Is your basement dark, damp, and overall unused? If so, you may want to consider giving it a bit of a makeover. Recent surveys from the National Association of Home Builders show that over the past two decades, finished basements have become one of the most popular home improvement projects. And while basement finishing can give you more functional space in your home, there are some easy mistakes that can be made. So to ensure your finished basement comes out as best as possible, let’s take a look at a few mistakes you should try to avoid along the way.
Using wood materials: When you’re choosing materials for your basement remodeling project, it’s important to remember that basements generally hold more moisture than the rest of the home. And because of this, materials like wood should not be used. Wood and other materials that aren’t moisture-resistant will not hold up well and will show signs of mold growth after being exposed to the added moisture in the basement. So when you’re choosing materials for flooring and studs, choose materials other than wood.
Overlooking draining: Since they’re underground, basements to pose the risk of getting flooded. This is why it’s important to plan for drainage during a home remodeling project. When you’re planning your new basement design, make sure to have adequate drain systems in the flooring — and don’t cover them up! If there is an existing draining system, make sure it stays exposed so it can do its job. But all in all, remember that basements can get wet so you should plan for draining as needed.
Forgetting about functionality: If you’re planning a basement finishing project, it’s important to have at least a general idea of what you want to do with the finished area. Otherwise, you may end up with a design and floor plan that doesn’t work with what you want to do with the area. You can use a finished basement for almost anything — a home office, a workout area, an entertainment area, and more. So before you get started with construction, make sure to map out the area as to how you want to use it.
Basements don’t have to be dark, scary places that you only use for storage. With the right basement finishing contractors, you can have a basement area you love. So keep these common mistakes in mind to ensure your basement remodeling project goes smoothly.