Remodeling your home is no easy task. You would need to think about the budget, possibly taking out a home improvement loan, safety measures, and time spent. If you’re not well-versed in real estate or home improvement, you might need to hire professionals to help you along the way.
The main point is that remodeling a home requires a lot of effort, research, and skill. Every room in your home has its unique traits. For example, remodeling your kitchen would require you to think of an ideal layout that would be great for cooking, dining, and doing daily chores. You will need to consider the plumbing for bathroom remodeling if you’re moving around the toilet or basin.
Basements are completely different from any other room in your house since they’re built in the foundation of your home. Since they are underground, they require extra attention and care. Basements also lack ventilation and exits, unlike other parts of the house. Due to this, they are also more humid and can collect moisture faster.
Their underground location means that you might run into problems that you usually don’t encounter when remodeling other parts of your home. Here are five things to do before remodeling or finishing your basement.
Remove Mold
Lack of air circulation and humidity is the perfect formula for mold growth. Before you begin remodeling your basement, it’s recommended that you observe every nook and cranny for any signs of mold.
If your basement has been exposed to mold in the past, it’s crucial to eliminate the source of mold growth before remodeling it.
If there are only a few specks of mold, a bit of bleach and water should be enough to get rid of it. However, if you’re dealing with large spots of mold, then you might have to call in professional mold removalists to help you out.
However, You should never ignore severe mold problems since they can cause an array of adverse health effects such as respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and even death in pets.
Get Rid of Pests
There’s nothing more annoying than discovering that your basement has become a nest for pests. May it be rodents or termites, they often carry diseases and can put you and your loved ones at risk for illnesses.
Before you begin remodeling, observe your basement for any signs of pests. If you happen to stumble upon any rats or termites, you should call your local pest control and develop a plan to get rid of them so you won’t run into any pests during your remodel.
Once pests have been eliminated, take extra precautions and pretreat your basement to prevent any more infestations. You should also inspect all the raw materials for any insects to avoid bringing in more pests inside your home.
Repair Foundation Damage
Foundation repair can cost you a lot of money, especially if the damage is severe. It can also affect the results of your remodel.
Before remodeling, you should take a look at your foundation and check for signs of deterioration. If you plan to make your basement into a living space, you should fix any cracks or leaks to the foundation before remodeling.
Floor cracks or other types of fractures may indicate that there are issues with your foundation. Most of the time, these fractures are results from the climate or expanding soil. To play it safe, you should always seal any cracks you see. Sometimes, these cracks can bring in water or even insects.
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Provide a Space for Essentials
Before thinking about finishing your basement, think of what you want to use the space for. It would be nice if you allocate a place outside the house such as a backyard. You can do morning workout, or just spending family time by sitting around or renting best trampoline tents.
Whether it’s going to be a living space or a laundry room, you have to work around the essentials that you cannot change—for example, utility rooms. Since HVAC units, water heater tanks, and pipes are usually in the utility rooms, there’s not much you can do to change this particular area.
Utility rooms should always remain unfinished. This makes it easier for repairs and maintenance. So, keep in mind to include these essentials to avoid maintenance problems in the future.
Eliminate Moisture
The last and most important thing you should look out for is moisture and eliminating every moisture source you can find, such as leaks or cracks. You could say that a basement’s worst enemy is water. With little ventilation and high humidity, moisture in the basement is a recipe for water damage and mold growth.
Observe your basement for any signs of leaks or cracks. Mold growth or water damage can cause various problems that affect health and your home in general. According to an infographic based on famous basements, always check for occasional leaks to avoid long-term water damage.
The Takeaway
Finishing a basement is different from remodeling other parts of your home. Due to its location, it’s more vulnerable to moisture and humidity. It’s also susceptible to problems such as foundation fractures and leaks.
Any homeowner must take their time to observe their basements thoroughly and take note of what needs to be fixed. Problems such as mold growth and foundation damage can leave long-term damages and tend to get worse over time. Fixing these problems early on will protect your home in the long run and ensure that your remodel will be a seamless experience.
This is especially important if you are looking to move out or rent your home for the first time. Most tenants will not want to occupy a home full of leaks or damages and might require the landlord to repair those damages, if stated in their rental contracts. By taking your time to observe your basement and home in general, you’ll be investing in long-term benefits.
If you find it a bit hard to do your home improvement project, solve some short-term cash flow problems, start a business, or consolidate high-interest debt, a personal loan can help you achieve your goals.
Remember to keep an eye on your basement and look out for any damage signs, even after remodeling it. Preventative maintenance is vital when it comes to taking care of your basement.