A finished basement can be whatever you want it to be: a workout space, family room, guest room, laundry space, extra bathroom. A recent client we had used their basement for all of those purposes PLUS a wet bar.
Finishing a basement is an exciting idea with a lot of possibilities. However, finishing a basement can also be the source of a new headache if these common mistakes are made.
Not waterproofing
A basement doesn’t need to flood to have water issues. Every effort should be made to waterproof every basement, including proper drainage equipment and barriers. Some basements may need sub pumps, drains, masonry cement, and repairs to cracks in the walls. If the basement is not properly waterproofed, homeowners may need to make costly repairs, remove mold, or even rebuild areas damaged by water. To make sure that your basement is properly waterproofed before finishing,
Choosing wood floors
Hardwood floors are a beautiful and durable floor, but they are not suitable for basements. Wood floors (and some laminate floors) can be damaged by the moisture in basements, both from humidity and any moisture that seeps through a basement slab. For a wood look without the headaches (and the cost), consider an engineered hardwood, tile, or vinyl flooring that can withstand the moisture.
Not getting the project done
Everyone’s busy, and it can be hard to find the time to tackle finishing a basement. The process is a challenging one with multiple steps that can take an enormous amount of time. When time is short, contact a contractor that can get the project started and finished. The sooner a basement is finished, the sooner you can enjoy it.