When you decide to renovate your basement, you should think about the best way to finish the space. This will help to ensure that you have a room that is both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. Finishing your basement correctly will help to ensure that you do not have to deal with moisture problems and other issues that can have a negative effect on the space. Making your basement more functional is a great way to get extra living space while increasing the value of your home.

Before converting your basement into your dream space, you need to talk to a contractor so that you can find out your options. Considering all the elements of basement finishing will come in handy when converting this underground space. When you consider the fact that most basements are typically used for storage, you know that it will take some effort to convert the space, and this may mean getting rid of some of the stuff stashed there. You have endless options when it comes to creating your dream room.

Taking care of the plumbing

When you embark on finishing the basement, you have to think about more than just the aesthetics or creating a beautiful and inviting space. If you intend to add a bathroom, you have to think about the plumbing system. Find out where the main drain is or look for the soil stack to determine whether it runs under or above ground. If the main drain is underground, you should not have too much difficulty when it comes to plumbing as you can simply choose to position the bathroom near the drain.

Enhancing natural lighting

Basement lighting is one of the most important factors when it comes to renovation. Most basements do not have sufficient natural light, and this means that they can be rather gloomy. Consider adding an extra window where possible to let in more light into the space. If you have a large egress window, you can enhance ventilation and lighting while ensuring you follow the building codes. You should also consider installing the best lighting fixtures for additional lighting needs.

Finishing the basement ceiling

The basement ceiling is one area that will require quite a bit of work. In most cases, the ceiling is composed of numerous ducts, pipes and wires, and you need to find a way to conceal all these. You have to ensure that the ceiling is free of the fixtures even though this usually means you have to drop the ceiling height in most areas. A good contractor can find a way to combine the unsightly fixtures in one area to have just one section with the dropped ceiling. Creating a natural transition will enhance the look. The use of moisture resistant drywall will keep your basement dry and in the best shape.

Consider the basement height

Think about the headroom available when designing the space. If you are planning to use the space as a home gym or entertainment room, it helps to have adequate headroom. You will need a ceiling that is at least 8 feet in order to run on your treadmill or lift your arms above your head while exercising. Obviously, your height will determine this but it helps to have a space that can serve others just as well. Cutting some floor joists in particular areas can solve the height problem but you need to think about the traffic in the basement before you tamper with the floor.

Waterproofing the basement

Basement flooding is a common problem, and you need to plan ahead to avoid this. Having a system that will deal with the issue is important but you also have to be careful when choosing flooring. Install a floor material that can withstand water issues and get a floor drain that will work effectively. A good system will help to ensure that you do not have to keep replacing your flooring. Talk to the contractor about exterior and interior waterproofing solutions.

Installing artificial lighting

Lighting is one of the most important components when enhancing your basement. You need to make sure that you have adequate lighting in the space to make it comfortable and attractive. People will only want to hang out in the basement if it has good lighting. When designing the ceiling, think about the best layout for effective lighting installation to get the best results. Get an experienced electrician who can wire the room and install indirect lighting for different moods and uses. Consider the fact that the ceiling is lower in the basement than in other rooms when installing ambient or recessed lighting.

How you intend to use the new space will determine your choice of fixtures and décor. Make sure that you get the services of professionals who will ensure that you get the best plumbing, electrical and construction results.