basement remodel

At Aspire Construction, we understand the importance of basement finishing for a dry and waterproof basement. We put together these helpful tips to ensure your basement stays free from water damage and is ready for finishing. Whether you want to finish your basement, remodel it, or just keep it dry and damage-free, these tips will help you keep it in top condition.

Check for Signs of Water Damage Regularly

Regularly check for signs of water damage in your basement. Look for dampness, mold growth, musty odors, or water seepage. By catching these issues early, you can address them before they escalate into more extensive and costly problems. Along with treating the damage, trace it back to find the source of the moisture and address that, too. Water damage and the leaks that cause them can delay basement finishing and remodeling work, which can drive up the costs. Address these issues as soon as possible. Regularly inspecting your basement will help you avoid any potential waterproofing problems.

Maintain Proper Exterior Drainage

Maintain proper exterior drainage from your basement to ensure it stays dry. Keep your gutters and drains clean and debris-free to allow water to flow away from your foundation. Consider grading the ground around your home away from the foundation to prevent water seepage into your basement.

Installing a French drain or other drainage system can also help redirect water away from your home. Also, sump pumps can remove excess water that accumulates, further protecting your basement from potential water damage.

If you notice drainage issues, address them before they cause damage that leads to a complete basement remodeling.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

Seal cracks and gaps in your basement walls and floors. Water can quickly enter your basement through even the smallest openings. Even small cracks and gaps in your basement walls or floors can allow water to seep in. Get the most effective waterproofing solutions by contacting an experienced basement finishing expert to seal any openings and keep your basement dry and protected.

Install a Sump Pump

Installing a sump pump in the lowest part of your basement can protect it from flooding. The pump can pump out excess water that may accumulate during heavy rain or snowmelt, helping keep your basement dry in even the wettest conditions.

Exterior Waterproofing

Consider exterior waterproofing to ensure your basement stays dry and protected against water intrusion. A waterproof membrane can be applied to the exterior of your foundation, creating a barrier against water. While exterior waterproofing may be more costly, it can provide added protection against water damage. The experienced basement remodeling contractors at Aspire Construction can help you with exterior waterproofing solutions.

Maintain Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation keeps your basement dry and prevents mold growth. Install vents or fans to circulate air. Doing so can help reduce humidity levels and prevent moisture buildup, keeping your basement free of water damage.

Request a quote

By following these tips and working with a reliable contractor you can have a dry and waterproof basement ready for finishing.

At Aspire Construction, we specialize in basement finishing and remodeling. Our team of experienced basement contractors can help transform your unfinished basement into a functional and enjoyable space. Create a home theater, a living room, or a play area. We have the expertise to bring your vision to life.

When finishing your basement, work with a professional contractor who understands the ins and outs of waterproofing. Hire a contractor for your basement remodel to ensure the project is completed on time, on budget, and to your satisfaction.

Contact Aspire Construction today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your basement project.

8 Basement Renovation Ideas to Transform Your Space

Basements can often have a bad reputation–these dark, cool places inside the home are often unfinished and commonly used as storage areas instead of places your family can gather and enjoy time together.

Whether you’re planning a massive basement renovation or a light finishing project, there are plenty of things you can add to your basement that will take it from boring to extraordinary. Here are a few things you can incorporate into your basement to use it to its full potential.

1. Utilize Natural Light

Because basements are so low to the ground (or below ground), they’re often dark and gloomy. If there’s room in the budget, plan to add as much natural light as you can during your basement renovation, like installing larger windows or light wells. Dark basements also benefit from using mirrors to increase room light whenever possible. Also, consider using light-colored flooring and walls to reflect the natural light.

2. Add Color

Another way to lighten up your basement is to incorporate bright colors. Your basement is the perfect opportunity to experiment with bold statement colors that you’ve always wanted to try. If used effectively, bright colors will make your basement feel brighter and create an optical illusion of more space and height. 

3. Make it Fun

Here’s your chance to think outside the box! Ask yourself, what fun elements can I add to my basement space? Many people choose to add a game or entertainment room where the family can relax. Need an area where the kids can play for hours on end? Install a playroom behind a secret door. If you’ve always wanted a theater room, the basement is an ideal location to install one. Put a cozy reading nook into your plans or even a music room where the family can have jam sessions. When it comes to making your basement a fun place, the sky is the limit.

4. Create Coziness

Transform your basement from a cold, dark area into a place where you’ll want to spend your time. After all, a basement can be a relaxing place, so why not make it cozy? Design a living room with comfortable furniture, plush pillows, and some throw blankets. A rug adds a warm feeling to the room and can protect feet from a cold basement floor. Lamps, potted plants, and candles are finishing touches that create a warm ambiance. 

5. Think of Functionality

Not only can a basement be a place of entertainment and relaxation, it can also be a place to add functionality that might be missing in other areas of your house. In fact, the most liveable basements often incorporate elements of many different types of spaces. For example, have you recently started working from home and need an office space? Or have you always wanted a gym space of your own? Brainstorm some functional elements you can add to your basement renovation that will improve the usability of the space.

6. Don’t Forget the Essentials

While you’re planning all the fun and functional components of your remodel, don’t forget to incorporate the essentials for a liveable basement. You’ll want to plan for at least one bathroom in the basement area. Adding a bathroom in the basement space not only adds convenience but also provides ease of access. Many homeowners also add kitchen elements, such as a wet bar, kitchenette, or even a full-size kitchen. Incorporating these kitchen elements makes your space more usable and convenient. It can also drastically increase the value of your property.

7. Add a Dose of Personality

When you incorporate elements of your personality into your basement, you’re likely to spend more time down there. How can you accomplish this? There are many different ways.

First, you can incorporate some of your favorite hobbies into the space. If you like wine tasting, add a wine cellar. If you’re an artist, plan an area where you can create. Adding personality can also be as small as hanging up some of your favorite movie posters, picking out funky wallpaper, or displaying treasured family items. 

8. Remember to Add Storage

Basements are an ideal place to store many different things. The key is to make sure the storage place is well-planned and organized. Cold storage rooms with well-built and organized shelving are great places to store food and other essentials. Instead of storing holiday or personal items in a garage, create a well-organized room where you can arrange totes. Don’t forget to add other storage elements, such as closets, cabinets, or other built-ins.

Create Your Dream Basement Space with Aspire Construction

If you plan to renovate your basement but aren’t sure where to begin, call the basement finishing experts at Aspire Construction. Our professionals will guide you through the entire process, ensuring we incorporate every element you’d like. With over 40 years of combined construction experience, we’re the team you can count on to create the basement of your dreams. Contact us today to begin your project.