A basement renovation or remodel should be carefully planned out and take proper priority. Here are some key signs that your basement needs a remodel.
Your Basement Is Unusable As-Is
If your basement is unfinished or otherwise unusable wasted space, the chances are high that you’ve already thought of renovating it into something more livable. There are many ways to handle this type of basement renovation — from additional living space such as rec rooms to simple laundry rooms. It’s really just a matter of determining which one is right for you and your family.
There Is Visible Damage
Damage can come in many forms in a basement. The most common are cracks in the walls, cracks in the flooring, bowing or warping walls, and water damage. If any of these signs of damage is apparent in your basement, it may be a sign that it’s time to remodel.
You Have an Older Home
Older basements may have been built with now-outdated materials and techniques. It’s only been within the last 40 or 50 years that building codes and materials have reached what most would consider modern standards. As a result, they may not be made from optimal materials and prone to showing damage like the kinds stated above. There’s also a good chance that basements in older homes were constructed with harmful chemicals or materials such as asbestos.
The Basement Has a Musty Smell
Basements are often dark and damp environments, which can encourage the growth of mold and mildew. While these can be health concerns on their own, especially if you or anyone in your family has breathing issues, they can also be indicators of foundational or other structural problems. Leaks, excess moisture, and water damage can all breed mold if left untreated. It also makes the basement less than optimal space for recreation or storing anything of value. Ignoring issues with moisture is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to basements.
Whatever the reason for your basement remodel, you’ll be in good company. In fact, the remodeling industry is expected to continue to grow two percent annually through 2025. Finishing out or remodeling a basement is a great way to add usable square footage to your home and help increase its value.