Most homeowners tend to live in the basement for later finishing to reduce the cost of home construction. However, not all of them ever get to work a few years after the house construction is complete. With time, space eventually becomes a point for clutter and to hold other unnecessary garbage.
However, there are various concerns about failing to work on your basement. The incomplete spaces can allow for infiltration of water that weakens the foundation. It also attracts pests which are a health hazard. Ultimately, this reduces your home’s value.
Now that you have decided to remodel the basement, you might never know where to start and the various things you need. Here is how to prepare for the perfect basement remodeling.
- Assess the foundation
The first consideration before taking any construction work is the state of the foundation. By laying in the unfinished condition for so long, the walls can develop cracks due to stress. Repair any leaks or cracks before you can begin any construction work.
Repairing the cracks ensures a stable and strong foundation for the safety of the whole house. Some of the things to look for when assessing the foundation include; horizontal cracks, bulging and carves on the outside walls, stuck windows, and cracks in the flooring.
- Identify any water issues
The other step to basement remodeling is by assessing the state of water issues in the space. No matter how much you work, it would all turn into nothing when you fail to identify the existing water issues.
Observe cracks around the wall that let water in. Take note of the wet walls, molds on the walls and flooring and other water line prints on the wall. Once discovered, find affordable waterproofing solutions to install a working waterproofing system. Also, ensure the lawn slopes away from the foundation.
- Check the ceiling
The ceiling is crucial when remodeling the house. You need the right ceiling height for the electrical code installations and the fire codes. Given the height of the ceiling, you might face delays that impact the design plans.
The ceiling must ensure the electrical cords and plumbing pipes while don’t remain visible, they stay accessible. For best results, look for modern suspended drop ceilings which are stylish but still allow the needed accessibility.
- Get your permits
Once you establish all your basement remodeling needs, it might seem natural to proceed. Well, not so quick. Whether you are working alone or with a contractor, you need a permit to start the work. The permit depends on the scope of work, location and the building codes of the area. Contact the local city office for the permits before starting the remodeling.
- Plan for waste removal
Even though crucial, most homeowners never plan for water removal during basement remodeling. It then becomes when they have too much waste that cannot be left on the curb for the city cleaning. Given that most people use basements for storage before cleaning there is a need to plan for the excess waste.
