Moving Forward With a Basement Finish Out Remodel

When finishing out a basement space, homeowners should take different approaches depending on whether the home already contains 1 or 2 stories.

For single floor homes, transforming the basement presents an opportunity to gain significant additional living space within the existing house footprint. The unused space below the main level can be turned into extra bedrooms, a home office, bathroom, spacious family room, recreational area, or any other type of expanded living quarters to meet the needs of a growing family. Without existing rooms on a 2nd floor, the basement becomes prime real estate for increasing usable square footage in a limited capacity 1 story home.

On the other hand, homes with 2 floors already contain living spaces on the upper levels, so the basement does not necessarily have to follow suit by adding more bedrooms or family areas. Rather, a 2 story home’s basement is better utilized by taking on flexible roles based on the homeowners’ lifestyle needs and preferences. For example, it could transform into a large rec room for teens, a private home theater, an equipped home gym, storage for equipment and sentimental keepsakes, or a rental suite for visiting family and guests.

Since 2 story homes already have established living quarters, finishing the basement should focus on enhancing the existing rooms rather than over-expanding the home’s footprint. Owners will need to consider noise transfer when adding amenities like theaters below main living spaces. The layout and flow should complement the upper floors with stairwells connecting new additions. Existing plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems will guide placement of walls and additions more heavily than a 1 story blank canvas. Fire and safety codes will also come into play for frequently occupied rooms.

Generally, a 1 story home can utilize its full basement to gain livable square footage, while a 2 story home should focus on selectively improving lifestyle amenities within infrastructure confines. The goals differ between maximizing space versus enhancing current spaces. Keeping these guiding principles in mind will lead to successfully tailored basement projects.

Here are some other important considerations when finishing a basement:

• Moisture Control – Basements are prone to moisture so install a dehumidifier, seal cracks, use water-resistant materials, and slope the floor to a drain for water runoff. Proper insulation also helps control condensation.
• Code Requirements – Review building codes for requirements like ceiling height, emergency egress, electrical circuits, and fire separation between units if dividing into apartments. Get proper permits.
• Ventilation – Musty air can be an issue so have adequate ventilation. Install exhaust fans, extend HVAC ductwork, and add egress windows even if not required by code.
• Lighting – Don’t forget lighting in closets, hallways, and corners. Use plenty of recessed ceiling fixtures for an even spread of light throughout the basement.
• Accessibility – Think about ease of getting large items downstairs like furniture or appliances. Widen stairs, create access panels to route wiring, and install blocking to mount TVs on walls easily.
• Valorize – Finishing a basement properly can add value to your home. But improper or DIY finishing can deter buyers. Focus on quality finishes like real drywall, trim, and hardwired electrical.
• Future Planning – Even if you plan to use the space differently later, ensure you frame rooms properly and oversize things like the electrical panel. Makes changes easier down the road.

I hope these additional tips help guide you to the best decision for your basement remodeling project! Still need some more questions answered? Feel free to contact me and I’ll be happy to chat or to set an in-home appointment.