Posts Tagged ‘Basement’

Basement Remodeling – Essentials For Cleaning Up

August 10th, 2011

What used to be a dark cave can become a new room thanks to basement remodeling. The fun part, obviously, would be the actual remodeling of your basement. The harder yet but important part is the actual clearing of everything that existed before the remodeling project. Here are some essential must-dos for basement remodeling preparation.

Sort out the stuff

Anything accumulated before remodeling needs to be segregated. Have three piles: one for items you could use during the remodeling, another for possessions you want to keep, and a final pile for things you want to donate or throw out. Keep the one for remodeling purposes nearby; store the second at another location; and discard of the third accordingly.

Clean the room

Remove cobwebs, wipe windows, sweep dust, mop floors, and scrub all the walls, windows, and floors. The room will get dirty again during the remodeling process but at least the old dust and grime won’t get into the mix.

Check for leaks and cracks

Before starting the remodeling of your basement, locate existing leaks and cracks. Any such seepage or fissure is evidence that the previous waterproofing measures done might be faulty or need repairs. These should be fixed before the remodeling of your basement begins.

If necessary, revamp your waterproofing system

More often than not, too much moisture could mean a waterproofing system is nonexistent or the existing one should be included in the remodeling.
Check the drainage, usually found on the exterior perimeter of the house, for leaks. Include this renovation in the initial stages of remodeling your basement.

Treat all mold and mildew

Moisture and the bacteria that come with it is a hazard to remodeling of basements. Apply industrial-grade mold remover to all stains. For good measure and to be completely rid of it before basement remodeling begins, scrub all adjacent walls and fixtures with the chemical even if you don’t see any telltale discolorations. If there are stubborn stains on any wall plaster, pipe, or window frame, get rid of them. Make sure to include their replacements during basement remodeling.

Clean out all the vents

As a final step before any remodeling, clean out the air vents to prevent fungi and bacteria from spreading. Replace any insulation that shows discoloration because mold can grow on heated surfaces during winter. Use a de-humidifier every now and then to prevent it from growing back. Use it during basement remodeling, too.

A clean workplace is a safe one, a dirty one can make remodeling of your basement a pain. Make basement remodeling more convenient for you and contractors to speed up the job. Before you know it, your basement remodeling project will be finished.

Posted in Basement

Remodeling a Basement Bathroom

July 7th, 2011

One of the best additions to a finished basement is to have a contractor install a bathroom. Not only does this add vast convenience to the living space downstairs but it can finally give you somewhere to slip away – to get away from all the noise of the family. Most contractors can do a great job on a basement bathroom install but you’ll need to provide direction in order to really make the space unique and your own.

Clearing Clutter – If your bathroom traditionally has a lot of clutter then you want to prevent that from happening with the new bathroom. Work with a contractor to install better organization in your new bathroom. You don’t need an expensive vanity with a lot of draws, just install some custom shelves that keep things organized and up off the counter

Frilly Towels Rule – You can really flesh out a spa-style bathroom with linens and fluffy towels that match the overall décor. Most of us will tuck our towels away in linen closets or under the sink. Have your contractor install some custom towel racks or a linen display that keeps your colorful towels out in the open.

Fill the Air with Fragrance – Aromas have a way of altering mood, often in a powerful way. The spa bathroom in your basement is a great place to offer up an array of smells depending on the mood you want, but most bathrooms don’t have a lot of surface area other than the counter. Instead of propping candled on the edge of the tub, on chair or on the floor you can work with a contractor to build out shelves specifically for holding oil warmers or various candles.

Upgrade Electronics – Bright lights are necessary in a bathroom, especially around the vanity, but they aren’t necessary all the time. When you want to enjoy a relaxing bath and you need to set the mood, you want to be able to turn the lights down without relying only on candles. Install a dimmer switch for your bathroom lighting in the basement so you have more control over the intensity of the light. This can give your bathroom a more natural and comforting glow.

Get Lavish – Wall sconces are a luxury but they’re another option to adding candles and controlling the lighting within your bathroom. Not only are they a great way to set the mood for relaxation in your bathroom but they’re easy to install – especially if you install sconces meant for candles alone.

Go beyond Tile – Tile is the ideal flooring for most bathrooms but you can add to the comfort of your bathroom space by having a contractor set you up with a good water and stain resistant carpet. For a secondary bathroom meant primarily for relaxation, a soft carpet can feel great on the feet those rare occasions where you use the spa to relax.

Of course what you do with your basement bathroom and the remodeling of that area is only limited by your desires and imagination. If you don’t want a cookie cutter bathroom but you’re stalling on ideas, you can always give the contractor a general idea of what you’re looking for – they can help you along with design ideas from there.

Posted in Basement, Bathroom