6 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Finishing Basements
You’ve been thinking about finishing your basement and have finally decided to go for it! You’re tired of knocking your shins on bins of holiday decor and tripping over old paint cans and empty Amazon boxes. As tempting as it is to jump right in and start framing walls, take a moment to step back, take a deep breath, and lay the groundwork for a successful project from the ground up.
Avoid these six common mistakes when finishing a basement:
1. Failing to address water and moisture problems (and not waterproofing)
Before beginning any basement construction project, identify and repair any leaks or other moisture problems. Doing so not only protects your investment, but can also save you a boatload of hassle and mess down the road.
2. Choosing the wrong type of flooring (and other materials, e.g. insulation, studs)
Because basements are below grade, water can always be a concern. Selecting and using building and finish materials that are designed to hold up to moisture ensures that you will enjoy the new living space for many years to come.
3. Dividing the space into too many small rooms
Basements often have low ceilings and limited or no natural light. Breaking the space into small rooms can make a basement feel cramped and claustrophobic.Working with an architect to design your space will help alleviate this common mistake. An architect will also be familiar with code requirements for various clearance requirements (doors, hallways, etc.).Leave it to the professionals!
4. Not updating the stairway
Design the stairway to match the decor of the basement for a seamless transition between levels of your home. Opening up one or both of the walls flanking the staircase can also give the illusion of more space.
5. Inadequate lighting
Lack of natural light can make a basement feel dark and dismal. The installation of recessed can lighting in a basement bathes rooms in light without being glaring. Dimmer switches can be added to create mood, and other types of decorative lighting can be used as desired. With adequate can lighting as the main source of lighting, however, you don’t need to rely on the secondary (decorative) sources of light for illumination.
6. Forgetting about noise control
Whether you are using your basement for a quiet office space or a noisy play space, keep noise in check by employing soundproofing techniques. Insulation in the ceiling is a common method of dampening sound between the basement and main floor of the home, and insulation can also be added at interior walls to serve as a sound barrier.
