What You Need to Do Before Transforming Your Basement

Is your basement just a place to store your dump? Does it look like a dungeon? Why not turn your dingy basement into something more? Living space is valuable so why not utilize every inch you have to the maximum. Here are some ideas on what your basement could be: home entertainment center, personal gym, a quaint study, trendy and remodeled living room or play area for the children.

When it comes to the topic of how to utilize an underground room, homeowners usually have different opinions than basement specialists and water-sealing experts. Nowadays, new homes already use this available space during the construction. Therefore, if you buy a new home, you do not have the luxury of deciding what you want to use it for. That’s why many people like the idea of purchasing older properties because they still have the opportunity to transform the basement according to their whims and fancies. The fact that there are many ideas and thoughts on how to transform a basement show that younger buyers like the idea of buying a home they can change in ways to accommodate their lifestyle.

Whatever you decide to transform your basement into, the most important step is to make sure the space is clean, dry and healthy. Before you start your renovations, you must accomplish these three things first.

You have to make sure the basement rooms do not contain any leaks and that water is not somehow finding it’s way in. If this is a problem, not only will your possessions encounter damages, it will also lead to structural damages. Plus, it will compromise any future renovations. Mold, mildew, or other biological growth creates an unhealthy space for people to live there.

Begin with a good base stone. The base wall must be free of any cracks or crevices. If not, water will find its way into the underground spaces.

The high humidity in the basement can also be the result of everyday living activities such as showering, cooking, and drying clothes. There are some things you can do to rectify that:
– Install ventilation fans in the kitchen and bathroom and make sure it vents directly outside and not into the attic.
– If you use a clothes dryer, make sure it vents directly to the outside and clean the vent ducts at least once a year.
– Have a contractor check your heating and cooling system to see if it is the right size and if it’s operating properly to remove humidity. Also make sure there are no leaks.
– Utilize a dehumidifier in the basement during hot humid seasons as this will lessen condensation on the walls.

Moisture can enter your basement through your walls and floors. To counter this, you should seal them with waterproof sealants.

Watch the water supply lines closely so you can quickly catch any leaks. If you do this, you will save a lot of money.

Consider roof gutters and down spouts to keep water from puddling up and then seeping into the basement. Clean them regularly so there is nothing to block the water flow.

A dry basement is essential if you want to convert it into livable space. Get a complete report from a professional so you do things the right way from the beginning.