Home improvement can start with your basement even though it’s likely to be the least taken cared of. Follow these tips to make your basement great for your guests.
Does your home feature an unused basement? If so, you have a ready-made renovation project just waiting to be started. By finishing your basement and creating another room, you can significantly increase your home’s value, while providing a comfortable space for guests, renters, or family members.
However, if you want to finish a basement, the process requires careful planning along with the right choices. Don’t make the mistake of trying to rush in. Instead, use the tips and information here to create the perfect living space in your unfinished basement.
You need to know what amount of space you have to work with. This is especially important when it comes to height. There are some areas that have local regulations in place regarding what basement area can be turned into a livable area. For example, if the basement isn’t a minimum of seven feet high, this may not be an option. It’s best to consult the local building codes to know if any requirements are in place for your location.
There is a good chance that you will need to add wiring and plumbing to your basement. In some cases, this may even include a separate bathroom. Make sure that you check the existing systems to see what upgrades and expansions are necessary. In most cases, you will require a permit for this work.
It will be necessary to insulate the walls and ground of the basement to help protect against low temperatures and noise. Consider using batting, insulated panels, or other materials to do this. In some cases, this will involve wall renovation so make sure you consider all the available options.
If you are going to make your basement a usable living area, it’s a good idea to install vapor barriers to help prevent moisture from moving past the concrete walls. Be sure that you think about this as you are looking into all the ideas to transform your basement.
A crucial part of basement building codes related to egress windows. Since basement windows not only let in light, they also let people get out if there’s an emergency. If you are building a live-in basement, you need to install these windows. Be sure to purchase the right basement egress window wells to make this process easy on yourself.
Basement ventilation is crucial for airflow. In addition to helping to keep your basement fresh, it can also help ensure that any fumes created by cooking, heaters, or anything else are funneled away. Without proper ventilation in place, the basement can become deadly.
Radon is a specific type of ground-based radiation. The presence of it is dependent on the local geography of your area. If radon is a problem in your location, it’s a good idea to invest in a radon test kit to see the levels present in the basement.
Be sure to carefully look at the concrete, stone, and wood, for signs or indications of moisture damage or pests. If pests are getting in, you have to block them. Also, if there are any rotten materials, make sure they are removed and replaced before the basement remodel begins.
When it is time to remodel your basement, there are more than a few factors to keep in mind. Be sure to keep the information that is here to help ensure the process is as smooth and easy as possible and that you are able to stay on budget. However, if you need help, there are professional service providers who can handle the basement remodel for you
, taking the stress and hassle of this process off your shoulders.