Tips to Making the Most of Your Basement
Many homeowners typically overlook the great potential that their basements possess. These rooms are not merely in place to be used as laundry areas or as storage space. They can be utilised for a myriad of applications as long as they get the right basement finishing. Below are a few of the things that you could keep in mind that will help you turn your basement into whatever living space you would want it to be.
Check for water damage
The first thing you need to do is inspect the basement for any repairs that need to be done. One of the most prevalent problems that affect basements is the plumbing. Look out or any water damage that may have occurred over the years or if there are any leaking pipes If you detect any unwanted moisture, you are best advised to seek the services of a professional to find what the problem is and fix it. If you notice any leaking that is coming from the outdoors, check the walls for any small cracks or holes. Waterproofing contractors can then go in there to seal these off with a waterproof foundation to avoid further damages and costs in repairs.
Ensure the flooring is sloping appropriately
Another thing to look out for would be how the ground is sloping towards the house. The ideal grade would be the ground sloping slightly away from the basement, as this will prevent water from seeping into the foundation when it rains. Attending to the grade of the slope would be one of the things that will need to be tackled before you can transform the room.
Check the heating in the basement
The heating needs to be in good working condition as well as up to the building code standards for your area. If you are planning to use the basement as a living space after the renovations, find out from a professional if you would need to incorporate additional heating as well as how much it would cost.
Have a plan drawn up
Once any basic renovations are complete, you would be best advised to enlist the services of an architect to design a suitable floor plan for the space. Having a professional ensures that your vision for the basement will be brought to life. Remember the room can only be insulated once you know where walls and doors should be added.
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