A Better Basement - Manalapan NJ

Increasingly, New Jersey homeowners are remodeling the subterranean level recognizing the feeling of escape and promise of a good time that a transformed basement brings. The basement often has a lot of square footage that isn't being maximized, so it makes sense that more homeowners are spending remodeling dollars to spruce up this space. Basements of today have everything from guest suites to workout spaces, saunas, wine storage, music rooms, theater seating, wet bars, fireplaces and arcade games. Here are some things to think about when considering a basement remodel:

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Purpose

Think about what you need your basement to be, what you'll really use it for. Do you want to host Superbowl parties? Workout? Store and show off wine? Offer a guest room and bath for visiting relatives? Indulge a hobby? Chances are, you also still need laundry, storage and nuts and bolts mechanical systems housed in the basement, so you want to consider all of that and build to suit.

Lighting

You don't want to feel like you're in a cave so it's key to make the most of natural light, which could include digging out egress windows (something you have to do if you want a basement bedroom, per housing code) and installing plenty of electrical lights. Ceiling cans are the preferred method, but not all ceiling types permit this. Lighting under bookshelves, in a bar area, and with pendants or sconces are other alternatives.

Ceiling

This can be a tricky one especially in older homes, where ceilings are seven feet tops, if you're lucky, and covered with pipes and cables. The go-to solution used to be suspended or drop ceilings but, in addition to being homely, they actually take up valuable inches of ceiling height. They do provide access to pipes and electrical but do you really need it? When was the last time you had to get into the ceiling? Drywall and plaster take up less space and the look is the same as the rest of your house making it seem less “basementy”, plus the cost is comparable to a drop-ceiling. You can even install a few access panels if you like. Another option is to leave your ceiling unfinished and paint all the beams and pipes a solid color for a more industrial look. If you must go with a suspended type, there are now more attractive tiles available that mimic tin or coffered ceilings.

Flooring

The most obvious choice for our chilly climate is carpet but wood or laminate are also popular. Tiles or epoxy coatings make sense in rooms where moisture might be an issue.

Trim and Finishes

For seamless design it's a good idea to choose trim and hardware that is in harmony with the rest of the house, with some playful touches like a chalkboard door, or a reclaimed wood or zinc bar top thrown in.

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