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Whether you’re looking to create more space in your home for a growing family, a new hobby room, gym, or office, or you simply want to maximize the value of your property, if you have a basement, it’s worth thinking of making it into a livable space. However, what, exactly, does that entail? Here, we’re going to look at some of the key considerations you should start planning for.
The Basics Of Finishing
If you want to make your basement into a comfortable and functional living space, then you have to start with the fundamentals. This begins with waterproofing. Anything below ground level is prone to moisture problems, so fixing up any leaks, or cracks in the foundation, and investing in waterproof methods like installing a sump pump can ensure it provides a healthy living space. After that, wiring the electricals to provide lighting and installing outlets if you need them, as well as choosing fitting moisture-resistant drywall and damp-proof flooring materials can keep it in good condition.
Add Some Natural Light
You can light your basement room in a wide range of ways, including wiring in no shortage of artificial lights. However, when it comes to true comfort, nothing quite compares to letting in some natural light, which can help it feel less dark and enclosed. Window wells help introduce that natural light while also providing a secondary emergency exit, which can be vital for safely Working with window well experts, you can also install covers that prevent debris, water, and pests from entering. This way you can drastically improve the atmosphere of the space.
Make Ventilation A Priority
Air circulation is not normally a focus in most basements. This can lead to bad air quality and humidity when you try actually living down there. To that end, the best way to improve airflow is to install a ventilation system, which is typically easiest to do by connecting it to the home’s existing HVAC setup. Otherwise, you may want to make use of a dehumidifier to help control moisture levels. Having well windows, as mentioned above, can be important for maintaining good airflow, beyond their natural lighting purposes.
Heating Is key
Basements are naturally cooler than the rest of the home. If you aim to make it a livable space, then you have to ensure it can stay comfortable during the colder days of the year, as well. Aside from installing heating solutions, whether connected to the home’s heater or disconnected like space heaters, insulation is the most important aspect of maintaining its warmth. A well-insulated basement holds onto warmth better than most parts of the home, which can actually make it cost less to heat throughout the year.
With the tips above, you can ensure that you have a basement that isn’t just livable on paper, but a comfortable place that sees to all of your needs. There’s a lot of potential to expand when you have a basement, so make sure that you do it right.
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