Archive for January, 2010

Its usually a good idea to grab a few basement bathroom remodel ideas. The basement is one of the best places to build a new bathroom because you don’t need to extend your homes floor space and you already have two walls to support it. You might have a hard time building a bathroom though if you have cramped space. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of what you have:

#1- Settle for less than a bathroom.

The first step in small basement design is to settle for less than what you want. In the case of building a bathroom, you may consider having a small powder room instead. In some cases this isn’t just a cost saving idea. It can also be a more sensible one. If you don’t plan to have a new bedroom in your basement, a small powder room for guests may be just right. You probably don’t expect guests in your basement recreation center to ask to take a bath.

#2- Make use of corners.

Since you probably need to use the two existing walls of your basement, it goes without saying that your bathroom will be situated in a corner. This is an excellent basement bathroom remodel tip to help you save space. Dont limit corner space usage to construction though. Once you have a bathroom, it is also in your best interests to use the corners inside your new bathroom. Save floor space by letting your bathtub or wash basin hug a corner. Storage cabinets can also be made to fit corners.

#3- Utilize air space.

Corners aren’t the only spots you can make good use of. You can also use air space. Instead of setting cabinets and shelves on the floor, you can choose models that can hang overhead. Although hanging storage units can have limited weight capacity, they are not likely to be hazards if they are installed correctly and if you use them only for towels and other bathroom items. Aside from cabinets, wash basins can also be set to hang on a wall or corner depending on the basin model you choose.

#4- Use mirrors and lights.

Most small basement bathroom remodel tips will tell you to use mirrors and lights. Using these elements liberally and strategically can help create the illusion of spaciousness. If you arent a fan of bright direct lighting, you can get fixtures with dimmers or adjustable heads so you can adjust bathroom lighting when you want to.

#5- Pick Light Colors

Light colors are ideal for small basement designs. This is especially so for basement bathrooms. Like mirrors and lights, light colors support the illusion of spaciousness. If you find solid light tiles too boring, you can add decorative highlights on the walls of your bathroom. Of course, it always makes sense to have a combination of two or three light tones of tiles for your bathroom.

Basement bathroom remodel ideas can really help you make good use of free basement space. Keep in mind though that not all ideas can be implemented well especially in a small bathroom. Remember these tips so you can make good use of the little space you have before and after you build a bathroom.

You dont often hear about basement bathroom ideas. Its about time though that you paid more attention to making better use of your basement space by constructing a bathroom. Before you do however, there are a couple of points you need to consider.

Do You Need One

A bathroom automatically brings to mind a shower or bathtub. You might want to have one in your basement if you plan to remodel your basement into another bedroom. Obviously, your guest or occupant would need a place to take a bath in. Bear in mind though that spare rooms are not the only basement design ideas that you can use.

Your basement can be transformed into several different things. Common choices include a gym, office, entertainment center and basement bar. Clearly, these options are ideal for work or for entertaining guests and family. If your intention is to convert your basement into any one of these, you can settle for just a powder room or comfort room instead of a bathroom.

Why the Basement is Perfect

If you do choose to have a bathroom in the basement, you have picked the best location in your home. Building in the basement means you dont have to spend more to add extra square footage to the exterior of your home. You also don’t need to sacrifice valuable bedroom space to accommodate a new bathroom. In a basement, you already have the space waiting for you to build on. You also benefit from already having two existing walls if you choose to build your bathroom in a corner so you only need to set up two more walls to complete your plans.

The Need for Expert Help

It can be tempting to implement basement bathroom ideas on your own. This is especially since remodeling doesn’t come cheap. This may be alright if your basement is already prepared to just receive a toilet and bath hookup. Its a different story entirely if your project will require you to rework existing plumbing, ventilation and wiring. These are tasks for licensed experts.

Asking help from experts will ensure that your bathroom is built correctly. This will reduce the likelihood of spending more to correct mistakes. Moreover, experts will make sure that your project is able to comply with existing building codes.

Expert opinion is also a must if you have very problematic basement conditions. Some basement bathroom ideas simply cannot be executed because you do not have good space on which to build on. Your basement for example can have water seepage problems. Professionals would have to deal with this problem first before anything can be safely built or remodeled.

Many construction contractors can execute basement bathroom ideas. It is always best however to settle for an expert company that specializes in home remodeling. Look for a company with years of experience in the remodeling industry and one that has a good reputation among clients. Invite candidate contractors to your home to give you an onsite evaluation. This is the best way to get an accurate quote and to discuss possible problems with your project.

Most basements are not specifically made for basement bars. Basements are just really spare rooms that owners use for a variety of purposes or do not use at all. This doesn’t mean though that you cant set up a bar at all. Before you do though, there are a couple of tips that you need to keep in mind for creating perfect bars on basements.

Conceal Aesthetically Unpleasant Parts

Some sections of your basement can look horrible and can destroy the atmosphere that you would want to convey. These unpleasant sections can include water stained walls or exposed plumbing and wire casings. The best way to preserve the visual appeal of your basement bar is to conceal these parts. You can easily set up a basic drop down ceiling to hide pipes and wires. As for stained walls, you can always install rigid insulation. This doesn’t just mask the original wall. It can also protect your basement against the cold and against moisture entry.

Add Something for Everybody

Basement bars often cater to adult members of the family or guests. The basement however is often regarded not just as an adult section of the house but as a room that every family member can use. If you have kids around the house, you can create a great entertainment center by adding various elements for everyone to enjoy. You can for example add board game sections, storage for child friendly edibles and extra couch seating.

Use Store-Bought Components

Basement bar designs don’t have to be made on the spot. If you aren’t good at making things from scratch you could make your life a whole lot easier by settling for store bought bar components. There are cabinets and shelves that are ready to install straight out of the package. There are also pre made bars that you can just shove into place instead of having to make your own bar. Do take note though of floor and appliance dimensions to make sure that the components that you buy fit well with what you already have.

Have a Wet Bar When Possible

Basement bars can either be dry or wet. Dry bars are for spaces where installing sinks and reworking plumbing are not possible. As the term suggests, these bars do not allow for the disposal of water. Whenever possible, you should settle for a wet bar instead. This is simply because a wet bar is the most ideal way to maximize your existing space. Wet bars are good options because you don’t have to run back and forth from your basement to your kitchen to deal with the dishes. If you want to have a bar, why settle for anything less than one that has all the necessary sections?

Save Space

Many basements have cramped areas. You can save space though by using high stools, overhead cabinets, slim electronic gadgets, mini coolers and the like for your bar. You can make your basement seem more spacious by implementing the right lighting schemes.

Basement bars can become the best places to relax in. That is however, only if you get the right components and remodeling elements in place.