How to Finally Turn Your Unfinished Basement Into a Real Living Space

by DixieSomers

Yes, you can finally realize your dream of turning your basement into a cozy living space! Smart planning makes this job much more doable than you probably expected. Basement remodeling requires special moisture prevention and a little extra attention given to functionality. Here's the break-down:

how to finally turn your unfinished basement into a real living space

ELIMINATE MOISTURE

Moisture is the bane of any basement. Check your basement for existing moisture and mildew and treat it before adding new materials. The professionals of AAA Steam Carpet Cleaning who provide flood services in Kitchener suggest that you ensure the floor is clear and dry before installing any carpet or you’ll have problems with mold and mildew later down the road. Make sure water is draining properly from the house with the proper use of a gutter spout. The ground needs to slope away from the house so that water drains away from your basement walls. Consider using insulation, walls, and flooring that are resistant to moisture to reduce future damage.

WORK SMART, NOT HARD

Making the smart decisions first eliminates the need to do costly changes later. It is important to check your local building codes for possible limitations and requirements in room dimensions and around electrical wires. If you choose to cover the household equipment in your basement, plan to leave 2 or 3 feet of working space for future maintenance. Consider a hung ceiling for easy plumbing and electrical access. Calculate the dimensions needed to house a pool table, entertainment center, or whatever else you want in your basement room to design the room accordingly.

MAKE IT LIVABLE

Basements are cold, but you can turn your basement into a warm, comfortable room with a few steps. Wrap pipes in insulation and add traditional insulation before putting up the interior walls. Polyurethane sheeting adds an extra, much-needed layer of protection against moisture and dampness. Select heating carefully to fend off the below-ground cold. If you are concerned about noise, minimize and pad ducts for less rattling and consider soundproofing materials in the ceiling.

ROOMY TOUCHES

You can make a basement feel as luxurious as any other room in the home, but be mindful of the limited space when thinking of dividing rooms or adding items. Because of the lack of natural light, basements require more artificial lighting than the rest of the home. Wall sconces and can ceiling lights are popular choices because they provide a lot of light without taking up space. Make the most of your new space by utilizing beds, ottomans, or any furniture with built-in storage.

Planning makes it possible to finally have that basement room without too much expense or headache. You can live in the luxury of more space now.

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this project?

Ask a Question

1 question

Slo50092671 on Nov 23, 2020

Can I do it for a work shop

0

Comments

Join the conversation

1 comment

Rescon Basement Solutions on Jun 20, 2014
And never lay carpet directly onto the cement flooring of any basement! In fact, only a "floating" floor should be installed in any basement. Install a sub floor to mitigate moisture http://www.resconsolutions.com/our-solutions/Basement-Finishing/basement-sub-floor.aspx

Like Reply