Remodeling with Drop Ceilings: Basement Remodeling

New Drop Ceiling

There are several reasons to consider drop ceilings for your basement remodeling project.  Drop ceilings, also called false ceilings or suspended ceilings, have sound dampening characteristics that vary by the style of ceiling tile that you use when remodeling.  They also provide access to the plenum space for future remodeling.  The plenum space is the area between the ceiling tiles and the upstairs floor.  Individual tiles can also be replaced if they become damaged.  Most people choose this type of ceiling for a basement remodeling project.

Basement remodeling exposes ceilings that generally have a myriad of plumbing and electrical work running through the joists.  Some of the plumbing and especially heating ductwork, even hangs below the floor joists, which makes a standard sheetrock ceiling difficult, ugly, or impossible.

When installing a drop ceiling, you have the flexibility to work around existing plumbing or ductwork.  Most importantly of all, you can easily access electrical, plumbing, and heating lines when you need to without tearing out the entire ceiling.  Instead of remodeling again, just remove a few tiles to find what you need and place them back when you’re done.

The most important thing to remember when you get ready to install your drop ceiling, as in all remodeling work, is to plan ahead.  Measure your area carefully and order the right amount of materials.  Plan your ceiling grid on paper, including any light fixtures that you want.  When you are installing the grid system, be sure to use a level and measure over and over again to ensure that you don’t end up with a sloping ceiling.  Then get creative with your light fixtures and enjoy your finished basement remodeling project.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/22723308@N07/3302025496/)

Plan Ahead for Basement Remodeling

Egress Window for a Basement Bedroom

Finishing a basement or basement remodeling is a sure way to add value to your home.  As with all home improvement remodeling projects, be sure that the basic design of the finished space is functional.  Things to consider for a basement remodeling project:

• When all the walls are up, will furniture be able to be moved into the space?  Too often a poorly planned wall is erected at the bottom of the stairs and there is no room to wriggle that large sofa into the family room.
• Will there be enough light?  Basement offices need a good lighting source.  Include as much natural light as possible and use overhead can or flourescent lights.
• Will your bedrooms be counted?  Each basement bedrooms should have a closet and an egress window.  Check your local building codes for the specific requirements of your area.
• How difficult will it be to put in a bathroom?  Plan your bathroom with existing drains and plumbing in mind.  There may already be easy access to a drain and plumbing.
• How cold will it be?  Basements can get cold in the winter, so remember to have plenty of heating ducts installed.

Most basement remodeling will double the square feet of your home.  This investment, as part of an overall home improvement remodeling plan, will pay off in the future as well as give you expanded living space now.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/twozens/1270919505/)