Basement

Dec16

The basement is usually an unused space. With clever transformation, we can increase the value of our estate implementing comfortable and useful living space from it. Some aspects should be considered anyhow:
Most simple mode of usage that needs the less transformation efforts is moving the garage, wine cellar or store here. If we need much more, it can be playing room, guest room, workroom, DIY workshop, laundry room, gym, etc. In case of greater area, more of them can be realized simultaneously.
Since great part of the basement are located underground, the isolation should be excellent. Not only the temperature is the main issue, but the soil moisture protection. Let it be done by experienced professionals. Second important issue is light. Let’s implement more windows to provide natural light. Parallel we may need a great amount of artificial lighting. Probably the ceiling height is lower then the average, so the most practical solutions are spot and LED lights. Heating appliances should be planned at the very beginning of the project. In case of more separate rooms, the heating appliances should be placed properly. The stairs leading to the basement should be as safety as any other stairs in the house. For flooring, let’s choose materials that can bear the mist well. Walls and ceiling should have been painted with light colours and low furniture has to be applied to increase the sense of space.
If you have a reasonable space in the basement waiting for be transformed, but you don’t know how to use it the most advantageous way? Ask for help from an interior designer for planning and arranging.

Built-in attic

Nov8

Building in the attic is one of the best methods for increasing the useful floor space of a house. Such a reconstruction raises not only the value of the property but very comfortable living space can be created with applying some rules.
Pay attention to the quality of insulation because it can largely affect the costs of heating-cooling in the future. Take care of the latter, because these rooms have to be more intensely heated in winter and cooled in summer. The livability of the attic depends on the proper amount of light. If it is possible, more or bigger windows should be built in. If they can be placed only on a high level, let’s choose pieces with handles on their lower part. Since sunshine can be a problem in summer, proper shading should be provided. Mostly roll-up blind or light-reflecting window-foil might be the solution but common curtains shouldn’t be neglected either because of the sloped roof! It can be just as elegant as in an ordinary living room or bedroom, with clever solutions. Attic might be darker in winter than other rooms, so the proper implementing of artificial lighting has to be attended already at the beginning of the works.
A built-in attic can be suited to several functions. In the case of a bedroom, the bed shouldn’t be placed under the skylight because it can disturb the calming rest. If the wardrobe will be here, dehumidifying is a very important task. In the case of children’s room or playroom, safety is a must, especially if there is a balcony also. It’s worth to use additional sound-proofing in the case of a movie or TV room. The proper darkening can be solved here easier. This kind of space can be good for a hobby room or home office also. Take care of placing the desks for avoiding hitting the sloping roof when standing up from the chair. A wider tabletop can be used for this.
Always ask for help of professionals for building-in an attic. Consult with an interior designer for optimizing the final furnishing and for the best usage of the space.