There are many things to think about when remodeling or refinishing your basement. While it's best to stick to the same overall quality of finish, the appearance of the space will vary. How the new space will look depends on its purpose. Some types of remodeling take more work and require different materials. Plan for any unexpected delays, outages or family emergencies.
Before you begin a basement reconstruction, ensure the area is dry and properly insulated. A properly waterproofed basement is a good place to start your home renovation project. Make sure you check for mold, mildew and moisture before you start your project. It can also be a problem if your basement is cold, and you can't open the windows during the winter. A dehumidifier can help to prevent this problem, and it will ensure that your basement is comfortable throughout the year.
Fill your basement windows with a light-filtering material. This will block unwanted light. While the materials you use will depend on your home, you can't skip this step. You must use a solid subfloor to ensure that your finished flooring is safe from water and concrete. The result will be more pleasing and you'll enjoy the extra living space. After you have decided on a design you can choose the materials that will make your basement feel cozy.
You have many options depending on the dimensions and shape of your basement. Carpet is a good option for a basement, because it will feel warm underfoot. Hardwood feels warm underfoot, making it a good choice. Radiant floor heating can be a great option if you don't need to replace the entire floor. This is a great way to save money. You can save money by refinishing the floors in rooms that don't require them.
Basements can be expanded to add additional living space and bedrooms. You can use it as storage or even a home office. A basement remodel can be cost-effective and affordable, depending on what you need. A basement can be used as a third or fourth bedroom. It's also more practical. Your basement can become a functional space and add value to your house by incorporating a kitchen.
A basement bedroom can help increase your home's value. It can make your home more accessible to the whole family. A well-finished basement can provide a functional and enjoyable space. It is important to select the space you want. For a free quote, contact your contractor if you aren’t sure what to put in the space. Plan your project. If you're remodeling the entire basement, you'll be able to make it more valuable and flexible.
FAQ
Is it less expensive to renovate an existing house or build a new one?
There are two options if your goal is to build a new home. A pre-built home is another option. This type of home can be moved in to immediately after it is built. A custom-built home is another option. This option will require you to hire a builder in order to design and build your dream house.
It all depends on how much you spend designing and planning the home. It will take more effort to build a custom-built home because you'll be required to do most construction work. However, you have more control over what materials you use and where they are placed. It might be easier for you to find a contractor who has experience building custom homes.
A new house is generally more expensive than a home that has been renovated. This is because you will have to pay more for the land as well as any improvements that you make to it. Additionally, permits and inspections will be required. The price difference between a newly built and remodeled home averages $10,000-$20,000.
How do I select a competent contractor?
Ask family and friends for referrals when looking for a contractor. Look online reviews as well. Look online for reviews to ensure the contractor you choose is experienced in the construction area you are interested. Request references and make sure to verify them.
Do you prefer to do walls or floors first?
The best way to start any project is by deciding on what you want to achieve. It is important that you think about how and who you want to use the space. This will help decide if you want flooring or wallcoverings.
If you have decided that you want to create an open plan kitchen/living area then you may choose to install flooring first. Wall coverings can be used if the intention is to keep this area private.
What should I do first in a house renovation?
The first step in fixing up a home is to get rid of any clutter. Next, remove moldy spots, replace damaged walls, fix leaky pipes, and paint the whole interior. Next, clean the exterior surfaces and paint.
How can I avoid getting ripped off when renovating my house?
The best way to avoid being ripped off is to know what you are paying for. It is important to carefully read all terms and conditions before signing any contract. Do not sign unsigned contracts. Always ask for a copy of the signed contract.
How important is it to get pre-approved for a loan?
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is very important because it gives you an idea of how much money you need to borrow. It can also help you determine your eligibility for a particular loan program.
Statistics
- ‘The potential added value of a loft conversion, which could create an extra bedroom and ensuite, could be as much as 20 per cent and 15 per cent for a garage conversion.' (realhomes.com)
- They'll usually lend up to 90% of your home's "as-completed" value, but no more than $424,100 in most locales or $636,150 in high-cost areas. (kiplinger.com)
- Most lenders will lend you up to 75% or 80% of the appraised value of your home, but some will go higher. (kiplinger.com)
- The average fixed rate for a home-equity loan was recently 5.27%, and the average variable rate for a HELOC was 5.49%, according to Bankrate.com. (kiplinger.com)
- It is advisable, however, to have a contingency of 10–20 per cent to allow for the unexpected expenses that can arise when renovating older homes. (realhomes.com)
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How To
Do you prefer to renovate the interior or exterior?
Which one should i do first?
There are many factors that you should consider when choosing the right project. The most important thing to consider when deciding which project to start is whether the structure is old or new. There are many factors to consider if the building is older, such as its roof, condition, windows, doors and flooring. If the building is new, then there are many different aspects to think about such as the location, size, number of rooms, style, etc.
If your building is very old, you should first look at its roof. If it looks like the roof could collapse any minute now, you may want to start on the renovation. If the roof is fine, then you can move onto the next step. Next, examine the windows. The windows should be inspected for damage or dirt before you do anything else. You can then go through your doors and clean them. Next, check that everything seems to be in order before you begin work on the floors. You should ensure that the flooring does not crack or become unstable no matter how many times you walk on them. The next step is to check the walls. You can now examine the walls to check for cracks or damage. If the wall is intact, then you can move to the next step. Once the walls have been checked, you can begin to work on the ceiling. The ceiling should be inspected to make sure it can support any weight that you might place on it. You can then move on with your renovation if everything looks good.
You would want to begin with the exterior if the building was recently built. Examine the exterior of the house. Is the house well-maintained? Are there cracks or holes? Does the exterior look great? If the exterior looks bad, it's time to make improvements. You don't want your home to look poor. Next, examine the foundation. You should repair any foundation that appears weak. Also, check the driveway. You want it to be smooth and flat. If it's not, it should be fixed. You should also inspect the sidewalk while you're checking your driveway. It should be replaced if it is uneven.
These areas should be checked before you move on to the inside. Look at the kitchen first. Is it clean and well-maintained? It should be cleaned up if it's messy. Next, make sure to inspect the appliances. These appliances should be in top shape and functioning properly. If they aren't, then you should either buy new ones or fix them. You can then inspect the cabinets. You can paint them if the cabinets are stained or damaged. If they're in good condition, you can move on to the bathrooms. Here, check the toilet. If it leaks, then you should probably get a new one. It's best to wash it if it's only dirty. Next, take a look at all of the fixtures. You should make sure they are clean. You should clean them if they are stained. Finally, you should inspect the countertops. You should repaint countertops that are cracked or chipped. Use a sealant if they're shiny and smooth.
The last step is to check the furniture. Verify that everything is in good condition. You should find what is missing if it is not there. You should fix anything broken. Once everything is in order, you can then move on to the next step.