Arranging a Basement Conversion is not something to be taken lightly. The planning stage of such an undertaking is by far more intensive and drawn out than the preparation stage for any other home improvement or remodeling task. In this regard it is absolutely necessary to employ the services of a professional commercial remodeling contractor who will ensure that the Basement Conversion contract complies with local building codes and safety regulations. In many cases an experienced general contractor will be able to handle the entire project on his/her own steam. However in other instances a more specialized contracting professional may be called upon to oversee the work.
Planning Stage
It is vital that an adequate outline of basement remodeling plans be drawn up before approaching a contractor. This will ensure that the contractor fully understands the scope of the job. This outline should clearly identify the purpose of the basement remodel- whether it is to be an extension to existing living quarters or a completely new bathroom or kitchen area. It will also cover all materials that will be required, and the most cost effective methods of delivery.
It is always preferable to work with an experienced contractor who has a proven track record of successful basement remodeling work. It should be remembered that a basement remodeling job goes much further than just painting the room in question. Any basement environment is full of moisture, rust, mildew and debris. Therefore it is essential that any basement remodeling project be undertaken in a manner which will eradicate all moisture and contamination from entering the living spaces.
Choosing Materials
When contractors are considering whether or not to use natural or man-made materials for the basement space, they must take into account the fact that a basement is typically a cold, dark and wet area. Therefore it is highly desirable to avoid using man made products such as fiberglass or plastic in the basement. A better choice would be to use wood and stone for the floors, walls and ceiling.
The heating requirements for the basement room will vary considerably. This is especially so if the basement is to become a sleeping area. There will need to be an adequate amount of natural lighting, but there will also need to be enough ventilation to enable heating to be used effectively. In the latter case, it may even be a good idea to install a ventilation system so that the basement can be kept dry during the winter.
Conclusion
Once the basement remodeling task is underway, it will be necessary to arrange adequate ventilation and lighting in the room. In this regard the contractor will be well advised to consult with experienced basement designers who will be able to advise on the best way to arrange the various aspects of the basement. The basement is essentially a blank canvas. The size, shape, design and materials used will be determined by what the homeowner wants the room to look like. It is important to ensure that all basement remodelling tasks are carried out in a timely fashion so that any structural damage can be avoided.
