Besides hiring an experienced home improvement company, the success of any basement remodeling project boils down to avoiding various basement remodeling mistakes.
Here are a few insider tips you can apply to help you create the basement of your dreams, minus the headaches.
- Plan Your Space Accordingly. Before you get started on your basement’s remodeling, it’s essential to have a clear vision for how you want your finished space to look. Consider the purpose of the remodeled basement, how much space you’re working with, and what utilities will be needed. This will enable you and your contractor to develop a practical layout for the intended use, whether a home theater, bedroom, or playroom.
- Get Moisture Under Control. Catching moisture issues early is critical to creating a livable basement. If your basement is showing any signs of mold or dampness, you’ll need to take care of that beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll have a hard time keeping that musty smell away, not to mention the significant potential for rot and water damage in your newly finished basement.
- Incorporate Effective Lighting. Basements tend to be dark, so ensure you include plenty of lighting in your basement remodeling plans. Consider adding windows to brighten the space naturally or installing ceiling lights and wall sconces to improve the lighting artificially. Adequate lighting will take your basement one step closer to being a welcoming, livable space.
- Familiarize Yourself with Local Building Codes. Building codes dictate your basement remodeling project’s safety and functional requirements. For example, in Montgomery County, Tennessee, the local codes mandate that any space converted into a sleeping area have an emergency egress window and a smoke detector. Although your contractor will guide you through this part, it’s never a bad idea to have this knowledge – or the basics, at the very least – at the tip of your fingers.