A finished basement could be just the upgrade you need to create more living space and add value your home. Whether it’s a movie theater, sports lounge, or play area, that cold and dark lower level of your home can be transformed into functional space. If you’ve been thinking about revamping your current basement, here are some things to keep in mind while remodeling.
1. Clear Out
The first thing that you will want to do is clean out whatever you may have stored in your basement. Even if you know the layout like the back of your hand and want to start planning right away, hidden foundational items could force you to change that.
2. Sketch a Design
Once you have your basement cleaned and cleared out, it’s time to head to the drawing board. When you are designing, keep in mind the locations of various electrical and plumbing hookups to find a setup that will work best.
3. Head Off Water Intrusion
The major problem that homeowners have to deal with is water seeping into their basement. Some ways to avoid this are making sure that water properly drains away from your house, sealing up any cracks or gaps in the foundation and installing drainage (floor drains or sump pumps) in the basement itself.
4. Get Practical with Mechanical Systems
Next, it’s time to deal with the mechanicals—crucial components of your home that keep its systems running. Try to keep appliances like your water heater, water softener, washer and dryer relatively close together. This will make it easier for repairs and inspections and will help add more space to your new basement.
5. Choose the Right Flooring and Lighting
After your mechanical systems are in place, you can start to put in your flooring. Wooden or tile flooring is a good option if you are concerned about water still getting in, but otherwise, a comfy carpet will do the trick. Once flooring is in place, you’re ready to add lighting, whether it be ceiling cans or lamps. Utilizing window wells can also bring in natural light and reduce your energy consumption.
6. Add Personal Touches
Lastly, it’s time to start putting in furniture and finishing things off. Find an arrangement that will work well for your family and guests by keeping clutter to a minimum. Storing any infrequently used items, like holiday decorations, together and out of sight will help keep you organized. More frequently used items, like books and games, should be stored together in a more accessible area.
