3 Things to Keep in Mind When Renovating Your Basement
A basement renovation is one of the most popular projects that homeowners undertake. When done properly, a basement reno can add value to your home as well as add extra living space. Doing your homework and finding the right contractor is a must, but there are other things you might not be aware of when it comes to creating your dream space downstairs.
Permits
Some homeowners still overlook the importance of getting municipal
building permits when doing a basement reno (or any home renovation for that
matter). The building permit is your insurance that the job is done properly
and up to code. A good contractor will know that permits are required but don’t
rely on your contractor to get them; the responsibility is with the homeowner.
Many homeowners believe that getting permits is just an added hassle and a cash grab. Yes, it’s an extra step that you have to take before starting the work but trust me – it’s worth the effort. If there’s ever an insurance claim related to work that has been done on your home, you may be at fault in the absence of a building permit. Let’s say you have an electrical fire in your home; the Fire Marshal’s office, along with your insurance company, will conduct an investigation to get to the root cause. If the electrical work was done by a shoddy electrician and no inspection was done to certify that the work was up to code, then the blame lies with you, the homeowner.
Permits for a renovation are also important when it comes time to sell your home. Potential buyers may contact the municipal office for proof that the work done on your home included a building permit and final inspection by a municipal building inspector. If permits were never obtained, or if the permits remain open and the final inspection was never done, many professionals advise potential buyersn to walk away.
Your Walls
Are Not Always Going to be Square and Plumb
Basement walls are never perfectly square and plumb, so don’t be
discouraged if your basement walls don’t look perfectly straight and aligned.
Framing is where the proper measurements are done. Your contractor will make
sure that the framing is square, plumb (vertically aligned) and level
(horizontally aligned). Crooked framing will result in walls and trim that will
look wavy and uneven; plus make shelves and cabinets difficult to install; all
the more reason to hire a pro who knows what they’re doing.
Proper
Insulation
Failing to properly insulate your basement is just asking for mould and
mildew problems. Your unfinished basement is probably like most unfinished
basements out there – the pink wall wrap insulation covers the top half of the
basement wall. Most contractors would probably say that’s OK because the
temperature below the frost line stays pretty constant, but that’s not the
case. The floor temperature is fairly constant, but as you go up the walls to
the ceiling, the temperature rises. So the temperature near the ceiling of your
basement is always warmer than the floor.
It’s important to do your homework when considering a basement renovation. Yes, researching the right contractor is important, but you also want to be aware of what is required. Understanding what your contractor is doing and why will help you not only be involved in the renovation but give you the confidence that things are being done properly and on budget.