How to Plan a Basement Remodeling Project
There’s no reason to let your basement sit empty when it can be transformed into a new family room, home office, or more. It’s a great way to add value to your home and create a comfortable space for entertaining and relaxing.
It’s best to leave this type of work to Basement Remodeling Lexington KY who can oversee the entire project and ensure that it’s up to code. They can also take care of pulling permits.
A basement design plan is an essential step that helps to define the scope of your project. A well-thought-out plan will be easier to build and will weed out many of the potential pitfalls that often plague remodeling projects once construction has begun. Creating a basement design on the computer is one of the best ways to see what your finished space will look like, and it’s easy to share with contractors, family members, and friends for feedback.
When planning your basement layout, you’ll want to take into consideration your budget and what you want to use the space for. Adding bedrooms and bathrooms will add to your project’s cost. Specialty rooms, such as a home theater, will require more advanced electrical work and potentially extra sound insulation.
Keeping storage in mind is important as well. Adding built-in storage shelving and under-stair storage will help keep your family organized and reduce clutter. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider basement laundry room or boiler room framing.
It’s also important to check local building codes and regulations regarding egress windows. Having a safe exit to the outside is essential for family members’ safety in the event of an emergency. A basement remodel can be a great time to update and upgrade existing windows or install new ones. If you decide to do so, it is crucial to consult with a licensed and insured contractor. These professionals can ensure that all necessary safety and accessibility features are met. This includes ensuring that egress windows meet the proper size and height requirements.
Electrical
As you start planning your basement remodel, one of the most important things to consider is how much electrical work needs to be done. This will determine everything from the location of outlets and light switches to the number and type of lighting fixtures you can add.
During the framing phase, an electrician will need to run wiring throughout the basement. This includes drilling holes in the studs and framework and then running wire through these to reach outlets, light switches, recessed lights, fans, and other electric elements. This work is best left to professional electricians, who can ensure that all wires are properly routed, plugged in, and secured.
If you’re going to add a lot of cords (like for a home theater system, TV, or kitchen appliances), it’s also a good idea to upgrade to tamper-resistant outlets. These have a little plastic piece above the outlet that keeps people from inserting anything other than cords, and they’re code-compliant in most places.
You may also decide to invest in some more high-end electrical fixtures to make your basement look and feel like a true finished room. Your electrician can help you select the right fixtures, including sconces, track lighting, and other options that will elevate your space without blowing up your entire remodeling budget. This is especially helpful if you’re planning to use the basement as an entertainment room or a home office. Your electrician will help you choose the best lighting options to achieve those goals and ensure that your new fixtures are installed correctly, so you can enjoy them for years to come.
Plumbing
The next step in basement remodeling involves plumbing. Depending on whether the house has existing hookups, it could be as simple as adding new faucets and toilets, or it could require breaking through concrete floors to add water lines. It’s a good idea to get a contractor to install pipes, drains, and outlets so everything will pass inspection and be up to code.
Many basements have sewage pipes that run above the foundation of the home. If this is the case, it will cost more to install basement plumbing. These systems use various tubes to push used water into the main sewage line. A homeowner can also choose a sewage-ejector system, which works like a septic tank in that used water is sealed inside a container and then pumped away.
Another important piece of basement plumbing work is fixing leaks. Leaving a leaking pipe unfixed can lead to expensive damage. It can also promote mold growth and result in higher water utility bills. To prevent a leaking pipe from becoming an issue, contractors can slip foam insulation sleeves over hot-water pipes to prevent heat loss and over cold-water ones to reduce condensation.
If a basement has moisture problems, those should be addressed before the drywall is installed. Moisture issues are the leading cause of basement rot and can even result in mold and fungus, so it’s a good idea to conduct a thorough foundation inspection to determine the problem and find an appropriate solution. For instance, the contractors may need to drain water pools or install a sump pump in areas with poor drainage or where groundwater is seeping through the foundation walls.
A basement remodel is an extensive job that requires professional expertise. While certain tasks, such as painting, can be done by a skilled homeowner, plumbing and electrical work are best left to professionals who know how to avoid costly mistakes and ensure that work passes inspection.
Flooring
When it comes to basement remodeling, a lot of the work centers on flooring. That’s because, while you may have drywall up and electrical wiring in place, your floor is the last part of the room to be finished.
Whether you want to carpet the entire space or just a playroom or living area, the choice of flooring material depends on what you plan to use the basement for and what your budget is. A flooring installation professional can help you find options that meet your cost, comfort, durability, and appearance goals.
A moisture-proof pad is a good idea for any flooring in a basement, but especially for those with concrete floors. It helps prevent moisture from seeping up through the carpet to the concrete below and staining or rotting the subfloor. It can also be helpful in reducing the amount of water that seeps into the carpet from accidental spills or pet accidents.
Another flooring option is vinyl tile or sheet vinyl, which are both moisture-proof and very durable. They can come in a variety of colors and patterns, and many of them have antimicrobial protection to discourage the growth of mold and mildew. They’re also easy to clean.
Adding an extra bathroom to the basement is an excellent idea for any family, and it will certainly increase your home’s value. While it can be expensive, it’s worth the investment for most homeowners. A few other things to consider when it comes to the bathroom include making sure it’s accessible to people of all ages and that you have the right kind of ventilation. Adding a toilet, shower, or bathtub is a must, and installing a vanity and sink are also good ideas.
Finishing
While many homeowners believe that basement remodeling is a major undertaking, the truth is that it’s actually quite manageable. It’s also one of the best ways to add value to your home. Unlike other renovations, which usually require extensive plumbing and electrical work, basement remodeling involves only minor additions to existing systems. A licensed basement finishing contractor can help you develop your plan and select the necessary materials. They can also provide design ideas and ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations.
The most obvious change to a basement is installing finished walls and ceilings. This includes drywall, insulation, and framing for new walls or removing existing ones. This is one of the most important stages of the project, as it makes the space look finished and livable. It’s also time to think about stairways, windows, and doors.
Depending on the scope of your project, this could include installing new bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. These will have to meet local code requirements for egress windows and accessibility. They’ll also need to be large enough for firefighter gear and to allow occupants to escape in the event of a fire. Some projects may involve lowering the concrete floor or moving piping and ducts.
Another common basement modification is to make the space more energy efficient. Adding insulated drywall and flooring will keep the temperature regulated, so your furnace and air conditioner don’t have to work overtime to heat or cool the space.
