Turning the basement into living space is a temptation that many homeowners can’t resist. All that space, just sitting there! It has to be used for something, so why not make it into a game room or gym or home theater? If its big enough, you may even be able to fit a small apartment down there for your in-laws. There are lots of basement ideas to consider!
Like most things that tempt us, finishing a basement can turn into a nightmare if you don’t know what you’re doing. Before you give in to the siren song of remodeling, here are a few things you need to look out for before you start.
Moisture problems are the most common issue in finishing a basement. Before you even begin, take care of any leaks, condensation, drainage problems, etc. Applying a good waterproofing to your basement walls is essential to prevent mushy walls, mold, and mildewy carpets. Do some research on basement waterproofing ideas to make sure you cover all your bases and isolate what is best for your particular situation.
Lack of natural light can be a problem for certain rooms. If you have the space to do so, install windows in your basement to avoid that “bunker” vibe found in many badly remodeled basements. If you have no space for windows, make sure your basement has the wiring needed to install plenty of lighting. There are lots of cool basement lighting ideas to consider that will not only add more light but do it in a stylish manner as well.
Bad ventilation is another common problem in finished basements. If your basement doesn’t already have vents installed every twelve to eighteen feet, put them in now, before you even attempt to finish the walls. Otherwise, condensation will ruin your new game room in about a year.
You will probably also need to look into basement heating ideas as most basements are too cold to use without their own source of heat. In the summer your basement might be a cool comfortable temperature but in the winter, the chances are it will be too cold. People find that installing a separate system just for the basement eliminates having to overheat the rest of the house just to bring the basement temperature to a comfortable level.
Uneven floors can be found in many basements, especially in older homes. Level the floor before installing tile or carpet, and repair any cracks or chipping even if your basement floor is already even.
Speaking of carpet, one of the worst mistakes novice remodelers can make is laying carpet directly over concrete in a basement. Underlayment and padded are needed to protect your carpet and provide a softer surface to walk on. If you plan on using carpet tile, expect the floor to feel harder than usual. Hard foam underlayment panels can be used to give a softer feel under any type of carpet, but make sure the panels are waterproof before using them in a basement.
Now that you know what you’re in for, if finishing your basement still sounds tempting, go ahead and get started. You really could use the extra space!