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Finishing your basement is typically a great idea, both from a practicality and home value standpoint. As well as adding notable value to your property, this remodelling project can provide you with a games room, hobby space, or an entirely self-contained bedroom annexe if that’s what you want. There’s just one problem – you might not be able to envision it with the basement you’ve got right now.
While all basements are technically ripe for renovation picking, it’s not always easy to envision this project when you’re looking at the bare bones of an unused leaky brick basement. In this state, your basement can feel more like something from a horror film than a space with potential. You definitely can’t imagine spending long periods down here amidst all of that dampness!
Luckily, even basic existing basement bones could prove ideal for a remodel project. To make sure that’s the case, simply consider the following crucial things.
# 1 – Understand your overall intention
To begin with, consider the bones of your basement alongside a solid idea of what you’d ultimately like to achieve in this space. After all, you’ll need a very different finished project in mind of improvement ideas like a hobby room than you would if you were looking at a self-contained annexe complete with a bedroom and bathroom. By understanding these intentions early on, you can gain a much better idea of the practicality of your vision, and the work you’ll need to complete to make it possible.
For instance, if you’re looking to create a basement hobby room, you may want to install high-quality electrical outlets in set areas to make the space functional. Meanwhile, if you’re installing sinks or similar, you’ll need to understand plumbing considerations and regulations. So, create a vision board, do a little research, and start to envision something beyond the bones of your basement.
# 2 – Assess foundational damage
Your basement is structurally essential for your whole house so, in an ideal world, there won’t be any foundational issues in this space. However, if you don’t spend much time in your basement as it is, or if you haven’t particularly conducted foundational inspections here, then there’s a high chance that foundational issues like cracks and sinking have started to take their toll.
As well as posing a risk to your home at large, ignoring or failing to spot foundational damage before a basement remodel means that any work you do here could quickly go to waste. Left unchecked, foundational problems can lead to severe structural damage and a basement that could end up entirely unusable despite your best efforts. To avoid this, do thorough checks in advance for any signs of basement foundational damage and, if you find even the slightest cracks, be sure to contact experts who can secure your basement bones ready for a remodel that lasts.
# 3 – Think about ceiling height
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Ceiling height will always be a consideration when it comes to your basement, as housing regulations generally state a minimum ceiling height of around 7 feet in habitable spaces. This can be a struggle in tight basements, especially when you consider that, to hide visible pipes and woodwork, many basements require additions like suspended ceilings and ceiling tiles, which can further lower existing headroom.
Luckily, there’s no reason why you can’t still make a low basement space habitable, but it’s important to note that this isn’t a minor undertaking. Experts will typically either dig the basement down deeper to extend the space, or lift the house and build basement walls higher. These are both pretty extreme jobs that will require completion before you make even the slightest start on any remodelling work. So, get on top of them quickly, and understand things like cost vs. potential value-added, to ensure you don’t end up significantly overspending on this project.
# 4 – Consider leakage and water damage
Basement leaks are pretty commonplace, and it’s hardly surprising when you consider that the basement is often the home’s plumbing and heating hub. Unfortunately, even small leaks can wreak havoc on a basement’s remodelling potential if they’re left unchecked.
As such, while it can be undeniably tempting to just cover over an unidentified leaky area, it’s never a good idea to do so. Even if a drip is small and seemingly innocuous, remember that it’ll likely grow, and you’ll soon know about it when it does. To prevent that, trace all basement water damage back to its source early on, and trust a professional to secure your pipes and ensure that water never finds its way in once you’ve got everything looking just so.
# 5 – Navigate ventilation and natural light
Basements are naturally stuffy places, and dampness is often a leading reason why homeowners are reluctant to remodel the space. Plus, underground basements typically lack any form of natural light, making them unappealing and oh-so-stuffy.
This is perhaps the hardest problem to overcome, but there are some options to consider. Obviously, you’ll be in the best position for this when working with the bones of an above-ground basement that lends itself to window installation and simple air vents. Even underground, though, you can ensure more habitable basement bones with improvements like egress windows, dehumidifiers, and HVAC ventilation.
Takeaway
While not all basement bones are ideal for immediate remodelling, pretty much every basement has the potential to transform into a usable, much-loved area of your home. By taking stock and considering these important factors, you can begin to undertake the work needed to make your basement shine at last.
Perhaps the main thing to mention is that, unlike with projects elsewhere in your home, you will almost always require the help of a team of professionals to bring your basement up to scratch. From plumbers to building teams, you simply can’t handle a lot of this stuff yourself.
However, once you’ve got good bones in place, a DIY basement remodel is entirely within your reach. And, that’s when the fun of this project will truly begin!
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© Copyright 2024 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
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