Utilize Existing Space With a Basement Renovation
When most homeowners are considering a home improvement project,
many times it is to add additional living space to the home. Many
homeowners also have financial constraints when planning a remodeling
project. A good solution is to consider a basement renovation.
Utilize Existing Space By utilizing a well-planned
basement home improvement, space that is already available can be
optimized without the enormous expense of constructing a new addition
to the home.
Every successful basement remodeling project begins with a detailed
plan. It is advisable to enlist the services of either an architect
or remodeling design specialist. It is important to measure the
basement and come up with a set of drawings for the project; both
designer and homeowner should have input to the design.
Special Considerations
Basements come with special considerations for incorporating them
into the available living space offered by the home. Basements are
prone to water and humidity problems. If there is a history of such
problems they must be addressed in the renovation design.
If mold has been a problem, it must be treated with a microbial agent
and then be removed. There are special mold inhibitor paints available
that yield excellent results in preventing a re-occurrence, with a
single application. Adding adequate basement ventilation in the renovation
design plans will help control excess humidity. Basements
also commonly contain the heating, plumbing, electrical and load
bearing systems for the entire home. A successful renovation plan
will usually hide components such as plumbing or furnace ducts,
but will provide access to them, should it become necessary.
If the design includes adding plumbing for a new bathroom, existing
concrete slabs sometimes pose a problem. If any concrete must be
broken to add plumbing, be sure to include that aspect of the project
in the plans.
When planning the basement renovation project, it is important
to be thorough and to make sure it is exactly the way you want it
before work begins. Desired or necessary changes should be made
on paper, not in mid-construction. Plans should include specific
details about materials, fixtures, exact cost, and project completion
timelines.
Selecting a Contractor
Once you have the final detailed plans, it is time to start the
selection process for a contractor. Exact duplicates of the plan
should be furnished to all potential candidates to insure an accurate
bid from each.
Ask each candidate for licensing and insurance credentials, as
well as references from projects similar to yours. Take the time
to ask other homeowners about the contractor’s performance
on their projects. |
