Posts Tagged Tips
4 Ways of Increasing Natural Light to Your Basement
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on December 31st, 2011
Basements are more than just a place to store things these days. For many they are an entirely separate living area used for everything from a family room to an extra bedroom. It is for this reason that you may want to bring some more natural light into the basement to bring things to life. There are several ways to accomplish this goal that will not cost you a great deal of money. Once you know your budget you will be able to select a manner that fits your situation. Listed here are a few great ways to make your space light and airy.
- If you have a basement that does not have a walk up you might consider using the current windows to the best of their ability. If you have the typical small well windows you could enlarge these windows making them longer letting in more light. If you are using the basement as another room for your family you will want an additional emergency escape route and enlarging these windows will serve that purpose. You can choose from several great types of security glass so that you do not need to compromise safety for lighting.
- If your basement is sectioned off into rooms you will want to make sure that you are bringing the light from all windows through the level. This can be done by putting in windows on the interior walls. This can be done accomplished very easily and with style by using glass brick either in clear or in colors.
- Putting in a slider door in your basement is also another great option. Not only does it provide amazing light options but it will serve as an easy access off the area to the yard. If you have this as an option because your house is on a hill and there is plenty of basement wall in the back it could be well worth the investment. This will not only let in great light but it will create a multi-function space like no other allowing you many options for the space in the future.
- For a basement that has one open space and a bulkhead you might consider creating a walkout area at the bulkhead. This may take a bit of dirt work and some re-negotiating of the space, but it is certainly a nice way to create a well lit area that can be used for almost any purpose.
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Long Island Basement Window
The inside sections of your windows can be made to optimize the minimal amount of natural light. Shown in the picture you can see the inner portions of the window is angled out. This allows more natural light to disperse into the living area. You can angle out the sides and bottom sections the picture shows only the bottom. Also to further this effect you can add mirrors to those inner portions. The mirrors will reflect more light into your basement. If you dont like the look of mirrors the next best thing is bright white paint with a flat finish.
Creating useful and beautiful basement space can be done with a few changes in the way you think of a basement. This space is as useful as the rest of your home and after bringing in some natural light it will be easy to see all of the possibilities. You will want to consider all of the current sources of natural light in the basement and then decide how you can highlight those to their fullest. From there you can easily see how much more light you want to bring into the room.
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Good Tips On How To Fix Leaks In The Basement Walls
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on June 8th, 2010
People who own a house with a basement are lucky to be granted excess space with which they can use. Individuals can utilise basements as an additional bedroom, playroom, office, or a game room. Regrettably numerous individuals are not employing these useful rooms because they have leaks.
Leaks in your basement can be caused for many reasons. All of the water that is becoming imprisoned inside the walls of this room is creating more troubles for you and is producing a possible health risk. Before you redo your dirty old basement you first have to repair the leaks.
Basement waterproofing can be difficult and some homeowners feel they need to utilise a professional basement waterproofing company to get the problem fixed. But if you are up to the job you have the capacity of getting the job done all on your own.
Remember that waterproofing your basement can be a profound job and requires time and energy from you. In the end though you will repair the leaks, rid of the risk of mold and fungus growing, and will right away be able to utilise that extra space to extend on your home.
You will need to ensure that the ground that is close to the foundation is inclined in the opposite direction of the foundation. If it is not than you can bring dirt next to the foundation producing a slope against the foundation that is 2″ per foot. The top of the dirt needs to be six inches below the plate.
The rain gutters placed on the top of your roof top may drop-off all of the water that they pull in on top of the ground that lies close to your foundations. This is not good because it can produce tough problems. Clean out your gutters and place them in such a way that they will drop off the water at least 5 feet or more away from the foundation.
In order to waterproof your basement you have to receive the necessary basement waterproofing materials. Drylok and Xypex are some of the best materials to utilize to waterproof your basement walls. Drylok is a waterproofer that will flourish on the walls as it dries. This helps it to cling to the wall and blend in. Xypex will connect with the wall and is very much like cement. It uses moisture to create a water proof crystalline structure. This also serves to mend cracks and holes in the wall.
In order to repair leaks you need to be able to find the right Basement Waterproofing Companies that sell the proper Waterproofing Basement Supplies.
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.
Wait! Before You Start: Basement Refinishing Tips
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on May 12th, 2010
Coming up with basement finishing ideas is the first step to making the most of the space in your home. Regardless of whether you are thinking about finishing your basement yourself or you want to hire a professional, you have to figure out how you want to use the space before you can begin. There are a number of aspects you need to consider when you are coming up with basement finishing ideas. Not only do you have to figure out how you are going to use the space and what rooms will make the best edition to your home, you also have to determine how you want the area decorated.
When working on your basement you need to check to see that there aren’t any moisture problems. Sealing the walls and floor so that you have no seepage before you put up your walls is important, if this step is left out you will not only have more work to fix the problems, but you will also have to spend a lot of money replacing the materials that were ruined as well as starting the project over.
One useful basement finishing idea is to use the space as a workspace or office. Basement offices are great for starting your own business or keeping up with your work at home. A basement library is also a great idea for a finished basement. If there is space that you can set up book shelves, add good lighting, and keep cozy and quiet you have a perfect home library. Families with kids can use a library for a study area before important tests.
Basements are also an ideal area for an entertainment room. When you are coming up with finishing a basement you need to consider the costs. If you want to make an entertainment area you not only have to factor in the expense of building materials and the construction crew (if you hire professionals) but also the cost of the furniture for the entertainment room. It is not much fun to have a big empty room. Keeping your ideas within your budget is vital.
When finishing the basement you will want to think about the floor coverings. Carpeting is a good way to cover the floor and keep the room looking nice while adding warmth and personality. If you choose to carpet the area you may want to double pad the carpet. Unlike the other levels in your home, the basement is on a concrete base. If you don’t install additional padding then standing on the basement floor for extended periods of time can cause back and leg pain.
While you are coming up with your basement finishing ideas there are several things to think about. Keeping in mind what your budget is and what you want to use the space for will help you to be able to achieve your goals. After you have decided on the basement finishing ideas that you want to use you can then start with your basement remodeling plans.
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Basement Bathroom Installation Tips for Beginners
Posted by admin in Long Island Basements on May 11th, 2010
Basement bathroom installation is one great method to improve your home’s value and add to your enjoyment of the space you already have. Many people are interested in turning their basements into usable space that they can use for their friends and their families. Installing a bathroom makes this a lot more possible. Lines for the upstairs bathroom are reduced, and no one has to trek upstairs in the middle of a gathering. However, putting in a basement bathroom can be tricky. To avoid problems, you’ll need to pay attention to a few things. Here are some tips to help you!
One of the most important things you’ll need to pay attention to when putting in your basement bathroom is the need to defy gravity. After all, you’ll need to get waste water up out of the basement and into the sewer system or septic tank. With the bathroom located below the sewage line, this becomes a complicated proposition. However, there are a number of options that’ll allow you to do this without a big mess or a lot of expense.
A properly sized macerating system can handle the sink, shower, and toilet, and won’t require you to dig up the basement floor. This is more expensive than a regular toilet system, but it’ll make getting rid of waste water easy, and be less costly than some alternatives. You can also choose a sump and ejector pump. Less costly than a macerating system, this type does require professional installation below the floor. However, the system itself is hidden and quiet. Before you buy any system for basement bathroom installation, you’ll need to check local code requirements.
The majority of basement bathrooms don’t have windows, so basement bathroom installation plans should include lighting and ventilation options. Otherwise, you’ll be creating a dark, unpleasant space that’s a haven for mold and mildew. Think about where lighting will be desirable and choose fixtures that offer even, bright illumination without glare. Ambient light or indirect lighting can be a real help for people hoping to avoid that “cave” effect. Get a fan for your basement that’s strong enough to keep air circulating and remove odors and moisture, but make sure it’ll operate quietly.
To further reduce feelings of claustrophobia, consider using mirrors to make spaces look larger. Locate storage in your basement bathroom carefully, so that it won’t block walkways or be visually distracting. Most basement bathrooms require more storage than ordinary bathrooms, so plan for this before starting your basement bathroom installation. You’ll be glad you took the extra time to do it.
A basement bathroom installation can be done relatively easily and inexpensively, and does a lot for the value and usability of your home. Just make sure that you start out with a good plan and that you think about the unique factors in your basement. Make sure you have access to electricity, plumbing, and adequate lighting and ventilation, and your basement remodel will go off well.
Thomas Johnsen is the Author and Leading Expert on Basement Bathroom Installations and the creator of the publication Basement Bathroom Installation. Visit the site now to find the easy-to-understand step-by-step guides on basement bathroom construction available online today.
“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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