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Building - Basement Extension

Wed 13 Dec 2006 - 10:03

Building - Basement Extension
By Michael Russell

Do you own a house with a basement? Is that space wasted on little nothings (like souvenirs you just cannot throw away, but they'd be in your way in your normal habitat)? Well, it's time to change that place into a pleasant room for your guests if you are not going to use it to build a wine cellar.

Many homeowners choose to transform the basements in their homes into playrooms or nanny bedrooms when a baby arrives. Some do the job alone; others employ building firms or interior decorators. The birth of a child is not the only reason to take advantage of a basement to increase the living space. Depending on the demands of your daily life, you might turn a basement into a bathroom, sauna room, bedroom, kitchen or accommodation for relatives or temporary guests. Building a separate entrance might transform the basement into a real apartment or if you like to work out, why not turning your basement into a home gym? The possibilities are endless.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer with little to no building experience, you should carefully consider important factors such as ventilation and humidity. Many basements are musty because of improper insulation and poor ventilation. Lighting - the presence of natural light to be more exact - is essential for any living space. The UV-A beams in natural light kill bacteria and purify the air. If you cannot get enough natural light in the room, purchase special air purifiers to compensate. Besides, you need natural light for your own health. You probably already know that people living in improperly illuminated buildings suffer from various disorders including SAD, migraines, depression and sometimes even bone conditions (UV light is necessary for the production of vitamin D3 that is necessary in the absorption of calcium). You should also think about a good heating system. Basements are usually darker and colder than the rest of the building. You will attain exceptional results with a floor heating system.

Do consider getting a feasibility assessment prior to starting a basement extension. It's also important, for any building project, to contact an architect that will check out your plans and make sure your calculations are correct. In some situations you might need building permission from your local authority, especially when your building plans might change the external aspect of a building. Other situations include extending or altering existing premises of patrimony-protected buildings, changing the use of a building or installing company signs and advertisements. You are also going to need approval from your local authority if you plan to do any of the following: ventilation, electrical wiring, fire escape and damp proofing, but this is mainly just paperwork. The fun begins once you start redecorating your basement. As a do-it-yourselfer you have your fantasy to guide you and you will certainly achieve astonishing results if you put your heart into it. Basement extensions are not the only means available for people that want to increase their living space. Nowadays we talk about basement extension, loft conversion and so on. Are you ready to move in?

Michael Russell
Your Independent Building guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell


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