- Use paint - Choose lighter colors for the ceilings and walls to create an illusion of a bigger space. Select white or pastel colors to brighten the basement. ...
- Remove ceiling furnishings - If you have ceiling lamps, remove them from the ceiling. You can use some table or floor lighting systems instead. ...
- Keep furniture low - With a low basement, using low furniture gives up space to create more height.
- Install tall mirrors - Mirrors are reflective and make the ceiling look high.
- Show the natural industrial vibe - You can leave the ceiling connections exposed. Otherwise, you can add some design to conceal the pipes or wires on the ceiling.
How to maximize basement ceiling height?
THE BEST LAYOUT
- Flow. Avoid layouts featuring long, windowless hallways…or that require you to pass through one basement room to get to another.
- Zoning laws. Basement bedrooms might need windows, and they might have to be a specified size.
- What’s above. ...
- Basement components. ...
- Existing plumbing. ...
What is the minimum ceiling height for a basement?
The minimum height requirement for a basement ceiling depends on whether it's habitable or non-habitable. A clear, floor-to-ceiling height of 7 feet is required if the basement is habitable. But when it's non-habitable, then it only requires a minimum height of 6 feet 8 inches.
Can you raise ceiling height in basement?
To raise your basement ceiling, raise the height of the joists by 3 millimetres or 1/8 of an inch per day to gradually increase the basement height. Raising the ceiling of your basement is the cheapest method to increase its height because most homeowners can do this themselves.
How to add height to your basement?
Basement benching (aka bench-footing) is another way to add height to your basement. Instead of excavating under the existing basement foundation, a bench or ledge is built around the inside perimeter of the existing walls. Then, we lower the basement foundation within the benched space. This method allows us to pour a new concrete slab at a ...
What to use to finish basement floor?
How to prevent moisture from seeping into concrete?
Can you renovate a basement?
Who is Naima Manal?
How much does it cost to increase ceiling height in basement?
Cost to Raise a Basement Ceiling It costs between $10,000 and $90,000 to raise your basement ceiling. On a basic level, a contractor has two options to raise the ceiling height in your basement: Dig deeper into the ground: $50,000–$90,000. Raise the entire house: $10,000 or more.
How can I add more headroom to my basement?
To raise your basement ceiling, raise the height of the joists by 3 millimetres or 1/8 of an inch per day to gradually increase the basement height. Raising the ceiling of your basement is the cheapest method to increase its height because most homeowners can do this themselves.
How do you make a low basement ceiling look higher?
Low Ceilings: 10 Easy Ways To Make A Low Ceiling Look Higher1 | Hang Floor to Ceiling Curtains. ... 2 | Keep Window Coverings Simple. ... 3 | Use Shorter, Horizontal Furniture. ... 4 | Hang A Large Mirror. ... 5 | Avoid Overhead Lighting. ... 6 | Install Floor To Ceiling Bookshelves. ... 7 | Add Vertical Artwork.More items...•
How low is too low for a basement ceiling?
In most cases, a basement ceiling is too low if it violates local building codes. For older builds, that means anything below 6 feet 4 inches. For new construction, ceiling heights under 7 feet or obstructions below 6 feet 8 inches would be too low legally.
How much does it cost to make basement deeper?
between $50,000 and $90,000Can you make your basement deeper? If you don't have a crawl space but a partial basement you want to make deeper, you can expect to spend a little less—between $50,000 and $90,000 on average.
How can I make my basement look taller?
Hang long, sheer, light-colored curtains on either side of any windows by mounting the curtain rod at ceiling height. Use curtains that are long enough to reach from the ceiling to the floor to draw the eye up and down in the basement to make it appear larger than it is.
How do you fix low ceilings?
9 Clever Ways to Counteract Low CeilingsTry Stripes. 1/9. Vertical stripes create the illusion of height by drawing your gaze upward. ... Scale Down. 2/9. ... Mirror Image. 3/9. ... Branch Out. 4/9. ... Lower Lighting. 5/9. ... Time for Reflection. 6/9. ... Uniformity. 7/9. ... Tall Window Treatments. 8/9.More items...
How can I make my 8 foot ceiling taller?
How to make 8-foot ceilings look tallerYou can install crown moulding. ... You can install hanging lights. ... Take advantage of full-length curtains. ... Anything that can be installed up to the ceiling, should be. ... Embrace painting your ceilings. ... Install full-height decorative moulding.
Can you raise a low ceiling?
Except for tearing out a dropped ceiling grid, raising ceiling height is not a do-it-yourself project. The new supporting beams and rafters must be in place before removing any of the existing ceiling structure. The best time to undertake the project would be during a major remodel that involves roof restructuring.
Why do basements have lower ceilings?
Because basements were once built primarily for storage, they have lower ceilings. This can be an issue when you’re trying to make better use of your basement. As a result, many homeowners resort to hiring contractors to help add height to their basements. There are different ways you can add height to their basement.
What is underpinning a basement?
Underpinning a basement is the process where the floor is excavated to add depth to your lower structure. The concrete base is removed in sections because the foundation of your basement must be reinforced to maintain its strength and stability. This method should only be completed by trained professionals.
Why is a bench ledge built around the walls?
Instead, a bench or ledge is built around the sides of the walls to maintain the structural strength and support of the foundation. Only the flooring inside the benched framework is removed and lowered.
Is benching more expensive than underpinning?
Benching is less expensive than underpinning and there is less risk of your house collapsing. However, one of the drawbacks to this method is that it shortens your basements usable space so homeowners try to incorporate the ledge into their décor.
Is a basement an asset?
When you utilize it correctly, a basement is an important asset in a property. Your basement can be remodelled into an at-home gym, a legal secondary suite, or even a wine cellar. However, not all lower levels are constructed as viable living spaces. Because basements were once built primarily for storage, they have lower ceilings.
Is it worth putting a ceiling in a basement?
Increasing the height of your basement ceiling is a huge undertaking but one that is worth the effort and expense. Adding an extra headroom to your basement interior will not only give you more useable space, but it will also increase the value of your home.
Can you decorate your basement?
You can decorate your space to give the illusion of higher cei lings or structurally change the dimensions of your basement. Increasing your basement height should always be done by a professional so the rest of your home is not damaged from the excavation.
What Is A Good Basement Ceiling Height?
The International Residential Code ( IRC) prescribes that basement ceilings should be at least 7 feet from the floor. You have to leave enough space for existing pipes and similar connections. These fixtures would need at least 6 to 9 inches for the finishing.
How Do You Make A Low Basement Ceiling Look Higher?
The minimum height of 7 feet might not be enough for your basement. You might want to extend the ceiling height because you want a more comfortable and spacious area for your activities. If your basement ceiling is lower than the standard 7 feet, there are ways to raise the ceiling height.
How Do You Raise The Height Of a Basement Ceiling?
Raising the ceiling of your basement can give you more space and comfort. The steps vary depending on the existing structure of the basement. The ceiling heights of older house models are more challenging than new ones. Take note that you will need a bigger budget when you want to raise the basement ceiling.
Are 10 Foot Ceilings Too High?
Most ceilings will measure around 9 feet tall. Anything above this measurement is already high for a ceiling. It is all up to you to go higher than the standard height to meet your needs.
How to measure headroom?
To measure the headroom, measure the space from the stair tread or landing to the ceiling above. You have to consider the door stops, floor hatches, and staircase shape when measuring the headroom. Also, check if your state residential code requires different height specifications.
What makes a ceiling look high?
Install tall mirrors - Mirrors are reflective and make the ceiling look high.
Do basements have stairs?
Basements have stairs going up to the main floor of the house. Remember that basement levels are low, and you will have to bend when going down. With stairs installed, the headroom allows enough overhead space and prevents accidents.
Would the newly raised basement ceiling need to be finished?
You can paint your ceiling or install a drywall ceiling if the ceiling is unfinished, as they take up less headroom than drop ceilings.
What to do if you have poor soil conditions?
Generally speaking - if you have poor soil conditions or wetness in the basement slab level soil and below, or old deteriorated foundation raising the house (with foundation repair/replacement for deteriorated sections) is probably usually the better choice.
What is bench footing in basement?
Bench footing: The process of lowering the basement and providing extra structural support to the foundation. This is more affordable and suits larger basements.
What to do if there are pipes in the ceiling?
If there are pipes in the way of ceiling installation, you can do one of two things: reroute the pipes or adjust the installation to fit, which will cost extra.
How much does it cost to raise a house?
The cost of raising the entire house starts at $10,000 to $40,000. This method starts at $12 to $14 per square foot but can go up to $70 per square foot. Although this option is more affordable, it can cause cracks in your drywall or brick wall, or more serious issues if not done correctly.
How much does it cost to raise a basement ceiling?
It can cost between $10,000 and $90,000 to raise a basement ceiling, depending on the basement’s condition and the type of structure you have.
How much does it cost to excavate a 2 foot floor?
This method will cost anything between $50,000 and $90,000, or between $350 and $450 per square foot to excavate 2 feet into the ground.
What to use to finish basement floor?
Finish the basement floor with floor paint, tiles, wood, carpet or other flooring material.
How to prevent moisture from seeping into concrete?
Roll a moisture barrier over the dirt's surface to prevent moisture from seeping into the new concrete structure.
Can you renovate a basement?
A basement offers an opportunity to expand your home's living space. When the time comes to renovate your basement, you may discover that the ceiling height falls short of local building and fire code. With a low ceiling height as an obstacle, a basement's legal use is often restricted to use as a nonresidential space only. When backed into a corner, though, you may discover ways to make your dream basement conversion a reality. For instance, you might gain a few inches of headroom by removing an existing drop ceiling, or you might dig out the floor.
Who is Naima Manal?
Manal received her Bachelor of Science in biology/pre-medical studies from Molloy College in 1994 and has been a freelance writer, teacher and homeschooling mom since 1993.
