If you’ve been considering a basement renovation, let’s FIRST talk about what’s already down there.
- Your basement is a structural part of your home’s foundation – hiding in plain sight! Before any remodeling work starts, the existing walls and flooring must be dry with no hidden mold or mildew. Look for any moisture or condensation on the walls or windows as well as cracks in the walls or flooring. You may even smell a distinct mustiness. These are all indications that an experienced and professional contractor should make water damage repairs and then complete waterproofing work to keep the basement dry to protect your home’s foundation before any renovations start.
- Value is hiding in your basement. When you remodel an unfinished basement, it’s known to add value to your home because of the additional living space. But adding a bathroom in the basement (or elsewhere in your home) offers one of the best ROI/home value increases at 70.7% for the Atlanta metro area as part of the South Atlantic Region.1 There is also value in the energy and utility savings when you add insulation to your basement.
- A few degrees of separation could be a hidden gem in your basement. Do you have adult children who are planning to move home after college graduation? Are they relocating back to the Atlanta area with a family or career change? With the help of a design expert or architect, you can create a space that offers temporary accommodations that can later be enjoyed as additional living and entertaining space.
What should NOT be hiding in your basement is any remodeling work that by law must meet building code requirements and must pass safety inspections. For example, if your plans include a bedroom, building codes include two exits including an egress window; a fire/smoke alarm installed; and an electrical wiring inspection. You and your family’s health and safety are the ultimate reasons to hire a trusted and highly experienced residential contractor to complete your basement renovation project.
Brownlow and Sons have been providing professional remodeling with personalized attention for our Atlanta-area neighbors for over 70 years. You’ll work with a seasoned professional to take your basement remodeling project from conception to completion. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
1http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2017/south-atlantic/
