Top 6 Basement Finishing Mistakes to Avoid

Planning a basement remodel? Make sure you avoid these common basement finishing mistakes!

Basement finishing is a lengthy project that involves a lot of money and time. We have compiled a list of 6 basement finishing mistakes made by homeowners. Read about them below and save your basement finishing investment from being wasted.

DIY Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Works

  • When finishing a basement, most homeowners assume that they can complete the plumbing, electrical and HVAC works as a Do It Yourself (DIY) project. They believe that this will help them cut down on their finishing costs. Experts usually advise against this strategy.

If plumbing isn’t insulated properly, the condensed water may seep into the walls, promote the growth of mold, and increase the humidity in the basement. If there are electrical wires or sockets anywhere near a damp wall, there is a huge risk of electrocution. If the HVAC system is not sealed properly, it may result in becoming inefficient, and as a consequence cost more money to run.

Absence of Soundproofing Measures

  • Most homeowners forget this important step when finishing their basements. It is very important to soundproof the basement so that noise from the rest of the house cannot be heard over there.

There are several ceiling options available that insulate the basement from noise. It can also help to muffle the sound of people walking, and speaking on the floor above. If the basement is a game or a leisure room, soundproofing the basement will prevent the noise in the basement from being heard in the rest of the house.

Lack of Windows In The Basement

  • Windows are a crucial part of a basement, and they should be installed during a basement finishing project. There are several options available in the market, including thermal and soundproof windows as well as windows that can only be opened from the inside.

In addition to allowing the sunlight, windows act as a means of ventilating fresh air in the basement. This helps to minimize humidity and moisture naturally.

Poor Choice of Flooring Materials

  • Most manufacturers of flooring materials guarantee waterproofing and water resistance. However, when selecting an appropriate flooring material make sure to steer clear of organic materials such as wood. These may look pretty but as soon as the moisture level increases, mold will start to grow.

Many contractors recommend installing a vapor barrier mat beneath the basement flooring as it helps to separate the moisture and water from the flooring. Some vapor barrier mats even allow air to flow so that it dries up the moisture automatically.

Lack of Humidity & Moisture Control

basement finishing mistakes

  • As basements are located below the ground level, there is a temperature difference which results in humidity and moisture accumulation. Most homeowners assume that after waterproofing their basement, they never have to worry about humidity and moisture control.

There are several ways to control moisture and humidity, such as installing a humidistat fan, closing windows on rainy days, and using an energy-efficient dehumidifier. These measures will help protect the basement and furniture from damage by humidity.

Taking Incomplete Waterproofing Measures

  • This is perhaps the biggest mistake made by most homeowners. If the basement is finished without taking adequate waterproofing measures, the entire investment could be wasted.

Basements need to be waterproofed by fixing foundation cracks, installing a sump pump, insulating the walls, fixing drainage pipes outside the house, controlling ground seepage, and looking for signs of leakage. Basements are naturally inclined to get flooded, therefore waterproofing measures should never be taken lightly.

If you are considering finishing your basement, then call Crack-X at 877-727-2259. We are a highly professional civil structures repair company operating in Maine and New Hampshire. Our specialists will inspect your property to assess your requirements. We will waterproof your basement and install humidity control measures. Thus, you can start your basement finishing project with peace of mind.

Scroll to Top