You’re probably considering finishing your basement because you want a place where the kids can play and have friends over. It’s a great idea, but don’t rush into it without going through this checklist first to make sure you’ve got the essentials with the help of a foundation repair company colorado springs co!
1. Inspect for damages.
Make sure there are no cracks, leaks, or damages to the exterior of the finished basement walls, and if there are, do basement crack repair overland park ks. Make sure there are no signs of water damage behind the wall coverings. Look for mold underneath any carpeting in this area. Also, check that the vapor barrier is intact and adequately protecting finishes from water contact, especially if your home has a crawl space. If you see any damage at all, contact your basement remodeling in Cumming, GA, and get it fixed.
2. Check the support system.
If your basement has a full dirt floor and brick walls, you most likely do not have any floor joists or exterior wall studs. Verify that the posts or interior load-bearing walls are holding up the weight of the finished area if there is no concrete slab. If you have exterior walls with wood framing members, make sure these are installed according to your local building codes.
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3. Look for any water damage.
Suppose there is discoloration on the basement floor, drywall, insulation, window coverings, baseboard trim, or wall coverings. In that case, this could be an indication of moisture ingress and mold growth behind them somewhere. This could also be a sign of potential leaks, and you should conduct further inspection to find the sources or cause.
4. Inspect electrical damage in the finished basement.
If any of these services were run through your dirt basement floor, chances are there is no protection from your sump pump getting flooded. If the service penetrates through your foundation wall, electrical damage could have taken place to the finished basement.
5. Inspect the HVAC ducts for damage.
If you have a supply or return duct in your finished basement, inspect them for holes or tears that could be allowing humid air into the basement area, which causes moisture problems. Verify there are no exterior penetrations in the foundation walls.
You can’t go wrong with a checklist when it comes to finishing your basement. Remember, the more you do ahead of time, the less work will be left for yourself and your contractor! This is also an opportunity to add some personal touches that reflect who YOU are as a homeowner.
