Remodeling a basement is a huge undertaking, and a great idea! Turning gray, cold, concrete walls into ones covered in drywall and paint, and that cold hard floor into something that’s plush and warm with carpeting will instantly make any space that once was only used for storage, into something beautiful and one of the best parts of the home!
But, basements also have some special considerations, so here are some tips that you should keep in mind.
Moisture, and keeping it at bay, is one of the biggest problems with any basement remodel. Because of this, it’s important to inspect the foundation and the walls to make sure there are no cracks or chips that would allow moisture in. If there are no cracks, but you still see moisture in the area, you may have a drainage problem. Install proper draining, and it will go a long way to making sure your home remodel doesn’t quickly get ruined by excess moisture.
Once you’ve taken care of the moisture, you might then think about your floors. Carpets are a popular choice for basements because they can provide added warmth, but never place carpet down directly on a cement floor – this will only make sure that it gets ruined quickly, and it won’t be as warm that way. Instead, install a sub-floor that the carpet can be installed on and you’ll have the carpet you always envisioned.
Making sure that the heating system in the home can handle the requirements of the newly remodeled basement is also very important. Basements are cold areas and you may have to install new ducts and vents in order to make sure that the people enjoying the new space don’t freeze. If you can’t change the heating system in the home, make sure to install in-floor heating that will help combat the coldness of basements.
Lastly, always make sure to check zoning requirements before you convert your basement into a legal rental unit. You may not be able to, or you may have to meet certain specifications. And you definitely don’t want to be disappointed when you find out that renovation won’t pay for itself because you didn’t follow the rules and therefore, can’t use that space as a rental unit.
