What To Do Before You Finish Your Basement

If you’re excited to add new living space to your home by finishing your basement, there is one very important thing you need to do first.

it’s true, finishing your basement can add a lot of value to your home.

The additional livable square feet along with a bedroom, bathroom, or entertaining area can be a wonderful investment.

Before you start planning your budget around carpet and bathroom tile, you will want to address the most common issue we see in basements-

moisture. 

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You may not have to experience your basement flooding for there to be a concern that needs to be addressed.

Here are some signs you may have a moisture issue in your basement:

• Cracks in the walls or floor

• Damp smell

• Water marks

• Mineral deposits on walls 

• Mold

If you see any of the above signs of water entering your basement it is time to come up with a plan to address the issue before you move forward with finishing the space.

5 Ways To Help Prevent Moisture From Getting Into Your Basement:

1. Check The Gutters

Start on the exterior of the home, you can add gutters if you don't have them or make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and directing water away from the home.

If you don’t have gutters, you might want to think about adding them to make sure they are collecting the water and helping it flow away from the home.

2. Look At The Grading Around Your Home.

Does the ground slope away from your home in all directions at least 2-3 inches every ten feet?

If not, it may be time to hire a landscaper to change the grading to make sure it is directing water to flow away from your foundation. 

3. Look for Cracks

Back inside the basement, fill all cracks in the walls and floors with a polyurethane caulk made for masonry. 

4. Coat To Waterproof

You can then apply waterproofing coatings to the floors and walls to reduce moisture.

5. Add Drain Tile And A Sump Pump

The one thing we always recommend to clients that have concerns about water in their basement is to add drain tile and a sump pump. It is a more costly option but is a sort of "insurance policy" to protect the finished space. 

Conclusion

Having removed the concerns about moisture, you will be able to sleep well knowing you won't have to worry about water damage ruining your newly finished basement oasis! 

Have questions about remodeling a basement or do you have experience dealing with waterproofing your own basement?

Share it with us below!