May 9, 2023
The decision to finally get that basement renovation done is both exciting and nerve-wracking! A finished basement is full of possibilities, either as a recreation area or as a source of secondary income. Many homeowners will rent a finished basement out as an apartment or office space, use it themselves for those purposes, or create the perfect basement entertainment area. When it comes to getting renovations underway, the considerations are many. You’ll have to figure out how you’ll adjust your lifestyle during your renovation, the cost of the project, and hire a reputable contractor for your Edmonton basement renovation. This might sound overwhelming, but don’t fret! Continue reading for the surefire do’s and don’ts for your basement renovation. The Benefits Of Renovating Your Basement Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s first take a closer look at ways you as a homeowner benefit from renovating your basement: Increased resale value. Now is absolutely the time to undertake basement renovations in Edmonton. Home prices in the area continue to grow and are expected to hit a 7 percent increase from 2020 by the end of 2021, making the average price $437,000 as of source publication. With a finished basement, you may see an increased or on-market resale value for your home vs. an unfinished basement. When it comes to selling the home, prospective buyers are more likely to close on a home with a finished basement vs. an unfinished basement. It means they won’t have to take the time to do the renovations themselves! Secondary income source. Don’t use your basement much? No desire to use it once you renovate? If you have a separate entrance to your basement, extra parking, and plenty of windows - you might be able to flip your basement into a small one-bedroom apartment, bachelor apartment, or office space. Of course, it's important to brush up on the legal requirements for renting out portions of your dwelling in Edmonton before renovating with that in mind - but this route can be quite lucrative for the right property. More living space. While this might seem a no-brainer, it’s worth mentioning. If you have a growing family, it might be time to add some bedrooms and a bathroom in your basement. Adding rooms can be a great solution over trying to find a new home in an expensive housing market, and can have long-term benefits - like inlaw suites. The Do’s Do research building codes. Be sure to look into your local code and permit regulations. This will save you time, money, and effort. As well, it will be particularly helpful when selling your home - no one wants to have to re-do work! Do address moisture problems Feeling a little muggy downstairs? Be sure to inspect for mold, rust, peeling paint, or active drips. Painting over it or ignoring it will only cause further issues down the road! Do plan well and communicate. Knowing what you want for your basement renovation is half the battle. Be as specific as you can - down to the flooring, walls, and lighting. Be sure to communicate as much as you can with your contractor, and always keep them apprised of any changes in budget or scope. Do a test for radon. Radon is a dangerous, soil-based gas known to accumulate in basements due to the soil’s proximity to your home’s foundation. The Don’ts Don’t forget strategic lighting. Basements are notoriously dim, with small windows that don’t offer much by way of natural lighting. Be sure to install warm, inviting overhead and lamp lighting. Don’t forget storage space. Leave an area of your basement just for storage and other utility needs. Those decorations need to go somewhere! Don’t forget about flooding. Edmonton is prone to flooding, and the current drainage infrastructure leaves much to be desired. Be sure to install wiring up high off ground level and install water-friendly flooring like tile or vinyl. Don’t try to DIY. A quality, licensed contracting team will be well-versed in basement renovation. Trying a do-it-yourself approach can result in injury, a shabby job, and permit work that may need re-doing. Plus, your contractors will often have an eye for design and can offer valuable aesthetic advice. Don’t cut corners. There’s a difference between cutting costs and cutting corners!. The first can save you time and money but still yield safe and attractive results, the latter may result in an unfinished, sloppy-looking job. Integrity Construction Solutions - Your Basement Renovation Experts! The Edmonton-based team at Integrity Construction Solutions understands that a basement renovation can be time-consuming, exciting, and stressful. We combine our expertise with professional customer service to get the job done right, so you have a refinished basement you’ll love. Contact us today to start the conversation!