10 crucial things to consider before finishing a basement

While an unfinished basement provides extra storage, a basement refinishing could make it more useful. Proper planning is essential. Here's what to expect when you finish a basement.

Expect a payback

According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, nationally, the average return on investment for a basement project is around 75 cents on the dollar. Besides the financial gains, refinishing a basement will add new functionality to your home: more bedrooms, efficient storage and entertaining space.

Flex your DIY muscle

Plumbing and wiring are best left to professionals, but projects like framing walls, installing insulation and hanging drywall are within the capabilities of experienced DIYers. Avoid delays by lining up proper building permits first.

Add light sources

Plan for as many windows and doors as possible to let natural light. Make sure openings are cut before other work begins and seal off the rest of the house from the resulting masonry dust. Before creating any new windows or doors, have a building professional ensure the surrounding walls can take on the increased structural load.

Put safety first in stairwells

Create beautiful and safe access to your finished basement with stylish stair handrails. You should also beef up the walls supporting the handrails and keep them in place after the building inspector has signed off on the project.

Make moisture worries evaporate

Dehumidifiers won't fix moisture problems, and could even worsen them. Ensure good drainage off roofs and away from foundations, provide good ventilation of bathrooms and kitchens and don't open windows during humid months. A vapor retardant should be installed between interior stud walls and floors and between foundation walls and floor slabs.

Find the right flooring option

Not all flooring can (or should) be used in a finished basement, like solid wood. Instead, shop for products such as vinyl planks, ceramic tile, and engineered wood flooring that can be used below grade and still achieve the look you want.

Decide how to finish the ceiling

Drop ceiling tiles work well in basements because it's easy to move them individually to access plumbing pipes or electrical hookups. An installed drywall ceiling is another good option, but ceiling textures can easily flake. Regardless of the style, remember the highest level of your ceiling is the same height as the lowest hanging pipe, duct or wire.

Check your heating capabilities

Your home's heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems may have been installed depending on upper-level requirements. Have an HVAC contractor verify that you also have the right equipment to serve the basement. Otherwise, you could reduce the equipment's life span.

Rein in radon

Radon is an odorless radioactive gas that seeps into basements from surrounding soils. Uncontrolled, it can expose you and your family to the equivalent of 200 chest x-rays annually. Test for it with charcoal-base collectors, or hire a licensed radon contractor. Or you can check if your local utility company offers radon testing. Mitigating radon may involve sealing cracks and surfaces or installing ventilators.

Have an escape route

Local building codes may demand egress windows for a basement room to be considered a bedroom. An enclosed closet may also be required. Egress windows must be large enough for a firefighter in full gear to get into a burning house and for occupants to safely escape if stairways are blocked by fire. Another option is to add hinged outside access doors.