Many homeowners want to have a finished basement for additional living space. In the 21st Century, it’s increasingly common for adult children to continue living with their parents or to move back home at some point. If this living arrangement seems like it would work out on a long-term basis, the property owners might want to have the basement finished as a near-separate apartment. They’ll need to check zoning codes to see exactly what is allowed in this venture. Creating additional living space is usually no problem, but not all neighborhoods allow an entirely separate apartment in a single-family home. Electrical Installation in Michigan is another essential consideration. Even though the basement probably already has the wiring for certain appliances and for lights, electrical needs are significantly higher when someone will use this space as a residence.
A walkout basement with a door to the outside is usually the best setup for combined family living space. The people residing downstairs get the benefit of natural light from windows along the open wall. However, a fully enclosed basement can be utilized this way as long as there is an exit point aside from the stairway to the upstairs. An egress window that’s big enough for people to easily move through usually suffices.
A separate downstairs bathroom with a minimum of a shower, sink and toilet fixture typically is a must-have for these families. Hiring a contractor such as Whitney Electric is advantageous because this company also installs plumbing fixtures. The homeowner may want to include an electric baseboard for extra heat in the bathroom.
Some families who divide a home in this manner have separate living spaces for the most part but share the kitchen. However, a kitchenette can be constructed in the basement, although a gas oven or range may be prohibited by code. A contractor who does residential Electrical Installation in Michigan can add wiring and outlets to accommodate devices such as an electric oven and range, a toaster oven, a microwave oven and a refrigerator. Extra circuit breakers will likely be necessary; an additional breaker box may even be advisable.
