We are all busy. The money we spend on our homes is intended to make our lives easier, but at times, we can feel like we’re just a mess of a room, a tiny house, or a fixer-upper. We spend the majority of our time in this one room (or none at all), and as a result, we spend it on the wrong things.
For homeowners whose basements have not been remodeled in years, the possibilities are endless. Gone are the days when a basement was the dark, creepy spot to keep one’s outdated stereo and collection of old sports trophies. The modern basement can be an inviting space, with a wealth of options to make it a comfortable and functional retreat.
Be sure to work with an experienced contractor when starting out. We found a great remodeling contractor in Sunnyvale, where we live, to renovate our basement and it was a great experience.
Here’s where to start when remodeling your basement:
• Clean Your Basement
Basements have a lot of potential for a home renovation. If you’re just starting with home improvements, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a big-time improvement. A basement remodel can be one of the best ways to start, and the results can be impressive.
When you think about remodeling your home, your first thought is probably whether you have the time and money to do it. But remodeling your basement can be done at any time, and it is actually one of the fastest ways to make major changes in your home. The basement is a great place to work on remodeling projects because it is usually a large room with plenty of storage space. Yet, most people put off remodeling their basements because they do not have all the time in the world, and they also think that the work of remodeling is too complicated.
• Have a moisture test of the basement
If you are planning to remodel a basement, you are probably wondering whether you should test your walls for moisture before you start. The truth is that moisture is a huge problem in basements because of how they are designed. Water tends to seep into all areas of the basement environment, but the basement walls are a particular problem since they are made of concrete. The problem is even worse if the basement walls are made of some other material, such as foam insulation. When these walls are set, they become very hard and might not be able to absorb water very well.
• Look for Local Building Permits and Building Codes for Basements
Remodeling your basement is a big project that will probably require a complete renovation. However, there are several things that you can do in the meantime. First, research your local building codes and building permits, and keep this information handy until the full remodel is complete. While you are waiting, you should also take a look at some of the latest developments in basement remodeling.
• Prepare your materials and tools
Basements are a great place to start when remodeling your home since they can often be a lot of work to fix. However, you have to be careful when adding your new basement workspace. You can make the most of your new space by adding a lot of storage space and a wet bar without using too much of your basement’s limited space.
• Start renovating your basement
Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional, one of the most difficult steps in remodeling your basement is beginning the process. Once you’ve settled on a plan, you’ll need to consider the basement’s features, your budget, and your timeline. You should consider some things before you break ground: how much space you’ll need, what materials to use, and what kind of finishes you’ll need.
Basements are beloved by homeowners everywhere because of their cool, dark, and mysterious nooks. They are an ideal location for any home improvement project because you can do a lot of projects without going outside. Whether you’re building a new basement or just renovating it, it’s a great place to start.
