Finishing a basement doesn't have to be so complicated

Finishing a basement is a project that almost everybody wants to eventually get done, if it hasn’t happened already.  A quality renovation will give you more than just a room.  If done correctly, and you have sufficient space, this project will give homeowners a whole floor to entertain guests, socialize, and just be comfortable in any activity.  However this renovation cannot be planned easily.  Success here depends on playing by an important and unique set of guidelines, and doing so in the correct order.

 If your plan is to start with a dark, damp area of underground space and turn it into something warm, dry and bright, you really have your work (or your contractor’s) cut out for you.  Renovating a basement is really different than almost any other remodeling scenario. And making these changes, and meeting these challenges, in the correct order, is what a successful basement finishing project depends upon.

Humidity

Moisture is the key at the beginning of the basement renovation process. As most basements typically have exterior walls of concrete, this is the material that should be brought to attention.  Concrete is certainly hard to break through, but water vapor can easily get passed it. Since concrete is very porous, it often allows significant inflows of moisture and humidity to pass into your basement from water held in the earth’s soil. The damp-proofing on the outside of the basement walls is designed to control that, but this precaution does not last very long, when compared to the life of a house. That’s why it’s important to add another layer of damp-proofing protection on the inside of all concrete floor and wall surfaces. Once they’re covered with finished wall and floor coverings, you’ll never get a chance to coat them again. There are many products around, so make sure you take all precautions to prevent having regrets later in the process.

Good Basement Lighting

Light and organization are the most important aspects of presentation in a room. This is why it’s imperative to have light shining on a room from multiple angles. The ability to do this could ultimately determine the success or failure of a room’s look or “feng shui.”

Having said this, the vast majority of basements have little source for natural day light.  So what should a person with a typical basement do?  The truth is there really aren’t a lot of effective methods for increasing the natural light in your basement, outside of spending thousands more to dig out the side and putting in a glass door or something drastic.  But making your best effort should start with the proper basement floor plan.  Homeowners should make an effort to avoid designing long hallways that don’t border the exterior of the house for the option of a window.  Another idea to consider is extending or widening the existing windows that are in place, or giving windows flared sides to allow more daylight in.  If you’re thinking this is too much effort or money to complete these tasks, we certainly understand where you’re coming from.  However, at the end of the day, who wants to spend time in a basement that’s a dark, gloomy space only illuminated by artificial light?

For those who cannot bring in enough natural light tweaking the floor layout, there is another option to consider. There are natural lighting systems out there that many have vowed work very effectively.  The Australian invention, Solatubes, or similar products, use a round, rooftop lens to direct daylight into a reflective metal tube that can then be directed anywhere in the home or commercial building underneath.  If you discover you have an unused spot above your basement such as a storage area, you would be able to channel these natural light reflector tubes from the roof straight down, giving you natural light that looks great in the right location. These light systems can usually be connected with other lights in the house and set to go on simultaneously. 

While keeping your basement dry and well lit are two of the most important steps in renovation, there are certainly other aspects that need significant planning.  When planning your basement, never forget to consider:

• Plumbing
• Window treatments
• Venting
• Radio/TV/Computer/Sound systems
• Electronics
• Cable
• Moldings
• Paint/materials
• Floor materials integration
• Phone jacks

In terms of room layout configuration, also address:

• Spacious family room area
• Lots of storage
• Bar area
• Games area
• Washroom
• Wine room for storage
• Work shop area
• Gym area separated from the family room