There are several things you should consider when remodeling or refinishing a basement. While it is important to maintain the same finish quality, the final appearance of your basement will differ. How the new space will look depends on its purpose. Different types of remodeling will require different materials and work. Also, be prepared for unexpected delays, outages, family emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Before you begin a basement reconstruction, ensure the area is dry and properly insulated. The basement should be waterproofed before you start any home renovations. Before you begin the project, check for moisture, mold, and mildew. You should also check for mold if you have a basement that is very cold. A dehumidifier will help prevent this problem and will help your basement stay comfortable all year round.
Consider filling your basement with light-filtering material if it has windows. This will block unwanted light. Although the type of flooring you use will depend upon your home, it is essential that you do this step. It is important to install a subfloor to ensure the flooring is waterproof from concrete and water. The result will be more pleasing and you'll enjoy the extra living space. After you have decided on a design you can choose the materials that will make your basement feel cozy.
There are many different options for basement flooring depending on its size. A basement is best suited for carpeting because it feels warm underfoot. Hardwood, which is warm underfoot, is another great option. Radiant heating can add warmth to your floor if you don’t want to replace it. This can help you save significant money. If you don't need multiple rooms, you can refinish the existing floors.
Your basement can be used as living space. You can also add bedrooms or bathrooms. You can use the basement as storage space or even as an office. A basement remodel may be able to increase your living space without having to spend a lot of money. Most people use their basements for a second or third bedroom. This is because it's more practical. You can increase the value of your basement by adding a kitchen to it.
A basement bedroom can help increase your home's value. This can make your basement more accessible for everyone. A well-finished basement can provide a functional and enjoyable space. It is important to select the space you want. Ask your contractor for an estimate if you're not sure how to use the space. Next, plan your project. You can make the basement more valuable and more flexible if you remodel it.
FAQ
How important it is to be pre-approved for loans?
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is very important because it gives you an idea of how much money you need to borrow. It will also help you determine if you are qualified for a specific loan program.
Is it possible to live in a house that is being renovated?
Yes, I can live in my house while renovating it.
Can you live in a house while renovations are going on? It depends on the length of the construction. If the renovation takes less time than two months, then no, you can still live in your home during construction. You cannot live in your house while the renovation process is ongoing if it lasts more than two years.
Because of the possibility of falling objects, you shouldn't live in your home while a major construction project is underway. You could also suffer from noise pollution and dust caused by the heavy machinery used on the job site.
This is especially true if you live in a multi-story house. The vibrations and sounds that construction workers create can cause damage to your property and contents.
As I mentioned before, while your home is being remodeled, you'll have to manage the inconveniences of living in temporary shelters. This means that your home won't provide all the amenities you need.
While your dryer and washing machine are being repaired, you won't be able use them. The workers will make loud banging noises, paint fumes, and chemicals obstruct your ability to use your dryer and washing machine.
All these factors can result in stress and anxiety within your family. So it is important that you plan ahead so you don't feel overwhelmed by all the circumstances.
Research is key when you are considering renovating your home. It will save you money and help you avoid costly mistakes.
It is also advisable to seek professional assistance from a reputable contractor so that you can ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Is it better to remodel an older house than build a brand new one?
If you're thinking about building a new home, there are two options for you. One option is to buy a pre-built home. This home is ready for you to move into. You could also build your dream home. With this option, you'll need to hire a builder to help you design and build your dream home.
How much time and money it takes to design and plan a new house will affect the cost. You'll probably need to do the majority of the construction work yourself if you build a custom home. This will require more effort. But, you also have more control over which materials you choose and where you place them. It might be easier to find a contractor that specializes in custom-built homes.
A new house is generally more expensive than a home that has been renovated. That's because you'll pay more for the land and any improvements you make to the property. Additionally, permits and inspections will be required. On average, the price difference between a new and remodeled home is $10,000-$20,000.
What should I fix first when renovating a house?
Cleaning out clutter inside and out is the first step to fixing up a house. Next, you will need to eliminate mold, repair or replace any damaged walls, repaint your entire interior, and fix any leaky pipes. You will need to clean up the exterior and paint.
Statistics
- A final payment of, say, 5% to 10% will be due when the space is livable and usable (your contract probably will say "substantial completion"). (kiplinger.com)
- ‘The potential added value of a loft conversion, which could create an extra bedroom and ensuite, could be as much as 20 per cent and 15 per cent for a garage conversion.' (realhomes.com)
- On jumbo loans of more than $636,150, you'll be able to borrow up to 80% of the home's completed value. (kiplinger.com)
- Design-builders may ask for a down payment of up to 25% or 33% of the job cost, says the NARI. (kiplinger.com)
- It is advisable, however, to have a contingency of 10–20 per cent to allow for the unexpected expenses that can arise when renovating older homes. (realhomes.com)
External Links
How To
How to renovate an older house
It is important to first decide the type of renovation you wish to do. This could be anything from updating your kitchen appliances to completely renovating the house.
Once you decide what kind of renovations you want, you will need to calculate how much money is available. You might find that you don't actually have enough funds to cover the full cost of the entire project. If this is true, you will need to make hard decisions about which areas you can afford to fix and which ones you won't.
If you decide that you're going to go ahead and carry out renovations, then there are several things that you need to consider before starting work. The most important thing is to ensure that you get any permits required for the job. You should also check whether you require planning permission for certain types of work. Building consent might be required if you intend to add to your home.
Before you start work on the house it is best to check with the local council website to determine if additional permits are required. Also, check whether you need planning permission for each part of the house that you intend to renovate. If you plan to do major renovations, such as replacing a roof, it is advisable to consult your insurance provider to ensure that you have sufficient coverage.
The next step after obtaining all necessary permits is to pick the right materials and tools for the job. There are many choices available so make sure to do your research thoroughly. Some of the most common items that people use during their renovation projects include paint, wallpaper paste, flooring, tiles, carpets, insulation, fencing, doors, windows, lighting, plumbing, heating systems, electrical wiring, plasterboard, timber, concrete, bricks, tiling, mirrors, sinks, taps, toilets, washing machines, ovens, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaning equipment, air conditioning units, fireplaces, chimneys, and even garden furniture!
Make sure you look at the product's quality before purchasing these items. Cheap products tend to last only a short period of time, whereas good quality products will usually last longer and provide better value for money. When you are buying any item, ensure that you only purchase what is necessary for the job. It is important not to buy too much, as you may end up wasting valuable resources or having to throw out large quantities of material. Instead, purchase only what you need.
Finally, once you've chosen the right materials for the job, you need to figure out where you'll store them while you're working on the property. You might need storage space if you are renovating large areas of your house. You might also consider asking family and friends to move your belongings around.