Basement Remodeling
Services | Commercial | Residential | Green Building | Aging In Place | WeatherizationBasement remodeling can be a risk. There are many variables that may make a basement remodel challenging, but not impossible, such as, but not limited to:
- Wet basements due to seepage through the basement concrete slab;
- Cracks in the foundation wall;
- Poor grading outside along the foundation
- Large trees or shrubs too close to the foundation;
- Top of house foundations that are below the street level;
- Previously and poorly built additions in the past;
- Location and condition of water heaters and air conditioning condensation lines;
- Absence, poor condition, or bad location of sump pumps and floor drains;
- Old and compromised concealed waste pipes (particularly if you intend to add a basement bathroom, bar, or other operational plumbed features);
- Persistent moldy smell even though the basement appears to be dry;
- Floor to ceiling heights are important both for a feeling of size and volume and code requirements;
- Stair widths and head room. Many people don’t realize the strict codes for stairs;
- Lead paint and asbestos, most likely inherent particularly in older homes
- Radon infiltration;
- Egress requirements, particularly if a bedroom is planned for the basement space;
- Structural considerations: many basements have support posts that are typically in the way of the planned improvements. These columns can typically be moved but may require additional “spot footings” and or larger spans requiring larger headers (beams)
- Adequate dryer, furnace, and water heater venting.
- Required to obtain permits;
- Future recorded documentation filed with the municipality;
- Visualizing the intended space and what will work depending on your end product needs and wants;
- Provide detail for contractor, material supplier, and subcontractor estimating and planning needs;