Can living in a basement cause health problems?
Hazards commonly found in basements include toxic chemicals, pests, mold, indoor air quality issues (such as dangerous gases) and fire hazards that can affect all rooms of the home.
How do you use an unfinished basement without finishing it?
The best way to make your unfinished basement feel complete is by adding accents and decor just as you would to any other room in your house. In addition to the basement ideas above, like hanging string lights and adding area rugs, bring in other details that will add warmth, texture, and ambiance.
What can you do with an unfinished basement?
10 Affordable Ideas for Your Unfinished Basement
- 10 Ideas for your Unfinished Basement.
- 1 | Hide Mechanicals. …
- 2 | Install Electrical Outlets. …
- 3 | Deep Clean the Basement. …
- 4 | Add Overhead Lighting. …
- 5 | Paint the Exposed Ceiling. …
- 6 | Paint the Basement Walls. …
- 7 | Paint the Basement Concrete Floors.
Should you finish a basement?
Finishing a basement can be a good investment. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, nationally, the average return on investment for a basement project is around 75 cents on the dollar.
Why are some basements unfinished?
Some just want the room to act as extra storage or utility room that won’t need as much attention as other rooms. It could also be that a homeowner wants to leave a basement incomplete to pave way for its customization. Such a basement will remain incomplete until the owner is ready to start the redesign process.
Is it unhealthy to sleep in basement?
While stuffy air below-grade won’t affect anyone living upstairs, it can trigger asthma attacks or other respiratory problems in those who spend time in a basement bedroom or rec room.
What is the cheapest way to finish an unfinished basement?
You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith. Beyond that, count on using some pros.
How do you make a play area in unfinished basement?
Unfinished basement floors can be hard and cold, making playtime uncomfortable and creating safety hazards if the child falls. Instead, create a warm and comfortable place for children to play by adding wall-to-wall carpeting, square carpet tiles, or big, fluffy washable rugs.
What does partial basement mean?
A full basement refers to a basement that has the same dimensions of width and length as the dwelling above it, while a partial basement is typically smaller. This type of basement usually refers to excavation that only extends to half the length or width of the above ground structure.
What can I do about a basement dirt floor?
Cover the Dirt Floor in Your Basement
The best way to fix this is to weatherize the basement by having a heavy-duty vapor barrier installed over the dirt floor. Installers, such as the experts at Farnum Insulators, will then seal the vapor barrier to the exterior foundation walls using closed cell spray foam.
What do I need to know about finishing my basement?
6 Things You Have to Do Before Finishing a Basement
- Check the Foundation. Before starting any construction in your basement, assess the state of the foundation. …
- Identify Code Violations. …
- Eliminate Water Issues. …
- Insulate Properly. …
- Assess the Ceiling. …
- Work Around the Essentials in Your Design.
Should I put drywall in my basement?
Due to the often damp conditions of the basement, be sure to choose sheetrock that is at least moisture-resistant (often call greenboard) but be on the lookout for products that are specifically resistant to mold and mildew (some kinds of purple board).
Is it better to leave basement unfinished?
Con: You might not recoup all of your expenses.
While it’s true that remodeling an unfinished basement increases your home’s value, it’s also true that you are unlikely to recoup 100 percent of your expenses. As a general rule, the increase in value only covers roughly 70 percent of what you spent on the makeover.
What’s considered an unfinished basement?
An “unfinished” basement is what it sounds like. It doesn’t have the cozy feel to it, and probably not an area you would entertain in and instead has : Pipes and beams exposed- there is no covering by ceiling tiles or hidden. Water heater may be in this room instead of outside in the garage.
What does full unfinished basement mean?
It has not been finished in the sense that the floor is typically bare concrete, the walls may be concrete block or brick, and the ceiling of the basement may have exposed pipes or wiring.
What do you call a basement that is half underground?
In architecture, a semi-basement is a floor of a building that is half below ground, rather than entirely such as a true basement or cellar.
Can you turn a partial basement into a full basement?
Converting a crawlspace to a completely finished basement costs $50 per square foot on average with a typical range of $30 to $75 per square foot. Adding 2,000 square feet under your home runs $60,000 to $150,000. Expanding an existing partial basement into a full one might run $20,000 to $70,000.
What does a partially finished basement mean?
A partially finished basement has finished and unfinished areas. For instance, many people will have a fully finished living area and maybe a bedroom or half bathroom in their basement. These areas will have fully finished walls, floors, and ceilings with all utilities done correctly.
Can you live in a partially finished basement?
Partially Finished Basement
It can be used as a work area for the entire family. You may also be able to find showers and toilets in this type of basement. The main difference between a partially finished basement and a finished and unfinished basement is that it is entirely unmodified.
Does a partially finished basement count as square footage?
An unfinished basement is not included in a home’s square footage. In fact, in the few cases where a basement counts toward a home’s gross living area (such as some walkout basements), the finishes must match the standards and quality used in the rest of the house.
