The Many Options of a Finished Basement
Many households across the country are missing out on valuable extra living space in their homes. Just because your basement isn’t finished with bare concrete walls and floors, making it ideal for just storing and housing the HVAC units, doesn’t mean there aren’t other options. With a little time and money, you can take this dark, unused storage space and turn it into valuable living space that has the potential to serve a myriad of purposes; guest bedroom, game room, home office, family room, or media room.
Is your base empty?
If you answered yes, then it’s time to make better use of this valuable extra living space in your home. The possibilities are endless for any homeowner with an empty basement.
How can I use my foundation?
Take your time and consider your options. There’s no need to make a hasty decision before you’re ready. With time and a little imagination, your basement can be transformed into a master bedroom, home office, game room, game room, or a space for you and your better half to relax and meditate. It will be done in no time!
Remodeling your foundation will add square footage to your home and increase the overall value without major renovations. However, there are some important questions to ask before transforming your basement into a usable living space.
How important is the heating and cooling system in my new space?
Heating and cooling units will need to be modified to meet your specific needs and handle the added load of your new living space. These types of details may be better answered by an expert rather than making your own guesses. In the event that your heating or air conditioning unit is not large enough to handle the additional square footage, you will need to add an additional unit to help handle the additional load.
Will my new space need to be rewired?
If your home has existing wiring in the basement, it will not need to be replaced. However, if there is no existing wiring, you will need to install wiring to feed the new living space. Feel free to call a professional electrician to evaluate the space and discuss the best options to meet your specific needs.
Always keep in mind what the space will be used for and discuss this with your electrician. Talk to him about lighting, as well as easy access to sockets that will be placed throughout the room.
Should I insulate my new space?
Yes! Your new space should be insulated to help keep heating and cooling costs down.
Is there a specific flooring that I should use in my basement?
Of course you want to consider personal taste and style, but even more important is getting the most out of your investment. In this case, most people know that foundations are prone to some form of water damage, whether it be from leaking pipes or flooding. Regardless of how the water gets in, it’s likely to happen.
Be careful when choosing organic materials like rugs, wood, and paint. As these items are the preferred food for mold, that is, once moisture hits and mold starts to grow; your organic products will maintain and develop mold colonies.
Solution
Don’t hesitate to contact a local expert before embarking on a home improvement project of this magnitude, as you want to make the best choice for lasting quality and value for money.