With a very busy February vacation week ahead of us and three kids having their own separate space to play in and enjoy, we do not know why we didn’t do this project sooner!
We currently own our home in Westwood and it has served us very nicely. We bought the home several years ago with plans in the back of our mind to renovate the basement. My wife and I work during the day, everyday; so although this was an idea and something we knew we wanted to move forward with the timing never really seemed to make sense to us. After years and years of pushing it off, we finally scheduled a time to meet with several basement finishing companies and were ready to pull the trigger.
After researching and comparing designs, options, material quality, durability, and style, a week after we received all of our quotes back, we decided to move forward with KAKS Basement Finishing and Design based out of Hanover, MA.
Everything we asked for they delivered upon. It was that simple. Steve (the owner) made the process simple and easy for us while his team worked diligently to complete the space for our family!
This space was designed originally for added living space and some clothing storage, but has morphed into the most enjoyable space in our home for us but also for our kids. We have a couch and TV, but also a carpeted area where our son and his friends play knee hockey. Our daughter (almost 17) hosts her group of friends frequently.
My wife and I had always though we should wait for the ‘right time’ and push it off because we always were always so busy, but the truth is, the space has been so usable and helpful to our family life that we wish we hadn’t waited so long. After going through the process, our only regret is truly that we waited so long. If you are in the market for a basement, please, do not wait! It is the best decision we have made to improve our home.
Basement Finishing In 2017
WHAT DOES BASEMENT FINISHING LOOK LIKE IN 2017?
What makes a great finished basement?
If you are a nanny YOU need a finished basement! Let me tell you why!
Hi my name is Debby and I am a full time mom / nanny! I work out of my home and it always seems to be a disaster! My house always seems to look like a daycare and that the toddlers took over and now rule my castle! I love having company on the weekends and it just seems like I have to spend an entire day to clean my house to have a glass of wine with my girlfriends! Now that winter is approaching and the kids will mostly be in the house. I asked myself, what I can do to separate the Nanning life from my personal life. Then it hit me, as the toy dinosaur came flying across the room and nailed me in the head!!! I have a huge unfinished basement that is just a big empty wasted space! Let’s finish the basement. Living in New England on the South shore I went online in search of Basement Finishing companies in my area! I found a company called KAKS Home Improvement Services and continued looking further into them. Their website is www.impressivebasmentsboston.com . Before reading any further, if you are considering remodeling or refinishing you basement STOP and go visit their website now!! They seemed to have EVERYTHING I was looking for! I continued doing my research and reading more facts they had on their website. Something I came across which was news to me, was that there are many factors that need to be considered when finishing a basement in New England. Such as Humidity in the summer and flooding in the winter! These are huge culprits in New England that contribute to mold and mildew! BUT what I didn’t know is that the only way these nasty things can grow in your basement is if you have the wrong materials down there for them to breed off of!!! Finishing a basement out of materials like wood studs, paper drywall, and carpet ( everything I thought a finished basement was made out of) all harvest a beautiful home for mold and mildew to breathe in on a nice summer morning YUCK !! So the thought of this basement project being cheap went right out the window. Which I am okay with if I am getting quality over a cheap quote! So KAKS Basement Finishing was explaining to me their basement wall system, that is specifically design for basements in New England. They explained that having a dehumidifier is a key factor to keeping your basement air dry! After that I was informed the benefits of a fresh air exchange unit! That sold me right there!!! Constantly having a fresh air flow is perfect for a space with a bunch of germ breeding stinky toddler’s lol!!! So I recommend doing your research and getting all the RIGHT information when thinking about a basement finishing project! After I decided to move forward I met with the owner Steve at my home! He was very friendly and understanding and took the time to help me envision my project every step of the way. We ended up designing the perfect spot for me and my little tots to hang all day and not have to step foot upstairs!!! We designed an open layout with a large play area for all the toys. Then on one side of the room there is a kitchenette area with a refrigerator and sink and a small table and chairs for snack and lunch time! Can you say easy clean up! We also added a small half bath which is very necessary! Then finally, we added a small room to the side with a TV and a bunch of bean bags for movie and story time (my favorite)! I couldn’t have asked for a better finished space for myself and my little kiddies! Now it doesn’t only feel like my work and personal life are separate! It feels like I have a professional work space/ home office! No more stepping on Legos or cleaning up mac and cheese off the kitchen table or pulling toys out of the couch just to have company over! All thanks to KAKS Basement Finishing and Design! It wasn’t cheap but now it feels like another level of my home and a safe environment for my kids! NOT a big empty smelly space anymore! What a great investment! I am one happy nanny and my kids love the finished space even more!
Finishing A Basement With DRY-WALL – WOOD – FIBERGLASS INSULATION – PANELS ?
Do I Really Have To Worry About Finishing My Basement With DRY-WALL – Wood, Fiberglass insulation – panels And Why ?
If you have been thinking about finishing your basement it is important to have a good understanding about the basement environment, here you will find facts about the proper use of building materials, and why using organic & moisture sensitive materials like dry-wall, wood, paper and fiberglass insulation – panels in a basement are all food sources for mold growth. And due to their inferior properties they are the lest effective solution when applied in an environment like a basement. Mold is a major concern & needs a source to grow, here are five ingredients necessary for mold growth (food source, air, moisture, suitable temperature, and a surface to grow on) below explains the common problems with leaking, moisture and high humidity. And why organic – moisture sensitive materials are hazardous and will become damaged when used in a basement.
“It has been documented that at least “ 98% of all sub-surface basement areas will leak, at some point in their life.” There can be many reasons for a damp or leaky basement, and they all add up to problems for you as a homeowner, if not corrected. Actual water leakage should not be confused with the high relative humidity typically found in basements. Both leaking and high levels of humidity will destroy inferior building materials. If your house has a basement, then basement water leakage and excess basement humidity levels along with the installation of improper building materials are major contributors to mold growth in your home. Below are examples of the damage that happens when moisture is trapped between the foundation wall and the finished basement wall using dry-wall, wood, paper faced fiberglass insulation allowing mold to grow unnoticed. Mold growth in walls of the home is a serious health concern. Long-standing moisture problems can lead to termite infestation and decay, resulting in structural damage to the house. Thats why its important to avoid materials that DO NOT BELONG in the basement. Fiberglass insulation when wet acts as a sponge and will retain water from flooding and humidity, falling apart and loosing its insulative R-value & allowing mold growth. The manufacturer of this product developed a basement wall finishing system using a fiberglass panel with a fabric covering and promotes it to be used in the basement but recommends storing fiberglass in a dry place? this is true for drywall HENCE the name DRY-WALL.they also recommend storing it in a dry place, why would you use it in a basement?
Great Basement Finishing Contractors Don’t Need High Pressure Sales Tactics
If you’re thinking of having your basement converted into a home gym, or transformed into an apartment for your adult children or in-laws, or need the space to run your business, chances are that you already know there are a lot of basement finishing contractors in the Boston area. Figuring out how to tell which one is the right company to work on your home becomes easier when you keep these pointers in mind:
High pressure sales tactics are a big red flag! No matter what you’re shopping for, intense high pressure sales tactics are always a bad sign. Be very wary when you’re told special incentive pricing will only be available if you decide immediately; you should never feel pressured to sign on the dotted line immediately. Basement renovations are a significant investment. It’s worth taking the time to make a good decision. Don’t let high pressure sales tactics force you into a decision you’ll regret later.
Check references & previous projects A reputable Boston basement refinishing company will be happy to show you pictures of other projects they’ve done. In some instances, you may even be able to tour finished basement renovation projects. As a best practice, it’s always great to look at projects that are similar in nature to the project you’re considering – in other words, if you want a new home gym, you want to see other home gyms this company has done. Ask for references, and then call or email those people with your questions about the basement finishing contractor. If a contractor balks at either showing you previous projects or connecting you with satisfied customers, run, don’t walk, away!
Mold and Mildew Proof Basement Finishing Systems
Recently, I came across some interesting and valuable information on Mold and Mildew-proof Basement Finishing Systems, because water and humidity in the basement seem pretty hard to avoid. Who wouldn’t want walls that are stain resistant, and mold and mildew proof, now that it’s available? A wall system that also comes with a transferable lifetime warranty is the new concept. A nice design plan for a basement refinishing is a great idea for any family needing more living space, so this year, why not plan on moving forward with a long overdue basement remodel?
First tip: Keep an eye out for mold. Mold needs a source to grow, and there are five ingredients necessary for mold growth – food source, air, moisture, suitable temperature, and a surface to grow on. Paper, wood and other organic materials like carpet, for example, are conducive to mold and mildew growth. Drywall is lined with paper, studs are usually made of pine wood, definitely not suitable materials for the basement since mold growth in basement walls is a serious home health concern. Long-standing moisture problems can lead to decay, resulting in structural damage to the house. Have any concerns checked by a professional, then choose a basement wall finishing company that specializes in building basements with proper materials.
Second: Look into a good quality dehumidifier. You can even attach a pump and tubing to your dehumidifier and have it plumbed to drain on its own. You will never have to empty out the water tank, and it will always be working. A dehumidifier is recommended for the basement at all times to control moisture in the air. Keeping the humidity low at all times is key. Air quality in the basement is very important. Go with certified green, eco-friendly
wall finishing materials that aren’t detrimental to the basement environment or your family.
Last tip: The cost of a full Basement Finishing System is about the same as a conventional drywall basement. That seems hard to believe, until you get a price from a basement refinishing company with all electrical, new lighting, waterproof flooring and better quality materials than a general contractor could give. You can get a free basement evaluation from most basement finishing companies.