For many homeowners , the basement is the hidden gem of the home . Of course , converting an unfinished basement into a usable , comfortable space can seem a bit daunting . Here are three of the top concerns when renovating a basement space :
COMFORT Basements are often cold , dark and musty . To ensure your basement is a place you and your family will want to gather , moisture control and ventilation need to be considered . Using the correct insulation and water barrier products is important to ensure your basement remains dry and comfortable . Since the basement likely has fewer windows , reduced air flow can increase humidity resulting in cooler temperatures and toxic mold growth . Ensuring proper ventilation with an HVAC system , exhaust fans , an air exchange and / or a dehumidifier will help keep humidity under control .
PLUMBING Unless plumbing already exists in your basement , adding functional areas like a bathroom , laundry room or kitchenette is a messy , noisy and labor-intensive undertaking ! Traditionally speaking , to install plumbing in the basement requires cutting through concrete to run new lines , which must be located close to a main drain stack . Not only is this expensive , but cutting through concrete , no matter how carefully it is done , weakens the structural integrity of the slab and can cause stress cracks , which , over time , can extend across the entire room and allow groundwater to seep in .
Above-floor plumbing systems do not require installers to cut through the concrete or dig down . These systems , including drain pumps and macerators / grinders , are a more costeffective and time-friendly alternative to traditional below-floor plumbing . Unlike a sewage ejector system that stores waste in a holding tank , with Saniflo systems , the waste and gray water from a toilet , sink or shower connected to an above-floor “ upflush ” system is pumped up and away through small-diameter piping , rather than flowing down and out like conventional plumbing . This allows for the creation of a new bathroom , wet bar , kitchenette or laundry anywhere in your future basement living space , regardless of where the main drain stack or existing pipes are located .
LIGHTING Fewer windows means less natural light but a dark basement is not a welcoming space . The simplest solution for improving lower level lighting is to choose track lighting or pot lights which can be recessed by installing them between the joists in the ceiling . To allow as much natural light to fill the space , opt for glass doors where possible and trim back any shrubs or plants that may be blocking sunshine from reaching the window wells .
Saniflo , www . saniflo . ca
Height And Reach Matter When selecting a bathroom faucet , it ’ s important to consider what height and reach will work for you . If you have a cabinet or shelf above the faucet , you may need a shorter faucet but if you have a bowl sink , you may need a taller one with a wider reach to avoid water splashing over the back of the bowl .
Look for Ceramic Disc Valves High-quality faucets like the Studio S Collection from American Standard , will come with ceramic disc valves . These are more durable and less likely to leak over time .
The Finish The general design rule is that all hardware in your bathroom should have the same finish in order to keep the room from feeling busy and uncoordinated . Of course , like any design rule , there are exceptions . A matte black faucet can work in a bathroom with other finishes provided you have touches of black in other places in the room such as the mirror trim , a shelf or vanity , the light fixture , etc . - Bartle & Gibson , www . bartlegibson . com
Photos by American Standard www . americanstandard . ca
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