5 Tips for Renovating Your Basement
A basement can reveal all sorts of deal breakers for potential buyers, from foundation cracks and musty smells to code-breaking utility installations and improper wall supports. In fact, problems of this nature can often send potential buyers running out the door instead of running to the bank. Unfortunately finishing a basement is no minor task. There are many moving parts, as it’s the most unstable level in a home thanks to humidity and moisture
With that in mind, renovating a basement is about more than just deciding upon the flow and style – it is also about the foundation, the furnace, the flooring and the function of the rest of the house. So how do you flip a basement without compromising the safety of your home while remaining on a budget? Here are a few tips.
Always Look for Any Sign of Moisture
The last thing you want to do is finish a basement during winter and have it flood come spring. That is why it is absolutely crucial that you thoroughly inspect the space for cracks and signs of moisture before starting any sort of renovation.
Close Off Any Exterior Points of Entry that Pests Might Get Into
Roommates who eat leftover food crumbs and then poop in your walls are the worst kind – and not just because they don’t pay rent and are really difficult (and often costly) to get rid of. Evict the rodents by sealing any exterior points of entry. Rodents and insects are probably one of the top turn-offs for potential buyers.
Give Serious Thought to Your Flooring
The reason you virtually never see real hardwood in basements is due to the unstable humidity levels that expand and contract wood products beyond their engineered capacity. That is why laminate is a popular choice (not to mention cheaper).
Make Sure You Get a Home Inspection Done Before Purchasing
Yes, if you know anything about real estate or renovations that you have heard this tip before. But that is not without good reason, this is arguably the most important tip for home buyers – Get an extensive home inspection before you buy the property. Don’t automatically choose your realtor’s recommendation, as they may choose a less thorough inspector in order to sell the home. This inspection will be your renovation bible and will ensure the home scores an A when it’s inspected again by the new buyers.
Try to Add Rough In’s for a Potential Rental Unit
The cost of a basement renovation can escalate quickly, which makes it hard to include an income suite in the budget. However, if you are already plumbing for a basement washroom, why not consider having rough-ins installed for a kitchen as well? This is a huge selling feature for some people and gives them a head start on a future income suite without coming at a huge cost to you.