Finishing your basement is a great way to add value to your home and create a more usable space. However, it can be a significant undertaking with a few nuances that make it difficult to build. Before you pick up your tools and start building, there are a few key activities and assessments you need to complete.
Here are six things you need to do before finishing your basement.
Check the humidity
One of the main concerns in basement renovation projects is moisture and water tightness. Excessive moisture in your basement can cause the walls and floor to deteriorate over time. In addition, this can also indicate a bigger problem with water getting into the house. Start with a visual inspection and look for any wet spots, mold, or leaks. Then add some plastic wrap on the walls and floor to hold in place for a week. If there is condensation under the slabs, your foundation is not sealed. This should be your top priority before starting the interior.
There are other considerations as well to making sure your basement stays dry. You may want to evaluate the rating of your yard to allow the water to drain from your foundation. According to Those Floor Guys, you can prevent moisture by using epoxy flooring in your basement instead of laminate or vinyl. Sump pumps can also help protect your investment. Keep these options in mind when planning your project.
Rate the ceiling
Now that you've considered all of the moisture issues, it's time to evaluate the ceiling. There are a few important points to keep in mind when looking at this part of your basement. The most important consideration is the fact that your ceiling is also the floor to the upper floor. Take this opportunity to make sure there are no floor joists to fix before starting your project. You also need to consider the clearance height and check that it is suitable for a functional living space. Depending on the height and style, you may need to sketch out key access points and determine the best type of ceiling for your basement.
Evaluate ventilation
Before planning to move your family and friends to your new living space, take some time to evaluate the ventilation. Unfinished basements usually don't have the same ventilation and airflow as the rest of the house. In the best case scenario, this creates inferior air that can bring you into contact with allergens. In the worst case scenario, this can result in a backup of carbon monoxide from your heating system. It's worth taking a professional look at your ventilation needs for recommendations for a DIY basement renovation.
Determine the wiring and installation requirements
Another important consideration is the installation and cabling requirements as these will affect the quality of life of the room and your budget. Adequate lighting is important to make your basement feel warm and inviting. Can you achieve this by adding new lighting installations or using floor lamps? For the installation, you need to consider the overall functionality of the room. When adding a bathroom you will consider the need for an upflow system. Depending on the complexity of your project, you may need to hire a professional.
Support the stairs
Most of the basement stairs are rudimentary and built for minimal use. You need to reevaluate the staircase and make sure it complies with the code. Many home improvement workers encounter a problem with the bottom step when laying floors because it creates an inequality in the height of the exposed riser pipe. This problem is another benefit of using epoxy flooring as it will reduce the work on your stairs.
Identify the permits and coding regulations
Read the permits and coding regulations for your project as you work to determine the other requirements for a basement remodel. These vary from place to place and can have a dramatic impact on what you can legally do with your basement. Before you finish your basement, work through this list of considerations to avoid costly surprises at the start of the project.
