1. Common Basement Remodeling
Issues

2. With every major home
improvement, homeowners have to address a
list of issues particular to their remodeling
project. Basement remodeling is no different.
If you want to transform your unused
basement in a home office, a kids’
playroom, or a spare bedroom, you should
keep an eye out for certain problems.

3. Moisture Problems
One of the most prevalent issues homeowners
face when remodeling a basement is moisture.
Whether you approach the renovation as a DIY
project or you’re planning to hire
contractors, before you can think about bringing
in new materials, you need to address any water
issues and condensation problems. These issues
are often resolved with the installation of any one
of several types of basement waterproofing
systems.

4. Moisture Problems
While the process can be expensive and time
consuming, incorrectly waterproofing your
basement or skipping the step altogether
could prove disastrous in the long run. You
won’t only have to worry about possible water
damage to your beautiful new walls and
flooring, but you’ll have to cope with potential
mold and mildew problems.

5. Radon Concerns
Radon is another major concern to address
during basement remodeling projects. Radon
is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause lung
cancer, even increasing the risk for smokers. It
is known to build up in enclosed spaces with
homes – like basements – and about 1 in
every 15 US homes has an issue with radon.
Testing for the gas is inexpensive and easy, and
you should always test before a major home
improvement.

6. Radon Concerns
Once you have your results in hand, you can
decide whether you need to take action to fix
the issue. The Environmental Protection
Agency recommends that if you detect radon
above acceptable levels in your home, you
should turn to an experienced and qualified
contractor to lower your radon levels.

7. Contractor Issues
When it comes to contractors, whether you’re
hiring someone to protect your home again
radon or you’re searching for someone to
complete you basement remodel, you should
use caution when making your choice. Be sure
to ask contractors for references that you can
call and follow up on, and be sure to get more
than one estimate for the work you need
done.

8. Contractor Issues
You should also ask every contractor if they’re
willing to pull permits for the project. During
the research process, you may want to search
the Internet for reviews on your local
contractor. By being thorough throughout
your search, you help protect yourself against
shoddy workmanship and billing surprises.

9. Other Problems
After you’ve found solutions to these health and
construction issues, you’ll need to address more utilitarian
and aesthetic concerns. For instance to be sure that the
room you want to create in your basement has proper
lighting, you’ll need to plan. Take into consideration the
lack of ambient light in most basements, which makes it
necessary to use more lighting than you might need in
other above-grade rooms. You should also think about any
restrictions a low ceiling presents when you select the type
of lighting you want. Most importantly, always keep in mind
how you see people utilizing this area of your home. For
example, a spare bedroom will require different lighting
than a game room with a bar or a home theater.

10. Although addressing all of these problems can be
stressful and perhaps expensive, in the long
run, you’ll have a beautiful new room to enjoy
for years to come.