Article Crafted by FATJOE Publishing Team
5 Easy Steps to Prepare for Basement Finishing
Adding functional space to your home can be a massive relief and of course adds value. One of the most underused is the basement. Yep, that big old room of nothing you use to store stuff you don’t need. Want that to change? Here are some tips to prepare for basement finishing.
Tackle Moisture Problems
There are some very good reasons why basements are creepy. They are cold, dark, and dank! When the home is built, basements aren’t really designed to be used much, so they don’t get as much attention as the livable areas. But that can change with finishing, and you can show your basement some TLC. But before you do, you must address water! Water damage restoration is a core part of basement finishing because moisture comes with mold, rot, and other issues.
Check the Suitability of the Space
Once you have ensured the space is free from excess water and the issues that come with it, you can move on to assessing the suitability of the basement. This goes hand in hand with what you want to use it for. But it mostly comes down to size. A basement can potentially be anything, even another apartment, if you wish. However, there are limitations, such as supporting beams, air circulation, and having enough room. Contractors can help with any initial assessments.
Prepare for Basement Finishing with a Plan
A plan for a finished basement doesn’t have to be expert level. But you will need something that contractors can understand and know what you want.It can cost up to $100 per square foot to finish a basement, so mistakes can be costly. The better your home organization, the less likely mistakes are to happen. This could even include where to place smart entertainment devices. Working with a contractor will yield the best results for what is and isn’t possible for the space.
Install Electrical Systems
No matter what you use a finished basement for, it is likely you will need electricity. From a games room to a guest bedroom, all will need power for the conveniences of modern life. Getting the electrical systems installed is expensive. So it is best to do this as early as possible. A standard basement is like a blank canvas. So it is easier for contractors to work around the existing electricals than it is to install power and sockets after the basement has been finished.
Add Floor, Wall, and Ceiling Insulation
Basements aren’t designed for people to use often. So, it’s rare to find a basement with insulation. However, because they are separate from the main house, uninsulated, and underground, basements are pretty cold. Before the finishing process begins, it is pretty helpful to have insulation installed. If you are using the space for something like a game room, then you don’t need to go overboard. Yet, floor, wall, and ceiling insulation is best for a livable space.
Summary
Removing moisture and water problems first will help prepare for basement finishing. Of course, a solid plan with details for usage will help the process along. Basements are also cold, so ensure you have any insulation installed before proceeding with the finishing process.
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Nest with the Nelsons
nestwiththenelsons.com
nestwiththenelsons@gmail.com
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