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How Do I Create a Basement Master Bedroom?
One of the problems you may run into when designing a basement master bedroom is finding enough natural light to make the room comfortable. Some basements are above ground on one side, which means windows can be installed if they don't already exist, but other basements do not have windows and are completely below ground. If this is the case, another important consideration should be adequate ventilation. A basement master bedroom must have plenty of light and air, and it must be dry enough that mold and mildew will not develop, leading to potential health issues.
Not every basement is appropriate for a basement master bedroom, or any bedroom, for that matter. You must carefully examine the basement to find out if ventilation and lighting is possible, and if mold and mildew can be avoided. Air exchanger units can be installed to help prevent moisture build-up and to ensure fresh air is present in the room, and in some basement master bedroom designs, windows can be installed. If natural light is not a primary concern for you, it will be important to consider the different types of artificial lights available for your space. Track lighting, table lamps, wall sconces, and overhead lights are all possibilities.
When designing a basement master bedroom, think about whether a small bathroom can be installed in the space to add convenience to the room. This can be difficult in some basements, especially if plumbing access is not possible, but in many cases, the plumbing runs through the basement and a bathroom can be installed with little extra effort. While it may not be possible to build a full bathroom in the space, with a toilet, tub, and sink, it may be possible to make a half-bathroom with a toilet and a sink only.
Try to plan out the layout of the room before you begin making any renovations. Think about what furniture will be present in the room, where the bed will go, and where the access to the room will be. It is best to build a basement master bedroom in a basement space that features more than one entry and exit point. In fact, in some places, this may be required by law, as fire regulations may prevent a single access bedroom. If a fire did occur in the house, the people in the basement bedroom would essentially be trapped if the only access to the room was blocked by fire or debris.
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![Adding table lamps to a basement master bedroom may aid in improving light concerns.]()
By: iskandarovAdding table lamps to a basement master bedroom may aid in improving light concerns. -
![You need to investigate the possibility of mold and mildew growing before creating a basement bedroom.]()
By: MushyYou need to investigate the possibility of mold and mildew growing before creating a basement bedroom.
Discussion Comments
My husband and I looked at a house that had a kind of finished basement with outside access, and we discussed whether we might want to use that space as a master bedroom, or as a den.
I wasn't sure whether I wanted to sleep in a room that had direct outside access, or not. At least in a regular bedroom, there's the bedroom door and then the front door of the house. I'd think security would also be a big concern.
If we had bought that house, I know I would have turned one corner of the basement into a bathroom/storm cellar in case of severe weather.
In other words, you really need a daylight basement for a master bedroom. That makes sense. I don't know that I'd like sleeping in a completely enclosed room like that, with no exits except upstairs.
I suppose, if you put in a bathroom, that a door to the outside could be constructed there, if you're close enough to the outside.
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