Basement Remodeling Guidelines

Make Needed Repairs

• Fix moisture problems first. You want to address pipe leaks or water drainage coming through walls in every part of the basement. Moisture can cause mold growth, and mold is a health hazard. Special waterproofing compounds are available for cinder block walls. Plastic sheeting to fit behind insulation and water-resistant drywall are additional options.

Examine Wiring Requirements

• Figure out electrical needs. If you want to build a small kitchen, for example, look for ways to route wiring from the breaker box. Call an electrician to oversee the planning of adding another heating and cooling system to the basement if needed. Inquire about building codes and permits needed before actually starting any work.

Plan All Plumbing

• Determine what plumbing you will need. If the basement will have a laundry room and a bathroom, you will need to figure out where drains will fit. Ask a plumber to help evaluate special toilets that flush up, for example. Figure out how to connect to water lines running through floor joists overhead. You will need to carefully evaluate plumbing for such options as including a wine cellar or building an additional kitchen in the basement.

Develop a Detailed Layout

• Create a room layout on graph paper. Designate bedrooms, closets, hallways and one or more bathrooms. You will want to create a large family room to include exterior windows in most cases. You can sketch various ways to make the layout fit the house dimensions. Use software to plan the makeover in 3D for a realistic look at what you want to build. Show your plans to a general contractor and city building officials for additional advice before actually beginning the work.

Select Materials Carefully

• Building materials should fit the design of the house. Invest in good quality tile flooring and light fixtures that blend well with the upstairs decor. While a basement can be a budget-minded project, you still want the basic look to match the colors, woodwork and quality of materials used on the first floor. A basement remodel can add many thousands of dollars to the home's value if planned with care.