Remodeling Basement

Remodeling basement areas bring their own set of challenges. This area provides a great value for your remodeling dollar because there are no structures that need to be built. Floors, walls and ceilings already exist; the area just needs to be finished to be a great place to spend time. This reduces cost. However, low ceilings, concrete surfaces, waterproofing issues and dark rooms need to be overcome and worked with using innovative designs to make your basement an inviting place for family and friends.

Remodeling and Mildew Control

Basements tend to be a breeding ground for mildew and mold. The concrete in floors and walls actually attract moisture, which makes sealing them extremely important. Remodeling basement, and sealing the walls and floor with products designed to do so, such as basement paint, or special plastic coatings for the walls is one step. Depending upon your local climate, you may have to do more than one or two things in your finished basement designs to effectively eliminate dampness that attracts mold and mildew during your remodeling basement project.

During remodeling, once you have eliminated, or at least reduced, the sources of moisture in your underground living areas, you can also reduce the humidity to help control mildew. If you have the head clearance downstairs, install ceiling fans in each room in the basement. Looking for ideas that solve the cool floors prevalent in basement rooms along with reducing humidity? Consider radiant floor heating which will do both, make the rooms extremely comfortable, and saving on heating, as this is an extremely efficient way to heat a room. If you don't know how to install this heating system, our quote request form at the top of this page will assist you in finding a contractor.

Moisture Warning Signs

Mold and Mildew loves damp and dark areas, so basements are a favorite environment. Besides causing unpleasant odors and discoloration, mold and mildew cause serious health issues, especially among children and the elderly. Also, if you or someone in your family has asthma, remodeling your home to reduce the risk of mold or mildew exposure is a good idea.

Besides the musty smell, be on the look-out for paint issues, such as flaking or peeling, which is a sign of waterproofing problems. Dry rot is also called black fungus, and grows mostly on walls, inside pictures, or wooden surfaces. Despite its name, it is also a sign of moisture problems. Also, white powdery spots on walls are the chemical by-product of ingredients within the walls that are breaking down do to water damage. Keep an eye out for rust on appliances or furniture. Rust is caused by dampness and is another sign of waterproofing issues.
Luckily, these issues are all fixable during remodeling basement projects, and once corrected will leave you with a pleasant and useable living area. For serious waterproofing issues, it pays to contact a professional and will save money in the long run. Unchecked moisture control issues will actually cause structural damage if not corrected.

Basement Lighting

Basements can be dark. In remodeling basement projects, consider lighter paint colors for the walls and ceiling. On the floor, don't use dark, saturated colors that tend to absorb light from a room and make it look smaller. When installing light fixtures in basements during the remodeling project, remember that you will need more light down here to make it feel less gloomy. Natural lighting is nil, or at least limited, in underground rooms, so remember you will need to use more artificial lighting than you would upstairs. Use mirrors to open up rooms visually, and multiply light.

Remodeling Floor Options

In remodeling basement projects, remember even with all the water control prevention steps you take, water seeks the lowest point which in most houses is your newly remodeling basement. Carpet may be installed, and seems like a good idea because of the cool nature of many basement floors, but consider using alternatives which will stand up better to damp and outright water exposure. Ideas could be tiles or vinyl with throw rugs, as an example. If you can't live without wall to wall carpet, consider indoor/outdoor carpeting which is designed for some water contact.

Remodeling basement projects provide a new living area in your home. It allows you to view your entire house, not just the remodeling project, in a new light. To start your own remodeling basement project, fill out the quote request form at the top of this page. Qualified contractors from your local area will be in touch via email to discuss your project. No matter the final use of your underground living space, whether organized and well thought out storage, or a home entertainment and theater room, it is convenient and time saving to request project quotes in this way.