Learning About Renovating Your Home

Posted on: 3 March 2022

Do you want to finish and remodel your basement? While every form of home renovation shares a number of similarities, basement renovations have a few unique characteristics that make them more delicate and complicated. What are some of these? And how can you adapt to meet them? Here are five of the most common. 

1. Extra Moisture.

One of the biggest differences between basement remodels and the rest of the home is the added probability of leaking, condensation, and other moisture issues. Basements must be carefully insulated, waterproofed, finished, and vented in order to avoid mold, mildew, leaks, and foundation issues. Many homeowners also need a sump pump system to prevent undetected leaks. 

2. Low Ceilings.

Is your basement as tall as the other floors of the house? It may not be, meaning you'll have to decide how to adjust for this discrepancy. Low ceiling heights, especially once vents, beams, and drop ceilings are accounted for, may call for additional digging to actually lower the floor. If this isn't feasible, targeted solutions to deal with specific areas might be possible. 

3. Exit Requirements.

Can people get out of your basement safely in the event of an emergency? Your local area may or may not have rules requiring special egress windows that permit escape. If these aren't included or required, you'll still want to ensure safety for everyone in the basement and in the surrounding yards. 

4. Cold Temperatures.

The buried nature of the basement often means that its temperature varies quite a bit from the home's main levels. Basements surrounded by earth can store cold — or sometimes become stuffy — more than house walls open to the air. Your remodeler may suggest ways to minimize this, including HVAC and vent additions, window strategy, and heated flooring. 

5. Structural Necessities.

Especially prominent in a basement that wasn't originally finished with the rest of the house, structural features can get in the way of making the basement into the room you want. These often include structural columns and beams, ducting, pipe and electrical works, and heating or water utilities. You and your contractor will need to come up with ways to work around these and incorporate them into your design. 

Want to know more about the special needs of a basement refinishing project? No matter what are your goals, an experienced contractor who specializes in basement remodeling will be able to help. They'll work with you to identify what makes your particular project complex and the best options to overcome these obstacles. Call today to make an appointment.