5 Steps to Consider Before Finishing a Basement

1. Waterproofing Your Basement
-That mold and musty odor that you smell in your basement or in your home is the result of mold and rot decaying. If you can smell it, you have a problem even if you can't see it. Start with a basement dehumidifier.

-Paint Peeling from your basement walls indicates that you have a moisture problem. If you have damp spots on the wall, this means that water is absorbing through the wall. Remember that concrete is porous.

-The white chalky substance on your basement walls is a chemical breakdown of the bonding agent that holds your walls together. Structural deterioration could be the cause of the efflorescence remnants.

-Get any basement cracks checked out and sealed.

-Look for rust on items in your basement like furniture and furnaces. Rust is a sign that your basement air holds a high moisture content or more water seeping issues.

-Look for rotting in the joists and other wood material. The black fungus that you see indicates decaying wood.

Waterproofing a basement is important whether you decide to remodel or not. Studies indicate that most won't even consider buying a home with a wet basement, and sale prices can fall up to 25%. Waterproofing is not a job just for flooded basements. If you have moisture it is critical to take care of it before beginning you finishing process. Otherwise, you'll end up with problems with mold and spend even more money ripping out your investment and redoing it all over again. Waterproofing or not, you'll pay for it.

2. Techniques
It is common for homeowners to undertake a basement finishing project on their own. But this project is very complicated and best left to a trained professional. A specialist in the field has ample experience and the knowledge to avoid mistakes commonly made by the average Joe.

-Walls: If any moisture is present, organic material in your basement has the risk of inhabiting mold. Make sure the material you use is mold resistant (inorganic) to stand the test of time and conditions. Total Basement Solutions basement wall panels are rigid walls which allows for hanging of large pictures, heavy shelves, or plasma TVs. The panels come standard in a neutral vinyl but are also paint and wall paper-ready.

-Furnishing: Material that does not absorb moisture work the best. Make sure that you store items like clothes and linens in plastic sealed containers rather than cardboard boxes. For floors, area rugs are ideal because they can be removed, cleaned and dried. If you must have wall-to-wall carpeting, consider a low pile commercial or indoor/outdoor type. Be sure to include a basement sub-flooring material like Basement Systems' ThermalDry Floor Matting if you do go with a carpet. It will lift the carpet off of the cold concrete floor and prevent moisture damage.

3. Design
Basement decoration is just as important as the design. Incorporating bright colors in the paint scheme or furnishing covers will brighten this notoriously dark room. Throw down a textured area rug to give some pop.

4. Lighting
Using lighting that casts light upon the ceiling can create the illusion of a higher ceiling in the basement.
- Take advantage of natural light: Most basements do not offer large windows allowing ample amounts of natural light. There are options though. SunHouse basement window wells (featured on HGTV's "I Want That" show) help prevent window leaks as well as let an incredible amount of light in. If you'd like to increase light AND safety, opt for something like an Egress window which lets an abundant amount of light in as well as provides an easy escape in case of fire or other emergency.

- Use of lights: Although florescent lighting is economical and efficient, it produces a different mood in a room. Recessed lighting, track lighting, or mounted spot lights can give a warmer feel. Mix ceiling light with floor and table lamps.

-Remember to turn off lights that you are not using or consider timers or light sensors. Try 3 way light bulbs so that you can adjust the brightness of your lighting source. Instead of incandescent bulbs, try 4-watt mini-fluorescent or electro-luminescent night lights. They are more energy efficient.

5. Future Value
Basement finishing is an investment that you'll live with for years. Make sure the system you choose has the flexibility to change with your style and taste. Finishing your basement is a great alternative to putting an addition on to your house. It costs about half the amount of an addition while adding value to your home as well as living space.