Flipping your basement into an extra living space can optimize the way you use your home area. It becomes a good way to accommodate guests with privacy and the place can be utilized in various ways that a conventional living room can’t. Because of the location of the basement, converting it into a livable area would make for a perfect getaway to your own private sanctuary inside the house.

It may be exciting once you finally get the green light to start your project, many of you may already have a concept of how it’s going to be, but don’t rush it and plan your moves carefully.
Here are some tips on how to create an awesome living space beneath your floorboards:

1. Essentials

This project presents its unique challenges such as material delivery and exfil of excess will have to be done through a passage inside a perfectly clean house, making sure the foundation is well, getting rid of pest infestation, installing utilities, moving existing appliances, etc., which basically tells you basement conversion can be time consuming and a little complicated. It’s not uncommon to hire specialists to work on your new living space, to help you save time and resources by making sure everything is done perfectly.
Before you let your imagination run wild on how to design your new living space, make sure you consider the following items to keep your downward extension safe and habitable:

Utilities

Make sure you install plumbing and wiring expansions for electricity – permits may be required. Basements are usually prone to flooding and with your basement becoming more valuable, you might want to install a sump pump just in case the place gets flooded.

Foundation

You also need to check the foundation for cracks. The status of your foundation can make or break your project before it even begins.

Radon

Some places have radon radiation, which emits from the soil below. Get your place tested and see if the levels require a mitigating ventilator.

Pests

Rot and infestation can be expected in a dark and dingy place. Damaged materials will have to be replaced or covered tightly to prevent it from spreading into your new installations.

2. Insulation and Waterproofing

Your basement accumulates the majority of moisture in your home. The general humidity and flooding can be a problem when you’re thinking of converting your basement into a living extension. However, there are a lot of available intelligent products that can help absorb moisture and regulate environmental parameters. You can use vapor barriers or install double walls to add extra resistance to moisture and improve insulation.
You also need to address cracks and gaps with spray foam. This will maintain your system in regulating the temperature and humidity inside your new living space.

3. Ventilation and Egress Windows

Ventilation helps in getting rid of the humidity as well as preventing toxic mold in the downward extension. You can extend your house’s HVAC system or install exhaust fans. Installing the proper ventilation is very important in basement conversions since airflow is usually restricted in these spaces in the house. Egress windows are also required per the building code, not only to let fresh air circulate inside the new living room but also as an emergency exit.

4. Ambiance

Lighting is also a unique component in basement conversions since typically natural light doesn’t usually get into these spaces. Recessed lighting is common for lower living spaces considering the limited headroom. You can also use lamps or floor lights to improve the ambiance and make the place more spacious.

5. Flooring

A bare concrete flooring is not really favorable with basement living spaces as well as wood flooring because of the moisture. You can use tiles or vinyl, but the important thing is you address flooding situations before you can choose your rugs and carpets.

6. Existing Appliances

If you have appliances in the basement, which can’t be relocated, you’ll need to create a separate framework to protect them while renovations are ongoing. In fact, the floor plan should already include their new location and the necessary plumbing and wiring attached to it. If you have a heater in your basement, consider arranging the layout and insulation to prevent the heat from affecting the entire area.
Your basement is a clean slate and ready to be an additional floor to your home. Turning it into a rec room or an additional sitting room might be a no-brainer, but like any other home projects, there is much to take into account. A professional contractor might be able to help you comply with the building codes and the expenses will be paid off by how much your home’s value will increase with the extension.