When homeowners do projects around the house, it typically involves main rooms in the house, like the kitchen or bathroom. But one room many homeowners often neglect is the basement. Unfortunately, this can leave the basement a dark, damp, unusable area of the house. So if you’ve been considering starting some home remodeling projects, you should start with the basement — and here are a few things to know before you get started.

 

Get necessary permits: Before you start any sort of remodeling in any part of your home, it’s important to figure out what kind of permits or inspections you’ll need. If you’re planning to add on to your home at all, you’ll definitely need to obtain building permits. You’ll also need to work with your home remodeling contractor to ensure all of your plumbing and electrical work is up to code.

 

Waterproofing is a must: Basements tend to be one of the more damp and wet areas in a home since they’re underground. This is why waterproofing is an essential step. Water damage can ruin a whole renovation project and can even damage the foundation of the house. So make sure your basement is properly waterproofed before you start anything else.

 

Let in the light: Good lighting is key to making a basement feel welcoming and comfortable. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to have windows in a basement. But you should try to let in as much natural light as possible. Or at the very least, plan for there to be several different types of lighting in the area.

 

Focus on basement design: One of the best things about finishing your basement is being able to turn it into whatever you want. Basement designs can consist of bedrooms, offices, home theaters, and more. The use you have in mind for the finished area will help depict what the basement design should be.

 

Hire the right contractor: Finishing a basement is not a great DIY project. From getting the right permits to wiring the room correctly to choosing the right materials, working with an experienced contractor is a must. Talk to a few potential contractors and decide which one will be able to make your dreams reality.

 

A finished basement can not only add more usable space to a home, but Home Advisor shows that an average basement remodel can offer up to a 70% ROI as well. So keep these considerations in mind and you’ll have a brand new area in your home the whole family can enjoy in no time.