A lack of space is something many homeowners struggle with, but moving house is not always a viable option. If you are lucky enough to have a basement, the solution to your problems could be right beneath your feet. Basements are often a neglected area of a home and rarely used for much other than a dumping ground for things you no longer need.
But, with a little work, you may be able to transform your basement into a useable space and even add some value to your home. If you are keen to make use of your cellar, then you should find that these tips help you to get your renovation project off to a successful start:
Assess the Space
Before doing anything else, you must assess your basement and ensure it is suitable for conversion. If the head height is not tall enough to make it useable, you may need to have the floor of your basement excavated. This additional work to make your basement a height suitable for use could become extremely expensive. It could result in further work, such as a new foundation and underpinning. Having your plans for your basement checked by a structural engineer is a wise idea to assess the extent of the work involved.
Make a Plan
If you are going ahead with your basement conversion, it is vital to make the most of this opportunity to create a living space that you love and will get lots of use. To ensure this happens, it is helpful to design your basement with its end purpose in mind. Will you use the space as a home office, a playroom for the kids, or perhaps a guest room for visitors? Ensuring that you have a clear plan will help you make the best of this fantastic new addition to your home.
Calculate Costs
There are quite a few costs to consider when converting your basement. One crucial consideration is the additional waterproofing supplies and materials to ensure your basement is dry and useable. Having a budget for your basement conversion is essential, and it is also vital that you keep track of your spending throughout the project to ensure it does not spiral out of control.
As well as setting a realistic budget for your basement renovation, it is also wise to have a contingency fund in place. Your contingency fund will ensure you have money available if any unexpected issues occur and will enable you to pay for them immediately rather than needing to borrow more money.
Seek Permissions
Carrying out some research to find out what approvals and permissions you need for your basement project is essential. Having your renovation ruined because you forgot to submit the proper paperwork will be incredibly frustrating and something you must avoid.
It is better to know from the start whether you will need a planning permit, a building permit, or both to avoid delays and disruption to your project and get your basement completed faster.
