How To Prepare for a Basement Remodel in Brantford

Transforming your basement can give you a whole new level to enjoy in your home. Why wouldn’t you want to expand your usable square footage? It may seem overwhelming to remodel the basement, but if you find reliable professionals and take it one step at a time it can be a breeze.

Floor Plan

You’ve got to start with the layout before you can do anything else. Once you figure out how to divide the space and what you want to use it for, you can get into the nitty-gritty. This step is also the most fun. You get to use your imagination to create your dream basement. Go big or go home.

First, you’ll need to seal your basement to prevent moisture from getting in. Then you can add or remove necessary walls and get the bare bones structures put together. Frame out where you want bathrooms or closets, and so on. This provides a place to lay all your electrical and ductwork, as well.

Lighting

You’ll need to figure out what type of lighting you want in advance. Options like recessed lights require some forethought to incorporate into your layout. Thinking about your lighting will also help you plan where you want your outlets. Don’t forget to keep other electronics in mind while placing these.

Some basements are exposed to the open air, at least on one side. If this is the case for you, consider cutting some windows if you don’t already have any. You’ll need home installation professionals to confirm that the walls are structurally compatible, of course. The payoff is well worth it. There’s nothing better than natural light, especially in an unexpected place like the basement. This will also help you cut energy costs during the day.

Heating

By nature, basements can be cool and clammy. Once you’ve taken care of moisture, you need to address temperature control. Make your underground space cozy and warm with adequate heating. Have an HVAC contractor assess whether your current heating system can be applied to the basement. If you have proper ventilation, you may be able to explore other heating options like a fireplace or wood stove.

Your flooring can also play a large part in the climate of your finished basement. You can choose materials that help with cooling or heating, depending on what you want. You may also be able to explore heated flooring options— a true luxury.

Safety

Your home renovations should center on safety, first and foremost. This is yet another reason you should involve trained professionals before making any big changes. For example, if you’re planning on having a bedroom, you need to follow certain building codes. This involves installing an egress window big enough for a fireman to fit through.

One other thing to keep in mind is radon. If you haven’t heard of it, it is a radioactive gas that has a habit of seeping into basements. It’s odourless, so you wouldn’t know until it was too late. Licensed contractors and utility companies offer testing for this hazard. You may need to add extra ventilation to mitigate.

Professional Services

A basement remodel will require the help of home repair services in Brantford if you want your vision completed on a reasonable timeline. Many hands make light work, especially hands that know what they are doing. There are a lot of different types of expertise that overlap on a large project like this, so it may be unrealistic to try to take it on all yourself. Don’t be afraid to reach out.

Not only does a finished basement improve your daily life, but your long-term investment as well. The extra square footage will raise the value of your home. Do it right with the experienced contractors at Handyman Connection in Brantford.