Finished Basement Ideas Can Increase Living Space

Below most houses there is a room that was constructed first as the house was being built that usually is left out when it comes to decorating. Many times utilities such as the heating system, ductwork as laundry facilities are being relegated to this area. As families grow and the need arises for more space, homeowners begin to look for finished basement ideas to make better use of this area.

There are a few things to remember when looking for finished basement ideas and ventilation in the room or rooms to be converted into usable space is one of the most important. Additionally, electrical needs, communication equipment and plumbing will also have to be considered. Typically, a basement will hold a near-constant temperature since it is underground, but the humidity level will be higher in most cases.

Ventilation throughout the basement will be an important part of controlling humidity, which will help protect any wood or drywall surfaces as well as help control the comfort levels in the areas being refurbished. Among the finished basement ideas most looked at are the walls and controlling water from seeping through the walls and into the newly remodeled room and potentially ruining the wall materials and flooring.

Plan Route For Water And Wires

Many new designs are available for basement walls, most place the exterior finishing materials at least four inches from the existing cement block wall. This allows space in which to place electric wiring, plumbing and other utility connections as well as keeping the outer wall from direct contact with the block wall. Using this finished basement idea also allows space near the bottom of the wall for a channel in which water can drip and be directed to a drain.

With the potential for water entering behind the new wall, the wiring for electric or telecommunications should not be allowed to lay on the floor behind the wall. It should be kept away from the possibility of coming in contact with any moisture.

Once the inside walls have been determined there are numerous finished basement ideas that can flow from there. Whether the entire basement is finished as one large room or broken into two or more sections, the finished sections of the basement can serve as extra bedrooms, a family media center or even a den and study room. There is no limit to the finished basement ideas that can be used to add to the living space of the home.

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