Originally posted on 04/18/2019
Finishing your basement creates a new useable space in your home. Adding remodeling touches here allows you to take care of the functions you need to such as monitoring the furnace while building out a new area to relax and enjoy yourself.
However, there are many problems in basement design that limit its usefulness or end up costing more in repairs. Make sure to avoid the following mistakes when finishing your basement.
Finishing a Flood-Prone Basement
There are times when you should listen to nature. Basements, in general, are much more likely to retain moisture. Those basements lying below sea level are at even greater risk. Water will work to seep inside through cracks or joints in the foundation.
Additionally, flooding from leaks, storms, or broken appliances builds in extra risks. A proper drainage plan to deal with excess water will be necessary to remodel any basement.
Using the Wrong Materials
Basements are notorious for holding humid air. Avoid mold growth by only using inorganic materials. For insulation, use foam instead of fiberglass to keep the heat in a while allowing the moisture to dissipate naturally.
Traditional drywall is another material to avoid in the basement. The paper layer becomes a mold breeding ground in basements. Make sure to use below-grade, mold-resistant boards. For bonus points, find interlocking panels to improve your basement’s insulation.
Installing Wood Flooring
Wood flooring needed its own section - it is that important. Wood floors provide a refined connection to nature in any home. But in the basement, wood floors are a disaster waiting to happen. Beware of “mold-resistant” panels as they will still cause problems down the line.
Forgetting Lighting and Comfort
Many people strive for a useful, functional design in their basement remodeling. This approach makes sense due to the need to check mechanical appliances. But you can have a basement that is both functional and comfortable if you plan for it.
Avoid recessed lighting as that will cut into the space needed for insulation in the already low ceilings. Instead, consider lights along walls and in shelving spaces. Keep the area warm with a separate thermostat. For better heat distribution, add heat registers at the baseboard level to get an accurate temperature reading.
Get Help Finishing Your Basement with Professional Contractors
More for Less Remodeling provides custom designs to recreate any room in your home. We have worked with several families to develop the best basement for their needs. Avoid basement blunders when you give us a call today.