Posts Tagged Remodeling
Small Basement Remodeling
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on June 10th, 2010
In the City that Never Sleeps – New York, a common issue faced by homeowners and renters is the limited space that their living units have to offer. Naturally, they would want to add more to their living area. But one common mistake they commit is looking at the wrong places and having the wrong ideas. When wanting more space, it doesnât have to take tearing down walls and moving either sideward or upwards. What you should consider first is exhausting every possible way to maximize unused space within your home. This makes a small basement remodeling one great idea in extending your living area.
With a small basement remodeling project, space is not the only issue. Being an area in the home which is often left to keep old things and gather cobwebs, sprucing up the seemingly concrete vault will also pose a challenge.
To create a comfortable and inviting space out of your small basement, your best bet would be having a qualified local contractor to help you out in the remodeling. Unless you are one yourself, a good NYC contractor is your surest way in achieving high quality results in your small basement remodeling project. Most processes in every stage involved needs ample skills to undertake. Some of the key considerations include hiding the drain lines, enhancing lighting and ventilation, ductwork and wiring, and controlling moisture.
In small basement remodeling, you should first take care of the essentials. Is your basement prone to flooding, and water and moisture problems? Are there cracks in the foundation? Are the gutters free from clogs? These and a lot more questions and issues should be attended to if you want to enjoy your remodeling project results in the longest time with the least maintenance required.
No matter how you plan on using your remodeled small basement, there are several elements that could help you achieve a more spacious and welcoming look out of its original dungeon-like features.
Colors
In choosing paint or wallpaper colors for your small basement remodeling finish, lighter is better. Light colors seem to open up space making your limited space seem roomier. You can also make use of painting techniques and wallpaper textures that also help in maximizing space.
Lighting
Lighting is another element that plays an important part in your small basement remodeling project. To create an illusion of more space, you should maximize your use of this element. To make most use of natural light, you can add windows or widen existing windows. For areas not accessible to natural light, choose fixtures that offer intense lighting.
To maximize the effects of bright lighting, you can have mirrors installed on the walls or ceilings.
Commonly, ductworks are visible in the basement ceiling. If this is the case, you could have to opt to have a lower ceiling or have some them boxed creating an uneven ceiling. In both cases, you could use lighting to cover up the flaw. By strategically positioning radiant fixtures, your need for higher-looking ceiling will be met.
Features
The rest of the furniture, appliances and other features needed to be integrated into the small basement remodeling finish should also fit into the available space. When shopping, look for compact, space-saving designs that would still serve functional.
Eugene Makeev has been in the home improvement industry for a while. His skills and expertise, which have been polished through time, are now used to help New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in home improvements by matching their needs with the right, prescreened Basement Contractor New York. For a free estimate, use our Basement Calculator
Tips For Your Basement Remodeling Project
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on May 27th, 2010
If you are looking for an easy and cost-effective way to open up more living space within your home, consider a basement remodel. Remodeling your basement gives you the creative power to add additional living space without having to cut into your yard with a built-on addition. Not to mention, an addition will cost about 3 times as much as a basement remodel. Furthermore, remodeling the basement can be completed much faster than an addition because there is no need to put the mechanicals, foundation, and outside walls in place or deal with landscaping issues.
If you do decide to remodel your basement, make sure to set some time aside to prepare. The first thing you should consider is how you intend to use your new basement space. There are many options available which include turning in your basement into a lounge room, play room, exercise room, office space, extra guest bedroom, entertainment room or even into bar. The possibilities are endless. However, keep in mind, dividing the space into more than one room can give you more flexibility. Bottom line, it is absolutely necessary to put thought into this particular preparation stage because the way you intend to use the space will guide the entire remodel.
Lighting is an extremely important aspect to a basement remodel. This is mainly true because basements tend to be dark and gloomy. With a few lighting tricks you can turn your basement into a naturally light and brightened space. It is recommended that you try to increase natural lighting as much as possible and this can be done by adding or enlarging windows. Artificial lighting can also be used if adding windows is not an option.
In addition to lighting, the next major area of importance is the basement ceiling. You will need to decide whether you want a hard or soft ceiling. There are pros and cons to both options. A soft, or suspended, ceiling is designed to conceal all pipes, ducts and wires from view. It hangs below these objects, but it still allows ready access for repairs and alterations.
A hard ceiling, on the other hand, is designed to feel like a continuation of the rest of the house. However, more planning is involved with this type of ceiling because you must work out high- and low-voltage wiring and lay the lines, as well as wrap both hot and cold water lines and the gas lines to protect against condensation.
Furthermore, the industrial look has also become popular which involves painting the ceiling, the pipes and the ducts, usually a different color from the walls for effect.
The next area of consideration includes the walls. Regardless of what type of walls you install, you must make sure that you have proper insulation to regulate the temperature and to keep out moisture. As you may already know, basements are very moist areas that need to be waterproofed and insulated in order to maintain comfort.
Last, but not least, there are many options for flooring. Common options include tile, marble, carpet, and area rugs, as well as vinyl, plastic and hardwood. If you are willing to pay more for your floors, you may also consider heated masonry, which helps reduce humidity. If you are trying to save money on your floors, vinyl floors are inexpensive, quick and easy to install. Carpet offers a warm, soft look and feel, and it also comes in a variety of styles and colors. But keep in mind that carpeting your basement may be dangerous because it retains moisture. Hardwood is also a dangerous option if your basement is prone to water leaks because water will destroy the wood overtime.
To learn more about basement remodeling, and for a free price quote on basement finishing visit www.BasementKey.com.
Why Basement Remodeling?
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on May 22nd, 2010
With the long-running housing crunch in New York caused by the influx of people wanting to be a part of it; smaller living units have become the more popular choice posing as the more affordable option. Naturally, one thing that New York homeowners would have in mind when thinking of undertaking a home improvement project would be more living space. Instead of gaining a home addition that requires tearing down walls and extending the area of your homes, the best possible solution is exhausting the possibilities that any unused area in your home has to offer. This makes basement remodeling an ideal project.
Now you are thinking, ‘Why would I want to use my dungeon-like basement when I could extend and create another floor above my roof or enlarge an existing room?’ To answer this and lay out more benefits, here are several points explaining why basement remodeling is the best way to go:
. Basement remodeling is a lot cheaper to work on to add square footage to your current living area than a full home addition. Even with most or with every same feature and design, it would only end up costing just a chunk of the whole budget that a full-scale home addition amounts to. With the latter, there would still be a need to not only demolish any existing wall or roof, you would also have to rebuild another to surround the additional expanse. But with remodeling your basement all the crucial structural foundations are already built like the walls, flooring and ceiling.
. Unlike other home improvement projects, basement remodeling involves an area which is not much frequented and is quite isolated. So even when the project is undergoing, you and your family will not be required to put up with so much of the hassles such as the noise caused by the ongoing construction as well as the traffic of contractors and other workers going about their works.
. Being literally surrounded by earth, the basement is typically cooler even if the sun is sizzling hot on summers and warmer during chilly winter months. So no matter what finish you plan and come up with, it will surely be enjoyed with the added benefit of its energy-efficiency.
. The ready availability and easy access to plumbing makes adding another bathroom or a kitchenette ideal. You can do your basement remodeling to result to a luxuriant personal spa, turning every inch of your basement into a haven of utter comfort. But even if you have other plans, the new room could still make good use of the added bathroom or kitchenette. This idea would not only considerably boost the quality of living in your home but add real value to it as well.
. When thinking of the best finish for your basement remodeling project, you can take advantage of the compact nature of the structures making up the basement and its intentional remoteness from the rest of your home. These characteristics make up for utmost privacy as well as great sound proofing. You could opt to have a playpen, home office, music room, and home theatre out of the project finish.
These enumerated, excellently answers why basement remodeling. Another consideration to include in your home improvement project is a qualified basement remodeling contractor. With this, you are just some steps away from project success.
Eugene Makeev has been in the home improvement industry for a while. His skills and expertise, which have been polished through time, are now used to help New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in home improvements by matching their needs with the right, prescreened Basement Contractor New York. Feel free to use our Basement Remodeling Calculator.
Top Tips for a Successful Basement Remodeling Project
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on May 7th, 2010
Typically a utility area, the basement is often overlooked. But with a good amount of creativity, it can be the ultimate solution for your space issues. So whether you are in Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island; a basement remodeling project will add considerably to the living space of the family. And the benefit does not end here as the result will also improve the whole householdâs quality of living and boost the overall value of your New York home.
Other than the given benefits, there are also advantages that makes basement remodeling a more ideal project to undertake than home addition.Â
â¢Â   The out-of-the-way location poses fewer disturbances to the rest of the household. Â
â¢Â   Since the foundation is readily there, expenses on construction of the ceiling, walls and floor are cutback.
â¢Â   With the utilities like HVAC systems and amenities such as electricity and plumbing found in the area, creating a living space out of the basement is easier.
To create a success out of your basement remodeling project, there are certain essentials that you have to look into.
Waterproofing
To ensure that whatever finish you have in mind for your basement remodeling project lasts, waterproofing is one crucial step to take. In this area, the most common problem includes moisture and humidity, flooding, molds and fungus and all these should be eliminated and controlled. Depending on what your current water issues are, will be the waterproofing methods to use that can range from simply coating the walls with water-tight vapor barrier formulas to more expensive techniques such as jack hammering.Â
Basement Remodeling Design
Designing a basement poses a whole different set of challenges. The typical use and nature of the area which is mostly underground requires the homeowner and hired contractor to deal with:
â¢Â   Ductwork;
â¢Â   Appliances such as heat pump, water heater, washer and dryer, furnace, etc.;
â¢Â   Support beams or poles;
â¢Â   Entry and exit points;
Though the rerouting of pipes or total renovation of these basement features is possible, these works can also be extremely complex and expensive. The cost-effective way to go about things is using your creativity in making them work with the overall design but still providing access to important amenities.Â
Your basement remodeling design should also ensure that there is adequate lighting (both natural and artificial), enough insulation, and comfortable levels of heating, cooling and ventilation. Adding windows or replacing current windows with larger ones help maximize use of natural light, helping you cutback on energy costs. The subterranean nature of the basement also makes it naturally warm in colder months and cooler in summer.
Basement Remodeling Ideas
Depending on yours ad your familyâs lifestyle and preferences, the basement can be turned into just about any room. There are also more ideal use, considering the isolation and privacy that the location provides. Some of the most common basement remodeling finishes includes: a bedroom suitable for your growing teen, home office, home theatre, music room, recreational area or game room, a playpen for kids, a studio for the artist in the family, crafts workshop, guest bedroom, and others.
Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid the common pitfalls by matching their basement remodeling needs with prescreened contractors that specialize in basement finishing NYC.
Avail of our free calculator of basement remodeling cost.
Things to Consider in your Basement Remodeling Idea
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on March 15th, 2010
More and more homeowners have found the necessity of remodeling basements today. This is mainly for space and expansion purposes. Consequently, the trend in promoting a unique and practical basement remodeling idea is becoming a business. In fact the first of the many things to consider in doing a remodeling project starts with a good idea. If you have a plan of finishing up your basement, this is the article for you.
Like any other renovations, there are points to consider doing a basement project too. You should have a checklist of items you need in completing your basement project. Remember that it all starts with the perfect basement concept.
-Make a plan. Your basement remodeling idea should follow the existing house plan. The shape of the walling should be the same. Except that each floor is being design according to function. Usually, basements are left out in design plans. Also bear in mind that plumbing and ducting are found here. So include this in you to-do list when designing your plan. This is where you start exploring on new concepts to build.
- Make a list of the tools, equipments and materials that you will need for the project. Of course this is important. Since a basement renovation involves construction, it involves the purchase of wood frames, wall covering, floor tiles, and decorations. Also remember that you would not be buying them without understanding what to use of them and how. So you also need tools and equipment. This should be easy for you.
- It is important to waterproof the basement before you begin with remodeling. Consider the preparatory steps. No matter how beneficial your basement remodeling idea is, its usability can only be optimized if preparations are met with high importance. This includes waterproofing your walls and floors. Your basement is prone to moisture and pressure from its surrounding subsoil. Check out what’s the best waterproofing product to use. This must be in your checklist as well.
- Consider both the aesthetics and the functionality. Basement windows and doors are not just ordinary doors. There are many things to consider in what types to use as well as its properties. Ceilings should be included too. A basement window for example is not like any window elsewhere in your house. Coming up with a well planned basement remodeling idea requires the correct installations and types of things that constitutes aesthetic value and function.
- Identify the purpose of your remodeling. Compartmentalize your basement if you need to. There’s lots of space there and you can optimize it by knowing what to use of each room in your basement. While drafting the plan for your basement remodeling idea, you should already know what rooms to put there. Examples of these are guest rooms, a mini-basement bar, home office, etc.
The bigger the basement, the more you can do with it. There is no limit as to what you want to do with it. You are still in the planning stage right now. Just finish the plan first. That should also give you enough time to save some money. When the time is right to work out your plan, then you’d be ready.
Running out of basement remodeling idea? Discover advices from basement insulating to basement organizing.
How to Effectively Manage Remodeling Your Basement
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on March 4th, 2010
Purchasing a new home is often very exciting, scary, and a little disappointing. New homes are great but they often do not come with finished basements. Some homeowners can’t have the basement finished when they first buy. This can lead to cramped spaces with a new family just starting out. After all, everyone needs their own space to take the occasional time out.
Often families, that are growing (new kids, new pets, new grandparents), look to the unfinished basement for their expansion needs. They just need more living area for everyone. However, there are a few things to remember before diving into remodeling your basement.
The Difference Between a Hole in the Ground and a Roughed in Basement
Many older homes have basements if you can call them that. Nothing more than a hole with some concrete and paint, they leave a lot to be desired. Some newer home if not all of them have a basement roughed in but not finished. Builders want to keep the costs down and leave the basement finishing to the new owners. Often basements are not included when they are constructed to save money.
However, older homes almost always have them in some form or another. The problem with many of these old basements is that they were not built to be living spaces; just dirty holes with rain water storage. Many of the older basements have cracked, concrete floors, issues with mildew, and leak during the spring thaw. Many remodeling issues are even difficult to the professional contractor. The difference is they have prior experience to help them out. Let alone a novice homeowner. All this means is the remodeling of your basement should be considered a project that requires time and planning ahead of any work to be completed. You have to be sure your investment is not washed away with the first heavy rain storm hits.
Stopping up the Water Problems is Number One Priority
If you know you have water problems, you have to take care of those before you start remodeling a basement. This is not always easy. Often this critical step is not always affordable. There are times when it is nearly impossible to do it. Some older basements have stone walls that are pieced together with mortar. Those walls routinely have water running through them and it is difficult to make this type of foundation water tight. Just a little water goes a long way. Dripping in over time, a basement carpet can harbor mold and be soggy even though the actual source is extremely hard to track down.
As New Homes Settle Problems Can Creep Up
Newer basements are more secure and are generally build better but even some of them have major problems due to settling of the ground around the house. If you suspect or know you have problems, have someone come in and tell you the probability of fixing things right so you can continue with your plans for remodeling the basement. A few dollars and a couple of weeks to get issues corrected right from the beginning will alleviate many expensive corrections down the road. No one wants to rip apart a new sheet rocked wall to fix a condensation problem when that could have take 10 minutes and a few feet of plastic to fix. Think the entire basement remodeling effort out from the beginning. Think like a project manager or contractor and divide the work out into phases.
Getting Advice is Important; Especially for Electrical Work
Once you are sure you will not have water problems, you can start your endeavor. However, remember that a basement is underground. There can be problems with ventilation, light, and heating. You may want to start remodeling a basement on your own to save money. But if you really don’t know what you are doing, you should find someone to advise you before you begin. This is especially true for the electrical work and wiring. There are strict building codes related to electrical design. This particular area it is often better to higher a professional. The small cost of this will be worth it if you can avoid some of the common problems some have when remodeling any part of the home.
How to Avoid Building Your own Money Pit
Remodeling a basement can be an expensive venture. The last thing you want is to find all of your hard work and hard earned dollars have gone to waste. Without the proper planning, any project can run into delays and disaster. This is even more often the case for a basement remodel that you attempt yourself. It is never wasted money to ask for expert advice when you lack the experience to do it right.
It is true you can save money by doing some of the easier things yourself. When you consider the risk of doing it wrong, you may decide and feel more comfortable with the water issues, heating and cooling design, and any plumbing work if you make sure a contractor takes a look or actually does the work. Effectively managing the build out or remodeling of your basement is never easy but it can be done.
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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.
Click here to get a reliable Long Island basement contractor.
