Basement kitchens have the same remodeling requirements as kitchens on the main floor. The design choices and building challenges are all difficult but more so for basement kitchens. There can be costly mistakes if the right planning and installation are not done properly. This can mean you will have to spend more money to fix them than you might have initially planned for. Our team at Orange Contracting wants to go over some things to avoid in your basement kitchen.
Kitchen Safety
Something very important that you will need to do is hardwire your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your basement. This is a requirement for all finished basements. The number of detectors you will need depends on how many rooms there are, the basement size, and the layout. We cannot stress enough how important these detectors are, but particularly, the carbon monoxide detector. It has been referred to as the “silent killer” due to it not having a perceivable smell. Meaning that you won’t be able to tell if there is a problem until it’s too late, if you don’t have the detectors in place.
Some symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include feeling like you have no energy, then feeling nauseous, and eventually vomiting. If there is enough carbon monoxide, it can make you pass out and kill you. It’s heavier than air, making it settle closer to the ground. Gas appliances can produce this poisonous gas, making it a high priority to have these lifesaving and vital detectors. Likewise, you should also have a fire extinguisher close to any kitchen in case of a fire. You will never regret being properly prepared and fully equipped, even if you never need or use these precautions, it’s better to be safe than sorry, or dead.
Building Codes
Major building projects and kitchen remodels can be quite complicated. Your municipality will have specific building codes that will dictate a lot about how you build your kitchen. Some codes deal with materials, who can complete the work (licensed individuals), and the handling of electrical & plumbing lines. There can also be details pertaining to how you can have the layout and the execution of the project. Moreover, local zoning bylaws can inhibit certain features or make you modify your original plans.
If you have heard the term kitchenette in reference to a basement kitchen, there’s a reason for this classification. It describes a small kitchen, with limited space, in a small basement. Some building codes will only allow this kind of kitchen, or partial kitchen, with limited cabinetry and countertop space. In these types of kitchens, you would typically find a mini fridge due to the limited amount of space.
For something like a wet bar, you should be able to have everything a full sized kitchen has, minus the range.
No matter what you want to do with your basement, it’s important to follow the laws while still getting as much as you want as possible.
Ventilation & Exhaust
As you might imagine, it’s a lot harder getting the proper ventilation and exhaust in a basement. For any finished basement kitchen, it’s required that there are windows that can be opened or have mechanical ventilation. If you have a range, there are additional requirements that you need to have. The job of a range hood is to remove moisture, smoke, and odors from the kitchen. In a basement, proper ventilation can be tricky and is double as important.
Plumbing, Gas, & Electric
The triple thread. A lot of power is required for kitchens, more than any other room in the house. Multiple circuits might be required, depending on what you want to have in your kitchen for lighting, appliances, and outlets. If you want a gas range, you will need to extend your gas line.
Regarding the plumbing, you will also need hot water, cold water, and a drain for your sink and/or dishwasher. This can be made easier if you have a washing machine or bathroom in your basement already, as you will have pre existing plumbing and will be able to have access to it. To install these new things in your kitchen, you will need to first map out the drainage. If you have plumbing that exits above the concrete slab, you will need specialized equipment to include a backflow valve. Along with a special ejector pit to work like a sump pump for waste. Do not try to DIY this part of the project.
Layout Obstacles
The plumbing can make planning your basement kitchen difficult. There can be things in the way, or you might not have plumbing where you need it, or it might not be up to code. Planning is the most important part of your renovation. This is due to needing to pay close attention to all details. If something is missed or a mistake is made, this can jeopardize the whole project and end up costing you a lot of money to fix it.
Utilities
You want all your utilities in tacked, for obvious reasons. You want to avoid hitting all your utilities and ensure your foundation drainage system stays good to avoid the need to use your wall space.
Emergency exits
When you have a finished basement, it’s required of you to have at least one door that leads directly outside or have an egress window (one that’s big enough for an adult to get out of) for an emergency exit. If you have an unfinished basement, consider an emergency exit early on because it’s harder to add one in later.
How Our Team Can Help
There are many things to think about when having a basement kitchen renovation. Especially if there isn’t anything existing. Our team at Orange Contracting would love to help you with a Basement Remodeling Newmarket! Give us a call at (416) 817-2590 if you are interested in our services.