How to Avoid Two Common Basement Remodeling Problems
Find out how to deal with two common basement remodeling problems
Whether you're turning your block and concrete basement into a fully furnished family room or a bath and two bedrooms, basement remodeling has its own set of problems. There are two problems that occur in the majority of basement remodeling projects.
One common problem with basement remodeling is moisture. Many basements are damp. Wet basement walls aren"t uncommon. If your basement is one of these, make sure to fix the problem before you do any remodeling. Failure to correct moisture problems can result in water damage and costly repairs as time passes. You don"t want to see your newly remodeled basement get wasted by moisture.
Fixing the problem doesn"t simply mean drying out the basement and then proceeding with the remodel project. You need to find out why the moisture is there, correct it and then begin your remodel project.
Basement Remodeling
Poor landscaping is often the cause of wet, damp basement walls. The area around your home should be graded to where the grade drops at least 2 ½" in 10 feet. You also want to make sure the water from gutters and downspouts, drains away from the foundation.
Another source of moisture problems could be plants. Eliminate plants that are close to the foundation. Insulating pipes and air-conditioning vents will prevent condensation and thus reduce moisture levels in the basement. You may also want to have waterproofing applied to your foundation.
Another item of primary concern with basement remodeling is lighting. Basement rooms can seem dark and cold without proper lighting. Most basements don"t have many windows, so placement and choice of lighting is extremely important to your remodeling success. Instead of using one primary lighting source in the middle of your room, consider multiple placements. Using recessed lighting, up-lights and even fluorescent lights can greatly brighten the room.
The color of your walls also plays an important part in the effect of light. Choosing lighter colors can improve a dark basement.
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