
The basement is an indispensable part of the house or property. Generally, it is used as a utility space where items like the water heater, breaker panel or fuse box, furnace, air conditioning system, and car park are located. It is also here where facilities like the electrical system and cable television distribution points are.
Often, things are taken for granted here since you do not sleep or cook in the basement. When a homeowner thinks about remodeling their home, they tend to forget that the basement needs remodeling too.
So, in this piece, we will find out why basement remodeling is also necessary. We would likewise want to let you know that if you are searching online for “basement remodeling contractors near me Philadelphia PA,” you can find several options. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Top 6 Reasons Why You Should Also Remodel Your Basement
1. Increase Your Home’s Resale Value
Basement remodels can add to the resale value of your home, making the property more appealing to potential investors and buyers. But, even if you continue to live in your current home and do not sell it, remodeling your basement is still a wise investment.
2. You Have A Blank Canvas To Work On
You have a blank canvas to work on when you have an unfinished basement. It is the ideal opportunity to assess your needs. The basement, when remodeled, can provide spaces for an extra bedroom, a second or third bathroom, an entertainment space or home theater, or a home gym. The only limit is your imagination.
3. You Are Provided With Extra Storage
As you ponder your basement remodeling plans, this is the perfect opportunity to turn it into a storage space. It could be a pantry for non-perishable foods, an extra closet for out-of-season apparel, or a place for random things you cannot seem to fit elsewhere.
4. Ideal For A Growing Family
If your family is growing, remodeling the basement is an excellent opportunity to build more space for your kids, whether they are actually using the basement as a playroom or you are using it to store their toys and other children’s items.
Also, the basement can be an ideal space whenever more people in your family are moving in or staying in your home for a while.
5. Save On Energy Bills
Basements not remodeled usually do not have excellent insulation. It means the heat or air conditioning could be leaking out and causing the units to work harder. Doing a basement remodel insulates the space better, helping you save on electricity and gas bills as well.
6. Improve Safety
When you go for a basement remodel, you can also reduce various issues, such as water leaks, mold growth, and gas leaks, that can potentially damage your house’s structure and integrity. Bathroom remodeling is a wise way to avoid dealing with severe problems and damage to your basement and the associated costs.
Guidelines For A Successful Basement Remodeling
This time, we will walk you through the tips on how you can make the basement remodeling as successful as possible.
Get Moisture Within Your Control
Basement remodeling is all about moisture. If you can triumphantly manage the moisture, your basement can become livable. Plus, even features usually not installed in the basement, such as carpeting, can be added without the hassle.
If moisture is present, you may not even be able to start remodeling your basement. Moisture is touted as the factor that disqualifies basements. But this can be dealt with.
Decide On The New Purpose Of Your Basement
Basements are typically only for some uses. These areas are cold, insular, and dark.
If you are rebuilding your basement as a space for a sunlight-loving relative, you can even add windows and sun tubes to this space.
Yet, basements are also ideal for uses that do not require so much light. For instance, home theaters depend on low-light levels, as well as dampened acoustics, for optimal performance.
Also, you can turn your basements into home gyms and yoga spaces. However, consider that most basements have lower ceilings, so you may be unable to assemble your tall exercise equipment here.
Make Wall System Planning A Priority
Walls are installed in these spaces for various reasons. They make the basement more aesthetically pleasing. They also make it easier to run electrical wires and provide these spaces where to install receptacles. In addition, walls also enhance temperature control.
Also, know that walls usually have no structural value in a remodeled basement. Because of the inherent moisture issues, you may want to opt for steel studs since they do not rot and since each stud possesses perfect dimensions.
Foam insulation over fiberglass insulation must be preferred, too, since the latter can develop mold.
Devise An Electrical Plan
When remodeling your basement, you should provide a certain number of electrical outlets to comply with the electrical code. If you will include a bathroom in the basement, it needs the full complement of electrical work, just like how they do on your upper floors.
Plan Heating And Cooling Ahead Of Time
In some properties, heating, and cooling work perfectly well on their own. In summer, the basement stays cool since it is located below the ground. During winter, this space remains warm since the earth is a good insulator.
However, many home basements will need supplemental heating and cooling systems. An excellent way to provide fast heat is the electrical baseboard heater. More so, consider the fact that existing HVAC ductwork may be running along the joists of the floor above, which you can use for your basement space.
Incorporate Egress Requirements
Having an egress, or exit point aside from the doorway, is crucial if you want your remodeled basement to include a bedroom.
Most local building codes will implement egress requirements for finished basements. If you still need more egress points, you may have to create a window to satisfy this requirement.
Create An Effective Lighting Plan
Most basements have minimal lighting. Are you thinking of installing lighting? It may be tricky because of the height restrictions in this space.
For this reason, can or recessed lights are often used in basement remodels. Recessed lights provide enough light, and they also do not interfere with the structure of the space.
Since basements cannot rely on natural light, the lighting duties lie upon artificial lighting. So, you will need to plan for the lighting. After all, you only need to use the lightings you need here.
What you learned about above are why you should remodel your basement and tips to make this project successful. Are you ready to remodel your basement? Connect with a reliable remodeling company today that can fulfill these projects.