It’s common knowledge that any unfinished spaces in your house are potential livable spaces that you could finish in order to boost the value of your home. You may be using this fact to do a basement remodel on your Rochester home, so it’s important that you do it right. Read on to see five important things you need to keep in mind before you start so that you can minimize hassle and have a chance to do it right.
1. It’s a Good Idea to Pick a Theme
Before you begin your project, it’s a good idea to pick a theme to which you’ll stick. This will make it easier for you to pick decor and colors in order to get the basement you want. Just as 26.97% of bathrooms are finished with a traditional design aesthetic, you can pick a similar theme for your basement. The choice that you make should be dictated by the use that you have for your basement. When you know what you intend to use your basement for, you could more easily pick a theme that will work out perfectly.
2. More Lighting Is Always Good
If you can get windows, it’s a good idea to plan to have some installed. This will help you to get as much natural light as possible and thus enjoy a well-lit basement. Before you start cutting widows out, you need to first consult with a professional to find out whether the surrounding walls will be able to take on the additional load. If you can’t add windows, as well as for night and darker months as well, it’s a good idea to install light fixtures that will keep the entire space well-lit. Make use of LED lights so that you can get a space that looks great while being reasonably sustainable.
3. Moisture Can Be Troublesome
Remember that more than 60% of basements in existing homes have a problem with moisture. That said, work hard from the start to make sure that there’s no potential moisture problem waiting to spring up in the future. Rather than installing a dehumidifier, which can draw water in through the foundation walls, you need to start with the roof. Make sure that drainage is adequate and that water drains off the roof ell, being directed away from the foundation. Also, make sure that the bathrooms and kitchen are all well-ventilated to the outside. This will help you to avoid excessive moisture getting trapped in your basement.
4. You Can DIY Successfully
If the extent of the fixes that you need to be made to your basement is reasonable, you could try to DIY. Just make sure that you don’t attempt any electrical or plumbing fixes as these could leave you at risk or make you fail to get the right outcome. This will cost you time and money that you don’t need to spend, so it won’t be the best call for you. Pick projects like painting and decor to DIY as these are relatively safe and easy to do. You’ll still have the gratification of having done something in your house yourself.
5. Think About the Ceiling and Floor
Don’t forget to think about the floor and the ceiling. This is because they have an impact on the final outcome. Pick a good ceiling option that will keep the ducts and wires overhead safe but easy to access. For the floor, pick an option that will be comfortable and safe for you and your family. It should be relatively safe to use in an area in which moisture can be an issue. As such, avoid wood flooring and carpet, which can prove troublesome if they get some moisture in them. This is despite the fact that carpets account for 51% of the total flooring market in the United States.
Keep these things in mind and you have a good chance of getting the basement that you want for your Rochester home. Make your plans in advance so that there’s no chance of issues coming up after you begin.
