Remove the Goblins in your basement!
The Basement: The Most Overlooked and Underutilized Room in Your House: A good October Narrative about Baltimore basements!
(by: EFynch)
“Did you hear that? It sounded like something fell.”
“Maybe,” I replied. “I stacked some boxes in the basement earlier. Something probably fell over.”
Our attention immediately went back to the TV. We discounted the sounds as part of the normal weirdness that has become an acceptable occurrence in our basement.
But isn't that the weird thing we actually do?
For years, basements have been viewed as the damnation for HVAC units, sump pumps, exercise equipment, and even the occasional goblin. At the very best, we put up sheetrock and install commercial carpeting to call it “finished”: a place where kids can run free and avoid “messing up the house.”
It is unfortunate, because truthfully the basement can be a great way to expand our homes beyond their normal living spaces. The work we could accomplish are things that would add uniqueness to our homes, and even add tremendous value and character.
In the basement, just like the rest of our homes, we need to teach ourselves and work to be creative. There are options and with the right help, we can reclaim our basements and make them something unique and reflect our lifestyles with character. In fact, those who dare, often feel that their basements can be the most creative space in their homes, because there are no standards for décor. They can simply make it what they want and have fun!
There are some challenges with basement renovations, but in the end – with proper planning and help it can become your favorite room.
Here are our thoughts:
Challenges:
As a former contractor, I can tell you that basements pose unique hurdles when finishing.
- The ground is usually concrete, so running plumbing (mainly drain pipes) is costly and time consuming.
- The basement usually houses all the home utility systems, as well. You don’t want to install a dream home theater right next to a noisy air handler.
- The air environment is sometimes less than pleasant. Most basements do not have opening windows which add to poor air circulation.
- They tend to be underground and water seeping can also be an issue and must be addressed if present.
The Approach:
Think things through. Adding air vents in the basement and dehumidifiers can be a relatively easy fix. Hiring a waterproofing company is vital if there is any evidence water being present. Once you cover a concrete floor with carpet and sheetrock on the walls odd smells will disappear if the water issues are resolved before the finishing work.
So Try This:
Post a picture online of what you’d like. Also, post a picture of the current space, and ask how to accomplish the transformation. All that I have referenced above and shown in pictures was completed via the following:
1. Fireplace: A gas fireplace can be installed anywhere. You need a propane/gas line, then ventilation outside. The vent can be installed almost anywhere, but if near ground level check with local codes and install a protective cover to keep safe.
2. Basement Sink (WET BAR!): A basement toilet can be hard to install sometimes because it is designed to drain out the bottom (floor). Lucky for sinks, the drain is usually a few feet off the ground and most homes have a main sewage line out through the basement. When setting up your floorplan, arrange for the sink to be installed near a sewer line and hire a licensed plumber or contractor to perform a drain tap. A licensed pro can easily tap into this line and the job typically takes a few short hours.
3. Proper Décor: Pictures, pictures, pictures! When designing their kitchen or living room, most homeowners spend countless hours analyzing the situation. The basement, on the other hand, always ends up with your old college posters and/or blank, white walls. Stop- you are an adult now! Get framed prints. Feel free to expand your creativity in this area and take some risks – want movie posters? Go vintage and get quality frames. Treat this room with more creativity than the rest of your home, but always remember to keep some standards. This will make a difference.
4. Lack of windows: Install a dehumidifier. Take advantage of the large, windowless walls and install bookshelves or get a bigger TV (think projector).
5. Take architecture risks: Open the staircase and finish with grandiose. Think industrial: visit a vintage building material shop and use their old recycled materials to build a bar, doors, or bookshelves. Get outside of your normal boundaries and be creative with purpose. Too many people have a literal hole in the wall leading to a dark staircase that nobody likes.
6. Lighting: Take this VERY seriously. Make sure the entire area can be thoroughly lit when needed. Yes, a dark, cool basement is great for watching movies, but you want to make sure it is dark and cool, not scary and cold!
Conclusion:
The basement could actually be your favorite room in the house! It can be built out to directly reflect your lifestyle. I was once in a townhouse basement which was owned by avid skiers. When you walked into what was once the infamous “ghost storage room” you were now treated to a plush living space with modern, wood-paneled walls and ski memorabilia. A fireplace was installed with direct outside ventilation. Next to the fireplace was a flat screen TV affixed to the wall and framed with trim, adding a luxurious feeling. A wet bar was installed complete with a mini fridge and a working sink.
They didn’t create a “man-cave”; they built a lodge! They could do this because they took time and got the right help. I always recommend gathering pictures of what you like, and then speaking with a contractor about how you could create a similar environment in your own space.
By the way- follow us online
EFynch Facebook
EFynch Instagram
EFynch Twitter
Below are some photos courtesy of Houzz.com
(by: EFynch)
“Maybe,” I replied. “I stacked some boxes in the basement earlier. Something probably fell over.”
Our attention immediately went back to the TV. We discounted the sounds as part of the normal weirdness that has become an acceptable occurrence in our basement.
But isn't that the weird thing we actually do?
For years, basements have been viewed as the damnation for HVAC units, sump pumps, exercise equipment, and even the occasional goblin. At the very best, we put up sheetrock and install commercial carpeting to call it “finished”: a place where kids can run free and avoid “messing up the house.”
It is unfortunate, because truthfully the basement can be a great way to expand our homes beyond their normal living spaces. The work we could accomplish are things that would add uniqueness to our homes, and even add tremendous value and character.
In the basement, just like the rest of our homes, we need to teach ourselves and work to be creative. There are options and with the right help, we can reclaim our basements and make them something unique and reflect our lifestyles with character. In fact, those who dare, often feel that their basements can be the most creative space in their homes, because there are no standards for décor. They can simply make it what they want and have fun!
There are some challenges with basement renovations, but in the end – with proper planning and help it can become your favorite room.
Here are our thoughts:
Challenges:
As a former contractor, I can tell you that basements pose unique hurdles when finishing.
- The ground is usually concrete, so running plumbing (mainly drain pipes) is costly and time consuming.
- The basement usually houses all the home utility systems, as well. You don’t want to install a dream home theater right next to a noisy air handler.
- The air environment is sometimes less than pleasant. Most basements do not have opening windows which add to poor air circulation.
- They tend to be underground and water seeping can also be an issue and must be addressed if present.
The Approach:
Think things through. Adding air vents in the basement and dehumidifiers can be a relatively easy fix. Hiring a waterproofing company is vital if there is any evidence water being present. Once you cover a concrete floor with carpet and sheetrock on the walls odd smells will disappear if the water issues are resolved before the finishing work.
So Try This:
Post a picture online of what you’d like. Also, post a picture of the current space, and ask how to accomplish the transformation. All that I have referenced above and shown in pictures was completed via the following:
1. Fireplace: A gas fireplace can be installed anywhere. You need a propane/gas line, then ventilation outside. The vent can be installed almost anywhere, but if near ground level check with local codes and install a protective cover to keep safe.
2. Basement Sink (WET BAR!): A basement toilet can be hard to install sometimes because it is designed to drain out the bottom (floor). Lucky for sinks, the drain is usually a few feet off the ground and most homes have a main sewage line out through the basement. When setting up your floorplan, arrange for the sink to be installed near a sewer line and hire a licensed plumber or contractor to perform a drain tap. A licensed pro can easily tap into this line and the job typically takes a few short hours.
3. Proper Décor: Pictures, pictures, pictures! When designing their kitchen or living room, most homeowners spend countless hours analyzing the situation. The basement, on the other hand, always ends up with your old college posters and/or blank, white walls. Stop- you are an adult now! Get framed prints. Feel free to expand your creativity in this area and take some risks – want movie posters? Go vintage and get quality frames. Treat this room with more creativity than the rest of your home, but always remember to keep some standards. This will make a difference.
4. Lack of windows: Install a dehumidifier. Take advantage of the large, windowless walls and install bookshelves or get a bigger TV (think projector).
5. Take architecture risks: Open the staircase and finish with grandiose. Think industrial: visit a vintage building material shop and use their old recycled materials to build a bar, doors, or bookshelves. Get outside of your normal boundaries and be creative with purpose. Too many people have a literal hole in the wall leading to a dark staircase that nobody likes.
6. Lighting: Take this VERY seriously. Make sure the entire area can be thoroughly lit when needed. Yes, a dark, cool basement is great for watching movies, but you want to make sure it is dark and cool, not scary and cold!
Conclusion:
The basement could actually be your favorite room in the house! It can be built out to directly reflect your lifestyle. I was once in a townhouse basement which was owned by avid skiers. When you walked into what was once the infamous “ghost storage room” you were now treated to a plush living space with modern, wood-paneled walls and ski memorabilia. A fireplace was installed with direct outside ventilation. Next to the fireplace was a flat screen TV affixed to the wall and framed with trim, adding a luxurious feeling. A wet bar was installed complete with a mini fridge and a working sink.
They didn’t create a “man-cave”; they built a lodge! They could do this because they took time and got the right help. I always recommend gathering pictures of what you like, and then speaking with a contractor about how you could create a similar environment in your own space.
By the way- follow us online
EFynch Facebook
EFynch Instagram
EFynch Twitter
Below are some photos courtesy of Houzz.com
