Once you have decided to finish your basement, there are many other considerations and decisions you must make to ensure the project goes smoothly. The first step, of course, is to hire a Boston contractor skilled in basement remodels. Here’s what to know before tackling a basement renovation.
Get Permits
Before you do any work, get the proper permits first or else you can face delays and snafus, not to mention fines. If you have hired a contractor in Boston to do your basement remodel, they will pull the permits for you.
Add Light Sources
Try to incorporate as many windows and doors as you can to let in the most natural light. The openings should be cut before anything else. It’s a good idea to have your contractor or an engineer survey the surrounding walls to ensure they can bear the increased structural load.
Add Handrails
Because you will likely have a long stairway leading into the basement, you need to install safety handrails at least on one side to guide people down. Make sure the walls can support the handrails and will stay in place through repeated use.
Install a Vapor Barrier
Simply placing a dehumidifier in your finished basement won’t help with moisture problems. Install a vapor retardant between interior stud walls and floors as well as between floor slabs and foundation walls. Also, make sure your roof has good drainage with gutters that take water run off away from your foundation.
Choose Flooring
Not all types of flooring will be ideal in your new basement. In general, it’s best to avoid the use of hardwood flooring, as small fluctuations in moisture levels will lead to splitting and buckling. You’re better off with engineered wood flooring, vinyl planks, or ceramic tile for your basement.
Select a Ceiling Finish
Drop ceiling tiles are common in basements because you can move them individually quite easily if you ever have to access electrical hookups or plumbing pipes. You can also choose to install a drywall ceiling but keep in mind that ceiling textures can flake off.
Install HVAC
Your home’s heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems may already be installed depending on your upper-level requirements. But you will need an HVAC contractor to verify that the right equipment is in place to properly serve your finished basement. Placing too much strain on equipment that’s not designed to handle the increased load will reduce its life span.
Test For Radon
Radon, an odorless radioactive gas, can seep into your basement from surrounding soils. You can test for its presence with charcoal-base collectors, or you could hire a licensed radon contractor to do this for you. Your local utility company may even offer radon testing. If detected, you can install a radon mitigation system to control it.
Contact AD Construction
If a new basement sounds good to you, call our Newton basement finishing contractors today at 877-345-BUILD for your free quote. We know what goes into finishing a basement, the permits that need to be pulled, and all the codes that must be followed. Trust our experts today.
