Hiring basement finishing services can go a long way in giving your entire basement a splendid makeover.
But do you know how to start? And what things to consider before you start looking for new materials? Most plan basement renovations as they go, which leads to all kinds of problems, especially the bank-breaking kind.
Here are a few things to consider before giving your basement a makeover.
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Inspect the State of the Foundation
Before starting any kind of construction or renovation project in your basement, check the foundation. The basement is usually the most neglected area of the house, and as such, it is not uncommon for leaks and foundational issues to go unnoticed. You have to find and resolve these issues before any work can begin.
Besides, basements are prone to developing cracks in the walls that can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the concrete and lead to foundational issues. These issues must also be addressed because they could disrupt the stability and safety of your home.
Here are a few signs of foundation issues with your basement:
- Horizontal cracks in the basement foundation
- Doors that won’t close properly
- Cracks in the floor
- Curved walls
- Slanted floors
Add Light Sources
Try to let in more natural light into your basement by planning for doors and windows. These openings should be designed before any basement renovation work can begin. Basement finishing services near you can assess the surrounding walls to see if they can handle the heavier structural load.
Pro tip: Make sure to seal off your house to keep the masonry dust at bay.
Create Safer Stairwells
Although you want to make your stairwells beautiful and accessible, you should also plan for safety provisions by adding supportive handrails. These handrails can go a long way in bolstering the safety of your basement and preventing injuries.
Hint: Consider hiring basement finishing services to help you with your makeover project.
Identify and Solve Water Damage
Water damage in most basements is very common, but it is something that most homeowners tend to delay addressing until it’s too late. A water leak can lead to mold and rot and cause foundational shifting, not to mention undoing all your hard work done in renovating the basement.
Give priority to identifying any signs of water damage, such as leaks in the walls, ceilings, and floors. Look for any leaking pipes or outside water sources entering inside the basement (such as lawn sprinklers). Common fixes include repairing leaking pipes and creating lawn slopes to redirect water away from the basement.
Insulation is a Must
Most experts agree that basement insulation is the most important renovation you can make to your home. Insulation will not only prevent heat transfer from your home, but it will also prevent the formation of mold and mildew. This can cut down on maintenance costs, reduce your heating expenses and increase the lifecycle of any basement renovation projects you take on.
