7 Tips For a Perfectly Renovated Basement

November 28, 2017

When it comes to extending your home’s living space, perhaps the best place to look is your basement. While you can always add an addition or build up by adding a second (or third) story, the basement makes a perfectly good area to finish to provide you with the exact type of living area you need.
Whether you’re creating a rec room, separate apartment, home gym, play room, or an extra family room, finishing your basement requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips for creating the ideal renovated basement that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.
1. Plan Your Exit Points
You’re definitely going to want to apply for building permits before you start renovating your basement, and when you do, you’re going to have to show where you plan on building exit points. In addition to the main door exit, you’ll also need window openings that are large enough for an adult to escape through should there be a fire or other type of emergency.
2. Get Water/Moisture Under Control
Basements are notorious for getting flooded and are prone to moisture buildup. Before you finish your basement, make sure there are no active water or moisture issues first. Covering up these problem areas could ruin your flooring or drywall and force you to have to rip them out to fix the problem after the fact.
featured basement family room by Hope Designs Toronto's Leading Home Staging and Interior Decorating Firm
3. Measure the Height of the Ceiling
You want your renovated basement to be comfortable and livable, but that will be tough if you don’t have enough headspace. Make sure you check on the height of the space before you start building, and be sure to account for things like ductwork, plumbing, and electricals, which will take up added space.
4. Check For Drainage Opportunities
If you plan on installing a bathroom, kitchen or laundry room, you’ll need drainage. That means you’ll have to remove part of the concrete slab and connect new plumbing lines. How you’re able to connect these lines will depend on the depth of the lines below the surface of the floor.
featured basement family room by Hope Designs Toronto's Leading Home Staging and Interior Decorating Firm
5. Look For Hazardous Materials
Homes can be filled with all sorts of hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead paint. Make sure to check for the presence of these materials before starting any project.
6. Think Ahead
Don’t renovate your basement without considering future projects first. The basement is the hub of mechanical systems in most homes, so you’ll likely have to tap back into these components in order to do any future work on the main level of your home. Plan for any future work by running a few extra electrical and plumbing lines now to save yourself the hassle later.
7. Choose Your Style
Decide whether or not you want your renovated basement to go with the rest of your home’s style and architecture, so keep that in mind when coming up with a plan for this space. To make it easy for you to come up with the right style that fits your tastes and wants, be sure to consult with a professional interior designing team who will be able to guide you in the right direction and provide you with sound advice about exactly how to create the perfect space for you.

featured basement family room by Hope Designs Toronto's Leading Home Staging and Interior Decorating Firm - Best Home Stagers in Toronto blog post

featured basement family room by Hope Designs Toronto’s Leading Home Staging and Interior Decorating Firm – Best Home Stagers in Toronto blog post


At Hope Designs, that’s exactly what we do. Whether you take our suggestions from a consultation and run with them on your own, or choose to let us tackle your project from start to finish, we’re here to help. Contact Hope Designs today for your next renovation project.