Basements are often a hoarding space for most people. But they can be transformed into a beautiful space and also serve as a haven in times of natural disaster. Renovating this space can increase your home value and save you the hassle and funds of adding a new room to your building. It also helps you cut down on your energy bills since an unfinished basement without correct ventilation can drain energy. If you like to entertain guests, remodelling your basement will make the perfect guest room and offer privacy as well. If you have been wondering how to renovate your basement, here are some top tips.
Decide on your project
Your basement is like a blank canvas with lots of potential. The extra space you have cannot serve any purpose you intend for because of its coldness and darkness, so be clear about your renovation so you can have a solid layout. It would be best to stick to ideas that don’t require much light. A home theatre would be ideal since they require low illumination for a great experience. If you love having natural light in your room, prepare to spend more than your set budget on windows and sun tubes. Home gyms and meditation spaces also work well in basements, but it’s important to note that you won’t be able to bring tall equipment into your gym if it has a low ceiling.
Watch out for moisture
Basements can be prone to moisture issues. Rain and melted snow are the biggest culprits when it comes to having your basement soaked up or flooding. If there is a musty smell or there is dampness, or unknown cracks in your walls, you will need to inspect and find where the issue is coming from before you can solve them. If you have significant moisture in your basement, you might be unable to finish your project. If the issue is minor, you can fix it with water-lock paint, but if it is something major, consider calling a professional to have it checked. You can also keep your basement dry by insulating the pipes that lie in the open. This initiative will prevent them from freezing when the temperature is at its lowest,so feel free to consider tgis. It’s also worth noting that insulating hot water pipes can keep your heater from overworking, allowing you to conserve more energy. If your basement is going to be a living space, ensure you waterproof your walls and floors.
Eliminate pests
Termites are more likely to infest your basement if it is grounded in moist soil. Messy and crowded basements can also breed spiders and other pests. To keep them away, eliminate things like food crumbs, small pests, and decaying matter. It would be best to declutter your basement as well so the pests don’t have a breeding place. If you are using your basement as a pantry, keep the food in a tightly sealed container. Seal any foundation cracks and keep your doors secure to prevent rodents from coming in. You can also contact a pest control expert who will show you how to get rid of spiders and other bugging pests.
Ensure there is good lighting
Basements can be dark due to a lack of natural light, so good fixtures are a must. While a bulb can often do the trick, sometimes you need a combination of options to create a brightly lit room that feels inviting and open. For instance, you can use pendant lighting fixtures to shed light on a specific area you want. You can also use lighting to show your built-in shelves or cabinets. Your lighting system needs to be well-planned if you want your space to truly illuminate. If your basement has no windows, you can opt for wall lights. You should also note that warm colors will make the place feel cozy.
Reduce noise
If you are looking for a place to have your alone time, your basement can be the perfect oasis when you soundproof it. Basement ceilings are sound contributors; to soundproof it, seal any creaks, gaps and holes to prevent noises from getting into your basement. Sometimes, closing the door is not enough. Consider adding door seals or sweeps to close the gap between the door and the staircase and floor. Also, adding sound-proof boards and materials on top of basement walls can work well, so feel free to consider this.
Renovating your basement can be an exciting project. With these top tips, you can transform your extra space beautifully.
