Have you considering basement refinishing? While this is a major home improvement project, there are so many advantages that make it worth the time, cost, and effort. Not only does a finished basement add value to your home because the livable space increases, but it also gives your house a “flex space” that can be used for a variety of purposes or dual purposes.

A refinished basement can be used as a family room, play room, home office, or home theatre. By adding a sofa bed, this space can also serve as a bedroom for guests. If you have a household with older children, a refinished basement might give them a space of their own. Perhaps you’ve always wanted a workshop, a library, a craft room, or your own gym or yoga studio? As we have discussed before, basement refinishing opens up so many possibilities for your family and your home.

But before you consider basement refinishing, you must make sure that the space is dry — and then you need to keep it dry.

Before Refinishing

First, check your basement for water damage or leaks before you start the finishing or refinishing process. The last thing you’ll want to see is a water spot on your freshly painted drywall or ceiling a few months after your basement is complete. Possible trouble spots are not always easy for a homeowner to see or understand without the help of an expert so you should strongly consider a full evaluation before the work begins.

When inspecting a basement ahead of a remodel, be sure check every inch of the walls and floors for cracks, leaks, and anything that comprises the structural integrity of your home’s foundation. Should there be an issue, you will want to repair any and all structural problems with the walls of your foundation before they are covered in dry wall. You will also want to fix any potential leaky pipes. If you find cracks in the wall or in the floor, they should be fixed and then the walls and floors should be sealed.

If a new bathroom or a laundry room is included as part of the basement refinishing or finishing project, make sure the rooms will be properly ventilated and consider installing an overall dehumidification system.

After Refinishing

Now that all of that work is done and you have a beautiful new family room or home office, you’ll want to make sure that water and humidity stay out of your basement. To do this, you’ll want to make sure that the ground around your house allows water to flow away from your home. If it doesn’t, consider how the grading can help.

It is also very important to keep gutters clean. This can be done by routine maintenance not just in the autumn when leaves are falling but all year round. And make sure that the downspouts are extended at least ten feet away from the house.

Humidity inside your basement is another factor to monitor. You can buy a hygrometer to measure humidity much like a thermometer measures temperature. These are available in home improvement stores and online. If your project didn’t include a dehumidification system, be sure to buy a dehumidifier to keep in the basement, especially near the laundry area.

Contact Us

We love basement refinishing projects and are always happy to be a part of the job. Contact us for a complimentary estimate before your work begins.