Any changes you make to your home through remodeling, including basement renovation, is considered an investment. You're investing in your home and you expect that overtime that investment is going to pay you back through quality of life improvement or a nice profit when you sell your home. The downside to investments in the home is that sometimes things happen that destroy the time and money that were put into the house - and one of the biggest problems facing a homeowner with basement renovation is moisture.
Most modern homes are designed to lock out moisture and when a basement is dug out and built up, the foundation and surrounding walls are reinforced and sealed to prevent moisture from backing up into the home. Older homes can also be reinforced and sealed to prevent moisture from coming in, unfortunately that doesn't stop the issue.
You simply can't avoid the fact that basements are naturally damp - and being underground, the cool air and moisture from the home above have nowhere to go but settle downward. This is made worse by homes that have an utility room in the basement for laundry. Excess moisture can't go up and out on its own, so it settles.
Basement renovation can help you take steps to reduce the moisture load while you're finishing the area but you still need to be conscious of areas in the basement that could pose a moisture threat in the future. One of the most overlooked areas in the basement that should be targeted first during inspection is the sewer drain.
Your planning phase for basement renovation should include an inspection of the plumbing in the basement that includes the sewer line leaving your home and property. A general contractor performing your home improvement or a specialized contractor (plumber) can perform the inspection on the lines.
What to Look For
A plumber or general contractor inspecting the drain and sewer line will snake a camera line into the sewer as it exits the home. The inspection will look for pipe cracks from the ground around the house settling. In some cases the drain can break and become disconnected from the home. They will also look for places where plants and roots penetrate the pipe or if the pipe is corroded. The condition of pipes can deteriorate quickly once there is some kind of damage, and this especially true in older homes.
A backup from a blockage can happen quickly and before you know it your newly finished basement, furniture, flooring, walls and more are inches (or more) deep in raw sewage. It doesn't take long for a basement to flood, but it will take a long time to recoup the cost of the damage - and get the finished basement renovation started anew. Take the time to plan appropriately and have your lines inspected to protect your home improvement investment.
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Whether you want a simple design or a truly unique rec room, Virginia basement renovation contractors can tackle your dream design. Consult with a contractor today to talk about your next Virginia home improvement project. Paragon Remodeling - 8000 Towers Crescent Drive - Vienna VA 22182
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