
Basement Remodeling Basics
As their families grow, many homeowners find themselves needing extra space. While building an addition onto the home is an option, finishing the basement is often the easier and more cost effective choice. Finishing a basement can add much needed square footage to your home and give your family a new place to relax and entertain. Before beginning a basement remodeling or finishing project, consider these renovation basics in order to make sure that your project goes as smoothly as possible.
Moisture:
Before beginning a renovation of your basement, be sure that excessive moisture does not render your basement useless. Excessive moisture, defined as the pooling of water on the floor, may make your basement an unsuitable candidate for renovation. While minor leaks can be repaired, significant moisture problems cannot be overcome and a renovation should not be attempted.
Usage:
When remodeling a basement keep in mind that the space is usually dark and somewhat insular. With that in mind, be sure that your design is appropriate for the space. Certain projects such as a home theater or wine room lend themselves to a basement environment while other ideas may not be as suitable.
Walls:
While building walls in a basement can make it seem more inviting and pleasing to the eye, keep in mind that wood studs may fall victim to the moisture present in the basement. Steel studs are a great alternative and already come drilled with holes for electrical wiring.
Electrical:
Most building codes require that a …
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