4 Tips for Remodeling Your Basement
Judie Docs, Executive Officer – CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM
North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www.ncbia.com
A finished basement can be a valuable addition to your home. It can be a playroom for your kids, a place for family to stay during visits, a media room the whole family can use, or even a space to rent out for some extra income.
However, depending on the current condition of your basement, it can also be a daunting project to take on. Here are four tips to help you feel comfortable jumping in and transforming your basement into your home’s newest feature.
Deal with Health, Safety, and Legal Concerns First
Before you start renovations, do some research into any laws and building codes that might affect your project. Codes can change depending on your locality, so make sure you are reading the right ones. Make note of any egress requirements, and plan for adequate windows and fire exits.
Then, get a professional to come in and check for any health and safety concerns that need to be addressed. Basements can often hide things like mold, asbestos, and radon, so make sure that if anything is lurking, you are taking care of it before starting renovations.
Decide on Your Master Plan
Will you primarily be using your extra space for guests? A playroom? A family movie room?
If you plan to rent the space, consider if a small kitchen will fit comfortably in your budget.
A bathroom can go a long way toward making a space comfortable for guests, and if there’s not room for a full tub and shower, a half bath will still add value to the space.
Set a Realistic Budget and Stick to it
Basement remodels can be one of the most expensive home renovation projects, so it is a good idea to sit down with a professional remodeler and set a realistic budget. Allow for some wiggle room in case unexpected problems arise, and do not be stingy when it comes to dealing with things like leaks and water damage.
Have a professional check out the foundation and put some money toward solving any potential water problems first and foremost. Remember that you can always put more money toward finessing the decor later when your budget allows. Put the bulk of your budget into making sure it is a safe, comfortable, functional space before splitting hairs over furnishings or small decorative touches.
Think about Ways to Eliminate that Basement Feel
Basements are often not built with everyday use in mind, but there are a lot of creative ways to liven up the space and take away that underground basement feel.
Start with good insulation to control both temperature and sound. You do not want your footsteps echoing loudly in your guests’ ears, and you also do not need unwanted noise floating up into the main part of the house.
For decor, think about using warm color and gentle lighting. Add softness with curtains or carpet. Basements will often have low ceilings that can make the space feel a bit unwelcoming, so think creatively and see if a professional can reroute the ductwork, wiring, or piping so you can free up some space to allow for higher ceilings.
We are your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other aspects of services available to help you in the future as well as more information on the above topic. So, you can see it is for your protection that you use a NCBIA member. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the Industry tab).
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