Basement remodel

10 years ago

After a small plumbing disaster in the kitchen upstairs, we find that we need/want to remodel the basement. The paneling and popcorn ceilings will be replaced by drywall. Our basement is approximately 36' long and divided into thirds by a steel beam and then a ceiling height change under the dining room. I would like to put our exercise equipment in the first third by the stairs. The ceiling has been too low for the eliptical. By getting rid of a layer of ceiling tile and the framing for the tile, we will gain back about 1.5" in height. Here is the question: should I drywall the entire ceiling or would it look ok to leave the firdt third open and paint it all black to allow for use of the eliptical? I could put LVT vinyl in that area and start the carpet at the middle section. Should i create some sort of arch or wall to separate the first section? You have to go through it to get to the other sections. Also, i would kind of like to open up a bit of the stairway so it doesnt feel so enclosed. I am trying to keep the budget moderate since resale value wont support anything too fancy. Thoughts?

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Comments (3)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 years ago
Ideally your low ceilinged room should be where you would normally spend most of the time seated , like a T.V. space and your exercise equipment should not be the first thing you see when going into the basement , you will not be up to code for bedrooms since you have no egress windows and where i live none of this space will be up to code to count as living space with just a couple of tiny windows so not sure what else you will be using the space for .
Barb Drenth
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks, Patricia. The lowest ceiling height is actually in the back of the room by the fireplace. That will all be seating. Your comment about the exercise equipment not being the first thing you see is well taken. Perhaps i should put up some sort of screeining? It has to go in one of the first two thirds of the basement. We have always used the middle third for a foosball table, dart board, etc. perhaps i should switch that to the first third and add a table for cards and games.

We have two bedrooms already on this level, complete with egress windows, sonthis will all be living space.

Thanks!
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decoenthusiaste
10 years ago
What do you do for storage? Looks like some part of it might be used for that, or do you have good storage elsewhere to reduce clutter? The stuff is preventing us from seeing all you really have to work with. Would you want to divide the exercise area to add a large storage closet, and are you sure you want to come back with carpet in the other areas? There are so many flooring options that would be less regular maintenance and more accident proof. Some are even friendly to under-floor heating if you need more warmth down there. I would certainly prefer a hard surface in the game area, and to cozy up the seating area an area rug would work well. To unify the spaces I would do all black ceilings. White walls will keep it from seeming heavy, and I think the same treatment throughout will eliminate the basement look, yielding a designed and purposeful appearance and nicer style note.

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