Your basement doesn’t need to be a drab, gray underground area popularized in horror movies. You can remodel it to be as appealing as any above-ground room in your home. Check out the portfolios of home remodeling contractors and you’ll find basements that could pass for a normal room. Here are tips for finishing your basement, which will also improve your home’s resale value: Test for moisture and waterproof your basement
The first step is to find out if your foundation is sealed or if your basement needs dehumidifying. Your basement must be waterproofed before you begin remodeling, or you’ll face moisture issues like peeling paint, mold, and rotted furniture. One way to test for moisture issues by taping plastic-sheeting to your floors and walls and leaving them over several weeks. If condensation builds underneath, contact a professional home remodeler or general contractor to help you seal your basement. If your basement has moisture issues, you could also direct downspouts away from your basement, adjust your lawn’s slope to drain water away from your basement, and plan for a waterproof paint coating in your remodeling. Additionally, ensure your roof has good drainage that prevents water from seeping into your foundation. If DIYing your basement, study up on building codes Working with licensed home remodeling contractors will save you time securing permits. If you’re up to the DIY challenge, you need to obtain permits and confirm your plans meet your jurisdiction's building codes. Some codes to look out for include the number of basement exits, how high your ceiling reaches, and the dimensions of your basement door. If you’re starting from absolute scratch, and your basement doesn’t even have insulation, you’ll need to look into regulations for every step of the process:
Consider turning your basement into one of the following: Entertainment room Make the lack of light work for you by converting your basement into a home theater, gaming room, sports bar, or a general entertainment center for an at-home escape. Place your screens in the darker area of the basement and have your food-areas near the windows for optimal lighting. Playroom Treat your kids to a special playroom where they can let their imaginations roam in a spacious environment. Put their dollhouses, drawing stations, and play kitchens in their own corners. Lay out a playful rug to sit on, and push a napping couch against the wall. Guest room A modern take on the traditional first-floor guest room, you can turn your basement into a peaceful bedroom. Add a library, desk, and cozy couch to make it feel like a home away from home. Work with home remodeling contractors for a safe finishing For experienced DIYers, finishing a basement might not be the hardest project. Inexperienced DIYers should leave the finishing to the professionals. Look on Yelp! and home improvement sites for the best home remodeling contractors in your area. Comments are closed.
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