UPDATE 4: Rough-Ins and Insulation
Prioritizing Budget During Rough-Ins
A part of designing a remodel is understanding how to utilize the budget to best prioritize our client’s renovation goals. Consideration for possible changes to locations of mechanical equipment and plumbing stacks is built into the design to make sure the budget doesn’t get unnecessarily impacted by changes to those existing mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems. Since we designed around existing equipment, we only needed to provide a few additional supplies and returns for the HVAC equipment located in the utility room. For the sake of consolidating service spaces, we opted to change the location of the washer and dryer nearer to the existing HVAC equipment, creating a designated utility area. With the guidance of the design team, our construction team also ran new lighting to existing electrical boxes whenever possible.
New Lighting and Plumbing Needs for the Updated Basement
For the bedroom and bath as well as the new family room, we had our electricians rough-in for new light fixtures, switches, and outlets. Consideration for the new bathroom fixtures completes the rough-in process. Since the lower level did not have a bathroom previously, our crew provided all new connections for the tub and shower, toilet, and vanity sink. Considering efficiency and thoughtful spatial planning from designers, all the connections for these new appliances happen within the new stair wall. The tub installation is also completed since the drywall will need to be installed right up to the new tub location.
Insulating After Completing Rough-Ins
Since the basement was unfinished, insulation for the new framing was essential in creating a cozy, temperature-controlled space for our clients to enjoy. To start, we ensured that the newly framed energy walls along the interior perimeter of the basement performed well against the cold Minnesota winters by electing to use spray foam insulation. Spray foam is an ideal selection because it provides an air-tight and moisture-resistant seal preventing large temperature shifts within a home.
The next step was insulating the exposed ceiling joists in the lower level. For this application, we opted for pink batt insulation to provide not only temperature control but a means of sound isolation from floor to floor. This means that the family can enjoy a fun movie night downstairs without disturbing the level above. Unlike Spray foam, batt insulation can be easily installed without additional equipment, which makes it an attractive choice for home remodeling.
