subject: Creating And Finishing A Basement In Older Pei Homes [print this page] Many older PEI homes do not have finished basements. Older homes in PEI tend to have been built on stone foundations. Before it was common to pour cement foundations, the island builders would create a basement or crawl space from stone blocks. In many cases over the decades these foundations have caused the homes to sink on one side or in a corner and as a consequence these homes have slopping floors. You rather feel drunk when you cross such a floor.
If you are contemplating creating a basement then this type of foundation does rather present you with a problem. I have seen a stone basement finished but this is rare and probably mot advisable. For those PEI homes that are built on stone basements, owners will typically have a contractor raise the home and pour a concrete foundation. If there is not sufficient headspace to create a suitable basement this is an opportunity to either create larger side walls and raise the house or dig down a bit deeper to create the clearance. Usually additional walls are created using cement blocks as part of the foundation. Some people have hand dug their basement deeper and taller to change a partial basement or crawlspace into a stand up basement but this is usually just done to gain access and space for the home mechanics, water pump, water heater and furnace or boiler.
When planning to raise a basement you should consider getting enough height to make it possible to add windows to the new side walls. When creating and finishing a basement it is very important to have sufficient light entering the space. If you simply can not create enough wall space to install windows then be sure that you finish the basement with as much artificial light providing that it is warm and not fluorescent.
Further to create a light space that will enhance you and your familys lifestyle you should consider using bright colors when painting and decorating. Further accessorize the space to suit your familys lifestyle by equipping it with stereo, pool table or whatever will make the space useful to your family. Make sure that you devote part of the basement to storage and that you designate that part by walling it off with sufficient access to add or remove items easily. PEI basements have historically had outside access and this practice would most likely be a good way to ensure easy access.
Finally in the finishing of your basement ensure that you have adequate ventilation to take care of any condensation. You do not want to have a basement that is slowly molding.
Older PEI real estate will often present a challenge when attempting to renovate particularly basement. Some PEI basements are positively scary especially if you are not used to the idea of the island stone basement. However get the advice of a contractor that you trust and proceed. A finished basement can really add value to your home and may make it possible in some cases to add rental accommodation.
by: R. Parker
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