Dos and Don’ts You Need To Know Before Starting a Basement Renovation

Sprucing up your basement is a great way to increase the value of your home. It is also a wonderful way to create a usable living space. Whether you are looking for a bigger room to serve as your family entertainment area, a home gym, or an extra bedroom, finishing the basement is the way to go.

However, renovating a basement is not without any challenges especially if it’s your first time. The process can be labor-intensive and expensive. Below are the Dos and Don’ts of basement renovation:

The Dos

Do plan ahead. Planning ahead is important so you could have a successful home project. Depending on what you intend to do with your basement, start by drafting a design and then taking measurements. Don’t forget to list down all the materials you need, as well as the tools. This is important so you can budget ahead of time.

Do stick to a budget. Your budget will determine how complex or extravagant you want your finished basement to look like. Home improvement is an expensive task. Like most homeowners, you don’t want to break your bank just so you could have this area converted into something nice and beautiful. It’s always a great idea to incorporate budgeting into your plan. Ask for quotes from at least three contractors. Shop around for materials and set a realistic budget.

Do plan for the ‘dirty work’. It’s going to be chaotic once the renovation starts. There will be a lot of dirt, dust, and debris. Do plan on how you can contain the mess so your family’s health doesn’t get compromised. As you work, take the time to dispose of the dirt and debris. This will save you time and energy from having to do a thorough cleanup once the renovation is done.

Do consider the utilities. Whatever design or layout you wish to implement in your new basement, always keep in mind the utilities. You could be using this area for now as a space for storage, laundry or a home office. Do incorporate a utility area where you can.

Do waterproof your basement. The basement is most susceptible to water leaks and plumbing. The last thing you want to happen is to have your newly finished basement with new furniture and furnishings destroyed by water damage. Resolving any water issues can save you time, money and headache. If you suspect mold or mildew build-up, have it cleared as soon as possible before you start with the renovation project. Consider installing a commercial dehumidifier to keep moisture at minimum levels and prevent the onset of mold.

Do check for local code and permitting requirements. Check with your municipality for all the code and permitting requirements needed before you could start your basement renovation project. Not doing this might cause you to redo your work or encounter problems by the time you decide to sell your home.

The Don’ts

Don’t forget about aesthetics. While your main purpose of finishing a basement is to create an additional usable space, you should always take into consideration the aesthetic appeal of your basement. Carefully plan the color, lighting and furniture placement. A few, coherent accessories can also significantly lift the appeal of your space.

Don’t change plans. Planning should be done beforehand, not after or during work. That’s why you should spend time on it before you start. Changing plans in the middle of the renovation project could mean added work, stress, and money. Of course, there might be some unexpected things that could take place along the way. But try to keep those changes to the minimum to avoid overspending.

Don’t skimp on the details. Basement finishing is all about transforming the space into something functional and beautiful. If you’re hiring a contractor, let them know what you really want and work closely with them. Treat the basement like any other important space in your home.

Don’t hesitate to seek professional help. DIYing the whole thing can be a challenging yet exciting idea. But if you don’t think you can do it alone, getting professional help is the best option. As much as possible, choose a company that specializes in basement finishing. Take your time looking for the best contractor. Read reviews, ask for referrals, and look at samples of their previous work.

Don’t doubt your investment. Sometimes, you might feel like the whole thing is just a waste of money. However, basement finishing is actually a wise investment. Not only does it augment your home, but it also increases its value.

Renovating a basement can be one of the best decisions you will make as a homeowner. But in order to do it right, always take into account this guideline. These dos and don’ts are surely going to make your basement renovation project a surefire success!