Many people who build a house with a basement choose to leave the basement unfinished to save money. They can save money now while having the space and potential for future expansion, which is one of the most important factors determining a home’s worth.
It’s a major project, but completing an unfinished basement and making it livable has even bigger benefits. The area is already there, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Here are some things to remember if you’re considering remodeling your basement.
Basement Remodeling: Factors to Consider
How do you plan basement remodeling? What goes into designing a basement sanctuary that tackles the particular problems of a location below grade level? We’ve compiled a list of important considerations for basement renovations:
1. Check the Foundation
The Burlington handyman contractor can inspect the concrete basement floor for cracks before you remodel the basement. This could indicate poor curing or settling. Though both may be fixed, exposing the foundation makes the process easier and more affordable. If any issues arise after the basement is finished, it may be necessary to tear down walls to fix them.
2. Design a Layout
With a good plan, things will happen in the most efficient way. Installing mechanical systems, designing the overall layout, and selecting the flooring, countertops, and paint color are all parts of the design process.
Professional basement renovation services can help you make the most of your basement by discussing your plans and offering suggestions on how to use the space efficiently. For example, they will show where you can rough the plumbing for a bathroom or wet bar in the most time and cost-efficient ways. With a professional’s help, you may have peace of mind knowing that the necessary wiring is in place for a well-lit, secure basement build.
3. Ceiling Height and Lighting
Some basements have ceilings that are at a comfortable height for people to stand up and move around. If the ceiling in your basement is already very low or feels crowded, you’ll need to think creatively in order to make the area open and habitable. By excavating deep window wells, you can make a room appear higher and brighter by letting in more light. With recessed lighting, the ceiling may be kept clear without sacrificing brightness.
Don’t worry if your basement has low ceilings. A professional design-build from Bee’s construction services team will know just what to do to make sure that even the tallest members of your family will feel comfortable in the space.
4. Eliminate Water Problems
Look for signs of water damage on the walls, ceiling, and floors. Leaking pipes in the basement or water dripping from your yard sprinklers can easily go undetected, leading to mold, rot, and even foundation shifting. Before installing insulation and sheetrock, it is crucial to get rid of water issues by ensuring the lawn slopes away from the foundation and fixing leaky pipes. Ignoring these problems will only lead to bigger, more expensive ones in the future.
5. Flooring Options
What is the current flooring in your basement, and what do you imagine having it there once it’s finished? You may be interested in hardwood or laminate flooring. To make cleanup more manageable, you can carpet other areas and tile the bathroom and the area where you prepare food. If you’re worried about cold floors, in-floor heating is another option to consider.
