Basement Finishing Basics
Whether you’ve lived in your home for decades or you just moved into a newly constructed abode, finishing your basement might be on your mind. There are a number of reasons to consider this remodeling project. Some families, for example, simply need the extra space! If you have friends or relatives who often stay overnight or if you have lots of children, a finished basement can provide the room your household needs to keep everyone happy. In other cases, homeowners are interested in finishing their basements to prepare their homes for sale. This can be a great selling point, particularly in areas where the real estate market is ultra-competitive. No matter why you’re thinking about finishing the basement in your home, the information in this guide will help you get started. Remember, you may need to do additional research before tackling some aspects of your upcoming renovation. Don’t undertake complicated electrical work, for instance, without consulting a professional!
Make Sure Your Basement Is Waterproof
Waterproofing a basement might seem like a daunting task, but it’s something you can get started on fairly easily. First, inspect your basement to see if there are any obvious leaks. If you find small cracks or holes that are letting in water, fill them with hydraulic cement. This compound expands as it dries, keeping water out for good. It’s also a good idea to walk around outside your house, making sure all soil is sloped away from the basement’s exterior walls. Otherwise, rainwater could run right into your underground space. You should also inspect for cracks that aren’t visible from inside and fill them the same way you did any interior cracks.
If you have a major flooding problem or if you see lots of cracks that are wider than a pencil, it’s a good idea to contact a professional. You may have foundation issues or other structural problems that need to be addressed before you continue finishing your basement for everyday use.
Complete Plumbing and Electrical Work
Some unfinished basements already have functional plumbing and electric, but typically lack fixtures. If this is your situation, you don’t have nearly as much work ahead of you as someone who is starting from scratch. You simply need to make sure everything is in good working order and purchase toilets, sinks, and light fixtures to install where your existing pipes and wires are. If, however, you have to completely plumb and wire your space, it’s a good idea to at least consult with a professional plumber and a professional electrician before you get started. This way, you’ll know if there are any serious issues you should be aware of. You may even decide that it’s worth the money to let an expert complete your plumbing and wiring for you.
Think About How You’ll Use the Space
As you read earlier, every family intends to use their finished basement differently. As a result of this, there’s no cookie-cutter plan for you to follow when the time comes for you to design and layout your new space. This doesn’t have to be stressful, though; instead, it can be a lot of fun! You get to create the perfect place for your family, suited specifically to your unique needs. First, think about how you’ll be using the space. Maybe, for example, you’d like to have a theatre room in your newly finished basement. Or, perhaps you want to make sure the space is universally appealing for when you list your home in the near future. No matter what, it’s important to take the time to consider what will truly make your new addition work for your needs.
