Over the years basements have acquired a well-deserved reputation as dank, moldy and chilly spaces in your home that leak your energy dollars into the outside air and exist primarily to store items that won’t fit elsewhere. Today, homeowners are discovering the benefits of remodeling basements to increase living space and at the same time control moisture and lower energy costs. There are five very good reasons to consider a basement remodel this year.
Remove Moisture
Most homeowners first consider the benefits of extra living space when deciding to remodel a basement. Removing moisture can be even more important than adding an extra bedroom or creating a home entertainment system, however.
Moisture typically enters a basement through a leak or through humidity that finds its way into the large open space. Leaks can occur when water enters your home due to a crack in the foundation or through a window or door that isn’t sealed properly. It’s also possible that the leak could be inside your home. A water pipe from a shower, sink or washing machine might have developed a leak, allowing moisture to collect behind the walls of the basement.
Moisture from a leak collects behind the basement walls and is drawn into the living space through osmosis, while high indoor humidity simply adds moisture to the air. Many basements also have little or no ventilation, adding to the moisture content of the air. No matter where the moisture comes from, high humidity provides an excellent breeding ground for mold, which contributes to the damp smell and impacts any family members who have breathing problems.
Ridding a basement of excess moisture can seem more difficult than it really is. Diamond Hill Builders, a basement remodeling contractor located on the seacoast of New Hampshire, is experienced in removing moisture from a damp basement. We’ll work to create the ventilation necessary to control the moisture, using techniques and equipment designed to take it out of the air as effectively and efficiently as possible. Remove Moisture, and you’ll find your basement can become a much more livable space.
Improve Energy Efficiency
When a basement feels cold, you’re much less likely to spend time in it, even if it’s an inviting space otherwise. When a basement remodeling company such as Diamond Hill Builders works to improve your basement’s energy efficiency, the basement doesn’t just become a comfortable place to relax and enjoy time with the family. You’ll also save money on your energy costs.
A basement that isn’t built using energy efficient techniques allows moisture in, making it feel cold as well as damp. If you want to spend substantial time there, you’ll need to turn the heat so high that you can almost see your money flying out of the room. An energy efficient basement has walls, floors and ceiling areas that have been well insulated, offering comfort at a lower cost. Materials that help Improve Energy Efficiency can also play a role in helping to keep moisture out of the area.
Expand Living Space
Your family may be growing at such a rate that you’ve run out of bedroom space for everyone, or your teen may have decided he badly needs his own private room. You might have elderly parents who require some help with their daily or weekly needs, but aren’t yet ready to move into an assisted living facility. At these times, a basement bedroom or suite can fill t these times, a basement bedroom or suite can fill your family’s needs perfectly. You can even remodel the basement to include a kitchen if necessary.
Extra space can be a big benefit when your large family or network of friends wants to visit for a few days or a couple of weeks. Rather than having to tell them that you simply don’t have room and they’ll need to find a hotel room, you can offer your basement bedroom and bathroom as a hospitable, no-cost option.
Create Entertainment Centers
Perhaps you may have always wanted a home entertainment center, but haven’t had the room. A remodeled basement can be the perfect place to create your entertainment dream. A large-screen television, surround sound and plush, tiered seats give you, your family and friends the perfect setting to watch the latest video release or the big game while controlling the sound. Even a simple wide-screen television and comfortable chairs can meet your family’s needs.
You may appreciate having your own home gym, especially when it’s cold and snowy outside. You might also want a dedicated craft room or a playroom for your children. A basement office might meet your work needs. A remodeled basement offers the necessary space.
Use Space Creatively
Your remodeled basement doesn’t have the limitations on it that the main levels of your house have. You’re generally working with one large room, so you can feel free to design it in any way you like. An open seating plan for entertainment can flow into a play area for your children, allowing you enjoy watching television while they play close by, something that you might not be able to accomplish upstairs unless you knock out a wall or two. You also have the freedom to decorate in a way that might not be possible on your main floor. The possibilities can be limitless.
Increase Your Home’s Value
Remodeling a basement is one of the most cost-effective ways to make changes to your home and increase its resale value at the same time. A basement remodel typically returns about 70 percent of the cost, according to remodeling experts. Basement remodeling is much quicker and more efficient than adding on a room to your house and more cost-effective than remodeling a kitchen or even a bathroom.
If you need to Expand Living Space or simply want to make a change in your home to reflect your lifestyle, consider a Basement Remodel. It’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
