You can never have too much living space and if you have a basement, chances are that you have thought about ways to make it more functional. Whether you feel that you need more space due to your growing family, or you are simply looking for a retreat area where you can indulge in your favorite activity, basement renovation can be very useful. A basement renovation will help to add usable space and it is more cost effective than a home addition. There are some factors to consider when planning your basement renovation.

1.    The basement condition

One thing that you have to consider is whether your basement is suitable for the renovation. If you have a very low basement ceiling, serious cracks in the foundation or your water table is too high, renovating the basement might not be the best idea. It is very important to get professional opinion before you decide to renovate your space. A basement waterproofer can offer advice about ways to enhance this space. Other steps that can solve the problem include re-grading the ground around the house, installing a sump pump or adding drains.

2.    Consider the use

You need to think about how you want to use the space. There are various ways to use a renovated basement and they include a home office, family room, home theatre, gym, hobby room or even as an extra bedroom. When you know how you want to use the room, you can design the space and plan the renovations effectively. Before you plan the space, find out about building code restrictions in your area. In some cases, you may need an outside entrance to make the space habitable.

3.    Think about lighting

The space can only be effective if it has adequate lighting. Think about adding plenty of task lights especially if your basement does not get much natural lighting. Brightening the overall space will make it more functional. If you are lucky enough to get plenty of natural light, make the most of it and use colors and materials that will enhance the results. If you need to add electrical wiring and additional outlets, make sure that you get a professional electrician for the best results.

4.    Heating and cooling

You have to think about the heating and cooling in order to make the basement comfortable in all weather. Get the services of a heating and cooling expert to get the best advice on how to make the space comfortable throughout the year. Find out the ventilation options available to ensure that you enhance air circulation. How you intend to use this space will determine the type and amount of ventilation you need.

Consider the cost of the basement renovation and find out if the renovation will add value to your home. Research the options and think about the best design so that you can get a space that is both attractive, comfortable and highly functional. Getting a professional to help in designing the space will ensure that you get the best results. Basement renovation will require experts who have the relevant experience.