How often do you feel that your house requires additional space? The basement is perfect for additional bedroom, an extra bath, guest room or a fabulous home theater area.
One can always look inside the house for the additional space. It is how you plan it out that makes the difference.
Crucial decision
What do you add? What has to be moved or changed to get what you want? There is nothing worse than feeling like it has to be a certain way because that is how it is already, or it is a new basement and you just assume it is to be finished a certain way because some of the studs are already up. One of the most important things to consider is- PLAN, PLAN, and PLAN.
THE BASEMENT BATHROOM- new or existing
Almost always, the basement has a bathroom. Most new homes are sold with a rough in area for the future bath. Older homes may already have a SEMI bath set up. Either way the plumbing has to be planned. The most important step in plumbing a basement bathroom is to make sure you have properly vented the new plumbing system. If a system is not vented properly, you will likely not be aware until the remodel is complete. Fixing such a problem would involve a complete tear out of any work that had been previously completed. The most common problem we have seen in existing baths is a foul odor coming up from the old shower drain. A shower has a p-trap that is located below the concrete slab. In some cases, even if you have a trap installed the sewer gas can still make its way to the living space. If another component of the plumbing system has not been vented properly it may siphon the p-trap dry, allowing sewer gas to seep into the living space. This may involve tearing up the concrete floor. We anticipate this in every basement bath project we do. Not a problem for a professional crew. This is why we know SCC can adjust any space to put in what you want.
LIGTHTING
Basements are known to have minimal natural lighting. Sometimes, the height restrictions don’t allow you to install the lighting of your choice. “Can Lights” are one of the best options to overcome this handicap. Hidden cove lighting is a great way to accent a certain area, and wall sconces add additional touches. Either way plan ahead to add more than you think you need. You will be glad you did it when you start using the space.
FLOORING
Selecting a basement floor can be an overwhelming part of your basement finishing project. Many different materials are available- carpet, tile, laminate, engineered wood and others. We coordinate the flooring with the planned use of the space. We help you choose materials that will wear well and enhance the space. Here are some important points we keep in mind when we help you make these decisions.
First of all you will need to determine how well your flooring will have to hold up to traffic and moisture. The material you choose will also have a great impact on the look, feel and overall warmth of the space.
CARPET
Wall to wall style carpeting will be the warmest option. The carpet and pad will act as an insulator from the cold concrete underneath.
LAMINATE / ENGINEERED FLOORING
Laminate and engineered flooring are very beautiful and look great in a basement. The material and installation is more expensive than carpet but usually cheaper than using a ceramic tile.
Laminate is essentially sawdust and glue. It is made under great pressure and a lot of heat. The laminate finish is a picture of wood covered with a tough coating. It is extremely durable, looks great and is easy to care for.
Engineered wood is a real finish on top of a plywood core. It can scratch just as a conventional hardwood floor.
Both materials are installed over a pad and “float.” What this means is that the floor adheres only to itself, either with glue or the flooring pieces lock together. The floor is not attached to any of the walls. This allows for expansion and contraction of the material as temperatures fluctuate.
Laminate and engineered flooring will not be as cold as tile due to the pad underneath. It will not be as warm as carpet.
We don’t recommend installing any hardwood flooring in the basement in Minnesota for 2 reasons: (1) the humidity changes too much. And (2) you’ll need to install some sort of subfloor to anchor the hardwood to. (equals- additional costs / doesn’t work well with a low ceiling)
TILE and Vinyl
Vinyl tile are the most durable choices for your floor. If water happens, no problem. Just mop up and you’re done. Both durable, come in many color choices, and are on opposite ends of the budget wheel which gives you options. Tile has several advantages because you can choose the tile pattern, tile sizes and add in floor heat and make the floor toasty warm in any or all areas.
Whatever floor style choices you make, very often some compromise is necessary. Weigh all your options according to what sort of durability and comfort you need that will fit your budget. And remember we will help you plan! And then, sit back and let us do all the work for you!
Come see what we can do for you!
SCC Kitchen Bath & Home!
