You might’ve found yourself in need of more space at your home, but unfortunately, you have no idea what to do. Go vertical, or maybe build an annex? In your musings, you might’ve forgotten that there’s no need for dramatic changes to the layout of your house because you already have a suitable space, and it just needs some fixing.
Renovating your basement is a great way to give your house a little twist and find additional square footage of usable space. The possibilities are endless – you can transform it into a home theater, game room, gym, workshop, or simply build bedrooms for guests. The final outcome depends on what you need.
However, you should bear in mind that to effectively remodel the basement, you have to carefully plan your actions and use proper materials so the effects are long-lasting. Read about moisture, flooring, lighting, storage, and different tips that will help you to ensure your basement renovation is successful.
Ventilation
When it comes to basement renovations, you have to pay close attention to ventilation. You can’t just open the window and expect your basement to become dry when the outdoor air is damp. Therefore, you should install a proper ventilation system – which will help you control the moisture and ensure that the area is not humid.
You can opt for a passive or forced-air system. A passive air system relies on natural forces to move air around and through the house, while a forced-air one uses an air delivery and distribution system and a blower. Don’t forget to keep the temperature of your basement between 55 and 65 degrees F at all times.
Find Space For Utilities
When renovating your basement, make sure to leave enough space for utilities. For example, if you have a power generator like those offered by https://www.10powerup.com/, you don’t want to run cords and pipes through your basement walls.
On the other hand, it is not rare for households to get a water heater installed in the basement instead of trying to hide this clunky beast in the closet in a living room. If that is the case, you need to answer the question “What size water heater do I need?”, considering your family’s needs, and ensure there will be enough space for a water heater in your basement.
Therefore, plan the layout of your basement in advance and try to envision how it will look once it’s done.
Moisture-Resistant Flooring
The floor of your basement will be prone to moisture, so you need to do everything possible to prevent any damage. It would be wise to install moisture-resistant flooring – vinyl is a great option, as it can withstand moisture better than most other materials. If you want, you can use stone tiles if they’re reinforced with polymer resins, but make sure to avoid wooden floors, as they tend to expand and contract and lead to cracks and warping.
Manage Storage Space
You should make space for both short-term and long-term storage needs during the remodeling process. Try installing a closet or a small room with a sink, if possible. You can also create additional storage space by adding floor-to-ceiling cabinetry around the perimeter of the room and installing shelves along the walls.
And don’t forget that it would be best to store items you’re currently not using in boxes or bins that are clearly labeled so you know what you’re going to do with them at some point in time.
Consider Insulation
Insulation is an important aspect of basement renovations because it protects the walls from excessive moisture and helps maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. You should use closed-cell spray foam insulation for best results – it’s inexpensive and easy to install. A single can of spray foam can cover more than 400 square feet, making it a very efficient product if you plan to renovate your basement on a budget.
In addition, spray foam won’t settle over time, as fiberglass insulation tends to do, which will ensure that your basement will stay warm in winter and cool in summer for years to come. If you want, you can also use fiberglass insulation, but you should consider installing radiant barrier foil to prevent heat loss in winter.
Be Careful with Lighting
Lighting is another important factor that you need to pay attention to during the basement renovation process. The lighting scheme should be as simple as possible – you should avoid harsh overhead lighting, as it might cause glare and discomfort, as well as shadows and uneven lighting. Try using recessed lighting instead, as it creates a more pleasant atmosphere.
Utilize Existing Structures
If you want your basement renovation project to be successful, make sure to utilize existing structures whenever possible. If there’s an old fireplace in the basement, try adapting it for another purpose – for instance, build a brick wall behind it and put up shelving. Do not destroy anything that’s still usable but rather rework it until it meets your needs.
Final Word
If your basement is in bad shape, you’re not alone – it’s a very common problem. The good news is that you can fix it without having to spend too much money. All you have to do is carefully plan the remodeling process, use proper materials, and pay attention to detail.
Remember to properly ventilate the area, which will help you to avoid mold growth. And remember to use moisture-resistant flooring that can withstand moisture better than most other materials. Finally, don’t forget about storage space – try installing cabinets around the perimeter of the room, as well as shelves along the walls.
Utilize existing structures whenever possible – for example, if there’s an old fireplace in the basement, try adapting it for another purpose (for instance, build a brick wall behind it and put up shelving). Do not destroy anything that’s still usable – rather rework it until it meets your needs.
