Renovating your basement can provide you with more functional space, whether you add a living room, a home office, a bar, or even a rental unit. However, a successful basement renovation isn’t simple. There are many pitfalls that can cause your project to go wrong, create safety hazards, and leave you on the hook for costly repairs.
In this article, we’ll dive into the most common basement renovation mistakes and share tips for avoiding them to ensure your project is a success.
1. Neglecting insulation and ventilation
Just like in the main part of your house, good insulation is essential. However, basement insulation needs to be moisture-resistant, like closed-cell spray foam or rigid foam boards to prevent mold.
The air in a basement can become stagnant and damp, so it’s crucial to have proper ventilation that circulates fresh air and controls humidity levels. If you aren’t familiar with basement renovations, you might not know about this requirement and end up finding out the hard way. Hiring a pro is the easiest way to ensure you install the right basement ventilation system without risking any guesswork.
2. Improper waterproofing
Basements are particularly prone to issues stemming from moisture, including mold, structural damage, and many other problems. Water can do serious damage, and it’s actually quite common. According to data sourced by The Spruce, around 60% of U.S. homes have wet basements.
Before starting your renovation project, inspect the entire area for signs of water damage, like damp spots, mold, or efflorescence. If there are issues present, you might need to repair cracks in your foundation, install a sump pump, add a waterproof membrane, or get a better drainage system. In any case, proactive moisture management is a must for a basement renovation.
3. Skipping permits and building codes
It’s tempting to go all-in with a basement renovation without considering building codes and permit requirements, but the consequences can be serious. For instance, if you plan to rent your basement, it needs to meet all legal requirements for habitability, and turning a basement into a rental unit isn’t as simple as making it feel cozy. There are specific requirements for things like ceiling height, egress windows, and electrical systems.
If you don’t do everything correctly, your tenant can sue you, and you’ll have to pay a monetary judgment and potentially undo all your completed work. Worse, unpermitted work can lead to fines imposed by the city and related damage is typically excluded from homeowners’ insurance. Getting the proper permits ensures that your project will meet safety standards and you won’t run into issues when selling your home.
4. Inadequate lighting
You don’t want your basement to feel like a dungeon, but if you don’t carefully plan the lighting, it will feel like one. Basements usually need layered lighting, including ambient and accent lighting to make the space feel inviting. A professional interior decorator can help by implementing receded lighting and selecting the right floor lamps and overhead fixtures.
5. Using the wrong materials
As discussed earlier, basements are prone to moisture, which means you need to use specific materials. For example, vinyl plank flooring and mold-resistant drywall are ideal for basement remodels. Although it sounds nice, you should avoid organic materials like hardwood and standard drywall because it will absorb moisture and facilitate mold growth.
6. DIY plumbing and electrical work
Attempting to wire or plumb your basement if you aren’t a licensed professional can turn into a disaster. Without a license, there’s a good chance you’ll do something that violates building codes and/or creates a safety hazard. For example, there are a handful of common, yet dangerous mistakes DIYers make when working with electrical systems, some of which are unsafe and can cause electrocution.
It can also be costly to do things wrong. The last thing you want is to be told you need to rewire the whole space because the breaker box can’t handle the load.
7. Underestimating your budget
It’s easy to underestimate what you think your basement renovation will cost, and that can be a problem. Take your time and account for every aspect of your project, including materials, labor, permits, inspections, and a little extra (10-20%) for surprises. For example, you might discover that your local hardware store is out of the drywall brand you planned to use and you might need to use a more expensive brand.
Plan and strategize for a successful basement renovation
Successful basement renovations require careful planning and a realistic budget but with a little effort, you can transform your basement into a safe, comfortable living space that feels like a cozy extension of your home.
