Basement Remodeling
West Linn Oregon
Ready To Remodel?
If you are fortunate enough to have an unfinished dry basement in West Linn, you might as well be sitting on a gold mine when it comes to additional square footage. For many homeowners a basement is just an extra-large junk room. Being creative with your basement will help you make use of the extra square footage, and maximize your home’s value. Even so, you must understand why basement remodeling is not always a simple project.
Although there are certainly a number of ways to transform your basement into one of the more welcoming rooms in your home, you need to first ensure the space is actually livable. There is a huge difference between your basement and other upper level rooms in your home, and they come with their own unique challenges. Having a clear understanding of what all the project involves will allow you to set much more realistic expectations.
What will you use your basement for?
Once you have determined that it is feasible to finish your basement, the next step is to decide what you want to use the room for. There are numerous things you can use your basement for, including turning it into a family room, children’s playroom, additional bedroom, game room, home office, music or art studio, home gym or anything else that may tickle your fancy.
The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and budget. The best part is that if you have enough space you can incorporate multiple ideas. Unfortunately there are certain limits to what you are allowed to use your basement for, so you should check that your ideas will comply with the local building codes. For instance, if you decide to convert the space into a bedroom, you will need several means of egress, so you would need windows that are large enough to fit through in case of a house fire.
Do I have to have a Yard Sale?
Generally, an unfinished basement becomes the storage area for all the stuff you acquire over the years. Needless to say if you turn your basement into livable space you soon realize you need to find a place for all that stuff. You may need to reserve some of your new basement space for storage purposes rather than using it all up as finished space. The good news is that during the remolding process you can design better ways to organize your storage area so that it takes up less space. From something as straight forward as installing closets or adding extra shelving under the basement stairs, to more complex cabinetry and storage ideas; it is an opportunity to get imaginative and make optimum use of every square foot.
What about basement flooring?
Flooring options for the basement are rather limited because the room is below ground level. Carpet is obviously a standard for upper level rooms, but in a basement environment it can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This may occur if you have a water problem, in addition to the hassle of a perpetually damp or wet carpet. If this is the situation, you should look for basement waterproofing options to fix the problem. That said, dry basements do actually exists. If you happen to be lucky enough to have a dry basement then carpeting is a perfectly sensible choice. If you are sure you have a dry basement, theres no reason why you shouldn’t use carpet if you want.
Fortunately, even with a basement floor that is sure to get wet, there are smart flooring alternatives to choose from. You could go with a sub-floor specifically made for use in basements. A sub-floor works by forming a barrier to block any moisture the concrete slab beneath it might generate. Believe it or not, all-in-one options do exist. They consist of plastic sub-floor tiles fused to a finished floor surface. Finishing the concrete floor is also an option, and you can even include stain or color options. One of concrete’s main benefits is that you never have to worry about mold, but with concrete it is worth considering adding in-floor radiant heat to protect against possible moisture build up and help with climate control.
West Linn Basement Finishing
There are many more considerations you need to make for your basement remodeling, including your ceiling options, window and lighting options as well as all the building codes you need to adhere to. As such, it is always recommended to work with professionals who understand all the unique challenges that come with finishing a basement. Our expert team of remodeling professionals know all the the inner workings of basement remodeling as well the building code unique to Clackamas County, Oregon.
For all of your basement finishing needs in West Linn Call (503) 342-8234 today for a free quote.
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