Remodeling Your Basement Instead of Adding Home Additions

The basement of any home is a valuable part of the real estate, with plenty of possibilities for remodeling to transform the space into a bedroom, entertainment center, or other type of addition. Fixing up your basement can ultimately maximize the amount of living space within the home, while leaving your guests impressed.

Here are some steps to take to prepare your basement for a complete remodel.

Make Sure the Basement is Dry

If the home has a history of flooding problems, it’s important to resolve these issues before beginning a renovation. A majority of flooding issues are caused by insufficient control of runoff from the roof. Homeowners can correct this by repairing cracks in the foundation, clearing the gutters of clogs, and making sure the ground is sloped away from the home. If flooding problems still persist, either repairing or installing new foundation drains could be the right fix.

Fixing flooding issues and performing these repairs or installations will require a lot of work, making it best to hire professional contractors to do the job.

Avoid Violating Building Codes

Building codes vary depending on the location, but typically a basement ceiling height must be at least seven feet when finished. Certain building codes may allow for the presence of some lower obstructions such as structural beams. Inspectors may also permit minor height issues in many cases. However, you’re better off making sure your home meets building codes beforehand by consulting with a local inspector prior to beginning the remodel.

An inspector can also help you adhere to the requirements regarding other aspects of basement construction, including stairways, emergency escape windows and doors, egresses, among others.

Properly Finish Walls and Floors

It can be easy to hide block or concrete behind new walls, but ensuring that walls don’t experience any mold or mildew buildup, or any damage from condensation, is another matter. Concrete making contact with the ground will always remain cool, which allows for condensation from water vapor to form in the warm air escaping the basement. This will result in damp wall and floor materials, mildew buildup, and rot over time.

Working with a contractor to install fully finished floors and walls using high-quality materials and insulation can help prevent these issues.

With a fully finished basement, homeowners can significantly increase the overall value of their homes by taking advantage of a space that’s often overlooked, without the need to add on to any other part of the home. Contact CMH Builders today to get more information, and to schedule your free consultation!