Considerations before Finishing your Basement

No basement renovation idea would be complete without first addressing the issue of finishing. There are plenty of options when it comes to turning a plain basement into a cozy and comfortable living space, but before you start copying decoration designs from magazines, you first need to ensure that the space under your main floor is worthy structurally, and capable of being transformed. To determine how livable your basement will be, consider these points:

 

Basement Remodeling: Clean-Up and Inspection

Of all the rooms in the house, the basement is arguably the most neglected for the simple reason that it’s not a room for a household to do much of their daily activities. However, with simple remodeling, a basement can actually turn into a welcoming place where people would actually want to hang out. However, when remodeling a basement, there are things to be done in preparation.

Proper basement remodeling requires a thorough inspection of the internal and external premises to avoid any potential mishaps. It has to be inspected for susceptibility to flooding from rainfall, sewage runoff, or pipework malfunctions. Neglecting to determine the basement’s overall condition can lead to potential water damage and mold buildup in the long run.

 

Remarkable Basement Finishing: The Lowdown

Is your , basement remodeling project about to be completed? You should be very proud of yourself for transforming a dull space in your house into something that is functional and exciting at the same time. Before you celebrate though, make sure that that you also covered basement finishing, which is essential in having a remarkable space upgrade.

 

Remodel Your Basement into a Woodworking Shop

Wood is an excellent material not only for framing houses and other sturdy structures, but also for sculpting artistic works and crafts. If you are a woodworking hobbyist, you might want to consider turning your basement into your very own woodworking shop.

 

Perks of Finishing Your Basement

When people think about their basements, the word “storage” usually isn’t far off—especially if the basement is unfinished. Indeed, many basements become nothing more than oversized storage areas for old and forgotten possessions.

However, basements are actually one of the most versatile spaces in your home. If you’re willing to remodel it, you can use a basement for both functional or recreation purposes—like a spacious laundry room or maybe a high-tech home theater, for example. Aside from adding more usable space to your home, finishing your basement also offers many other benefits, such as:

Increased Home Value

When it comes to home improvement, people often have kitchen remodeling or landscaping at the top of their list. With regard to return of investment though, few projects are as rewarding as basement remodeling, which provides up to a 150% return on your expenditure.

Additional Income

Want an extra source of income? Then you might want to convert your basement into a rental property. Most basement apartments rent at 75% of your monthly mortgage payment, which means it’ll pay for itself soon enough and help you pay off your house quicker.

Protect Your Health

An unfinished basement is often infested with mold and mildew, both of which can trigger allergic reactions and other health issues. When you finish your basement, you also eliminate the moisture problems that encourage the growth of these intruders.

 

What to Do Before a Basement Remodel

There are a myriad of design possibilities to consider when transforming your basement into an ideal living space. However, before you kick start the actual renovation, there are a few things that you need to accomplish.

1. Check for moisture and mold. Moisture and mold can cause permanent damage to your basement. Call contractors to thoroughly inspect and clean-up the area to ensure that it is a safe, dry, and healthy environment.

2. Determine your available financing. A trusted contractor will give you a detailed estimate and keep track of the expenses and the materials that you’ll need to complete the project. He can make sure that you don’t overspend and the project is completed within your available means.

3. Plan out the renovation. List down specific requirements before starting the construction. What do you need exactly in terms of lighting, ventilation, plumbing and other factors?

4. See to it that all the inspections are conducted and all the permits are secured. You want to ensure that your home remodeling project doesn’t violate any policies.

Quality basement remodeling can only be guaranteed by reputable contractors. As a homeowner, you have to be particular about who you hire to work on your project. While excellent workmanship is a top priority, it is most important that your basement is built to adapt to your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.

 

Sound Underground: Finishing Your Basement

There’s charm to having a basement—an effective living space—beneath your house. Basement spaces are quite versatile and can be designed as storage rooms, home theaters, and even personalized “man caves.” However, constructing a basement, much less renovating one, presents the homeowner a unique set of building challenges.

 

No basement is ever considered complete without addressing its major requirements. Due to its position underground, the room needs adequate insulation to balance its temperature. Additionally, the basement needs to be waterproofed to prevent leakage during periods of heavy rain. Moreover, the room needs to be designed to handle moisture from the atmosphere for humidity control.

 

Homeowners should always prioritize completing the basic structure of their basements before the actual interior design. While it’s tempting to cut corners, homeowners shouldn’t settle for shoddy construction work unless they plan on dealing with a lifetime of flooding problems and toxic mold growth, among other troubles.

 

To ensure that the space has all the basics, homeowners should hire a professional contractor. Contractors can sufficiently assess what a basement needs to provide residents optimal comfort and enjoyment for years to come. With their help, homeowners can freely and easily achieve their design ideas and transform the room into a worthwhile space that’s suited to their lifestyle.

 

Basement Waterproofing: First Order of Business

If you want to add some extra living space by remodeling your basement, waterproofing should be your top priority. After all, water from heavy rain or any form of flooding is bound to find its way into that lowest level of your property.

As such, even the most functional room located in the basement must have a sump pump and drain hidden from plain sight. As long as these perform their jobs, you can rest assured that your remodeled basement will remain clean, presentable, and comfortable.

 

Guidelines for Basement Finishing in Chicago

Basement finishes and renovations should not be a DIY project. Disastrous consequences like injuries and costly mistakes can happen. Hiring a contractor for basement finishing in Chicago is your first step for a well-designed and properly built additional living space. Certain issues and concerns in a basement improvement project can be addressed effectively by these experts.

Technical and Mechanical Issues

Plumbing work, electrical wiring, and protective framing are intricate jobs only professionals can successfully accomplish. Sinks or complete bathrooms may be installed. Recessed or artificial lighting is recommended, especially for basements lacking windows for natural illumination. Carpentry skills are needed to frame ceilings and walls, especially if posts, ventilation exhausts, or ducts are present.

 

The Benefits of Working from Home

Today, being gainfully employed no longer means being confined to a cubicle. More and more people are working from home, either because they have a home-based business or their employers allow them to work out of the office a few days per week.

Goodbye to Commutes

Employees spend an average of 50 minutes per day just commuting to and from work. Work-from-home, meanwhile, only takes effort as simple as walking up to your laptop and turning it on. The time you save from commuting allows you to get more work done or be used as “me time.”

Hello to Family Time

Sure, work is important. Howe else will you pay for groceries, utility bills and tuition fees? Still, the most important thing in life is family, and working from home allows you to spend more time with your spouse and children.

Comfortable Space

Many a time, employees complain about how small their office cubicles are. When you’re at home, however, you need not worry about competing for that much-coveted floor space in the office.

You can work in your bedroom, den, or even have your basement completely remodeled to accommodate your new office space. Now, there should be no limits to the space you can use for your work. You can even customize your basement finishing by adding your own mini-pantry, so you won’t have to make multiple trips to the kitchen. Not only can you make your basement look better and functional, you can also increase your home’s value.