6 basement remodeling tips and ideas.

Basements have a reputation for being dark, damp, cold, and dirty, but they don’t have to! There are simple steps you can take to transform your dark and damp basement into usable space for you and your family. Whether you’d like to finish your basement to create an entertainment area, or add another bedroom, there are some practical changes you can make to improve the functionality and coziness of your basement. Dependable Construction would be happy to help you turn these ideas into life.

Here are 6 ideas you can try;

• Adding light to your basement

There is a reason why basements are often subjects of horror movies, it’s hard to get good lighting, especially natural light, down there. While lighting can be a definite challenge in homes with a basement that is entirely underground, it’s not impossible. Recessed can lights can be installed between the rafters in the ceiling, giving more head room. Unlike floor lamps that provide limited light, recessed lighting can light the entire space and make your basement feel like any other room of the house.

• Reducing moisture in your basement

Basements also tend to collect moisture, which can lead to mold problems in the long run. Before taking simple steps to reduce excess moisture in your basement, it is a good idea to have someone come out and check your home’s foundation to ensure a crack isn’t the source of your moisture problem. If your foundation checks out and your going to DIY this renovation yourself, make sure to use moisture-resistant materials when finishing or refinishing your basement. At Dependable Construction, we will work closely with our customers to determine the best material and options for creating a clean, dry basement.

• Keeping your basement warm in colder months

Because basements are the lowest level of your house, many completely underground, they also tend to get very cold. During the summer months this is a good thing, giving you a place to cool off when the upper levels of your home are struggling to stay cool. In the winter months, however, your once cool and refreshing basement becomes more like a giant refrigerator. If you plan to use your basement regularly, keeping it warm in winter is just as important as keeping it well lit and dry. One option that can help with the issue is adding a fireplace or extending your primary heating system, whether it’s forced air or radiator heating in to the space.

• Cleaning and organization solutions

Now You’ll need to decide whether your going to dedicate a portion of your basement to storage or if you are willing to part some of the bulky items you no-longer bring out and use. You could also consider built-in shelving that will help keep things organized and off the floor and away from potential water damage.

• Valuable additions to your basement

If you are looking for basement remodeling ideas that also help to add value to your home, then consider adding a bathroom, spare bedroom, or a wet bar/kitchenette. These things will be practical for you to use, but will also appeal to potential buyers of your home. A bathroom in a basement, even if it’s just a sink and a toilet, is a huge convenience and a good selling point.

• Code and regulatory things to consider

Another important thing homeowners need to consider when deciding what to do with their basement are any/ building code requirements. There is often a difference between what you may consider a finished, livable space, and what your county’s codes mandate. It would be a shame to spend all this time and money on the basement remodel only to find out that the inspector won’t count it toward your home’s total square footage due to the lack of egress windows. At Dependable Construction, we are experts in county codes and regulations, and we’ll make sure they are followed to a tee.

If your basement is dark, damp, cold, and unorganized, you are not alone. Our trusted basement remodeling team will work closely with you to re-imagine and reinvent your currently useless space and transform it into the basement of your dreams! Call us today at 937.318.9572 to see how you can save.