Most of the time, basements are treated more like a storeroom, crammed with boxes and items that are no more in use. Little do people realize that basements hold a lot of potential, and with just a little attention and investment, they can be transformed into the most popular spot in the entire house!
If you are planning to get basement finishing and bring this neglected part of your home into good use, these basement finishing tips can help you get through the entire process smoothly. You will be amazed at the possibilities that your basement holds!
1. Dry Your Basement
Basements are usually damp as most of the water pipelines in your house pass through it. Before you set out on getting your basement finished and remodeled, it is very important that you dry your basement first. This will prevent the development of mold in the future. Eliminating water problems can be costly and time-consuming, but it is a necessity that shouldn’t be bypassed.
Moreover, to get the water problems off your hands for good, waterproofing the walls (with waterproof paints) should also be done. After all, you don’t want to see mold growing on the walls after you’ve completely remodeled it.
2. Measure Everything
The local regulations regarding the height of the basement vary from state to state. To transform your basement into a living space, it has to meet certain criteria. One such criterion is that the basement should be 7 feet or taller in height. Therefore, measuring your basement beforehand will save you a lot of trouble.
3. Inspect Wiring and Plumbing
When you decide to bring the basement into use, you will need to add lighting and a separate bathroom. This calls for the inspection of your existing wiring and plumbing, followed by additional electrical and plumbing expansions and upgrades that need to be done.
4. Seal the Rim Joists
The rim joists in the basement are usually un-insulated, but insulating rim joists becomes mandatory when you decide to use the basement as a living space. The un-insulated rim joists are a source of massive energy losses. A living space has to be insulated so that the temperature and humidity can be maintained at a comfortable level. Hence, the sealing of rim joists should be done too.
5. Installation of Power Egress Windows
Since basements are underground, there has to be an emergency exit in case of an emergency. A big part of basement finishing is getting egress windows installed. Egress windows are multi-purpose windows that not only allow light to come in but also allow people to escape if they have to.
6. Insulate the Walls
Insulating the basement walls is very important. It prevents condensation, saves energy in the winters, and can reduce your heating bills significantly.
Summary
Once you have a professional address your basement finishing concerns, you can move on to the décor of your basement and decide which flooring you would like to have, what lights will go best in your newly modeled space, and what accessories you need to make the place look more attractive and welcoming.
