Basement renovations are not always the most pleasing or exciting project to tackle, but they can be an important one if you want to make sure that your home is safe and secure. If your basement is wet, moldy, or full of debris then it is essential that you take care of the issue as soon as possible to prevent structural damage to your home and personal health. Most people find it difficult to simply renovate and redecorate their basements because the process can be very overwhelming. Before you start anything major though, there are a few steps that you can take to ensure that your basement stays clean and dry.
Waterproofing is perhaps the most important thing to do when undergoing basement renovations. No matter what the final result will be, waterproofing is the key to protecting your home and your personal health. If you have any doubts about whether your home is a candidate for basement renovations, then you should hire a certified flood restoration specialist to check it out for you. The best way to determine if there is a problem is to hire an expert. You should also have your own inspections conducted so you know what is happening inside your home.
Basement flooring installation costs are another issue that people often raise when it comes to basement renovations. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this issue. There are a number of factors that go into determining the cost of basement flooring installation costs. The first factor is the material that you will be using, the second is the number of square feet in which you are going to install it, and the third is whether you are going to be installing the flooring boards on a wood floor or in a concrete slab. Each of these factors can have an impact on the price that you will pay.
Even when you hire a professional to handle basement renovations, you should still check the walls and ceiling very carefully. Hidden water damage is often harder to detect than actual structural damage. If you discover water damage during the renovation process, you should try to contain the spread of the water. For example, you can remove carpeting from high traffic rooms and dry out the rooms as soon as possible. This will prevent damage to nearby walls and drywall.
When you start renovating your basement, you should consider the basement finishing materials that you are going to use. Most finished basements feature shingles or vinyl tiles on the main floor and wooden floorboards on the second and third floors. It is important that these materials be selected as well. If you do not have these materials, or if you cannot afford to have them, you should consider having the main floor finished with tile or block walls rather than using shingles or vinyl tiles.
As you start to complete the basement renovations, you will have to decide whether you are going to use your basement for living space, or for storage. The latter option should be avoided at all costs, as it is more likely to cause problems later on. You should use your basement for storage purposes only if you have adequate room for the construction of a closet and cabinets. The closet can be used to store seasonal items such as Christmas or spring clothes, and you can convert it into an extra living space by using comfortable furniture.
It is important that the basement is a livable space before you begin renovations. There should be no dampness or moisture in the basement due to leaky pipes or plumbing fixtures. This is especially important for living space, as the majority of renovations involve rebuilding walls or repairing ceiling joists. If the living space is livable space, you will not be constrained by the size of the room when you begin. However, if the living space is cramped, you should consider making minor changes to increase the space. If you live in a small apartment, installing mini-slider doors onto one or both walls will create a small room that doubles as a closet.
Although most basement renovations do not require major electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems, you should hire a qualified professional to make sure that the wiring is updated. Many electrical, plumbing, and HVAC units are still highly vulnerable to shorts and overloads. In fact, it is often not advisable to replace or repair existing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC appliances unless you are a licensed electrician or licensed plumber. Any electrical work that needs to be done should be completed by someone who has experience with electrical and HVAC systems. Any plumbing work that requires new equipment such as pipes, toilets, sinks, and tubs should be completed by a trained professional.