Finishing your basement is a wonderful way to add useful space to your home. However, the process is an involved one, and you’ll want to ensure you avoid potentially costly mistakes. Here are four steps you’ll need to take when finishing your basement.
Apply for Appropriate Permits
The permits you’ll need to pull to finish your basement will vary depending on where you live, but it’s critical to ensure your work is appropriately permitted to avoid potentially costly fines and other sanctions. Note that permits are designed to ensure work is done in a safe manner; improperly done work can lead to serious injuries and potential legal liabilities. In many cases, work done without a permit, even if done well, may need to be removed or redone.
Waterproof Your Basement
Basements are notoriously leaky. Although small or even undetected leaks might not seem to be too much of a problem in unfinished basements, even the tiniest of leaks can wreak havoc on your basements once it’s finished. Basement waterproofing helps you locate and mitigate leaks early on in the process, and it can save you from significant repair bills in the future when done properly.
Focus on the Walls
You have several options for finishing your basement walls, but drywall is the most popular due to its low cost and relatively easy installation. While setting up the frames and before installing drywall, make sure to think about utility hookups and plan accordingly; it’s far easier to place electrical outlets while in the planning phase than redoing work once your drywall is installed. You’ll also want to consider your insulation options beforehand.
Install the Ceiling and Flooring
Make sure to consider your options for finishing your ceiling, but don’t discount the option of having an open ceiling if you like an industrial look. Drop ceilings are a classic option, and drop-ceiling kits give you excellent aesthetic options. Drywall ceiling can also work well, but, again, make sure to consider your utilities before settling. It’s likely that you’ll need to install subflooring as well, which gives you a flat surface to work with. Finally, choose which flooring is right for you; fortunately, there are plenty of DIY-safe options to choose from. Make sure to think about pets and kids when comparing different flooring options.
Whether you’re finishing your basement to create an entertainment center, an office or even a bedroom, make sure to plan ahead. Basement finishing isn’t as costly as some other types of remodeling, but the costs can add up if you make mistakes along the way. Fortunately, there are more options available today than ever before.
