Planning a Basement Renovation

Now is the time to start planning your basement project so we can get started right after the holidays!

Have you been looking for space to put an exercise room, entertainment center playroom or office? Go underground! If your home has an unfinished basement, remodeling might be a great way to transform this commonly under-used space.

When considering a basement remodel, we always start by making a floor plan. We find out how you want to use the space, and what your specific wants and needs are. We’ll be sure to take note of:

* Access to basement from upstairs and outside.
* Location of existing plumbing if you want an additional bathroom
* Location of vertical support columns
* Location of windows and doors
* Floor/ceiling/wall materials.
* Amount of water the area gets.

Given their constant contact with the earth, basements are vulnerable to dampness, which makes basement remodeling a bit more complex than first meets the eye. Almar will help you take appropriate measures to ensure a room free from moisture.

Most basements in older New England homes have low ceilings and few windows. There are many creative ways to make your basement light and airy. Talk to us about the variety of wall and ceiling lighting options available. We’ll make sure to provide appropriate electrical lines and outlets.

Here are some tickets of the trade for making your underground space first class.

* Stay away from dark wood paneling and instead consider drywall painted in light tones to make the room brighter. Semi-gloss paint will gently reflect even more light into the room.

* Open up the visual space. Double doors – even glass double interior doors – take away the typical cubicle look. Or, how about a rounded archway or pass-through area from one room to another?

* Check to see if exiting windows can be enlarged. Or, consider installing a small boxed window for a mini-garden to grow herbs or start plant seedlings. In some case we may even be able to cut a new window into the existing foundation wall.

* Built-in books cases and entertainment units add richness and depth to a room. Light them with interior lights or from the top to cast a light downwards.

*Disguise vertical support beams and horizontal ceiling pipes for floor joists by boxing them in. Or, you might decide to actually use pipes and beams as interesting accents by painting them with bold colors or subtle earth tomes.

* Other things you might want to consider to make you new room more enjoyable could be: a custom bar, Home Theatre, sauna, wine cellar, or even a fireplace.

An unfinished basement is much like a diamond in the rough – unexplored splendor awaiting your discovery.

As the Coronella’s said after their basement renovation “Thank you for the beautiful job you’ve done finishing our basement! We are enjoying it so much! Your employees were so informative and professional. All of your suggestions always worked into our budget. Also, Allison was always there to answer our questions. We will be very quick to recommend your company! Thanks again for a job well done!”

Located on Rt. 53 in Hanover. We have been serving the South Shore since 1959 and is still a family owned and operated business. Want more information on how to adapt your home? Give Almar a call at 781-826-2577. http://www.almarbuilding.com/