Most homes have basements that are empty or dormant without any specific use. Those who use the basement use it as a sub-level space for storing clutter and out of season household items. Basements may consist of a large space that has potential to become something more, but it is usually used for storage. Modern architects are building homes with basements that are easily turned into a useful room.

The space in your basement can be a good addition to the space that you already have in the rest of your home. You can turn it into a movie room, gym, play room, game room, family room, home library, pantry, wine cellar and many other useful rooms.  The conditions in which you have kept your basement will determine what you want to transform it to be.

Turn your basement into a useful room

If you want to turn your basement into a proactive room such as a children's playroom, game room, family room and others, you must ensure that it passes the safety code. Do not leave exposed electrical wiring that can be touched accidentally.

Insulate the walls against any moisture and keep the temperatures in good levels. Make sure that the floors are neat, strong and waterproof. If you have plumbing that passes in the basement make sure that it is not exposed or blocking anything before remodelling the room. This will reduce instances where people will burst pipes when using the room.

You must eliminate all moisture and any substances that may be harmful. Make sure that there are free flow and circulation of air. You can achieve this by installing vents, an AC system or building windows in the walls. This way you make it safe for anybody to spend time there. You even save on power bills if you have the correct insulation. With the right décor and the right window trim, you can turn your basement into one of the best rooms in the house.

Tips on how to install basement windows

Most basements have windows that act as a source of light, as well as a ventilation outlet. However, they end up allowing drafts in the room during winter hence making them unbearable. You should install your basement windows in such a way that they serve all year long. You should install a good trim around the frames of your windows to reduce drafts. The following are tips to help you install windows in your basement the correct way.

•    Take the right measurements

It is important to have the right measurements for your window, as well as a window frame. This gives you accuracy when you cut the window trim. Use a tape measure and measure at least twice to ensure that everything will fit well. Wrong measurements end up creating gaps that make the basement susceptible to drafts from the ground

•    Make use of the existing trims

If you are doing a remodelling job, make use of an old trim. It will work well as a template so that you get the measurements right. You can use it to mark the required measurements for your new window. However, if you have no idea what you are doing, get a professional to measure it for you.

You may measure wrongly and be disappointed if you get something different from the template that you have. It is important to get the right size since it will make installation easier. If you accidentally buy a small window, you will have a hard time filling in the gaps.

•    Use proper tools

Installing windows is a delicate process that requires you to cut glass and put it in place hence you require to have the proper tools. Choose the tools and materials that you require carefully. Get a special saw for cutting glass and or cutting metal. These will help you to cut and mount your window with minimal damages. They will also help you to install your window treatments as you install your windows.

A wood trim is good for a basement, but you can explore other materials such as UPVC, brass and other metals. The glass that you choose should be high performance so that you use fewer window treatments. Frosted glass is very good for basements. It gives you enough privacy without covering it. It also brings in natural light from outside in a sophisticated dim illumination. Using thin glass will get you the much-desired light but it may not be good for proper insulation.

•    Fix any gaps

While fixing windows, gaps are almost inevitable. You can fix the trim with silicone caulking, glue, rubber and many other weather proof materials. Fill in any gaps that are left in the trim to make the window efficient. If the gap is too big to fill, then you can remove it and install again. Every exterior trim should have a good weatherproofing. If the gaps that you want to fill have been there for a long time, make sure that you are careful so that you do not keep on breaking glass while filling them.