Have you been debating finally taking the leap and finishing your basement? Contemplating the pros and cons of DIY versus working with an experienced contracting team? While it can be tempting to try and tackle a basement reno by yourself, it’s important to be aware of the many challenges you may face, and the risks associated if something goes wrong. At Peak Improvements, we bring decades of combined experience to every job and know just how dangerous, as well as costly, basement DIY jobs can be. Below, we’ll discuss some of the major challenges associated with basement renovations, as well as why it’s best to partner with professionals to make the most of your investment. Read on to learn more!
Why Are Basements A DIY Don’t?
If you roam the many home improvement sites across the web, you’ll no doubt come across countless blogs that discuss how ‘easy it is to upgrade the basement on your own. While there are certain elements you can likely handle on your own, the reality is, basement projects usually end up being on a much larger scale than anticipated. Without the proper team there to conduct a thorough inspection and uncover the many issues that can lurk beneath the surface, you can quickly find yourself facing far more than you bargained for, and needing to bring someone in after you’ve begun, which generally ends up costing more in the long run.
Specific challenges to basement renovations include:
Wiring and Plumbing
If your plans have anything to do with wiring or plumbing or may interact with either element during construction, it’s best to involve a professional upfront. Far too often, homeowners face the unpleasant surprise of finding out their electrical wiring isn’t as up to code as they thought, and come to realize that anything involving plumbing is far more complex than most DIY blogs will lead you to believe. Simply put, from both a time and safety standpoint, do yourself a favour and involve an experienced team right from the start for anything involving electrical or plumbing work.
Low Hanging Beams and/or Ceilings
Basements often have a tricky layout to work with, especially if your ceiling features low hanging beams or load-bearing pillars that you need to workaround. Before you contemplate any sort of redesign, in this case, you’ll want to work with a team of design-build specialists to ensure you don’t accidentally remove or alter anything that plays a key role in the stability of your home.
Mould and Foundational Issues
Mould is everyone’s worst nightmare in the home, and, unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to uncover mould issues in the basement as the result of leaking pipes or foundational issues. If you’re in the initial stages of planning and come across mould or any visible foundational cracks in the floor or walls, it’s time to hit pause and immediately contact the professionals.
Don’t End Up A DIY Disaster
Build the basement of your dreams with confidence with the help of Peak Improvements! As one of Edmonton’s most trusted renovation teams, we’re here to help you design the perfect space without ever having to worry about unexpected headaches or costly mistakes. Our proven six-stage process, as well as our guaranteed price + no surprise contract, make it easy to plan with peace of mind and create the space you’ve always wanted. Find out more by contacting us today!
