In the last article we went over how your ceiling options and left you with a decision to make. Hopefully you now know what type of ceiling you desire and we can layout your ceiling lighting. There are several options in lighting available today from recessed, to fluorescent, even halogen style. Really it comes to lighting your budget is the limit!
First off we will discuss recessed lighting. These lights are popular for there ability to “hide” in a space and offer direct lighting on a area. They install in a canister that must be planned for and mounted in your ceiling. This is especially tricky in the case of drop ceilings so plan accordingly. They will need a certain amount of space around them according to the manufacturers guide lines for safety purposes. These lights work well in kitchen areas and to highlight objects in a room.
Next off we will look at fluorescent lighting. These lights range in size,shape,and costs. They let off a cleaner white light then a typical light bulb but some people do not care for it. Think of the lighting in a office space or such if you need a reference point. These lights last a longer period of time but can make some noise over time. They require a ballast to power the light bulb and are included in the light but this is typically what wears out and caused flickering lights and noise over time.
Halogen lighting is becoming a popular source of light in the modern remodel. They offer a warm light and are very compact. They are great for small areas and for highlighting walls or art. They also have a ballast inside the light but as of yet I have not heard of one flickering or causing noise like a fluorescent style light. For a larger area I would avoid these for the time being though.
The last option we will discuss in lighting is the everyday light bulb. These are cheap to have installed and if you have a properly rated electrical box put in can be converted to a ceiling fan also. Most homeowners will still find this the most attractive and practical installation for their purposes. With today’s modern compact fluorescent light bulbs they have even become energy efficient!
Lets begin to talk about sub flooring now. In you basement you will more then likely have a cement floor. For comfort reasons, and to reduce mildewing possibilities, modern basement remodels will install a sub floor. These consist of either a two by four and plywood base or a modern plastic underlay. They raise your future flooring off of the cement creating a air barrier that helps to keep the cold from coming through your carpet or other flooring. Plywood is a good option for the cost conscious but takes up a greater amount of spaced lowering ceiling heights. For owners with low ceilings or deeper pockets a modern plastic underlayment will be a much better option.
In the next article in this series on basement remodeling we will go over flooring choices and cabinet installations.
