Top Basement Remodeling Mistakes To Avoid | Billy.com

Basements are among the most versatile areas of a home. Whether you want it to be a nice family room or a secluded man cave, the creative freedom is entirely in your hands. But regardless of what you plan to do with your basement, there are errors you should always work to prevent in order to get the most out of your project. These are some of the top basement remodeling mistakes to avoid and what you can do to stop yourself from falling into their trap.

Using the Wrong Materials

While the main appeal of renovating your basement is that you can do what you want with it, not every building material is worth the investment. In fact, using things like wooden studs, fiberglass insulation, and drywall can leave you with less-than-desirable results. This is because these resources easily break down in humid conditions, something that recently unfinished basements are known for. So, if you want all your hard work to last, it’s recommended that you choose something more durable, such as treated wood and foam insulation.

Overlooking Mold or Moisture

Speaking of humidity, you should also be careful not to overlook any moisture or mold during your renovation process. Basements are notorious for having poor airflow. This is what allows water to fester and grow into a problem. As such, it’s vital that you find ways to keep moisture out and treat whatever mold you currently have before you pursue the rest of your remodel. Otherwise, you risk your new build deteriorating before your very eyes.

Forgetting About Lighting

Another of the top basement remodeling mistakes to avoid is completely forgetting about the importance of quality lighting. Since they are most often underground, the basement of any home tends to be dark and, therefore, difficult to use. Installing enough lighting will be key to ensuring the space is both comfortable and functional for you and your whole family. For this reason, make sure you consider this feature carefully and address all the factors that make a well-lit room.

Building With an Inefficient Design

You want to prevent building an impractical layout for your basement as well. Though it might seem like a good idea to section off the space when you’re first starting your renovation, basements have a very limited amount of square footage. This makes them very quick to fill, leaving less room for your belongings. So, it’s crucial that you find ways to conserve space where you can and are strategic about where you install things.