A refurbished basement can add immense value to your home. It holds true, especially if you are planning to put up your home for sale.
In fact, reports suggest that if you invest $10,000 in improving your basement, it will increase your home’s value by about $7,000. So while you are refurbishing your basement, some expert tips here can come in handy.
1. Start by getting a thorough inspection of the property
It is essential to get your property thoroughly checked before renovating. If there are cracks and signs of moisture, you need to fix it as your home will flood in the rainy season. And if you are going from unfinished to finished, you need to inspect for grade changes and drainage before you make a commitment. Also, look for degraded sheetrock, old framing HVAC, etc., and get them replaced as they can impact your future layout.
2. Plan an open layout
Leaving many possibilities open to make use of the space is a smart idea if you are going to sell the house. You don’t know yet who your client is going to be. Instead of focusing too much on the layout, it is better to complete the walls on the outside and keep it an open idea.
3. Consider adding a vapor barrier
You have taken care of the moisture issues. But chances are your basement can still become damp. To avoid the issue, add a vapor barrier for one or two days to the walls and floors before you frame and finish off these surfaces. You can then check beneath and see the amount of moisture that may be coming through before you start again.
4. Consider adding an epoxy basement floor
An epoxy basement floor is economical as it is seamless, easy to maintain, striking, and moisture-resistant. But ensure that your basement is totally free of moisture. The epoxy will adhere properly only if the concrete slab is thoroughly dried and prepared. Plus, if you are using commercial epoxy floor coatings, they are very resistant to hazards like gas and oil. It is also water-resistant and heat-resistant. You can consult epoxy flooring experts to make the best choice while selecting the product for your flooring.
5. Add in a storage room
Most buyers will love a spacious basement storage room. If you can incorporate a storage room though it doesn’t have to be a complete one, it will add more value to your basement. Simple storage racks made from plywood will cost you less, but it will be well received by potential buyers.
6. Install the right lighting
When it comes to basement lighting, pot lights are a great choice as it has a low-profile design, and pairs well with low ceilings. But they can be costly. If you can’t afford pot lights, track lighting is another excellent option. Or you can install two ceiling lights with equal distance. It is more modern than the traditional single light.
7. Check for ventilation
Hire a professional to check the ventilation system and fuel-burning equipment as CO2 may get accumulated. Experts say that there should be one window for ventilation big enough for a firefighter to access.
8. Install rough-ins for an income suite
A basement renovation can be quite costly. But if you are plumbing for a basement washroom, installing rough-ins for a kitchen is a great idea. Buyers will love this feature, as some buyers will look at it as a future income suite. The best part is, it will not cost you much.
9. Check for humidity
While checking your basement for humidity, tape 2 feet by 2 feet plastic sheet to the ceiling and the ground and wait for a week or two. Plus, if you see droplets on the plastic sheet on the ceiling, you will have to dehumidify the basement. You can also seal the foundation if you notice water droplets on the plastic sheet taped on the ground.
10. Check for rotting
You will have to check if the wooden window frames, beams on headers, rims, etc., are rotten. Just take a long screwdriver and probe for wood rot. Sometimes, it can even be damaged by insects. You will have to change them if it is rotten.
Wrapping-Up
There you have it. Ten expert tips that you can follow to refurbish your basement like a pro. Renovating your basement can add immense value to your home, especially if you are going to put it up for sale. But many times, a homeowner can get overwhelmed where and how to start.
You can refer to this article anytime you get stuck while renovating your basement. You can hire an experienced contractor to know if the foundation and construction are structurally sound. He/She can also tell you how to accommodate the ideas you have for your space.
