Basements are often the forgotten room in your home. They’re not particularly sexy — you don’t show off your basement to guests — they serve a utilitarian purpose. But what if you had a finished basement, rather than one that was unfinished and neglected? Let’s look at some of the renovation tips that can bring your basement up to the level of the rest of your home. Whether you want to freshen up your basement, or create something completely new.
1. Get a plan in place
If you don’t have one already, hire an architect or designer who can help you draw up a plan for the space you want to create. Be honest about what kind of features and finishes are important to you. You don’t want to waste time and money on things that won’t benefit you in the long run.
Make sure it’s safe! Check out any potential structural issues before making any major changes. You might also need an engineer to ensure that your plans are sound enough to support whatever heavy objects or furniture you want to put down there.
2. Consider accessibility
If you’re adding stairs, they should be wide enough for people with mobility issues and children (if applicable). You may also want them to have railings so that people don’t fall down accidentally—or worse, on purpose! Make sure everything is ADA-compliant if it’s possible for someone with special needs (like myself!). For this task you can search for basement remodeling contractors near me and hire them.
3. Level the Floor
If you’re planning to renovate your basement, one of the first things you’ll want to do is level the floor. If it’s not level, it can cause problems with drainage, which can lead to mold growth or other health issues for those living in the space.
Leveling a basement floor is a fairly simple process. You’ll need to find a level and use that to lay out all of your new walls and fixtures. Once everything is laid out evenly, you’ll be able to build all of your walls perfectly straight and level with each other. To find out how much space you have available for building each wall, use a measuring tape and measure from wall to wall across the room. This will let you know how many square feet each wall will take up when it’s completed.
4. Keep the Walls Dry
If you’re renovating an unfinished basement, one of the most important things to keep in mind is keeping the walls dry. This means waterproofing them, and it’s not as hard as it sounds!
To waterproof your basement walls, first you need to decide what kind of material you want to put on them. There are many different kinds from cement to plastic and each has its own pros and cons. For example, cement will last longer than plastic but it’s more expensive to install. Once you’ve made your decision, get ready to get started!
5. Lighting and Furniture
If you’re looking to renovate your basement, one of the best places to start is with lighting and furniture. Lighting is especially important if you plan on using the space for entertaining or relaxing. You’ll want to make sure it’s bright enough to see, but not so bright that it overpowers the space.
If you have any windows in your basement, consider using them as focal points by hanging curtains or adding window treatments. You can also add lighting above the windows to help draw attention to them and make them stand out more.
As far as furniture goes, think about where you’ll be using the space most often and what kind of furniture will work best there. We recommend purchasing pieces that are durable enough for everyday use!
