Congratulations on finally deciding to remodel your basement! If you have left this space of your home unused for quite some time, you will be thrilled with your decision to add more usable space to your home!
Here are 7 things to keep in mind when remodeling your basement:
- Keep Your Basement Dry: Before you do any remodeling in your basement, you will want to ensure that it is dry, and it will stay that way. If you see any drips coming through your walls or puddles on the floor, you will want to make repairs to your foundation immediately. You should also ensure that the ground outside your home is graded away from your foundation.
- Know Your Local Building Codes: Many towns, cities, and states will require you to get permits before beginning any remodeling work in your home. You will need to find this out before you start any work, because without the necessary permits, you may need to tear it all apart and start over again.
- Use the Proper Fasteners: Since your basement walls are made from concrete, you will need to use the proper fasteners to attach anything to your walls.
- Utilize a Vapor Barrier: Vapor barriers are an excellent way to keep the moisture out of your basement. This barrier can be added to your walls and floor to prevent moisture from coming through and ruining the materials you are using.
- Add Insulation: Insulation can add even more moisture control in your basement, plus it will help keep the space warm while keeping the cold out. We recommend choosing insulation that has a vapor barrier on both sides or spray insulation for the best results.
- Add a Drop Ceiling: You may be tempted to do a regular ceiling in your basement, but a drop ceiling will provide you with easy access to any electrical or plumbing lines. It will be much easier to move a few tiles around to find a leaky pipe or work on the electrical than to cut holes in your ceiling.
- Don’t Finish Your Utility Room: The room where your water heater and HVAC system are located should never be finished, at least not completely, because you will need it to be easily accessible for inspections and repairs.
Your basement remodeling project will go much more smoothly if you keep these seven things in mind. Of course, a contractor can assist with all these items and help you make the proper choices as you are planning and executing your remodeling project.
