Thinking about renovating your basement? Basement renovations can enhance the look and comfort of your home, adding more storage and space for your family to kick back and relax. They also increase the value of your home, so if you’re looking to sell in the future, a basement renovation is a clever investment. Finishing or renovating your basement isn’t an easy task. You have to consider everything from the foundation to the flooring to the flow and the function of your house as a whole. Here are 5 tips for what to do and what to avoid when it comes to basement renovations.
 
1. Make It An Open Layout
Designing a basement with an open layout is a smart move, especially if you plan to sell your home down the road. You never know what the future homeowners will want to do with the space, so you want to leave them with as many opportunities as possible. Finish the walls and flooring, but keep your basement open concept, so it’s a true flex space. 
 
2. Don’t Forget a Storage Room 
One of the reasons people love having a basement is extra storage. While you should keep the majority of your basement open, don’t forget to put in a storage room. If you only have one open concept room, you’ll end up with lots of clutter, but having a separate room for storage ensures your home stays tidy and uncluttered. Another bonus of a storage room? It doesn’t need to be finished like the rest of your basement, so it will save you on cost! 
 
3. Proper Insulation
Proper insulation is a key factor in a good basement renovation. Failing to properly insulate the space can lead to major mould and mildew problems. Most unfinished basements have a pink wall wrap that should be removed entirely. Replace it with new insulation and a vapour barrier system or a spray foam application installed from floor to ceiling. This prevents condensation and moisture build up, creating a thermal break between the warm indoor air and cool outdoor air. 
 
4. Avoid Real Hardwood Flooring
You’ll rarely, if ever, see real hardwood flooring in basements. Wood expands and contracts in humidity, and since there are unstable humidity levels in basements, it can end up ruining the wood. Laminate flooring has been engineered to look like real wood,  plus you can score it at a much lower price tag. And while carpets have become somewhat of a faux pas for main floor home decor, they make basements feel warm and cozy. 
 
5. Add Lighting 
Adding the proper lighting to your basement is key. If you happen to have lots of natural light in your basement, you’re one of the lucky ones, but that’s not the case for most homeowners. To increase the lighting in your basement, pot lights are a great choice. They’re low profile, which is perfect for low ceilings. If pot lights are out of the budget, multiple ceiling lights and lamps are the perfect alternative.
 
If you plan to do basement renovations, keep these tips in mind! Your family, and the future homeowners are sure to appreciate all the work you’ve done!