A fully functional basement is a great addition to any home. It provides more space for you to relax with your family and friends while also offering additional storage. If you’re thinking about finishing your basement there are some considerations you should keep in mind. This is a complex project that requires a lot of careful planning. Jumping in without proper insight could be a bad idea! Before you make moves towards finishing your basement, study up on these 6 things to know about the process.
Before you begin the process of finishing your basement, you should take steps towards preparing the space. Take a look at the foundation. Does it look uniform and in good shape? Or are there chips and cracks that should be addressed first? You’ll also need to make sure radon levels are in a safe zone. If levels above 4 picocuries per liter of air, you’ll need to mitigate the issue.
There also might be some projects you’ll want to complete before you install drywall and flooring. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider putting in a sump pump. Another consideration to keep in mind is what projects upstairs might require access to plumbing and electrical connections downstairs. Try to complete these projects before any drywall goes up in the basement. Once you have all that sorted out, you can determine proper insulation needs and begin the basement renovation process.
If you live in an older home with an unfinished basement, it might not be up to code. There are many new safety standards that might not have been in place when your home was under construction. For instance, egress windows are a necessity now but they were not required until the International Residential Code of 1997 was introduced. Low ceilings and enclosed closets are some more requirements you’ll need to fulfill.
These codes vary from location to location. Some regions require inspections, others require specialized permits to complete a basement remodel. It’s always in your best interest to check with your local officials to see what you’ll need to do to get up to code.
Not only will finishing your basement increase the quality of your day-to-day life, but it can also add value to your home. Finishing your basement can offer a 70-75% return on investment. This can be especially true in areas that have homes with less square footage. If a home is situated near a downtown area with smaller homes, finishing a basement is a great way to give your home a competitive edge if and when you decide to sell. So you can enjoy extra storage and space to relax while living in your home and rack up higher offers when you put your home on the market.
Basements tend to have higher moisture levels as well as more dramatic temperature fluctuation. With such variable conditions, it’s important to be discerning when picking out a floor material option. Classic floor choices such as wood might not work well due to the high moisture. Ceramic tile, epoxy, vinyl planks, and carpet are best suited for a basement. Also, consider installing a heated floor. Basements tend to be the coldest areas of your home. That could mean an uncomfortable, icy floor. Heated floors can add that cozy factor to your basement space.
Finishing your basement isn’t just about picking out paint colors and hardware. There are a lot of structural considerations to keep in mind too. Remember, you will need to plan for subprojects that assure your basement is up to code and functional. For example, floating walls might be necessary to maintain your home’s overall integrity as the slab below your home naturally shifts.
HVAC and plumbing are also important factors to plan for early on. Where will you put your water heater and furnace? How will you incorporate plumbing? These are the questions you’ll have to answer while planning out your basement design.
Taking on a project like this takes a lot of careful planning and knowledge. It’s not a simple DIY undertaking. While you can handle some tasks on your own, many of the projects require a complex understanding of codes, standards, and construction. You’ll likely need to install windows, ceilings, and build walls. There are a lot of intricacies that are involved with finishing a basement.
If you’re looking to finish your basement, consider hiring a professional. Forge & Bow would be happy to help those in the Denver and Northern Colorado regions finally put the finishing touches on their basement. We know the ins and outs of how to make your downstairs space appear bigger, brighter, and more open. We’re also skilled in matching the design with your practical needs. Reach out with any questions!
