People are often looking for ways to enlarge their living spaces, and finishing the basement is a great option. Some people build home theaters, while others make extra bedrooms or playrooms. Some people even consider creating separate living quarters with a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen.
Kitchens are often allowed in basements as long as they comply with the code and regulations in your town. Basic requirements include emergency exits, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors, and appropriate heating and ventilation, especially if you plan to have an oven.
There are many different things to consider when you are adding a kitchen in the basement. Continue reading to learn what they are.
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Basic Requirements Basements Must Meet
There are many reasons why people want to add a kitchen in the basement. For example, they might want to create a space that they can rent out or want it for guests. Although some cities and local governments don’t allow basement kitchens, many do as long as you comply with codes and regulations.
We have an unfinished basement in our new home in Lewes, Delaware, and I was curious to know if we could also have a kitchen in our basement if and when we choose to finish it. According to the Delaware State Housing Code, it looks like we could have a kitchen in the basement. However, your local code could be different.
But even before you think of installing a kitchen in your basement, there are basic requirements an unfinished basement must meet before someone lives there.
- Emergency exit: there should be at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening. This could be a window with the right measurements.
- Adequate heating and ventilation: This is for health requirements as well as comfort. Depending on where you live, it could get very cold or really hot.
- Smoke detector: Required by code in case of a fire.
- Carbon monoxide detector: Crucial to detect this “silent killer.” This is especially important if there’s a furnace or HVAC unit in the basement, which is very typical.
You can keep a fire extinguisher in the basement kitchen as an added precaution.
Exhaust and Ventilation Needs
If basement kitchens are legal in your community, an important thing to consider is how to install exhaust and ventilation units.
You need windows that open or a device that provides mechanical ventilation. If you intend to have a range, you will need a range hood or an exhaust. It can be made with or without ducts. When you consider your needs, your budget will play a key role in making these decisions.
If your vents use ducts, they will pull smoke and moisture out of the air and vent them outdoors. If you choose one without ducts, it will blow the exhaust back into the room, and you will still need to ventilate it.
You will want to either install it as part of your air duct system or create your own ventilation. There are regulations about how your ventilation and exhaust have to be installed, so it is important to make sure that you are compliant.
Appliances in a Basement Kitchen
If you are thinking of adding appliances to your basement, you need to make sure that you can hook up your appliances to your existing water and electricity connections. These factors can limit the layout of your kitchen.
If you can have a full-sized kitchen in the basement, you will want to consider the standard appliances, and there are a few others that people enjoy installing. Most people include a refrigerator, a range, a microwave, and a dishwasher, but you might want a wine refrigerator or a pizza oven.
When planning the appliances you want to include, you should consider how far away from your main kitchen, the basement kitchen is. You need to consider your budget to decide what is important to you and how many appliances you need.
Some people stick to a refrigerator, a microwave, and a dishwasher, but others include a range and other appliances. Appliances can increase the cost considerably, so make sure that whatever you choose is within your budget.
14 Small Basement Kitchen Ideas
If you have determined that you can have a kitchen in the basement where you live, this video will be helpful. It shows some great ideas that you can use in your small kitchen in your basement. It also has pictures and ideas that you can use to help decorate the place.
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