Paulson's Construction Basement Finishing Do's and Dont's

Put an End to All Moisture Problems in the Basement. Humidity and basement moisture can lead to serious damage to everything in a basement. Home improvement expert, Danny Lipford, estimates that basement allows an average of 18 gallons of water into the home every day. Look for these telltale signs of moisture problems in your basement:

• Dank, musty odors
• Rusty metal surfaces
• Peeling paints and coatings
• Mold stains or discolorations on walls and ceilings

Don't let moisture get in the way of your basement remodeling! The Total Basement Finishing system can stop the moisture problem with the SaniDry Energy Star Rated dehumidifier, and a full product line of basement finishing materials that does not support mold growth and can't be damaged by moisture or humidity.

Double-Check Building Codes. Different areas have different building codes. For example, if you build a home in Cincinnati, code does not require the basement walls to be waterproofed. However, if you're planning on basement finishing a year later, the basement walls will now require a waterproofing treatment. "Ask the Builder" columnist Tim Carter suggests that you check your local building department before beginning a basement remodeling project.

Accentuate the Positive. While the basement lacks the natural light that is abundant in the rest of the house, it does have a solid, grounded floor that is ideal for a poll table, arcade games, weightlifting equipment, or a treadmill. Feeling artistic? Instead of hiding your basements exposed duct work and joists, paint these features to create a modern industrial loft theme.

Consider All the Possibilities. Take the time to collect design ideas that will help you gain a strong vision of your new living space. Don't pass up the opportunity for the no-cost design consultation provided by Paulson's Construction!

Plan on finishing the entire basement. The high cost of whole-basement finishing aside, this approach leaves you with no utility area or storage room for luggage, tools, and seasonal items. Your money is best spent creating a high-quality finished space within a smaller area.

Forget about lighting. Because there are few windows in a basement, a basement remodeling plan needs to include strong lighting. Fluorescent lighting that is integrated into a drop ceiling layout provides ideal general purpose lighting that is also very energy efficient. Well-placed halogen task lighting can also help, as well as decorative lighting fixtures over, for example, a pool table.

Skimp on the Details. The little things can help to really make the basement stand out and become a room that everyone wants to be in. Include decorative lighting around a seating area, install French doors where appropriate, put up some photos, and hang a large mirror on the wall of your gym area. You may even want to consider giving your room a theme. Are you installing a basement bar? Include a retro jukebox, and hang old records on the walls. Don't neglect finishes that you'd use for the rest of your house, either. Bob Villa suggests finishing touches, such as crown molding, to make the room look more complete.

Be Afraid to Express Yourself. This is your space! Pull all stops and make it into whatever you imagine. Make your basement into a blast from the past with bean bag chairs, beaded curtains and a lava lamp, give it a touch of sophisticated beauty with a natural aquarium, or adorn it with sports memorabilia to make the space into a Superbowl and World Series headquarters for years to come.

Whatever you decide to do, let us help! Paulson's Construction has everything you need to start your basement design project. Search through our site for great basement finishing tips and to get a no-obligation written quote today!