Before you start your basement remodeling , you will want to  check into waterproofing the basement walls before you even start constructing your new family room or bar.  You want to make sure that no water gets into the basement before you spend thousands in renovations.  This will involve several steps.

One of  the first things that you should do is to make sure that you do not have a wet basement.  If you see crystallized salt, or remnants of water damage, you may want to call in a professional.  You might need to make sure that no water is coming into the foundation of your home.  Some simple measures such as French drains or a sump pump may be necessary.  If you do find water , you will want to make sure that you waterproof the walls.  This will make sure that you do not have a problem with mold, as well as to decrease the amount of dampness in the room.  It is simple to do this process.

The first thing you want to do is to make sure that the walls are clean and free of any debris.  Many people will use a broom to brush off the dirt or you can use a shop vac. It may also be recommended that you clean the walls with a detergent as well.  Once this step is completed, you will need to make sure that you fill in any cracks or holes in the walls.  There is putty that is made specifically for basement or concrete walls.  After the putty has fully dried, normally after a day, you can begin to paint the walls. There are many different types of paints that can be used to seal the walls and to keep out the dampness.  The first coat will need to be applied with a thick brush.  It is important to make sure that every nook and cranny is covered with the paint.  If you have a concrete floor, it is a good idea to  paint it as well.  Once this is dry, you can then apply the second coat.  Normally with the second coat, you are able to use a roller, but it is recommended to use a thick nap roller.

After the walls and floor have dried, you are now ready to begin framing your basement .  You can also start to decide what type of flooring you will be using.  Since you have waterproofed your walls and floor, you can rest a little easier that you will not experience any dampness or potential water seeping in once you are finished with your remodel.

Use Your Basement For A Home Office

You might be looking for basement ideas now that the economy is so bad. Many people are finding that remodeling or expanding part of their home is cheaper than moving to a bigger house. If you happen to work out of your home, you might consider turning the basement into your office. You probably need a quiet space that is out of the way to put your office and the basement can be the perfect place.

An important part of any home office is a spot to place your files and your work. The basement will give you lots of space to put filing cabinets and a big desk. You will not have to worry about being disturbed while you are working from other members of the house because it is secluded.

As you study some home workplace plans, it is likely you might forget about the color of the walls and surrounding area. The best basement colors are neutral colors and are often the best choice for walls and furniture. If you are easily distracted, attempt to avoid colors which might be bright. Neutral or cool tones help hold you calm and settled. In addition, it is possible for you to to focus on your duties better.

The temperature can be an issue in many basements. They are great in the summer when it is very hot outside because they are usually cool. However, in the winter they can become very cold and heating them to an acceptable temperature can become a problem. You might need to get a separate heating system just so that you can heat your basement and not roast the rest of the house at the same time.

Basements can be used for many things and now that more and more people are trying to work from home, using them as an office is a great option. You will have to make sure though, that you have it set up properly so that the temperature and lighting are both conducive to a comfortable working environment.