Although a house livable square footage is limited, you can increase it by finishing the basement. This is a good option if there is no space for adding some rooms or having no budget to move to a bigger house. However, basements are prone to structural problems and moisture. The good news is that there are plenty of new-generation materials and modern techniques that can improve your basement and ensure it is a habitable space.The following are some tips for basement renovation:
Consider the Height
Some basements were not built purposely as living space, thus have a low roof that cannot accommodate a person standing. Such basements may also have low hanging ductwork, piping, and electrical cables. To make such to be excellent and habitable places, one of the options you have is to dig several feet to make the height reasonable.
Another option you have is to move the ductwork, piping, and cables to some inconspicuous places, for instance, in closets. With the right contractor, the digging or relocation of the piping and others can be done quickly and with great results.
Plan the Exits
It is a requirement by building codes for a house to have safe exit routes in the event of emergencies with a more focus on bedrooms. The condition is usually that the open windows must be big enough to allow a person to climb out through them and close to the ground so a person can reach it. Whether this would mean cutting the foundation and making the window well, the contractor should do it. Consulting with the local building department would be the best thing to point your building requirements.
Check Any Water Seepage
It is possible to have areas with water coming through the slab or the foundation. You need to check out for such and investigate its source and fix it before proceeding. Do not finish that part of the basement before you have fully rectified the problem. Otherwise, covering such places would mean you will have to deal with moldy and soggy surfaces in the future and even damaged floors, which may be too costly or severe.
Add a Sub-Floor
When renovating or remodeling a basement , there is a need to create a warm, comfortable, and dry living space. Getting ready-to-use wood subfloor materials that are quick to install, for example, those with a tongue and a groove is a great option. Such products will insulate the place for a great living space.
