5 Basement Remodeling Tips that Keep Moisture in Mind

basement-remodeling

There is nothing worse than working hard on a basement remodeling job only to find out that it is prone to usual basement moisture problems, rendering all of your hard work useless.

A refinished or remodeled basement is a great addition for any home. The valuable extra square footage is a game-changer when it comes time to sell. So it’s important that when you are planning a basement remodel, you take some extra steps to ensure that your job is done right the first time.

Basement Remodeling

Here are 5 tips to help you along in your basement remodeling process.

1. Check that your basement is candidate for the job. Mitigate mold, water, and other moisture problems early on. If there are obvious signs of moisture or water (especially pools of water), talk to a professional before you begin.

2. Know and follow building codes, if applicable. In many municipalities, a building inspector has to approve major changes. So be prepared if structural changes require permits, and research what is needed in advance.

3. Consider adding a vapor barrier to finished walls. Even after you take care of moisture problems, a vapor barrier is like added protection against any future water entry.

4. Add offset walls to stop any moisture issues. A slight offset between your basement wall and any wall framing that you do, not only stops the appearance of moisture, it helps level wavy and uneven masonry.

5. Leave the utility area of your basement untouched. It is unsafe to surround water heaters, HVAC units and furnaces with finished materials. Plus, building codes are often set for how much open area needs to surround them, so leave their area untouched.

Doing a remodeling job? Need help with your basement waterproofing? Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you make have.