Finished Basements are Unique Space

Whether your family is growing, looking to sell your house in a few years, or anticipating regular visitors, finishing the basement is a great idea! However, when finishing a basement, it becomes clear that the space is unique and offers many challenges and special conditions that are not present on the other floors. Let’s take a look at a few:

Basement Windows

Crystal Clear EverLast Basement Windows

In a basement, window space is a real commodity. Basement windows tend to be smaller than windows on the upstairs floors, and they often receive less direct sunlight than the floors above. Additionally, many homeowners will install singe-paned steel basement windows in the area, which rust and create an ugly eyesore. Additionally, these windows are cold and draftt, and they can allow water into the basement if the window wells clog and fill with water.

Instead of single-paned steel basement windows, it’s best to install double-paned vinyl basement windows. They’re able to last as much as twice as long as their steel counterparts and they offer as much as three times the insulation.

Basement Ceilings and Floors

Very often, the basement’s ceiling will be much lower than any other area in the home. Therefore, preserving head room can be vital to a successful job. A low ceiling can give a room a cramped, uncomfortable feel and will ultimately make the room much less hospitable to all who live there. If you’re looking to save head room, look down. Install a basement floor product that is close to the ground, inorganic, and one that sits on raised pegs to provide an air space underneath the flooring. Vinyl floor tiles take up a faction of the vertical space of a basement, and they last much longer than other options (especially wood!).

Basement Lighting

Keep the basement beautiful with tastefully placed lighting!

Due partially to the lack of large windows, a basement can be a dark, dismal place if the homeowner isn’t careful with the design. However, installing mold-resistant drop ceiling tiles will allow for a great deal of versatility in the basement design. Drop ceilings are perfect for recessed lighting, can lighting, drop lights, and energy-efficient florescent lighting. Florescent lights are best for the area, as they use a third of the energy and last ten times longer than their counterparts. It’s also a great idea to strategically place some floor and table lamps at every location possible and to use as much brightly-colored furniture as possible.

No matter how many lights you install, there will be few substitutes to good lighting in the basement. Installing large egress windows instead of basement doors is a fantastic start. In the smaller basement windows, replace all those dark, rusty steel basement window wells with covered SunHouse window wells to reflect in as much beautiful sunlight as possible for the basement space.

Basement Water and Humidity

Drywall can quickly grow mold once it becomes moist.

Basements are notorious for being humid, leaking areas. If the basement has ever had any foundation water leak in, then it should be completely waterproofed and protected before the basement finishing. However, even with a carefully waterproofed basement, humidity can still pass through the porous concrete of the basement walls and floors as water vapor, filling up the area and adding dampness to materials. If carpet, wood, drywall, fiberglass, or any other material that contains organic material is present, it can become a habitat for mold, mildew, and rot. And with all the sinks, pipes, tubs, toilets, water heaters, washing machines and other plumbing in the house, a failure and flood is unavoidable!

When finishing a basement, be sure to install only inorganic materials in the space that are warranted against mold and moisture. Drywall, carpeting, and wood will grow mold and rot, and wood will become saturated with water, causing it to swell and buckle. Even mold-resistant drywall has no long-standing warranty against mold, and it can still be damaged easily by water.

Total Basement Finishing’s line of basement remodeling products are made specifically with the basement environment in mind. These bright, beautiful products resist mold and moisture, and they’re sure to keep the basement looking beautiful and attractive for decades to come. Additionally, the insulated wall panels, floor tiles, and low-E double thermopaned basement windows combine to make a system that’s warm, sensible, and cost-effective. And if the area is being used as a game room, children’s play room, or entertainment area, you’ll be grateful that you have walls that won’t crumble and break on impact, replaceable ceiling tiles, and basement floors that are twice as durable as the alternatives. There’s nothing like the Total Basement Finishing system!