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The Benefits of Finishing Basement Renovations

Alivia Gilbert Home Improvement , , , , , , ,

Finishing Basement Lehi is a big job and can be expensive. It’s important to hire a professional contractor with experience in basement renovations.

Basement Renovations

You must install egress windows in the basement to meet local fire code requirements. These windows are crucial for ensuring that residents can escape in case of emergencies.

Your basement is an untapped resource that can be a valuable addition to your home. It is the perfect location for a spare bedroom, family room, game area, home theater, or even a dedicated work space. 

Whether you are considering selling your house in the near future or just want to improve its value, finishing the basement is a great way to add value to your home. It is a cost-effective solution that allows you to expand your living space without the expense and hassle of moving. In today’s crowded housing market, finished basements are an appealing feature to prospective buyers.

A well-executed basement renovation can increase your home’s resale value by up to 86%. However, it is important to note that the return on investment for this type of home improvement project will vary depending on the local real estate market. 

In addition to boosting your home’s resale price, a finished basement can also make your life more comfortable. It can provide you with a private escape from the noise and stress of the outside world, and it can also serve as a functional extension of your living space.

Unlike other home improvements, basement remodeling is less expensive and less risky than a major kitchen or bathroom remodel. It can also be done in a shorter period of time and doesn’t require the approval of an HOA or neighborhood association.

If you are thinking of making a major renovation, it is important to consult an experienced professional to get the best results. They can help you choose the right materials and finishes for your project. In addition, they can advise you on the proper zoning laws and requirements in your area and ensure that all necessary permits are obtained.

Increase the Value of Your Home

When finished properly, a basement can be used for anything from an entertainment room to a bedroom to an in-law suite. It can be a place to socialize, to play or to relax and it can add value to your home. However, it is important to understand that the return on investment will vary based on how you use your space and on how your local market responds.

In order to know whether your renovation will add value, it is best to consult a local real estate expert or real estate agent. They can walk you through the process and provide insight on how your project may be viewed by buyers. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a licensed appraiser complete a pre-renovation appraisal and a post-renovation appraisal. This will provide a clear picture of what the renovation costs and the estimated value addition.

Another key factor in determining value is the amount of square footage that is added to your home. The more square footage that is added, the higher the resale value will be. In some cases, adding an additional bathroom or a bedroom can make a substantial difference in the price of your property.

The quality of the work and materials is also critical. Using low-quality materials can negatively impact your resale value. It is essential to make sure all work is up to code and that all necessary permits are in place. Failure to do so can not only negatively affect your resale value but may even result in legal issues down the road.

It is also a good idea to consider energy efficiency and environmental concerns when finishing your basement. A poorly insulated basement can cost you a significant amount in heating and cooling costs. Having the proper insulation will help reduce this cost and ensure that your basement is comfortable all year round. Additionally, you should consider installing French drains and a battery back up for your sump pump to avoid moisture problems.

Finally, a finished basement will be more appealing to potential buyers if it is done professionally. A slap-dash finish that looks like a DIY weekend project can turn off many buyers. A professionally completed basement that matches the integrity of the rest of your home will send a positive message to potential buyers and help to increase the overall value of your home.

Increase the Value of Your Life

A finished basement can significantly increase the quality of your life. It adds more livable space and provides you with an ideal spot to entertain guests or spend time with family. It is also a great place to relax and unwind. You can turn your basement into a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, gym, playroom, home theatre or anything else that you want. If you plan to sell your home in the future, a well-done basement renovation can make your house more attractive to potential buyers.

A basement finish can also improve your energy efficiency and appeal to eco-conscious buyers. By adding insulation, you can reduce heat loss and lower your utility bills. In addition, you can choose to include smart technology integration in your basement for added convenience and increased appeal.

When you are ready to sell your home, a finished basement can also help you get a higher return on your investment. Many real estate experts report that homeowners who invest in basement finishing projects can expect to recoup between 50-80% of the cost of the project when it comes time to sell their homes.

The local real estate market plays a significant role in determining how much value your basement renovation will add to your home. In some areas, basement renovations are a highly desirable feature that can boost resale prices significantly. However, in other areas, basements are not as desirable and may not add as much value to your home.

It is important to consult with a professional real estate agent to learn more about the real estate market in your area and how it may impact the value of your home’s basement. They can provide insights into the types of renovations that are popular in your neighborhood and provide advice on how to maximize your home’s potential.

A walkout basement is a basement that has windows and doors that allow you to access the outdoors. This type of basement is typically easier and more affordable to renovate than a traditional full basement. A walkout basement can be used for a variety of purposes, including an entertainment room, a home gym or an in-law suite. In addition, it can be used as an income-generating rental apartment with the proper rental permit. This is a great option for homeowners who have aging parents or relatives who need a private place to live.

Create Additional Living Space

Rather than move when your family outgrows your home, you can transform the basement into the space they need. Adding a playroom, a bedroom, or a family room with a pool table or home theater will provide the extra living space your growing children need to enjoy their hobbies without crowding the rest of the house. Investing in a basement remodel allows you to avoid the high costs of moving and stay in a home that you love.

With egress windows installed, you can turn your basement into the ultimate guest suite complete with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. No longer will you have to cram guests in your kids’ bedrooms or on the couch, and out of town visitors will appreciate having a comfortable place to stay when visiting. Finished basements are also ideal for turning into a rental apartment if zoning laws permit. This will provide additional income that can help offset the cost of a renovation.

Incorporating exposed posts and beams is a great way to add natural appeal to your basement. This type of finishing will create a rustic style that is warm and inviting for guests while saving you money by eliminating the need to purchase or install expensive crown molding. Choosing a clear finish or stain to expose the wood can also make it easier to maintain the look by simply dusting it off as needed.

An unfinished basement can be dark and dingy, but finishing it can give you an area to entertain that is separate from the noise and mess of the main living spaces. Adding lighting, paint, and other finishes can enhance the look of this room for entertaining friends and family. Including a bar with a sink and refrigerator, plenty of storage for glassware and spirits, and seating provides the perfect spot to enjoy a beverage or snack while watching TV or engaging in conversation.

Having an additional bathroom in the basement is convenient for family members who live in the home, especially for guests. This will ensure everyone has a private place to shower and bathe without having to wait for the use of the upstairs bathrooms. When constructing this addition, you can opt for energy-efficient fixtures and appliances to cut down on utility bills as well as appeal to eco-conscious buyers in the future.

Drywall Repair Basics

Preston Marsh Home Services , , , , , ,

Drywall is used extensively in the construction of homes. Unfortunately, it can become damaged over time due to normal wear and tear or from events like flooding.

Minor blemishes are easy to fix with spackle and a putty knife. However, if you are going to hire a contractor for drywall repair, make sure to ask for references and a portfolio of previous work. Contact Drywall Repair Las Vegas now!

Many homeowners encounter small holes in drywall from time to time. Whether you accidentally bumped into a wall hook while hanging a picture or moved a light switch and punctured the drywall, patching these types of minor holes is simple. These small holes can be easily repaired with a drywall patch kit and joint compound.

First, use a stud-finder to locate your studs. You will want half of an exposed stud to attach your new drywall patch to, so mark this area with a square using a drywall saw. Next, cut along the square using a utility knife or drywall saw to remove the damaged section of drywall. To prevent the patch from pulling away from the wall, install a piece of wood behind the drywall to act as backing for your patch.

To prepare the hole for the patch, apply a layer of drywall tape around its perimeter. Make sure the drywall tape extends at least an inch past each side of the hole. Next, apply a thin coat of spackle or joint compound over the patch and use your putty knife to smooth out the surface and feather the edges into the surrounding wall.

Allow the patch to dry thoroughly before you begin sanding it. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and then move to progressively finer grits until the patch is smooth and blends into the wall. After sanding the patch, apply one or two additional thin coats of joint compound to ensure that it is completely covered and that there are no flaws in the surface.

Large holes require a bit more work to fix than smaller ones. Silva suggests starting by cutting a piece of scrap drywall slightly larger than the existing hole. Place the scrap over the damaged area and trace its outline with a pencil. Next, use a drywall saw to cut along the lines and enlarge the hole to a clean rectangular shape. This step is important because it will prevent future cracking and help the patch stay firmly attached to the wall.

Once the patch is in place, apply a second coat of joint compound and let it dry. After the patch has dried, you can sand it and then prime the area. Once the primer has dried, you can paint your patch and wall with matching latex paint.

Replacement

Drywall is a versatile and durable construction material used in walls, ceilings and other surfaces. It is composed of gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral, which is compressed between two sheets of heavy paper to make it strong and affordable. However, drywall is not immune to damage and over time it may become necessary to repair or replace a section of the wall. The first step in a drywall repair project is to decide whether to patch or replace the damaged area.

In some cases, a large section of the wall will need to be replaced due to extensive physical damage, such as holes from a nail or screw, broken corners, or a collapsed ceiling. The most common reason, though, is moisture damage. Moisture can cause a variety of problems that include discoloration, deterioration, sagging, and mold growth. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is likely time to consider a full drywall replacement.

Before you begin any drywall repair, you must clear the area around the damaged surface. Remove any furniture or other decorations and make sure that the space is free from dust, debris and other potential hazards. It is also a good idea to check with your local building department to ensure that you have the proper permits and licenses for your project.

The next step in repairing drywall is to determine the size of the hole or area that needs to be replaced. You can do this by using a stud finder to locate the studs around the damaged area. Then, you can measure the distance between the studs and draw a line on the current wall to help you cut out a new piece of drywall.

Once you have removed the damaged section, you can put up the new drywall and fasten it using drywall screws. Then apply a couple of coats of joint compound and sand it to a smooth finish before painting.

It is important to wait until the drywall is fully dried and sanded before you paint it. Otherwise, the paint will be uneven and can easily chip or peel.

Texture Matching

Texture matching is the specialized work that comes after patching and replacing drywall. It involves applying the right texture to the repair area to make it blend in with the existing wall surface. The steps to do this vary depending on the type of textured wall or ceiling you have in your home, but the overall process is usually similar.

First, you need to sand down the patched area to remove any oil-based texture from the surface of the drywall. This can be done using a handheld block sander and should be as smooth and even as possible. Once you have finished sanding, wipe the area clean to remove any remaining dust and dirt. Then, allow the area to dry completely before attempting to match the texture.

If you are trying to match a light, or skip trowel, textured surface that was applied by hand then this may be the easiest type of texture to match. Using the same tools and technique as the original application will help you create a seamless match. However, if you are trying to match an orange peel or splatter knockdown texture, which were typically applied using a hopper spray gun, this will be much more difficult.

Once the sanding is completed and the patched areas are free of any debris or loose drywall, apply joint compound to the repaired area. Then, once again allow the patch to dry as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Once the patch is completely dry, sand it again lightly to smooth out any high spots or imperfections. Then, once again, apply the desired texture and feather the edges to ensure a seamless blend with the existing surface.

Before applying any drywall texture, it is best to practice on a piece of scrap material or cardboard. This will give you a feel for the proper application technique and help you get a better idea of how the finished product should look. Also, be sure to shake the can of texture really well and test the spray on a small area before using it on your actual wall.

Mold Remediation

When water seeps into drywall, it can create a moist environment that encourages mold growth. Identifying and addressing mold in your home is important to avoid extensive damage and deterioration. If you suspect a mold problem, check your walls for paint that is cracking or bubbling, wallpaper that is peeling, and/or a musty odor. Moldy drywall is often easy to spot, but it’s also common for it to grow behind your walls where you can’t see it. If you suspect a hidden issue, you can use a mold testing kit to confirm the presence of spores.

When repairing mold in a wall, you’ll need to take the following steps:

Start by shutting off the power to the affected area at your electrical service panel. Then, remove the drywall and inspect its back for any signs of mold. If you can’t find any, you may be able to skip this step and move on to patching.

If you’re unable to locate the source of the mold, have your professional perform a mold remediation. They’ll spray an EPA-approved biocide on the affected areas to kill mold spores and prevent them from spreading. This step will also involve sanitizing the surrounding area and sealing any leaky areas to prevent future mold growth.

Depending on the extent of the mold, you might need to replace your drywall. This process is similar to patching, but you’ll have to add a new piece of drywall and attach it with drywall screws. It’s a good idea to use a stud finder to locate wooden supports behind the drywall before you cut, and then cover them with plastic to protect them from dust.

Once the drywall is replaced, you can use a drywall primer to seal the surface before painting it with a color that matches your existing wall. Make sure to choose a mold-preventing paint for the new coat, and be sure to dry it completely.

While some blemishes on your drywall can be covered with touch-up paint, larger repairs require a full repaint. It’s best to hire a drywall specialist to do the job to ensure that the new paint blends with your current wall’s sheen and color.