Finishing your basement is very different from renovating your house’s upper floors. That is because the basement’s atmosphere gets flooded with moisture and humidity, which can cause issues with water.
The basement is also home to most electrical elements, like the furnace, water heater, sump pump, and many more. They all take up space and create obstacles like pipes and wires to work around because of the issues that arise as you begin your project. We’ve written about the most common mistakes to avoid when you finish your basement to ensure the security of your home and the financial investment you’ll make into your home.
1: Wood-Based Flooring Isn’t the Proper Option for Basements
The primary rule in the basement area is to avoid being surrounded by wood! Basements can be in the vicinity of water. You should prevent substances and products such as hardwoods, carpets, and laminates since they won’t last. They are among the first substances to develop mold when exposed to moisture. The best alternative is vinyl flooring, as get made to be waterproof and resistant to flooding. Vinyl flooring is a material that does not need to appear fake or old-fashioned. It could be a replica of the look and feel of wood or ceramic tiles while remaining watertight and resistant to mold and longevity. Choosing which flooring is suitable for your new basement may be difficult because there are so many choices. In the case of flooring for basements, the primary issue is what will occur if there are flooding or water issues. Remember that a basement is an area that is more humid than the other areas of your home. So, choosing a flooring material that can withstand these conditions is crucial.
2: Don’t Overlook Moisture Issues in Your Basement
Before starting the process of finishing your basement, it is essential to examine every wall of the basement. Take your time and read it in a single inch for cracks in the walls and corners and indications that water is leaking. Before they can be covered, the foundation walls must get fixed if there are any structural problems. Any water leaks need to get fixed. But you might be wondering about the cracks in the walls and what you can do about them. The solution is simple prevention is better than cure. Cracks in concrete foundation walls could be deep cracks or not. While the crack is through the wall, it may be dry, without a water leak issue. The water could get into the cracks in the foundation’s walls if it continues to penetrate the wall. That could result in the waterproofing barrier on the exterior breaking down, which could be a nightmare for the basement wall that can be get constructed. The leak may go unnoticed for a while, leading to material degradation and mold. Be sure to check all the walls before beginning your work.
3: Poor Lighting Design
It’s essential to be aware that the basement you have finished is different from the primary level of your home while completing your basement renovation. The choices of lighting that you choose for upstairs will create an impact on your basement. Intelligent lighting design is the most effective way to make a basement more lively and inviting. To makes the space appear inviting and attractive, it is necessary to include several lighting levels, including the ceiling, which recessed lighting will illuminate. Get expert advice if you need help with the best way to incorporate lighting in your design.
4: Forgetting About Storage
Basements get typically used as storage spaces. Suppose you’re planning to finish your basement so you can use it for different purposes. In that case, deciding where to keep the stored items is essential. You will need help to rid yourself of the necessity of storage.
You can dedicate the basement’s space for storage. Shelving or shelf systems are two possibilities. Place your items in easy-to-access containers and boxes, so you can find them whenever you require them.
5: Closing Off the Space
Basements that get finished can often create a large amount of space. Many homeowners want to divide their basements into closed areas to bring order to the space. For instance, you could construct a home gym or TV room by building walls. But, when it comes to airflow or temperature, it could be an issue. It is best to keep your basement open to circulate lots of fresh air. Also, keeping the area accessible makes future repairs much easier to tackle.
6: Blocking Access to Equipment
It is vital to ensure no obstruction to the equipment. In an emergency, ensure that the shut-off valves are accessible, especially those for the water heater, furnace, or sump pump, as well as the electrical box. Make sure there is sufficient room to maintain the hot water tank and the stove. If needed, a replacement, and also be able to access them easily. Make sure that the drains on the floor are easily accessible.
7: Uneven Basement Flooring
Before choosing a floor, check the basement concrete and look for any uneven flooring. Concrete basement floors typically have lower and higher sections that cannot get seen under carpeting. Still, they could be problematic under other types of flooring like vinyl or tiles. Before the flooring you choose is put in place. It is necessary for the concrete below to be ground and then coated with a self-leveling product when it’s not even.
8: Insufficient Permits to Get
A basement that gets finished will undoubtedly increase your home’s property value. However, only if your finished space complies with the health and safety standards and current building guidelines. The help of professionals can solve the issue because they will know all the required permits. The design plan should contain all the needs to ensure you’re following the rules and your basement’s design is accepted.
Suppose you’re ready to begin your basement renovation project. In that case, Ottawa Home Pros is the company to call at (613) 288-9145 or email at info@ottawahomepros.com. To assist you in making the most of your space, our experienced designers and contractors specialize in basement finishing and modifications. Contact Ottawa Home Pros now to learn more about our basement renovation services or to set up a consultation.
