When you look at your unfinished basement, what do you see? Do you imagine large gatherings of your closest friends? Is there potential for a kids’ playroom? Could you create a masterpiece in a future recording studio? No matter what you plan to do with it, a finished basement can add a ton of value and personality to your home. As with any home project, there are a few things you should know before you pick up the hammer and get to work. Here are four essential tips for renovating your basement.
Look Out for Water Issues
Before you do anything else, take care of any water damage or moisture issues within your basement. Look for sites of previous water damage as well as for any cracks in the foundation that could lead to future issues. One of the most essential tips for renovating your basement is to make these repairs now so that you don’t have to deal with leaks or floods during or after your renovation.
Keep the End Goal in Mind
A basement renovation presents a unique opportunity for your home. From a movie theater to an office and many ideas in between, the only limit for what you can transform your basement into is your imagination. However, each unique renovation project comes with its own specific requirements and details. Make sure you have a firm idea of what you want to do throughout the entire process. This will help you stay focused and manage your time and budget as efficiently as possible.
Get Creative with Lighting
Basements receive a limited amount of natural light, which means you might need to get creative when it comes to your lighting. If you really want natural light, you can dig window wells. If natural light isn’t as much of a concern, you can make up for the lack of sunshine with stylish artificial light. Recessed lights or lighting that shines upward to reflect on the ceiling brightens a room without taking up space or making it feel too cramped.
Floor It Right
The versatility of engineered hardwood is a desirable choice when you’re renovating your basement. The unstable humidity and higher moisture levels make many homeowners turn away from solid hardwood for their basements. Fortunately, you don’t have to miss out on the elegance and beauty of hardwood. Manufacturers design engineered hardwood to resist expansion, contraction, and warping. This makes it a viable option for basement renovations. You can even choose from a variety of species and colors to match whatever style you want for your dream basement.
From the Forest is here to support every renovation project on your list. We have the gorgeous, durable engineered hardwood flooring you need to create a strong foundation for any room. Shop our walnut, hickory, or red oak engineered hardwood flooring today. These and other fantastic options make the perfect additions to any home, style, or renovation you have in mind.