A basement renovation can turn an underutilized, perhaps even uncomfortable space into a pleasant addition to your indoor living area. Below-ground construction requires careful planning and the assistance of a building professional. Here are some suggestions for planning your basement renovation project to make it a success.

• Take care of moisture problems: Basements will be more damp than above-ground areas. They are also likely to experience the worst of any plumbing or weather-related flooding that might happen. Use waterproof construction materials to perform the renovation. You may consider installing a perimeter French drain or sump pump in a sump pit at the lowest point of the basement.  Any water entering the area should flow toward to the drain or pit to be removed by the sump pump. Make sure the basement wall and house foundation are sealed and waterproofed.
• Work around existing pipes, beams, and ducts:  Your basement renovation plans need to take into consideration floor or wall beams, HVAC ductwork, plumbing pipes, and other obstructions that cannot be practically removed or rerouted. Incorporate these items into the design, or cover them to keep them out of sight.
• Install specialized plumbing: Bathrooms in the basement must fight against gravity for drainage and sewage removal. Include a macerating pump that is designed to pump drain water and sewage up and out of the basement area.
• Include adequate lighting: If your basement does not get much outdoor light consider replacing existing windows with larger specially designed windows that bring in more natural light.  And be sure to install enough lighting fixtures.  LED fixtures work great in such applications.  Lighting the perimeter wall areas with recessed light fixtures will make the area seem larger.

Contact Sage Builders LLC to explore basement renovation ideas that can turn your lower level into a comfortable residential space or work area.