Finishing the basement is setting it from scratch. An unfinished basement does not have the components that make it livable. Finishing a basement means that you install drywall, plumbing, insulation, legal egress, ventilation, and flooring. Basement Finishing means you are preparing a base that can be either remodeled or renovated in the future, says the renovation companies in Toronto.

Finishing the basement is much different than remodeling the upper parts of the home. The Basement Finishing mistakes occur because the environment is damp and humid, which creates issues with moisture. All the main mechanicals of a house, such as a water heater, furnace, sump pump, and more, are located in the basement. They all take up space in the Basement. They also create obstacles such as wiring and piping that you need to workaround. These hurdles make finishing the basement more complicated as compared to the rest of the house. To avoid any damage to the home, as well as to protect your financial investment.

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Finishing the Basement which is Flood-Prone, Wet and Damp

Basements are generally more prone to moisture and flooding, especially in the areas below the sea level. Basements are like a box that consists of porous concrete, buried in the ground. When the ground is saturated with water, the resulting hydrostatic pressure tries to push the water against the foundation walls and will gradually find its way into the basement – whether through the cracks and joints between walls and the floors, or infiltrating the concrete through the capillary action. Floods that occur by the plumbing leaks or broken water heaters are a forever risk. Without a proper drainage system, a reliable sump pump system, and adequate dehumidification, no basement can be dry enough to finish.

Choosing the Wrong Floor & Walls

There are plenty of basement floor options, even among carpets and wooden flooring. When you decide to go for the new floor, you must be sure that it is water-resistant. An excellent choice would be tile and vinyl flooring. It is always the best to evade natural materials, like laminate or wood, because they easily get damaged by water and are prone to mold growth. If you are persistent in getting the carpets, buy synthetic ones that are more prone to mold and moisture. Tile carpets are also a great idea just because they are easily replaceable. For the walls, standard paper coating drywalls can easily be damaged by water and can absorb moisture forming the ideal conditions for the mold infestations. If you want to avoid such problems, it is best to put your money in gypsum-based drywall boards.

Wood materials in the basement are the wrong decision. Elements such as hardwood, laminate, and carpeting will not withstand the moisture and will start to mold after being exposed to moisture. Vinyl flooring is built to be completely waterproof and can withstand flooding. Vinyl flooring does not have to look like an older person’s choice; you can have a look and texture of hardwood or ceramic tile when going for the waterproofing, mold proofing.

With a variety of types of flooring available, it can get hard to decide which is best for the new lower level. The most important thing when opting the flooring is what will happen if the basement has a problem with water or flooding. Do remember that the basement is already enough moist and humid than the rest of your house, and choosing a material designed for such an environment is essential.

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The Lighting

Even with the windows in the basement you are not likely to get enough of the natural light required. It is essential not to ignore lighting when you are finishing the basement. Poor lighting can construct a dark and uninviting atmosphere and affect the usability of your room. Assuring that the new space has sufficient light makes a big difference and can help to lighten and brighten the whole atmosphere. These common mistakes to evade during finishing the basement can cause a lot of damage over time. Working with a home renovation contractor that has experience with finished basements assures the job is done the right way, that your financial investment is protected, and that you end up with a new livable space that you adore.

Ignoring the Local Building Codes

Before you finishing the basement you must be requiring some permits. If you work with a contractor, he should be able to help you out. It is essential to comply with the local building codes. They often need to have a slightly larger window for them emergency egress. It is as critical as having durable stairs. The point is to renovate the basement, knowing that you have taken all the vital steps to keep the room dry and assure the safety of the family. Like any other home improvement project, basement renovate needs through planning and focus on how to evade the above mistakes for a better future. Do some serious thinking, plan well, work with an experienced professional, and consider every minute detail. You will not have to regret it later.

Use Wooden Studs, Drywall, and Fiberglass Insulation

These materials are stables of construction for finishing rooms above the ground, in a basement, they usually cause disaster. Basements are generally naturally humid, and all these materials – wood, paper, and fiberglass – tend to absorb more moisture. When moisture mixes with organic matter, you need to create ideal conditions for mold to develop. Basement walls should be finished with 100% inorganic and waterproof materials that will survive the basement flood or water accident.

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Not Keeping in Mind the Power and Comfort

An imperfect plan or design for a finished basement can end up blocking critical valves and instruments. When scheduling out your finished basement, you need to consider electrical outlets, easy access to essential equipment and shutoffs, and overall comfort.

Before renovation initiates, you should also have a solid plan in place for how you will be able to manage the temperature in the basement because the atmosphere is way different than your above the ground rooms. It is usually a decent idea to install a separate thermostat for the basement with its floor registers or baseboard heaters.

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Overlooking the Existing Issues

When you are still in the process of planning the basement remodeling project, it’s best to check for possible current problems. And there are two ways to do that.

Check for problems in the basement . It would include clogged drains, cracked walls, torn window seals and broken window frames, mold, etc.

Check for issues all around the house. A slow kitchen sink drain can cause water damage, and due to gravity, everything travels downwards. Water will end up in the basement. For the same reason, check the gutters and any problems with attic waterproofing and the roof.

Fixing cracks, cleaning gutters, and repairing any problem in the home that will potentially water damage the basement should be your priority. I guess the last thing you want is to spend a fortune to finish the basement and then deal with water damage.

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Hiding your Equipment

The same goes for any other material found in the basement. The furnace to the electrical box, you surely would like to keep them out of sight. You should plan the basement finishing so that you will have easy access to such equipment for repairs and maintenance. And don’t forget that emergencies always occur. When you have access to material, you can detect problems and thus prevent their escalation. If you hide equipment behind walls, you will not be able to check & maintain them and surely won’t know that there is an issue till it is too late.

Steps to Finishing the Basement:

• Clean your basement
• Complete the moisture check in your basement
• Search for local building permits for basements
• Gather supplies and tools

How to Finish the Basement Walls:

• Install the insulation
• Framing the walls
• Install drywall

How to Finish the Basement Floor:

• Choose a new flooring
• Installing then subflooring and the flooring

How to Finish Your Basement Ceiling:

• Choose your ceiling type
• Install your ceiling

Although these might seem like minute issues, if not taken into consideration, they can cause you harm worth thousands of dollars to your home. A basement renovation is a specialized project and will most likely require licensed plumbers or electricians as well. Do not underestimate how much work basement renovations are. Hire the right contractor and let the pros do their jobs.

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