So you’re thinking about adding a fourth bedroom, but your main floor space is maxed out. Looks like it’s time to do something about that unfinished basement; maybe add a small exercise room and office while you’re at it. A basement renovation is perfect for these colder months, as you’ll be drawn to working on interior projects.

Here are some things to keep in mind before you start your renovation:

Create a project plan that outlines your projected timeline, estimated costs, budget, and the type of work to be completed. This will update as you progress through the different stages of the renewal and will provide a valuable tool to keep you on track.

Start looking in magazines, the Internet, and home improvement stores to get a good idea of ​​what you expect your basement to look like. Decide what type of rooms you need, such as an exercise room, TV room, game room, etc. If you shop around, it can be surprisingly reasonable to hire a designer for a consultation; within a few hours they can provide you with valuable information on paint colors and design ideas to get you started.

Designate a file folder for paint samples and design ideas.

If you plan to do the work yourself, then the following points should be considered. If you’re hiring a contractor, make sure you understand the following topics so you can ask the right questions. Make sure you get at least three quotes and that all necessary changes are documented. If the contractor will not take care of a certain area, that should also be documented.

Inspect your base for any of the following problems:

Do you have to duck to avoid hitting your head on a beam or duct?
Are there traces of dampness or mold on the floor or walls?
Does the foundation smell musty?
Looking for cracks as wide as a pencil in your walls or floors?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, then the costs of fixing these issues should be added to your budget.

Obtain a building permit if you are altering the structure of your home, the size of windows, exterior doors, or changing occupancy needs by adding an apartment. Find out the required heights for a basement ceiling with your local building official, as this must be taken into account.

Look for Moisture: Moisture in floors or walls should be corrected before you begin covering these areas with carpet and insulation. Common sources can include cracks, poor drainage, overflow from eaves and downspouts.

Air Circulation – Determine if the base will require additional heating, a dehumidifier, or additional ventilation.

Bathroom: Are you planning to add a bathroom? If so, additional plumbing requirements will need to be considered.

Electrical: Will you have extra outlets, heat registers, etc. Also, in the case of a laundry room or stove, you may need high voltage outlets or vents. Also, make sure wiring is in place for cords, computers, phone lines, etc.

Smoke detectors: Decide on the best location for an additional smoke detector, as they are required on every level of the house. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed near any gas appliance, fireplace, or furnace, and near the entrance to an attached garage.

Windows: Decide on the location of any additional windows and consider their effectiveness as a light source, escape route, and energy efficiency.

Escape Route – Determine if all family members have a safe means of escape during a fire or emergency.

Furnace room: Do you need an enclosure for your furnace, water heater, etc. Also, make sure there is adequate airflow for your type of oven.

Soundproofing: Adding that family entertainment center is a great idea, but what about the speakers located directly below the room above? You will need to determine if additional soundproofing materials will be required.

Storage: You may not have enough storage; Will you need additional cabinets, shelves, bins or other means of storing things?

Additional Bathroom: It would be very useful to have a small two-piece bathroom on the ground floor; make sure you decide this before you start.

Wall Systems: Traditionally, basement walls are built with insulation, adding a vapor barrier, wood studs, drywall, taping, and finishing with paint or siding. Although widely used and cheaper than alternatives, this can be time consuming and complicated. Make sure you’ve researched other wall systems like the Owens Corning Basement Finish System. This is like a panel that combines all of these layers into one panel. Slightly more expensive, you can visit their website at http://www.franchising.owenscorning.com/bfs/products for more information.

I know this sounds like a lot to think about, but the more prepared you are, the easier the project will be. Have fun and enjoy your new living space.