Is your basement reno-ready?
If your family is running out of space in your home but a move isn’t in the cards, you still have a few options. You can consider an addition – either to the main floor or by adding a second storey – or you can turn your attention to the lower level of your home and finish the basement.
Like all major home improvements, there are some important steps that you should take before you begin the project.
First, you’ll want to turn your attention to the foundation before covering it up permanently. Carefully check the perimeter of your home for cracks, even tiny ones.
Have you ever had issues with water in the basement during the spring thaw? You’ll want to address these issues before beginning the basement reno.
Keep in mind that repairs to the foundation of your home may require the expertise of a professional.
Next you’ll need to check the level of moisture in your basement. When used for storage, a little moisture won’t do much harm.
But once you start installing flooring and drywall, excessive moisture becomes an issue.
The easiest way to test for moisture is by se- curing a few two-foot square sheets of heavy duty plastic to your floors and walls. Wait a couple weeks and inspect the plastic for condensation underneath, a sign that your foundation is not sealed.
If moisture droplets appear on the top of the plastic, you might need to purchase a dehumidifier.
Now you’ll need to consider the floor plan of your basement space. It’s easier to design your room around permanent fixtures (furnace, hot water heater, windows and ductwork) rather than relocating these features, so make your design work with what’s there.
You have a couple options for the ceiling in your finished basement. Hopefully the ceilings are high enough – digging out the floor to add extra height is a messy, costly job.
A suspended or drop ceiling is ideal if your basement is high enough. With this type of ceiling you will always have access to the plumbing, electrical wiring and other ‘guts’ of the home.
But many homeowners prefer a drywall ceiling, for aesthetic purposes and the few extra inches of height. There isn’t much difference in cost, so the choice is yours!