Posts Tagged contractor

4 Steps to a Great Basement Bar Design

Finishing your basement and converting it into a bar does not have to be a difficult task. It is important, however, that you put some time and effort into the planning process to make sure that you are going through the steps correctly. This is a look at four steps that you absolutely must include in the planning and preparation of your basement bar. If you are serious about turning your newly finished basement into a comfortable living space with all the amenities you need, then creating a bar is an excellent idea well worth your consideration. Before you contact your Long Island Contractorsfollow the recommended steps.

Basement bar idea

Basement Bar Idea

 

  1. Take complete measurements of your finished space and draw out a mock blueprint. Use graph paper, blueprint paper, your computer or whatever works for you. Make sure that you are laying out the room properly using accurate dimensions so that you do not end up with any unwanted surprises in the future.
  2. Research the options available to you and layout your entire basement bar plan on paper. There isn’t a single type of bar for you to consider when putting together your own basement bar design. In fact, every single element and facet of your bar design is going to be customizable from the shape, size and length of your bar to the wood type and the bar type. There are L-shaped bars, 8 foot rectangular bars, keg box bars, mirror-back bars and all kinds of different shelving and organizing options available to you. Make sure that you consider all options before settling on the right design to meet your needs.
  3. Gather all of the materials and tools that you need beforehand so that you are completely prepared for the build. You do not want to end up halfway into the project only to find that you are missing something important like a piece of lumber, a screw or an essential tool. Lay everything out beforehand to make sure that you have everything you need. You will not appreciate how valuable this is until the project is completed smoothly without a hitch.
  4. Get started! Now that you are completely prepared to start the project, get going. Make sure that you follow all of your steps carefully and that you pace yourself to keep from making any mistakes. Building your basement bar does not have to be difficult, but it does require concentration, know-how and proper planning in order to come out the way you are hoping. If you need help, get professional assistance rather than attempting to go through the process yourself. It is always better to have some professional assistance than attempting the entire project on your own if you have not done it before.

A few basic steps can really go a long way in preparing your bar design. Turning your basement into a bar is a great way to create a living space that you can enjoy for many years. Everything can be customized when it comes to your basement bar design, so take your time and make sure that you are completely satisfied with the plans you put into place.

Long Island Contractors

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Affordable Long Island Basement Decorating

Have you been thinking about refinishing your long Island basement? Are you trying not to spend a lot of money? Presented to you today are some techniques you can use to help you redesign your basement without having to spend too much.

Long Island basement ideas

Affordable Long Island basement decorating

  1. First things first. You need to figure out how you are going to use your basement. Recreation, work, living quarters, storage, entertainment, all of the above. These usage ideas will guide you through the plan and design. So figure out a plan first.
  2. Flooring can be a quick fix to your basement boredom. If you have a dry basement carpeting is your quickest affordable option. New carpeting can be done in a day and make your finished basement feel like new again.
  3. Painting is another one of those affordable interior decorating techniques. You get the biggest effect with the least amount of money. With all the colors, shades and textures you can transform your basement into something totally new and different without going to extreme in price.
  4. Mirrors are a great way to open up a room. Mirrors give the illusion of doubling the amount of cubic footage within any given space. Installing mirrors is relatively inexpensive and can be done rather quickly. If used correctly mirrors can give your basement that extra flair and class without you having to get another loan to pay for your finished basement project.
  5. Shelving is a versatile element that can be used not only to store books but to showcase your collectibles, photos, plants and any other decorative items. These items can all be based on a theme to help pull the space together nicely. Shelving is rather inexpensive depending on the quality of the units you buy. Try to get the best quality you can afford because it’s an important feature that is most noticeable. Shelving or book cases can also be used to create a wall to separate a space into different areas. Most finished basements are created as one big unified space so if you want more rooms you can use book cases to create a separation. Otherwise you’ll have to pay for a wall to be built which could drive you out of budget. Also when you outgrow the bookcases you can easily remove them and get back the bigger space.
  6. Lighting can easily transform your basement alone. Since your finished basement is usually on the darker side lighting tends to have a more dramatic effect on it’s inhabitants. Lighting can be used to brighten up the whole area or spotlight certain elements on their own. Inexpensive floor lamps and table lamps can add a sense of comfort and change the feel of your space. If you have a drop ceiling you can easily change the ceiling lights to create a totally different look.
  7. Paneling is an age old technique that will totally change the look and feel of your basement. There are many designs and price levels you can choose from. There is a supplier called Long Island Paneling where you’ll find a big selection of paneling to suit your needs.
  8. Ceiling tile can be easily changed and installed. It is a quick way to change the look and feel of your basement.

You don’t have to spend too much to refinish your basement. If you’re lucky enough to have a prefinished basement you’ll have the luxury of choosing inexpensive cosmetic changes instead of having to deal with structural walls and construction of it all. Cosmetic changes are the easiest and most inexpensive ways to transform your basement.

Click here for a Long Island basement contractor. Discover their finished basement building process. Free estimates

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Commack Basements

Commack Basements

When looking for a basement contractor in Commack you might have to do some homework before you start your search. You’ll need to figure out what you want to do with your basement and have an idea of what your basement will be before anybody comes over to give you a price quote. Your Commack basement idea or plan doesn’t have to be exact let the professionals determine where and how the walls will meet or intersect. The Commack basement designs that occur will come from you and the contractor in a combined effort.

Commack Basement Builder

Commack Basements

When it comes to Commack basement finishing choose more than one contractor. You might even need to choose more than three contractors to feel comfortable with the process. If you find Commack basements reviews somewhere you’ll have an idea of who you want to visit for an estimate. These professionals will end up being your Commack basement consultant and help guide you to a job that’s well planned and well executed.

Also check your local listings for a qualified Commack basement company. The next qualified Commack basement builder could be right around the corner from you. Hire local basement companies to build your finished basement because that will give the contractor more time devoted to your basement and less time traveling to and from your job.

Commack Basements

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Sheetrock Versus Acoustic Ceilings

When finishing your basement your contractor will ask you several questions about what you want your basement to look like. One of those questions will be: What kind of ceiling do you want? You might be set definitely with an answer to that before the contractor even shows up.

Some people will want either a sheet rock ceiling or acoustic ceiling for varying reasons. Some people want a Sheetrock ceiling no matter what to cost or the utilities getting hidden. They want their basement to look as much as a regular room as possible. Some people are willing to compromise the real look for the ability to access the utilities that would otherwise get hidden by sheet rock.

There are different types of Sheetrock. So if you thought you were in the clear when you decided to go with a Sheetrock ceiling there are some more variables to consider.

  • Thickness – 1/2inch and 5/8inch are the two you need to consider. 1/2inch is less expensive but not as strong as the 5/8inch.
  • Grades – Moisture resistant, mold resistant, fire resistant. Did you consider these options? Did your contractor bring these up?

There are different types of acoustic ceiling. The two main differences are the size of each tile used. Did you consider a 2ft x 4ft tile or a 2ft x 2ft tile. The 2 x 2 will cost more because there’s more material and labor involved. The other main variable are the tiles themselves. A sound resistant, fire resistant tile will cost more than the ordinary ceiling tile. The actual costs of the ceiling tile will vary.

Installing a Sheetrock ceiling requires much more labor than an acoustic ceiling. Generally 4ft x 8ft Sheetrock panels are lifted into place and screwed into the floor joists above. After that the seems need to be taped and plastered with three coats. Allowing enough drying time between each coat. Than it needs to be sanded, primed and painted.

An acoustic ceiling gets installed by hanging metal t-tracks from the ceiling joists above. Once the track are installed the ceiling tile are popped into place. Any can lights will need to be cut out  of the tiles. That’s it no need for painting or sanding. The installation is less but the materials cost more.

You could say both Sheetrock and acoustic ceilings cost about the same. Sheetrock costs more in labor and less in material and Acoustic costs more in material and less in labor.

If you’re getting several quotes from different contractors make sure they all include the exact materials and building technique in their quotes. Otherwise a good price from an inadequate quote might not be so good after all.

Get a quote from a qualified Long Island Basement Contractor.

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Long Island Basement Remodeling

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Living on Long Island and owning a home can be a very gratifying experience. Home owners enjoy the increased values of their homes and the good quality of life Long Island has to offer. There comes a time when some home owners end up needing more space they should consider remodeling their basement.

Remodeling or finishing Long Island basements is a great way to add living space to your home. It’s cost effective and takes much less time than expanding your home’s foot print or dormering. It’s less expensive and less intrusive to finish a basement than it is to expand.

A finished basement can be made to look just like a regular construction. With the addition of an outside entrance and big egress windows natural light can enter the space allowing for an open feeling. Usually basement ceilings are built using a grid system but that doesn’t have to be the case. Sheetrock ceilings can be built to further enhance the real room feel.

Click here to see photos of a basement project. The basement has no egress or sheet rock ceiling but it does have an outside entrance. This basement in Bright Waters turned out wonderful and has a cozy feel to it.

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