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tips
Basement design tips |
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| Here are some thought starters to get you on
the right track. These are some of the techniques and processes
we used throughout the design phase of our basement remodeling
project.
- Start by making a rough drawing of your basement as it is
now. Measure and label all windows, exterior walls, the stairway,
and any ductwork or pipes that may become obstacles later.
- Make copies of your basement plan so you can create several
variations to see which you like best. If you're using interior
design software, keep a backup version of your 'clean' plan
and save your modified versions under different file names.
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![Create several drafts of your basement design. It will help you come up with a basement design that meets your needs. [Click to enlarge]](images/basement_design_draft.gif) |
An early draft of my basement design plan
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- Think of where the main traffic areas will be and make sure
you have a clean flow throughout. You don't want to have to
zig and zag to get around.
- If you want a bathroom you may be restricted to putting it
in the area that's been 'roughed in'. Unless you enjoy busting
up lots of thick concrete, place your bathroom in the design
first and work your way from there.
- If you're putting in a bedroom, make sure you plan for an
egress window. This provides a secondary exit in the event of
a fire blocking the stairway. If you're getting building permits,
this may be a requirement in a finished basement- regardless
of whether you add a bedroom or not.
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- Do a serious assessment of your skills and decide which pieces
of your project you'd be better off 'outsourcing'. You'll have
to spend some extra money, but it will pay for itself in the
time saved and headaches avoided!
- Make a 'wish list' of all the things you'd like to have in
your basement. Compare it to your spouse's or significant other's.
You won't be able to include everything on the lists, but you
may each come up with ideas the other hasn't thought of.
- Start to think of potential color schemes and decor. Visit
home stores and Web sites to get ideas. Check out books from
the library, and cut out magazine pictures. Although it will
be awhile before you're ready for the finishing touches, doing
some of this up front will save you time later. Plus, it gives
you something to look forward to as you're pounding nail after
nail….after nail…
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