Basement Remodeling - How to Turn Your Basement Into Something Else
Make the basement into a relaxing spa or home gym to show off your wine collection or exercise when the weather gets bad.
Be sure to conduct moisture tests prior to beginning any project. Moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, necessitating costly repairs that could erode resale value of your home.
Layout
If you need additional space in your home, there are multiple solutions available to you. An addition is one solution, or you could make better use of the neglected basement space which could become an inviting living area or guest bedroom.
Before starting any renovations, it is necessary to clear away any junk lingering in the area and test for moisture - this can prevent costly complications with your project later on.
Once the space is tidy and clear, framing can start. After framing has been completed, insulate walls and ceilings with insulation so as to maintain comfort all year-round - it makes installation of drywall much simpler and less costly!
Insulating the floor can also make your space more comfortable while decreasing mold growth risk. Flooring selection plays a pivotal role in how a room appears and feels; choosing the best material could determine its look and feel.
Lighting
An enjoyable aspect of basement remodeling projects is selecting light fixtures. Lighting adds character and flair to a home, especially when they complement other fixtures in your house - for instance if your country cottage theme includes rustic materials with exposed light bulbs such as lanterns. However recessed ceiling lighting (commonly known as can lights, high-hats or downlights) offers more contemporary aesthetics.
A good contractor will assist in selecting the appropriate lighting for your space. Ambient and bias lighting are common in finished basements; however, accent and task lights should also be considered to highlight cabinet design features, illuminate artwork or valuables and create an enjoyable atmosphere.
As many of us spend significant amounts of time in their basement when not sleeping or working, adding motion sensors or dimmers could reduce energy usage while making your space safer.
Aesthetics
No matter if your style leans more toward modern minimalism or the industrial flair of raw materials, there are numerous choices for customizing your basement makeover. When selecting fixtures to meet the purpose of the space in which it sits; selecting fixtures that reflect its purpose may be key; for instance, having it setup as a Netflix and chill zone may not be appropriate if there are young children present.
Basements tend to be below ground, making them susceptible to moisture build-up that ranges from mild humidity in the air to inches-deep puddles. Proper waterproof flooring, mold-proof paint and other moisture-resistant products can help you combat moisture problems effectively.
As with your choice of flooring material, walls play an integral part in creating the right atmosphere in a basement. While many homeowners opt for the "loft look," with exposed rafters and polished concrete floors, this approach may not be best suited for basement use. Instead, consider choosing drywall or vinyl resembling wood to withstand moisture better than bare concrete surfaces. Also take note of what use you plan to give this room in the long run: equipping it as an in-home movie theater now may no longer work when all children have graduated high school!
Permits
Cities often require homeowners to obtain a permit before undertaking major changes, like adding an addition or finishing their basement. While this might be inconvenient, getting one allows the homeowner to assume liability in case any accidents arise during construction.
Homeowners who undertake basement renovations without first securing a permit could face higher property taxes and potential financial repercussions should any damages occur during unpermitted work, since their home insurance may not cover such repairs.
Licensed contractors and registered design professionals can be invaluable resources in helping homeowners navigate through the permit application process, submission of plans to the Department of Buildings, and inspections throughout their project. In addition, their services can provide peace of mind by working to ensure code compliance and safety standards throughout.
Note that renovating your basement without first obtaining a permit could significantly decrease its resale value, as potential buyers will ask to see the permits and may back out from the deal. Furthermore, non-permitted work may not conform with future building codes and could require costly repairs and renovations down the line.
Contractors
Basement remodeling projects provide families with additional space for relaxation, entertainment, and living comfortably. Plus they add value to a home's resale value! Depending on the scope of their project, homeowners may require hiring either a general contractor or specialist specializing in this field of work.
Planning is the initial step of any remodel, wherein homeowners determine their goals for the remodel and what can be expected in terms of time frame and costs. Furthermore, homeowners need to decide if existing walls need to be modified or removed altogether.
As part of this process, it's also essential that any contractors hired for the project possess all of the appropriate paperwork, such as license and insurance certificates. Furthermore, homeowners should request references from previous customers of each contractor hired like home remodel missouri and contact them to gauge how their experience was. Lastly, before starting any project involving contractors they should wear safety goggles, long pants, hard hat and in certain instances respirator masks for optimal protection during any work activities.