We’ve written before about popular basement finishing ideas as well as the benefits of basement remodeling, but there are still some things you might not know about this popular home improvement.
Finishing the basement frees up space, creates storage, and lets you create the kind of room you need from scratch. If you’re thinking about going after this valuable investment, here are some facts should be aware of before you start construction!
Fact #1: You Need to Account for Moisture
Before you launch your basement remodel, it’s important to take care of any moisture issues down there. (After all, the American Society of Home Inspectors estimates that 60% of basements are wet.) Left unaddressed, leaks in the basement lead to rot and mildew, which could decompose your costly remodel within a short time.
As a result, be sure to seal up foundation cracks, install a sump pump and floor drainage, and check gutters for issues BEFORE your remodel.
Fact #2: Take Steps to Cut Down on Noise
You new basement is going to be an amazing spot for you and your family, whether you decide to create a home theater, playroom, home gym, office, or something entirely your own. But no matter what you create, it’s smart to guard against noise pollution.
Noises from upstairs, like foot traffic or loud televisions, can sometimes travel through the floor easily, so insulating the ceiling above the basement with fiberglass or stone wool can be a good solution. Acoustic tiles are another option, but the best way to contain sound usually depends on your particular basement.
Fact #3: Not Getting Your Permit Can Have Serious Consequences
Because the basement isn’t visible from outdoors, it might be tempting to DIY your basement remodel without getting a permit. Permits can also be time-consuming and costly, which doesn’t exactly inspire you to start the process of getting one.
But you’d be risking a lot by neglecting your permits. For one, even though your basement is below ground, it’s usually easy to tell if a home is undergoing renovations just by the trash piling up outside the house. If the building department catches you without a permit, you could end up being told to tear down your work and start over.
Furthermore, even if you do manage to complete the project without a permit, you could pay for that move later on. Future buyers might compel you to offer them a lower price for work completed without a permit, so you’d suffer a loss from your remodel rather than benefitting from added value.
Thank you for talking about noise issues with basement remodels. I’m working on finishing my basement and I hadn’t thought about the fact that there would be a lot of noise in the basement. I was also thinking about the problem of lighting in the basement because it can be hard to make it well lit.