A finished basement or attic can add extra space, utility, and value to your home. However, adequate planning is essential for pulling off a successful remodel that results in a successfully finished basement or attic. Here are some crucial considerations you should factor in before finishing your attic or basement.
Attic
- Structural analysis. Your attic may not be strong enough to support people and furniture. Have a professional conduct structural analysis. This will reveal if there are any roof or floor modifications needed to upgrade your attic to a living space.
- Insulation. For maximum efficiency and comfort throughout the year, your attic should be well insulated. The roof is a significant pathway for heat gain and loss. It’s a good idea to insulate it with spray-foam insulation. While it’s more expensive than fiberglass batt insulation, spray foam forms a tighter barrier.
- Comfort. A well-insulated attic will be warmer than the rest of your home. For guaranteed comfort, contact a professional to help you create an individual zone for your finished attic that will be controlled by its own thermostat.
Basement
- Moisture. The last thing your finished basement will need is extra moisture. You can avoid that by installing diverters to direct gutter water away from the foundation, avoiding opening windows in the humid months, installing breathable insulation, and providing adequate ventilation for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Flooring. Not all flooring types are ideal for use in finished basements. Solid wood, for example, can buckle and split even when there are small moisture fluctuations. Vinyl planks, engineered wood, and ceramic tile flooring are options that you can install below grade.
- Heating. Basements can get uncomfortably chilly. Contact an HVAC contractor to help you get the right equipment to serve your basement. It’s a good idea to have a separate thermostat and put the supply registers close to the floor and not the ceiling. Radiant mats or electric baseboards can provide supplemental heat.
Work with a reputable contractor to ensure your finished basement or attic will suit your desires and needs while complying with the local building codes. If you’re in the Dayton area and need any assistance or solutions working toward a finished basement or attic, contact the heating and cooling professionals at Ace Hardware Home Services.
