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6 Basement Remodeling Tips and Ideas

basement

Basements have a reputation for being dark, damp, cold, and dirty, but they don’t have to! There are simple steps you can take to transform your dark and damp basement into usable space for you and your family. Whether you’d like to finish your basement to rent it out, create an entertainment area, or add another bedroom, there are some practical changes you can make to improve the functionality and coziness of your basement. And Custom Deck Builder will be happy to help you turn these ideas into life.

Adding Light to your Basement

There is a reason why basements are often subjects of horror movies—it’s hard to get good light, especially natural light, down there. While lighting can be a definite challenge in homes that have a basement that is entirely underground, it is not impossible! Recessed lighting can be your best friend in your basement remodel. Unlike floor lamps that provide limited light, recessed lighting can light the entire space and make your basement feel like any other room of the house. Skylights, although tricky to install in a basement, are a good option to add natural light.

Reducing Moisture in your Basement

Basements also tend to collect moisture, which can lead to mold problems in the long run. Before taking simple steps to reduce excess moisture in your basement, it is a good idea to have someone come out and check your home’s foundation to ensure a crack isn’t the source of your moisture problem. Once you know the foundation isn’t an issue, having your sump pump and plumbing checked for problems is also a wise decision. If your foundation, plumbing and sump pump all check out and you are ready to start renovating, make sure to use moisture-resistant materials when finishing or refinishing your basement. At Custom Deck Builders, we will work closely with you to determine your best options for creating a clean, dry basement.

Keeping your Basement Warm in Colder Months

Because basements are the lowest level of your house, many completely underground, they also tend to get very cold. During the summer months this is a good thing, giving you a place to cool off when the upper levels of your home are struggling to stay cool. In the winter months, however, your once cool and refreshing basement becomes more like a giant refrigerator. If you plan to use your basement regularly, keeping it warm in winter is just as important as keeping it well-lit and dry. One option that can benefit your whole house is adding a wood or pellet stove to your basement. Because hot air rises, it will to an extent heat up your main level as well. Other heating options for a basement include adding a fireplace or extending your primary heating system, whether it’s forced air or radiator heating.

Cleaning and Organization Solutions

If your basement looks like an episode of Hoarders, then you could definitely use some help organizing this space. You will need to decide whether you want to dedicate a portion of your basement to storage or if you are willing to part with 9 of your 10 Christmas threes and those bulky couches that no longer fit into your decor. Consider built-in shelving that will help you organize and keep your things off the floor and away from potential water damage.

Valuable Additions to your Basement

If you are looking for basement remodeling ideas that add value to your home, consider adding a bathroom, spare bedroom, or a wet bar/kitchenette. These things will be practical for you to use, but will also catch the eyes of future potential buyers of your home. A bathroom in a basement, even if it’s just a sink and a toilet, is a huge convenience and a good selling point.

Code and Regulatory Things to Consider

One more important thing to consider when deciding what to do with your basement are building code requirements. There is often a difference between what you may consider a finished, livable space, and what your county’s codes mandate. It would be a shame to spend all this time and money on the basement remodel only to find out that the inspector won’t count it toward your home’s total square footage due to the lack of egress windows. At Custom Deck Builders, we are experts in county codes and regulations, and we’ll make sure they are followed to a tee.

If your basement is dark, damp, cold, and unorganized, you are not alone. Our Maryland basement remodeling team will work closely with you to reimagine and reinvent your currently useless space and transform it into the basement of your dreams!

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