Buying a house with an unfinished basement is a great way to get more square footage in your home without paying the full cost of a finished space. However, there are many reasons that you may eventually want to upgrade that space into a fully-functional basement. Here’s what to know about finishing your basement before you begin.
It Adds Value
If you’re considering selling your home, finishing the basement is a great way to add value to your property and attract more buyers. Finished basements are great places for kids’ playrooms, home theaters, game rooms, and at-home apartments for college students and other family members.
Check the Foundation
Before you can start finishing your basement, there are a bunch of things you’ll need to consider during the planning stage. The most important consideration is the foundation. If your home is a recent construction, you may not have any problems. However, older homes are prone to cracks and other foundation flaws that you may need to deal with before moving forward.
Know About Egress Windows
In the 1990s, it became standard code for home basements to have what are called “egress windows.” These are basically large windows built into below-ground wells that are large enough for a grown adult to climb out of. These windows are a fire safety tool, but older homes often aren’t up to modern codes, so you may need to install one.
Always Insulate
Forgoing insulation in your basement can be tempting, especially since it has the soil around the house as a kind of natural insulation. Unfortunately, a basement without insulation will make controlling the temperature difficult and may be unpleasant to spend time in. You don’t want to go to all the trouble of finishing a basement only to not enjoy hanging out there.
Hire a Professional Painter
Basements are subject to slightly different environmental conditions than the rest of your house. Experience can make all the difference when it comes to finishing this space. Because it can be hard to know what you’re dealing with, have a professional painter help you find the right paint job for your basement, one that can withstand different humidity and temperatures.
Knowing these things about finishing your basement before you start the process can save you plenty of time and effort. We know that renovations are a complicated process, but with proper planning, you’re sure to have success.
