basement-finishing-ideasIn basement-finishing-ideas there are several points that need to be considered in the basement planning stage. You will be wise to put all these points on paper before you ever start to build your home. When we began building our home, we did not plan to build a basement. However, people kept telling us that it was smart to include one because the extra living and storage space was naturally there and the increased cost would be minimal. Even though we did not plan to have a finished basement right away, the city would let us have a basement. As we added the basement the city required a basement floor plan and window placement. We roughed it in for the city, but took little note of the upstairs floor-plan. In retrospect, we would recommend several points that should be carefully considered before beginning building.
Basement outside accessThe importance of an basement outside entrance can't be overstressed too much. The cost to put one in when laying the foundation is so minimal compared to the labor and cost of adding it later. If there is any chance you are going to want one, do it when you lay the foundations.Window placementThe basement window placement is critical because the window wells can be effected by upstairs windows, deck,and utility venting placement, and 18 inch overhangs for main floor.
Inside stairway accessI discuss this in depth on my page about building stairs HERE (click).Suffice it to say that adding a stairway "after the fact" will infringe upon one room or another in size. Also the direction to go down stairs will be determined by the length of the stairs, and head room, etc. See above link.
Overhangs from main floor
When there is an 18 inch overhang, or any extended part, there can be no window under the overhang as there would not be room to escape the basement if you had too. Also the light would be hidden somewhat from the room below the overhang if a window was under the overhang.
Deck placementWhen you are going to have a first floor deck, you cannot have a window in that area, for the same reasons above in #5. When you plan your basement-finishing-ideas this is a must.Insulation needsIn the event again of an overhang, there becomes some immediate concerns for insulating the overhang so as to prevent infiltration of cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer, both of which will affect the temperature of the basement. Venting of upstairs utilitiesAgain in basement-finishing-ideas , the placement of venting of main floor utilities particularly the dryer vent, should effect the placement of the windows in that NO WINDOW should be placed below it. An electric dryer is not as critical, however, moist air would be aimed directly into the window well, if the vent is placed above a window well. Also, in the event of you having a gas dryer, then the subject of carbon monoxide poisoning is a big problem with the vent above a window well. It absolutely will not pass inspection!Placement of Furnace room in basementOur HVAC man really "read us out" because of placing the furnace room on the wrong side of the house. It added all kinds of complications you can read about HERE.
Suffice it to say that the return air line has to go the full length of the house and if the furnace is on the wrong side of it, it is difficult to cross over if you have to cross the center support beam too. In any event, it is wise to consult with the HVAC man concerning placement of the furnace room when planning your basement-finishing-ideas.
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