03 June 2009

Basement Renovations: What to Consider When Remodeling

dark basementImage by eb78 via Flickr

By Gordon T. Mayer

There are typically two categories of basements. The kind you expect John Travolta to start disco dancing in complete with leisure suit du jour or the kind with damp concrete floors and studded walls lined with cobwebs and boxes of things you will move to each home you own without opening, wondering the whole time, "why am I moving these?" But it is a well known fact that it is just easier to move them from location to location then to actually open them. So which basement is yours? If you have the unfortunate circumstance of owning either it is time to hire the right builder and get moving in the right direction.

An indoor basketball court, theatre room or roller rink could be yours, you can dream as big as you want; or, you could go with a comfy living room complete with a fireplace and so much storage space that your neighbors will be drooling. Dream big, the basement is one of the easiest spots to remodel. Being a floor below the main living quarters, it is easy to have a professional in your home and working because you will not have to put up with the daily disruption you might have during a kitchen or bath remodel. By hiring a professional you trust you will also guarantee a good experience.

Here are 5 areas to consider with your builder:

Insulation and waterproofing - Many basements need the attention of a builder to secure a waterproof seal. They can also help you reduce waste by bringing up the R-value of your insulation.

Heat - Many basements are after thoughts, not initially hooked up in the house's heating structure. Hooking up duct work and installing additional sources of heat may be necessary.

Moisture - A separate issue from waterproofing, humidity is high in many basements due to the fact that concrete draws in and holds moisture. Dehumidifiers and in-floor heating are just two of the ways a builder could help this issue.

Layout - Most people are craving light, bright, wide open spaces. A professional builder can determine which walls are load bearing and which can be removed. Egress windows can also be added to increase the functionality of your current space.

Lighting - Many people dislike basements because they are dark. Adding well placed, thought out and efficient lighting can create a warm and inviting basement and you want to spend time in.

A basement remodel can add thousands to your home. It can turn dank storage space into a well lived in game room, family room or whatever you can imagine. To see your house transformed right before you eyes find a professional, they know how to get the job done right.

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