Remember Me
forgot your password?

Basement: The Last Frontier

The basement is probably the most underrated area in the house, but if it's refinished it will be like adding another room, or even another floor altogether. There is a lot of different choices as far as the aesthetic layout, but it's been quite popular to add home theaters or wet bars; something that doesn't seem so basement-ish.

The following material will be some advice on some preliminary start up points to get going on a basement project. Also, some basement ideas will be tossed around a bit to get your creative juices flowing.

First, Questioning the Contractor

Before you start perusing through your local yellow pages looking for someone to contract your basement remodeling job, you will want to have some foresight so you don't pick one that you will regret. Just like finding a mechanic, it can be worrisome as you think that you are running crapshoot with who you choose to hire.

Scour the neighborhood or scan your rolodex. A friend or family will know someone who did some home construction work in the past, whether it was a room extension or a hardwood floor install, there should be praise of some group's handiwork. If you canvass the area you can get someone who can refer you to a proper contractor.

In addition to word of mouth, going online to visit your state licensing site is a good tool to help screen your choices. For instance, if you were looking for a Salt Lake City remodeling contractor you would go to Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and run a search.

You can find some reference to those who are licensed, or if you have picked up some names, you can cross check them with the board's list. Keep in mind, however, that being listed on the board only means that they've at least met minimum requirements. Getting a good verbal reference still holds a little more stock in making the final decision.

Once you get to the screening portion of your conversations with the contractor, it's important to know what you will be getting into as far as cost and quality of work. Some important points to consider when forming your questions are:

- The hourly rates charged
- Rates for any part of the project that is not exactly related to the job at hand, like if you have to do some plumbing work
- If there are parts ordered, will the hourly rates be in effect still while you all wait
- What sort of insurance does the contractor have and are they bondable
- If money is one of the biggest issues, ask if there are better rates during the season

Some Basement Designs

Out of all the design ideas you may have in your mind, think warmth first and foremost. This is the leading reason why people avoid the basement -- it's cold and dark making it uncomfortable. So when you formulate the design, try to think about lighting the downstairs with maybe some windows and a heat source.

A fireplace or heated floors are some examples of a heat source. Also if you cannot make windows, or they are out of your budget, try looking into some good artificial lighting with natural color spectrum.

Art Gib

Downstairs Done Right (http://www.downstairsdoneright.com) specializes in refinishing basements and construction, specifically Salt Lake City remodeling. Downstairs Done Right prides itself as being upfront with price and quality guarantees. The author Art Gib is a freelance writer.

Rate this Article: 4 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Interior Design Articles
  • More from Art Gib

Painting Tips For Beginners

By: Peter Gitundu | 07/01/2010
Painting a new house or renovating an old one by use of paint calls for care if the results are to be admired by all. The results also need to be long lasting to avoid having to go through the whole process sooner than you thought. For that reason, a few tips on how to go about painting will do.

Decorative Knobs and Pulls – Classic Victorian Patterns in Solid Brass

By: Kohn Coleman | 07/01/2010
Metal knobs and pulls can become dented and scratched over time and when this happens it is important to find high quality replacements. Solid brass knobs and pulls offer classic patterns that range from simple to highly ornate and can complement any decorating theme.

Rose Duvet Covers Brighten up Gloomy Days

By: Denzale Montgomery | 07/01/2010
I pull my rose duvet cover over my head taking a quick peak at what time it was.

Rose Duvet Covers for Spring

By: Denzale Montgomery | 07/01/2010
The holiday season was a great time. But, now it is a new year, and it is about time to start thinking about spring time.

Antique Tabriz Rugs: Creating the Oriental Charm

By: mike | 07/01/2010
Are you thinking of getting a rug for your interiors? How about choosing an antique Tabriz rug that is the manifestation of the antique oriental elegance? Incorporating an antique piece into a modern contemporary setting requires flair and imagination. A well-thought out Tabriz rug can be a valuable asset in your home, be it modern or traditional.

The Magic of Oak Furniture

By: Michiel Van Kets | 07/01/2010
With its dark, gleaming beauty and long lasting strength, oak furniture brings a touch of magic to every home. Why settle for ordinary furniture when you can transform you home with the magic of oak furniture?

The Magic of Oak Furniture

By: Michiel Van Kets | 07/01/2010
With its dark, gleaming beauty and long lasting strength, oak furniture brings a touch of magic to every home. Why settle for ordinary furniture when you can transform you home with the magic of oak furniture?

Recent Window Blinds Recall Explained

By: Seth Hassell | 07/01/2010
On Tuesday December 15, millions of parents woke up to one of the largest blind recalls. The government announced that 50 million Roman-style shades and roll-up blinds were a hazard to children. These blinds had the capability of strangling young children.

How to Find a Reputable Auto Accident Lawyer

By: Art Gib | 14/10/2008 | Law
If you had an auto accident and you weren't to blame, the anger then begins take its shape and you are faced with injuries and auto repair damages that you can't pay for. Finding a reputable auto accident lawyer who can guide you step by step on what to do next as well as counsel you on going after damages from the other party at fault.

Tips for Planning a Skiing Vacation

By: Art Gib | 14/10/2008 | Travel
There are a lot of choices to make when you plan a skiing trip. And, since vacation time is so precious, you want the details to be as convenient as possible. Read further for great planning tips.

Tips for Used Car Shopping

By: Art Gib | 14/10/2008 | Cars
There are several things that consumers can do to make used car shopping easier and more affordable. For more information, read the following article.

Used Car Shopping Tactics

By: Art Gib | 14/10/2008 | Cars
When you are buying a used car, there are several precautions you can take to ensure that you are getting a good deal, a reliable car, and great service. For more instructions, read the following article.

Skiing Vacations and their Benefits

By: Art Gib | 14/10/2008 | Travel
There are plenty of options to choose from when you go on a skiing vacation. Learn why skiing can be a great way for family members to enjoy their time with each other.

Teambuilding Activities for Corporate Employees

By: Art Gib | 14/10/2008 | Team Building
Team building activities are both fun and effective ways to get employees working together in a variety of environments. For more information, read the following article.

Major Historical Moments in the US Stock Market

By: Art Gib | 14/10/2008 | Investing
History has shown that even booming markets can crash. Find some professional guidance to help you navigate stock markets around the world.

The Function and Importance of House Plans

By: Art Gib | 14/10/2008 | Home Improvement
Even though a house goes up one section at a time, the entire structure needs to be planned in advance for smooth and quality construction. Learn more about house plans in the following article.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.27, 6, w3)