Finishing your basement is not only a big project to improve your personal comfort, but the average basement remodel can have as much as a 70% return on investment, according to Home Advisor. With such significant financial implications, you want your basement to be finished properly by a trusted basement contractor. Know these tips and you won’t miss a thing when you finish your basement.
- Be familiar with building codes
One of the biggest challenges of basement finishing is making sure that it all follows the strict building codes. Knowing these codes ahead of time will help you manage your expectations for the dimensions of the space and you will be able to ensure that your basement contractor is following the codes.
- Install effective insulation
Before you get to the very end of your basement remodeling project, make sure that you’ve properly insulated the space. It is unusually difficult to control temperatures in basements, as any warm air will rise straight to the ceiling. Invest in subfloor panel systems to get sufficient heat in the space and make sure it is well insulated so that the heat stays in there.
- Control moisture
Any basement renovation needs to include ways to control moisture. You can keep your basement dry by building good drainage systems that direct water off your roof and away from your foundation. Make sure your ventilation is moving the wetter air from the bathrooms and kitchen to the outside rather than into your newly finished basement.
- Don’t finish the utility room
While it may be tempting to make the space around your water heater and HVAC unit look aesthetically pleasing, you will be creating problems for yourself down the road. There are specific code requirements for these spaces in their spacing and framing. There also needs to be easy access to them for inspections and repairs.
- Think about the flooring
When you start a basement renovation you’ll likely have a concrete slab, but that can easily be transformed into an attractive floor. As long as your floor is level and dry, you can cover it with ceramic tile, laminate, or vinyl. As moisture levels can cause wood to buckle and split, most basement contractors wouldn’t recommend solid wood flooring.
Finishing your basement is a great project to undertake, but there needs to be some careful planning. Make sure you have your basics taken care of, and you’ll be able to enjoy perfecting your basement design.