5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Remodeling Your Basement

Finishing your basement can be a very rewarding home improvement project, but before you begin, you should ask yourself some questions to prevent costly repairs after the project is complete. Here are five important questions you should consider before remodeling your basement, courtesy of the home improvement experts at Handyman Connection of Blue Ash.

1. What is your budget? Basement remodeling is one of the most budget-friendly home improvement projects, depending on your wants. You’ll need to set a budget for the project and consult with a professional remodeling contractor to determine what is possible within your budget. Do research online and in magazines to price various finishes and products to help with planning your budget.
2. Is your foundation solid? Before you can remodel, you’ll need to fix any foundation problems and/or address any structural issues within your home.
3. Is your basement damp? If your basement is damp, there are steps you can take before renovation starts. Fixing moisture issues before you begin will increase the thermal performance of your insulation, among other benefits. Add a dehumidifier or air conditioner and ensure that you have proper heating and cooling distribution which may mean installing or relocating registers and/or adding cold air returns. The materials you choose for flooring and walls will need to be made of non-organic materials to inhibit mold growth.
4. Is your basement dark? If you don’t have a walk-out basement, chances are that it’s probably one of the darker areas of your house. You can increase the natural light by adding or enlarging basement windows. A qualified contractor can tell if the surrounding walls will support the increased structural load of adding windows. If adding windows is not an option, try a combination of recessed lighting and lamps.
5. How will you maintain easy access to plumbing, electricity and ductwork? Adding a ceiling in your basement will remove your ability to easily get to pipes, wires and ducts running below your main floor. While a suspended ceiling allows easy access to the plumbing, electricity and ductwork, it isn’t aesthetically pleasing in most cases. A drywall ceiling creates a more finished look, but will need to include access panels for water and gas shutoffs.

These are just a few of the items you should consider before remodeling your basement. We suggest discussing your project with a qualified provider, like Handyman Connection of Blue Ash.  Let’s get started! We offer quality service that’s done right the first time. Call us today for a free, no-obligation project estimate.