BasementFinishing

Basement Finishing Plan

A basement finishing plan helps you define your goals for this underground region of your home. If you haven't explored your basement recently but you know you have a certain amount of unused square footage below your house, inspect the area carefully before you begin your plan. Look for signs of water leakage, such as stains, mold, mildew and standing pools of water. Note the air temperature and whether it feels cold and damp in this space. Check for sources of lighting, ventilation, electrical wiring and plumbing. Inspect the floor to see if it's level.

The scope of your basement finishing plan will depend on how much preparatory work needs to be done to make the room livable. Finishing a basement starts with making sure it's water proof, well insulated and ventilated, and that it has proper lighting. You may also need to arrange a radon inspection to check for this natural, radioactive gas below your home. Once you've developed a plan for these essential, initial tasks, you can move on to the next phase of your project and focus on the aspects of the finishing plan that make your basement unique.

Setting Goals for a Basement

A basement finishing plan may be a simple, modest project or a more complicated, elaborate renovation. If you have a clear idea of your goals from the beginning, you're more likely to stay on budget with your finishing plan and achieve the results you want. By identifying potential problems before you start your finishing job, you can avoid unanticipated costs when you're in the midst of the remodel. Issues that could potentially be costly to repair include severe water leakage, damaged plumbing, a faulty foundation or inadequate ventilation.

Your basement finishing plan should focus on the goals you want to achieve for this area. If you want to create a guest quarters, you may need to add a half bath as well as cabinets or closet space for storage. A home office will require plenty of lighting, ventilation and access to electricity and internet services. A family media room or entertainment area will require sturdy wall paneling to support heavy audio or video equipment and a large flat screen television.

A licensed contractor can be a valuable working partner in helping you implement your basement finishing plan. A contractor can guide you through the process of designing a code compliant, safe, comfortable living area. From water sealing and insulating the area to installing new floors, ceilings and shelving, a dependable professional can be a valuable source of advice. To find a professional who offers reliable services at affordable rates, compare quotes from several of the top experts in your area on the cost of making your basement finishing plan a reality.

Finishing a Livable Basement

Any finishing plan should include a consultation with a licensed contractor, a building inspector or a representative from your community's planning agency. A basement must meet certain safety standards in order to comply with construction codes. These codes generally cover water proofing, ventilation for radon, access to emergency exits and height requirements for doors and ceilings. If you're aware of all these requirements from the beginning, you can work them into your plan and avoid surprises down the road.

Many homeowners expect more from their basement finishing plan than a usable storage space or a comfortable underground hang out. These days, it's not uncommon for basements to be remodeled into home gyms, stylish garden level apartments, family theaters and entertainment centers. To turn this subterranean space into a livable area, consider widening doorways, enlarging existing windows or installing new window openings. Include accents like moldings, columns or built-in shelving, to add attractive details to the room.

If your walls or floors are not level and you need help with insulation, wall paneling, floor or ceiling installation, a finish system may be the best alternative. These all-inclusive systems are designed by manufacturers who specialize in creating finished spaces for their clients. You can carry out an entire basement finishing plan with the help of one of these professional systems and get warrantied results for this investment. Take the time to compare your options online to make an educated decision about this project.

A basement finishing plan can lead to changes that could boost the value of your property. Whether you intend to sell your home in the future or stay in the house for years, you'll appreciate the improvements that you've made when you have a whole new room to use and enjoy. Instead of letting this region of your home get dank and moldy, have the room properly ventilated and insulated to make it comfortable and safe. Work with a licensed contractor who can help you achieve satisfying, long lasting results.