Interested in a complete basement remodel but don't know where to start? Bremman Construction is here to help! We have the experienced professionals and award winning designs you need for your basement remodeling. Freehold, NJ residents trust our specialized basement contractors to turn their basements into an extra bedroom, a home theater, or whatever they imagine!
When you first look at an unfinished basement, it can be difficult to see it as a blank canvas full of many possibilities for creating a wonderful living space. A basement offers a huge amount of undefined space that is rough, bare, and empty. On the one hand, it has unlimited possibilities and it offers extra living space, but on the other hand, all that unfinished space can make it hard to imagine what your basement can look like when you finish remodeling it. There are many ways to approach a basement remodeling project. Whether the entire area is left open, divided into rooms, elegantly finished, or given a rustic design, the only limits are the boundaries of your imagination.
Remodeling Your Basement? First Consider...Finished basements are ideal for recreation rooms, home gyms, wet bars, and even additional bedrooms if planned properly. However, before contemplating a basement remodel, please keep in mind that there are several common issues that can complicate the process. Since you are working with your existing structure, it is important to note these key areas while planning and designing.
DampnessA dampness problem in a finished basement can open the door to all kinds of problems. The dampness will make the area feel cooler or warmer. But more important, the dampness will breed mold and mildew. So the first step in finishing a basement is to correct any dampness problems and then seal the floor and walls carefully.
The best time to take care of any water problems you may have in your basement is before you begin to remodel. If you do not take the extra steps necessary to waterproof your basement ahead of time, it will be more expensive to do it later. There are some signs to look for in order to determine if you have a problem with dampness or water in your basement.
One of the first signs is a moldy odor. This occurs from the decay process that is caused by mold and mildew. Damp spots on the walls means that water has absorbed through your walls. A white substance on the walls of your basement means that there has been a chemical breakdown with the bonding agent that holds the walls together. Not only is this a sign of water, but it is also a sign of possible structural deterioration. Cracks, in your walls can be a sign of water, but they can also be caused by other reasons. It is best to have cracked walls inspected in order to determine the exact cause. Rust on appliances, furniture, floors or walls is caused by a damp environment and is a definite sign of waterproofing issues.
There are several things to consider when you waterproof your basement. You can use a waterproofing concrete sealer in order to keep water from being absorbed through concrete. Some of these concrete sealers will also help prevent radon from leaking into your house through your basement floor.
Good air circulation is also important to help prevent damp air in your basement. Most basements do not have good air circulation because they do not have windows and they do not have proper heating and air conditioning ducts installed. These are importing things to consider when you're refinishing your basement.
Some homeowners will set out chemicals that are designed to draw the moisture from the air. While this is one option to help reduce the moisture in your basement, it can be one that is very unsightly and possibly even dangerous.
LightingIf you have a "sunlight basement" (meaning that at least one wall is above ground and has windows to let in sunlight), providing light for part of the area will be much easier. In areas without windows, you will need to really pay attention to lighting. Choosing energy-efficient fixtures and light bulbs will help to protect the environment and save you money.
Another reason why you want to make sure that you have proper lighting is that basement ceilings tend to be lower than other ceilings in your home. This can give the feeling of being in a cave if you also have a basement that is dark. Having enough light will open up the space in your basement and will make the rooms appear higher and larger.
If going into a dark basement area is a concern, having an occupancy sensor that will turn a light on when it senses movement is a much better option than leaving a light burning all the time. You can install an occupancy sensor on one or more lights in your basement.
FlooringBecause many older homes were built on a foundation with a dirt floor basement, basement renovation projects might include pouring a basement floor. Homes that already have basement floor concrete often need it replaced due to heaving, cracking, or crumbling concrete. Pouring a concrete floor in an older home basement is a major undertaking. It is recommended to inspect the foundation of an older home for potential or existing problems and make any necessary repairs before the masonry work begins.
An alternative to pouring a new cement slab is to install a wood subfloor over old concrete. Uneven surfaces need to be leveled, and plywood decking installed on pressure treated lumber. Installing a wood subfloor is not recommended, however, if moisture is a possibility because the area between the wood floor and concrete would create inaccessible spaces for mold and mildew to form, posing a possible health or odor problem. If water seeps into the basement, the wood subfloor would have to be removed to effectively dry the area. In some instances, a water damage restoration contractor might be able to dry it in place, but this would carry a very hefty price tag.
If it is a matter of dealing with cracked or uneven concrete, installing a quality basement floor leveling compound and basement floor covering, such as laminate or carpet may be considered. Basement carpet installed by gluing it directly to the floor is a possibility for moisture-prone basements. When installed in this manner, water damage can be cleaned up and the carpet dried in place, minimizing costly water damage restoration services.
Concrete floors by themselves may be hard on your back, legs or feet if you plan activities that require prolonged standing. Choosing floor covering for your basement can take a little more time and effort than for other rooms, but in the end, you will get a better quality living space.
Ceiling HeightIt is likely that you will encounter visible ductwork and/or a low ceiling level. You can decide to either live with a lower ceiling or you can frame boxes around the duct work and have the rest of the ceiling higher. You can also move the duct work, but that is an expensive job.
Most building codes require a minimum of at least 7 feet from floor to ceiling in rooms (with restrictions) with obstructions such as pipes or beams (check your local building codes). A common scenario is an older home with a dirt basement floor, and inadequate headroom for a basement renovation project. With modern construction innovation, overcoming this obstacle by digging the basement deeper is a viable solution and may be a cost effective alternative to building an entirely new addition. However, it is a very technical process that involves "jacking up" the house and must be done by a licensed contractor with experience.
We at Bremman Construction use only the finest materials and craftsmanship in each basement remodeling project. Freehold, NJ area residents as well as those in Manalapan, Marlboro, Millstone, and throughout Monmouth County can take advantage of our complimentary estimates. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so call us today!
