Taking Basements to a New Level

Design Confidently, Live Comfortably

Basement ceilings are generally low to begin with, and making necessary accommodations for the ducts, pipes, and electrical work that usually crisscross them can result in a mess of soffits and bump-outs. If possible, consider rerouting large obstructions to the edges of rooms, preserving ceiling height in the center.



	Soffits with style While often seen as obstructions, soffits and other structural ceiling elements can be dressed up with curves and drywall to make unusual design details.

If that's not possible, you may be able to minimize ceiling disruptions by incorporating them into the room's design. For example, you can build a bar or counter to follow the line of the pipe soffit above. Another idea is to ground the soffit with columns that make it look as if the structural incongruity were planned. This also draws the eye downward, mitigating the oppressive feel of a low ceiling. Such architectural foolery can turn a foreboding-looking ceiling into strong design element.

Build in a bathroom
Including a bathroom in a basement remodel makes good economic and quality-of-life sense. If the space isn't already plumbed, call a plumber in early to determine what equipment will be needed and where to bring the service in. Bathrooms located lower than service lines for the rest of the house generally require installation of an ejector pump in the floor, which moves the waste up and out. A grinder pump, which breaks down waste so that smaller-diameter piping can be used, is often called for as well. Locating the new bathroom under existing ones can minimize cost and snaking pipes.

NEXT: Preserve Some Storage Space

BACK: Lighten It Up

	IN THIS ARTICLE:

		Introduction

		Lighten It Up

		Don't Duck Ceiling Issues

		Preserve Some Storage Space

		Make the Connection

		Underground Matters

		Some Tips for a Better Basement

		Resources

PHOTO: GREG PREMRU