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In many homes, the basement represents great, untapped potential for more living space. It may offer the most cost-effective approach to adding a new family room, an extra bedroom or a home office. According to the Home Builders' Association, with careful planning and the assistance of a professional renovator, most basements can be turned into attractive, comfortable living space. Energy Efficiency and Comfort
Renovating your basement offers an ideal opportunity to increase the energy efficiency of your home. An experienced renovator will inspect your basement and make appropriate recommendations for insulation, caulking and air-sealing that can make your entire home more comfortable. Bring in the Light
Consult with your renovator on ways to brighten up your basement. Often you can enlarge existing windows or add new ones, depending on the above-ground height of the foundation, what's around the house and the intended use of the new space. Or, the renovator may recommend glass blocks -- you get the extra light while preserving privacy. Keep in mind that if you are building a bedroom in the basement, the building code specifies a minimum window size for safety reasons. Special Construction Considerations
Some basements may be more challenging to renovate than others because of (for instance) supporting posts in the middle of an open area, or floors that are too low for proper connection of bathroom fixtures to municipal sewer lines. Sometimes it may even be necessary to break open the concrete floor to get at the plumbing. An experienced renovator can identify these challenges and provide suggestions for overcoming them. Egress Window Wells
If your home has bedrooms or living spaces in the basement, you are required by law to install egress window wells for easy escape in case of emergency. Egress window wells are large holes made in the ground near the exterior foundation of your home to allow easy access to and from the window. This intentional opening around your foundation could create some serious hazards, so as you address the interior of your basement, you’ll also want to consider how these changes will affect your exterior as well. The Heating System
In undeveloped basements, the heat is often supplied by registers that are set right in the ductwork running along the basement ceiling. Your renovator may recommend relocating the heat outlets or registers and adding a cold-air return. This will create the air circulation needed for even heat distribution and a much more pleasant living environment. Air Quality
You should pay particular attention to moisture and air quality in the basement. Professional renovators will conduct a thorough assessment of the area, looking for signs of dampness or mustiness, which may be the result of water entering the basement. It is important to correct all moisture problems before renovating the basement. Your renovator may suggest exterior drainage work or repairing the outside of the foundation wall. If mold is present, it can be eliminated by washing the area with a bleach solution. Proper ventilation will improve indoor air quality. Your renovator may recommend a separate exhaust fan or a heat recovery ventilator (a whole house fresh-air system). Equipment in the basement such as the furnace and dryer should be vented directly to the outside and may require a separate air intake. A dehumidifier may be required during summer months. Sound-proofing
Planning a family entertainment centre and a bedroom in the basement? Sound-proofing will minimize the noise traveling from one area to another. Your renovator may also recommend the installation of an intercom system connected to the upstairs for easy communication between levels. Lorraine Jordan. "Basement Renovations Give You New Options." March 22, 2010.
http://www.lorrainejordan.com/tips_maintenance_bsmnt.htm
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