Today, basements of homes and offices are used for several purposes, including parking spaces, gyms and sports clubs, libraries, game rooms, home theaters, and cafeterias. Thus, basement renovation can help utilize this space effectively. Renovating a basement is a significant decision that requires thorough planning and consideration of certain factors, including how the space should be utilized and the cost of the entire process. Here are some mistakes to avoid while renovating one’s basement:
Opting for wooden flooring
While wooden flooring may be ideal for other rooms, laying a wooden floor in the basement may not be the best idea. This is because the humidity levels in basements are relatively higher than those in most other areas of a home or office. Consequently, moisture develops easily in the basement, and integrating moisture with organic substances like wood can lead to mold and mildew development. Hence, it is better to opt for inorganic flooring materials like ceramic tiles in basements.
Overlooking the importance of sound insulation
Depending on the purpose for which a basement will be used, one may need to soundproof it to avoid external noises from penetrating the basement walls and vice versa. For instance, if the basement is to be repurposed as a conference room, external noises may be highly disturbing during meetings and conferences. In contrast, if the basement may be used as a home theater, sound from the basement should not seep through the walls to the other parts of the home.
Not paying attention to the lighting
Basements may not have sufficient sunlight penetration, so they require proper lighting. Recessed ceiling lights, i.e., high hats, downlights, and can lights, may ensure ambient lighting in basements. Alternatively, one may opt for track lighting, which is relatively more pocket-friendly than recessed lights.
Not fixing existing basement problems
Existing problems with the basement, such as leakage issues and a cracked basement stairway, should be fixed before the basement is renovated. For instance, basement stairways can be quite steep and may lead to accidents if a loose step is left unfixed.
