1.Look for Moisture in Your Basement Renovation Project

Before you throw all your thought into your basement renovation, foundation wall waterproofing may be necessary. Make sure that it has no problem with humidity and mold. Planning is the first step toward most renovation projects. Basements are the rare exception. Before you start thinking about what features to put into your dream basement, make sure it is free from dampness and mold.

If it’s not, then stopping the source of moisture and mold has to be your number one priority. It could be caused from anything as simple as outside landscaping to a foundation leak. Once you’ve located it, proceed to the next step (which will incorporate a mold/moisture mitigation methodology).

Basement waterproofing is a multi-step process enmeshed with various phases of the project. Keep that in mind as you go through the levels.

Learn about basement waterproofing from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-2 .

2.Ceiling Height Considerations in Basement Renovation

Never compromise on ceiling heights during your basement renovation project; otherwise, it will look very dark and crowded in comparison with the upper levels of your house.

Even if your current floor-to-ceiling space is adequate to stand in, beefing up the insulation and adding a new finish can decrease overall height. If your current cellar floor lacks enough headroom, additional excavation might be necessary.

Learn more about building codes and ceiling height requirements at the International Code Council (ICC): www.iccsafe.org .

3.Excavate and Conduct Structural Work for Basement Conversion

Much of your basement conversion money will most likely be spent on extra excavation and structural work, which can include work to shore the structure up and make sure the stories are supported.

Homeowners often wish, when converting their basements, to make several major structural alterations. “The first step is to eliminate an interior supporting wall to create an open-plan area. The next step is to create a door/patio opening at the back of the property that leads up to the garden. Step three involves lowering the existing cellar floor for more headroom, which could range from requiring RSJ steels and columns for scenarios A and B to the latter requiring digging out and underpinning.”

Check out the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) for more information on structural safety: www.asce.org .

4.Critical Aspects to Consider for Your Basement Conversion Project

Conversion of the basement space of your home can be one such utility and value addition which can prove to be the pride of many, provided the execution is done with thorough planning. Look out for these:

Structural Considerations

Removing the load-bearing walls: The changed outline, in many cases, requires reinforcement through the introduction of steel billets or posts to ensure the structure is stable. A structural engineer will need to be called upon to describe the kind of reinforcement that is necessary.

Open-Plan Areas

Open planning seems attractive because of the magnitude as well as flexibility that can be achieved. In the instances to have this support to the side, measures may need to be taken to enable the shifting of utilities to move differently, and plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services re-routed.

Doors and Windows

A door can also be fixed that opens out to the garden or a patio, will help the basement become more enjoyable. This can even entail digging up the garden and making sufficient drainage to avoid water seepage

The Final Touch

Flooring: Select moisture-proof material for flooring- you can Check out vinyl, or tile wood that is treated.
Basements usually get less amount of sunlight, so extra light of artificial light should be installed enough for the room. You can consider getting embedded light, wall scone light, and floor light.
Heating and Cooling: Either extending the home’s HVAC system into the basement or having separate heating and cooling units can keep the temperature in the room moderate. Go through our huge guide on the HVAC system to learn more elaborately about how you can optimize heating and cooling solutions in your basement.

 5.Common Challenges and Solutions in Basement Renovations

Renovating a basement is not easy work and the process has its own difficulties. These problems may range from mold formation on the walls and floor, low roof heights and inadequate lighting. But the fact is that given that it is possible to predict them when developing a strategy for merger, these obstacles can be effectively worked out. Here are some of the common challenges and solutions during basement renovations:

Moisture and Waterproofing:

It is also important consider moisture as a problem among them. Some measures include usage of sump pumps or French drains that will ensure that water is drained away properly before it causes damages or creates conducive environment for mold growth.

Low Ceiling Heights:

Where your basement is very shallow, you will require architectural redesigning, including excavation to reconfigure The ceiling height of the basement should be considered. The fact that this process is quite costly is fully justified by the positive result that will be achieved toward the general functionality and ambiance of the space.

Limited Natural Light:

Existence of natural lighting is also a problem since basements are mostly located below the ground level. One can either add windows or build a walk-out which enhances the lighting of the particular area. If this is not possible then one should opt for bright ambient lighting to give the place a welcoming look.

Managing these issues properly will guarantee that your basement renovation project is lucrative and that the new valuable area is both useful, and fun.

Learn more about mold prevention and management at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): www.epa.gov .

6.Proper Basement Waterproofing Techniques

You may want to search for waterproofing companies near you to get professional assistance in protecting your basement. If your basement renovation is to achieve anything close to feeling like any other room in the house, you are going to need a serious waterproofing system that works and help from one of the waterproofing companies near you. Waterproofing the basement floor is essential. Some barrier systems are designed so that they can stop the water from entering the building fabric, and some are designed to work on the basis that water has entered. Under this latter type of system, water enters the interior of the system into the drainage channels before it is carted away by a sump/pump system. By the way, Consider the basement waterproofing cost when planning your budget.

The Forms of Waterproofing

It is witnessed that most of the insurance companies demand two different waterproofing treatments. One is fixed by professionals and acts as a secondary if the first primary line of defense leaks. Among some of the measures in this stage are:

• Interior Sealants: These are easy to apply and work for small leaks.
• Interior drainage systemshandle the water that enters the structure.
• Exterior waterproofingand waterproofing basement walls from inside stops the water from entering the structure, although it is somehow costly.
• French drainslet the water go far from the foundation, and they can be located on the inside or outside.
• Sump/pump systemsare very essential for areas of high water tables since they help a lot in draining water far from the basement.

How you want to choose the best waterproofing option for your basement will depend upon the consideration of your place for a basement, the level of destruction of water, and flexibility in your budget. A lot of the recommendations are multi-faceted- allowing you the best out of more than one solution. 

Visit The National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC) for more on basement waterproofing: www.nawsrc.org .

7.Installing Required Systems for a Finished Basement

Be sure that your basement includes plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems. The utilities should be installed before finishing the walls and floors to save both time and money. Ensure that there is planning for efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation to maintain comfort all through the year. Not to forget lighting and outlets to make it quite usable.

Read more about essential systems installation on This Old House: www.thisoldhouse.com .

8.Foundational Strengthening for Added Space in Your Basement

When you plan on a renovation of your basement, it is quite important to have a correct idea of the cost involved to estimate a budget appropriately. Things like underpinning, which is reinforcing the existing foundations to give more ceiling height or increase the basement’s area, can add considerably to the costs. Requiring this work means calling in a very competent engineer because it may result in other structure-strengthening aspects, including steelwork, to retain the ground level above.

The average costs of basement remodeling search, including “basement renovation cost”, “average cost to finish a basement”, and “cost to finish basement’ are approximately at 40,000 to 45,000 pounds based on the type of job done and results achieved. Adequate assessment of the expenses confirms the reality that stakeholders combine the development of their dream basements with adequate budgeting.

Visit HomeAdvisor for a detailed guide on basement underpinning: www.homeadvisor.com (nofollow link).

9.Choose the Best Experts for Your Basement Renovation

Many basement renovation companies have structural engineers, drainage experts, and waterproofing consultants either in their employ or as part of a subcontracting team. Your below-grade basement contractors could be responsible for hiring all these pros if you’ve hired the outside team to build and oversee your below-grade space. Whichever route you take, you must team up with a crew that has plenty of experience with this sort of work.

10.Finish Your Basement: Transform Unused Space into Living Areas

Teaming up with experienced basement finishing contractors is key. In essence, basement finishing is a renovation of well-organized living rooms, home offices, or even entertainment areas from the previously unused space. This process usually includes a series of crucial steps as discussed below.

Waterproof the Basement

If you are planning a renovation for your basement, the basement finishes you plan for should be moisture-proof. This will assist in avoiding instances where there can be formation of mold, mildews or water damages in future. It will also guarantee you that your basement remains dry and safe through applied inside sealants or outside excavation while fixing the drainage systems.

Frame Out Basement Walls

Framing basement walls is really important. The walls serve as a ‘skeleton’ that will support the insulation, electrical cabling, and the drywall. You will want to be very precise in your planning with your basement layout. This is because the plumbing or structural components you already have built into your basement will probably have to be worked around or integrated into your design.

For ideas on basement finishing, visit HGTV: www.hgtv.com (follow link).

Completion Touches and Final Inspection

Double check everything to make sure the building standards and safety regulations are all considered in renovation. Complete the process with last touches like trims, doors and décor that reflect your taste and style. Your basement will become an extremely unique and enjoyable part of your home personalized with your favorite colors, artwork, and furniture.

Level Up Your Home with a Basement Redesign

Any form of remodeling is a rewarding task especially when you consider the added value of a newly done basement. Following the 10 steps outlined here, your renovation should be well-planned and properly executed, finally ending up as an attractive and workable area that will make it the best place to spend your time. A well-done remodeled basement will greatly enhance your life if it becomes a place to relax, work, or enjoy a whole smorgasbord of different forms of entertainment.

Ready for Your Basement Renovation?

Contact us today at icicontracting.ca and make your renovating dream come true!