Have you been considering a basement renovation and wondering if it’s time to take the next step and get things started? Though often left neglected, the lower level of the house plays a key role in maintaining the structural integrity and health of our homes. Because of their cooler and moist atmosphere, basements can accumulate a wide array of issues ranging from structural concerns to contributing to energy inefficiencies and much more. A carefully planned renovation will not only address these issues but give you the chance to create a custom space that’s perfectly tailored for your needs. Below, we’ll discuss some of the top signs your basement needs a renovation. Read on to learn more!
1. Visible Structural Damage
Structural damage comes in many forms and should be something you regularly keep an eye out for, regardless of whether you’ve just moved in or have lived in the home for decades. If you see cracks in the walls or foundation, warping, uneven flooring, dangling wiring, etc, the time to act is now. Along with signs of water damage (more on that below), structural damage poses a huge risk to the overall safety of your home and should be addressed as soon as possible to keep your property in tip-top shape.
2. Water Damage
Basements are already a damp environment due to their sub-ground nature, and over time, improper building envelope or damage to the foundation can lead to moisture seeping in and creating longstanding problems that may eventually cause significant issues like mold, rot, or even structural failures. If you see discolouration on the walls or ceiling, notice a musty smell, or see water dripping/pooling, you need to act immediately. Water damage can be one of the most costly and extensive kinds of damage to repair, so the sooner you act, the better chance you’ll have of lessening the overall issue at hand.
3. It’s Freezing
The simple fact of the matter is that lower levels of the home will always be cooler than other areas, but if there’s a drastic change in temperature in the basement, you’ll want to address this sooner than later for the following reasons:
- Risk of pipes freezing
- Higher energy bills each month, especially during the winter
- Overall comfort
Renovating your basement, especially if it is unfinished is a great way to help restore the overall envelope of your house (what keeps the outside elements out), and increase your comfort for the many years to come.
4. It’s Full of Outdated Materials and Designs
If your basement is straight out of the 1960s or 70s (or earlier!) chances are, it’s time for an update. The home building industry is always changing, and the updates to safety standards and practices have changed significantly over the past decades, meaning that if you have an older house, it likely needs a refresh to stay current. From installing better insulation that’s better at maintaining ambient heat and more flame retardant to replacing outdated lighting fixtures and everything in between, reworking your basement is a fantastic way to keep it safe and stylish!
5. It’s Time for a Change
Have a vision in mind that you’ve been dying to bring to life? Peak Improvements is here to help! We’re proud to be one of the Edmonton Capital Region’s top teams for home renovations and are happy to partner with you to design the basement of your dreams. From home offices to movie rooms, workout centres, hobby rooms, playrooms and everything in between, we have you covered. Learn more about designing the perfect basement by contacting Peak Improvements today!
