A finished basement is a great way to increase your living space and add value to a home. But it’s also not a project that you want to rush into. Here are some things to consider before you upgrade your basement.
Figure Out the Layout
An unfinished basement is a blank canvas, allowing you to create the perfect space for your needs. But all that freedom can also trip you up if you don’t plan wisely. There may also be things that can’t be moved, such as the hot water heater or furnace, so you’ll have to work around those obstacles. Local building codes might also affect your plans. Most codes, for instance, require an egress window in all bedrooms, and have a minimum height requirement for ceilings. These are all things you’ll need to take into consideration before you get too far into the planning process.
Decide on a Purpose
A finished basement can be used for a lot of things, and what you decide to do with the space is going to have a big impact on your layout and building materials.
