How to maximize space in this basement?

11 months ago

last modified: 11 months ago

Looking to add three bedrooms in the basement, one washroom (shower, toilet, sink), a small living area, and a small kitchen. Kitchen will just be an oven, a microwave and a sink + small counter top and one small cabinet on top of it maybe. This can be a very small kitchen.

Info:

A- This is a lowered back split on main floor (Family Room & Study room).

B- It has a 2nd floor on top of backsplit (~10 stairs to go up) on the main floor for bedrooms (called 2nd floor or higher backsplit?).

Because of the lowered backsplit, a great area in the basement is unusable (Utility and Storage area) due to lowered ceiling. Storage area is very low but Utility area is not so low but still can't walk up right.

I am looking for ideas on:

1- If I underpin the Utility or Storage area to give height, would it be a good decision given this is an almost 60 year old house. Any structural issues can appear? Is this usually done on a 60 year old house or not worth it / risk a lot?

2- If I don't underpin, how to use the Laundry room area (not built), and Recreation Room (built) to make three bedrooms for rent + kitchen and bathroom. Video here that shows unbuilt Laundry room area and built Recreation room: https://imgur.com/a/AKSln6k

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Comments (8)

jck910
11 months ago
where is the egress? bedrooms need windows. why 3 bedrooms? kitchen is too for a 3-bedroom rental
PRO
JAN MOYER
11 months ago
In a word? ABsurd. Another? IM possible.
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Kendrah
11 months ago
Why would somebody rent a three bedroom unit with only a kitchenette that has one cabinet? Those in need of three bedrooms are usually multiple people households who want more than a kitchenette and a cramped tiny bathroom. Also, bedrooms need to have egress and I don't see how yours will.

What area of the country do you live in? How much would you rent a 3 bedroom for and how long would it take to recoup your construction costs? I'd consider making this a very nice 1 bedroom with a real kitchen, decent bathroom, and living dining space. You need to figure out whether those windows are ok for a bedroom egress.
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
11 months ago
Waht is the reason for the kitchen at all? Every bedroom needs an egress window to be counted as a bedroom and if this is planned to be arental you cannot rent as a 3 BR unit with no egress . I need more info for sure and how on earth does a worker service any of the other elements when they cannot stand up. For sure we need info and you need to figure out what exactly you are planning for the space .
apple_pie_order
11 months ago
Have you already checked into the firewall separations and egress required for basement rentals in your area? If you are in Toronto, the official info could be online.
seosmp
10 months ago
Side topic - may I ask where you got that rug? I am looking for a new rug for my living room and that looks perfect. Thx!
toronto bbb
Original Author
10 months ago
Anyone has experience with underpinning older house?
toronto bbb
Original Author
10 months ago
I should have said, is it a safe job to underpin 60 years old home? Or underpinning are for newer properties?

How to maximize space in this basement?

Comments (8)

jck910

JAN MOYER

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How to maximize space in this basement?

Comments (8)

jck910

JAN MOYER

Related Discussions

Kendrah

Patricia Colwell Consulting

apple_pie_order

seosmp

toronto bbbOriginal Author

toronto bbbOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

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toronto bbb
Original Author

toronto bbb
Original Author