Remodel a Basement
Ready to remodel your basement? Good.
But don't start yet! There are just a few little tips that might save you major headaches in the future - as well as things that can make your life easier and your home more likely to sell.
The first concerns turning a room in the basement into a bedroom.
Did you know that you are required to have at least one window in case of fire? Maybe you already knew that, but did you know it must meet a regulated size? Many do not know this, and have assumed that those small basement windows suffice, only to be slapped with a fine later on.
Please do your research on this one.
If you're going to hire a professional, you should be O.
K.
, but it might be a good idea to go over this with them regardless.
Secondly, what are you going to do about the carpet? If you're not looking to do a "full" remodel and make it into a completely finished basement, you might be considering just putting some decent-looking carpet down and calling it a day.
However: think long and hard about the possibility of spending just a little more and getting a pad to put under that carpet.
Yes, it's just the basement.
But if you live in cold areas, that thin layer of carpet is not going to completely protect you from the cold, cement basement floor.
Your feet will feel it! And if you're planning on spending any real amount of time down there, it can be almost painful to walk on without that padding.
The last thing that must be mentioned is regarding insulation.
Just like the carpet padding idea above, you've got to make sure the basement is properly insulated.
No, you won't get a fine for this one, but if you're going to take the time to undertake a project like remodeling an entire basement, why not make it "livable"?As you're putting up the insulation, talk to a professional about how much you'll need to guarantee that you won't need a jacket down there in the middle of the winter.
Again, these are just a couple tips for you if you're going to remodel it yourself.
Getting a contractor might not seem the way to go for you, but if you look around a little, sometimes you can find the right one for the job - one that is diligent and doesn't cost you too much.
Whichever way you decide, best of luck!
But don't start yet! There are just a few little tips that might save you major headaches in the future - as well as things that can make your life easier and your home more likely to sell.
The first concerns turning a room in the basement into a bedroom.
Did you know that you are required to have at least one window in case of fire? Maybe you already knew that, but did you know it must meet a regulated size? Many do not know this, and have assumed that those small basement windows suffice, only to be slapped with a fine later on.
Please do your research on this one.
If you're going to hire a professional, you should be O.
K.
, but it might be a good idea to go over this with them regardless.
Secondly, what are you going to do about the carpet? If you're not looking to do a "full" remodel and make it into a completely finished basement, you might be considering just putting some decent-looking carpet down and calling it a day.
However: think long and hard about the possibility of spending just a little more and getting a pad to put under that carpet.
Yes, it's just the basement.
But if you live in cold areas, that thin layer of carpet is not going to completely protect you from the cold, cement basement floor.
Your feet will feel it! And if you're planning on spending any real amount of time down there, it can be almost painful to walk on without that padding.
The last thing that must be mentioned is regarding insulation.
Just like the carpet padding idea above, you've got to make sure the basement is properly insulated.
No, you won't get a fine for this one, but if you're going to take the time to undertake a project like remodeling an entire basement, why not make it "livable"?As you're putting up the insulation, talk to a professional about how much you'll need to guarantee that you won't need a jacket down there in the middle of the winter.
Again, these are just a couple tips for you if you're going to remodel it yourself.
Getting a contractor might not seem the way to go for you, but if you look around a little, sometimes you can find the right one for the job - one that is diligent and doesn't cost you too much.
Whichever way you decide, best of luck!
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