Did you know that the average basement remodeling project gives homeowners up to a 75% return on investment?
So, if you’ve been thinking about spending the time and money to remodel your basement, you can feel confident knowing that it should deliver a good ROI. That is, however, if you do the remodel the right way.
Remodeling a basement is no easy task, but if you know what you’re getting into beforehand, it’s more likely that your project will be a success.
Keep reading to learn the most important steps to take when finishing a basement so you can get the maximum value out of your investment.
Think About How You Plan to Use It
Before you do anything else, spending some time thinking about what you want to get out of your basement. Do you want to turn it into a home movie theater or do you plan to use it as an in-home gym? Or, maybe you want it to be the go-to hangout spot as your kids get older, where they’ll play ping pong and eat snacks with their friends?
Your answer will determine how you move forward in the planning and preparation phase. Make sure you discuss your basement remodel ideas with the whole family so you can create a space that’s functional for everyone.
Set a Budget
Once you’ve determined how you plan to use the space, you’ll need to set a budget for the project. Depending on where you live, materials and labor costs can vary by a lot. And, your plans for the basement will also impact the costs.
As with any home renovation project, you should also budget for unexpected expenses that may occur. For example, there could be a shortage of materials which means prices will be higher than you originally expected.
Or, you may discover mold growth and have to pay for mold removal services. It’s always better to overestimate what you’ll spend compared to the alternative.
Talk to a Professional About Design Plans
Unless you’re extremely handy, you probably don’t want to attempt a DIY basement remodel. Instead, plan to work with a professional architect, interior designer, and remodeler to help you make the most of your new space.
If you’re remodeling on a budget, you can always cut back on costs in other ways by doing simple tasks yourself, like painting. But, always leave the bigger jobs to a team of professionals.
Solve Any Moisture Issues Ahead of Time
Since they’re located underground, basements are vulnerable to excess moisture and flooding. Of course, the last thing you want is to spend time and money on a renovation only to have your basement ruined by rising ground water levels.
You can help prevent this by meeting with our team here at Armored Basement Waterproofing. We can help waterproof your basement so that you won’t have to worry about ground water coming into to basement once the renovation is complete.
Trust us, it’s worth the time to take care of potential moisture issues now so you don’t have to worry about them causing a problem in the future.
Take the Time to Add Insulation
Now that all of your ducks are in a row, it’s time to actually get started on the project! While you already have the space torn apart, make sure that your remodeling company adds insulation to your basement walls. By doing so, you’ll be able to better control the temperature of the space.
You’ll also be making an energy-efficient choice, which can help you save money on your monthly energy bills.
There are several different types of insulation options, like foam board, spray foam, and more. Your remodeling contractor can help you decide which insulation type is best for your home.
Don’t Forget About Lighting
By nature, basements tend to be dark. While this is great if you plan to use it as a movie room, it can make it feel like a drab space otherwise. During the renovation process, consider using some creative lighting solutions to brighten up the basement, since it won’t get much natural light.
For example, you might add recessed lighting to the ceilings, set on a dimmer so you can control the brightness based on how you’re using the space. Of course, well-placed lamps can also give your basement a cozy, homey feel with just the right amount of light.
Another creative solution is to decorate with mirrors, which can help to reflect the light in the room.
Be Mindful of the Furnishings You Choose
Finally, think carefully about the types of furnishings you choose for your basement. As we mentioned above, basements tend to be damp, so it’s best to stay away from materials that absorb moisture like curtains, fabric sofas, and carpeting.
If you work with an interior designer, they can help you make practical design choices. However, the good news is that by using our basement waterproofing services, you won’t have to worry as much about moisture issues, which gives you more freedom when decorating.
Remodeling a Basement Made Easy
After reading through our guide on what to do when remodeling a basement, you’re ready to get started on your project! As a result, you’ll give your home a more usable space that’s valuable to buyers should you decide to sell.
If you’re in the planning phase now, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free inspection. As a proud veteran-owned company that’s focused on quality, you’ll have peace of mind knowing we’re on your side, making sure your basement is protected.
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