Lighting is important in a house. It can make or break a house’s appeal when it is up for sale. While natural light is every bit important, not every part of the house has it. Yes, the basement. Therefore, you need to plan the lighting in this area. Doing so can help you impress potential buyers and pass the scrutiny of a home inspector in Northern Utah .
Does your basement lighting meet the code?
Like any other part of the house, lights in the basement need to meet the electrical code in the state. The requirements of the code differ between a habitable and non-habitable basement. For the latter, the code requires at least one light in the room with the switch near the entrance or on the device. In the case of a habitable basement (one that has been converted into a living space), the code allows extra outlets and motion sensors along with the basic requirement of one light.
Different types of basement lighting
1. Ceiling lights: Ceiling lights are fairly common in houses. These are fixed in the center of the ceiling and have wall switches.
2. Recessed lights: These lights are almost entirely contained within the ceiling and are perfect for lighting a specific area.
3. Tray lights: In this type of light, a string of light is kept inside a narrow tray for hidden lighting effects.
4. Sconce lights: These lights are attached to the wall and usually point upwards as opposed to downwards in usual lighting.
5. Track lights: These are movable and individual lights connected to a wire track. Light heads of this light can be moved easily.
6. Floor lights: Floor lights are individual lights that can be moved with ease to anywhere with an outlet.
7. Faux natural windows: These are window-looking polycarbonate panes that stream in light to give faux streaming sunlight.
Natural lighting in your basement
After listing out artificial lights you can have in your basement, let’s look at some natural lighting sources; it’s a hard process but worth it in the end.
1. Sun tube: This one is a bulky set, and you may need to sacrifice your closet space on the above floor, but in the end, you’ll get natural sunlight to your basement.
2. Basement windows: Windows in basements are higher, but you can cut into the wall to expand the window.
3. Daylight basement: This is a costly project involving grading, but increase your house’s value later.
Conclusion
Your basement can be more than a dark, creepy place for storage. In fact, dispel the ghosts from here by fixing the place with some cool lighting. From expanding natural light to getting artificial lighting done, there are so many ways to light up your basement. However, make sure your lighting meets the local codes.
Caitlyn Bell is an Arts student whose experiences in life make her really tougher than anyone else. She can lend you expert tips on diverse topics ranging from relationship to fashion, making money, health, and so on.