A basement renovation is a great home improvement project because it not only can increase the value of your home – it also gives your family more space for living and storage. And, as with any renovation, the most important stage is the planning. Here are a few simple steps to help you get started.
There are 10 steps to completing this project:
First, think about your family’s needs and how you want to use the space. Maybe a laundry room, game room or guest bedroom. Think long-term, as well. A family room could easily become a rental unit a few years down the road. Make sure to plan rough-ins for plumbing and a kitchen if you’d like to make your basement a rental unit later on.
Next, draft up a detailed floor plan and use it to figure out how your finished basement will fit together, right down to furniture placement. Add detailed measurements and make sure to consider any hard electrical or plumbing needs, as this may factor into your floor plans. At this stage, you should also visit your local building inspector to check in on any required remodelling permits or code considerations such as framing, electrical, and plumbing.
Check for signs of excess moisture. Look closely at the foundation walls and floor and repair any cracks that may be contributing to the problem. Professional assistance may be required at this stage. Once your plan is in place, make sure you aren’t going to cover up or hide an issue that could become a problem over time. Install a backwater valve or sump pump to prevent flooding.
Examine the structure for supporting posts, low ceilings and floors below the municipal sewer line. These can pose challenges to your project. You might want to consult The Home Depot’s Home Services team for a thorough inspection.
Consider your electrical and plumbing needs. Whether you’re planning a home theatre or lighting installation, always make sure you hire a certified electrician for any electrical work. For any plumbing needs, be sure to check if you need a permit before starting.
Decide what type of insulation you’ll be using, spray foam or sheets of extruded polystyrene. You want to avoid moisture problems that could lead to mould, so talk to a Home Depot associate to ensure you get the right insulation for your needs.
Your next step is framing walls. Make sure you seal foundation walls beforehand. Moisture-resistant drywall is a great option for basements, as areas below grade are prone to excess moisture especially bathrooms, laundry rooms and utility rooms.
Decide which flooring you’d like to install and repair any cracks in your subfloor before installing anything new. You might want to consider waterproofing your concrete as well. Certain materials such as hardwood flooring aren’t recommended for basements because of the potential moisture, which is why vinyl and laminate are popular choices.
Now that you know what you want, it’s time to figure out how much it will cost. Start by considering all the connections for installations and additions such as: vents, windows, drywalling, flooring and lights. Save decorating and furniture expenses for last.
Finally, decide what you can do yourself, and what requires a contractor’s expertise. The Home Depot Home Services team is always here to help with the trickier parts of a project, with a range of services such as: carpeting; heating, ventilating and air conditioning installation; hot water tank and furnace installation and more. For work you’re doing yourself, our Rental Centre is the perfect place to get professional grade tools.
