Posts Tagged long island
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.
Long Island Contractors
Long Island Basement Finishing
Posted by admin in Long Island Basement Builders, Long Island Basements on August 2nd, 2011
Long Island basement finishing
Long Island basement finishing projects occur throughout the year. Unlike some home improvement projects that happen out doors basement finishing projects have the advantage of being protected from the weather. Long Island has a full weather cycle Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Conditions vary from freezing and snowy to rainy to blistering hot. These varying conditions do not affect the progress of your finished basement project.
Outdoor projects like decking, roofing, siding and driveways depend heavily on the right weather conditions to complete the job. If your long island decking contractor starts a job and gives you a completion date you can bet that it will take longer than expected. Especially if it’s during the rainy months. Rain delays happen all the time and it is a part of the construction process.
When you choose a Long Island basement finishing contractor the time it takes them to finish the job is more predictable. Of course there could be hang ups that add to the time like a rotted floor or cracked foundation that couldn’t be seen at the time of the inspection. Extra work added to the job happens all the time as well as weather delays. If you know this before the project starts you’ll have a better understanding of how long your project might take to complete.
There are also other factors that can hinder the progress of your basement building project. The LI basement contractor you hired may be doing more than one job at a time. This is usually typical of the bigger outfits with big advertising budgets and free gift gimmick promotions. If the basement builder has many employees it is imperative they have more than one job going at the same time. They need the cash flow to keep their business alive. One of the problems with that is you might get delays. Delays that make you wait for them to come back to you after you give them the initial deposit. These bigger outfits will schedule more jobs in a row before completing another. Chasing the next payments so if they have three basement projects going and they collect three deposits from separate customers then they will need to do yours for a week. Then go to the other two customers to do theirs. That’s a possible three weeks before they get back to you.
Be wary of these types of contractors during the diligence period of your project. Ask them if they have a few employees and ask for referrals. Ask the past customers if there were any delays.
Long Island Basement Finishing
LI Finished Basements
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on July 27th, 2011
LI Finished Basements
LI finished basements are a great way to add living space to your home. Finished basements are less involved than building and extension or adding another story to the top of your home. Some of those projects might require you to find another place to live while it gets completed. Finished basements allow you to build while you stay home.
There are two main types of finished basements, prefabricated and traditional. The prefabricated finished basement is sold as a quick solution. These types of basements are built using prefabricated panels. The finished product leaves you with strips or seams every four feet. It’s built quickly because it passes the traditional system by skipping the long steps needed to complete a LI finished basement. The panel basement system skips taping and painting. Taping alone takes a minimum of three days to fill the joints and sand. Painting can also take a minimum of three days.
Although getting a basement built so quickly might be a good thing there are certain elements you might be stuck with for the life of your basement. You’ll have vertical strips or seems every four feet on your walls. The prefabrication process of these quick basements limits them to a non personal snap together panel system. Sure it takes less time but the piece together kit is the end result. If you’re the type of person that likes a real room feel then the panel system is not for you. If you did not know you were getting seams and the salesman didn’t tell you then be sure to ask.
Another element you’re stuck with is the color and texture. These panel systems are limited in color and texture. Sure they skip the painting process because it’s done at the factory but if you like changing colors every so often then you might want to consider a traditional built basement. What if you wanted to decorate the basement to your own tastes? These pre colored, pre textured panels leave you with limited options.
The actual foundation walls are something to consider also. Will these basement system installers take the time to prepare the foundation walls properly before installation? Moisture is a great concern when building a finished basement. The foundation wall needs to be evaluated for possible moisture infiltration. If a weakness is discovered then it needs to be addressed before construction can take place. Your foundation walls can be the Achilles heel of your basement if not prepared correctly. It can be a constant source of moisture infiltration through out the life of your basement.
A proper finished basement contractor will evaluate your basement situation and price it accordingly. You might have an existing basement that needs to be removed or a clean slate. Whatever the situation the traditional method which is built using studs and drywall will leave you with much more design options and give you that real room feel. Contact a traditional finished basement contractor today.
LI Finished Basements
Commack Basements
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on July 15th, 2011
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 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
Sheetrock Versus Acoustic Ceilings
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on June 4th, 2011
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.
“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.
