Finish Your Basement Space With Heck Residential
Finishing a basement can add valuable living space to your home, but it requires careful planning. At Heck Residential, we take an all-encompassing view of your basement project, with essential pre-planning elements that will lead to amazing results.
Read on to learn what you can expect before construction begins on your basement renovation.
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Planning Considerations for Basement Renovations
When we embark on finishing or renovating a client’s basement, we start by carefully considering several key factors to provide homeowners with a functional, comfortable, and safe living space that they will enjoy for many years.
Layout and Functionality:
We love hearing our clients’ visions for the new space in their basement. How will it be used? Will it be geared to kids, adults, or the entire family? Are you hoping to have different zones for different functions (i.e., a workout area, a home office)? How your space will function will guide the planning.Plumbing:
Are you considering adding a bathroom or wet bar in your finished basement? We evaluate the location of existing plumbing lines (water supply and drain lines) to determine the work involved in tying into them. We’ll also check for a sump pump, which we deem crucial if your basement is prone to moisture. We’ll ensure it’s functioning correctly and has a backup power source.Electrical Availability:
Will your home’s existing electrical capacity handle the additional load of a finished basement? We’ll assess the electrical panel and determine whether it calls for an upgrade or additional circuits.Our team will also work with you to plan for lighting, switches, outlets, and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).Egress:
Building codes typically require an emergency exit–an egress window or door– for finished basements, providing a safe exit in case of a fire. Egress windows must meet minimum size requirements and be easily accessible. Most newer homes are constructed with proper basement egress, but we routinely add them to existing homes.Temperature Control:
Our team will inspect and evaluate the best options for heating and cooling your finished basement such as:- Extending existing ductwork
- Installing baseboard heaters or electric radiant floor heating
- Adding a mini-split system for heating and cooling
- Extending existing ductwork
- Installing baseboard heaters or electric radiant floor heating
- Adding a mini-split system for heating and cooling
Moisture Control:
Moisture control is a big concern when it comes to finishing basements. Waterproofing measures may be necessary to address existing water issues before renovations begin. This may involve:- Exterior waterproofing: sealing foundation walls and improving drainage.
- Interior waterproofing: applying sealants or waterproof membranes to walls and floors; installing a sump pit and drains. A vapor barrier installed on the walls before framing will help to prevent moisture from passing through. A dedicated space for a dehumidifier is often a good idea to include in a plan as it can help control humidity levels and prevent mold growth.
- Exterior waterproofing: sealing foundation walls and improving drainage.
- Interior waterproofing: applying sealants or waterproof membranes to walls and floors; installing a sump pit and drains. A vapor barrier installed on the walls before framing will help to prevent moisture from passing through. A dedicated space for a dehumidifier is often a good idea to include in a plan as it can help control humidity levels and prevent mold growth.
Flooring:
We are often asked about flooring options for basements. There are several options! We recommend avoiding hardwood or laminate which don’t do well in higher moisture climates. Carpet is an option if your basement is on the drier side; we recommend a moisture-resistant pad underneath.The best moisture-resistant materials for basements are luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile (LVT), tile, or epoxy coatings. Engineered hardwood can also be used as it is more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood.Future-Proofing:
Consider flexibility for future use. For example, if a bathroom isn’t in the cards right now, we can put in the preliminary plumbing so adding one later is an option. We’ll also plan for easy access to shut-off valves, wiring, and other utilities. You may want to pre-wire for smart home devices such as security cameras, motion sensors, and automated lighting.
Finished Basements by Heck Residential
Is there a brand-new space waiting for you in your home? Let’s talk about your basement’s potential! Use the contact form below to tell us about your ideas or call us today at (717) 335-8625. With Heck Residential, you’ll stay excited, worry less, and enjoy the process!