7 Basement Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

A basement can add a lot of extra living space to a home. In some cases, it can double the square footage! The space can be transformed from a dark and musty storage room into a fun family room, home theater, or office. The possibilities are endless! That’s just one of many reasons that people choose to complete a basement renovation. 

Some people get a little overzealous about the project though. As a result, they end up making many mistakes that could cost them more time or money than they originally anticipated. To learn how to avoid these common errors, keep reading this guide from Swift Restoration & Remodeling. 

DIYing the Whole Project

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is trying to do the entire basement renovation on their own. While some people might have the knowledge and skills to get the job done right, the average person simply does not. Homeowners can save some money by tackling the simpler projects, such as painting. However, any of the more difficult or dangerous jobs should always be left to a professional to avoid injury or costly mistakes.

Hiring Someone Without the Proper Qualifications

It’s important that homeowners take the time to find the right professionals for the job. Hiring an unqualified crew can be just as bad, and sometimes worse, than a DIY basement renovation. 

In order to make sure that everything is done right, homeowners need to work with licensed and certified contractors who have proven experience of basement remodeling services in Ogden. A low-quality or inexperienced contractor might seem cheaper up front, but their mistakes could cost a customer thousands of dollars in repairs.

Skimping to Save Money

Who doesn’t love to save money? Remodeling projects can be incredibly expensive, so it makes sense that homeowners would try to find ways to cut costs. Unfortunately, this often means skimping on quality. They may invest in cheaper building materials or furnishings that take away from the results. It’s better that homeowners invest in the space so that it becomes an extension of their home and not just an afterthought.

Forgetting Safety

All areas of the home need to have a safe and accessible exit strategy in case of emergencies, such as a fire. The basement is no exception. However, some homeowners get so excited about the aesthetics that they overlook the importance of safety. When working on a basement renovation, it’s crucial, and in many states, a requirement, to install at least one egress window.

Not Installing Enough Lighting

Basements are known for being dark and uninviting spaces, but they don’t have to be! With the right lighting strategy, the space can be transformed into a warm, inviting place to spend time. This doesn’t mean that homeowners should just start installing recessed lighting throughout the floorplan. A mix of accent, ambient, and task lighting can do the trick. Adding natural light through egress windows can also make a huge difference! 

Failing to Waterproof

Many basements are also known for being damp and musty. This is because leaks and moisture can find their way through the walls and floors. Even the smallest cracks in the foundations can cause major water damage that could ruin all of the hard work that was put into the basement renovation. For that reason, it’s important that homeowners make sure the basement is waterproofed before they install drywall or carpet. 

It’s also recommended that homeowners fill in any cracks or holes before installing the waterproof barrier. If the basement is prone to flooding, French drains can be installed on the outside as well to help redirect water away from the home.

Doing Too Much with the Space

While it’s exciting to think of all the possibilities, it’s important that homeowners don’t try to do too much with the space. This can make it feel messy and create smaller spaces. Instead of trying to incorporate an office, bar, home theater, and gym all in one basement, it’s best to focus on a few areas that really benefit the family. Sitting down to discuss goals and priorities is a great way to make sure the design doesn't go in too many directions. 

Discover More About the Benefits of Hiring a Basement Renovation Professional

Homeowners don’t have to worry about any of these mistakes when they hire a qualified team of contractors to handle the entire basement renovation. To learn more about how Swift Restoration & Remodeling can help with the project, customers are encouraged to contact them today. They can call to set up an in-person consultation with a professional designer, or they can submit their project details through the online form to request a free quote.