Basement Finishing in Woodbridge NJ
Basement finishing allows you to turn your basement into a living space. A well finished basement can add value to your home by increasing the square footage of the living space in your home. It can also provide you with an opportunity to make some extra cash if you decide to rent the space out.
The right approach must be followed in basement finishing to ensure that the resulting space is comfortable, functional and safe for the long term. The following are important steps you should take to ensure this.
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Waterproofing
This is one of the most important things to do before you attempt to finish the basement. Waterproofing will prevent moisture problems, such as the growth of mildew and mold as well as the deterioration of materials in the space.
Have a professional waterproofing contractor come in to inspect the basement and provide you with the best solution for waterproofing it.
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Repair foundation cracks
Do you have cracks in your foundation? They could be signs of a deeper problem. It is important to have these cracks inspected by a foundation expert. They can identify the underlying cause and help you solve the issue. It is advisable to have vapor barriers installed to prevent seepage into the basement.
If the cracks are non-structural and a vapor barrier has been installed, you can have the cracks sealed to improve the appearance of the walls.
Remember that repairing foundation cracks is not a DIY job. A foundation repair professional should be on hand to determine the best solution.
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Have a sump pump installed
If you don’t already have one, ensure that a sump pump is installed. Have the space fitted with drain tile and a sump pit. You should also include a battery operated backup sump pump to ensure that flooding is prevented even when the primary sump pump fails.
A contractor should assess the basement and design a drainage system that is adequate for the space.
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Prepare the floor
Having ensured that the space will remain dry even in bad weather, it is time to prepare the floor for the finishing. This will depend on the type of finishing you want for your basement floors. However, leveling of the subfloor is necessary regardless of the type of flooring you want to install.
Ensure that you choose a reliable and licensed basement contractor to assist you with basement finishing. This will ensure that you can enjoy the results of your investment for many years to come.