Basement Renovations

A basement is a room or number of rooms contained in a building, partly or completely below the level of the ground of that building. A renovation is the process of repairing and painting an old thing so that it is in good condition again.

In many homes, the basement represents great, untapped potential for more living space. It may offer the most cost-effective approach to adding a new family room, an extra bedroom or a home office. Most basements can be turned into attractive, comfortable living space with careful planning and the assistance of a professional renovator.

Renovating the basement offers a great opportunity to increase the energy efficiency of a home. An experienced renovator will inspect the basement and make appropriate recommendations for insulation, caulking and air-sealing that can make the entire home more comfortable.

We can c onsult with our renovator on ways to brighten up our basement. Enlarging existing windows or add ing new ones depends on the above ground height of the foundation. Sometimes , the renovator may recommend glass blocks so that we get the extra light while preserving privacy.

Some basements may be more challenging to renovate than others because of supporting posts in the middle of an open area, or floors that are too low for proper connection of bathroom fixtures to municipal sewer lines. Sometimes , it may even be necessary to break open the concrete floor to get at the plumbing. An experienced renovator can identify these challenges and provide suggestions for overcoming them.

In undeveloped basements, the heat is often supplied by registers that are set right in the ductwork running along the basement ceiling. The renovator may recommend relocating the heat outlets or registers and adding a cold-air return. This will create the air circulation needed for even heat distribution and a much more pleasant living environment. Also , we should pay particular attention to moisture and air quality in the basement. Professional renovators will conduct a thorough assessment of the area, looking for signs of dampness or mustiness, which may be the result of water entering the basement. It is important to correct all moisture problems before renovating the basement. The renovator may suggest exterior drainage work or re-cleaning the outside of the foundation wall. If the mold is present, then it can be eliminated by washing the area with a bleach solution.

Proper ventilation will improve indoor air quality. The renovator may recommend a separate exhaust fan or a heat recovery ventilator. Equipment in the basement such as the furnace and dryer should be vented directly to the outside and that may require a separate air intake. In some areas, a dehumidifier may be required during summer months.

We can plan a family entertainment centre and a bedroom in the basement. Soundproofing will minimize the noise traveling from one area to another. The renovator may also recommend the installation of an intercom system connected to the upstairs for easy communication between levels.

There are lots of good ideas and products available that will add extra comfort and value to the basement renovation. Here are just a few suggestions from experienced renovators to get you started:

• Make sure you set aside enough room for storage space somewhere in the basement. Have the renovator build a simple floor-to-ceiling shelving system in the storage area to maximize space.
• Update your laundry room at the same time, with cabinets or shelving, and a counter
• Consider installing at least a two-piece bathroom.
• Rough in all the connections now for later installations, such as a fireplace.
• Install the wiring now for any anticipated future needs - cable television, alarm system, dedicated telephone lines, etc.

For basement renovations, we must make sure we have all the information and advice we need. Let us join our hands with a professional renovator!