In terms of adding value and livable space to your home, the best solution is often right under your feet. Basement remodeling can provide more bedrooms for family and guests, and a reserved space for hobbies, artistic endeavors, and entertainment. Doing it right requires a good deal of preparation and smart execution. This is especially when it comes to preventing water damage and making sure the finished space is comfortable.
While planning a basement remodeling project, keep in mind these common pitfalls and regrets of those who have been there.
Failure to Check Zoning Laws
California building codes and some local city or county regulations affect basement remodeling, especially if the space will be used for sleeping. The basement — and each bedroom if adding more than one — will need an openable window, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and a source of light. Ceiling height must be 7 feet, or at least 7’6” if there is a bedroom.
Make sure to acquire permits and ask a contractor about potential obstacles. For instance, if you are cutting it close with the ceiling height, the basement remodeling should not add so much to the floor and ceiling that the ceiling height falls below the minimum.
Ignoring or Not Looking For Moisture and Mold
Basement remodeling often starts with repairs and remediation. Hidden mold problems or cracked walls can easily create moisture problems after everything gets sealed up. All these issues can occur due to not having an unfinished basement for a long time.
Get thorough inspections and take care of any issues like cracked concrete or rotted studs. Moisture trapped underneath the finished surfaces can grow mold that will be much more costly to fix after the fact.
Using Materials Designed for Above-Ground Use
Your finished basement can feel just like a room above ground — but to get there, you may not be able to use the same materials that you would for a home addition. Some insulation products and many types of wood flooring cannot stand up to moisture very well, and a humid San Francisco basement can ruin them in a matter of months or years.
Talk to us about basement remodeling products that go beyond the normal standards of moisture resistance. Proper materials and ventilation techniques not only keep your basement in good shape, but you will be more comfortable.
Overthinking The Layout
You probably have several uses in mind for the basement: movies, crafting, brewing beer, an extra guest room. One common mistake of basement remodeling is to divide the space into too many individual rooms.
Keep in mind that people will feel a bit more cramped in the basement, especially if there are no large windows. An open layout with storage options for various activities can be more useable than a series of special rooms.
Forgetting to Consider Noise Issues
Many homeowners have turned the basement into a theater room — only to quickly discover that their children are now playing loud video games right below the master bedroom.
Look at the basement remodeling plans with your contractor and determine how noise from the basement will affect the upstairs, and vice versa. Soundproofing or carefully placed speaker systems can mitigate any unavoidable noise conflicts.
Taxing Your Utilities
If you are interested in basement remodeling for the purpose of adding occupants — adult children, aging parents, or renters — look into whether your current utilities can support the additional energy and water consumption. Consider larger water heaters and upgraded electrical service to keep everything powered safely and reliably.