Basement remodeling is a great place to start your do-it-yourself career. Not only can you add a lot of useable space to your home, but its mostly concrete down there so there’s not a whole lot you can do to screw it up beyond repair. By choosing not to hire a contractor to do the work, you will save time and money in the process. But you will need to plan your remodel very carefully to maximize your potential.

First you need to completely empty the entire basement. Anything that is there besides the walls and ceiling needs to go so that you can properly assess the area. If the basement is currently used for storage, go through all those things carefully to decide what you can throw out and what you can keep. Measure the room carefully so that you have the best idea of how much space you have to work with. This is also a good time to look for water damage or mold problems. This is also the time to examine every inch of the space for structural damage. Before you begin your basement remodeling is the time to get these things fixed, it will only be more difficult later.

You should waterproof the basement if you’re planning on using it for a purpose other than storage. The main two ways of doing this are tanking and spraying the area. Tanking means applying a waterproof membrane to the basement to prevent water from getting into the basement. It’s pretty expensive but looks and works great. Spraying involves a chemical compound to prevent water damage, so it is less environmentally friendly than tanking, which involves no chemicals. If you decide to continue your basement remodeling without waterproofing, realize that you are taking a risk that may prove more expensive later. You may end up paying for water damage or mold growth in the future which will be more expensive than waterproofing the room now.

One of the most crucial points in this project is the lighting. Basements are generally dark, which is why they’re not used for much. But there’s no point in going about all this remodeling work just to have a depressing space that no one wants to be in anyway. Think of the purpose you’ll be putting the basement to in order to determine the right lighting. A workspace or office will need bright lighting so everyone can see. But a family room can have more subtle lighting to create a more relaxed space. Basement lighting can be a crucial ingredient in the remodeling project. These steps will help ensure that your project will be a resounding success.

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