Time to Find Some Basement Remodeling Plans

Time track down some good basement remodeling plans and then reclaim the basement!  It can be so easy to forget about that area of the house—after all, out of sight is out of mind.  There are endless possibilities when it comes to basement remodeling; so many, in fact, that it can be impossible to know where to begin.  First, decide on a purpose for your basement space.  Maybe a new laundry room and extra storage organization is just what you need.  Or, perhaps you’d like a mini-bar, game room or play area for the kids.  Whatever the project, defining the usefulness of your space is vital to a great end product.For the do-it-yourselfers, there are a number of indispensable tips you should know before getting started.  Start out with a blueprint of your space.  Note the locations of water and electrical lines—often these present the greatest challenge when it comes to later steps.  Imagine your space in its finished state.  Where is everything ideally located?  If the available electric and water lines don’t match with your layout, it’s important to reroute in the beginning of the process to avoid confusion (and a big mess) later on.  This is also a perfect opportunity to waterproof your walls, if you haven’t done so already.  Dampness can be a huge problem for most basement spaces.  Seeping water causes basements to develop a musty smell, and can add the danger of mold and mildew growth.  Bear this in mind when choosing flooring for your new space as well.  A breathable material is ideal—foam-backed carpeting will absorb and lock in moisture.  Drop tile ceilings are generally the best choices for underground spaces.  They provide plenty of ventilation and allow access to utility lines and structural components that may need to be accessed later.Remember that remodeling is a process.  And as we mentioned, it starts with the right basement remodeling plans. These won't cost much, and in some cases, you can find them for free online or on CD. Then continue your work with the outermost components.  If you’re beginning with a basement of bare foundation, the walls, ceiling and flooring will be your first concerns.  Don’t worry if things don’t seem to “add up” right away.  Many basement floor plans were designed with only architectural stability in mind, so the concrete floors and walls may be slanted for drainage or support.  There are a number of self-leveling compounds on the market that pour just like traditional concrete and set in a few short days.Once you have a basic layout, and the right basement remodel plans, you can begin with the fun elements of basement remodeling.  Lighting is a major component of the basement.  Underground spaces can’t depend on significant sources of outside light—even those basements with window wells are lit primarily with electric lighting.  Track and recessed lighting are popular options for basements.  Both give the space a polished look, and running electrical wiring for these fixtures is fairly simple.  At this point, you can really claim the space.  There are tons of innovative ideas out there for any of your basement purposes. If you’re creating a space for kids, consider hanging a swing from a ceiling joist.  Looking for a grown-up relaxation space?  Basements are the perfect cozy space for your home entertainment technology—perhaps surround sound system.  The possibilities are limitless, so find your basement remodeling plans and get started.