Posts Tagged ‘basement remodeling’

Basement Remodeling Ideas: Transforming A Basement Into a Playroom

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

Are you having trouble figuring out what to do with your basement? Do you have kids? If so, then the solution is quite simple: turn your unused basement into a playroom. It’s the perfect solution for both you and your youngster. They get a room they can call their own (and mess up without remorse) and you will no longer have to deal with toys lying all around the house.

So let’s get to work.

Step 1) To carpet or not to carpet? For younger children, especially babies, carpet is probably the way to go. It is much more child-friendly than wood or even cement flooring.

Step 2) Decorating: Now let’s get to painting! But don’t forget to get your child’s input. This is their room, after all.

Step 3) Storage: Toys, games, toys, and more toys! Chances are that you will need to add a little extra storage space to your basement playroom. If you don’t your basement may just become a giant mound of toys.

Step 4) Heating: Even if your basement is heated, you may still need to address this issue. Basements are notoriously cold. You may need to add a separate heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature for your children.

Step 5) Consult the Experts: TLC Garage Works, Inc, will bring the same turnkey service to organizing your basement as they do your garage, with professionally-designed and installed storage products that will turn your basement ‘landfill’ into a functional and organized ‘wonderland’. Just think, by this time next month you could have a workshop for dad, a craft center for mom, a play area for kids, or a recording studio for teens. (Or just a really clean and organized basement!)

If you have any questions or would like professional storage areas installed, please contact TLC Garage Works by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

We can provide you what you need. Whether it is a complete basement makeover, a basement remodel, a new basement floor, better basement storage organization, new basement cabinets or basement shelving, TLC Garage Works, Inc has the right organization solutions for you.

We serve Anne Arundel County MD, Calvert County MD, Prince Georges County MD, Montgomery County MD, Howard County MD, Carroll County MD,  Baltimore County MD, Baltimore City MD , Harford County MD, Talbot County MD, and Queen Anne’s County MD , as well as the Washington DC area.

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Sources:

Basement Playroom Ideas

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Things to Think About When Remodeling a Basement

Monday, August 15th, 2011

Basement remodeling can be a very rewarding, but very complex endeavor. And some of the most crucial aspects of remodeling happen well before you ever tough a tool. Of course, we are talking about design.

But how do you get started? This article from DIYLife.com outlines the process.

First identify your goal. Is your basement going to be a game room, man cave, home theater, or office? One way to narrow down your options is to brainstorm. Basically throw out ideas as they pop in your head. Then discuss what you have come up with. Once you have identified your “wants,” it is time to look at your budget and identify your “needs.”

Having a plan is essential to any successful remodel. Once you have identified a direction, it is time to apply for a building permit. You may be able to get a blanket permit, but in most areas at least the plumbing and electrical permits will be separate and will be inspected independently.

Once you have obtained all appropriate permits, it is time to get started.

You will be building and insulating walls, hanging drywall, choosing and installing flooring materials (carpet, hardwood, laminate, etc.), planning your power layout, adding plumbing, and choosing and installing a new ceiling.

Some of these taks can be completed by the average do-it-yourself remodeler, while others should be handled by a licensed contractor. If any of these aspects are too much for you to handle on your own, TLC Garage Works would be happy to help!

If you have any questions, contact TLC Garage Works by calling 888-742-5852 or click here today!

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

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Options for Basement Flooring

Friday, March 4th, 2011

The first step in deciding on what type of flooring to use for your basement flooring is to determine how much moisture your basement has. If the moisture level of your space is not considered, there could be possible issues once you have laid down your flooring. This is why it is important to determine this factor before you make any decisions.

According to this article in order to test your moisture levels you should, “purchase a Calcium Chloride Kit and an Alkaline Test Kit. These kits will determine 2 separate, but important moisture combinations in your basement…or speak with the sales representative at the store where you find the products.”

After you have determined the moisture level the article says that you need to determine the purpose of the room. If your basement will be used for one reason over another, this can affect the type of flooring you will want.

Painted concrete is one popular type of basement flooring. According to the article, “This is a simple process of sealing the slab and then applying a paint specifically designed for concrete applications. It can be a solid color or you can be creative and do a faux finished floor to make it look like marble or granite. Two color squares could be taped off to create a checkerboard floor or some other geometric pattern. The only limit to painting this type of floor is your imagination.”

Rubber flooring is also very suitable for most basements. It is ideal for a rumpus room or exercise space. It is cost-effective and easy to install. All that you have to do is buy the rolled flooring or interlocking tiles and lay them down them.

Hard wood or laminate flooring is designed to securely join together. These types of floors work best with floors that are less than perfect. They are generally cheap and easy to install.

Carpet is another option for your basement. However, only use it when you space does not have moisture issues. If your basement has any water, carpet will have problems down the road. Tiles are another alternative for you basement floor. Depending on the material that you use they can be simple or difficult to install.

For any of your basement flooring needs contact TLC Garage Works by clicking here or dialing 888-742-5852  .

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Three Options to Finish a Basement Ceiling

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

There are several ways that you can finish you basement ceiling. This article details three of the most simple and popular ways to do so.

Suspended Basement Ceiling

A suspended basement ceiling is one of the least expensive ways to construct your basement ceiling.  It is also known as a drop ceiling and is most suitable for high basement ceilings.  A drop ceiling has a drop or space between the finished ceiling and the actual ceiling. With this type of basement ceiling finish, you can easily access plumbing and wiring while at the same time hide it.

This type of ceiling is installed by using light weight frames to support panels. Most of these tiles are plain but you may be able to find some suppliers that have different colors and patterns for you to use on your ceiling. There are several advantages to drop ceilings. One of the main advantages is easy access to wiring, pipes or ventilation that you may need to access in the future. Also, it makes it easier for you to install electrical cables or an entertainment system. It is also one of the easiest ceiling finishes to install.  The insular quality of the suspended ceiling also helps decrease noises in your basement.

Dry Wall

Drywall is used by many people as a ceiling option in their basement. This type of finish is more permanent than the drop or suspended ceiling. This finish is more durable and sturdy, but at the same time it takes much more preparation and work to install. However, it is easier to decorate and design a dry walled ceiling. Unlike a suspended basement ceiling, though, you do not have access to the plumbing and ventilation.

Aside from being a more difficult install, drywall has advantages. Because it is a more permanent, sturdy ceiling it can make you space look more finished. It is also helps to coordinate and streamline your basement with the rest of your home.

Acoustic Tiles

Acoustic tiles are the least common approach of the three, but they can provide a nice touch to your space. This option, however, is great if your ceiling does not have anything hanging from it. A flat ceiling is more suitable for this type of basement ceiling finish. Installing acoustic tile is easy and quite inexpensive so this is a great project that you can do yourself.

For any of your basement ceiling or remodeling needs contact TLC Garage Works at 888-742-5852 or here today!

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Create More Living Space in your Home: Turning your Basement into a Bedroom

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

If you are doing basement remodeling, consider turning your space into an additional bedroom. This project may be time-consuming, but it will also leave you with a lot of extra living space.  These instructions should help you with this process.

The tools and materials you will need are:

  • Lumber
  • Drywall
  • Paint
  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Paintbrush
  • Flooring
  • Drop ceiling
  • Lighting
  • Screwdriver

The first step is to build the walls. You will need to start out by framing each of the walls, using 2×4 boards to create each frame.  Attach the lumber together with a hammer and nail or a nail gun. Once you have the frames assembled you will attach drywall to the frames. After you have the drywall up, paint the walls any color you like.

The next step is to focus on a ceiling. If you had an unfinished basement before your remodeling, you may not have a ceiling in place. You can use a drop ceiling to cover the exposed pipes in your new bedroom. First install the tracks for the ceiling and then simply drop each tile into place.

After you have the wall and ceiling completed flooring should be the next step. There are many different options for the flooring of your basement bedroom. Tile and vinyl are the most popular for this type of room because they are the easiest to deal with in the likelihood of moisture on the floor at some point. Laminate or carpets are also used in these types of rooms. Carpet squares are frequently used in basement bedrooms because they are easy to install and easy to move in case of damage.

Now that you have your walls, ceiling and flooring you are all ready to furnish your new living space.  Choose whatever furniture you like for your new bedroom and enjoy the extra space you have created in your home! For more information on transforming your living spaces contact us!

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How to choose a basement remodeler

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

When most folks choose to remodel their basements, they usually intend to spend a lot of time in them.  If you’re like them, then you really want to make sure the job is done right by a competent contractor.  Courtesy of this article from Reliable Remodeler, here are a few things to look at when choosing a remodeler.

Resume

Go ahead and ask the contractor for a resume.  On it you’ll find the certifications or licenses the contractor holds (if you don’t ask the contractor for them).  If the contractor isn’t certified or licensed, move on.  Verify with the issuing bodies that the certifications and licenses are valid and current.

Insurance

Your remodeler needs to be insured.  If any problems or damage occur, you’ll be left holding the bag if you’re the only one insured.  You can ask the remodeler whether there’s ever been a claim in the past, and read through the insurance policy to be aware of what’s covered.

References

The contractor should provide you with references to prior customers.  Contact these references to find out how well the contractor did the job and how any problems were corrected.

Even though our name says “garage” we’re in the business of basements too.  If you contact us, we’ll be happy to provide you with our licenses, certifications, insurance info, and references.  We’re confident you’ll like what you hear from our customers.

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Remodel Your Basement and Add Value to Your Home!

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

When it comes to adding value to your home, one of the best ways to do so is to make the best of what you already have!  If you want to avoid incurring any major renovation costs, then your basement is the best place to start.  When a basement is finished properly, it’s certainly a proud moment for the owner when they give the expected tour when guests arrive.  After all, isn’t the basement just a breeding ground for an adult’s dreams?  Whether it be a gym, home office, or as most of us are thinking, a magnificent entertainment room, the basement can serve to add a lot of value to your home.

Nowadays, most of the potential homebuyers in the market prefer a home that already has a finished basement.  Therefore, not only would the finished basement add value to your home, but it would also serve to bump you higher on the buyer’s decision priority.

It is important to remember that just because an owner says that they have a finished basement doesn’t mean a buyer will truly consider it a finished basement.  Some buyers want to see the proper permits before taking your word for it.  And one thing to note is that appraisers do not generally consider a basement finished unless it is heated.

If you are planning on doing the work on your own, make sure to do the proper research into any permits that you may need before doing the work.  Failure to do so could result in you being charged a fine on top of getting the permits after the fact.

As a final note, here are a few tips for those planning on renovating their basement.

  1. Unless you are a professional yourself, it is best to hire a contractor when it comes to electrical, plumbing, and insulation renovations.  This can ensure that the projects are completely properly.
  2. Make sure you schedule enough time for the basement renovations to be completed before you post your house up for sale.  It wouldn’t do you much good if your real estate agent brought over a potential client to only see a half finished basement would it?
  3. Incorporate the basement flaws into the actual design!  Basements generally have low ceilings, miscellaneous duct work, structural posts, pipes, and valves which can be accommodated for in your design as long as you keep it in mind.  Forgetting about these flaws will only get in the way and cost you a pretty penny if you try to have them redesigned or removed.
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