When starting a basement finishing project, many factors come into play. Your financial situation, the age of the home, and what you want to accomplish during the remodel are just a few. It’s important to think about these things when determining a budget and the necessary pre-preparation.
Some basements are easy candidates for finishing. While others will require structural work before walls and plumbing can be installed. If the home’s structure is old or poorly built, there may be issues with the foundation. Other issues might be ceiling height, electrical, plumbing, or other fundamental home features. All these issues must be addressed before any renovation can begin to ensure both safety and aesthetics.
Start by assessing your circumstances and making an action plan for your basement remodeling project.
1. Check the Foundation
Before starting any construction in your soon-to-be finished basement, assess the state of the foundation. It’s not uncommon for basements to get leaks or cracked walls. Basements can develop cracks in the walls from settling or stress. These weaken the concrete, and can lead to later foundation issues if you don’t get them repaired. That means foundation repairs must be made before any other remodel work can begin.
Some indicators of serious foundation issues include:
- Soft concrete
- Cracked, bulging, or curved outside basement walls
- Horizontal cracks
- Doors that won’t latch properly
- Stuck windows
- Cracks on any floors in your home
- Cracks in the flooring
- Bowing or slanted floors
2. Eliminate Water Issues
Examine the walls, ceiling, and floors carefully for signs of water damage. It’s not unusual for leaking pipes to go unnoticed in the basement which can cause mold and mildew, rot, and foundation shifting. Maybe you just need to add a sump pump, but it’s important to make sure foundation damage doesn’t occur.
It’s essential to eliminate water issues before you put in insulation and sheetrock. Ignoring such issues will only lead to serious and expensive problems later on.
Toledo Basement Repair offers permanent solutions to water problems. We utilize the latest technology to ensure that you will no longer experience chronic basement leakage. We specialize in diagnosing where your water problem is coming from. We then create a plan of action to perform a high-quality basement or foundation repair.
3. Insulate Properly
Homeowners often choose to skimp on the insulation in their basement because they think they spend less time down there. However, that’s a huge mistake.
Insulation in the basement means significant energy savings in both cold and warm climates. Your HVAC system will no longer work or work overtime to cool or heat your home. Plus. the insulation will protect your foundation and home structure from the elements.
Your insulation options vary from fiberglass batts to spray foam. In most cases, spray-foam insulation is most highly recommended for its efficiency. It fills in all the holes and gaps that will otherwise allow drafts and condensation. It can be more expensive, but you’ll see financial returns in a more energy-efficient house.
4. Get Better-Looking, Safer Window Wells
If you are looking for a way to add more space to your home, consider transforming your basement with an egress window! Egress window well systems are often required by code for any finished living space. Adding one will ensure that you will be able to enjoy your basement more than ever before. In addition to making sure your basement receives natural light and is well ventilated, it will keep you and your loved ones safe in the event of an emergency.
Have your egress window installed before refinishing your basement to avoid creating extra work and mess!
Window well escape systems may be a safety requirement, but you don’t have to sacrifice your basement’s beauty to comply with the code! Toledo Basement Repair offers a complete system that turns your basement into a bright, comfortable living space. At the same time, ensuring the safety of those inside.
5. Contact Toledo Basement Repair Before You Begin Your Basement Finishing Project!
If you’re preparing for a basement renovation or you’ve noticed signs of foundation problems in your home, we can handle it. For more information, contact us today at (419) 297-6138 for a free estimate.