Finishing a basement is a great way to maximize space and add value!

Are you truly utilizing all the space your home has to offer? If you have an unfinished basement, that answer may be no.

Finishing a basement is an excellent way to add livable space to your home, which therefore increases its value. Just like a home addition, this new space can be used for a multitude of things, like extra bedrooms, a home office, a playroom—the opportunities are endless. Not to mention, a finished basement generally costs less than a home addition.

If you’re going to do it, do it right

If you have a hidden gem like an unfinished basement in your home, there are some things that need to be taken care of before the fun can begin! First things first: you’ll need permits before any work can start. While you could go ahead with the project without any permits, this could come back to haunt you when you go to sell the property or in the event of an accident. It’s always best to follow the correct procedures and ensure you have documented all the work that has been completed on your home.

Create the right environment

Once you have secured your permits, the next stage in finishing a basement is addressing any dampness that may exist in the area. Not only can dampness create uncomfortable living conditions, it can also cause health issues, as well as damage to the materials in the affected area. Moisture in basements is unfortunately not uncommon, and can occur due to a few factors, such as:

Rain and groundwater
Interior moisture sources (humidifiers, poorly vented dryers, etc.)
Exterior humid air ventilating into the basement and condensation

These problems can be addressed by:

Evaluating your drainage systems to reduce water saturation in the ground surrounding your home
Proper venting of interior moisture sources
Using an air conditioning system instead of letting summer’s warm, humid air from outside come into the space

The type of moisture you’re dealing with in your basement will determine the course of action you need to take to waterproof your basement.

Now for the fun part

Once the moisture has been taken care of, the fun stuff can start! You can start thinking about how you want the space to look and flow. Are you looking for something open, or do you want to add some dividing walls for a more structured space? Are you thinking of a cozy underground den, or do you want to brighten the space? There are so many options to choose from to create that perfect basement that your family can enjoy for years.

Don’t let the prep scare you!

While some of these initial preparatory steps can sound a bit intimidating, you have nothing to worry about when you’re working with a reputable and experienced contractor.

At Mulberry Builders, we go above and beyond for our clients. Our design team will work with you to ensure your new space is everything you want. We assist in gathering the appropriate permits for the work we need to do. Then our experienced team of skilled craftsmen will ensure your basement is waterproofed and fully dry before they fulfill the vision you and our design team put together, ensuring that your new space turns out exactly as you dreamed.

Use every corner of your home to the max and consider finishing your basement in time to entertain your friends and family as the colder weather arrives.

For more information on finishing a basement with Mulberry Builders, contact us today!