Basement Remodeling Services

While an unfinished basement can only be used as a storage area of ​​the house, it can be transformed into many different types of rooms when renovated. This means a brand new living space for the homeowners. Although often overlooked, basements that are renovated with the right planning can be transformed into an ‘extra room’ decorated for many different purposes, from a guest room to a children’s play area.

Basement remodeling is a job that requires more attention, skill and expertise than other areas of the house. It is important to meticulously plan factors such as lighting, waterproofing and moisture control. In addition, due to current legal requirements, the necessary permits must be obtained before the basement renovation and a project must be made in accordance with local building regulations. When all these important factors are taken into consideration, getting professional help for the basement renovation process will be the right step.

What is the Function of the Basement?

The Basements that are partially or completely below the building ground level are called basements and are used as a part of the building. Although in the past basements were mostly used as storage areas, garages, repair shops or laundry rooms, today they can be renewed for many different purposes. In fact, many homeowners want to evaluate their basements as an additional living space.

This innovation, which will increase the square footage of the house’s living space, can offer homeowners more than just an extra room. This will both increase the value of the house and allow people to have their dream work area, hobby area or guest area.

Why is Basement Remodeling Important?

Renovating the basement is actually one of the most important investments to be made in a house. While renovations, which can be considered the biggest of the lost space evaluations, provide a brand new, usable area, a functional basement can also provide possible future financial gains (ROI). In fact, in a possible house sale, having an extra living space in addition to the existing rooms is always a plus point.

On the other hand, a renovated basement also means more accommodation, more entertainment, more work space and of course more storage space. Moreover, basement renovation is also important in terms of the appearance, comfort and security of the property. An old basement can be damp, humid and rotten. This damages the entire house.

In addition, radon, an odorless and radioactive gas that can seep into the basement from the surrounding soil, can also pose a danger to homeowners. In basements that have been tested for radon and renovated accordingly, it is possible to eliminate this risk. For this reason, the current condition of the basement should be analyzed well, the necessary repairs and changes should be made and it should be made truly usable.

Can the Basement Be Used as an Additional Living Area?

A basement can be used as an additional living area with multiple features after a correct renovation process. More effective solutions can be produced in this area for storing collected seasonal decorations, sports equipment, vehicle parts and other unused items. Basements, which are easily accessible by homeowners, are very useful areas that are both out of sight and inside the house. However, of course, a correct renovation project must be made for these areas first.

In the basement remodeling process, generally appropriate insulation is made, lighting solutions are provided, heating systems are renewed and energy efficiency is aimed to be provided in each renewed area.

What Types of Rooms Can a Basement Be Converted Into?

Basements which help provide a clutter-free living space, can be converted into areas with many different functions. Accordingly,  basements that is renewed, apart from its use as a storage area, provides the following types of rooms:

• Game room or entertainment area
• Mini gym
• Home theater
• Guest room
• Study room or workshop
• Bar area
• Laundry room
• Wine cellar
• Spa area
• Mini studio or music workshop

Basements can become much more useful than expected, especially with proper sound and heat insulation. This area, which can be turned into a movie theater with a large television or projection screen, can also be easily used as a mini gym with professional sports equipment. With basement remodeling, a safe playground for children can be created or a hobby room where adults can have fun can be created.

A basement that is saved from its dark, dirty, damp and messy state and renewed with modern renovation methods can be turned into the area where most of the time is spent in the house.

Renovating the Basement as a Guest Room

Basements are quite suitable areas for use as a guest room when they are renovated in the light of a correct project. Being independent from the rest of the house and yet actually being a part of the house allows guests to be quite comfortable in this area. Basements, which have become useful for homeowners in this sense, can be evaluated as a separate accommodation area after renovation.

A separate bathroom and bedroom can be built in this area for guests. In basements of sufficient size, a mini resting area and even a small kitchen area with a water dispenser, a mini refrigerator for drinks and food, and a table of appropriate size can be created.

Arranging the basement walls or separators in accordance with the project will help make this area more effective and functional.

Especially the basements that open to the garden thanks to the elevation difference or gain spaciousness with the right lighting units and the right color choices will literally offer the comfort of a personal living space for the guests after the renovation.

What are the Stages of Basement Remodeling?

Basement renovation is a process that can be more laborious and detailed than other areas of the house. For this reason, planning and projecting must be done by experts.

Necessary permits must be obtained before the process and possible security problems must be prevented. Then, the following steps are implemented:

• The current layout, size and areas that can be utilized in the basement are determined and a project is prepared.
• It is decided which structural changes can be made if necessary.
• The most accurate design is made for lighting and ventilation, and the most effective use of natural light sources, if any, is determined.
• It is planned to evaluate suitable lost areas so that the desired space can also be used as a storage area.
• Appropriate interior coverings (floor, wall and ceiling) and other materials are decided.
• The existing plumbing and electrical installations are checked and replaced if necessary.
• Solutions that will increase the mobility of the homeowners on this level are planned and necessary arrangements are made in the necessary areas.
• Stairs and stairwells are repaired to make them more usable and safe.
• Necessary insulation and water insulation are made and especially a moisture barrier is used to prevent possible mold and moisture formation.
• After the floor and wall renovations, doors, windows are installed.
• The area is cleaned, interior decoration and furniture placement are carried out and then final checks are made and delivered.

As a long-term investment, it is very important to choose the right lighting, insulation and ventilation systems. D’Fine Design and Build’s professional team will plan and implement the entire process on your behalf and ultimately help you have the usable basement you want.

How to Decorate a Basement?

One of the most important issues that needs to be addressed in basement decoration is lighting. No matter what purpose the area will be used for, if it does not receive natural light, it must have sufficient lighting. On the other hand, thanks to heat and sound insulation, it is also possible to use this area as a home theater or hobby room. The area can be converted into a bedroom for guests or the homeowners’ dream study room can be built at this point.

In addition to the right lighting effect, the color selection on this floor should also be made correctly. Instead of very large furniture, the area can be evaluated wisely with a more minimal decoration. The focus of basement decoration should be ‘comfort’.

The following can be preferred for basement decoration:

• Basement windows are usually small, so artificial windows can be used for space divisions.
• The general rule is to use light colors, a spacious, inspiring atmosphere can be created with pastel tones, light vibrant colors and bright colors.
• A more homogeneous distribution of light can be achieved with recessed and wall lights.
• Flooring suitable for changes in humidity levels should be selected, for this purpose vinyl planks, ceramic tiles or similar durable products should be preferred.

In addition, it is a good step to get decoration ideas from experts depending on what the basement will be used for. If it will be used as a resting area, a comfortable armchair, a basement fireplace and a stylish library can be preferred. If it will be used as a play area, a lively atmosphere can be created with floor cushions, a large screen television and other play materials. For those who prefer to use it as a bar, elegance can be achieved with elegant bistro tables or chairs arranged around a mini bar.

If it will be used as a guest room, the decoration can be completed with a bed of medium size, a wardrobe that is not too large and a stylish dressing table. If this area will be used as a home theater, a dimmer lighting can be preferred. A cinema atmosphere will be created with leather armchairs, a sound system, soft curtained walls and a carpet.

How to Ensure Energy Efficiency in a Basement?

The simplest rule for ensuring energy efficiency in a basement is to install a well-designed HVAC system. In the first stage, detailed insulation should be done with suitable materials. Floor, wall and ceiling insulation is effective in maintaining a constant temperature and minimizing heat transfer.

On the other hand, precautions should be taken against air leakage. For this, windows or doors can be renewed or gaps in these areas can be closed with suitable materials. It is also possible to act more economically while obtaining better lighting with preferred LED lights. In addition, energy use can be optimized with motion sensors or timed lamps. Energy-efficient models should definitely be preferred in the white goods to be used.

How Should Basement Lighting Be Done?

Proper lighting is very important for a functional basement. In basements, which usually have small windows and therefore have limited access to natural light, correct lighting should be installed in order to create a good atmosphere and ensure safety. For this reason, the selected lighting units are strategically placed in accordance with the project. In addition to ceiling lights, it is possible to obtain lighting with different intensity with portable light sources such key lights, floor lamps and vertical lighting units. In addition, decoration can be supported with light-reflecting surfaces or mirrors. Wall lighting such as wall lights or fake natural light windows are also an option.

What Colors Should Be Preferred in Basement Renovation?

The colors to be preferred in basement remodeling may vary depending on the purpose for which this area will be used. While it would not be right to choose vibrant colors for dimmer environments such as home theaters, the use of light, vibrant or soft colors may be on the agenda for basements to be used as guest rooms or play areas.

Accordingly, the colors that can be preferred for basements are as follows:

• White, cream, beige and powder colors: Ideal for those who want to expand the space. It is especially a favorite of homeowners who want to use this area as a guest room.
• Light gray, ivory, pastel colors: Creates a calmer and more peaceful atmosphere.
• Dark blue and dark burgundy: Can be used especially on a single wall to create depth.
• Sky blue, turquoise, lavender: Calming for those who want to use their basement as a resting area.
• Purple, orange, green: Can be preferred in a basement that will be renovated as a playroom and hobby room.
• Red, wine color, black: It would be a good choice for a basement that will be transformed into a home theater.

How to Choose the Right Flooring for a Basement?

The basement floor must be resistant to temperature changes, possible humidity, intense impacts (especially when used as a playroom or mini gym) and the unique conditions of the area. It is also important that it is easy to clean and contributes to insulation. In addition to all these, the flooring to be preferred should not compromise on aesthetic appearance. The flooring options that have these features and are considered ideal for the basement are as follows:

• Laminate flooring or carpet
• Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)
• Rubber flooring
• Concrete flooring
• Engineered woods (Products that are produced differently from solid hardwood and have the beauty of natural wood. They are highly resistant to moisture and have the ability to provide a moisture barrier.)

What is the Average Cost of Basement Remodeling?

The average cost of basement remodeling varies depending on the location to be serviced, the current condition of the basement, the extent of the desired change, the condition of the plumbing and electrical installations, and the size of the area. The most accurate information for this can be provided by the D’Fine Design and Build team after a free survey. With its transparent project design, reasonable prices, and high-standard workmanship, D’Fine Design and Build will offer you the most suitable price offer.

What Factors Affect Cost?

Factors that can affect the cost of a basement renovation typically include:

• Location of the basement, condition of the stairs, width of the area and limited entry points (May require additional equipment, especially during the material handling process.)
• Current condition of the installation and points requiring renovation
• Materials such as flooring, coating, lighting, cabinets and countertops to be selected
• Purpose of use of the renewed basement (Design and additional features needed – such as sound system – may increase the cost.)
• Structural integrity and damage status (Repair of problems that cause mold and dampness is another factor that increases the cost.)

How Long Does a Typical Basement Remodel Take?

The average basement remodel takes about 4-8 weeks. The most important factors that determine this time period are the extent of the changes to be made and the current condition of the basement. If the renovation involves more complicated structural changes, such as removing walls or adding new drywall, this time period is likely to be extended due to additional construction. Additionally, additional problems that may arise during the renovation (such as plumbing issues, etc.) may require additional time and labor.

How Can We Help You Renovate Your Basement?

Every project we undertake with our expert team in the field is a completely different excitement and experience for us. We are always satisfied with the results of basement remodeling projects and enjoy making our customers’ dreams come true. As the D’Fine Design and Build team, we help you transform this area into a more useful living space with our turnkey basement renovation service.

We meticulously implement the projects we will develop specifically for you, your tastes and needs, and we do not allow for any unpleasant surprises throughout the process. Our team of award-winning professionals, 16 years of experience and a free survey offer are at your side.

In Which Locations Do We Provide Basement Renovation Services?

We provide our basement renovation services in locations such as Timonium and Lutherville-Timonium, Towson, Silver Spring, Clarksville, Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City, Glenwood, Phoenix, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville and Monkton, primarily in Maryland. We obtain all necessary permits and other legal procedures that need to be obtained throughout the process, and provide full-time support with our expert team. With our projects that prioritize customer satisfaction, we transform your basement into the living space you desire and increase the value of your home.

You too can invest in both your home and your future by meeting the D’Fine Design and Build team.