Alabama Basement Finishing
Alabama basement finishing is the perfect way to use the additional space in the basement of your Alabama home. There are many ideas on how to use basements available online. You can even find pictures of other basement designs and how to ideas for a wide variety of Alabama basement finishing projects. If you would like to finish the lower floor in the Alabama home you own, shop online today and compare quotes from a variety of finishing remodelers.
Ideas for Basement Remodels
There are many ideas for an Alabama basement finishing project. Perhaps you would like to add a game room complete with pool table, bar, and dartboards. Alternatively, maybe you would like to add a new theatre room with an entertainment system. No matter what you would like to use the space for, finishing it is easy and affordable.
Before you begin a project, consider what you would like to use the room for. Would you like to add spare bedrooms or a laundry room? Maybe you would like to have a large bonus room for entertaining guests, or a separate storage area. Draw a rough sketch of what you would like to do with the area, and be sure to add doors, windows, electrical outlets, plumbing needs, and any other special considerations.
Once you have your plan in mind, you may want to visit with a professional engineer in Alabama to finalize the plans. The engineer will review the available space, and make suggestions on how to better utilize what you have. Once the engineer has reviewed and signed the new plans, you are ready to find a contractor to help you with your finishing project.
Basement Considerations
Before beginning an Alabama basement finishing job, you will need to consider several items. First, how much headroom is in the area today? This is especially important if you plan to add interior doors for rooms. A standard interior door is six foot, eight inches. Above the door, you will need a standard two by four header. For a door to fit and swing properly you will need at least seven feet of headroom.
Another important consideration of a finishing project, is whether or not there is a drain in the room. Some basements have a drain and even a pump that will allow any water that leaks into the room a way out. It is extremely important that you not cover the drain if one exists. You do not want the area to flood and not have a way to drain. If there is a pump, you may or may not be able to see it. They are generally water activated, and may be below the foundation.
If you are planning to add walls in the basement during your Alabama basement finishing project, you may need to consider adding a floating wall that will allow for movement as the home settles. A floating wall is built a little above a piece of pressure treated wood and then attached using long spikes. These spikes allow for the movement of the home as it settles without causing cracks and splits on the wall.
Choosing a Contractor
When choosing a contractor for Alabama basement finishing projects, it is important to get quotes from several different companies and compare them carefully. You will probably need quotes from a heating and air conditioning company, electrical contractors, and a home improvement contractor. Ask for references from each one you get quotes from and be sure to check them.
Many general contractors will give you a bid to do all of the work and then sub out the heating and air conditioning ductwork and the electrical. This is a good solution because it allows you to hire one firm for all of the work. You should, however, ask the firm who they will be subbing the work out to and check the references of the subcontractors.
If you plan to add a restroom or a laundry room to the Alabama basement finishing project, you will also need to talk to a plumbing contractor. Be sure that you use one that is familiar with finishing basements in Alabama, and understands the local plumbing codes. For all of the contract work, request that each firm secures the appropriate permits prior to beginning the Alabama basement finishing job.
Alabama basement finishing is the ideal way to increase the square footage of an Alabama home in a cost efficient way. Begin with a rough sketch of what you would like to do with the space, and have it reviewed by an Alabama engineer before you hire a contractor. Always work with licensed and insured contractors in your area and be sure to check their references. By following these suggestions, you will be sure to begin finishing the basement of your home in no time.
