5 Things to Consider Before Basement Renovation

BlogAdmin2Tuesday, Nov 11, 2018

Basement renovation can be overwhelming simply because of the number of uses you can put to that space. Done properly, it can add much value to your home. But if it’s not finished well, the extra space can be quite a waste, devaluing your home.

http://tempuri.org/tempuri.htmlBasement renovation can be overwhelming simply because of the number of uses you can put to that space. Done properly, it can add much value to your home. But if it’s not finished well, the extra space can be quite a waste, devaluing your home.

The basement is also damper and colder than the rest of the house. Any planning has to be carefully considered to ensure healthy conditions. You need proper insulation or you may face mould and mildew growth. You also need proper lighting to brighten the space. Let HomeReno Direct, professional home renovation experts, show you the way.

Acquire a Building Permit

Before you start digging up ideas to decorate your basement, consult the municipal building authorities to get a permit. This serves as your insurance to ensure that the contractors stick to the code. Although contractors are well versed about permit requirements, it’s up to the homeowner to secure one. If you don’t acquire a building permit, you don’t get protection from shoddy jobs such as improper electrical wiring or badly installed pipes that can lead to potentially hazardous situations. Failing to acquire a permit will make you responsible for the hazards, not the contractors.

When it’s time to sell your home, permits have an important role too. Potential buyers can contact the municipal office to seek proof for any renovations done and ask for an inspection. If the permits were not obtained, the potential buyer may not be attracted to seal the deal.

Framing Basement Walls

A basement space is seldom perfectly aligned to a square or rectangle so it’s often difficult to plan. Framing involves proper measurements so that designing the space is easier. If the framing is crooked, so will the results. Walls may look uneven, shelves and cabinets will be difficult to install. Professional contractors can help you frame to exact measurements so you can proceed with the vision you have in mind for the space.

Furnace Room

Make sure that the area that contains the furnace and water tank is not part of your basement renovation plan. It is a separate space that should not be tampered with. It needs sufficient combustion air and proper ventilation to keep the air circulating to prevent a fire.

Moisture Barrier

The foundation of your basement floor is always made of concrete, no matter how old it is. Since concrete is a porous material, it absorbs moisture so the wood framing should never touch the concrete floor or the moisture will seep into rot the wood. Your contractor will know how to place a sill gasket between the concrete and wood framing to avoid moisture seeping into the concrete foundation.

Adequate Insulation

Your basement needs proper insulation to keep off mould and mildew. Unfinished basements have a pink wall wrap insulation that covers the top half of the basement wall. While the floor temperature remains the same, the temperature towards the ceiling rises so it is always warmer than the floor. Insulating the basement prevents condensation and moisture build-up. To prevent mould and mildew, spray-foam insulation is effective. A thermal break beneath the floor helps keep it warmer and dry. To install a carpet, an underpad with a foil backing is recommended for laminate and wood floors. You will also benefit from a subfloor with a vapour barrier. To avoid costly errors in planning, design and finish, consult experienced professionals to help you.

HomeReno Direct, Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville

Choosing a home renovation expert can be a daunting task but critical for a successful, affordable project. Call HomeReno Direct to make it easier. We have been renovating and design beautiful additions for many years, finished to the highest standards. Call us to add more value to your home.