Ask Dave your basement remodeling questions
Asked By: Tom T. Last Updated on: 21 December 2009
Question:
We have been hesitant about a basement remodel due to our ceiling height. We currently have an unfinished basement with open rafters and the height from the floor to the rafters is 79" high, and goes to 70 1/2 “ where the ducts split the basement in half going with the I Beam. Due to limited funds, we have been unsure if it is wise to finish the basement with the issue of the ceiling height. We are looking to add a bathroom, bedroom, and family / Rec room in this space. I read in a local paper (Daily Herald) about a year ago of a contractor who specializes in digging basements, but we are hesitant due to the costs, and I lost the name of the contractor. Would you consider remodeling a basement with this ceiling height?
Dave Answers:
You've asked a million dollar question.
To best answer that question, you'll really need to weigh all the pros and cons and decide which solution makes the most sense.
1st, if you decide on a finished drywall ceiling, you'll lose minimally another 1/2" provided you're able to fasten drywall directly to the joists. At 78 1/2" in the higher spots and 70" in the lower spots you will definately be constantly aware of the lack of height. In the lower spots, I'd need to duck. I'm about 6'2".
You could opt to not finish the ceiling, spray paint the joists, but then your space won't have a very finished look. However, visually in terms of height it would probably be better.
As far as digging deeper, those costs are rather large. You would need to investigate the cost of the job, then determine how long it would take to re-coop that money in terms of your increased resale value and appreciation. I'd consult with a realtor if you are serious about looking into this option. To be honest, most neighborhoods don't support this activity.
Now with all that being said, you need to also weigh the increase in the quality of your life by spreading into the basement, with the extra bathroom, bedroom and family room.
I assume you could really use the space.
Here are a few other points worth considering:
As far as the I-beam and duct work are positioned, is there a large enough space to make it worthwhile to finish up to it? In other words only the higher ceiling portion of your basement is finished. Some of your wish list would most likely be eliminated, but it would be better than doing nothing.
As part of the design, are you able to work in a design feature such as a closet underneath part of the lower ceiling sections and minimize the issue?
Is it a better option to move, and find a place with an already finished basement space, or one that is more easily finished?
Once you have fully weighed these issues you should be able to correctly answer that question for yourself.
And now for my real opinion...
If you're tall(er) like I am and the lower ceiling portions of your basement are somewhat vast, and/or I'm not sure how long I intend to remain in the home I would probably opt to not finish the space.
If this is the house I intend to stay in for a long time, I would probably go ahead and finish the space, doing whatever I can to minimize the height issue.
My advice to the folks I meet is to always finish the spaces for yourselves (within reason of course). Don't worry so much about the next person as they may have completely different ideas.
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