Are you thinking about renovating your home? You’re not alone! Many people choose to renovate their homes so that the space works better with their lifestyle and functions better on a daily basis. Other people choose to renovate so that their home looks better for future resale or even just for when company comes to visit. One of the most common places to renovate in a home is the basement.
It is important to remember that your basement is home to many vital components of your house. From the foundation to the furnace, this space needs to function properly before you can renovate in a meaningful way. If you are having any issues with water in your basement or cracks in your foundation walls, contact the experts at GJ MacRae right away. Our team can help diagnose the issue and provide you with the proper solution!
Once you’re ready to renovate your basement, we have a list of tips and tricks that can help you transform this space to meet your vision all while ensuring it is safe for years to come! Keep reading to learn more. Additionally, check out how you can maximize your home’s liveable space with an attic or basement renovation!
Moisture
Moisture is a huge issue when it comes to renovating your basement. If there is moisture entering the area, all of the work and new items that you are adding can easily be ruined. We suggest surveying your area for cracks and other signs of moisture before you put up any drywall. If you notice any signs of moisture, contact the experts at GJ MacRae. Our team will help get your basement dry and ready for renovations!
Layout
One of the reasons why basements don’t function well for daily life is the layout. Basements in older heritage structures weren’t necessarily designed to be lived in, so they generally don’t have the open space that you require. When you decide to renovate your basement, talk to an expert about creating an open layout. Depending on the way your home is designed, you may be able to eliminate some interior structural walls, brick columns and posts to make the space look much bigger!
Pest Patrol
While you are renovating your basement, we suggest searching for any cracks or holes that critters can enter. Not only are pests not nice to see, they can leave behind feces and chew on your wiring! Evict these pests and block off their entrances before you complete your renovation.
Storage
Many people store items that they don’t always need in their basement. Once you choose to renovate the space, you will have to move these items to another location. We suggest adding a storage area to your basement or making sure that you install plenty of closet space and cabinets! This way, you can still store your items without the space looking cluttered!
Budget
One of the most important parts of renovating your basement is ensuring that you stick to your budget. We don’t suggest cutting corners with your renovation, but it is important that you create a realistic budget at the beginning of the project and that you stick to it. Basement renovations can quickly snowball into a money eater, so keep track of what you’re spending!
Photo Evidence
Unfortunately, when you decide to renovate your basement, you may encounter some issues. From foundation cracks to insulation, these issues can quickly eat up your budget and with little cosmetic reward. We suggest that if you have to have a non-visible upgrade completed, take pictures! This way, if you decide to sell your home in the future, you can show your real estate agent everything that has been done to the home. Although it’s not a luxury upgrade, the individual interested in your home will be happy to know that it is a safe space!
Bulkheads/Posts/Appliances
One of the most difficult parts of converting your basement into a beautiful living space is hiding all of the unsightly aspects. Bulkheads, posts and appliances can be a real eye sore and can get in the way of your design. When you bring in a professional, you can ask them to suggest ways that can help you eliminate these elements and allow you to bring your basement renovation vision to life!
Light
A big part of transforming your basement into a place that you will want to spend time in is making sure there is enough light. Basements are often dark places because they are located underground. There are many ways to brighten up a basement including:
Open Floor Plan
Don’t have a lot of windows in your basement? No problem! An open floor plan lets lots of light enter your basement. By eliminating walls, the natural light from your windows will be able to fill the entire space, instead of just the room that it is located in.
Larger Windows
A great way to let more light into your basement is to enlarge your windows. This is a job for a team of basement experts, but it will really help transform your space. Plus, larger windows also allow for more airflow to circulate through the area which can help it feel less like a basement and more like a lovely living space.
Light Fixtures
If you can’t get enough natural light to fill your basement, then you can always rely on light fixtures. From pot lights to lamps, chandeliers to strips, there are many different ways that you can brighten your basement.
Flooring/Walls
Another big part of renovating your basement is choosing the right flooring and wall designs for your space. If you’re looking to make the room feel bigger and brighter, then you may want to go for lighter walls and a darker floor. If you want your basement to feel cozy then you may want to go for a fluffy or shag carpet. This step in the design process is very important because the flooring and the walls help set the tone for the entire space!
The GJ MacRae Difference
If you’re looking to renovate your basement, contact the experts at GJ MacRae! We can ensure that your basement is ready for renovation and that it will be safe and dry for years to come. Our team has been servicing the Greater Toronto Area for decades and we can provide you with information that you can trust. Plus, our basement foundation repairs come with a 15-year transferable warranty! Visit us online or call us today to learn more!
