|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basements or cellars (depending on which part of the country you are from) are primarily seen as dark and dingy parts of a home. In most cases they are considered a useless area or are used as a "catch all" for family discards that haven't quite made it to the curbside for trash pick up yet. Well, with the skyrocketing prices of real estate these days and the lack of any substantial property to use for an addition to our homes, the basement, after years of being ignored and neglected, is finally being recognized as a useful, cost effective resource for adding more living space to our beloved homes.
Several factors that have to be considered before any serious basement renovations take place include ceiling height, stair pitch or steepness and emergency egress. All three of these requirements can differ considerably depending on where you live. You can call your local building department and they can tell you these requirements. As for what emergency egress is, it is basically an emergency escape. A door of at least 30" wide in most areas is considered a very safe egress but a window has to be a certain size and a minimum distance from the floor in order to be considered safe.
Believe it or not, the way the safe size and height of a basement window is calculated is by determining how easily an overweight elderly person (considered worst case scenario) can open and climb out of in case of a fire or another emergency. In reality, these building codes were put in place because no one is going to get out of one of those old metal framed 18" X 30" pull in basement windows very easily (especially an overweight elderly person) and they would probably die trying in the unfortunate event of a fire.
Most local building codes require both a door and a window egress in order for the basement to be considered safe enough for a living area. In many cases building codes require an emergency egress be placed in every bedroom in a basement as well. If you are in the habit of doing home remodeling or repairs without the proper building permits, it is very important for you and your family's safety that you find out what the code is in your area and adhere to it.
By adding all of the necessary emergency egress you are essentially killing two birds with one stone. As I already stated, you are adding safety to an otherwise unsafe area but you are also adding the benefits of natural sunlight. Adding natural sunlight to your basement really gives the area a desirable look and a warm feeling you generally can't get without it. Now, you may be wondering how people get a perfectly smooth, plumb and square openings in their foundations. You may have never heard of such a thing or don't realize the process even exists.
Fortunately, there are companies in almost every part of the country that actually specialize in the process of cutting doorways and windows in concrete walls. These companies are called concrete cutting services and / or sawcutting outfits. Either way, they are listed in your local or online yellow pages under the heading of "concrete breaking, cutting, sawing, core drilling etc.". A professional concrete cutter will make the process look exceptionally easy and help make short work of your basement-remodeling project.
If you are going to take the time to renovate your basement you might as well do it right. By following or exceeding your local building codes you will ensure your family's safety. Also, be sure that you cut as many window openings in your basement walls as your budget and the structural integrity of your home can handle. This in itself will make your basement the most cherished area of your home. You'll be glad you did it. Good luck.
To find some ideas and to familiarize yourself with the concrete cutting industry just do a search online for "concrete cutting" and check out some of the sites and, of course, be sure to check out our website at http://www.affordableconcretecutting.com.
© Copyright 2005 Affordable Concrete Cutting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Affordable Concrete Cutting Massachusetts services the contractor and homeowner in and around Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. We specialize in cutting doorways in concrete foundations.
http://www.affordableconcretecutting.com
Give your home a luxurious feel with a beautiful laundry... Read More
The health benefits of saunas are not a recent discovery.... Read More
If you are looking to warm your floors with a... Read More
1. Orientation, layout and positioning of your house on the... Read More
Traditional interior design encompasses a great variety of elements in... Read More
If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter,... Read More
As a Managing Partner of www.exquisiterugs.com, the question... Read More
This article is intended for the DIY (Do It Yourself)... Read More
Not everyone is aware of how to deal with contractors.... Read More
It doesn't sound like a particularly interesting topic, however a... Read More
Interior Design today is all about customizing your built environment... Read More
Interior design for children is one of the most fun,... Read More
Unfinished furniture has started to become extremely popular in the... Read More
Sun catchers add sparkle and beauty to any room in... Read More
Maybe you've faced it before ? a new house with... Read More
All of us live in houses but how many of... Read More
Steel building kits are a comprehensive set of all the... Read More
Are you considering using renewable energy resources to heat water... Read More
Coping with wood movementAll wood workers need to be aware... Read More
What will your next home improvement project be? Will it... Read More
For the past several years I have seen the emergence... Read More
Remodeling a kitchen is one of the best investments a... Read More
Hello, my name is John Rocco.I grew up around the... Read More
The Heat is On with... Read More
My favourite episode of Bugs Bunny is the one where... Read More
Like most folk, I believe that more can be achieved... Read More
Summer time means barbeques, baseball, camping, and yes, Home Improvement... Read More
It doesn't sound like a particularly interesting topic, however a... Read More
A router bit is a tool for woodworking giving a... Read More
The main factor for the canvas for your awning, it's... Read More
Thinking about installing a home theater system? You're not alone.... Read More
When you read a great inspirational book, prayer, or article,... Read More
"What they don't tell you about Honda Pressure Washers"I recently... Read More
The health benefits of steam saunas have been recognized for... Read More
Picnic tables are the perfect solution for an afternoon or... Read More
In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for... Read More
The roof has had many different innovations in regards to... Read More
Roofs are an integral part of the house. The design... Read More
Remember the old Calgon commercial-"Take me away Calgon!" There's only... Read More
A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is... Read More
As we become more of a home-based society, many more... Read More
Interview with Jeanette Fisher by Gary Anderson, of ... Read More
Many do-it-yourselfers pride themselves in their handiwork, you can just... Read More
To make your home more energy efficient, you need to... Read More
Tax season is over...The spring holidays have passed... Hopefully by... Read More
A bathroom light fixture may be just what the doctor... Read More
Although representatives from waterproofing companies may guarantee results from their... Read More
Spa treatments in your own home? Sounds to good to... Read More
Interior design for bargain hunters is the new fashionable item... Read More
A table saw is one of the most popular pieces... Read More
Home Improvement |