Design Notes
Often portrayed as a dark and scary place in movies, the basement has come a long way since then and is now considered a valuable home feature. When dealing with houses with small square footage and an expanding floor plan limited by a lack of property, a basement can offer additional living space. Finishing a basement or renovating it completely can also increase the value of your home. There is also the possibility of gaining additional income by renting out the basement. A basement is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a useful and functional space for you and your family.
Before remodeling your basement
As with any renovation, it is always good to do a little homework by asking some questions and forming a plan. Before starting your basement transformation, consider the following:
- Have you had the basement inspected? There could be structural things that are not initially visible or uncovered during the renovation, which can cause setbacks or halt the entire project. This is also a good time to check if your basement has been properly sealed against water leaks.
- Discuss what the area will be used for: Is this going to be turned into an apartment, home office, gym, or family room? Specific construction or code requirements may have to be met before it can be renovated. The plan needs to consider Plumbing and electrical outlets before a bathroom or laundry room can be installed.
- Know your usable space. Since basements can vary in size, including ceiling heights, it is wise to measure and confirm that there is sufficient space to accommodate your living goals.
A well-planned approach can expedite the renovation process and save money in the long run, so allocate sufficient time to prepare before starting demolition.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking