Finishing or renovating the basement offers an easy solution for increasing your amount of livable, enjoyable space. With the right planning and execution, your new basement can feel like a seamless extension of the home — or a vacation home just steps away.
Basement remodeling involves a wide range of technical and design challenges. Here, we’ll review the basics for planning and getting started with a basement renovation.
Basements and California Code
Any major home improvement should begin with a review of all the applicable city and state codes. Basement remodeling has a few special considerations. For starters, basements in California must be 7’6” in height, and legal bedrooms need a window large enough to serve as a means of egress.
Consult with a professional contractor to make sure your project will meet all plumbing, electrical, and general building requirements so your investment of time and money goes as smoothly as possible.
HVAC, Plumbing, and Insulation
With the increase of usable square footage, your heating and cooling system may need to be expanded or altered. Whether that means extra ductwork or a brand new system, the best HVAC solution will depend on your current system and the new layout of the basement.
Just as importantly, ventilation and waterproofing should be addressed before basement remodeling begins. Proper sealing or special membranes can help keep an otherwise clammy basement feeling dry and comfy.
Insulation upgrades also help keep the basement comfortable and energy-efficient. Soundproofing insulation also helps when installing a home theater.
Flooring for Basement Remodeling
Beloved hardwood floors look beautiful in a rustic basement, but may pose issues where moisture is a concern. High-end laminates perform wonderfully in basements. Carpet also works well for dampening noise.
Choosing a Basement Layout
Basement remodeling offers open-ended possibilities. Choose your layout and room purposes with these thoughts in mind:
- Maximize natural light for areas intended for daytime use; let darker spaces serve as theater rooms or guest bedrooms.
- Make sure you have internet and television access in rooms where you will want it.
- Full or half baths should be added when finishing a bedroom.
- Consider walkways and traffic, so that people using a TV or game room are not disturbed when others need to pass through.
Natural Light and Lighting Solutions
We can maximize the natural light in your basement with excavation, larger windows, solar tube lighting, and light-colored interior design that reflects light beautifully. In the San Francisco area, we can often turn underground spaces into a walk-out or garden-level basement with up to a full wall of natural light shining in. We can also design overhead and task lighting with recessed cans or track lighting to suit the layout and style of the basement remodeling.
Specialty Rooms
The dream result for basement remodeling often centers around a wet bar, sauna, theater room, or other specialty purpose. The better you plan around your goals, the more you will enjoy the new basement. Since these decisions often involve plumbing or electrical needs, it’s good to consider your goals carefully and discuss the requirements with your contractor before setting out.
Finding the Right Basement Remodeling Contractor
Just as you would carefully choose a contractor for new construction or a home addition, talk to multiple experienced contractors and consider references and portfolios before moving forward. Your ideal remodeler should be able to handle the full range of design and structural requirements.
Ready to begin the exciting and rewarding process of basement remodeling? Talk to our team today to discuss your vision and ideas.