| There is no doubt about it; if you remodel the | | | | Once you have your plan it's time to clean out the |
| basement you will add more value and equity into | | | | basement. This is the perfect time to bring the kids |
| your home. In fact it is one of the best home | | | | into the mix! Make it a family clean up project. You |
| improvement projects to do just that. It's basically | | | | definitely have to remove all the junk before you |
| "free" space that can give you plenty of extra | | | | begin painting, nailing 2x4's and building walls, and the |
| square feet to put in a family room, bedrooms, | | | | list goes on. |
| baths, etc. But, before starting any kind of basement | | | | Once you have everything cleared out of the |
| remodeling project you will want to accomplish | | | | basement, do a good inspection. What do the walls |
| several things first. Here's a look at a few good tips | | | | look like? Is there any type of mold problem? Are |
| to keep in mind when contemplating a new basement | | | | there cracks in the foundation or floor? Do you have |
| remodel. | | | | water coming in anywhere? These are all very |
| Of course, the very first thing you will want to do is | | | | important issues that can greatly affect your entire |
| decide on whether you are going to do the | | | | basement remodeling project, or even bring it to a |
| remodeling job yourself or hire an outside contractor. | | | | screeching halt. |
| There are advantages to both, but if you do not | | | | If you do notice problem areas that need addressed, |
| have the necessary experience in areas such as | | | | be sure you address them. Don't make the mistake |
| electrical wiring, carpentry and plumbing, then hiring a | | | | of simply trying to cover them up. It will always |
| contractor is your best bet. That said if you do have | | | | come back to hurt you later. I've seen it happen so |
| some basic carpentry skills, doing the work yourself | | | | many times. And then when it does, you're looking at |
| will give you a great deal of satisfaction and pride | | | | spending even more money in the future to make it |
| that will last a lifetime. | | | | right. So do it right the first time and you'll be happier |
| If you do choose to remodel yourself you will next | | | | down the road. |
| want to design the project and come up with plans | | | | Now that you have accomplished all the preparation |
| on how you want to do it. Are you only going to | | | | work, you can begin your basement remodel project. |
| basically paint the walls, add a floor or a few walls, | | | | Put these tips into action and you will make your |
| etc? | | | | home improvement project go a whole lot smoother. |