Finishing a Basement

Finishing a basement is a much more complex task than most people think. Many of us have a vision of the finished basement of the 1960's where Dad and some of his buddies got some 2x4's and fake wood panelling and, before you knew it, a finished basement.

There are many factors at play in designing an effective living space in your basement:

• Ceiling Clearance. How high can you make the new ceiling and how many obstructions are there? Ceiling height is critical to creating a comfortable space. If tall people have to duck their heads wherever they go figure your basement is going to feel somewhat claustrophobic.
• Windows. How much natural light can you count on. Moreso than lighting fixtures, natural light makes a huge difference in how people feel while down there.
• Mechanicals. Are they scattered throughout or consolidated into a small area? If they're scattered then you will end up losing valuable living space to service areas.
• Humidity. Your basement must be dry. A wet basement is no place to build, unless you want to rebuild every 5 years!
• Type of space. What do you want to use the new space for? This has a significant effect on cost and design, especially if you're introducing plumbing where there was none previously.

There are many more factors at play which we'll discuss at length in the next epidsode.

Mike.
http://www.m2renterprises.ca