Most people consider themselves blessed to have a basement and rightly so. Basements are perfect for storing things such as Christmas decorations, unused furniture and other household items. But if that's all you're doing with your space, you're missing out on some very valuable square footage. Depending on your home's construction, the basement could very well house the largest room in your home. In that case, it's a shame not to take advantage of it. The perfect way to take advantage of the potential that lies below your feet is to turn it into a family room.
There are many issues that must be faced when you choose to take on this task. In an effort to streamline the process, it's best to start at the bottom: the floor. Most basement floors are concrete, which can be cold. So cold, in fact, that it's hard to properly heat and cool the space without taking some important measures. Concrete does have some natural insulating abilities, but it's still necessary to install a concrete barrier.
Concrete barriers serve to protect the room from dampness by acting as a barrier between the slab of concrete and the ground. It is necessary to install a concrete barrier before the concrete is poured, but the extra thought that you put into this process during the construction of your home will be worth it in the end. This step will help to regulate the temperature in the room as well as blocking radon and water vapor.
There are a variety of products to choose from, so it's a good idea to spend some time researching before making the final choice. Consider options such as foam sheet insulation and radiant foil. Radiant foil is generally considered to be superior to foam sheet insulation, but there are positives and negatives to both types of concrete barrier. Either way, your time will be rewarded the first time you snuggle into your new space to watch a movie with your family.
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