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All of us at some point start looking at our homes hoping for a little extra space. If you can create a whole new room, even better! Why not put the large expansive space in your basement to good use? Basement bedrooms, or suites and entertainment areas are a wonderful way of getting a cozy, quiet retreat for guests, teenagers or aging parents.
“Basements are a great option to get additional space for your house,” said Normandy Designer John Long. “It’s important to take a look at the physical space to make sure there is enough ceiling height, no major water or humidity problems, and if there is the ability to conform to local safety codes.”
If your basement is suitable for conditions, it can be an integral extension of the upstairs living space. The flooring, cabinetry and materials don’t have to change from the main house to the lower level. Carry the finishes through and make it feel like the rest of your home.
You don’t have to settle for a dark and gloomy space, creative lighting and windows can change the atmosphere and make it a cheerful living area. At least one window is typically required for safety reasons, but if space allows, consider installing a few upper windows to allow for some much needed natural light.
“Once the space is defined, I assess the mechanicals to make sure they still work in the space with enough head clearance,” said John. “Re-configuring is not a problem; you just have to plan for it.”
With space becoming such a premium, most homeowners don’t realize the potential that their basement holds. The ideas are endless and people are finding ways to expand their viable living space – all you need is proper planning and some creativity.
If you are looking for ways to use additional space in your crowded house or contemplating more extensive changes to your home, you can set up a time with John to talk about the possibilities. You can also learn more about additions, kitchens or other remodeling projects at an upcoming workshop. Check out the photo gallery or follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook and Instagram for even more home tips and inspiration.
The first step is to locate your plat of survey and have a zoning analysis done on your property to determine your existing lot coverage, or how much of your building and impermeable surfaces cover your lot. (This could be complicated if you are unfamiliar with zoning code and calculations, so maybe leave this first step to the professionals. Your village zoning official can help, or I can come out and do the zoning analysis for you!). Each village has its own regulations on maximum allowable lot coverage, minimum side and rear yard setbacks, and minimum required green space. This means a certain portion of your lot is unbuildable, or needs to remain open.
This question varies from person to person. If you don’t spend much time in your yard, or the thought of less lawn maintenance excites you, then eliminating some of your backyard is a nonissue. But, if you have small kids and want a backyard play area, you might want to reconsider. Also, take a look at what you want to add. Will it provide a better experience? Like trading a hot, buggy exterior open deck for a screened three or four-season room. Or, getting rid of a small and uninviting concrete patio and replacing it with a larger kitchen and breakfast nook. For many, this type of useable interior space is a clear winner over keeping undesirable outdoor space.
Building an addition affects how natural light reaches the existing interior parts of your home. Backyard additions work really well when they expand upon interior spaces you already have, or when you are reconfiguring the existing floor plan. Why? Most kitchens and family rooms are designed to have a view of the backyard. If you build an addition that cuts off that view, you will limit the amount of natural light that reaches those areas. Expanding your existing kitchen to include an island or a breakfast nook, or enlarging your existing family room will give you the space you want without sacrificing the amount of natural light to these spaces. The addition can even be designed to bring in much more light!
