4 Things To Remember When Finishing A Basement

In many homes, the basement is not considered to be livable space. With that said, it is possible to do some renovations and convert it into something wonderful. If you are looking to finish your basement and you are not sure of where to start, here are some pointers that will lead you in the right direction.

1. Check For Water

It is common for water to enter basements due to bad plumbing and/or soggy weather. As a result, any items placed there can sustain a great deal of damage. Before you begin the process of finishing a basement, you should check for signs of water damage. Signs include damp areas on the floor and drips of water emerging from walls. You should also check the exterior part of the foundation to ensure there are no cracks for water to seep through.

2. Verify Local Regulations

You might believe that you can do whatever you like on your property, but that is not the case at all. Before certain work is done, you have to check with the local government to see if any permits are required. If you start any work without one, there is a chance you may be subject to fines later. Every area is different, so make sure that you are clear what is allowed before you begin.

3. Add Insulation

Have you ever been in a basement that is extremely cold? While this is not a huge problem for people who only use the space for storage or laundry, this can cause serious issues if you want to make this an extension of your living space. There are several options available, including spray foam installation. Keep in mind that you may need a permit for this as well.

If lower temps are not worrisome to you, insulation is great for other purposes as well. It is a good way to stop loud sounds from outside from disturbing you. In addition, it can help protect you from some of the moisture that was mentioned earlier.

4. Avoid HVAC Units

When you are completing a basement renovation, the area that is around any HVAC units needs to be left alone. It might be tempting to add carpet and make other improvements, but do yourself a favor and try hard to resist. There are many statutes that prevent people from doing work too close to these units. It will also be harder for contractors to complete any needed repairs if you decide to finish this area of your basement.

If you decide to ignore this advice, you may definitely have some regrets later. It is best to err on the side of caution and leave it alone.

There are people all over who would love to do some serious renovations in their basement. If you are one of them and you want to avoid having any problems along the way, make sure that you remember all of the information that was given to you here.

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