The many options of a finished basement
Many households across the country are missing out on valuable additional living space in their homes. Just because your basement isn’t finished with bare concrete walls and floors, making it ideal for storing and housing HVAC units, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any other options. With a little time and money, you can take this dark, unused storage space and turn it into valuable living space that has the potential to host a myriad of purposes; guest bedroom, game room, home office, family room or media room.
Is your basement empty?
If you answered yes, then it is time to make better use of this valuable additional living space in your home. The possibilities are endless for any homeowner with an empty basement.
How can I use my basement?
Take your time and consider your options. You don’t need to make a hasty decision before you’re ready. With time and a little imagination, your basement can be transformed into a master bedroom, home office, game room, game room, or space for you and your better half to relax and meditate. It will be done in no time!
Your basement remodel will add square footage to your home and increase the overall value without any major renovations. However, there are some important questions to ask yourself before transforming your basement into usable living space.
How important is the heating and cooling system in my new space?
Heating and cooling units will need to be modified to meet your specific needs and handle the added load of your new living space. An expert may be better at responding to these kinds of details rather than making their own guesses. In case your heating or cooling unit isn’t big enough to handle the extra square footage, you’ll need to add an extra unit to help handle the extra load.
Will my new space need to rewire?
If your home has existing wiring in the basement, it will not need to be replaced. However, if there is no existing wiring, you will need to install the wiring to power the new living space. Feel free to call a professional electrician to evaluate the space and discuss the best options to meet your specific needs.
Always keep in mind what the space will be used for and discuss it with your electrician. Talk to him about the lighting, as well as the easy access to outlets that are placed throughout the room.
Should I isolate my new space?
Yes! Your new space should be insulated to help keep your heating and cooling costs low.
Is there a specific floor that I should use in my basement?
Of course, you want to consider personal taste and style, but even more important is getting the most out of your investment. In this case, most people know that basements are prone to some form of water damage, either from leaking pipes or from flooding. Regardless of how the water enters, it is bound to happen.
Be careful when choosing organic materials like carpet, wood, and paint. Since these items are the preferred food for mold, that is, once the moisture arrives and the mold begins to grow; Your organic produce will maintain and develop mold colonies.
Solution
Always feel free to contact a local expert before embarking on a home improvement project of this magnitude, as you want to make the best decision for lasting quality and cost effectiveness.