Remodel a Basement Like the Pros

If you remodel your basement, you can add a significant amount of usable space to your house. However, as with all do it yourself projects, you will save time and money by planning the process carefully in advance. Here are the steps you need to follow.

Step 1: Empty the Basement to Assess the Available Space

If you are planning to remodel a basement that is currently being used for storage, you need to sort through and remove the stuff that is stored there before you embark on the remodeling project. Measure the space carefully to make sure you have an accurate idea of the room you have to work with.

Step 2: Remedy any Structural Defects

When the basement has been emptied, examine carefully the surfaces of the walls, ceilings and floors. Now is the time to remedy any structural defects you find. Make a note of any pipes, wires or other service channels you need to leave easily accessible and factor this into your plan.

Step 3: Waterproof the Basement

Remodeling your basement is the ideal opportunity to waterproof it, as this will increase the number of potential uses it can have. As the basement walls often form the foundations of your house, they are subject to water ingress as they are beneath the damp proof membrane. The main methods you can choose to waterproof your basement are tanking and spraying.

Tanking involves the application of a waterproof membrane which provides a barrier to water and controls air flow and water drainage away from your basement. It is expensive and labor intensive but looks good and is environmentally friendly, as no chemicals are involved. Accordingly, if you are remodeling your basement in a green way, tanking may be the best solution. Spraying or painting on a waterproof chemical compound will make the basement walls impervious to water and is quicker and usually cheaper, which may appeal if you are remodeling your basement on a budget.

Step 4: Let There be Light!

It's crucial to get the lighting levels right in a basement. There is no point going to all the trouble of de-cluttering, fixing and waterproofing as outlined above if it is still a dark and depressing space that no one wants to spend any time in. Don't neglect the décor of the basement. As it is a space that can be easily shut off from the rest of the house, why not use it to experiment with new styles and design statements?