Posts Tagged Design
Considerations for Great Basement Bathroom Design
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on May 31st, 2010
Do you have some extra room in the basement that’s not being used? Thinking about installing a bathroom? It’s a great idea, since many older homes were built with only a single bathroom. Installing a new bathroom in your basement is a lot more convenient for families and guests, and it’s not as hard as you might think. However, you’ll need to make sure you pay attention to a few important basement bathroom design factors. That’ll help you be sure that you’re getting the most out of your space, and you’ll be able to avoid unexpected problems later.
The first thing to do is look at the space you have available and pay attention to your available utilities so that you can lay out your basement bathroom design. You’ll want to locate the bathroom such that it’s close to plumbing and electrical wiring, so that hookups will be inexpensive and simple. As long as you’ve got access to electricity and plumbing, you’ll be able to put together a space that works well and is pleasant to be in.
Many people choose to position their basement bathroom directly under the one on the upper floor, because everything is already set up. This is the best choice, but if you can’t do so because of layout concerns, try to get yours as close as you can. Once you know where in your basement the bathroom will be located, it’s time to get out your pencil, paper, and design skills. Make sure that your basement bathroom design takes fixture size and shape into account, leaving plenty of room to move around and add storage if that’s needed.
You’ll want to decide whether or not you want a full or half bath. Full baths include a shower or tub in addition to a sink and toilet. They’re a lot more convenient, but not all basements have the space or are conducive to bathing. If the room tends to be chilly or won’t deal with the additional moisture well, you may wish to skip the shower or tub. If you do install a tub, think about things like warmth, water-proof flooring, non-skid mats and wall tile in addition to your other design concerns.
Like any other bathroom, your basement bathroom design will need to take your routine and budget into account. However, there are a few things about building a room like this in the basement that you may not be expecting. Lighting, for instance. Basements don’t usually have many windows to provide lighting in the bathroom, so you’ll need to make sure there’s even, inviting, bright lighting in the bathroom itself and along the path to it. No one wants to wash up in a cave, after all. There’s also plumbing to think about – a bathroom that’s below your existing pipes may need special plumbing mechanisms to get rid of waste water. These aren’t hard to install, but they cost more and may have their own special requirements.
Adding a basement bathroom to your home is a relatively simple home remodeling project. Just remember to put a lot of through into your basement bathroom design before you get started. That way, you’ll be able to avoid problems, stay under budget, and get a bathroom that’s pleasant and functional, too.
Thomas Johnsen is the Author and Leading Expert on Basement Bathroom Designs and the creator of the publication Basement Bathroom Design. Visit the site now to find the easy-to-understand step-by-step guides on basement bathroom construction available online today.
Common Types of a Basement Bar Design
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on May 2nd, 2010
When given much attention, your basement can become one of the favorite rooms in your house. Basements make great recreational and entertainment spaces. If this is what you have been planning for your basement, this article is for you.
Start with a basement bar design idea to turn the room into something more enjoyable to stay in. There are so many you could find. Below is a list of bar descriptions that are commonly used in households:
1. Design for a Straight Bar. As its name implies, this basement bar design is the simplest of all. It looks similar to a front desk in hotel lobbies. The difference is its features and functionality. Like a typical bar, it has a little space for the sink on top, a foot rest on the stool side, a gutter area where you mix the drinks, an arm rail, and a space for the cooler or ref. The width for this type of bar can vary from 6 feet (or less) and up to 10 or maybe more. Make sure that when designing, you have investigated the measurements properly.
2. The L-shaped Bar. This is a basement bar design that is shaped like the letter L. There is no difference in the materials used and its features are the same as the standard straight bar. Simply put, the big notable difference is its design. Your friends can also enjoy a better conversation while sitting in this bar because the distance from other seats is closer. Again the measurements vary depending on the size of your basement but usually the lengths are symmetrical.
3. A Kegger Bar. This is one commonly-used bar design. Its design is shaped like two L-shaped bars joint with the straight type in the middle. Viewing from the top, it usually looks like a one-third of a square is cut and used. This basement bar design accommodates a perfect space for the refrigerator and a beer keg. Hence its name.
4. The Monster Bar. This is a very huge bar that can accommodate plenty of seats, a big space for the drinking area, equipped with a keg and beer gutter and all other basic bar features. Think of this basement bar design as a combination of the L-shaped and the Kegger but a lot bigger. A monster bar can also be designed in the shape of a letter U.
5. Portable Bar Idea. If you plan to bring your basement bar elsewhere in you home, this type could be what you want. Basement bars are usually huge and sturdy so weight can be a major concern. And considering that basements have low head room clearance, you may have some difficulty in moving a bar. The portable bar can be disassembled. This is what makes it unique. Probably the latest innovation in the basement bar design industry.
Bar designs are not limited to these five alon. There are no limits to a basement bar design. You could even design a unique one yourself. You just have to know the common features in a bar, its functionality and usability, compartments, etc. What makes a basement bar enjoyable aside from the drinks is the good conversation with your friends. Align your designing in the light. Whether you are buying or building one, having this as a guide will surely give your home basement a pleasing and friendly atmosphere.
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How to Improve Your Finished Basement Design
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on April 28th, 2010
Your basement could be multi-functional. Given careful planning, you can remodel it into something worth your time and money. Nowadays, a finished basement design has become a very popular investment. How to improve it is easy, manageable and relatively affordable too. In fact, with a little creativity and knowledge in art or interior design, you can turn your basement into the most beautiful and favorite hangout place in your home.
Don’t be discouraged. Here are some of the things you can make out of your unattended basement.
- Office Space in Your Home. Supposing you have a small business run at home and you need an office. The basement can be the perfect place to set this plan up. Assuming that you have a finished basement design already. All you need to do is furnish it. Add office furniture and all other office supplies, equipment, and useful stuff like lamps, book shelf, etc. Don’t forget to install a phone and a fax machine.
- As a Small Gym – A treadmill doesn’t require a huge space. So does any set of weights. You can always put it in a corner in your basement. A good place would be near the window if you like to work out with the cool breeze of fresh air. That way you’ll also have the feel of a semi-outdoor while doing your regular exercise.
- Children’s play pen – There are really no furnishings needed on this one. Although you might need a removable rubber carpet on the floor to go with your finished basement design. Kids can be messy and unpredictable. Accidents can happen. A rubber mat should keep them comfortable in their place. And for extra safety precaution, consider setting up a railing around them.
- Private Entertainment Room – Take advantage of the lack of lighting and convert it into a new facility. Some homes use the dark corners in their basement as a mini theatre. Others would use it as a dark room. Not only is your finished basement design space optimized, it has brought a new experience too.
- Basement bar – Converting your finished basement design into a bar is a cool idea too. That would take away your problems in where you want to hold mini parties with your friends on weekends. But remember to have proper ventilation or a room temperature balance because it can get warm and sweaty when it’s crowded.
- Guest room – If you have a big family and have used up all the rooms for your kids, why not use the basement as another bedroom. You can have your guests use it. You in-laws perhaps if they come over to visit the kids.
- Your Own Music Studio – Your finished basement design is probably the most well insulated place in your house in terms of acoustics. If you have a teenager who loves to play in a band, you might want to explore this option. A music studio can be cheaper and only needs good sound insulation.
There may still be more but these are just the common things done for a basement. If your basement is spacious, you can accommodate all of the above mentioned. It’s really up to you. A very good finished basement design should be flexible in terms of use. Just make sure it’s still cozy and can make your friends or guests feel welcome. This little den in your home can go a long way.
Find more facts on finished basement design. Find a basement remodeling picture to help you.
Five Important Tips to Optimize your Basement Design Idea
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on April 18th, 2010
A beautiful and functional basement lies on a good basement design idea. Having a plan or design will tell exactly if renovation is going according to how you want it. The challenge is on what to do next. Another strong consideration is figuring out how to do it. In the process, you will have to do a little research. Perhaps this article will help you.
It is always easier if you know some basic tips to optimize your plan and to help you brainstorm for ideas. Here are some important pointers that you should know:
- Don’t be afraid to use glass on both doors as windows. This will allow more light to come in during the day and saves you electricity costs. Instead of using solid wooden doors for your entrance door leading to your basement, design it that you will have a glass fixed in it. It doesn’t only give more light but also prevents someone from being slammed while going up in the basement stairs. This basement design idea is used in so many households today.
- Keep a multi-purpose room in mind when designing the plan. It gives you more freedom to explore on other concepts in optimizing your basement’s usability. Especially if your den has a lot of space, you might want to check on each corner. For example, you might want to use the dark sections as a mini-theatre since light is not likely to set in. It’s a very practical basement design idea everybody can agree on.
- Select colors that are light and easy to the eyes. Light colored walls tend to project an illusion of a bigger space. You might want to consider pastel colors. Mirrors are good options too but be cautious of its impact to the entire interior design. Make sure to put them in areas where light is most abundant. The basement design idea of using mirrors is not popular in though.
- Keep aesthetics in mind when planning duct and plumbing pipe installations. Your basement is usually where the pipes and ducts are accessible and therefore visible. Considering this should help you in planning your basement design idea. Tell your architect to place those pipes in sections where it can be easily concealed. Allow more ceiling clearance at the center. Putting this in perspective will also give you more options when you hope to remodel your basement in the future.
- Select materials that are waterproof. This basement design idea must be taken seriously at all times. The basement is the lowest point in your home. This is why the plumbing and ducting fixes are done because your drainage settles and converges here. When fixes are made, spills are most probable. Make sure your basement is made of ether tiles or vinyl so it’s easy to mop off the spill.
Regardless of your basement’s purpose, keep these tips in mind. Include these in your basement design idea. Ask friends or a family member what they can add to it. Your basement is also a room in your house. Think of it that way and you’ll be getting better results from your concepts.
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7 Great Basement Design Ideas
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on March 6th, 2010
Do you have a big, cold, wasted basement under your house? If you do, this is a great opportunity to turn that room into something exciting and in some cases even free up more room upstairs. Basement design ideas are as good as you want to make them and the more you use your imagination, the better ideas you will come up with. Here are 7 time tested basement ideas that can add to your home and make it an exciting place to live:
1) Basement Home Theater – Or maybe just a big TV room if you choose. With the proliferation of reasonably priced LCD flat screens now. this basement design idea is one of the most popular. If you turn your basement into a movie/TV room you can set up great speakers and have a great movie experience whenever you want. It may even save you money on movie tickets!
2) Basement Workout Room – More and more people are buying tread mills, weight sets, and elliptical machines and what better place to put them than in the basement. Do up the room nicely and you have yourself your own private gym!
3) Basement Workshop – If you have enough lighting and door space to get things in and out, a basement workshop might be right for you. Working in your basement in the cold winter months would be a lot nicer than in that cold garage.
4) Basement Bar / Entertainment Room – If you don’t have enough space to entertain upstairs, you might consider moving the party downstairs. This is a great idea for some smaller houses. If you can put in a mini kitchen in the basement and some fun furniture you are ready to party!
5) Basement Office – Many people need to work at home in today’s modern world and moving the office downstairs to the basement is a great idea to separate work from play. Making a basement office also frees up a bedroom or the den where the office was.
6) Basement Game Room – Put in a pool table or a ping pong table along with a big TV and you have yourself a game room for everyone to enjoy. Adding a pinball machine will really add to the ambience of the game room!
7) Guest Bedroom – Turn your basement into the guest bedroom and free up a room upstairs for yourself. This will work best if the basement has a bathroom and a shower of course.
These are just some of the basement ideas you can use to make your basement into a room that is used instead of one that just sits there empty.
For more great ideas on what to do with your basement and pictures please go to Basement Ideas.
A Basement Remodeling Picture to Help you Design your Plan
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on February 27th, 2010
There’s more than enough basement remodeling pictures going around to help you design your remodeling plans. It’s either basement owners simply want to flaunt their achievement or just plain documentation. Building a basement requires time well spent in planning. What makes this project more exciting is when you get to compare old dingy basements with the newly renovated ones. The best documentation are photos of it.
One other satisfying thing about a basement picture is that you’re sharing your ideas to others who might also be interested in basement remodeling. Sure you did it all by yourself. From design planning to walling system and down up to the finishing touches. But not everyone is as talented and skillful as you. Most of them who fall short of ideas go to basement photo galleries online for reference.
Most of the beautiful basement images published doesn’t even look like a basement at all. This is what makes it more challenging and interesting. From the old smelly and damp basement, a good idea can make wonders. So take this route and aim for a basement that is just like what you see in a basement remodeling picture. Get your inspiration from it.
The first step is to list down what you want to achieve with your basement. Here are some of those basements that are commonly used for different purposes:
– As a Home Office – The basement is the perfect place for setting up a home office. Chose the best area to place your office tables and chairs. Make sure there’s enough light coming in from your basement windows. You won’t be working at night, will you? Not only does it make sense, it also saves you energy and therefore money.
– Basement Bar – Your basement is also a great place to entertain your friends and guests with a bar. You can set a basement bar in your home. Look into a basement remodeling picture that falls under this category. You will discover that there are so many ideas that can help you.
– Entertainment Area – Because basements can be dark, homeowners can take advantage of this by creating a mini-theater in it. If you look into a basement remodeling picture of an entertainment area, you’d be surprised how beautiful and cozy it can make you feel just by looking at them.
– Guest Rooms – If your family is huge and you thought the rooms are not enough to fill up all the members, set up extra rooms below. Some basements have fantastic interior designs of guest rooms you think of spending the rest of your days there. This is true. Look for a basement remodeling picture under this category and you’ll find out.
These are just four of the many possibilities you can do with your basement area. All it takes is one basement remodeling picture to help you get ideas and draft your plan. From there you will be able to know how much it’s going to cost you. You will also understand how long it will take you to finish it. There are also basement photo galleries that illustrate how each step in building your basement is done. Get yourself started. It should be fun.
Can a basement remodeling picture help a clueless homeowner? Discover more about basement remodel idea from experts now.
“Long Island Contractor Will Build Your Basement With No Worries”
Creating extra living space affordably has never been easier. This Contractor shows dozens of different uses for basement spaces, then shows their clients exactly how they will accomplish each task. Spaces include adding an extra bathroom, a family room, bedroom, home office, kitchen or game room to their homes.
A basement can be as fine a living space as any other area of the house. Basements present their own challenges, such as moisture, lack of heat and light, among other issues, but many ideas are available to remedy these.
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