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When considering a basement remodel, one of the biggest questions a homeowner has to ask is whether to have an open ceiling basement design or to have partition walls that give the space the appearance of an additional bedroom. This may not be the case with open basements, as there are quite many advantages that come with leaving the ceiling open during basement remodeling. This blog post will look at some of the benefits of space limitations, aesthetic value, and even the structural aspects of leaving the ceiling open as well as some of the negative impacts and factors to take into account.
Aesthetic assets
One of the other advantages of leaving the ceiling open when doing a basement remodel is more of natural light into the finished basement. When the ceilings are left open, there are higher chances that more sunlight would reach far into the room making it bright and warm. Also having an open ceiling would help the room feel bigger than it is which can be particularly useful in the case of basements.
The absence of a ceiling allows one to also have alternative lighting and decoration options. You can use different kinds of light fixtures that blend well into the entire basement design, creating an intimate and warmer feel to the room.
Functional benefits
Other than beauty, there are indeed several functional advantages that come with an open ceiling during a basement remodeling project. The best among them is probably easily improved ventilation. When the ceiling is left open, the airflow within the space is improved as it helps eliminate stale smells and enhances the quality of air indoors.
An additional practical advantage is the management of MEP systems: an open ceiling makes plumbing and electrical devices more accessible. In normal practice, these systems can be hard to reach in case maintenance work is required. An open ceiling allows for easy locating and resolving various problems.
An open ceiling creates better fire safety as there is no smoke and heat retention. If there is a fire, the presence of a closed ceiling can be beneficial in keeping the heat and smoke inside, making escape difficult for the house occupants. When the ceiling is open, however, smoke and heat can easily escape and thus diminish the chances of harm or death during a fire.
Last but not least, lofted ceilings can also provide a more energy-efficient environment. The absence of barriers allows heat within the space to rise and spread freely which can in turn reduce the demand for heating and cooling installation and costs.
Challenges and considerations
As much as there are benefits to leaving the ceiling open after a basement remodel, there are also some challenges and considerations to take into account. One of the most important is structural considerations. Previously determining to leave the ceiling free of a cover, it is wise to invite an engineer to the site to carry out an assessment first if the area has the strength to bear the load of the upper stories.
Next, waterproofing and moisture control must also be prioritized. Basements are often the most water-damaged area of the house so it is rather essential to address the moisture problem beforehand. This may involve the use of a sump pump, French drain, or even the provision of a damp-proof material on the property’s base.
Last but not least, is the cost. In many situations, the reverse is also true and that is the fact that the cost of using an overhead ceiling might be much more than that of not using it. However, the benefits above might be worth the expense in the future.
Final thoughts
When there is a basement remodel, there are quite a few advantages to leaving the ceiling open. Some, but not limited to, the fact that this design choice allows for increased natural light, improved ventilation, simplified access to plumbing and electrical systems, and enhanced fire safety. Still, the structural nature of the space, waterproofing, and moisture control, as well as cost should be assessed ahead of making any choice.
If you have any questions about your remodeling project or would like to schedule a free consultation please visit our contact page for more details. You can call (816) 942-1993 or email admin@citywideremodelers.com to speak with our staff today.
