Basement renovations are extremely popular because they help you use additional space in the house that didn’t originally have a specific purpose. Sure, the laundry room was probably in this area, but that doesn’t take up an entire basement.
Homeowners will have plenty of ideas and visions about how they want to remodel and redo their basements, and you’ll want to execute yours. But there are some things you need to know about renovating a basement before breaking ground.
Measure for Windows
It’s no secret that basements are dark places. There’s a reason why there’s always a basement scene in scary movies. You’ll need to remove this fearful element with adequate lighting. Of course, adding lighting fixtures and fancy chandeliers is always a plus. But a basement needs natural lighting too.
An egress window is a must because it allows more light to come in aside from the recessed lighting. Additionally, city building codes require an egress window as an emergency exit route. If you want other styles as well, consider hopper windows, picture windows, awning windows, and sliding windows. Always go with the double-pane windows to preserve energy.
Prep the Floors
Most unfinished basement floors are concrete, and you can paint over the floors with a nice color. But something about that seems cold and unfinished. Furthermore, adding paint won’t help much if the basement floor is uneven.
You don’t want to install hardwood floors just in case flooding occurs. Mold and mildew will thrive in areas like this and eventually warp the wood. The best options for basements are ceramic tile, tile flooring with built-in vapor barriers, and floating floors with laminate and sheet vinyl.
Check for Moisture
Basement renovations can’t happen without a proper moisture check first. The materials and the renovation techniques you choose depend on the type of environment the basement is in. Trapped moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth.
Conduct a calcium chloride and relative humidity test first. Checking these areas will help you better understand how you’ll need to insulate the basement and manage moisture in the drywall. You’ll know the potential dangers and work from there.
Map Out Plumbing and Electrical Systems
After checking the moisture in the basement, you’ll need to start prepping for the plumbing and electrical systems. These are some of the more crucial elements to add to a basement. Don’t rush this process because the slightest miscalculation can result in an electrical fire or flooding.
Map out the rooms and locate where you need the outlets. If you’re adding in a kitchen or bathroom, then you might need additional piping. You should section off these areas before working on installing any insulation.
There’s a lot you need to know about renovating basements, but using this list as a jumping-off point covers all the basics.
