3 Things To Consider Before You Begin A Basement Finishing Project
This winter has been cold enough in many areas of the country to make people realize just how cold a basement can become. If you've been kicking around the idea of finishing your basement to create an additional comfortable living space in your home, there's some things that need to be done before you nail your first stud. Here, you'll find a few steps to take before you begin your basement finishing project.
Moisture
Is moisture a problem anywhere in your basement? If so, you will have to get some home waterproofing done before you begin to finish the walls.
If you're not sure if you have moisture seeping in through the concrete, there's a test that you can do. Simply get a trash bag and some duct tape. Find an area that you think may have a bit of a moisture problem. Tape the trash bag to the wall and/or floor. Be sure to seal up each side of the bag to trap the moisture underneath. Let this sit for a day or two and remove the bag. Does the concrete appear darker than the surrounding surfaces? If so, there is moisture present and you will want to have things checked out before you cover the walls with building materials. A call to a local home waterproofing company, like Safe-Way Waterproofing, will get you on your way to a basement dry enough to finish beautifully.
Insulation
Without insulation, your cold basement will remain a cold basement even after you've finished the renovation.
The worst choice you can make is to go with traditional fiberglass bat insulation stuffed between wood studs. This is a perfect set up for mold and mildew growth.
Instead, look into either spray foam insulation or foam board insulation. Both of these options will resist the mold growth and create a barrier between your living space and the cold concrete. For the best results, opt for the spray foam insulation. It is an awesome product for filling the smallest spaces with insulation and sealing any cracks that are present.
Flooring
No matter what you do, the flooring in your basement will always be cold – unless you install heated flooring. Heated flooring is available in various forms. You can have tile, wood-look, concrete, or possibly carpeting installed over the heated flooring elements. If you opt for carpeting, you'll need to work closely with the flooring professional to find the carpeting that will work well with the heated flooring.
These three things will make a huge difference in the outcome of your project. Hopefully, by this time next year, you'll have a cozy basement to snuggle up in to get away from the cold.
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