Before working on plans to materialize your vision of adding more liveable space to your home, why not check out what you already have—your basement? Most people use their basement for storage purposes, whether it’s for stowing away seasonal items, sports equipment, unused belongings, and other objects that take up a large amount of space. However, your basement is a great space with endless possibilities, and by remodeling it, you can transform the room into anything from an office to your private spa.
Basement remodeling in Chicago is an excellent and cost-effective way to expand your living space without putting down a significant amount of money into renovations. It’s easier to execute, finishes faster, and is lighter on the pocket. Here are five tips for remodeling your basement:
Resolve Water Issues Immediately
Basements often struggle with moisture issues and water damage because they’re situated underground. Without enough ventilation and sunlight exposure, water doesn’t have anywhere to go, leading to mold and mildew growth. Before you start remodeling your basement, be sure to resolve these potential issues right away, even if you don’t experience dampness or flooding regularly. Otherwise, you’ll run into expensive problems down the line, ruining all the work you’ve put into it.
To waterproof your basement and minimize potential issues, be sure to get in touch with basement contractors in Chicago. They can analyze your basement and recommend solutions to seal it from moisture and keep it clean and dry.
Determine How You’d Like to Use Your Basement
After you’ve waterproofed your basement, you’ll need to figure out how you’d like to repurpose it. It’s best to factor in its natural features, such as its lack of light and colder temperatures. For instance, it would make a great home theater or a dark room for developing film, especially since you won’t be interrupted by outside noises and activity. You can also use it as a practice room for anyone to practice a musical instrument without disturbing anyone. However, you can also transform your basement into an office, a studio, and anything else you desire.
Ask for Professional Help
Your basement may look barebones right now, but with the help of a few key professionals, it will become a high-quality living space worthy of a magazine spread. You’ll want to contact an architect or interior designer to make sure you maximize your space and create a basement that’s well-lit, attractive, and comfortable. You’ll also need to enlist the help of custom home builders to make your vision a reality!
Prioritize Air Circulation
Basements offer a lot of useable space, but you’ll need to make sure that there’s enough air circulating in them. Otherwise, you’ll end up with mold, mildew, and stagnant air that makes the room unpleasant and uncomfortable. If you don’t have enough registers or vents in the basement, be sure to prioritize their installation, along with a return air duct. Be sure to set up a carbon monoxide detector to alert you of any issues with the furnace’s venting or other appliances in the room.
Add More Natural Light
Lastly, if you’re hoping to use your basement for purposes other than watching movies or developing rolls of film, you’ll want to add more light to it. If some of your basement extends above the ground, consider adding new windows or increasing the size of existing ones. You can also choose to dig window wells, although they increase the risk of encountering water issues, which you can counter by making them waterproof.
Adding more artificial light is also a great way to brighten the space, whether through indirect lighting or your standard recessed lighting. Installing mirrors on walls or even ceilings is a great way to illuminate your basement without adding to your electricity bill as well.
Conclusion
Basements add even more utility and value to a home, especially when they’re dressed up and well-decorated to fulfill a specific purpose. By following these tips, you’ll successfully remodel your basement and enjoy more liveable space without having to renovate your home.
Green Construction Holmes Builders LLC is among the top home construction companies in Chicago. Whether you plan to build a home from scratch or you’re hoping to renovate your entire house, our residential construction services can help you with all that and more. Contact us today for a quote!
