Over time most homeowners look to see how they can get some extra living space in their home. One of the most natural ways to accomplish this without needing to build an addition onto the house is to finish off the basement.

The Benefits of Finishing off a Basement

Because the basement is lower-level space, it tends to stay cooler naturally in the summer. Finished basement space can make great rec room areas to spend time in during the warmer months. Also, rec rooms are great places to set up game rooms and entertainment rooms for gaming, movie rooms, and table sports games. The concrete walls and floors are great sound barriers.

Waterproofing

When finishing off a basement , it is important to make sure the space is correctly built and designed, so there are no problems with mold, humidity, and mustiness. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through having the space checked out for any water penetration concerns and having it waterproofed. This usually involves having sealants placed on the concrete as well as installing other protective barriers against potential water penetration and dampness. Once this is complete, designing and building the area to be finished off can begin.

The Furnace Area

If the furnace and water heater are located in the basement, building a fire-safe room around them is recommended. It is also a good idea to install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the basement area around the furnace and the finished space as well. This will help ensure that any problems that arise from the furnace not running correctly will be detected quickly.

Electrical Considerations

When it comes to electricity, there are a few essential things to consider. As always, it is recommended to use a professional electrician when installing basement electricity. If the area is being designed as an entertainment room or gaming room, it is vital to install sufficient electrical capability. There should be several outlets per wall, and all outlets should be GFCI rated outlet equipment.

Flooring and Carpeting

Because the base floor of all basements is concrete, it is recommended that a sealant be placed on the concrete floor, and extra padding be installed before carpeting is put down. Concrete does not hold in warmth so that the floor can get rather cold without extra padding. While traditional sub-flooring is not needed, there are a variety of great padding choices like frothed foam padding that can make the carpeted flooring stay at a much more comfortable temperature.

No matter what the basement space is going to be used for, taking the time to plan the build-out properly with considerations for the concrete foundation is essential to ensure the area is comfortable and enjoyable for long-term usage.