Starting the process of renovating your basement can seem daunting. Still, this process will be much more straightforward once you’ve got the right ideas and a plan. Realizing that, despite its state, a basement has the potential to be one of the most delightful living rooms in a house is the first step in finishing one.
The same way as any other space will aid in determining how to complete a basement without too much anxiety or hurdles. Suppose it gets currently utilized as a messy storage space with a musty smell. It was completed but not completed to perfection. In that case, it’s still a valuable space.
Design Your Layout Before Time
Your plan layout will save you lots of money and time and improve your chances of reaching the perfect design. You can:
- Enhance the look of your room and welcoming by placing the main room close to a source of sunlight.
- It is best to place the bedrooms close to the perimeter so that they have windows that could get used as exits in the case of an emergency.
- If you want to create an entertainment space that uses a screen for viewing screen, ensure it is located in a dark area of the basement to stop the screen from glaring.
- Set up a snack storage area in an ideal location that is accessible and does not interfere with the view.
What to Be Aware of Before You Begin
A basement structure suggestion is to hire an expert to inspect the ventilation and the fuel appliances for indications of carbon monoxide emissions.
When you finish your basement, look for indications of sagging on the joists. Please use a ladder to bring your eyes parallel to them and determine whether any are off-line.
Examine the amount of moisture. Attach a few plastic sheets to the walls and floors over two weeks. Suppose condensation develops on the lower part of the sheet and the walls. In that case, it could cause issues with moisture due to poor foundation sealing. If condensation forms on the plastic’s top, the area is not humid enough.
Check whether the header and floor joists have decayed or are infested by insects before the basement remodel.
Important Information to Take Note Of
1: Pipe Insulation
Install insulation sleeves on pipes to stop heat loss from hot water pipes and condensation on cold water lines. Slip foam insulation is beneficial in protecting both ceiling and drywall. Ensure all cracks around the tubes get sealed, regardless of their size. Silicone caulk is an excellent choice to fill smaller gaps and expand foam to seal the larger apertures. Be sure to consider the spaces between the chimney flues and the area between your basement and the other home parts.
2: Give Mechanicals Space
Whether the mechanicals gets boxed the way they are or not. There must be sufficient space around the mechanicals. Experts recommend at least two feet to permit the mechanicals to move when being repaired or inspected. Play can save you from the time-consuming job of shifting items around when it’s time to improve the equipment.
3: Additional Tasks on Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are excellent at keeping basements from flooding; however, they require additional care and attention to operate effectively. Get a professional to install them and regularly check them.
It gets recommended to have two sump pumps and an alternative power source. The battery will kick in for the main pump if there is a power failure, while the second pump will begin working if the first is not working. The sump pumps should get based on whether the house gets connected to water from the municipal water supply. It’s easier to use a water-powered pump to ensure that the pressure generated by the pipes can get turned off when needed.
4: Is More Headroom Necessary?
The building codes of many regions stipulate that ceilings should be a minimum 7 feet clearance. If your ceiling is not higher than this, you can add space by removing the floor in concrete. To prevent the foundation from being damaged, it is also essential to use professional judgment; this process could be time-consuming and costly. Moving conduits and pipes is an additional choice.
5: Alternatives to Drywall in Basements
Drywall intended to get used above grade should not operate at a lower level. It is simple for mold to form on the paper-coated surface of conventional drywall, and the Gypsum cores can break and fall apart.
Tips for the Finishing Basement Process
- Choose vinyl flooring in the form of planks. They are strong, durable, resistant to water and scratches, and visually attractive similar to wood.
- You should think about soundproofing the ceiling, mainly if the basement get intended to entertain guests.
- Install good lighting fixtures, even if you only have windows that let in light. Do your best to reduce dark spots as much as possible.
- Window wells should get installed which are pleasing to the eye instead of traditional metal sheets. Include protection features by using toppers that can remove.
Conclusion
Other ideas for finishing your basement include providing enough storage space for children playing with toys and other gaming components, laying rugs over the top for additional warmth, and using drainage mats to help control moisture. You will find various basement ideas for refinishing your basement to help you design an area you can cherish for years to come.
Ottawa Home Pros offers basement renovation services in the Ottawa region. For your next basement renovation project, contact us at (613) 288-9145 or email at info@ottawahomepros.com.
