Basement Renovation; The Pros and Cons

When you own a home, it makes sense that you utilize as much of it as you can. Additions can be costly and time-consuming, so if you have a basement that is not currently being used effectively, you may have thought about trying to open this potential space. However, a basement renovation is not always an easy task, and it is worth weighing the pros and cons before you make your decision. Here are a few of the most common advantages and disadvantages that you should take into account.

The Pros & Cons to a Basement Renovation

Pro – More Space, Same Footprint 

Since a basement is already there on your property, you are simply utilizing the area that you have rather than needing to add an expensive addition. Knowing your costs upfront before you take a leap into any remodel is important. The first step to take is working with a professional on a plan. The more you plan the more you will know all of your upfront costs to make sure you can afford the basement renovation first.

Con – It is Still a Complex Job 

Even though adding an addition onto your existing home is likely to be more challenging and disruptive, there will still be issues with a basement renovation. One needs to prepare themselves for the disruption. Throughout the duration of the basement renovation, you could have various tradesmen going in and out of your home. The noise and mess can become very frustrating, so you need to be mentally prepared for everything that is involved in this task. By setting a timeline you will get a clear vision of how long your project will run and can plan for it.

Pro – Adds Value to Your Home

Whenever you can, it makes sense that you try to add value to your home so you can get the maximum price if you decide to sell it in the future. A basement renovation is always likely to be seen as a positive, particularly if you decide to use the space to create an extra bedroom. And this is especially likely to be the case if you live in an urban area, so this is always worth factoring into your cost evaluation.

Con – A Lack of Light 

You may find that you need to rely heavily on the artificial light in the room as it struggles to invite natural light into a basement renovation. This can end up leaving the room looking dark and dingy if you are not careful. However, this may not be so much of an issue if you are planning to convert the area into a home gym or theatre.

Pro – Waterproofing

Ask yourself the question: do you have flooding in your basement? If you do, waterproofing the basement when you decide to convert may be the ideal solution. As well as making the entire house drier and healthier, you can also increase the levels of insulation to make it generally more energy efficient.

Con – Unforeseen Problems

As with any major work that you conduct around the home, you may find that unforeseen problems start to spring up which can add time and expense onto the job as a whole. This is especially the case if there is a party wall or other safety issues start to arise. That is why it is always worth having a full consultation done before you make the decision to go through with the job.

Pro – Flexibility of Options

The great thing about a basement renovation is that it allows you to create a space that you’ve always wanted. This is why it is important to take inventory of activities that add pleasure to your life to help you decide the best use for this space. Theaters have become very popular with families as it is something the whole family can do together.

Con – You May Need Regular Inspections

After the conversion is completed, you may need to have regular inspections to check the pump and drainage to ensure that everything is still working properly. If not, this could represent another added expense.

Fewer houses are being built with basements these days, but if yours has one, it is worth considering a basement renovation. Of course, before you rush into anything, you should make sure that you are fully aware of the expense and timescale of the job. But if you have done the proper preparations, there is no reason why this can’t be a great addition to your home. And you may even find that it is one that adds value in the long run. Best of all, you can create some space in your home without increasing the footprint of your home, it’s a win, win!      

Images Courtesy of Canva.

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