Do you have a spacious but otherwise unfinished downstairs in your home? You probably plan to turn it into a full-fledged basement at some point in time. A nice basement is a great, versatile space for any homeowner. It can also add some solid value should you plan to sell your home down the road.
But before you go and perform a costly remodel, there are a few boxes you’ll want to check off. The last thing you need is for a freshly redone basement to be ruined by unforeseen problems.
Take Care of Water Issues
Leaks, excessive moisture, and flooding are common in basements. When you have unfinished cement walls and floors, a little moisture might not seem like a big deal. When you have furniture, rugs, carpet, and more, any amount of leaking can cause damage and decay.
If you’re planning on finishing your basement, make sure to seal up any cracks in your walls and foundation. Protect your home from potential flooding hazards as well. Cleaning your gutters is a great start, but additional work may be needed. Installing a sump pump can help control water around your home so that it doesn’t invade your basement.
Test for Radon
Radon is an odorless radioactive gas that’s present in almost all of the air around us. In small doses, radon is completely harmless. If it builds up into higher concentrations, however, it can be a serious threat to your health and safety. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
One of the most common areas for radon to build up in homes is in the basement. Every home should be checked for radon. If you haven’t had your home tested for radon, make sure to do so right away.
Talk to the City
When it comes to modifying and expanding your home, there are often certain legal requirements that must be followed. Finishing a basement is no exception. You’ll ultimately have to check with your local city offices, as rules can vary between different areas.
Some cities may require a permit before you renovate your basement. Even if they don’t, there are likely certain codes you’ll have to follow. This may include ceiling height, access points, egress windows, and more. Violating these codes can cause a lot of headaches down the road, so it’s best to do it right the first time around.
Check for Mold
Similar to radon, mold spores are present in the air of every home. Left alone, they’re harmless. But once enough moisture is introduced, mold spores will attach and rapidly reproduce. Mold can spread across floors, walls, ceilings, and more. Not only do they cause materials to decay, but they can result in allergic reactions, rashes, shortness of breath, and more.
Because basements tend to be damp and darker, they’re a common target for mold. Simply trying to cover up mold will not take care of the problem. To get rid of mold, you need to have it properly remediated.
For mold remediation in Springfield, Ohio, Reliant Restoration has the tools and experience to get the job done right. If you’ve found mold in your basement (or any other area of your home), contact us today.