The process of finishing your basement differs significantly from that of renovating your home’s upper floors. Basement finishing errors occur because the atmosphere includes more moisture and humidity, causing water-related problems.
Your basement also houses all of your home’s electrical components, including your water heater, furnace, sump pump, and more, which all occupy space and present barriers such as wires and pipes that you must workaround. Because of all of the challenges that arise when beginning your project, completing your basement is more challenging than finishing the rest of your house. We have written about the top 8 basement finishing mistakes to avoid while completing your basement to safeguard your house and the financial investment you would implement into your home space.
1. Wood-Based Flooring Isn’t The Right Choice for Basements
The first rule for the basement is that it should not have any wood materials! Places like the basement could potentially come into contact with water. So you should avoid materials and products like hardwoods, laminates, and carpets as they will not survive. They are the first materials to grow mold when exposed to water moisture. A good solution is Vinyl flooring as it is designed to be waterproof and resistant to floods. Vinyl flooring is a material that does not have to look fake or outdated; it may mimic the feel and look of hardwood or ceramic tiles while being watertight, mold-resistant, with a long life. It might be tough to pick which type of flooring is ideal for your new lower level with so many options. When it comes to basement flooring, the most significant consideration is: what will happen if there is a water or flooding problem? Please remember that a basement is already a place with more humidity than the rest of your house, so selecting a material that is suited to such conditions is critical.
2. Don’t Overlook Moisture Issues In Your Basement
Before beginning a basement finishing job, it is important to inspect all the walls of the basement. Be thorough and inspect it inch by inch for possible cracks on the walls or corners and any signs of water leaks. Certainly, any structural issues with the foundation walls should be repaired before they would be covered over. All water leaks should also be repaired. However, you may wonder about the cracks in the walls and what to do with them- the answer is: prevention is better than a cure. A crack in a concrete foundation wall may be one that is deep or not. Even though the crack runs the length of the wall, it might still be dry without a water leaking issue. Water could infiltrate the cracks in the foundation walls if it continues to break into the wall further. This would cause the waterproofing barrier on the exterior to be destroyed. This may be terrible for a basement wall that has been completed. The leak might continue unnoticed for a long time, causing material degradation and perhaps mold. Check all your walls prior to starting your project.
3. Poor Lighting Design
It’s vital to remember that your finished basement isn’t the same as the main level of your home throughout your basement renovation job. The choice of lighting you make upstairs will have a different effect in your basement. Smart lighting design is the greatest method to make a completed basement livelier and more inviting. To make the area feel attractive and inviting, you’ll need to add multiple levels of light, particularly the ceiling with recessed lighting. Contact us for professional advice if you are unclear on how to include appropriate lighting design into your project.
4. Forgetting About Storage
Basements are frequently utilized as storage areas. When you decide to complete your basement so that you may utilize the area for other purposes, you’ll need to select where you’ll store your storage goods. Don’t think you’ll be able to clear your way out of storing things.
Try devoting one of your basement’s rooms to storage. Shelving or a storage shelf system are both options. Keep your belongings in easily accessible boxes and containers so you can find them when you need them.
5. Closing Off the Space
Basements that have been finished may frequently generate a huge amount of room. Many homeowners will want to split their basements into various closed-off areas to help bring organization to the room. For example, you might build a home gym or a TV room by putting up some walls. However, whenever it relates to temperature and airflow, this can be a problem. It’s preferable to have your completed basement open to allow for lots of fresh air and ventilation. Additionally, keeping the area accessible gives potential future repairs much easier to work on.
6. Blocking Access to Equipment
It is crucial to not block the access to equipment (furnace, hot water heater, sump pump, and electrical box, etc). In the event of an emergency, keep shutdown valves accessible especially the ones to the furnace, hot water heater, sump pump, and electrical box. Allow enough room around the hot water tank and furnace to be maintained or if need of a replacement, as well as having easier access to them. Ensure that floor drains are also easily accessible.
7. Uneven Basement Flooring
Often concrete basement floors include lower and higher areas that may not be seen under carpeting but might be troublesome under other forms of flooring, such as tiles or vinyl. Before your selected hard-surface flooring would be installed, the concrete below must be ground and coated with a self-leveling solution if it is not level. Before deciding on a floor, inspect the concrete in the basement for uneven basement flooring
8. Not Getting Necessary Permits
A completed basement increases the value of your house without a doubt, but only if the finished room meets established health and safety standards and current building rules. Working with professionals resolves this issue as they would be aware of all the necessary permits needed. To guarantee that you are complying and your basement project design passes inspection, all of the specifications should be integrated into your design plan.
If you’re ready to begin your basement renovation project, Moose Basements is the company to call. To assist you in making the most of your space, our experienced designers and contractors specialize in basement finishing and modifications. Contact Moose Basements Homes now to learn more about our basement renovation services or to set up a consultation.