Did you know that in the U.S alone, the remodeling industry is worth an incredible 111.5 billion dollars in the year 2021? Due to the shortage of housing in major cities and rising prices of new homes, the remodeling market revenue is estimated to cross 4.9 trillion dollars by the year 2027.
This value shows more and more people are remodeling their homes and how much demand there is for new ideas. Do you want to remodel your basement but aren’t sure where to begin? Check out these 7 useful basement remodeling tips to help you transform your space.
What To Use The Basement For
Because of where they are situated, a basement can’t just be used for any purpose. When deciding what to do with the space check to see if there is lots of moisture down in the basement and if it can be controlled.
Remember a basement doesn’t have light so if it’s a bedroom you are going for, a window or to will need to be installed so some natural light can shine through. Home gyms and yoga spaces work well because a basement is private and you can shut out the outside world for the duration of your workout.
Questions To Ask Before Renovating
As you are coming up with a plan, ask yourself these few questions before you plan anything to make sure you get the most out of your renovation and keep changing your mind halfway in. Answer these questions truthfully and you will be nearly there.
1. Will You Need A Bathroom?
Adding an extra bathroom is never a bad idea especially if you have a growing family and will always add value to your property. Remember a bathroom will need extra planning for water supply and drainage so this should be taken into account before anything is done
2. Your Budget?
If you do have a limited budget at the moment, then you will be restricted to what you can do. A bathroom or home theater system will cost extra compared to a bedroom.
3. Return On Investment?
Are you doing basement remodeling to increase the value of your property? If yes then make sure you do it the right way and include a window and closet. Meeting those standards will make sure you keep the space flexible if you decide to use it as a bedroom later on.
4. What Is Your Goal?
Are you ready to invest in basement remodeling because your home is bursting at the seams and overcrowded? Think about what will help. Is the lounge always too full? Do you need a quiet office to get some work done?
Are any of your children teenagers and want their own private bedroom? Deciding what is needed in your home will help you decide what you should use the space for.
Some Basement Remodeling Ideas
It can be difficult to decide what to use the space for and if you still aren’t sure, the below ideas will help you decide what will be best for your basement. You don’t have to decide on one idea and depending on how big your basement is, you can decide to combine two ideas together and make the most out of the extra space.
- Reading Room
- Home theater
- Functional sports bar
- Children’s playroom
- Guest Bedroom and bathroom
- Wine Cellar
- Family downtime room
- Laundry room
- Arts and crafts room
- Spare Bathroom
Moisture and Water Control
Now that you know exactly what you want to use the space for it’s important to get the moisture and dampness under control in the basement. Minor moisture problems can be treated with water lock paint and cracks can be sealed with special caulking meant for this purpose. These may be temporary and can have a risk of failure in the future.
It would be wise to get a dehumidifier that collects moisture-laden air before it can collect on the walls and ceilings. If you live in a high moisture area, it would be better to get a professional opinion as moisture can cause mold which can be bad for human health. Adding a sump pump, French drains, and a wall liner will guarantee that the basement will be dry for life.
Heating And Cooling
A basement was never designed to be liveable so the need to heat and cool was never taken into account when the house was originally designed and built. The basement space might be bitterly cold in winter and very hot in summer.
A simple solution is to provide a small oil heater for the summer, and a portable air-conditioner for the summer. If your house has an existing radiator system or air conditioning throughout the house, you may be able to tap into the same system and use it in the basement. Have a licensed professional come give you some professional advice before renovating anything.
Electrical plan
To comply with the electrical code, you must provide a certain number of electrical outlets for the basement. If a bathroom is part of the plan then a full complement of power will be needed like any other bathroom in the house.
Effective Lighting Plan
Most basements only have minimal lighting and not much natural light, so you need to decide on what sort of lighting will be best and with height restrictions not every light can be installed. LED lighting what be the best choice as it can light the whole room with the least amount of energy.
Recessed ceiling lights are usually the best option as they are not affected by height restrictions and provide overall good lighting for the entire space.
Use The Space Wisely
Taking a basement and transforming it to what your heart desires is by far the best option and by following these basic tips, it can transform your home and add lots of value.
A full basement remodeling ensures that the job is done right without the hassle. Are you looking to remodel your basement? Does it need to be waterproofed? Get in touch with our team today for hassle-free advice and waterproofing!
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