Room Layout Tips

Family room

A family room that serves many purposes – movie watching, playing games and hosting parties – is a smart investment. You maximize use of your finished basement and that usefulness is an asset when it comes time to sell your home.

• Typical layouts for multi-purpose rooms are L-shaped, dividing the space naturally, or rectangular, where existing columns or furnishings create spaces for different uses.
• Whole lot of snacking going on? Consider a wet bar with sink. If not, a simpler but still useful approach is to add a snack corner with a mini fridge and microwave.
• Vary the flooring to create activity zones: carpeting for a kids’ play area, vinyl tiles for a craft corner or exercise space.

• Product Tip: We offer a variety of floor options that mimic the look of wood, as well as ceramic tile and carpeting that offer warmth and comfort and are mold and water-resistant.

Basement Bar

Whether it’s part of a man cave, home theater or family room, a wet bar can be really useful in the basement. No running up the stairs for drinks and snacks. And you can have two parties in the house at the same time!

• A sink and fridge really make a wet bar, so plan on the necessary plumbing.
• A super durable waterproof floor is essential. Top with area rugs if you want to create a pub-like atmosphere (easier to deal with spills).
• Thinking sports bar? Place your seating 36″ from the wall and screen, whether you’re using bar stools or other types of seating.
• The fixings – bar and stools or chairs – can be found at home supply stores and specialized companies.
• Consider recessed lights in the ceiling combined with decorative spot lighting over the bar or game table.

Laundry Room / Storage Room

Some people choose to keep the laundry room and storage space in the unfinished part of the basement, saving the finished part for active living functions (and thereby saving money). But others want to make laundry less of a chore with a clean, well-lit space with useful storage. The choice is up to you!

• If you want room for storing, hanging clothes or ironing, you’ll want a light, well-lit space.
• If you’re re-situating appliances, there are code issues related to the electrical wiring and placement of appliances.
• A waterproof floor is essential in a laundry room. Leaks happen!
• If you’re using your laundry to air dry clothes, you’ll want the driest air possible.

• Product Tip: Moisture and mildew in a laundry room are counter-productive. All TBF products are water-resistant and mold-resistant. If you decide on putting your laundry in the unfinished part of your basement, you’ll still benefit by having the other half dry, comfortable, finished and waterproofed.

Bathroom (Half or Full)

A basement bathroom is useful, especially if you don’t have as many bathrooms above ground as you would like. And when the house is overflowing with family and friends, you’ll be glad it’s there.

• Generally, you want to locate the bathroom as close to existing plumbing connections as possible.
• Consider soundproofing walls and wrapping plumbing pipes.
• Be aware of code requirements relating to exhaust, electrical and placement of fixtures.
• Consider combining laundry and bathroom into one space.

• Product Tip: Besides offering a suite of water-resistant products (walls, flooring, ceiling), TBF dealers manage the entire process, including code compliance and any necessary subcontracting.

General Layout Tips

Leave Some Portion Unfinished

Realtors will tell you it’s always good to keep 30-50% of your basement unfinished – leaving room for utilities (hot water heater, furnace, dehumidifier) and storage.

Use Recessed Lights

Recessed lights in a drop ceiling help to maximize headroom. For energy efficiency, consider LED or fluorescent lights. Fluorescents are 75% more efficient than incandescents.

Add Soundproofing

• Drop ceilings create better sound barriers than drywall ceilings.
• Basement band practice? Got neighbors? Double-pane, vinyl-frame windows provide an effective sound buffer between the basement and outdoors.

Benefits of an Open Layout

An open layout can be adapted to future uses, taking you from preschool playroom to teen hangout, and is an asset when it’s time to sell your home. Imagining your future finished basement and figuring out the trade-offs of different layouts can be difficult. During your free consultation with a TBF System Designer, you will explore all your options using our proprietary 3-D layout software. Here are two examples to get you thinking.

Example 1: Simple Layout

Home Theater, Game Room

In this relatively simple layout, 45% of the basement was reserved for utilities, unfinished storage and laundry. They could have finished a bit more of the basement to make a nice laundry, but chose to save the money. This family knew they wanted a home theater and a game room – perhaps a ping pong table now and a pool table in the future. Instead of carving out two rooms, they decided the finished 55% would work best as a spacious multi-purpose room that could evolve with the family’s changing needs.

The TBF layout software lets you drag-and-drop major furniture to make sure your vision will work within the space planned. In this layout, both uses – theater and game table – easily fit the space; in fact, there is still room for a small play area, a desk or bookshelves.

Designed for Comfort and Health:

New energy efficient windows and window wells have been added on the finished side to maximize light and keep debris away. On the unfinished side, a Sanidry® dehumidifier has been ducted to take moisture out of the finished side and blow dry air back in, keeping the living space healthy and dry (without having to locate the unit in the living space).

Since TBF walls, flooring, ceiling and windows are made of water-resistant, inorganic materials, this new family room will be water and mold-resistant and comfortable throughout the year. The benefits will accrue to the entire house.

Example 2: Custom Layout

Home Theater, Game Room, Home Office, Bathroom

This 1400 square foot basement took more time to design. The family had a list of desired uses: family TV viewing, a game table and a pool table as well as an office. The family worked with their TBF System Designer to test out different layouts. Their final choices were efficient and personal: they chose to create the home office in a far corner of the basement, providing solitude and soundproofing. A small finished bathroom was added while the laundry was kept in the unfinished portion.

The TBF System Designer recommended a decorative lighting fixture over the game table and the pool table, and recessed lights on a dimmer switch over the TV viewing area.

Here is the same layout in 3D view, with people included to provide spatial proportion. Structural columns make a natural divider between functional areas of the large space. If the home office is being used on a daily basis, the bathroom is a smart choice. Note the closet in the corner for pool supplies and board games.

Should you buy a layout design?

Our answer is no! Before beginning to design a layout, an expert finishing contractor should assess your basement in person noting permanent obstacles, appliances (furnace, heaters, air conditioning), ductwork, windows, egress, ceiling height, plumbing and electrical systems and any past or potential water issues.

• Don’t buy a layout design before having your basement evaluated for structural and systems issues.
• Before paying anyone, why not get a free custom layout designed collaboratively with a TBF System Designer (see details at the end of this guide).

Your Basement Issues

It sounds like your basement is like millions of basements around the country. Who hasn’t had problems with mildew, humidity, leaks and even flooding in the basement? (Answer: not many.) Basements simply aren’t built to be dry.

• If you have had serious issues in the past that were not remedied, you might need the services of a partner Basement Systems dealer, who is an expert in waterproofing and remediation (and who sometimes is also a TBF dealer).

Sources of Water Damage

Water vapor, humidity, condensation, and all members of the H2O family love to party in the basement. Other sources of water include the groundwater underneath, the plumbing pipes overhead, the washing machine and any other plumbing. Not to mention the potential for window leaks during a rainstorm.

Major Repairs or Minor Repairs? Which would you like to avoid most?

Our guess is neither! Unfortunately, many materials used in building houses absorb moisture like a sponge. When used in the basement, these materials are susceptible to mold, mildew, rot, warping, peeling and rust. Depending on the magnitude and how quickly you fix them, you’ve got a minor or major repair on your hands. Ugh.

you’ll save yourself future headaches – actual headaches from allergies to mold, mildew and dust mites and financial headaches – if you go with inorganic materials. And you’ll retain the resale value of your home.

• What’s an organic material? Wood, wood pulp, fabric, cork.
• What’s an inorganic material? Vinyl, plastic, sand, cement.
• Organic materials absorb water, inorganic materials do not. As a result, inorganic materials retain their original strength and durability and do not invite mold and mildew to the party. (In fact, there is no party.)

• The TBF Finishing System uses inorganic, 100% waterproof materials.

Mold, Mildew & Air Quality

Unfortunately what happens in the basement, doesn’t stay in the basement. Air flows upward and moisture, mildew, mold spores and other allergens move with it. These critters feed on organic materials when wet, so they often start their journey in the basement behind floors and walls. Mold not only contributes to that musty basement smell, exposure can lead to allergies and even asthma. The Mayo Clinic’s research attributes chronic sinusitis to relative humidity and possibly the growth of fungi. What to do?

• Keep humidity at 50% or less (Center for Disease Control)
• Over 50% Relative Humidity: Dust mites begin to flourish (National Institutes of Health)
• 80% Relative Humidity: Mold grows
• 90% Relative Humidity: Wood rots

• Combining a TBF finished basement and a Sanidry® dehumidifier to control and minimize water vapor is your best defense against unhealthy air.

Dehumidification

Does your basement feel like a different climate zone from the rest of the house? It probably is. Temperature and humidity levels differ in a typical basement. In humid parts of the country, the difference is often dramatic. Controlling humidity levels is an important part of a truly finished basement.

Enter TBF’s Sanidry®: Dehumidifier and Air Filter

This is the big gorilla, providing high performance at a highly efficient rate and represents a great investment in the long-term environment of your home.

• Very Little Maintenance
  • The Sanidry® is installed so that it automatically drains
  • This is an air system, not simply a dehumidifier, so filters do need to be cleaned or changed.
• High Capacity
  • Takes up to 100 pints of water per day out of your basement air – using the same energy as a 40-pint dehumidifier.
• Minimizes Mold, Mildew & Damp Smells
  • Filters particles from the air as small as two microns (smaller than mold spores or dust mite droppings).
  • Optional carbon filter available if odors are a serious concern
• Energy Efficient
  • Energy Star rated. Uses only 6.8 amps to remove more than twice the amount of a smaller dehumidifier. Dry air is less expensive to heat and cools faster than humid air.

We recommend the Sanidry® be installed in the non-finished part of your basement and configured to blow dry air in and wet air out of the finished rooms. The result: a comfortable, healthy breathing environment that benefits the whole house.

Plumbing Problems

If your house has plumbing (this is a joke), the law of averages states that you will experience a plumbing leak. The law of gravity states that water flows downhill – or from the 2nd floor to the 1st floor and down to the basement. Because of this, you should have waterproof materials high on your checklist.

• Sign up for a free consultation with a TBF dealer to get a free assessment of your basement – and an 88-page book called Basement Finishing Science.

• Product Tip: Ask your TBF representative about FloodCheck™ Washing Machine hoses.

Alternative Approaches

It sounds like you’re researching different ways to finish a basement. Perhaps you’re considering a DIY (do it yourself) or combination DIY/Contractor approach.

• DIY? Basement finishing is a big project but doable if you have the time and skills.

Risks of the DIY Approach

You alone can assess your skills, knowledge and desire to learn. Since we’re basement finishers, we’d like to point out the risks inherent in the DIY approach. You can assess your skills, knowledge (or desire to learn) yourself.

• Products used are not fully waterproof (look for inorganic material)
• You end up learning about basements the hard way – after you’ve finished the job.
• There are unforeseeable delays and costs involved in subcontracting (always!).
• The project becomes more complex than envisioned (how old is your basement?).
• Underlying water or humidity problems are not solved.
• You cut corners with disastrous future results.
• Code compliance issues rear their ugly head – more delays and costs.
• You don’t have access to the best finishing products (TBF products are available exclusively through out dealer network).

• If you’re going the DIY route, start with a sketch and consult with local building authorities and relevant subcontractors before you begin your project.
• Consider a hybrid approach: contact your local TBF installer to learn more about walls or flooring, find out which elements are crucial in your basement and to design a free layout

Risk of Hiring a General Contractor

The biggest risk of hiring a general contractor (GC) is that he/she doesn’t understand the basement environment and doesn’t give moisture control a priority.

• Wrong materials and methods.
• Non-continuous work – extensive delays.
• Unexpected cost increases.
• Underlying water or humidity problems are not solved.
• No access to best finishing products (TBF products are available exclusively through out dealer network).

• If you choose a contractor, ask for references, before and after pictures, a layout design, timeline and budget.
• Ask what percentage of their projects are delayed or protracted.

Future RIP-OUT?

Consider the long-term costs and benefits of your approach. A TBF basement is designed to stand up to the harsh, damp environment of the basement.

• Some of our TBF dealers say that 30-50% of projects involve ripping out previous finishing work.

Your Time is Money

There are inevitable delays in the DIY approach and in choosing a general contractor. The TBF system was designed to give you the highest quality basement-friendly products without delays or unexpected costs. Since basements is all we do, we do it well.

• A straightforward layout (no custom work) can be completed in as little as 2 weeks!
• How much is your time worth? Isn’t it worth it to check out the quality and warranties behind the TBF system?

Total Basement Finishing: A One-Stop Shop

Total Basement Finishing offers a complete renovation package combining products, creative layout design and thorough, efficient professional installation services. Our projects are completed on time and on budget – it takes about 10 business days to complete an average sized basement once all permits and paperwork are done – and on budget (at our original quote).

• Exclusive products engineered to withstand the basement environment – made of inorganic materials that are water-resistant and do not support mold growth. These products are NOT available at retail.
• Dedicated full-time basement specialists that are insured and certified. Project work done continuously until complete.
• Project work done continuously
• High-quality waterproof products designed and engineered for the basement environment
• Modular design ensures that future repairs are fast and easy.
• Management of code compliance, demolition, permits and subcontractors.
• 50 year warranty on our Everlast Walls, 10-30 years on other elements.
• Total Basement Finishing is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Your Free TBF Consultation

During your free on-site consultation with a TBF installer, we will:

• Discuss your vision for the basement
• Inspect and evaluate your basement together
• Build a custom layout using TBF’s interactive 3-D software
• Send you a free copy of “Basement Finishing Science,” an 88-page book
• Develop a 7-page proposal, custom detailed layout, budget and timetable – all created in collaboration with you.

Total Basement Finishing: A One-Stop Shop

Total Basement Finishing offers a complete renovation package combining products, creative layout design and thorough professional installation services. Our projects are completed on time — it takes about 10 business days to complete an average-size basement once all permits and paperwork are done — and on budget (at our original quote).

• Exclusive products engineered to withstand the basement environment – made of inorganic materials that are water-resistant and do not support mold growth. These products are NOT available at retail.
• Dedicated full-time basement specialists that are insured and certified. Project work done continuously until complete.
• Project work done continuously
• High-quality waterproof products designed and engineered for the basement environment
• Modular design ensures that future repairs are fast and easy.
• Management of code compliance, demolition, permits and subcontractors.
• 50 year warranty on our Everlast Walls, 10-30 years on other elements.
• Total Basement Finishing is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Your Free TBF Consultation

During your free on-site consultation with a TBF System Designer, we will:

• Discuss your vision for the basement
• Inspect and evaluate your basement together
• Build a custom layout using TBF’s interactive 3-D software
• Send you a free copy of “Basement Finishing Science,” an 88-page book
• Develop a 7-page proposal, custom detailed layout, budget and timetable – all created in collaboration with you.

(If you’ve asked a specific question in the comment field, we’ll get back to you soon with an answer.)

Well, that’s it for now. It sounds like you’re still exploring your basement options. We hope these tips and information are useful as you continue to research your options.

Let us know when you’re ready for a free design consultation and estimate with an authorized TBF System Designer in your area.