Do’s and Don’ts of Finishing a Basement

An unfinished basement is an opportunity to extend your living space, increase your home’s value and design a room from scratch. But you need to avoid certain missteps to make it a success.

DO: Think About the Finished Basement’s Function

Think about how you intend to use the basement, and plan your design around it. Whatever changes you plan to do, they should enhance its functionality and not take away from it. Components like the heating system and sump pump can be hidden in a utility closet that allows for maintenance and repair access. Existing plumbing can be kept as it is to save on remodeling costs or modified to make it fit better with the finished basement.

DON’T: Skimp on Aesthetics

Many people do not plan finishing their basement beyond bare walls and even flooring. You could be missing out on a lot of potential if this is the extent of your plans; basements can be on the same level as living rooms or kitchens when it comes to aesthetics. Working with experienced home remodeling contractors can open your basement to so many possibilities in both function and aesthetic.

You can choose to have a sense of continuity by choosing the same design elements as the rest of the house, or you can create an entirely new space that provides escape from your everyday activities. The key to achieving a visually pleasing basement is creating a detailed plan.

DO: Waterproof the Basement

Moisture is a common issue in basements. Care must be taken to make sure that waterproofing issues are addressed before any remodeling work begins. Check for telltale odors that indicate the presence of mold and mildew. Signs of moisture damage, such as rust, water stains, warped wood and blistering paint, will need to be taken into account. Sources of leaks such as leaky windows will also need to be fixed. 

Design Build Remodeling Group of Maryland is your leading provider of basement and kitchen remodeling services. Give us a call at (443) 300-2268. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Baltimore, MD, and the surrounding communities.