Basement Finishing Ideas — Create an Apartment Suite
Basement remodeling projects can open up a world of opportunities. Transforming the wasted space in your unfinished basement into a usable living area essentially creates a blank canvas. With so many possibilities, it can be difficult to choose just one purpose for your newly renovated basement. If you have older children, elderly parents, or are interested in making some extra cash by bringing in some tenants, why not create a full apartment suite?
Choosing a Basement Finishing Method
Gone are the days of fighting mold and mildew and worrying about accessing your home’s foundation to make crucial repairs. Some of the industry’s more innovative manufacturers have designed basement remodeling techniques that specifically address – and rectify – many of the problems that have traditionally been associated with finished basements.
In the past, drywall and other traditional construction materials provided the ideal food source for mold and mildew. Realizing this, some manufacturers have begun offering basement finishing products that are better suited to dark, damp basement spaces. These products are typically made from inorganic, breathable materials that are simply inhospitable to these nuisance fungi. Unfortunately, these products can’t eliminate any existing mold issues, but they can help mold-free basements remain that way.
Manufacturers have also wised up to the fact that traditional basement finishing methods inhibit homeowners’ access to their homes’ foundations, plumbing, and wiring systems. Basement walls that are made from drywall often require a complete tear out just so certain home repairs can be performed. Once the issues have been addressed, the wall then needs to be completely rebuilt. Some of the newer finishing methods, however, have removable walls that make accessing pipes, wires, and other components easier than ever. Once the repairs have been made, the walls can be pushed right back into place.
Before you begin the process of creating your apartment suite, research the various basement finishing products on the market. If you live in an area that gets especially cold in the winter, then you’ll want to choose a product that provides adequate insulation. If you’re concerned that noise from your ground floor will disturb the tenants in your basement (or vice versa), then you’ll need to find a method that insulates against sound, too.
Finding a Basement Finishing Company
If you’re not sure which basement finishing method is best for you and your unique needs, then reach out to your local basement remodeling contractor. He or she can help you choose the perfect technique and can probably assist with other aspects of your remodel, too. After all, you’ll probably need a plumber, an electrician, and other handy people to take care of all the other tasks you’ll need to complete when creating your deluxe apartment suite.
If you need help finding a contractor, talk to your friends and neighbors. Word-of-mouth recommendations are usually the most beneficial because you’ll be hearing directly from someone who has worked with the company, your decision won’t be affected by any fancy marketing speak. If none of your friends or family has finished their basements, then consider reviewing various contractors’ reports from the Better Business Bureau.
Christopher Behan is a professional writer specializing in the home improvement industry. His writing focuses on basement remodeling, replacement windows, sunrooms, and other home remodeling products and services, and his work has been featured on multiple home improvement websites.
Christopher Behan is a professional writer specializing in the home improvement industry. His writing focuses on basement remodeling, sunrooms, and other home remodeling products and services. His work has been featured on multiple home improvement websites. http://www.1800basement.com/new-hampshire
Author Bio: Christopher Behan is a professional writer specializing in the home improvement industry. His writing focuses on basement remodeling, replacement windows, sunrooms, and other home remodeling products and services, and his work has been featured on multiple home improvement websites.
Category: Home Management
Keywords: basement remodeling