If you’re planning on finally finishing that basement that’s been haunting you for years, you’ve likely got a lot of ideas about how it will look when it’s done. Before you fulfill that vision, though, you’ll want to take some time to put in place some basic infrastructure upgrades so that you don’t have to rip out any of the materials that you worked so hard to install. To ensure you don’t overlook anything, here are a few of the best repairs and upgrades that will help your basement truly shine.
Electrical
After you put drywall on the walls and ceiling in your basement, it won’t be easy to access any of the electrical wiring that powers many of the activities you will do in your basement. To ensure you have all the current and future capacity you need, it’s a good idea to bring in an electrician prior to finishing your basement. An electrician from Encino can help you add circuits, outlets, switches, and lights so that you don’t have to compromise on the finished design of your basement.
In our modern world, we rely heavily on our technology. This makes it of utmost importance to have several outlets per room that can handle the load. You’ll also want to set up any connections you may need for your TV or sound system if you plan to enjoy movies or video games in the basement.
Foundation Repair
When focusing on your basement to get it finished, it’s important that you don’t overlook the rest of your home. One way to take care of your entire home is by taking care of any necessary foundation repair projects while finishing out your basement. Working on these projects now will help prevent cracks and other issues that can result from a problematic foundation. Plus, proper foundation repair can help protect against water leaks that could damage your new basement.
Plumbing
Finishing a basement often involves adding at least one bathroom in the space. This means that you’ll need to do some plumbing upgrades so that you can put your new fixtures exactly where you want them. Plus, upgrading your plumbing will help prevent plumbing accidents that could lead to mold and mildew issues down the road.
If you plan to use your basement as a guest space, be sure to have a full shower-tub combo for ultimate versatility for any guests you may have staying with you in the future. You’ll also want to consider high-quality toilets to prevent clogs and other plumbing issues for your guests and even yourself.
Insulation
Even in warm climates, a basement can often get cold because it sits largely below grade. That’s why proper insulation is a vital component of basement preparation. In addition to insulating the walls of your basement, you’ll want to be sure to insulate between the floor joists that make up the ceiling to help keep the upper levels of your home warmer in the winter.
Since heat rises, the floor can be especially cold when it comes to basements. Consider flooring options that hold onto warmth like carpet and rugs, or real hardwood to even further improve the insulation throughout the space.
Get a Second Opinion
The best way to determine which repairs and upgrades you need to make to your basement is to get a professional second opinion. Having someone come through with a trained eye to explain what you need to do will help save a lot of time and keep you from overlooking important items that need to be addressed. Then, when you do get your basement finished, you can relax and enjoy it, knowing there’s nothing else you need to do.
