Remodeling Your Basement to Create More Living Space

by Zach Banks, freelance writer on behalf of Aspen Renovations & Custom Painting ( 6-Mar-2013 )

You’ve been in your home for a little bit now and you know what is and isn’t working for your family. That basement downstairs that has stayed dark and empty is not offering you a sliver of hope for more living space. Chances are you’re probably ready to bite the bullet and start your Des Moines remodeling project for your basement.
Creating More Livable House Space

Before having any work started on your basement, you want to take the time it give it an inspection. A basement is a decent size financial investment; you want to make sure that you check the interior and exterior walls for any signs of moisture problems. Check the downspouts on your gutters to make sure they are positioned away from the home; this is a great way to make sure you won’t be dealing with any water problems. Doing this could eliminate any problems with dampness and mold. Water problems can be damaging to anything you have in the basement, including the basement structure itself. Once you have checked the water situation around the basement you’ll want to take the time to figure out what your basement will function as. Are you looking to add another room or two to create more sleeping space? Maybe you are looking for a combination of a family room, a bathroom and a bedroom. Regardless of what you want your space to be, you want to make sure you have the space to make it happen. Basements can become more than a place where you put stuff that you will never use again.

Make Sure you Have Permits

A basement is a great addition to any home because it allows you to have more livable space, instead of that dark dungeon at the bottom of the stairs that you throw your boxes down. If you plan on doing the remodel yourself then you will want to make sure you have all the necessary permits filed and that you build according to that code. Making sure the electrical is done correctly and up to code is also important. The basement has a ton of potential. It’s cheaper to remodel your basement than it is to add an addition onto your existing home. If done right, this could become one of the most utilized places in the whole house.

The Benefits of a Basement

Whether you plan to use your basement for an office, playroom, and bonus room or exercise room there are a lot of benefits that come from having a finished basement. Basements tend to hold their own pretty well when it comes to the return on investment. Although they may not change the value of the home, it can certainly impact the buyers appeal when you go to sell your home. Although you will want to check the details for your area; a properly finished basement can be included in the official square footage of your house. Potential buyers will definitely see the value of your Des Moines remodeling project and appreciate this added space.

 

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