A step-by-step guide to finishing your basement

As you've probably noticed in just about every home magazine and on many of your favourite HGTV shows, finishing your basement is always a worthwhile project.

According to the experts on HGTV, finishing your basement makes sense for many reasons:

• It provides extra living space for about half the cost of building an addition.
• It offers an alternative to assisted living for aging family members.
• It increases resale value when you are ready to sell your home.

You're probably excited to get started, but rushing into the project without doing the proper planning will end in disaster. Finishing your basement can be a straightforward project if you follow the steps below.

Step 1: Inspect

There are a number of crucial steps to take before finishing your basement but none are more important than the basement inspection. KP Construction Custom Decks highly recommends taking this initial step seriously to prevent potential problem areas. It will provide peace of mind and guarantee that your new living space will be trouble-free.

The inspector will check for foundation cracks, leaks, and waterproofing deficiencies. They look for water stains and signs of moisture retention. Next, they evaluate the structural integrity of the floor and header joists, sill plate and windows. Be prepared to answer questions on how well your sump pump has been operating and how old it is. The same goes for the furnace, hot water heater, and ventilation system.

Your contractor must bring any areas of concern to your attention and offer solutions for rectifying problems before starting your basement renovation project.

Step 2: Smell

Mold formation

Does your basement have a damp or pungent "basement" odor? If so, it could mean there is excess condensation or moisture in the air. Also, mold and mildew may be growing in the dark recesses of the room.

Running a dehumidifier can help dry the air, and covering cold water pipes with foam insulation will help condensation from dripping behind finished walls. Mold and mildew thrive in dark, damp places. With approximately 10% to 20% of people in the world allergic to mold, it's likely you or someone in your family may suffer adverse health effects if you discover mold in your basement.

Tiny spores can become airborne and ingested to cause respiratory issues. They can also attach to wallboard, upholstery, carpeting, hard surface flooring, ceiling tiles, and just about any surface it comes in contact with. Keeping the humidity level down will help prevent mold growth. A HEPA air purifier can further limit new growth by removing mold spores from the air.

Step 3: Prepare

Preparation is a twofold process:

1) Establish what needs to be done before starting the renovation process.

2) Identify how you want to use your new space.

Discuss any remediation work that needs to be completed. Renovation experts can help you with a game plan for completing everything from simple waterproofing, such as sealing small cracks or applying waterproof paint, to major problems that require installing drain tile.

Now that your basement is ready for its transformation, you'll need to decide how you want to use it. Will it be an entertainment centre with all the latest high-tech audio/video equipment, or would you prefer a game room for the kids? Maybe you need a quiet space for a home office or an in-law apartment.

Step 4: Layout

This is the fun part. Efficient space planning can be easily accomplished with state-of-the-art 3D visualization software. You'll easily understand the room configuration, wall placement, accessory location, such as built-in shelving, television, kitchen appliances, and even how you'll access your sump pump, backflow preventer, plumbing, and HVAC. A budget will be established at this point, so you'll always be aware of the cost implications of major changes.

Find a professional designer that’s capable of preparing a photo-realistic image and incorporating all the components you've included. 3D modeling allows you to clearly see exactly what the room will look like, so you can make modifications without costly tear-outs.

Finish details such as paint colour, trim work, flooring, lighting, and any other personalized selections will be added to the plan and budget.

Step 5: Build

Time to make your vision a reality. While many of the decisions and selections have already been made, by using an experienced renovation contractor and maintaining open communication throughout the process, you can be confident that all building codes are met, below-grade materials are used for moisture- and mold-resistance and the room will be built to your specifications and budget.

Finishing your basement is a perfect solution for gaining extra living space without incurring the heavy cost burden of building an addition. No matter what your motivation is for finishing your basement - needing extra living space, creating an in-law apartment, or adding value for resale so you can buy new - by taking the time to inspect, smell, prepare, and layout before you build, you can be sure it is a wise decision.