Renovating a basement is a diverse and capable form of home improvement. It is one of the best ways to increase you house resale value and can add a fresh living space to an aging house.
One of the benefits of finishing a basement is that, unlike the rest of a house, rooms are not set in what they need to be.
Creating a dream basement is different for each and every person, but the good thing about a basement is that it is hidden from sight so it can be kept personal.
Before knocking down all the basement walls to create a personal paradise there are some pro tips that should be considered.
Moisture is the enemy of any general contractor or any amateur basement remodeling guru. The reason for this is because it can seep into the walls and create damp areas behind the walls where mold spores can form, producing that horrible dank basement smell. A way to stop this from happening is to install walls made from fiberglass with teflon along with foam insulation. If flooding is a major issue, avoid any kind of carpet and instead go for tiles that can be easily replaced.
Structural Walls – As with any kind of building work, major safety items or intricate jobs should be left to the professionals. A renovation contractor will know all the ins and outs of basement renovation, including building codes and being able to tell which walls are foundation walls. They will also be able to sort out the electrical work and any plumbing additions
This being said, there are benefits to creating a more conventional basement suite with standard rooms such as a guest room, home office, or family room.
The reason for this is because the extra space can be rented out or the extra bedroom could be used to house inlaws when they visit. A quality finished basement is also more likely to increase resale value.
These basement tips are designed to help the prospective basement remodeler create their dream basement but in the end it comes down to personal preference and budget.
