Basement Finishing in Warwick done appropriately will maximize the space. Staycations, remote work, home health services, grocery delivery, Amazon, and delivered meals means we never leave our homes. Everyone wishes they had more space pretty quickly. An unfinished basement can become a gold mine for expansion. Adding a home gym, an office space, or an extra bedroom are just three of the multitude of options. Before you start dreaming consult your professional Alfieri Renovations Specialist.
Top Reasons to Consider Basement Finishing in Warwick
A finished basement can make your home more spacious, livable, and enjoyable. It can also add 70 percent return on investment for eventual resale. However, before you start planning where to place your home movie theater and speakeasy style wet bar, there are six important things to consider.
-
Remodeling is Riskier in Older Basements
In most cases, basements built before the mid-1980s were not designed for use as living spaces. Additionally, the foundations are not waterproof, and there is no vapor barrier beneath the concrete flooring. That creates high humidity levels and greater probability of flooding from snowmelt or rainstorms. This doesn’t mean finishing your basement is impossible, but you should definitely check your homeowner’s insurance before getting your project underway.
-
Wet Soil Conditions
A high-water table and poor drainage around the foundation can cause water to pool, which will push water through openings in the concrete. Even if there are no cracks or holes, water can penetrate porous concrete and greatly elevate humidity in the basement. The effects of this more subtle intrusion can be seen in tell-tale white stains on the concrete. This is called efflorescence which is salt deposits left behind by evaporating water.
-
Rainy Climate
When you live in New Jersey remember that this is an area prone to big snow melts, soaking spring rains, or violent summer storms. You need to factor this into your basement finishing plans. Inevitably, there will be a weather event that overwhelms systems to designed to prevent or mitigate water intrusion. Using water tolerant flooring and indoor-outdoor furniture will save you money.
-
Intended Use
Are you looking for a casual man cave or a simple recreation area for the kids? Or do you envision a fully livable space with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and entertainment area for a mother-in-law or subsidized income? How you execute your remodel should be framed around the potential for water intrusion. The best investment for a basement is one you can afford to lose if flooding occurs.
-
Keeping Your Basement High and Dry
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to mitigate water intrusion. While none of these solutions can overcome poor construction or catastrophic flood events, they can help make a moderately damp basement into a space that is dry and comfortable.
Install a sump pump
Most modern basements have built-in sump pumps. However, they can be installed in older dwellings, the pump should be fitted in a basin beneath the concrete. To hold 20 gallons of water the sump pump should be 18 inches in diameter and two feet deep. Investing in a high-quality cast-iron model is well worth the cost. Your pump should have a mechanical float switch that automatically kicks it on when water rises and turns it off when levels fall. Down the shore, in areas with high water tables and heavy seasonal rains, a battery-operated backup pump is highly recommended.
Invest in a high-quality dehumidifier
If humidity levels in your basement regularly hit 50% and higher, a dehumidifier improves the air quality and prevents the growth of mold, mildew and fungus. It can also prevent long-term rot and structural damage to flooring, trim, and framing. Simple floor-stand models are helpful in the short term but are not a permanent solution. Additionally, to ensure optimal air quality in a humid basement, you’ll need a dehumidifying ventilator air exchanger installed in your HVAC system. These units automatically keep humidity levels between 30 to 40% and vent moist air out of your house. In tightly sealed newer homes, they also prevent the buildup of potentially noxious gases and mold.
-
Build a Subfloor
Whether you have an old basement never intended for habitation, or a modern one with a water-sealed, back-filled foundation, building a subfloor is a good way to manage the inevitable moisture intrusion. Constructed from wooden panels lined with dimpled, waterproof membranes, subflooring provides a vapor barrier that mixes air and water, helping it evaporate to a drain. An insulated variety of subflooring keeps the cold at bay, making the living space easier on bare feet. Ideally, any framing for walls should be constructed directly on top of the subfloor because any beams in direct contact with cement are vulnerable to moisture damage. Lastly, if you want wood floors in your new basement, you’ll need to lay another layer of plywood on top of the subfloor. Otherwise, it won’t have the structural integrity required for durability.
Top Reasons to Consider Basement Finishing in Warwick
Contact us
Obviously, there’s a lot more to consider when finishing your basement, from plumbing and electrical to aesthetics and design. Since 1992, we have been offering remodeling and design services for all parts of a home, interior and exterior. We manage everything from start to finish. Our high-quality home renovation and remodeling services will not only improve your home interior, but also increase the value of your property (exterior painting, however, is not one of our services). For years, we have remained among Sussex County NJ & Orange County NY’s Most Preferred Licensed and Insured Home Contractors! Service towns in the Sussex County, NJ and Orange County, NY area include Goshen, Warwick, Sussex, Andover, Newton, Sparta, Hamburg, Montague, Frankford, Hardyston, Vernon Township, Stanhope, and many more! Call Us at (973) 862-1640 to bring your basement to life at reasonable prices!
How to Choose a Hamburg Basement Remodeling Contractor | Hamburg Basement Remodeling Contractor
