Basement renovation is an important part of home maintenance. Homeowners must regularly check the home’s underground space to keep it in good shape. Basements are also prone to moisture and humidity, emphasizing the need to renovate and inspect them. If homeowners fail to do so, the basement may develop mold. Nevertheless, it is important to avoid certain mistakes that can worsen the damage when renovating the basement and its foundation.
Using wooden flooring
When renovating the basement, one of the most crucial mistakes that homeowners must avoid is installing wooden flooring. They may look aesthetically pleasing, but there are better flooring options for a basement. This is because basements have a lot of moisture and humidity. And when wood comes in contact with moisture, it begins to rot and grow mold. It is important to avoid installing wood anywhere in the basement to avoid such issues. On the contrary, choosing flooring materials that can withstand moisture without any issues is also important. Some good choices would be vinyl flooring and ceramic tile flooring.
Not checking for cracks and leaks
A basement renovation project should not only be done to improve the aesthetics of the place. It also needs to address any issues that can severely damage the basement. So, when starting the renovation, homeowners must check the basement’s foundation walls thoroughly for any cracks and leaks. Plus, if one finds a crack in the foundation wall, one must get it inspected to find out how deep the damage is. If there is any such damage in the basement, homeowners must prioritize their repairs before proceeding with the rest of the renovation.
Not choosing a qualified contractor
When it comes to renovating any part of the house, it is best to avoid any form of compromise. So, when homeowners are planning for a basement and foundation renovation, they must consider hiring a qualified contractor. One can begin their search by getting recommendations from neighbors, friends, or family members who live nearby. They always have the internet to turn to if they do not get good references. When browsing through the list of contractors, one must check for a few important factors, such as their experience and customer reviews. A qualified and experienced contractor brings expertise to the field, ensuring smooth and respectful communication with clients.
Forgetting about the permits
Homeowners must remember that any significant repair or renovation work on their property requires a permit from the local government. These permits ensure that all work is carried out safely and complies with the necessary guidelines and regulations. To obtain these permits, homeowners must contact their municipality and provide details about their renovation plans. Once the details are received, inspectors from the municipality board will visit the property to conduct a thorough examination. It is crucial to remember that failing to obtain the required permits is illegal and can lead to safety issues. Therefore, homeowners must not overlook this essential step in their renovation process.
Not waterproofing
Skimping on waterproofing is another mistake that all homeowners must avoid when renovating basements as there can be risks of leaks and water damage. Plus, once moisture sets into a basement, it can be difficult to get rid of it. Also, with moisture, it won’t be long before mold starts to grow. So, when renovating the basement and the foundation walls, it is important to build a concrete water barrier. This will prevent moisture from seeping into the basement walls. Homeowners must also invest in a sump pump to help drain water out of the basement if required.
Not inspecting the foundation
It is crucial for homeowners to perform regular inspections of their house’s foundation to ensure its stability. This includes checking the slab foundation, pier and beam foundation, crawl space foundation, and basement foundation. Over time, natural factors and other stresses can cause damage to the foundation. If these damages are not addressed in a timely manner, they can lead to more severe issues and costly repairs. It is also important to inspect the foundation prior to beginning any basement renovations to identify and address any pre-existing damages. If the soil and home structure do not have strength to manage renovation weight, it can be detrimental to the property.
