Finishing a basement is an art. In order to do it properly, one must have expert knowledge about the subject. If not skilled enough, finishing a basement can ruin the look of the entire house. The following are some dos and don’ts for a proper finish:
Dos of finishing basements:
- Ensure Protection of your Investment: Finishing a basement is expensive, with costs reaching up to thousands upon thousands of dollars. Because of this, it’s important that you take the necessary precautions to ensure the protection of your investment. Do an assessment on your future space and consider costs for things like plumbing, wiring, heating/cooling systems, flooring, finishes, and other amenities.
- Plan it Accordingly: If you plan to move the plumbing or wiring to get a better layout, measure twice before cutting anything! It is important that you have a clear idea of what your new space will look like so you can include features accordingly. Also, make sure any future changes will fit in with your overall design.
- Layout: Layout is important for many reasons, one of them being to make sure you can maximize the use of your space. You want an open floor plan that will allow multiple activities to take place without any interference; perhaps a relaxing living room surrounded by several comfortable spaces like a bedroom or home theatre room.
- Consider Your Storage Needs: Some people might want large closets, extra storage space, or perhaps a separate storage area for seasonal items like Christmas decorations or camping equipment. You don’t have to go all out with an extra bedroom, but even the most basic living areas should have some type of closet space. Proper storage is crucial for maximizing your space and making the most out of what you have.
- Finish it Like a Pro: It’s important to hire professionals of basement finishing in Cumming
when finishing your basement; you don’t want to make the rookie mistake of roughing in plumbing or wiring before making sure everything is exactly where you want it (which can be easily done when using wireframes and mockups). It might cost more upfront but will go a long way in the end.
- Make sure you have proper drainage and waterproofing methods: To avoid seepage or damage from flooding, as well as an emergency plan, so you know what to do if such an incident occurs. If your finished basement is full of expensive items like a pool table, entertainment system, or computer equipment, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
While simpler than adding another floor, there are steps to finishing a basement to keep in mind.
Don’ts of finishing basement:
- Don’t be tempted to finish the basement if you are not sure you’ll stay in your home for at least five years. It is difficult to recoup the cost of finishing a basement if you move after just a few years.
- Don’t forget about your climate when finishing the basement. If the main level of your house gets very cold, don’t expect it to be any warmer in the basement.
- Don’t forget you’ll need heating and cooling in your finished lower level. Even though it is a smaller space than the main level of your house, heat will still escape to the outside through the walls and ceilings because they are closer to outdoor temperatures than walls in the upper level of your home.
- Don’t be tempted to put in small windows even though the basement seems dark and dreary. Small basement windows will make you feel like you are living in a dungeon or that there is something wrong with the house itself. The ideal basement window size should be at least 2 feet high by 4 feet wide.
- Don’t be tempted to create a bathroom in the basement if there are no plumbing hookups or electrical outlets nearby. You will have to tear down your drywall later, at a great cost, to install these elements after you move into the house.
- Don’t neglect any structural problems when finishing your basement. For example, if there are cracks in the walls or floor because of settling, your finishing job won’t last long if you don’t address these problems first.
