Basements are common in homes, but far too often, these spaces are underused in a way that prevents them from living up to their full potential. If your basement is unfinished, it's easy to think of it as a dungeon: dark, damp, and emitting weird sounds and smells. It can be hard to imagine how this noisy, dark, and sometimes smelly area can become a usable, seamless addition to your home. The transformation from an overall unpleasant area into a delightful living space that can please all your senses is entirely possible.
An unfinished basement is an untapped resource in the home. Though functional, even when only used for storage and housing mechanicals, there is so much potential to unlock in the square footage of a lower level. When met with the right methods to address the dark, damp, and disruptive noises emitting from your basement, your dungeon can be transformed into a dream living space that matches the rest of your home.
When creating a welcoming, comfortable living space, the more natural light you can access, the better. That can be a significant problem when dealing with a basement because unless your basement has the benefit of being a walk-out, you most likely have a lower level that is entirely subterranean. If this is the case, the basement probably has very small windows or none at all.
Fortunately, there are ways to maximize the natural light in your basement. With some specialized effort, tiny, leaky, single-paned windows can be replaced with larger, efficient windows.
Window wells can be cut into the soil near your basement wall, providing the space needed to install a double-hung window that will substantially increase the natural light in your basement and can be used as an egress in the event of an emergency, making your space safer. This improvement is carried out by first excavating the exterior soil surrounding the basement's foundation. Then, a prefabricated fiberglass window well unit can be placed in the excavated area. These prefab window wells can be purchased with built-in steps, allowing an easy exit from the basement area. These wells and steps are easy to blend with existing home and landscaping styles, as they can accommodate potted plants that add beauty on either side of the new window.
Beyond adding windows to increase the amount of natural light your basement will get, another way to alleviate the basement's darkness is with thoughtful artificial lighting. Often, a basement's lighting situation is inadequate, consisting of a few bulbs or strips of fluorescent lights. Replacing these with pleasant lighting options that mimic natural light goes a long way. Using mirrors and light colors to reflect natural light and natural-looking artificial light can also brighten up your basement, helping it to move away from its dungeon-like feel.
There's a good chance that your basement has a high level of humidity. Older homes are more susceptible to this problem, but new builds aren't immune either. Finishing your basement without first taking care of this humidity will lead to future problems, making your newly finished basement both damp and smelly during humid seasons.
Unchecked humidity can create a myriad of problems, from swelling finishes to increased chances of mold development. Water infiltration can occur in various ways, from groundwater to cracks in the wall, an unsealed bulkhead, or even an improperly draining downspout.
Luckily, there are many solutions for dealing with basement dampness, each dependent on the underlying issue.
The great thing about all of these solutions, whether used singularly or in partnership with one or more of the others, is that they can all contribute to an improved environment throughout your entire home. Their use is not only beneficial to the air quality of your basement but, due to the chimney effect, has an impact on every level of your house.
Humidity isn't the only factor to consider when considering air quality. Remembering the risk of radon exposure when dealing with basements is essential. A radioactive gas with no taste, smell, or color that can lead to lung cancer following prolonged overexposure, radon can be detected and removed by systems installed by professionals. Carbon monoxide is another dangerous gas to be aware of when remodeling a basement. Combustible appliances, such as a furnace, can create this harmful gas. Luckily, an efficient air exchange system lessens the chances of damage occurring from either of these gases.
After addressing problems with darkness and dampness, it's essential to tie your basement remodel together to make it fully attractive. Your family and guests will better enjoy an area that appeals to all of your senses.
When you descend into the basement, it should feel like a natural and welcoming extension of your home. After turning your basement into a healthy, clean space by tackling issues with air quality and lighting, it's time to bring in the proper finishes so that the basement blends seamlessly with your main living area. Whether it contains a bedroom or will be a place for recreation and entertaining, your newly finished basement should be a safe and comfortable place to spend time.
This new functional space may house a home gym, a rec room, an office, or a gathering place used for watching TV. Activities taking place in any of these rooms can be noisy, so as you create this new space, keep in mind that soundproofing is a step that can continue the space's appeal to the senses. Including acoustic insulation in the ceiling or using acoustic panels prevents sound from traveling from the basement to the main floor. This makes the entire house more comfortable by containing noise where it is made. Now, a party downstairs won't disturb sleeping children on the main floor, and an office can easily accommodate Zoom meetings without being infiltrated by disturbing background noises from other areas of the home.
Basement remodeling may sound simple: put up some walls, hang a ceiling, and lay the floors. It's more complicated than that, though. Beyond today's energy code and myriad other requirements, there are many details that shouldn't be overlooked when it comes to creating a comfortable and functional space. Your finished basement should be clean, healthy, and appealing to the senses.
Allow a reputable build-design company to help you plan and execute a fantastic area that perfectly fits your family. An expert consultation will ensure a comfortable and inviting space that you can use for entertainment and everyday enjoyment with your family.
To learn more about the basement renovation process, please read our eBook, “The Expert Guide to Luxury Basement Remodeling for Discerning Homeowners” And if you are ready to speak about your next renovation, please schedule a home renovation discovery session.