Your basement is the perfect place to turn into a game room, home theater, or even a rental property. But renovations can be tricky, especially if you’re working alone or with limited knowledge of what makes a good basement renovation project. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when renovating your basement:
Not Checking the Building Codes
Building codes are a set of rules that dictate how you can use your home. They ensure that your house is safe and healthy, while also making sure it fits in with the neighborhood. For example, if you don't abide by the building code for fire safety, this could lead to serious consequences like expensive fines or even jail time!
Checking the building codes before renovating your basement is essential because it will help you avoid any major issues down the road. If you don't check them out first, here are some common mistakes people make.
Not Enough Windows and Poor Lighting.
Not enough windows and poor lighting in your basement can make it feel like a dungeon, so remember that fresh air, natural light, and privacy are important. When you're planning to renovate your basement, install new windows to bring in extra sunlight and increase the sense of space. You should also consider installing recessed lights if you have a dark corner in your basement.
If you want to maximize the potential of your basement but don't have much space on top of ground level, installing a window is one brilliant way of achieving this goal without having to build up or demolish anything at all (which would be incredibly expensive).
Inadequate Flooring,
Your floors are the foundation of your home. They’re also the first thing you notice when you enter a room, so they’re worth spending some time on.
Flooring can be a huge money saver because it hides cracks and other imperfections in the subflooring, but it can also be an expensive mistake if you get it wrong. Choose wisely, because once you lay down that tile or carpet there’s no going back!
When choosing flooring for your basement renovation project there are many factors to consider: material type (engineered wood, laminate, vinyl), style (modern or traditional), and surface finish (glossy or matte). Once you've decided on these aspects then it's time to do some research and find out which brands offer what kind of quality at an affordable price point.
Utilize the space
While many people consider their basement to be a catch-all for things they don't know where to put, it can also be a great space to create additional living space in your home. Consider using the basement as a guest room or playroom, or even converting it into an office or home theater.
If you're looking for options that are less costly than moving out of state and buying a house with extra bedrooms, converting your basement is an excellent way of increasing the value of your home while also giving you more space!
Insulating and Soundproofing
When you're planning to renovate the basement, it's important to know how to insulate and soundproof. Insulation is essential because it keeps your home warm in winter and cool during the summer months, protecting against temperature fluctuations. Soundproofing will allow you to have peace of mind when enjoying time with family members or roommates while they watch their favorite movies on television or play video games in their respective rooms.
Soundproofing helps keep outside noises from entering through windows and doors into your home. It also prevents internal sounds from being heard by others who are living above ground level (like children playing upstairs). There are several types of insulation available for purchase at hardware stores like Home Depot: fiberglass, foam board insulation, or cellulose fiber insulation that are great for use with basements because they provide excellent R-values (measurement of thermal resistance) preventing heat loss/gain into/from basements throughout all seasons.
Not Calling the Professional for moisture and expert advice
when it comes to your basement renovation, you want a professional opinion. If you don't think so, consider what happens when moisture gets into your basement walls or floors: Mold can develop and cause health problems for anyone who spends time in the basement. Also, damage may occur if water seeps through drywall, flooring, and ceiling tiles; mold on these surfaces could lead to structural damage over time. Lastly, the presence of moisture can be dangerous since it leads to other issues—like electrical shorts or fire hazards—that could put you at risk for injury or even death.
To protect yourself from these risks, call in professional help! There are various experts available to assess your home's condition and provide recommendations based on their findings. These include contractors specializing in building design; structural engineers (who specialize specifically in buildings); architects (who do similar work but also deal with zoning and regulatory issues); landscape architects (who focus more generally on exterior design); geotechnical engineers; waterproofing specialists; heating and cooling technicians
Decide Between a Home Theater or a Game Room or Rental Property, Keep in Mind the Necessities
When you have decided between a home theater, game room or rental property, keep in mind the necessities. If you are going to watch movies, then a home theater is best for you. The same goes for playing games versus watching movies. However, if your goal is to make an extra side income by renting out another unit on your property, then an open concept Kitchen with a living room would be the right choice because it will allow people to have a place to cook and get together with their friends and family members.
Conclusion
Basement renovation can be a daunting experience, but it's worth the effort. Make sure you have all of your bases covered before embarking on this project and avoid these common mistakes. You'll be glad you did! If you are looking for professional help, call us today at (647) 446-8418 or email us at Jbdstarr@outlook.com
