A better basement means a better home! If you’d like to increase the amount of living space in your home, there’s no easier way to create more room than by doing a basement remodeling project. In fact, a basement renovation is an easy, affordable alternative to adding an “addition” that lets you add space to your home without breaking new ground. It’s possible to finish a basement in a home of essentially any age. However, the intensity of the project can vary based on the age of the basement, the condition of the basement, and the geographical considerations that go along with your home’s location.
Why should you consider remodeling your basement at your home in Philadelphia? While you may have lived with your basement for years, a remodeling project is a chance to truly “discover” this space for the first time. You’ll have an opportunity to carefully plan your layout to create a true blank space full of possibilities you didn’t even know were hiding in plain sight. Take a look at the basement remodeling Philadelphia perks, tips, and tricks homeowners should know about!
The Benefits of Basement Remodeling
Why is basement remodeling so popular? The simple reason is that this is often the most affordable way to add square footage to a home. You can add more livable space without the need to put down a new foundation, build upwards, or worry about losing space in your yard. Most of us don’t utilize our basements because they aren’t inviting. While we might take advantage of storage space in our basements, we generally keep them as unused space. In some cases, a basement isn’t even fit for storage due to moisture and ventilation issues. The good news is that basement remodeling services can actually help with that to turn your basement into an area that’s just as hospitable as other areas of your home. This means that you can move right in to enjoy a new family room, home office, play area, learning area, entertainment area, home bar, home gym, and more!
Philadelphia-Specific Tips for Basement Remodeling
Remodeling your basement is a fantastic way to increase the value, usability, and “wow” factor of your Philadelphia home. Basement remodeling is popular in the Philadelphia area because many people are seeking ways to get more usable space without leaving the homes they love. Take a look at five tips to make the most of your basement remodeling project.
Tip #1: Get a Waterproofing System Installed
Like all cities, Philadelphia has its fair share of flooding issues. In fact, local residents are all familiar with the destructive flooding of the Schuylkill River reaching neighborhoods during recent storms. What’s more, the entire state of Philadelphia is actually at risk for floods. One of the best things any Philadelphia homeowner can do when remodeling a basement is to have a waterproofing system installed. Today’s waterproofing systems are better than ever! That means that you can enjoy a clean, dry space without the need to constantly monitor and maintain the situation. Be wary of any contractor telling you that it’s fine to finish your basement without first addressing worries over moisture and flooding. This mindset is a shortcut to watching your newly refinished basement get ruined by water damage. New floors and drywall that conceal water issues don’t actually do anything to stop the damage. They simply keep the underlying damage that is occurring out of view until mold and rot threaten the integrity of your entire home!
A basement waterproofing system manages water under your floor by removing any groundwater before it touches your home. This keeps floors and walls dry to prevent mold, rot, and other dangerous moisture issues. You won’t have to stress every time it rains anymore. Installing a waterproofing system when you remodel your basement can also help to protect your investment because you won’t have to worry about your new flooring, drywall, furniture, or appliances being ruined. While most older homes in the Philadelphia area can probably benefit from basement waterproofing, basement moisture isn’t a problem that’s reserved solely for older homes. Even some newer homes in the area struggle with moisture and flooding issues that weren’t considered during the original building process.
Don’t forget to talk to your Philadelphia basement contractor about basement doors if rainwater is a concern at your home. Doors can be important barriers against moisture. In addition, a basement door is also considered a security feature that keeps your home safe.
Tip #2: Invest in Good Lighting
Basement lighting should be handled a little bit differently from lighting in the rest of the home. The reason why is that basements tend to be larger spaces with lower ceilings. As a result, a single light fixture won’t provide the radiance needed to light up the entire space. This is one of the reasons why recessed lighting is so great for basements. This is an efficient, easy way to illuminate the entire basement without the need to hang numerous fixtures. Recessed lighting can also save you money on your energy bills.
Tip #3: Consider Your HVAC Needs
The purpose of finishing a basement is to make it just as “livable” as the rest of your home. This is why it’s important to consider your basement’s HVAC needs. Ideally, you’ll be adding heating and air conditioning to your basement to make it possible to control temperatures for optimal comfort throughout the year. While air conditioning can be considered optional for basements, the reality is that heating is necessary here in Philadelphia. It will simply be impossible to enjoy a basement as a living space during the winter months without heat. Fortunately, there are many different options for getting your finished basement heated regardless of how you heat the rest of your home. Some options include extending existing ductwork, going ductless, heating your floors, and hardwiring baseboard heaters. You can also consider adding a wood stove as a secondary heat source to keep things cozy in your new basement!
Tip #4: Incorporate Storage Into Your Design
One common mistake that people make when finishing their basements is to forget the storage aspect. You may become so excited by the idea of gaining all of that livable square footage that you forget that you’re currently relying on your basement for your storage needs. The good news is that most people find that a little bit of reorganization drastically cuts down on the amount of space needed for storage in a home. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to cut storage out from your basement plans entirely. This is where some savvy planning helps! Ask your contractor to work storage into your new design for your basement. This is a great opportunity to build some new closet space, block off a designated storage area, or use built-in shelving to keep things organized in your home. Planning with storage in mind from the start is going to help you make the best use of your space. What’s more, you’ll have the opportunity to keep storage “hidden” from the start instead of dealing with the problem of trying to hide away items after you’re enjoying your new basement.
Tip #5: Work With a Reputable Contractor
This just might be the most important tip of all when talking about basement remodeling in Philadelphia. It’s important to work with an experienced basement remodeling contractor in Philadelphia County if you want peace of mind. Far too many contractors claim that they can remodel basements even though this isn’t their specialty. That means they often don’t know how to address the complicated challenges that go along with updating a basement space. While your basement may “look” good once the project is complete, you might find that moisture issues, drafts, and other telltale signs of shoddy craftsmanship begin showing up anywhere from a few days to a few months after work is completed. What’s more, not all professionals who call themselves basement contractors have the licensing and insurance needed to protect your home during a renovation project.
Final Thoughts on Planning a Basement Remodeling Project in Philadelphia
Getting a new basement in Philadelphia is one of the best ways to add value, beauty, and extra space to your home! A basement can make an amazing home office, game room, entertainment room, play area, or extra bedroom. In some cases, Philadelphia homeowners even decide to turn their basements into apartments as a way to make extra rental income. The sky truly can be the limit when redoing your basement if you work with the right team. At American Home Concepts, we take pride in offering our clients access to the best basement contractors in Philadelphia. We have over 30 years of remodeling experience that we’re more than happy to use to bring your concept for your basement to life! Our experts can help you to tap into the potential of your basement using the right layout, lighting, special features, storage plans, and more.
American Home Concepts is happy to come out to your home to provide you with an estimate. We offer a pressure-free, customer-focused approach to estimates and quotes. Call (610) 667-7775 to discuss your basement plans!
