Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
Issue link: https://wellesleywestonmagazine.epubxp.com/i/78488
Basements That Rise Above below the entire foundation, a feat of engineering. "It's almost like engineering a boat," says Gray. "A big concrete boat." Karen Newman, who owns Pentimento Interiors with Janet Paraschos, says, "Basements used to be caves. Now there are so many innovative ways to dig a deeper foundation and add ceiling height." Moisture and Climate € Keep in mind that unless builders or designers conduct their evalua- tion during a hurricane, they won't necessarily know where those pesky drips and leaks lurk. Identify and mark any areas of dampness that could wash renovation money down the drain. Remember that periods of heavy rain and spring thaws can push the threshold of your basements water tightness, so pay special attention during those times to detect potential problems. Flooring First and foremost, says Gleysteen, the floor must keep water out. Any moisture will buckle the wood. In addition, Gray recommends radiant heat inside concrete slabs to chase away the chill. Aside from being watertight and providing warmth, the floor can completely match the homeowner's tastes. The yoga room might get a bamboo floor while the kid's play area could have washable, durable Marmoleum done in a fun pattern like checkerboard or yellow brick road. Gleysteen prefers pre-engineered floating wood and Hill likes to play with flooring by carpeting media rooms and installing rubber tiles in gym spaces. She likes cozy, yet stain-resistant carpets. Lighting G Of all the elements that can make or break a basement renovation, lighting is the biggest. Without the right lights, a basement can be murky, dark, and dismal. A variety of lights at different heights and angles creates depth. 44 WellesleyWeston Magazine | fall 2012 COURTESY OF CHARLES RIVER WINE CELLARS COUR TESY OF JAN GLEYSTEEN ARCHITECTS , INC./ P HO TO BY PETER SMITH