Posts Tagged Design
4 Steps to a Great Basement Bar Design
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on January 1st, 2012
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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Affordable Long Island Basement Decorating
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on August 11th, 2011
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.
Affordable Long Island basement decorating
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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.
Complete your basement bar idea with the top basement bar design that suits your needs. Know more about basement remodeling online.
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.
“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.
