Finished Basements, When Properly Built, Provide Many Benefits to a Home

Finished basements are great ways to expand on your living space or to just give you extra storage space. It can add an extra bedroom for visitors or a teenager wanting more privacy. The basement is also a great place for a family room or family gym.

Since the basement has a very unique set of qualities such as moisture and a lack of excess light, there are a few things that will need to be addressed before you start your renovation project. Do some planning with the advice of professionals regarding flooring, ceiling and walls, and windows.

Basement renovations have their own set of unique challenges. The saying “An ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of cure” is very appropriate!

Before You Start :

Proper Drainage/Waterproofing: Before any basement renovation or remodel it is essential for a home to have good drainage or a sump pump in case of broken water pipe or flood in the main living space above. A good concrete waterproof sealant will fix most cracks and dampness on basement walls and floors and a good ventilation system will fix a poor air circulation problem.

Flooring: It is not suitable to install carpet or hardwood onto a bare concrete basement floor. Due to moisture problems associated with concrete, a sub floor is recommended on top of concrete before any type of floor is put into a basement.

Determine the function of the living space: This applies to the present and the future. It will help determine what materials you will need to complete the job. A multi-functional room may work best to encompass all aspects of a busy family lifestyle. Build the room to suit your individual needs but make it functional, comfortable, and inviting.

Lighting: Lighting plays a large roll in the atmosphere and mood of the room. Basements tend to be dark. If you don’t have good lighting in your basement and it is not possible to add windows for natural light, you will need to look at other ways to brighten up your living space. There are many types of lighting on the market that will remedy this problem. Another way to brighten up a dark room is by choosing the proper color of paint and flooring. Check with the professionals on what would work best for your situation.

A finished basement not only adds to your living space but it also increases the resale value should you decide to sell.

If you are a family handyman you will have little problem completing this project on your own. You may want to do it in stages so that you are not overwhelmed with the amount of work it involves. Also, to keep it legal, you will need a building permit from your local building department to finish your basement, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor.

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