Dream Basement Conversions: From Basement to Bedroom

It happens all the time. A family gains an extra member or two (infants, aging relatives, or college graduates who can't yet afford to live on their own) and suddenly the house isn't big enough. So the homeowners are forced into a difficult situation. One option is to move into a larger, more-expensive place. Another is to hire a contractor to build an addition.

Instead of looking for a larger house or building a home addition, why not utilize the space you already owned by converting part of basement into a bedroom? Finishing a basement to create an extra bedroom typically costs about half as much as building a home addition. A basement-to-bedroom conversion won't steal any space from your yard, either.

Total Basement Finishing can help you employ this cost-effective solution to add space and value to your home. To get started on Basement wall panels, Basement Floor or a basement bedroom, schedule a free estimate with one of our dealers!

Hire a basement specialist to make sure your project goes smoothly

There are plenty of building and remodeling contractors who will take on a basement bedroom project. But instead of hiring a contractor who occasionally does work in the basement, it's smarter to go with a contractor who ONLY DOES BASEMENTS. Contractors who belong to the Basement Systems network are good examples of these basement specialists.

A basement specialist has the training, tools and materials to take your basement bedroom project from start to finish, even if the basement needs waterproofing and dehumidification before finish work can begin.

Provide Safe Egress. A larger EverLast™ Basement Window, along with a SunHouse™ Window Well will meet code requirements, is vinyl constructed with insulated glass and is maintenance-free.

A larger window is a code requirement

In most areas, local building codes require that any bedroom must have at least one "egress window" that's large enough to enable the room occupant to escape in the event of a fire.

This requirement will also apply in a basement bedroom, so one of the first things your contractor will do is to install a code-compliant egress window.

The installation is usually done by enlarging an existing basement window opening with a special concrete saw. In addition to installing a new larger window, your contractor will also install a larger window well outside the house, one that includes steps to facilitate an easy exit.

Precast window wells made from reinforced plastic are preferable to metal or site-made window wells.

Insist on the total package for the best-possible bedroom

Installing a large window in the basement will truly transform the space by bringing in plenty of natural light. To stay with this top-quality theme, insist on building materials that are specifically designed for basements. 

1. Our Basement walls are:

• Durable
• Waterproof
• Mold resistant
• Beautiful
• Easy to clean

Remember, basement walls should be insulated with rigid foam rather than fiberglass batts, since the foam won't absorb moisture, support mold or lose its R-value like fiberglass can. Metal studs and waterproof, mold-resistant wallboards should be used instead of wood studs and standard paper-faced gypsum board.

2. Our Basement Flooring:

• Interlocking plastic tiles or planks
• Simulates the look of ceramic tile or wood
• Will not be damaged by moisture
• Extremely durable
• Easy to clean

Total Basement Systems uses innovative products for all of our basement finishing projects, including basement to bedroom conversions. Our dealers are experienced in creating beautiful basement bedrooms in homes across the country. Contact your local basement finishing contractor today and schedule a free estimate!