8 Tips to Ensure a Successful Basement Renovation

Remodeling your basement is a great way to increase your home’s usable space and improve its value. However, a basement renovation project isn’t as easy as it seems. It requires a significant amount of planning, time, and money.

If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of redoing your basement, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a list of tips to help you learn how to remodel basement the correct way. 

So, let’s dive in.

1. Check the Condition of Your Foundation

Before you even think about remodeling your basement, you need to check on the condition of the foundation. If you notice hairline cracks in the foundation or around the exterior of your home, you may want to call a home inspector and have them take a closer look. If there is a problem, it may be wiser to fix the foundation before starting on the basement.

2. Test for Moisture

Basements are notorious for being damp. That’s because moisture can build up there for several reasons, such as humidity leaking into the house from outside air, humid air in the home getting trapped inside, or moisture seeping in from the soil around the home. 

It’s important to address moisture issues before starting your project. After all, the last thing you want is for your new drywall, flooring, or paint to get ruined due to the moisture seeping into your basement.

The best way to identify the level of moisture in your basement and assess it for signs of moisture issues is to hire a home inspector. They can also recommend techniques to seal the basement and reduce moisture from building up in your home.

3. Determine the Scope of the Project 

Before you begin remodeling your basement, decide what you hope to accomplish. Think about how you intend to use it in the future, what’s best for your lifestyle, and the needs of your family. Highlighting the main reason for renovating your basement will enable you to choose the right design for this unfinished space.

For example, if you’re aiming to increase the livable space of your property, you should plan to build an extra bedroom and bathroom in the basement. However, if you simply need more space to entertain guests or watch movies, you can develop your basement in such a way that it enables you to host parties and offers open space for your kids to play.

4. Create a Plan 

Like any other home improvement project, redoing the basement requires planning. Once you’ve stated the purpose of your basement renovation, you need to devise a plan. This will enable you to guide the basement contractors in the right direction and ensure your basement makeover is successful.

Aspects to include in your renovation plan are your budget, timeline, essential developmental criteria (what the new basement must have), etc. 

5. Design A Suitable Layout

In order to utilize the space optimally, you need a well-thought-out floor plan that allows you to maximize your usable floor space. Imagine how you want your basement to look at the end of the remodel and start from there. 

Stand in the middle of your basement and assess what walls you want to put up. Keep in mind that the more walls you erect, the more restricted the space will become. To help envision the reality of your layout, you may want to use masking tape and create the layout on the basement floor. Remember that a good basement floor plan will take into consideration the stairwell space, current pillars, and beams, additional storage spaces, a utility room to hide the furnace and breaker box, doors, and egress window, among other things.

If you really want to take your basement to the next level, consider hiring an interior designer for your basement improvement project. They’re sure to merge function and aesthetics to create an energy-efficient basement that aligns with your needs and preferences.  

6. Assess the Lighting 

Since basements don’t usually receive a lot of natural light, you need to make sure there is adequate lighting. In fact, it helps set the tone for the space, making your basement feel more spacious and inviting. Otherwise, your new basement can end up feeling dark and dismal.

So the key to a successful renovation is to utilize multiple sources of light and brighten up your space. Installing an egress window or walkout patio doors can allow a considerable amount of natural light in during the day. Recessed lighting can illuminate your space and create a better ambiance at night.

7. Consider Your Flooring Options 

Dampness issues and water problems are common concerns when remodeling a basement. So if you’ve encountered foundation issues before, you need to reassess your flooring options before renovating your basement.

Flooring options include concrete, carpet, tiles, and laminate wood. You can use multiple types of flooring in your basement, such as carpet in the bedroom and tiles in the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom. However, basement contractors may recommend waterproof or water-resistant flooring options, especially if the area is prone to flooding.

8. Hire Basement Renovation Experts

So far, we have discussed ways you can contribute to a successful basement remodel. But let’s be honest, this is not a project you should attempt to complete on your own. Not only can a poorly done renovation lower the value of your home, but it can also create other issues that could cost more to fix.

So if you’re looking for a bigger bang for your buck, you should consider hiring a professional local basement contractor from the get-go. They are licensed, experienced, and certified. That means they’re up to date with rules and regulations necessary for basement development, such as permits, building codes, etc. Moreover, they have adequate knowledge about the environmental conditions of the area and can find the best materials at the best prices. 

Let’s Renovate Your Basement

Remodeling your basement is a costly affair. You’ll have to invest a considerable amount of time and money. However, following the above tips can ensure your project is successful, especially with professional basement remodeling experts by your side.

NDA Construction offers a range of renovation services, from design to construction and everything in between. We guarantee to transform your basement in record time and within budget. Contact our basement renovation contractors to discuss your basement improvement plans.