The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

How To Remodel Basements And Attics

In each of the following examples, we shall study what constitute troublesome items and learn how to remedy or eliminate them.

Example 1. Ceiling height

Unless a basement has a ceiling height of at least 7 ft. 6 in., occupants of a recreation room or entertainment area would have a cramped and uncomfortable feeling. This would lessen the enjoyment of such spaces and detract from the benefits of remodeling. A ceiling height that is less than 7 ft. is impossible so far as living space is concerned. In either case, additional ceiling height can be gained by excavating to a lower depth.

Part A of Fig. 1 shows a typical case where the distance (ceiling height) from the floor to the underside of the ceiling joists is only 6 ft. 6 in. If the ceiling were finished the 6 ft. 6 in. would be reduced to about 6 ft. 4 in. Obviously, such a ceiling height could not be tolerated.

Part B of Fig. 1 shows one solution to the problem. The original floor could be removed and enough earth excavated, about 14 in., so that the surface of the new floor would be 12 in. below the surface of the original floor. This would make the ceiling height about 7 ft. 6 in. and the work could be accomplished without disturbing the footing The corner shown at M could be framed with wood and painted to create an unobjectionable shelf.

Part C of Fig. 1 shows another solution to the problem. The original floor could be removed and enough earth excavated, about 24 in , so the surface of the new floor would be 24 in below what was the original floor. In a case of this kind, where the excavation extends below the bottom of the footing, a 6-in. retaining wall should be placed as shown in the illustration. The new ceiling height would be about 8 ft. 6 in. or 8 ft. 4 in. if we deduct the probable thickness of ceiling materials. The surfaces shown at N could be framed with wood to form a useful shelf.