The Ceiling Height Dilemma in Your Basement Finishing Project and the 7 Top Tips to Overcome It
Let's face it; one challenge common to most basement finishing projects is ceiling height.
Most homes are built without regard to future basement finishing which means your furnace is in the wrong spot, that post is right in the middle of where you wanted the bar, and the ceiling is not even 8' tall! I believe Jim Davis' cartoon creation Garfield says it best: AAAAGGGHHH! There are some really creative and effective ways to overcome the limitations that these challenges pose to the final product of your basement finishing efforts.
While this list does not cover every possible technique, it does give you the top 7 tips you need to know to overcome the ceiling height dilemma! 1.
Arches - these can be used multiple times in your basement finishing project to create architectural appeal, and really shine when hiding horizontal beams.
2.
Tray ceilings - the perfect application for tray ceilings is when a room in your basement has plumbing/ductwork/etc.
running along the ceiling on one-side of the room.
Numerous types of trays and numerous details inside trays can be used.
3.
Creative molding work - Helps draw the eye away from a "problem.
" 4.
Drink ledges - If you plan to use your basement for entertaining, installing a wainscot with a drink ledge can help to ignore ceiling height.
5.
Decorative columns - Perfect to hide that stupid post in the middle of your recreation room.
6.
Showerhead and Tile Height - Cramped bathrooms are the worst offenders, but can be modified effectively.
7.
Paint Selection - A great way to create the illusion of openness in a cramped basement finishing project.
The proper technique applied effectively can help to hide many of the overt restrictions placed on you by the original design and construction of the home.
The goal with the application of each technique is to camouflage whatever restriction you're dealing with to the best of your ability.
Some techniques, when properly applied, literally hide any thought of what might be behind the finished product.
Other techniques create an optical illusion or simply draw the eye away from the limitation to the "fix.
" In any proper basement finishing project, several or all of these techniques can and should be used.
Some techniques are very cost effective and easy to complete with proper planning.
Others require not only forethought and expertise, but an experienced contractor and a commitment to invest more money into the project.
Most importantly, the suitable application of these techniques will add value to your home and separate the quality basement finishing project from an unprofessional one.
Building more...
Most homes are built without regard to future basement finishing which means your furnace is in the wrong spot, that post is right in the middle of where you wanted the bar, and the ceiling is not even 8' tall! I believe Jim Davis' cartoon creation Garfield says it best: AAAAGGGHHH! There are some really creative and effective ways to overcome the limitations that these challenges pose to the final product of your basement finishing efforts.
While this list does not cover every possible technique, it does give you the top 7 tips you need to know to overcome the ceiling height dilemma! 1.
Arches - these can be used multiple times in your basement finishing project to create architectural appeal, and really shine when hiding horizontal beams.
2.
Tray ceilings - the perfect application for tray ceilings is when a room in your basement has plumbing/ductwork/etc.
running along the ceiling on one-side of the room.
Numerous types of trays and numerous details inside trays can be used.
3.
Creative molding work - Helps draw the eye away from a "problem.
" 4.
Drink ledges - If you plan to use your basement for entertaining, installing a wainscot with a drink ledge can help to ignore ceiling height.
5.
Decorative columns - Perfect to hide that stupid post in the middle of your recreation room.
6.
Showerhead and Tile Height - Cramped bathrooms are the worst offenders, but can be modified effectively.
7.
Paint Selection - A great way to create the illusion of openness in a cramped basement finishing project.
The proper technique applied effectively can help to hide many of the overt restrictions placed on you by the original design and construction of the home.
The goal with the application of each technique is to camouflage whatever restriction you're dealing with to the best of your ability.
Some techniques, when properly applied, literally hide any thought of what might be behind the finished product.
Other techniques create an optical illusion or simply draw the eye away from the limitation to the "fix.
" In any proper basement finishing project, several or all of these techniques can and should be used.
Some techniques are very cost effective and easy to complete with proper planning.
Others require not only forethought and expertise, but an experienced contractor and a commitment to invest more money into the project.
Most importantly, the suitable application of these techniques will add value to your home and separate the quality basement finishing project from an unprofessional one.
Building more...
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