Planning for Your Basement Remodel

If the idea of remodeling your basement sounds enticing to you, you may already be imagining the possibilities all that extra finished space can provide. You’re already on the right track to making your dreams a reality because planning is the key to basement remodeling, much as it is for any other home improvement project. In fact, before you begin the any type of construction, you should have a clear idea of how you want to use your basement.

Here are a few suggestions:– A home theater– A personal gym– A playroom– An art studio or craft room– A spare bedroom

Moisture Issues

Once you have a vision in mind, you’ll be tempted to either get to work or to call a contractor, but before you begin, be sure to tackle the problem of moisture in your basement. If you have a water problem or have to cope with condensation, you’ll need to address these issues before remodeling the basement. While installing a system to cope with the water may be expensive, it’s worth the money to help protect your investment. Skipping this step or opting for a second-rate waterproofing solution might put your basement at risk for mold and mildew growth, which is a constant problem for cold, damp, dark spaces.

Structural & Electrical Concerns

You should also consider your basement’s structural and electrical needs, which includes more than knowing where load-bearing beams are. You should also understand any safety standards your local government requires of remodeled basements. For instance, it may not be much of an issue to install a handrail for your staircase, as many areas call for, but putting in an egress window to properly convert your basement into a safe spare bedroom might throw a wrench your plans and take an unexpected chunk out of your budget.

Structural & Electrical Concerns

Electrical needs are just as important. You need to have a plan for lighting your basement, which may not have a source of ambient light. Although this may sound like an issue that can be resolved after your new walls go up, running electricity to all of your light sources is more easily done before construction.

Design Elements

As your basement remodel nears completion, remember to incorporate appropriate design elements and use your space wisely. For example, if your basement has exposed piping and insulation near the ceiling, you’ll likely want a drop ceiling to cover it up and make the basement feel cozier. You can also elect to paint the pipes black to give your basement a modern industrial feel.

Choosing the Right Furniture

Furniture is a key design element as well, and often people place oversized furniture in their basements, making their room feel smaller and more cramped. To avoid this basement remodeling mistake, plan ahead. That means that you should have measurements for each area you plan to create within your basement so you can find appropriately sized furniture.

Choosing the Right Furniture

Also, to be sure you don’t have too much furniture, think through how many people will regularly use the room and how to best accommodate them. If you’re planning a playroom for the kids, space may not be at such a premium. However, if you want to create a game room complete with a wet bar – something that’s sure to appeal to your friends – you’ll want to consider slimmer seating options, such as stools, as opposed to giving everyone their own spot on a large couch.