Adaptation of the basement for residential purposes

A basement, with appropriate changes, can increase the living area of a single-family house. So far, the space used for storing sports equipment, tools, seasonal items or other items that we do not use every day can turn into a cozy living room, bedroom, or even become an independent apartment. Adapting the basement for residential purposes is a good way to expand an existing building. It will also be perfect for a single-storey house. For this to be possible, however, several legal requirements must be met and appropriate measures must be taken to adapt the basement to habitation.

Room height and floor level

The interior of the basement must be at least 2.5 meters high. If even a few centimeters are missing, it will be necessary to increase the vertical dimensions. However, if the room is 2.2 meters high, you can use it, for example, for a gym. To avoid unpleasant surprises already at the project implementation stage, you should have information about, m.in other things, the materials from which the foundations are made, the depth of the building foundation and the groundwater level. If you need to increase the height of the room, the best solution is to lower the floor by removing the top layers.
Pursuant to §73 section 1 of the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure in residential premises, the floor level from the side of the wall on which the windows and doors are located must be above the ground level next to the building.

Humidity and ventilation

Before starting the work, it should be checked whether the degree of dampness of the walls does not exceed the standards. In the case of brick walls, it cannot be higher than 5%, at 12% it should be dried, and above this value, specialist help is necessary. Problems with humidity may result, m.in from groundwater being placed too close to the basement floor or damage to the wall insulation.
Another important aspect when adapting a basement for residential purposes is to ensure proper ventilation in the rooms. If it is missing or inoperable, moisture may reappear in the near future. The owners of houses with ventilation ducts in the basements are in the best situation. If there are none, you can install a grille in the external walls or choose a door with a lower height, which will ensure free air flow.

Basement adaptation and insulation

Until now, you have not paid much attention to heating the basement. From now on, the temperature in this place will have to be higher to ensure adequate thermal comfort. It may turn out that it will be necessary to insulate or insulate the walls from the outside. Sometimes it is also required to insulate internal walls. Proper thermal insulation will allow you to save heating costs, especially since the area to be heated will be larger after the basement is adapted for residential purposes .

Daylight and artificial lighting

It is difficult to imagine a living room without windows, which is why they should also be installed in the basement. From §58 section 2 we learn that the ratio of the window area to the floor area must be at least 1:8, this applies to living quarters. If the current window openings do not meet this condition, they should be enlarged or new ones should be carved. On the other hand, §57 section 1 states that in rooms intended for the stay of people, daylight should be provided adapted to the shape, size and purpose of the area.

The previous basement must also be equipped with appropriate artificial lighting. Due to certain limitations, it will most likely not be possible to install a suspended ceiling. So install traditional ceiling lamps, ceiling lamps and chandeliers, wall sconces, and use floor lamps as an additional source of light.

Now all that remains is to finish the interior. You can use it for a living room, kitchen, bedroom, office or create a new apartment, e.g. if a second family is to live in the house.