Home Improvements: Basement Remodeling

The first step to a successful basement makeover is proper planning.  Remodeling a basement is the easiest and most affordable way to add value and additional living space to you home.  Before starting a basement-remodeling project, decide what will be the planned usage for the completed room.  This will help decide on the floor-planning phase.  If you have, laundry facilities already in your basemen decide if they are located in the right location for your finished plan.  All laundry, heating, and water systems should be closed off into a separate space, which allows for additional storage and the overall appearance of the completed room.  Ask basic questions about what activities will you use your space for, will it be for recreation, office space, living space for an in-law?  How much time will be spent in the new space?  Is a bathroom necessary?  What type of furniture do you plan to have in the new room?  Do you want a pool table, bar, exercise equipment?  All of these questions will help you design the layout of your new room.                                                         

The next phase of planning the basement makeover must include checking for moisture problems.  Moisture problems could be caused by many reasons such as improperly installed or clogged downspouts or the outside drainage problems.  If serious moisture problems exists, it is recommended that a repair of the outside foundation walls.  A draining system that takes the water away from the foundation can correct these problems and a good water proofing company can resolve these problems to divert the water.   

Other possible solutions to correct wet basements includes installing gutters, installing window wells for basement windows, adding sump pumps, and application of waterproofing compounds to the walls.                                       

Proper planning of a basement remodeling project includes starting with measuring everything first.  Decide where you want your doors, outlets, light switches, and start to plan the layout of the finished room.  This will help you decide on what additional items that you will need to consider.  As an example, if you plan of having a bar, do you need additional plumbing?  Think about closets and storage areas.  It is easier to plan around main walls first and then plan closets and smaller rooms if you want to divide the basement into rooms.   

Only experienced professionals should do plumbing and electrical work. If your planning a bathroom or wet bar the first priority should be on the installation of new plumbing and wiring.  When planning for the electrical outlets don’t forget about cable and telephone lines.  The other priority should focus on heating and cooling the basement and perhaps a dehumidification system.  A good heating contractor can determine what is needed to extend existing systems to the basement.  This is usually an easy job and most home systems can handle the increased load requirements. 

Lighting in a basement is another area that a remodeling project needs to consider.  Most basements do not provide ample natural lighting.  One option is a Glass block window, which offers both an aesthetic appeal with light transmission and provides security. 

Basements are ideal for adding a quiet and distinctly separate space from the main living area.  Proper planning will enable you to create additional space and add value to your home that can fit any budget and style.