In this episode of American Dream TV, Denise Edwards (Real Estate Agent with Bullseye Realty Group and Lifestyle Expert in North Metro Atlanta) interviews award-winning Rob Stephenson (President & Founder) of Stephenson Construction.

When it comes to enhancing your Chateau Elan residence, one crucial decision to consider is basement remodeling.

At Stephenson Construction, we specialize in transforming your basement into a functional and inviting space that complements the luxury living experience offered in this upscale community.

Let’s explore why basement remodeling is the ideal choice for homeowners in Chateau Elan:

Basement remodeling opens up a world of possibilities.

In the heart of Chateau Elan, where luxury living meets sophistication, your basement can be transformed into an extension of your home’s elegance.

Whether you envision a cozy family entertainment area, a home office, a fitness center, or even a stylish wine cellar, our expert team at Stephenson Construction can bring your vision to life.

With our basement remodeling services, you can maximize the living space within your Chateau Elan residence, adding both functionality and value to your home..

Investing in basement remodeling with Stephenson Construction can significantly enhance your Chateau Elan home’s property value.

The appeal of a well-designed, finished basement is undeniable.

Prospective buyers in the Chateau Elan community often prioritize homes with remodeled basements, as they provide additional living space and luxury amenities.

Research shows that basement renovations can yield a remarkable return on investment, making it a smart choice for Chateau Elan homeowners looking to boost their property’s value in this exclusive community.

Chateau Elan is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, and your basement should reflect that.

When you choose basement remodeling with Stephenson Construction, you have the opportunity to customize your space to meet your unique needs and preferences.

Whether you desire a chic entertainment area with a state-of-the-art home theater system or a spa-like retreat complete with a sauna and jacuzzi, we can make it happen.

We understand the discerning tastes of Chateau Elan homeowners and ensure that your basement remodeling project aligns perfectly with the community’s upscale ambiance.

At Stephenson Construction, we’re committed to helping Chateau Elan residents unlock the hidden potential of their homes through expert basement remodeling services.

With our attention to detail, quality craftsmanship, and dedication to customer satisfaction, we’re the premier choice for transforming your Chateau Elan basement into a luxurious, functional, and inviting space.

Explore the possibilities of basement remodeling with Stephenson Construction and elevate your Chateau Elan living experience to new heights.

Thinking about a home improvement project? Stephenson Construction can advise you every step of the way.

At the planning stages, you may want to consider some of the hottest trends in home remodeling in 2023!

Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to save on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint, so expect to see more renovations that prioritize energy efficiency, such as installing solar panels, upgrading insulation, and replacing windows and doors with more energy-efficient models.

Getting rid of older appliances and switching to newer, more energy efficient models can also play a huge role in increasing savings on bills and can oftentimes even have tax advantages. Your home’s resistance to heat or “R value” determines your energy efficiency.

Upgrading your insulation while also ensuring vents, ducts and windows are properly sealed will minimize the need for as much air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter. Finally, migrating to more energy efficient sources of lighting such as LED lights is also a growing trend. While upgrading requires a monetary investment initially, there will be a savings in the long run.

The pandemic has made many people appreciate the outdoors more than ever before, and this has led to a surge in demand for outdoor living spaces like decks, patios, screened in porches, outdoor living rooms and even outdoor kitchens.

We are currently seeing even more elaborate outdoor living spaces that feature amenities like full kitchens, firepits and fireplaces, water features, and outdoor living and entertaining spaces that include sound systems and TVs.

These additional living spaces outside of the home provide an extra space for entertaining friends and family, a separate space for children to play or a quiet respite to appreciate nature.

Patios and living spaces behind the home can provide a more private place while adding or making improvements to a front porch will not only add extra space but improve the curb appeal of a home and therefore the overall value.

As remote work has become more common, many homeowners are looking to create dedicated home offices that are comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

We are seeing more renovations that transform unused spaces like attics, basements, spare bedrooms, bonus space above garages and even formal dining rooms into home offices.

Adding built in shelving, drawers and extra storage will help make the workflow more efficient. You may want to consider using a space where the natural lighting is good. Another more involved approach would be to consider building an addition to your home.

There is a growing trend toward using natural, sustainable materials and green technologies in home remodeling projects. Types of sustainable materials include wood, stone, bamboo, insulated concrete forms, green thermal insulation, and reclaimed materials such as steel, wood and rubber.

This trend is largely driven by a long terms cost savings, an increase in demand for this more socially conscious approach and ultimately improved property values. This trend is likely to continue as homeowners seek to create warm and inviting spaces that feel connected to nature.

With the rise of smart home technology, there are a plethora of smart trends and applications that homeowners have the option of integrating into their homes.

The Internet of Things or IoT has made its way into many residences and has moved beyond simply asking Alexa to play a favorite song.

Multiple rooms within a home can now be controlled by the touch of an app on a phone or with a voice command and include monitoring a security system from a remote location, turning lights on and off and adjusting the thermostat. Certain refrigerators can now help monitor when certain grocery items are low and add them to your Amazon Alexa account for shopping.

Another trend that we’ve seen rise since the pandemic is smart home technology focused on a healthier home. Moving beyond thermostats, some humidifiers, air purifiers and air conditioners are helping to create living spaces with higher air quality that is healthier.

The great news is that the ability to incorporate these high-tech tools into your home has become easier and as long as you have a smartphone, wi-fi connection and a power outlet, the average person will be able to take advantage of what the IoT has to offer.

These are several of the top trends we’re seeing at Stephenson Construction.

We have the experience and expertise to advise you as you consider your home improvement project that incorporates these trends and other features.

We would love to work together to help you create your dream space!

Building an indoor/outdoor space for your North Metro Atlanta home can be a great way to extend your living area, connect with the outdoors and add value to your home.

When designing and building this type of space, there are several important considerations to keep in mind as you work with your contractor:

Consider how you will use the space. Will it be an area for entertaining, dining, food preparation, relaxation, or all of the above?

Your intended use will influence the size, layout, and features of the space. Things to think about are furniture and how much you will need for seating and relaxing.

Think about the focal area of the space. Will the focus be a television for watching football, a fire pit or fireplace for roasting marshmallows, an outdoor grill and cooking area or a quiet view of nature?

Electrical for lighting and plumbing may be required, so factor those items into your planning process and budget.

Think about where the space will be located in relation to your home and other outdoor areas.

Consider factors such as privacy, the view, access to sunlight/shade, and proximity to other outdoor features such as gardens or swimming pools.

Will you want to modify your landscaping for increased privacy or to improve the view?

Will you want to plant (or replace) trees and shrubbery to get more or less sunlight?

Do you want to create a “flow” and connect the space to a garden or pool with a walkway or pool deck?

Consider how you will illuminate your space.

Things to consider are electric ceiling lights and/or fans, string lights and landscape lighting.

If new electricity is in the plan, be sure to figure that into the budget and work with your contractor to plan that ahead of time.

Determine the style and aesthetic you want for the space.

Do you want it to blend seamlessly with the existing architecture of your home or do you want it to stand out as a unique addition?

Consider the materials, colors, and textures you want to incorporate. Will it be adjacent to your home or separate?

Depending on where you live, climate can greatly impact the design and use of your indoor/outdoor space.

If you live in a cooler climate, consider adding features such as outdoor heaters (either permanent or moveable) or a fireplace or firepit to make the space usable year-round.

If you live in a hot climate, consider adding shading and cooling elements such as ceiling fans, a retractable awning or misting system.

Also consider incorporating under-decking into your design to give your space protection from the elements.

Keep in mind the maintenance required for the space.

Consider the durability of the materials, the upkeep required for features such as plants or water features and how “weatherproof” each element is.

To what extent will the space be exposed to the elements?

As with most any major home improvement project, be sure you or your contractor works with your local government entity to determine if any permits or regulations are required for building an indoor/outdoor space.

Stephenson Construction has the experience and expertise to assist you with building your indoor/outdoor dream space.

From obtaining permits, presenting options, making experienced recommendations, creating a custom design for your unique space and managing all the subcontractor scheduling and details, we’ve got you covered!

We will help you take everything into consideration to design and build an indoor/outdoor space that meets your needs and enhances your enjoyment of your home and surrounding environment.

Are you looking for ideas to summer-proof your North Metro Atlanta home (and basement) this Spring?

If so, there are several key items to think about as you begin to prepare your house, and basement, for a hot Georgia summer.

Here are some things to consider:

Before the summer heat arrives, make sure your air conditioning system is working properly.

Clean or replace the filters, check the ductwork for leaks, and consider hiring a professional to perform an annual maintenance check.

Check for air leaks around windows and doors. Seal any gaps with weather-stripping or caulk to keep the cool air inside during the summer months.

It may seem obvious, but ensure your family is diligent about keeping doors and windows closed when the air conditioning is running.

If your windows are beyond repair, investing in new energy-efficient windows can make a huge difference.

If window replacement is not in your budget, consider installing Low E film or UV film to mitigate the sunlight – and therefore heat- pouring into your home.

Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air throughout your home, reducing the need for air conditioning.

Consider installing them in rooms where you spend the most time.

Remember to always set your fan to circulate counterclockwise in the summer.

This creates a downdraft and helps to keep the room cooler.

Installing blinds, shades or curtains will help block out sunlight and keep your home cooler.

Look for options that are energy-efficient and block UV rays.

Always remember to close your window treatments at the time of day when the direct sun is hitting your home.

Trees and awnings can provide shade for your home, reducing the amount of heat that enters during the summer months.

Proper insulation can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Consider hiring a professional to check your insulation and make any necessary upgrades.

Make sure your gutters are clear of debris to prevent water damage during summer storms.

Install lighting around your home to make it more welcoming during summer evenings.

Consider energy-efficient options like solar lights.

Summer is prime time for pests like ants and mosquitoes.

Check for any signs of infestations and take steps to eliminate them before they become a problem.

It’s best to hire a professional pest control company to do a complete inspection of both the interior and exterior of your home.

If you have a sprinkler system, check for leaks and to ensure it’s working properly before summer arrives.

Leaks that go unchecked can lead to high water bills and can perpetuate saturated wet spots in the yard which can oftentimes lead to additional issues.

If you have a pool, spring is the perfect time to do a maintenance check and cleaning.

The pool filters may need to be changed and the pool itself should be scrubbed and treated with the appropriate chemicals to balance the pH of the water.

Are you looking for an additional entertainment space in your home in a basement or other area? Thinking about an Irish style pub, or more modern and sleek gathering area? How about a wall that showcases your favorite libations, or a space where guests can sit, have drinks and watch the game? If so, there are several key things to think about as you begin to plan for building your custom home bar.

Here are some things to consider:

Define the size of the area you want to dedicate to your bar and ensure that it’s large enough to accommodate the features you want and the purpose it will serve.

Ask yourself if this will be used for entertainment purposes, what types of gatherings do you anticipate? How many people? What age will the guests be?

Do you want a television(s) for viewing sporting events?

Choose a style that complements the overall look and feel of your home and personal taste.

While a custom basement is where creativity and a little flair is fun to explore, also consider your style on the main level and how you want the two to blend – or not!

Whether it’s rustic, modern, sports, farmhouse, mountain lodge – there are many different looks to consider.

Plan for adequate storage space for barware, glasses, wine, liquor, beer, mixers, and other bar supplies.

Do you want to have an open display such as floating shelves to display certain bottles or glassware or would you prefer your items enclose in a cabinet?

Do you need to consider some type of locks for your alcoholic beverages? Will you need space to store, prepare or reheat food?

Think about the bar equipment and appliances you need, such as a sink, garbage disposal, refrigerator, ice maker, wine cooler, oven, microwave, etc.

These options will definitely impact your space plans and need for certain utilities.

Proper lighting is essential for creating the right ambiance and highlighting of your space.

Things to consider are pendant lights, can or recessed lighting and LED lights to accent special features.

Choose seating that is comfortable and matches the style of your bar.

Try to ensure you have enough seating to accommodate your guests around the bar itself and in the adjoining area.

Make sure that the area you choose for your bar has the necessary electrical and plumbing connections.

Make sure your contractor knows your local codes. Will you need extra outlets for appliances, etc.?

Choose materials that are durable and easy to clean, as your bar will likely get a lot of use.

There are many options for countertops such as granite, quartz, concrete and marble – all with varying degrees of durability and ease of care.

As always, be up front with your contractor when planning your space so that there are no surprises that arise throughout the process.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your custom home bar is functional, stylish, and the perfect addition to your home.

Not only will it bring you, your family and your guests years of enjoyment, but it will add significant value to your home.

Our professionals at Stephenson Construction specialize in performing these steps and executing a seamless construction process. With our experience with space optimization and functionality, we are able to guide you through the process of building the home bar and entertainment area that you’ve been dreaming about! Request a consultation today!

Many residents have been remodeling their basements in recent years due to a number of factors, including finishing an unfinished basement. Others may want to convert the basement into a different kind of space such as a spare bedroom, gameroom, or office.

In any scenario, homeowners will need to carefully consider who they hire before undertaking a major home improvement project.

Homeowners can streamline their basement remodeling project by hiring a professional design-build company like Stephenson Construction where both the design and construction are all done by one company. Here are some of the ways a professional design-build company can help you with your project:

Homeowners who hire a designer and builder who don’t work for the same company for their basement remodeling project will quickly realize this doesn’t always lead to good teamwork. The designer may have come up with a design the builder isn’t skilled at executing.

Similarly, the builder may point out structural issues with the design the designer has proposed. Such problems can lead to delays in the build process, which could lengthen the project completion time.

A design-build company avoids such issues because the designer and builder closely collaborate and work together with the client from start to finish to ensure the homeowner’s vision comes to life.

Having one party in charge of both design and construction activities ensures better accountability. You will need to reach out to only one project manager to understand the project timeline, estimated costs, and tasks.

This approach is preferable to the other approach in which you may get different answers from the party managing designs and the party managing the build process.

Continuity is important for any build projects. You will find that operations go much smoother when one party is involved with both the design and build process. This is because most remodeling projects will likely involve a lot of behind the scenes work between the designer and the builder.

If the designer is no longer involved with the process once the build process has started, the builder will need to perform design changes themselves. This can lead to changes that might not reflect the homeowner’s initial vision.

When both the design and build processes are conducted by one party, the builder will have no issues consulting the designer as they will be present during all phases of the construction process.

The back-and-forth between the designer and builder can cause many delays in your basement remodeling project. Such communication may be necessary to ensure the project proceeds safely and according to the homeowner’s vision.

The good news is that such communication can be a lot more efficient when the designer and builder are part of the same team. Professional design-build companies perform such communication using internal channels that are much faster and ensure both parties are always aware of developments or issues that may arise.

A professional design-build company will ensure they maintain frequent communication with the homeowner. This communication is important because they need the owner to offer input on designs and other project details.

The project manager of a design-build firm will be up to speed with all aspects of the project and will be able to quickly respond to questions about any aspect of the project as it progresses.

If you’re interested in hiring a reliable design-build company in North Metro Atlanta, you can’t go wrong by hiring Stephenson Construction. We have assisted numerous homeowners with remodeling projects over the years.

We specialize in basement, kitchen, and bathroom remodels and are familiar with all aspects of the remodeling process. Our design staff work closely with the build team to bring your vision to life within budget and on schedule. Please reach out to us to learn why we are one of the most trusted design-build companies in Georgia.

If your home has a basement, you probably know how amazing it is to have this additional space. However, you might feel as though your basement is uninviting or cramped since basements can have low ceilings and little natural light. In case you’re planning to renovate your basement, you will likely want the space to feel more welcoming and open than it currently is. But how can you possibly make your basement look bigger without physically changing the structure?

Here are nine tips to make your basement look bigger and brighter.

Heavily decorated and painted walls might look unique. Nevertheless, certain patterns can make the basement look small.

When working on your design and décor, consider patterns that are more vertical in nature rather than horizontal. This will bring the eye upward and provide a feeling of a higher ceiling and more expansive space.

Plain white or light neutrals can brighten up a room significantly and create a more welcoming space. You can also pick the same paint color for the walls as your home’s primary floor color. However, ask the renovating team to lighten the paint 25% or 50%. This is going to give you similar undertones, and in a darker basement, it’s going to help the space feel more cohesive with the upstairs.

For ceilings, opt for a white ceiling with a flat sheen – the last thing you want to do is draw attention to the low ceiling. Of all the available colors, white draws the least attention, and a flat sheen prevents light from bouncing off and capturing your attention.

When it comes to basement flooring, a lighter shade is generally preferable for enlarging a room. Glossy floors, such as polished concrete, are another excellent way to reflect light. If you go with wood, choose a pale shade for an airy and spacious atmosphere. Follow the same principles for trims along with any other wooden elements accompanying your décor.

In addition, ensure flooring matches in every room. This leads to the feeling of a bigger space, whereas having multiple flooring colors and styles of LVP or carpet makes the space feel smaller.

A clean space free of excess furniture, storage, and clutter will appear much bigger than a disorganized basement. You might want to pack your built-ins with decorative items and books. Nevertheless, make sure to leave some empty space on the shelves. A lot of clutter on display makes it look as if your home doesn’t have any storage space.

Displays and storage pieces might help to organize things if you have several collections or pictures hanging around that need a place to go.

Ceiling lights are important. However, they are not sufficient to properly light all the corners of your basement and create a well-lit and welcoming atmosphere.

Use various light sources – the more there are, the better. For instance, you can add ceiling light fixtures, recessed lighting, table or floor lamps, etc. Lamps add a nice decorative touch and even brighten up a room. Rather than choosing bulky lighting fixtures, go with simple, sleek ones that don’t take up too much space.

Mirrors reflect light and even offer an illusion of brightness and airiness in a room, making it appear more spacious.

When it comes to furniture in a small room, less is always more. Rather than buying large and bulky pieces, keep your space nice and clean. For instance, you can incorporate low-profile furniture such as low, comfy sofas and avoid high wing back chairs.

Besides the furniture pieces, you also need to pay attention to the fabric. Heavy fabrics have a dominating presence and can make your room feel too decorated. On the other hand, lighter fabrics draw less attention to themselves. This can help your basement seem bigger and more open.

Introduce decorative pieces and items that complement your basement’s height, such as built-ins, tall curtains for a basement, or an accent wall. This is going to pull the eye upwards to a central point which directs attention away from the ceiling and produces a feeling that it is higher than what it actually is. Don’t forget to leave some space between tall furniture pieces as well. This is going to add some space between the ceiling and the walls, so your room doesn’t feel confining.

You can introduce a bit of fresh air in your basement by adding a variety of indoor plants. Besides, plants tend to add light and life to a space. Ideally, you should choose species that require minimal light for lasting results. Be careful not to clutter the room with too many plants or larger species.

If you want to make your basement look bigger and brighter, contact the experts at Stephenson Construction. Our team can help you install more windows or larger doors, use the optimal lighting fixtures, and take other measures that can make your space feel bigger, brighter, and more welcoming.

Stephenson Construction is here to help you develop the space you need. Whether you’re finishing your basement to create additional living space, or a home theater to watch movies with your friends, we will make sure to protect your investment by choosing materials that are going to last a lifetime.

Finishing a basement isn’t an easy task and requires a lot of research, planning, and guidance from experts. If you’re interested in remodeling or finishing your basement, our team of professionals is here to help you. We offer our services in North Metro Atlanta including Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Suwanee, and surrounding areas.

Basements are known for being drab and dimly lit. However, it doesn’t mean that your basement needs to be this way too! As a matter of fact, with a bit of forward-thinking coupled with creative basement lighting ideas, you can transform your basement into one of the best-lit rooms in your house. 

If you are planning to renovate your basement to convert it into more than just a storage room, then the basement lighting ideas listed in this article will allow you to transform your space from an underground dungeon to a well-lit living space that’s full of life and vigor. 

Top Basement Lighting Ideas to Make Your Space More Inviting

When it comes to lighting a basement, you will need a lot more than a table lamp to make the space pleasant and welcoming. Basement lighting should even add décor and function to your space. Moreover, the light fixtures you pick should also match the purpose of your basement. For instance, a basement that’s used as a home gym will have different lighting requirements than one used for arts and crafts. The color and style of lighting add to the vibe of your space without looking overwhelming or tacky. 

If you are not sure about which basement lighting ideas are suitable for your space, we are here to guide you! Continue reading to learn about the top 7 basement lighting ideas you can use.

If your renovated basement has a suspended or finished ceiling, recessed lighting is an excellent option. Such fixtures contribute focused light from above. Perfect for craft, dining, and seating areas, the downlighting produces bright light while at the same time reducing glare and shadows. This type of lighting is also great for game rooms, as the recessed fixtures cannot be damaged by ping-pong balls or wayward pool cues.

You can also use recessed lighting to create faux skylights. By elevating sections of the ceiling and lining them with recessed lighting, you can effectively produce the illusion of skylights. Even though the illusion is going to reveal itself once the sun sets, you will still have sufficient light.

Hanging lights in your basement can make your basement feel like a true extension of your home. You can mount these lights on a wire, stem, or chain.

Hanging lights incorporate elegance and style into any part of your home, including basements. But before investing in these lights, make sure your basement has sufficient height. Otherwise, they can bump into your head.

If your basement has features like built-in cabinets or shelving, use accent lighting to enhance these areas. You can install a wall sconce right over built-ins to focus light downward and capture more attention. For deep shelving, you can opt for a swing-arm sconce that extends farther away from the wall and can direct extra light back towards the shelves.

Keep in mind that overhead lighting isn’t the only option you have. Thus, don’t just cease your creativity at semi-flush mounts. Augment your ceiling lighting with a couple of table lamps, or maybe add in a floor lamp as well.

Along with lighting up your basement, floor and table lamps are an excellent way to decorate and accessorize your space. You can use them to add touches of texture and hints of colors where you deem appropriate.

In case you are looking for easy installation and flexibility, track lighting is the best pick for you. Track lighting is extremely space-efficient as it doesn’t take up any wall space. These lights can feature several lighting fixtures, which is what adds to their flexibility. For instance, you can install pendant lights from the tracks for ambient lighting and spotlights for accent lighting on the same track.

Neon signs don’t work for all rooms in your house. Nevertheless, they can surely set the mood and tone in your basement. You can paint your basement walls a dark color and light them up with an eye-catching neon sign. You can also pair a wallpaper with some appealing neon iconography.

Neon signs are quite easy to install and remove. Thus, you can easily take a risk. If you get tired of a neon sign, simply swap it with another one or take it down.

LED strip lights can really improve functionality. These strip lights are very easy to place. All you have to do is peel and stick them to a surface. Plus, they are extremely energy efficient!

You can use LED strip lights as backlights for your movie screen or television, as a border around your basement gaming lounge, or underneath the sofa for an incredible glimmer.

Lighting color temperature can have a huge impact on how your new space looks.

Basement lighting is available in a vast range of color temperatures, ranging from cool whites to warm white. Depending on what type of look you want to achieve, either end of the spectrum can be suitable. The warm white light will produce a warmer and yellower color, whereas the cool white side produces a whiter-colored light.

Warm lighting is generally produced by accent lights and lamps. Think of a bar and the smaller sources of light they use for accent lighting. Conversely, cooler colors are usually more suitable for evenly lit spaces such as the living room or basement. They will also produce a more neutral color throughout the room.

Stephenson Construction is here to help you develop the space you need. Whether you’re finishing your basement to create additional living space, or a home theater to watch movies with your friends, we will make sure to protect your investment by choosing materials that are going to last a lifetime.

Finishing a basement isn’t an easy task and requires a lot of research, planning, and guidance from experts. If you’re interested in remodeling or finishing your basement, our team of professionals is here to help you. We offer our services in North Metro Atlanta including Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Suwanee, and surrounding areas.

Remodeling your basement can be an exciting or frustrating experience depending on how knowledgeable you are. However, this process may be rewarding if you want to breathe new life into your home and make it more welcoming for guests and visitors.

The truth is that even the most experienced self-professed handymen can make mistakes during remodeling projects. Some of these mistakes could be quite costly, and may end up jeopardizing your entire project if you don’t go with a reputable contractor.

We have compiled a list of seven common mistakes to avoid when remodeling your basement. Our goal is to help your project go more smoothly so that you can avoid remodeler’s regret. So let’s dive into it!

Insulation is important when turning your basement into a more comfortable living space. After all, this room receives little to no sunlight due to its positioning in your home.

Building codes require homeowners to meet certain R-values within their walls to protect from air infiltration. This can be accomplished by adding fiberglass insulation during their wall’s initial construction. This material is popular because it offers a cost effective way to meet the aforementioned R-value requirements. However, this form of insulation must be chosen and installed correctly in basement environments.

Basements are prone to developing moisture from condensation because they are subterranean. If this moisture comes into contact with your fiberglass insulation, it can become moldy in a relatively short amount of time and lead to bigger issues down the line. For this reason, homeowners should consult with a contractor or building inspector to understand the correct air flow, positioning, and batt types to use to install correctly.

Wooden studs are great for helping construct wall structures in your home. However, these studs are also prone to absorbing the moisture from concrete. This can reduce their lifespan and create potentially dangerous structural issues in the future. Homeowners should instead opt for pressure treated studs.

Pressure treated studs are typically used in situations where the framing members come into contact with concrete flooring and walls. A proper air gap can then be added in areas where the regular kiln dried stud framing is close to concrete walls. Such measures are also part of Building Codes, so homeowners can learn about them by studying them closely.

Wooden floors add a touch of elegance to any living space. However, it’s best to reserve such flooring for the upper-level rooms in your home. This is again due to issues that moisture causes for wood floors in basements. The last thing any homeowner needs is to watch their newly installed wood floors become moldy and lose their pristine appearance.

The good news is that it is possible to find engineered wood or vinyl plank flooring that mimics the appearance of actual solid wood. This type of flooring and the adhesives they may use are more resistant to moisture and are better choices for your basement in the long run.

Let’s face it, the basement is the room in your home that is most likely to accumulate high levels humidity at some point. This is usually due to its position below the ground level. The unfortunate reality is that basement mold damage is rarely covered by homeowner’s insurance since it happens over time. This means you could have air quality problems and hidden damage that emerges after many months or even years down the road.

Although heating is required by building code in GA, air conditioning is required to dehumidify the air and remove moisture vapor that is designed to pass through the walls from outside. Most basements stay at a median temperature, and many homeowners are misled into thinking it’s all about how cool it stays in the basement year round. However, the main purpose of the air conditioning unit is air quality. This is also another consideration to ask your contractor about as you prepare for your basement remodeling project.

The basement is home to many vital pieces of equipment. This includes the furnace, water heater, panel, etc.. Many homeowners prefer to hide these items from view when remodeling their basement. They may accomplish this by creating wall partitions. However, it is important to understand how such partitions will affect the room’s overall layout.

Adding too many partitions can ruin the basement’s open feel and turn it into a maze-like room. Homeowners should opt to keep partitions to a minimum and find other clever ways to hide this equipment.

Lighting is a crucial element for any room in your home. However, it is especially important for basements that receive little to no natural lighting through their windows. A basement with inadequate lighting can feel cold and unwelcoming. This can impact the effort homeowners have put in to make this space more attractive.

When choosing lighting for your basement, it is best to always keep the three kinds of lighting in mind. These are:

• General illumination
• Task lighting
• Accent lighting

Recessed lighting is a great choice for general illumination in basements with low ceilings. Homeowners can also add lamps and mood lighting to spruce up the room’s overall feel. The right lighting can turn any basement into a warm and welcoming environment that guests won’t ever want to leave.

All basement remodeling projects must be performed in-line with local building codes. These codes may pertain to fire and safety regulations, or restrictions on stair risers and inclusion of handrails. Homeowners need to make sure local building codes are incorporated into the design.

Failing to follow building codes or acquire the right permits can lead to costly fines and difficulty selling the property in the future. For this reason, homeowners should ensure that they contact their city’s local building department, review building codes, and make sure the contractor applies for permits before undertaking their remodeling project.

Basement remodeling can be a complex process that requires many considerations and experience. The mistakes mentioned above are just a few that can lead to heartache and big problems. If you want to remodel your basement without making costly mistakes, please request a consultation with Stephenson Construction, LLC.

Our basement remodeling team has plenty of experience with basements and remodeling projects in Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, and Roswell, and can complete the process in a safe and efficient manner. We guide you in planning your dream basement and turn your vision into reality. Please contact us today to get started with finishing your basement.