Quick Contact!
For the fastest reply, call us at (678) 635-5429.
Are you looking to add more space to your home? Consider finishing your basement. It is a beautiful addition to any home. It adds instant space for you and your family. You have all that space that can be turned into functional square footage. Work with a contractor or designer to help you fill in that space to meet your household’s needs.
Here are some options to consider for your basement addition.
Basement Options
It will be essential to think through these items before you get started with any construction. These choices will help you design your ideal basement and move forward with finishing off your basement. You’ll need to discuss these options:
- Wall layout/placement
- Where to add windows and doors
- Type of flooring (carpet, wood, tile, etc.)
- Ceilings
- Drywall, acoustical and more
- Sheet Rock
- Electrical wiring and placement
- Lighting options
- Plumbing locations
- Specific room needs
- Bathroom
- Bedroom
- Game room
- Mother-in-law suite
- Living room
- Office
- Rental space
- Kitchen
Must Know Items
Permits
Before you make any structural, plumbing or electrical changes to your basement, you’ll need to apply for permits in your area. You will need to provide a floor plan showing the proposed project. A pre-inspection will need to take place before construction.
Basement Leaks
Basements can have moisture, leaking and have water damage. Before beginning the planning process, have your basement inspected for any water issue. Pools of water or drips coming through the walls is a visible sign of water issues. Look at the perimeter of your foundation to make sure your lot is graded correctly away from the foundation, so you avoid any future leaking issues. Inspect for cracks in foundation walls and repair if necessary.
Vapor Barrier
It will be a good step to add a vapor barrier to both the floors and walls before framing. Lay down the vapor barrier for at least a day or two, and then inspect the underside for any moisture. A basement can be a damp place and hold moisture. To help manage the moisture, it is recommended to create a slight offset from the outside wall by adding furring strips which are thin slats of wood or metal.
Insulation
Insulation keeps out the temperature from outside. It may add another layer of moisture control. Select insulation that includes a vapor barrier on both sides. Check the building code requirements for what type of insulation that you can use in your home.
Drop Ceilings
You have options for what kind of ceiling you install. There is a drop or suspended ceiling which offers a way to conceal electrical and plumbing lines via the removable tiles. A drop ceiling reduces the amount of overhead space available, but it gives you access to the electrical and plumbing lines by lifting a tile.
Lighting
Basements can tend to be dark so adding recessed lighting is a good idea.
Baseboards
When finishing out your basement, consider installing a heating system at the floor level since warm air rises. Baseboard heating can tie into your existing HVAC system. Space heaters are not a safe full-time solution for heating your basement.
Utility Room
HVAC unit and water heaters are usually kept in a basement and need to be located in an open unfinished space to have access for inspection and repairs. Check the building code requirements for framing and spaces.
For more help, read Tips to Avoid Costly Home Improvement Errors.
We specialize in finishing out basements in Georgia. Contact us to schedule your consultation and estimate. Or, you can call us at 678-635-5429 or email.
About Georgia Home Remodeling
Georgia Home Remodeling is a Gwinnett-based remodeling and renovation contractor company that has been serving Metro Atlanta and North Georgia since 1991. Originally created by company founder and president Chris Allen as a small painting company, GHR has since grown into a full-service custom remodeling and home renovation provider.
Georgia Home Remodeling is dedicated to providing great service and quality work at a fair price. From the initial contact until the job’s completion, we will be prompt, courteous and communicative, and will always do exactly what we promise to do at the price we quoted.
We are fully licensed and insured home renovation contractor, and our diverse and experienced crews include carpenters, painters, electricians, plumbers, flooring specialist, and HVAC professionals. Company president Chris Allen, who oversees and manages each GHR job, is also a Certified Graduate Builder, Certified Lead Carpenter and Certified Remodeler.
Contact us via email or call today 678-635-5429 to request a quote and let us help you make your dreams for your home a reality!