When it comes to your home, the basement is often one of the most neglected areas. This space can be a great place for kids to play or an adult's personal man cave, but you need to take action in order to make it livable. Here are some steps that will help you turn your basement into a usable space:
Clean the Basement Out
Most people use their basement for storage and over the years it accumulates a bunch of junk. If you want to turn it into usable space you will need to clean it out. If you don't, there may not be enough room for furniture and other items that would make the space livable.
Dry It Out
Basements have a particular smell. That smell comes from the humidity and moisture. To make it livable, you need to dry out the area. After the basement is cleaned out you can run fans and dehumidifiers
Waterproof the Basement
Once you go through the work of cleaning out the basement and making it dry, you now need to perform basement waterproofing. This is important because if water gets into your basement from flooding there are not a lot of ways for it to escape. You will need to waterproof the basement from the inside and outside of your home. This is a step that you will want to make sure you have a professional do for you. When it rains, the surrounding water table rises. It can potentially be higher than the floor of your basement. The water may enter through a variety of outlets in an inadequately waterproofed basement. Leaks in the floor or walls might reveal the presence of water.
Install Walls and Flooring
Unless you want one large room, you will need to install walls and flooring. If you are looking for more privacy, consider installing drywall or paneling on the walls. Installing wood floors can help give your basement a homey feel while making it easier to clean up messes from playing with children while carpet will provide more cushion to protect from falls.
Install Lighting
Most people do not like to spend time in places with poor lighting. Make sure that you have a sufficient amount of lighting throughout the basement. There are many low-power LED options that simulate natural light that really makes a difference.
If you are looking to turn your basement into a liveable space, there is a lot that goes into it but it can really turn a drab space into a great hangout or bedroom. If you make sure to do these simple steps, you will be well on your way to enjoying a livable basement.
