BASEMENT REFINISHING
Basement Remodeling
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Basement Refinishing Company in Greater Boston
How much time do you spend in your basement? Chances are, if it’s unfinished and simply used as extra storage space, you don’t spend much time there. Many homeowners overlook the long list of possible uses for their basements instead of finishing it into a useful and livable space. Where you may see additional storage space, the remodeling team at Creative Construction Solutions INC sees the potential for something greater.
Finishing your basement can dramatically increase the usable living space in your house at a far lower cost than adding an addition.
Although costs vary with the size and complexity of the project, remodeling an existing basement starts at about $30 per square foot, a fraction of what it costs to build an addition or enlarge second-floor space with dormers.
Basements Can Be Turned Into Any One of Several Living Areas:
- Play Room
- Billiard Room
- Party Room
- Family Room/Den/
- Home Theater
- Art Room
- Home office
- Bedrooms
- In-Law Apartment
- Home Gym
- Home Theater
- Library
- Wine Cellar
- Extra Bathroom
- Sauna
- Basement Bar
- Arts/Crafts Room
New basements or basement conversions are also an environmentally wise choice. Not only do they provide extra space without using up land, they also reduce energy demands because, as earth-sheltered spaces, they absorb warmth from the ground. A house with a basement is estimated to be 10% more energy-efficient than a comparable house without one.
The advantages are are finishing a basement are obvious. Compared with a loft conversion, where much usable floor area can be lost under the eaves, basements can provide more space. You also avoid the problems associated with restricted head height (most basements provide a minimum of 7ft). At the same time, potentially problems with neighbors, such as overlooking and loss of light, will not apply and you won't have to sacrifice large portions of your yard - only what is needed to create light wells or to provide separate access, if required.
Today there are few restrictions on a basement's potential use, and kitchens and bathrooms can easily be sited underground. Many new underground spaces, however, are much more ambitious and luxurious living areas—complete with high-tech home theaters, games systems, or suites with a master bedroom and luxurious bespoke bathroom. Others go even further, with a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, or - particularly popular at the upper end of the market - a swimming pool. Basements also lend themselves to the provision of self-contained nanny or in-law apartments.
Even a relatively basic basement conversion can do much to ease pressure on the rest of your home by adding functional storage space. For example, enlarging and improving your basement to serve as a utility area can allow you to move appliances below ground, freeing space in your kitchen.
Commissioning The Work
Basement conversions are one of our specialties. Our services typically include carrying out feasibility studies, design work, and negotiating official permissions, as well as doing the actual building work and fitting out.
We will always provide examples of our previous work and can occasionally offer the option of visiting completed basement remodels, which can give you a much better idea of what a new basement will feel like.
What The Process Looks Like:
Planning and permission
Most basement conversions require a building permit.
Changing a concrete dungeon into an inviting living area can be a challenge and not every basement is a good candidate. Key considerations for conversion include controlling moisture levels, adding ventilation and light, and the existing hanging drain lines, ductwork, and wiring. Although there are parts of a basement remodel that can be done yourself, most of it is best left to our experienced staff and design professionals.
Structural work
If converting an existing basement, stairs will need to be improved and openings created at ground level to supply light. If you want to remove dividing walls, steel girders will probably be required.
If you are enlarging a partial basement or creating a new one, underpinning will be required. While this has traditionally be a messy, noisy job, new methods limit the disturbance. In theory, they work to ensure that the rest of the house remains quite habitable some prefer to leave for a while.
Damp-proofing
This step is essential. The traditional method is "tanking", which involves applying a waterproof coating, but this is not infallible. As ground water rises, pressure can build up on walls and floors, causing movement and cracking through which water can penetrate.
The new approach to damp-proofing seeks to control and redirect water, not simply exclude it. It entails lining the walls and floor with cavity-drain membranes - sheets of plastic that direct water into channels leading to a sump from which it is pumped into stormwater pit. Proprietary dry-lining is then applied over the cavity-drain membranes.
Light and air
Natural day lighting is a legal requirement for any habitable room (except kitchens or bathrooms). Ventilation is also required.
Natural ventilation can be achieved through windows or via an open staircase connecting to the level above. If you extend the basement into a walkout, including French doors creates a sense of openness and light. Extending windows as high as possible also allows for maximum natural light.
Our expert team will give you the extra space you need to expand the comfort, living space, and energy-efficiency of your home by finishing your basement. Contact us for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home improvement project will be completed safely and efficiently. Creative Construction Solutions team has the knowledge, skills and experience to get the job done right. Call us now to schedule your consultation!
We proudly serve homeowners in Greater Boston and the surrounding communities.
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