Finishing your home’s basement can be a real labor of love, but it pays off with benefits aplenty. A finished basement makes the most of your home’s space, providing your family with an area that can be used for fun or function. Plus, it’s a selling point that can increase your home’s market value.
Ultimately, finishing your basement is a project that you might be very excited about, but before you start, check out our list of tips and tricks for some ideas.
Tips and Ideas for a Fantastic Finished Basement
1. Create a Versatile Space
When you’re making changes to your home, it’s important to plan before you build. With a space as versatile as a basement, it could be used for any number of things. Think about your lifestyle, about your family’s wants and needs, and what special modifications are required to make that happen. Want to put in a full bathroom? You’ll need to take into account water lines and plumbing. A fireplace will need new wiring, gas lines, and ventilation. Before you start, it’s smart to have an idea of how the space will be used. A good plan is crucial in order to achieve the perfect renovation!
2. Don’t Be A Code-Breaker
It’s essential to meet local codes when refurbishing or finishing your home. Most importantly, it will keep your family safe from potential hazards. Check with your municipal office to see if you’ll need a permit to complete your work. Anything to do with plumbing or electrical maintenance will need to be inspected by a professional. If the work doesn’t meet code, you won’t be allowed to move forward until it’s fixed.
3. Have Your Home Inspected By A Professional Before The Work Begins
The last thing you want is to complete a lengthy, expensive renovation, only to find that you have a leaky pipe, rotted wood, cracked foundation, underperforming insulation, or a mold problem. A damp, unpleasant basement isn’t anybody’s choice for a place to hang out. Ensure your remodel is good to go ahead by having your home inspected before you build. If everything is fine, it will set your mind at ease. If it’s not, you’ll have saved yourself the headache of having to fix it after your beautiful remodel is finished. Save yourself trouble down the road by being proactive about mold!
4. Keep Out The Chill: Seal And Insulate Your Basement
Once you’re sure that you’re not building over top of existing mold or dampness, you’ll want to make sure that your new basement stays warm and dry. There are a few things you can do to keep things cozy. Build an offset space into the wall and use efficient insulating materials to form a vapor barrier. That way, you’ll keep the cold out and the heat in where it belongs and prevent dampness. You can even install baseboard heating. Make sure to check these methods against your local codes to see how they can be implemented safely.
5. Brighten Up: Make the Most of Natural Light
One common concern when finishing a basement is the amount of natural light you have. Basements can be a bit dingy, so if you want to brighten things up, talk to your contractor. They can help you figure out how best to utilize your existing windows while emphasizing your home’s best features.
6. Don’t Forget Your Exit Strategy
You’ll also want to include an ‘egress window.’ Egress is just a fancy word for an exit – in other words, in case of an emergency, make sure you can quickly exit the basement through a window. An egress window must meet specific size and location restrictions to meet building code standards. If you think it seems a tad unnecessary, just remember that you’d never want to find yourself without one in an emergency.
7. The Devil Is In The Details
When you’re remodeling, don’t forget the odds and ends. You don’t want to end up with an uneven staircase, outdated fixtures, or ancient, cracking window sills. Ideally, everything will look tidy and well thought out. If you’re style-oriented and obsessed with the aesthetic of your home, small touches can be a big part of making your vision come to life. When you’re first developing your plan, consider these elements. A cohesive plan can make the finished product look seamless.
These are just a few ideas and suggestions to consider when planning your basement renovation. With a solid strategy and a good team on your side, you will be enjoying the results in no time.
Reach out today, and let’s talk about your ideas.
