There are several things you should consider when remodeling or refinishing a basement. While it is important to maintain the same finish quality, the final appearance of your basement will differ. You should consider the purpose of your space before you decide how it will look. Certain types of remodeling are more labor-intensive than others. You'll also want to make sure to plan for unexpected delays, outages, and family emergencies.
Before you begin a basement reconstruction, ensure the area is dry and properly insulated. You can start your home remodeling project by waterproofing the basement. However, before you start the project, make sure to check for mold, mildew, and moisture. It could also be an issue if your basement gets too cold or you are unable to open the windows during winter. A dehumidifier will help prevent this problem and will help your basement stay comfortable all year round.
Fill your basement windows with a light-filtering material. This will keep out any unwanted light. You can't skimp on this step, although the materials you choose will depend upon where you live. A good subfloor will ensure that the finished flooring is protected against concrete and water. You'll be happier with the result and can enjoy the added living space. Once you've decided on a design, you can then choose the materials to make your basement feel as cozy as possible.
There are several options depending upon the size of your basement. A basement is best suited for carpeting because it feels warm underfoot. Hardwood is also an excellent choice as it feels warm beneathfoot. Radiant heating can add warmth to your floor if you don’t want to replace it. This can help you save significant money. If you don't need multiple rooms, you can refinish the existing floors.
You can also add living space to your basement, such as bedrooms or bathrooms. It can also be used for storage, and can even serve as a home office. A basement remodel can be cost-effective and affordable, depending on what you need. Many people use their basements as second or third bedrooms because it is more practical. Your basement can become a functional space and add value to your house by incorporating a kitchen.
Your basement could be worth more if you add a bedroom. This can make your basement more accessible for everyone. A basement that is well finished can be fun and useful. Just make sure to choose your space wisely. Ask your contractor to give you a quote if you aren't sure what to do. Then, plan your project. If you're remodeling the entire basement, you'll be able to make it more valuable and flexible.
FAQ
Which order should you do your home renovations?
You must decide where everything will go when you renovate your home. If you intend to sell your home in the near future, you need to think about how you will present it to potential buyers. The design of your living room, bathroom, and kitchen should be the first thing you think about. After you've decided on the rooms that you wish to renovate, it is time to start searching for contractors who are experts in these areas. Finally, once you have hired a contractor, you should begin working on your renovation project.
Can I renovate my whole house myself?
Why pay someone to do it for you when you can do it yourself?
No matter how much DIY you love, there will be times when it is impossible to do it yourself. You may not be able to control all the variables.
A qualified electrician would be required to check the safety and reliability of your electrical system if you live in an older house.
Also, you should consider that some structural damage may not be possible during renovations.
It is possible that you don't have the right tools or the knowledge to do the job correctly. A plumber's snake is an instrument that can be used to unclog pipes.
There are also plumbing codes that require you to have a licensed plumber working on your project.
You need to be able to do the job before you take on any large tasks.
Ask for assistance from family and friends who have completed similar tasks before if you are uncertain.
They can advise you on the steps you should take and where to look for further information.
How many times do I need to change my furnace filter?
How often your family expects to use the heating system in their home will determine the answer. Consider changing your filter frequently if your family plans to leave the house during cold weather months. If you are not likely to leave your house for long periods of time during cold weather months, you might be able make more frequent changes.
The average furnace filter will last approximately three months. This means that your furnace filters should be changed every three to four months.
For information on when to replace your filter, you can consult the manufacturer. Some manufacturers suggest changing your filter every heating season. Others recommend waiting until you see dirt buildup.
Is there anything I can doto save money on my home renovation?
You can save money by doing most of the work yourself. Reduce the number and frequency of people you hire for the renovation. Another option is to try to lower the cost of the materials you use in your renovations.
Is it cheaper to build a new house or remodel an old one?
If you're thinking about building a new home, there are two options for you. You can buy a pre-built house. These homes are ready to be moved into and have already been built. A custom-built home is another option. With this option, you'll need to hire a builder to help you design and build your dream home.
The cost of building a new home depends on how much time and money you spend designing and planning it. Because you will likely be doing most of the work yourself, a custom home can require more effort. You also have greater control over the materials and their placement. It might be simpler to find a contractor specializing in building custom homes.
A new home is typically more expensive than one that has been renovated. That's because you'll pay more for the land and any improvements you make to the property. In addition, you will need to pay permits and inspections. The price difference between a newly built and remodeled home averages $10,000-$20,000.
Statistics
- Design-builders may ask for a down payment of up to 25% or 33% of the job cost, says the NARI. (kiplinger.com)
- They'll usually lend up to 90% of your home's "as-completed" value, but no more than $424,100 in most locales or $636,150 in high-cost areas. (kiplinger.com)
- ‘The potential added value of a loft conversion, which could create an extra bedroom and ensuite, could be as much as 20 per cent and 15 per cent for a garage conversion.' (realhomes.com)
- The average fixed rate for a home-equity loan was recently 5.27%, and the average variable rate for a HELOC was 5.49%, according to Bankrate.com. (kiplinger.com)
- Most lenders will lend you up to 75% or 80% of the appraised value of your home, but some will go higher. (kiplinger.com)
External Links
How To
How to renovate an older house
To begin with, I would suggest that you should first determine what type of renovation project you want to undertake. This could be anything from updating your kitchen appliances to completely renovating the house.
Once you've decided what sort of renovation you want to carry out, then you need to think about how much money you have available to spend. Sometimes, you might not have enough money to pay the full project cost. If this is the case, then you need to make some tough decisions about which areas of the house you can afford to improve and which ones you can't.
Before you start work on your renovations, there are a few things you should consider. You need to make sure you have the right permits for your project. You should also check whether you require planning permission for certain types of work. To add extensions to your home or make other changes, you might need building consent.
Before you start work on the house it is best to check with the local council website to determine if additional permits are required. You should also check whether you require planning permission for any part of the house you plan to renovate. If you plan to do major renovations, such as replacing a roof, it is advisable to consult your insurance provider to ensure that you have sufficient coverage.
The next step after getting all the permits you need is to choose the right tools and materials for the job. There are many options, so take the time to thoroughly research them. Most people use wallpaper paste, paint, flooring, tiles and carpets for their renovation projects.
When choosing these items, remember to look at the quality of the product. Poor quality products can be expensive and last for a very short time. Good quality products, however, will last longer and provide more value for your money. It is important to buy the right amount of anything when buying. You shouldn't just buy too much because you might end up wasting valuable resources and having to throw away large amounts of material. You should instead buy only what you really need.
After choosing the right materials for the job you should decide where to keep them while you're renovating the property. If you're remodeling a large portion of the house, you may need to rent storage space to store your materials until you're ready for them to be returned inside. You can also ask family and friends to help move your items.