or shelves so that you can locate items quickly.
Another great basement storage hack is to install pegboards and hooks on the walls. This is a great way to store tools, gardening supplies, and craft items while keeping them handy and organized. It’s also a good option for storing coats and jackets, keeping them off the floor.
Create designated zones in your basement to store items according to their usage. For example, dedicate a section to storage and a zone for laundry. Use different storage ideas to organize each zone, and be sure to use clear containers so that you can see the contents of each container at a glance. This will save you time and frustration when looking for something later on.
If you have a lot of valuables to store in your basement, consider investing in cabinets that lock. This will help prevent theft and will give you peace of mind when you leave your valuables unattended in the basement.
If you are planning to do your basement renovation yourself, it’s important to have the right tools and equipment for the job. Invest in proper construction and safety gear, including a dust mask, safety goggles, work gloves, long pants, and sturdy shoes. You’ll also want to make sure that you have access to a fire extinguisher and first aid kit, as needed.