The Upside of Basement Renos
If your basement is a dark and uninviting storage place, now is the time to give it a second look. A little planning and some imaginative design can transform that unused space into a cosy, welcoming retreat from the hustle and bustle upstairs.
Whether you decide to turn that space into a guest apartment, a home office, a theatre room, or just extra living space, the first priority is a dry basement. Your basement specialist can advise you on what steps will curb moisture problems, and what materials to use in your renovation.
It makes economic sense to build energy efficiency into any home renovation, but this is especially true for basement upgrades. Depending on the age of the home, the basement can be the source of up to 25 per cent of a home’s total heat loss. With the use of vapour barriers, extra insulation and energy-efficient building materials, you can reduce energy costs and increase comfort in your basement living space.
Effective lighting is crucial to creating an inviting basement living space. Both natural and artificial light should combine to create a cheery, welcoming ambiance. Enlarging existing windows or installing new ones might be an option to increase natural light. Pot lights work well in low-ceiling areas, but their placement should be carefully planned to provide both general and task lighting. Dimmer switches can help adjust the amount of light.
Before beginning a basement renovation, it pays to ask yourself a few pertinent questions:
How long am I planning to live in this house? A basement renovation provides good value for added living space, but it does take time to recoup the cost when selling. Consider it a lifestyle, as well as a financial investment.
How will we use the space? Design should always be based on function. If you just want a playroom for the kids, your design will be different than if you plan to use your basement to entertain. A basement renovation specialist can sit down with you to help determine the best use of the space to meet your family’s needs.
How much am I willing to spend? Set realistic goals for your reno and prioritize your needs. Be prepared to shift the priorities depending on the condition of your basement. For example, say you’ve decided on an exercise area and a place for the family to watch television. In getting quotes, contractors discover water in the basement and insufficient headroom for an exercise area – both problems can be remedied but the cure can greatly affect your budget.
Experts say careful planning is the key to a successful basement renovation. Work with a professional contractor, get at least three quotes from competing contractors and ask for a contract that spells out materials, completion dates, disposal of debris and warranty information.
With planning and the skill of a professional renovator, you will create a basement that adds to the living space and overall enjoyment of your home.
Source: Homeservice Club