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Once your basement is dry and free of moisture it is time to decide how your new space will be used. Renovating your basement is a big decision and an even bigger investment. But choosing how to use this new living space will be the biggest decision you’ll have to make throughout the basement finishing process.
A Basement Office
Imagine creating the perfect home office that would allow you to freely work from home while enjoying extra quality time at home with the family. The right space is vital to your success while working from home, and your newly finished basement is the right location to create the perfect office space. Your finished basement not only offers the familiar surrounding of family, but it is a private and safe location to handle your business, and provide future success.
Before You Begin
Waterproof Your Basement
By far the most important step is to ensure that all basement moisture problems are resolved. If your basement is damp, wet, or prone to flooding, then your very first step is to contact a good waterproofing contractor who can determine your specific needs and conditions. Then, this expert will recommend the best repair options that meet your specific needs.
Basement waterproofing is a must and it must be done properly to protect your home. So avoid DIY (do it yourself) jobs that require using internal sealants and waterproofing paints. These products do not withstand hydrostatic pressure (water pressure from the outside that causes cracks and other issues) or the test of time, becoming weak, chipping, cracking, and peeling.
Running your business from home requires a lot of expensive office equipment and important documents. You’ll never want to find that after having invested a lot of time, energy and money into your home business, that it’s all been damaged by water-all in a day’s work.
Effects of Moisture
Humid basements can be unhealthy due to the growth of mold and mildew. Fungi are also known to grow in dark, damp locations and tend to cause bad smells and odors. Humidity can also cause damp spots; cracks; structural weakness; wood decay; rust; and can cause paint to chip, peel and crack.
Cooling and Heating
Moist air can be very difficult to cool or heat, which can be quite costly to your monthly energy bills. Most basement floors tend to be cool, so you should consider all the available options very carefully to see what will best meet your specific needs.
Your basement can maintain the warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer with the proper products and repairs.
Storage
Over time, our living spaces become filled with personal belongings and there is never enough room for proper storage. Consider installing various sizes of shelves, cabinets and additional storage units to add additional space for your books, files and personal documents. Extra storage is not only convenient for any home office, but it’s also affordable.
Flooring
There are many varieties of flooring from which you can choose to furnish your new office. Most products work well, but it can be overwhelming. Just make sure your choice suits your budget, needs, style, and taste.
– Carpeting is not recommended for basements, unless a vapor guard is installed beneath the carpeting.
– Hardwood flooring can add value to any space, but hardwood floors are not recommended for basements, as humidity can cause the flooring to warp in the event moisture should occur.
– Engineered flooring is the perfect alternative to hardwood flooring. This will give you the look you want and added insulation.
Decorate
Once the contractor has met all your needs, now comes the fun part; decorating and furnishing your new home office. First, assign all the equipment and furniture a desired location. This will ensure your office equipment; computers, printers, phones and small appliances will have access to power outlets. Always organize your home office to best fit you and the valuable needs of your customers.
Now it’s time to make the space as comfy and cozy as possible. After all, it’s where you will be spending a large portion of your time. Add fabric curtains, comfortable pillows, plants, pictures, and flowers.
Now, it is time to send out invitations to announce your grand opening and build a website for your new business, but more importantly it is time to enjoy your new home office.
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Source by Donna Kshir
