A finished basement is the perfect project for the homeowner that is looking to increase their living space at a fraction of the cost of a room addition. If done right by a trusted professional remodeler, a finished basement can become the most popular room in the house. The options are endless; whether it is a home office, exercise room, extra bedroom, game room, man cave, or even a home theater. Here are a few thing to consider before you begin on you finished basement.
Basement is in Good Condition to be Finished
Before even starting on the remodeling process, you need to make sure your basement is a good candidate for finishing. Check the ceiling height, if the ceiling is too low a finished basement would not work. Check the lally columns, heating ducts and water supply lines and make sure they are placed correctly. If not they may need to be moved or replaced which could add huge costs to your finished basement project.
Check Moisture Levels
Moisture levels in a home are generally highest in the basement. High moisture levels can cause mold, warped wood, and creates issues with hardwood flooring. To control moisture levels in your finished basement you can either install a dehumidifier that runs on hydrostat, or install heating/cooling systems that control humidity.
Install Proper Insulation
Insulation in a finished basement cannot be installed directly onto the concrete, it needs space to breathe. If not the moisture in the concrete can transfer to the insulation and cause mold damage.
Select Comfortable/Sensible Flooring
Most likely your basement floor is a concrete slab, which means you have a few choices for flooring. Some choices include vinyl, laminate, carpet, tile, and even engineered wood. Natural wood may not be a good option because it shrinks and expands with moisture. Look at the pros and cons and choose the option that works best for your finished basement.
Illuminate Your Finished Basement
413-535-7006
Combat the darkness and dinginess of your basement with different lighting options to make it popular gathering space. The first and most important feature is natural light. When designing your finished basement plan to install large windows to bring in as much light as possible. Then focus on setting up a good lighting plan. Use recessed cans to illuminate the majority of the basement and track lights and pendant lighting to eliminate dark areas where you work, play or read. You can also use table lamps or floor lamps to light up the corners of the finished basement.
