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When it comes to remodeling a basement, gaining additional living space in your home might be just the answer. And some of you might be saying, "You don't know my damp, dirty little basement. There is no way to make this space beautiful." I agree some basements are never to be transformed. This is common in older homes with low overhead and water running through like Niagara Falls. But most basements can be transformed. Even the dampest of basements can be transformed into a beautiful spaces. The marketplace today offers terrific products that satisfy any basement dilemma. If you need additional space, set your sights on the basement. If you really don't want to move, turning your attention towards the basement should be a consideration. If you think that your cold, damp basement can't be warm and inviting, consider otherwise. Consider The Transfer of Noise
Rooms below ground are quieter. This makes it a good place for that home theater you've been thinking about. This area gives you a private space for a quiet home office. And let the kids roar! It can be a place where kids can be really noisy. Quiet or noisy, either way, it works! Basements absorb sound. |
Below Grade Basements Becomes Natural Insulation
Basements below ground level, even unfinished ones, are naturally insulated. They can hold in warmth in the winter. They're naturally cooler in the summer. If the dampness in the basement is under control, these spaces are quite warm in the winter with an adequate heating system. And in the summer, it will be the coolest room in your house. You might even want to improvise for sleeping in the basement not only for overnight guest but for yourself on those hot summer days -- especially if you don't have air conditioning. So when you're about to embark on remodeling a basement, know what the air/moisture conditions are even before you start. A contractor or designer will be able to determine the moisture levels and what to do to remedy the basement moisture. Warm House Everywhere
A finished lower level, with proper heating, will make the whole house warmer in the winter without using a lot of excess energy. And having your feet warm on the floors on the main levels is a nice feature. When the floors are warm, the room seems to feel warmer. Keeping air moving with a forced air heating system will assist the basements' moisture. |
Unfortunately, basement spaces harbor moisture. Concrete is porous. Moisture transfers through the concrete walls and floors.
Studies have shown that moisture through walls can let in between 15 and 20 gallons of moisture per day!
Concrete can also have cracks. These cracks allow additional moisture to come through the walls.
How do you know that your basement has too much moisture?
Well, to start, you'll notice that musty smell. When you first come into the basement take notice of a musty odor. After you're downstairs for a while, you won't be able to smell it anymore.
Look for signs of metal rusting. Look for anything that is metal-based that is showing signs of pitting or rusting. Metal will rust with moisture. That's a clear sign of moisture.
Peeling paint is common reaction to high moisture levels.
Sometimes, mildew and mold will grow in the corners. This is especially true if the moisture gets trapped behind objects, or in places where air cannot flow through. So move boxes and furniture to get a look at any mildew or mold buildup.
But, despite all these conditions, you can reduce basement moisture. There are products on the market that can manage the moisture conditions when you're looking at remodeling a basement.
Remodeling a basement with the right products will be important in handling the moisture conditions of your basement.
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