Important Questions To Ask Before Remodeling Your Basement
Basements aren't just used for storage or for doing laundry. People are remodeling basements to be able to accommodate numerous purposes. In the process, it is bringing plenty of worth from their investment.
The process of renovating your basement is proven to be an excellent method to boost the resale value of your home by around 70 cents for every dollar spent. You'll be glad you did it when you move out, as you'll have more space for work.
Before you begin to hammer nails and shop at local stores for home improvement, it's important that you conduct your own research. Before you begin the process of rebuilding your basement, ensure you know the answers to these questions.
Does Your Home Have More Value than the price you paid for it?
There's a shortage of money for homeowners to make improvements. For those who are in this category, you should exercise caution when remodeling your home. To be clear what this means precisely? If you invest more money in your house than you are able to recoup through the sale of it, you call this an over-improvement.
The price of renovating your basement will be determined by the amount of work involved. In order to figure out what amount it is sensible to spend, you'll have to consider the financing options you have, similar houses in your area particularly those recently sold with completed or renovated basements, as well as an appraisal that has recently been completed for your own property.
What is the Value of Your House?
So long as you can pay for it (and the resale value of your home isn't an issue) you can spend your money where it means most to you. Do you have a wet bar in your home? This could be a huge cinema. Consider it. It might be worthwhile to make your home more functional for you and your family in the event that you plan to live there for the remainder of your life.
It's a good idea to go with neutral fixtures, which can appeal to a larger audience than more niche or specialized items. Vinyl plank flooring is also an excellent option for long-lasting longevity and long-term use.
Then, how's the structure of the building enduring as time passes?
Not only historic properties need some TLC. Even newer buildings could have structural problems that must be fixed promptly. In your basement, for instance, you might be able to see the passing of time.
Before you begin a basement renovation job, thoroughly inspect the space. It's the foundation of your home that you're examining and not any new living space. Keep an eye out for signs of slow leaks and water puddles as well as drooping ceilings and strange noises coming from the pipes or electrical system. To assess the situation and recommend a cost-effective, safe, and long-term solution, a skilled structural engineer or contractor may be required.
Engineers must be concerned About the Stability
If you live in an older residence or one that has seen a significant increase in size since it was first built It's a good idea to think about upgrading your current systems that you'll need to take care of in the coming five years, regardless. Why would you spend that much money on remodeling your basement when you'll have to tear down ceilings and drywall in order to put in electrical wiring, plumbing as well as HVAC ducts?
It's smart to think about what could be the cause of problems when building your basement. Make sure you have money for any unexpected repairs as well as select fixtures that can last. After cleaning up after a disaster you can save time and cash by using mold-resistant flooring and paint.
Find out what type of water you are using.
It's true that the process is inevitable. If your basement is not at least partially submerged, the possibility of flooding is nearly inevitable.
A concrete slab, which lies on dirt, allows humidity to get into the basement. This is common with basement construction. This can result in a rise in humidity to puddles several inches deep. It is also possible for water to leak through walls in basements which are generally composed of concrete blocks. A window or door outside which isn't sealed correctly may allow water to enter, which could lead to the walls leaking.
How do you deal with a roof that is leaking
Preparation is crucial. It's worth the investment of $30 to buy a moisture meter to be used in an already-completed basement remodel. It doesn't matter if you've had water damage in the past or you are seeing signs of dampness within your basement, it's important to take care of the issue as soon as possible. A hygrometer can be purchased for about $10. It is a device that measures the relative humidity within a room.
It's easy to resolve problems with water at subgrade sites by thinking about your home's drainage system. Leaks in your foundation or roofing are typical due to runoff or rainwater. French drains can be a fantastic solution for basements that are leaking because it doesn't have sufficient drainage.
Are there any specific requirements in Your Community?
Even a basic basement renovation should be governed by local building codes. To make the perfect mother-in-law/party space, you might have to compromise on certain elements due to city regulations and/or budgetary constraints.
These laws could govern everything from the ceiling's height to how wide your hallways are, as well as the height of your staircase. If you're creating kitchens, they might or may not permit you to construct it. When you're completing your basement, they'll inform you which exits are required, including emergency exits.
Plans and a building permit are being discussed.
If you're looking to convert your basement that you have finished into a rental property that is livable, you may have followed more stringent regulations when you remodel. Building codes typically require separate thermostats, electric panels, and water meters for each house.
Take out your permits. In order to ensure that your remodeling runs without a hitch. Make sure that you've got all the necessary permits in the first place. You can confirm that your work is legal by visiting the city hall.
It's a good idea to verify that any contractor you select is licensed, such as basement remodel Alexandria VA, insured, and insured and bonded. Bonds protect the homeowner if the contractor does not complete the task and fails to obtain the necessary permissions, or makes errors that cost money. If there is damages to the property or injuries to the contractor as well as their employees, the contractor's liability insurance will be able to cover the cost. If anything goes wrong, you'll have both to draw on. Start the project by requesting proof and later verify the project yourself.
What amount of space do you have to work with?
The ceiling height of basements is an important determining aspect. It is a requirement of the International Residential Code that basement ceilings be at minimum of seven feet high. In addition, make sure you check the building code of your area to determine if it has any additional height restrictions.
There are ways to raise the ceiling of basements, however, they'll cost you a lot of dollars. There's a chance that you can.
Change the route of ductwork to avoid interference with your desired living space.
It is essential to elevate or replace the structural beams.
Excavate the floor to lower it down.
Try to make your home's ceilings appear as high as they can if they are low (but habitable). Avoid ceiling fans and opt for recessed lights instead of semi-flush or flush-mount lighting fixtures in your bathroom. Hanging drapes or shades on the ceiling could create an illusion of having a larger ceiling. Be sure to avoid ornate trim and moldings, as they can make rooms appear smaller.
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