When considering an upcoming basement finishing and design project, a good outcome depends on proper planning and preparation from the very start. If you have been thinking of finishing your basement, start by reading these suggestions from our experts at Smoky Mountain Crawlspace Systems to get your project done correctly!
1. Create To Maximize Value
While the additional square footage acquired from a basement finish may not be legally allowed to be counted in a real estate listing, it will undoubtedly present your property at its best if done in an appealing manner. For example, a single huge completed room may not be viewed as important or helpful as more clearly defined sections such as bedrooms, a bathroom, and an entertainment area. However, don’t plan your basement just for selling considerations; consider how the area would best serve you and your family. Balance that with future resale possibilities, and you’ll find your ideal plan.
2. Improve Natural Lighting
Designing your space with much thought—even if small—can help make it a valuable investment for various reasons, not the least of which is the ability to maximize natural light. Because most basements have a limited number of windows/natural light sources, knowing how and where to allocate that light is critical for good basement design. Select paint colors that sufficiently reflect available light, and collaborate with your electrician to create a lighting scheme that maintains areas bright and pleasant without overtaxing available circuits.
3. Remove Moisture
The reduction of moisture sources should be at the top of your pre-construction plan since it is one of the top problems homeowners deal with in their basement design and construction. It’s easy to overlook that most basement walls are 8 to 10 feet deep, exposing them to the soil, precipitation, snow melt, and landscape drainage.
Begin by ensuring that the soil and landscaping slope away from the outside of the home, directing any drainage water away from the foundation and into the grass and street. Next, inspect the foundation walls for cracks and make any necessary repairs. Before adding insulation, consider placing a vapor barrier (plastic or other waterproof material) on the concrete walls.
If these conditions are not met, the chance of water intruding into your basement is extremely high, increasing the potential for water damage and a whole host of other issues to occur in your home.
4. Examine HVAC
Adding a completed basement space will reduce the effectiveness of the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) system. Work with a professional HVAC contractor to verify that your present equipment is adequate—or that it can be upgraded to become so—otherwise, you risk losing efficiency in other sections of the home or perhaps shortening the lifespan of your system.
5. Make Use of Below-Grade Flooring
Not all flooring alternatives are appropriate for basement use. Even little changes in moisture levels, for example, might cause solid wood to collapse or break. On the other hand, EVP (enhanced vinyl plank) flooring is extremely moisture-resistant and available in a range of types that subtly approximate the appearance of wood. While not moisture resistant, carpet is a cost-effective option that does not normally need floor-leveling before installation (which is needed in the case of some other types of basement flooring).
6. Obtain Permits and Obey Codes
Refrain from finishing without necessary permits via your governing municipality and the code-enforcement inspections at specific stages of the work. Aside from the legal responsibilities you may face if you build or remodel without a building permit, you will also encounter issues when you sell your house.
7. Keep Radon At Bay
Because basements are a popular location for the accumulation of Radon gas—an odorless, radioactive gas that can leak into the home from the surrounding soil—you should do Radon testing before completing your basement. Radon mitigation may entail sealing crevices and surfaces or installing ventilation fans. You may purchase a home Radon test at a hardware store or contact a licensed Radon testing business to complete the work in your house.
8. Raise the Ceiling
Pay attention to the ceiling as an important basement design aspect. These experts understand how to work around the HVAC ducting and plumbing lines commonly present in basement ceilings. For example, rather than framing the entire ceiling to the lowest duct’s height, you can frame a soffit around it to make the total height of the ceiling look greater.
9. Stairway Expertise
The staircase is an often-overlooked area for adding elegance and light to a basement. Opening one or both of the walls surrounding the staircase and installing a stair rail with ornamental posts provides a welcoming and expansive entry. If you can’t afford a handrail and balusters, try opening up the area with a capped half-wall instead.
How Smoky Mountain Crawlspace Systems Can Help
Our focus is helping homeowners increase the quality of life in their homes, specifically as it has to do with keeping moisture out for good! Beautiful basement remodeling can be undone by a single leak or source of moisture intrusion. By installing an efficient interior or exterior system in or around your basement, the water surrounding your foundation can be kept at bay.
By addressing the foundational problems before any of the cosmetic adjustments to your basement refinishing, you can lock your hard work down for many years to come, keeping it safe from intruding moisture.
For more information about how our professional services can help direct water away from your foundation, give us a call at (865) 299-2315 today. We can help your home with services ranging from mold removal to straightening your bowed walls, leveling your foundation, and waterproofing your basement or crawl space. Get help from Smoky Mountain for a better home!
