Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

In the realm of architecture, each project is unique and along with every individual project comes its own cost-driving program elements. Apartment buildings are no exception to this rule, as they can be as simple as a 3-story walk-up or as complex as an urban development project with various construction limitations.

When projects are initially budgeted for, RSMeans data can be implemented for background information; however, construction costs for apartment buildings cannot always be pinpointed to an absolute number, particularly in areas where the housing boom has sharply increased construction costs and a shortage of skilled labor.

In many cases, firms will use historical data from past projects and extract elements that are common to the proposed project. Because construction costs for apartment buildings vary greatly based on economic and market trends of the current year, the location theyre being constructed in, and other variables, determining an average national cost can become somewhat elusive. hmm

In this article, well explore the variables found in commercial construction across the U.S., along with tips and tools to estimate the cost of building a commercial apartment building.

When it comes to determining the cost of commercial apartments, many factors must be taken into consideration, including building practices, the cost of labor, the cost of land, and to some extent, the cost of the materials. Because these tangential costs can differ greatly from location to location, and are dependent on the nature of the particular apartment building being constructed, it is difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all answer.

Although the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) can provide a broad idea of construction costs for an average home, it is not an ideal tool for estimating costs for a commercial apartment building. Companies that provide more specific cost estimating, usually for a fee, include RSMeansandMarshall & Swift. These costs include all of the builders expenditures that go into a particular item, including labor costs paid directly by the general contractor, the cost of hiring subcontractors, and the cost of materials.

So, the question still remains: what does it cost to build an apartment building? As mentioned, there are a huge number of variables in such a question for example, apartments come as low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise architectural styles. For the purpose of this discussion, we will look at the mid-rise buildings with five or more units in each. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the size of the average apartment is 861 square feet, which assumes a footprint of approximately24x35. The building of single mid-rise complex would never be a DIY project, and typically requires a knowledgeable contractor, an architect, a team of subcontractors, and cooperative owner to get the job completed within a calendar year.

For the building of an apartment building with twelve units, the typical costs include:

Most owners rely on both an architect and a contractor, and the architect will require approximately10 17% of the total building budget. Below, a breakdown of services each professional traditionally provides, along with an overview of what to expect in a general commercial apartment buildout:

An architect will:

A contractor will:

A general apartment construction project will cover such items as:

Did You Know

The shape of the outside perimeter is also an important consideration in estimating the total construction cost. Generally, the more complex the shape, the more expensive the structure per square foot of floor area. The shape classification of multiple story or split-level structures is based on the outline formed by the outer most exterior walls, regardless of the varying level. Most structures have 4, 6, 8 or 10 corners. Small insets not requiring a change in the roof shape can be ignored when determining the shape.

For instance, in the 30-unit apartment development described above, the developer would have to invest $4,500,000 of equity (i.e., $150,000 per unit or 35% of the total cost). Most real estate developers would not invest all of the capital themselves, especially if they have a few real estate projects underway at any one time. Instead, they raise the equity capital, usually from an investment fund, and those outside investors put up 80-90% of the money (e.g., $3,600,000 to $4,050,000 of the total).

Above all, it is crucial to prepare for cost overruns when determining the costs for the construction of a new apartment building. If you can actively remember that the finished cost of an apartment is often more than the original bid price, you can work to avoid this outcome. In some instances, budgets can easily be eaten up on high-end materials, such as flooring, vaulted ceilings, elaborate landscaping and so on.

However, the investment made in such luxury fixtures and materials can be recouped, as the price of your property increases exponentially, both in real estate value and as a source of income (i.e., higher rental potential). When something is chosen that is outside the contract, this is called a change order, and if you are working with an experienced builder, they should be able to quantify these upcharges for you so you can make an informed decision.

Start by working with your new home builderto create as detailed a construction contract as possible. The more detail this contact reveals, the more accurate your estimated new apartment building costs will be, and the more likely you are to stay within your budget.

Some key components to identify in your contract should include:

Although there are wide variances in cost when it comes to commercial apartment construction, one thing is for certain with the proper planning and budgeting in place at the onset of your project, you can achieve your goals while staying within budget. In the end, it makes good business sense to figure in an additional 10% to cover unexpected costs; however, a seasoned commercial builder should be able to help you adhere to your budget.

Using tools such as ProEstsRSMeans building construction cost data, you cantrack labor and material cost changes can also be highly beneficial our database has the key information you need through every phase of your construction project. From Civil Cost Construction Data to Commercial Construction Cost Data, we have the estimating products and services to help you create profitable and competitive bids.

Our easy-to-use General Contractor Estimating Software helps you quickly respond to customer bids while accurately calculating the cost of any size project.

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Apartment Building Construction Cost Breakdown | ProEst

Have YOUR dream kitchen with Kitchen Martwe build custom kitchens and baths Just For You!

Is your dream kitchen open and airy, with lots of natural light? Or is it contemporary and chic? Perhaps you are wanting to create the feeling of a great room, where the kitchen can be seen both from the dining room and the living room. No matter what your idea of the perfect kitchen consists of, Kitchen Mart can help.Since 1976, we have worked withhomeowners with an unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Kitchen Mart strives to create the kitchen you want, rather than the one you will simply settle for.

With an abundance of materials and ideas to choose from, and our expert design techniques, Kitchen Mart will bring your ideas to life. You will meet with one of our designers, and together we will blend your aesthetic and functional goals into a single vision. Whether you are looking for a simple remove-and-replace of your existing cabinetry, or if you would like to change the layout entirely, Kitchen Mart makes it easy. Your Kitchen Mart team will take care of every aspect of your remodel: from design to demolition to installation, plumbing, electrical, and more. With no subcontractors, your project is done faster, smoother and on budget.

You will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the simplicity of dealing with just one company to handle every facet of your kitchen remodeling needs. From idea, to design, to completion, Kitchen Mart will create the kitchen of your dreams.

See some of our recent Kitchen Remodels or browse through ourKitchen Ideas gallery here on our site.

For more design ideas and to experience our quality first hand we invite you to visit one of our two design showrooms:Kitchen Mart Sacramento at 3742 Bradview Drive Kitchen Mart Rocklin at 4381 Granite Drive. For a FREE in home estimate with a designer, click here or call us at 916.362.7080.

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Kitchen Remodeling by Kitchen Mart

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and at Dun-Rite Home Improvements, Inc., we couldnt agree more. We have seen firsthand the amazing difference that a newly remodeled kitchen can make on the look and feel of a home. We are proud to have been bringing new beauty, energy and life into Colorado area homes since 1985.

Our design professionals bring the show room to you! We offer a free, in home estimate where we bring samples, design ideas, credentials, references, pictures, and much more. By the end of your visit, you will have your exact kitchen remodel cost, with no hidden charges. You will have a detailed, written plan about everything well be doing in your home. We are a full service kitchen remodeling company that offers everything you require to get the job Dun-Rite. From your cabinets, to floors, to paint, to plumbing, we truly are a one stop shop.

At Dun-Rite, all cabinet refacing work and kitchen cabinet installation is completed by experienced craftsman who are our own company employees, not sub-contractors. We are bonded and insured, and have a customer satisfaction guaranty. From the office staff to the field, we are all here to help and serve.

With all of our projects, we have a turnkey philosophy. When were done, youre done! From contemporary to traditional, we will help you put together a custom kitchen renovation project that fits your personal taste and budget, and that you and Dun-Rite will be proud of!

Whether you choose our classic cabinet refacing / resurfacing, all new custom kitchen cabinets, or a combination of both, we construct your project ourselves in our facility, using fine hardwoods such as maple, birch, alder, hickory, oak, and cherry. We carry a wide variety of kitchen cabinet door styles stain colors, hardware, and accessories to choose from. For a more economical option, we also offer thermo-foil refacing and doors with our exclusive Duraline projects.

Dont forget about the inside of your cabinets too with accessories galore, we can give you beauty, convenience, and purpose in every area of your kitchen remodel. Everything we offer, is specially designed and crafted to create your custom dream kitchen.

Visit our Custom Countertops page to see how we can top off your Dun-Rite cabinets using Granite, Corian solid surface, Formica solid surface, Formica or Wilsonart laminate, Caesarstone, Samsung Radianz, or Cambria engineered stone (quartz), or tile.

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Kitchen Remodeling Denver, CO | Dun-Rite Kitchens | Save ...

Kitchens:Nothing adds to the appearance of you interior like a well-designed and aesthetically pleasing kitchen. Accurate has the skill and expertise needed to turn your kitchen into an eye-pleasing masterpiece. We offer cabinet replacement, flooring installation, counter-top replacement and complete kitchen remodeling. We use premium materials so that your kitchen remains intact for years to come.

Basements: A fully finished basement can add significant value to your home. Our skilled technicians can design or remodel your basement with relative ease. A finished basement can provide you with more living space and can serve as a great location to entertain friends and family. We also provide premium services such as building home theaters, exercise rooms and wine cellars. All basements

are designed and tailored to fit the specific needs of the customer.

Bathrooms:Whether youre looking to replace fixtures or expand existing space we can help. Accurate offers complete makeovers along with customized conversions such as turning your existing shower into a walk-in bathing area. We also specialize in upgrades such as tile replacement, lighting and fan installation, floor restoration and various other types of upgrades that can make your master bath or powder room more functional.

Decks:A deck should be considered an extension of your home and should be designed in a fashion that embraces that thought.Our design team will work with you to create the type of deck that meets your needs. They will also explain the various types of materials that can be used in the building process. We will meet all your custom decks in Philadelphia needs.Please note that we also offer deck repair and maintenance services.

Exterior: Accurate also offers a variety of services designed to improve the exterior of your home. These services include; Walkways,siding, window replacement, driveway repair,outdoor lighting and doors and windows.

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Kitchen Remodeling - Accurate Home Remodeling, LLC

[pawrch, pohrch]

ExamplesWord Origin

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12501300; Middle English porche Old French Latin porticus porch, portico

Dictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2018

He stands, one assumes on a porch, which overlooks a prairie.

Davis jumped over a 4-foot porch wall and ran into a house, where he and others crammed themselves into a linen closet.

Gosta Peterson sits on the porch of his Long Island home and greets passersby.

On the porch, before I go, Peterson looks at me through the lens of a small digital camera before training it on his front lawn.

A black-and-white cat named Chopper sleeps upside down on the porch, his open mouth revealing a row of impossibly tiny teeth.

I would have it like the porchnot of Bethesda, but of heaven itself.

Once again his eyes were like Tillie's, as she had waved good-bye from the porch.

He recognized K., and, mopping dry a part of the porch, shoved a chair on it.

Bill was scrubbing the porch, and a farmhand was gathering bottles from the grass into a box.

He limped up the hill to her, and sat down on the top step of the porch.

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C13: from French porche, from Latin porticus portico

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

c.1300, "covered entrance," from Old French porche "porch, vestibule," from Latin porticus "covered gallery, covered walk between columns, arcade, portico, porch," from porta "gate, entrance, door" (see port (n.2)). The Latin word was borrowed directly into Old English as portic.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, 2010 Douglas Harper

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Porch | Define Porch at Dictionary.com

Gaskill Architecture

Architects and Building Designers in Kittanning, PA

"Gaskill Architecture designed a beautiful modern home that was tailored to fit my unique building site. Robert's ability to analyze the land and create a design that blends with nature is amazing. The design process was very engaging and the tools he uses were invaluable during the design process. I would highly recommend Gaskill Architecture for their professionalism, attention to detail and understanding of what the client is looking for throughout the design process. Thanks again Bob!"

- hockeeguy

Architects and Building Designers in Kittanning, PA

"Mark was extremely responsive and proactive in regards to our remodeling plan. He took the time to really listen to our needs and support the enhancements we wanted to make to our house while juggling the limitations of our budget with architectural requirements. His design beautifully represented both me and my husbands preferences (which were on both sides of the spectrum). He was very polished and professional throughout the process. We highly recommend him to anyone that wants to work with a very good professional home designer that will continually work with you and respond quickly to questions/comments,"

- Luci Rause

Architects and Building Designers in Kittanning, PA

"I hired Mr. Calisti to design an addition for my 100 year-old residence. He had very creative solutions to problems and his work was impressive to say the least. Every detail was well thought out. Lee developed a great relationship with our contractor and was always avaliable to answer any questions that arose on the jobsite. I felt that Lee had a great knowledge base about the newest building concepts and was able to incorporate these ideas into the addittion without affecting the original historic aspect of the house. I highly recommend Mr. Calisti to anyone looking to use architectural services."

- wasil105

Architects and Building Designers in Kittanning, PA

"Approximately seven years ago my wife and I started to explore various options of expanding our home for our growing family. We I connected with Darrell through one of my wife's best friend who had hired Darrell. The journey began with what we "thought" made the most sense which was to build a four-season room with additional basement space below along with a detached 2-car garage as we had a 1-car garage. Darrell helped make our vision a reality on paper added sensible touches and value engineered the job. Having never had a job of this size (I get it that in reality it was pretty small), we experienced sticker shock when the bids came back and could not justify to investment to get any reasonable return on our investment. So we paused and gave more thought as to another strategy which was to go out the other side of our house with an open kitchen over a 2-car garage. Sounds simple but ask him to show you the photos. Not only does the space work but he made the house flow inside beyond our expectations. He also helped in re-imagining closets, powder rooms, a second floor bath an an office for my wife. We get rave reviews. Now four years after we completed the project, we are confident it was absolutely the best thing we could have done. Our builder commented several times to me that he appreciated the extensive notes on the drawings as it left very few change orders in the end.We have recommended Darrell to neighbors, family members and anyone who asks. You won't be disappointed if you work with Darrell. He is a joy to work with. He has great vision but also is a great listener. His guidance in the process was invaluable. I don't think we will move anytime soon but if we did and needed to do the work again, we know the architect we'll call. Chris and Maureen H. Fox Chapel, PA"

- jameschillpgh

Architects and Building Designers in Kittanning, PA

"Master Remodelers Inc. Design-Build Remodeling designs beautiful homes. We love to see their designs and ideas. Some of our favorite Pittsburgh features are from Master Remodelers. Beautiful ideas, beautiful homes, beautiful designs and not to mention, the wonderful people. We highly recommend Master Remodelers if you are planning to make a change in your home."

- Housetrends Magazine

Architects and Building Designers in Kittanning, PA

"Working with David is a pleasure. His ideas are progressive yet thoughtful, and his designs are timeless. Looking forward to the next collaboration!"

- Marjorie Carlson Interiors

Architects and Building Designers in Kittanning, PA

"Entasis developed a complete custom home plan for me and the results were excellent. Made a site visit to evaluate the lot and worked patiently with us to accommodate our wishes and requirements. Offered numerous helpful suggestions as we worked at solving problems, and overall exceeded our expectations."

- Vic Panza

Architects and Building Designers in Kittanning, PA

"Creative, Professional, Cost-Conscious, and Flexible! Dunn & Associates is a first class firm! From conceptual design to construction drawings, constant attention to detail and open communication were key to a great project. Alan and the team made our vision a reality we enjoy today!"

- Shaun Seydor

Architects and Building Designers in Kittanning, PA

"Larry is a wonderful partner to have on your construction projects. He is collaborative, a great listener, patient, creative and he follows through. When my family was facing a major health crisis that would require making changes to our home, he was the first person we called....and he saw us through the very end of our project."

- thealexanders101

Architects and Building Designers in Kittanning, PA

"I've come to truly trust Andrew and his crew over the years. His architecture, ability to understand my projects, and deliver when he says we will are all fantastic."

- Brian Mendelssohn

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Kittanning, PA Architects and Building Designers - houzz.com

If youre looking for extra space to expand your home and havent considered the basement, youre missing out on the possibilities of this perennially underrated room. Long relegated to use as little more than laundry rooms and storage areas, basement remodeling can enable everything from guest suites to media rooms. Try these ideas to turn your lowest room from a cold, dark afterthought into a warm, inviting centerpiece.

Accentuate the Positive The obstacles that come with basement renovation ideas are many: little to no natural light, exposed ductwork, concrete structural beams, and low ceilings are just a few problems many homeowners encounter when planning a basement remodel. But instead of looking at the basement as a hopeless case, consider the rooms positive aspects.

A basement provides a lot of raw space to work with, says Sharon McCormick, principal of the Durham, CT-based Sharon McCormick Design, LLC. Ductwork can be boxed in with hollow beams or drywall, creating an interesting coffered or soffited ceiling. Or suspended square ceiling panels made of copper or tin can lend a historic feeling. For a more modern look, McCormick suggests painting exposed mechanicals and joists black to create a trendy, loft-like ambience.

Choose the Purpose Wisely Choosing the right purpose for the room and planning it wisely can give homeowners a head start on making the area more inviting.

The first thing to do is detail what activities you would like to accommodate, McCormick says. Game rooms with a billiards table, poker table, arcade games and bar are well-suited to a basement space, because you dont have to worry about the weight of the equipment. Creating a moody, masculine game room is a breeze in a dark basement.

Another room that uses a basements natural characteristics to its advantage is a home gym. Designer Nicole Sassaman, owner of Los Angeles-based Nicole Sassaman Designs, turned her basement into a workout area. A room that benefits from the cold, like a gym, is a good choice for a basement makeover, she says.

Other rooms that work well in basements include home theaters, which benefit from the naturally dark character of the room, and family lounges, which can have open areas that allow little ones to run and explore. A wide expanse of space lends itself to laying out race tracks or large dollhouses, McCormick says.

Let the Light Shine In One of the most commonly cited problems in basement spaces is the lack of natural light. But with some careful planning and creative lighting design, even this seemingly fatal flaw can be corrected.

As you plan for basement lighting, remember you will likely need more light than in other places in the home, says Jeff Dross, lighting senior product manager for Cleveland-based Kichler Lighting. Because the basement is located below grade, natural light does not provide the baseline ambient light that is found in the above-ground floors.

That doesnt mean, however, that quantity should rule over quality. Dross says tricking the eye to see natural light is one way to make a basement space feel more inviting. To supplement the light that would typically come from a window, consider washing the walls with light or using recessed can lights close to the walls, or even energy-efficient fluorescent linear fixtures hidden in a cove, he says.

When choosing your lighting, think about the room vertically, considering the effect each level will have on the rooms feel, says Atlanta-based interior designer Melissa Galt of Melissa Galt Interiors. Light is best created in layers: ambient or general lighting, task or specific lighting, and accent or decorative lighting, she says. Soffit lighting and bookcase lighting are great enhancers for accent lighting, and torchres work especially well in corners, since they bounce light up the corner and across the ceiling.

Finally, when choosing your fixtures, think about not only the light they give out but also their look in relation to your space. Shorter lamps or lamps that have stout or squat bases with wide shades will look more natural and more fitting in conversation areas, Dross says, adding that choosing both bulbs and fixtures carefully will accentuate your space. Consider using warmer fixture colors, which will of course make the whole space feel warmer and more inviting. If youre using fluorescent lamps, he says that finding the lamp with the highest color rendering index (CRI) will give the room the most natural feel.

Paint with Purpose If youre trying to make a room feel lighter and more inviting, the first instinct is often to wash the walls in white. But Ann McGuire, a Valsparcolor consultant and the founder of Beehive Studios in Buck Hill Falls, PA, says its time to toss those ideas out the window. People sometimes think, Oh, Ill paint the walls white, paint the ceiling white, and put in lots of fluorescent lighting, she says. It makes it really bright, but it also makes it really unpleasant. The key with a basement is really warming up the space to make it an inviting environment.

McGuire suggests that no matter what function the room will serve, going with colors on the warm end of the spectrum is a good choice. No matter if its a home theater or a childrens play area, starting with a warm color will really make the space much more livable, she says, noting that while yellows tend to look dingy, colors like a light caramel or a warm ivory can soften the glare from all the lighting without making the room feel too enclosed.

Because basements are often huge, undefined spaces, using paint to clearly delineate areas according to their purpose can make the room more livable. Use paint to visually section off different areas of play, McGuire says. Creating activity spaces for the kids can make it more fun for them, and it can also help keep the room more organized.

Wow with the Unexpected When finishing your basement space, dont forget the details. Because of the sublevel nature of the room, people often neglect finishes that they would put in other areas of the house. Use architectural details just like you would in the rest of the house, McCormick says. Crown molding, substantial baseboards, wainscoting, and beadboard ceilings all go a long way toward eliminating the basement feeling of living in a substandard space.

Finally, dont be afraid to express your decorating personality. Because basements present unique challenges, homeowners are often afraid to do anything too daring with them. But Sassaman says thats the wrong idea if you want to make people think about the room rather than its location. Be bold in your style, whatever that is, and give people that wow factor when they enter the room, she says. It will take their minds off the fact that they are even in a basement.

Feng Shui for Your Basement Want to take your quest for a livable basement a step further? Space design consultant and feng shui expert Suzy Minken offers these tips for a more balanced basement environment:

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Basement Remodeling Ideas: Overcoming Obstacles

Finishing your basement is a great way to add function and value to a home, so if youre feeling the need to stretch out a little and are lucky enough to have a basement, head downstairs and start planning your basement remodeling project.

The basement is perhaps the most valuable untapped space in the home, just waiting to become a year-round haven for family activities. When you consider that additions can boost a homes value by more than 30 percent per 1,000 square feet, the gold waiting in an unfinished basement is well worth unearthing.

Sure, there are special considerations involved in finishing a basement, but they arent as much of a hassle as you may think. With a little knowledge and a wealth of basement-friendly building products now available, it is easy to remodel a basement space.

Most folks assume that finishing their basement isnt possible due to basement dampness or leakage issues. That could not be further from the truth! Any moisture problems inside can almost always be solved by going outside, assessing your homes drainage patterns and correcting any kinks in the system that may be sending water toward your basement.

It all starts on your roof, reallythe main collection point for water during any rainstorm, big or small. A functional, well-maintained continuous gutter system can carry things in the right direction, especially if it has at least one downspout for every 600 to 800 square feet of roof surface. Downspouts should extend to discharge at least four to six feet from your homes foundation. Gutters must also be kept clean and clear of the debris that dams up waters flow, sending it right where you dont want it: up against your foundation, and into your basement.

Next to gutter problems, the angle of the soil around a foundations perimeter is the second major cause of wet basement woes. This soil should slope away from the house on a downward angle of six inches over the first four feet from the foundation wall. Thereafter, it can be graded more gradually, but should never allow water to flow back toward the house to collect against outer walls. Also beware of other detriments to good drainage: brick or wood planters placed too closely to a homes foundation can hold water against the building, as can heavily overgrown bushes and trees. Plus, heavy amounts of topsoil can also hold water against a foundation. If you need to improve your grade, do it with clean fill dirt and add just a small layer of topsoil over that to support grass.

Transforming your unused basement into a livable, enjoyable finished basementspace is an exciting prospect, but when finishing your basement, dont dig in so far that you undermine the utilities and other systems it houses. Mechanical equipment such as the furnace, water heater, fuel oil tank and well pump can be partially/cleverly hidden for aesthetics, but sealing them away completely can prevent easy access for maintenance, affect their ability to run properly, and even lead to life-threatening carbon monoxide issues. To make sure these vital organs of the home are safe and operable after the redo, the wise move is to consult with a heating specialist before remodeling begins.

Besides the safety and function of your mechanical systems, remember that there will come a day when these key components need to be replaced. Youll need clear and generously sized access via stairways and doorways to take out the old and bring in the new (same goes for furniture replacements and equipment ranging from electronics to fitness machines). Design your new basement floor plan with this factor in mind.

Also consider that posts or lally columns are a part of the basement finishing landscape. They may not be your favorite elements to design around, but they are holding up your house and cant be removed. There are, however, attractive column covers made of wood or other materials that can mask the industrial steel look with something more pleasant that can be used for your basement finishing project. Exposed air ducts and plumbing pipes are a little easier to work with: some may be relocated inside or alongside walls, and todays wide array of suspended ceiling products can conceal them to stylish effect.

As you get more comfortable with the idea of living in your basement, youll also have to consider how youll get out of it in an emergency. In addition to the obvious stairway entry from the house above, a room thats completely below ground requires a secondary exit, especially if the basement is used as a bedroom. Typically small basement windows can be replaced with bigger ones incorporating larger window wells. These have the additional benefits of reflecting more natural light into the room, as well as adding space for small plantings to enhance an otherwise limited view. And if youre fortunate enough to have a house situated on sloping property, it may also be possible to excavate and install a walk-out entrance to your basement.

With your basement dry, warm and safe, youre now free to transform it into any kind of living space you like. Whether play room or guest room, workshop or wine cellar, there are plenty of finish materials that can help you achieve the desired effect.

Flooring is the starting point, and there are plenty of great options underfoot. Engineered hardwood is one of the more recent additions, and is designed to withstand moisture as it floats over a plastic-sheeting vapor barrier. Laminate is another great option for basements: its durable, cost-efficient and literally a snap to install, thanks to many tongue-in-groove solutions that dont require gluing or nailing.

Vinyl tile and sheet, ceramic tile, and linoleum are also on the basement finishing flooring roster, but one material is most definitely not: carpeting. Installed below grade, its basically a big fuzzy petri dish that will attract and trap any moisture and all the microorganisms that follow. If you must have some plush, stick to area rugs that can be easily cleaned and dried to maintain health and safety.

Lighting is literally a pivotal element in creating a finished lower level that feels as airy and welcoming as any other place in your home. A combination of natural lighting from sparsely dressed windows and well-placed artificial lighting fixtures is the optimum way to accomplish this. When it comes to the latter, avoid fluorescents and instead go for incandescents in a mix of indirect up-lighting to give a low-ceiling space an expansive feel, recessed ceiling fixtures for task and overall illumination, and strategically placed floor and table lamps. Go a step further with light-shedding structural features, such as half-height interior walls and dividing walls containing windows, and hang mirrors to amplify and reflect light as well as extend the illusion of space.

Another important consideration is the material you use to build basement walls and ceilings. The wrong wall and ceiling materials can lead to serious mold issues. Typical drywall is paper-faced and will feed mold. Instead, use drywall that is specifically manufactured to be mold-resistant. If you use mold-resistant drywall that does not contain paper, youll be removing the conditions that enable mold growth.

Finally, lets talk color for your basement finishing project. Color helps define the basement remodel and brightens up this subterranean space. So put some careful thought into the colors you apply to the walls, highlight through furnishings and accessories, and even roll out with area rugs. Theyll make all the difference when it comes to how you feel about your new space and how often you and your family put it to use after the basement remodel.

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Basement Remodeling: 3 Essential Tips for Success | The ...

140 58th street Unit 8F BrooklynNY11220

465013

We are home furnishings professionals based in Brooklyn, USA. A team with over 70 years of combined experience, we locally design and handcraft real wood furniture, directly available to you online and at our Manhattan and Brooklyn locations.Locally sourced solid wood and select veneers are crafted and finished by our Brooklyn artisans, employing durable materials and finishes free of toxins and allergens. Our commitment to organic, sustainable principles is evident in our products and practices, contributing to healthier indoor air at home and at the workplace.Smartly designed for affordability, our collections pay attention to your urban interior living space needs. With an eye to utilizing space and providing unique storage solutions, we also custom-make for residential and commercial interiors.Our quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and choice of materials make urbangreen furniture timeless. By using sustainable materials and practices, our products benefit consumers, workers and the environment.All of our products are:- Locally Sourced: Our wood comes from local Northeastern sources. By staying so close to home, we dont add to the environmental burden of transportation emissions. - Locally Made: Our designs are handcrafted in our Brooklyn, NY factory by local craftsmen and sold directly to you.- Designed to Minimize Waste: At urbangreen, we foster affordability through green planning. We cut only the wood we need, eliminating waste, and source, manufacture, and ship our products ourselves, eliminating additional costs and providing you with exceptional value.- Fully Assembled: Our furniture comes fully assembled, thus reducing packaging waste and saving you time.Smart Designs:- Our pieces are inspired by both timeless classics and modern designs and are influenced by our combined passion for design and respect for our earth. - There is an elegant mesh of form and function. By taking into account the space we live in, we offer clean designs, unique storage solutions and utilize natural, durable materials to produce pieces that will last for a lifetime.- Each piece is totally customizable. From simple bookcases, fully designed kitchens, to commercial projects, our team will work with you to bring your vision to life.

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In the picture above natural gray flagstones is the best choice for this lovely Japanese garden. When creating a walkway its more than just a way from here to there make a fun & inviting path to follow.

A walkway or stepping stone path in your backyard can help you better enjoy your outdoor space. Creating your own DIY walkway design can be accomplished without a whole lot of money and as a weekend project. Here are some of the most popular types of materials used to help you come up with walkway ideas for your own yard.

Brick Brick is great for outdoor walkways because it offers a distinct look that is attractive and elegant. However, brick is best when used in mild climates and will need to be sealed every few years to help prevent any water penetration.

Pavers Pavers are commonly used for walkways and paths and can come in many different materials. Concrete, clay tile, brick and stone are often used as pavers making them both durable and low maintenance.

Stepping stones Regular cut stones can be placed down across your garden or lawn to create a path anywhere you want. These are popular choices for a quick walkway project as they are both inexpensive and easy to do yourself.

Concrete Concrete slabs, pavers and stamped concrete blocks are often used for constructing durable walkways. Concrete is a favorite choice because they can stand up to adverse weather conditions and be customized to get the look you want. With coloring techniques, molding and stamping you can get a custom look that is unique to your yard.

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75 Walkway Ideas & Designs (Brick, Paver & Flagstone ...