Turning your basement into a living space can be a great investment. It adds ample space that you can convert into a gym, office, bedroom or storage area. A finished basement can also be used as living quarters for extended family.
However, you’ll face certain challenges when finishing a basement with low ceilings. Get tips on how to deal with them from a trusted interior home remodeling company.
Common Challenges
Ductwork Issues
There are many ways to conceal exposed ductwork in your finished basement. When the headroom of the finished ceiling is too low, joists or concrete structural beams may be exposed. The ductwork can be boxed in with drywall, helping create a soffit ceiling. For a more modern look, you can choose to have the exposed ductwork painted black.
Insufficient Headroom
The most common solution to add more headroom is to excavate the floor and dig deeper down. However, doing so can be time-consuming and costly. Another solution is to have the ceiling dropped as little as possible. You can also opt for a flooring material that doesn’t significantly raise the floor. Keep in mind that you also need to consider local building codes when addressing interior renovation issues like this.
Poor Natural Lighting
Another common problem with basements is that they tend to lack natural light. A good remodeler can create a lighting design that works for your space. One common solution is adding recessed lights close to the walls or fluorescent linear fixtures concealed in coves.
Low Ceiling Renovation Tips
Forget About the Subfloor
Not every basement flooring needs a subfloor. Opting not to add one can maximize the existing room by adding an inch or two of space. Engineered wood, painted concrete and ceramic tile can all be installed without a subfloor. For your flooring, choose solid hues and minimal patterns to prevent the surface from looking too busy.
Lighting Solutions
Keep windows in mind when designing the layout of your finished basement. Make sure to not block natural light with obstacles like furniture or walls. It’s also recommended that you keep window treatments to a minimum. If privacy is a concern, consider privacy or smoked glass.
Add a generous number of lighting fixtures to avoid casting shadows. Aside from recessed lighting, you can also use track lights to open and brighten up your space. Avoid wall sconces or lamps as they tend to cast shadows below.
DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen of Hollywood is one of the area’s leading interior remodeling contractors. Give us a call at (305) 925-5999 or fill out our contact form to start a conversation with our design experts. We work with clients in Hallandale Beach, Aventura, Golden Beach and many other communities.
